Vernon McHam jokes that some might say all he does at the YMCA is sit and talk. But, as a people person with a knack for organization, his words spur listeners into action. “If you want to do something, tell somebody” is his philosophy, and after retiring from a career in public recreation, he found the perfect venue for sharing his wisdom at the Winston Lake Family YMCA.

As chairman of the Partners With Youth and membership committees, McHam is involved in almost everything. When volunteers were needed to build a playground at the facility, he recruited more than 200 people to do the job, and when the Active Older Adults group needed more activity, he steered them toward a productive path.

“My joy is seeing things happen. I get it started and get out of the way.”

Now, McHam is spearheading plans for a golf tournament with a goal of raising more than $90,000 in YMCA scholarship funds. “A lot of people aren’t aware that we have an open-door policy. I tell them, ‘Come on to the Y; we’ll find a way.’ The most important thing is getting people in and letting them see what we have.

“Someone blazed a trail for me,” he continues. “I was involved [in Y programs] through high school and didn’t have to pay a dime. This is my way to give back.”

Receiving recognition seems to be the only thing McHam is reluctant to say yes to. “I am a behind-the-scenes person,” he explains.