When Cindy Cavett and Angie Larson joined the YMCA 35 years ago as part-time employees, neither woman dreamt that their respective part-time gigs would lead into a full-time – and long-term -- career. Later this month, after threeplus decades after they first started, these ladies are going out together … much like they came in together.
Larson wasn't even looking for a job when she was hired. Her youngest son, Joe, had just started kindergarten and she joined the YMCA of McDonough County to work out.
'Some woman named Carla called me one day after I left and asked me if I wanted a part-time job. I'd only been a member for two weeks,' Larson recalled with a laugh. 'So I drove back to the Y and met with Kay Ackil (who was the director) and Carla Bainter (now Teslicka) and I thought why not since I'd get a free membership.
But a job wasn't even on my radar at the time.'
Larson joined the staff as the front desk clerk, but that part-time job evolved into numerous titles, including membership director, as well as a full-time job just a few years later when Teslicka went back to school. And with that, Larson's part-time work morphed into her longtime career.
Cavett's story is similar. She also started in 1991 as a part-time fitness instructor, one year after moving to Macomb after she married her husband, Lynn. She already worked as an instructor at the Burlington YMCA, so she was all about teaching aerobics classes, but her full-time job was teaching at Colchester Elementary School.
'When we started our family, we decided I'd stay home so I stopped teaching to hang out with my two sons, but over the next 15 years, I taught more fitness classes and eventually become the fitness coordinator,' Cavett said. 'Then I became the full-time fitness and aquatics director in 2006, learning so much under former director Dorothy McCammon. And then the Senior Center director position opened in 2016, so I moved to the office next door and took over that, while handling the fitness side too.'
The Senior Center job took more of Cavett's time, so the Y rearranged personnel and she devoted herself full-time to the senior center … but still teaching some fitness classes on the side.
When asked how their respective jobs – though very different – evolved over the years, their answer is similar: lots of 'pushing papers' at the beginning. Paper applications were the norm and technology was not as advanced as it is today. In addition to serving as the membership director (and doing the marketing and fundraising for the organization), Larson somehow became the Y's IT person.
'It was foisted upon me,' she said with a smile. 'We implemented our first computer system in 2000, and when it became obsolete, I was the person to switch everything to our online system. Then we transitioned to another system, so I had to make that work. Eventually when I took over all of the bill collection and was doing the technology side of the house, I told the director I couldn't do marketing and fundraising anymore. I was also in charge of our first website, and transitioned our website platforms over the years.'
Cavett's job as the senior center director has changed exponentially mostly due to the Illinois Department of Aging requiring more programs and putting more mandates into place. Also, because many of their senior clientele do not have cell phones with a data plan or perhaps don't even have email or Internet, they must constantly adjust their communications to accommodate their seniors.
'We have to explain to the state and the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging that what works for certain programs in other parts of the state may not work for many of the older adults in our region,' she noted.
Both women have worn numerous hats over the years. Larson did the billing and receivables for the summer and after school programs and was in charge of corporate memberships. She even worked as a day camp counselor for a week when the Y's summer camp had a staff shortage. But as the front desk person and 'face of the Y,' she also became the de facto 'rule enforcer.'
'Ruining fun since '91,' Larson said, again with a laugh. 'I made them behave, and I had to enforce the rules with several young men and women, ornery little boys and girls who grew up to be upstanding, honorable citizens, like a coroner (Eric Jameson), a firefighter (Jake Lucas), police officers, teachers. When Jake came in with his son, he pointed to me and said 'You better behave yourself or she'll kick you out.' I've watched these kids grow up into fine citizens.'
While Cavett started on the fitness side (and she still teaches a pickleball class), her soft spot has been the senior citizens she's come to know over the years.
'I love it when the Senior Center is full of people playing games, listening to music, chatting and laughing. I always wonder what the heck they're laughing about so much! They are the best part of every day,' she said. 'I have a soft spot for older adults, especially for those who are lonely or overwhelmed, or need help with figuring out their Medicaid and Medicare. When our office can help, the relief I see on their faces is pretty rewarding.'
It's those relationships and friendships the pair has made over the years they said they’ll miss the most. From 'meat and cheese Fridays' to the same faces they see walking by their desks daily to lunch with their staff, Larson and Cavett have a lifetime of memories from their years at the Y.
'What a great community and a great place to hang out,' Cavett said. 'I think that is why I turned the YMCA into a career. Who knew that was the path I'd take. And I got to wear athletic clothes to work!'
Larson echoed Cavett's sentiments. 'The friendships I've made over the years, the seniors, the kids,' she said. 'I don't want to leave! Just the interactions I have daily, the joking with people. I have a whole cadre of people I see every day.'
It was actually Cavett who convinced Larson that they'd retire this year … together. Cavett said about a year ago, after more requirements came down from the state level, she put her head down on her desk and about cried. That's when she decided that 2026 was going to be the year. She and Larson are turning 65 this year, so Medicare is available, and that was that.
'Cindy came into my office and said 'I made a decision. We're retiring in March 2026 and we're going out together,'' Larson said. 'It hadn't been on my radar, but I looked at her and said 'okay!'' YMCA CEO Nick Knowles said it has been his good fortune to work with Cindy and Angie since being named to lead the local Y three years ago. He added he wants them to remember that their contributions over the years have shaped the organization's success.'
'They have handled their retirement with such class and professionalism, and I am so grateful to both of them for a smooth transition,' Knowles said. 'Angie and Cindy are going to be missed tremendously by our membership and our Y family.'
Both said their jobs have taken a lot of energy over the years, so now it's time to turn that energy into other ventures. Of course, those other ventures will still include the YMCA. Cavett is completing her pickleball coaching certification, so she'll continue playing – and coaching – at the Y, as well as volunteering where needed. And she'll continue to coordinate the Y's Collette Trips … she and Larson are going on the Y's Holland- Belgium cruise in April, calling it their retirement cruise. Larson will continue to be a part of the Y, volunteering and helping out here and there when she's needed.
'This wasn't going to be our career, but the mission of the Y fit us. The people who work here want to be here,' they concluded. 'We've never dreaded coming to work … well, there were some days (again more laughter). Even when we were frustrated, we still loved it. Through thick and thin, we have a deep bond with this place.'
