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Trading One Habit For Another Mark Irwin is a self-described “YMCA addict”. When his daughter became involved in cheerleading and gymnastics at the Somerset Hills Y, Mark found himself attending meets and getting to know many different YMCA families and staff members. Five years ago, when he decided to quit smoking and get in shape, he went to one of his Y staff friends for help and was lured onto the Building & Grounds Committee in exchange for sound personal training and nutrition advice. The rest, as they say, is history. “I exchanged my nicotine habit for a YMCA habit that includes working out regularly and volunteering on five committees, in addition to sitting on the Board of Directors,” says Mark. Prior to getting involved as a Member and Volunteer at the YMCA, Mark was relatively unaware of the Y’s Mission as a Charitable organization. He has since come to be a firm believer in that mission and is extremely proud of what the YMCA provides to the community. In fact, Mark is the co-chair of this year’s Strong Kids Annual Support Campaign and is working hard to raise awareness of the campaign’s goal to raise enough funds so that anyone who wishes to participate in Y programs and services is able to, no matter what their financial circumstances. Says Mark, “It’s the Y way, and now, it’s my way -- and I feel good about that.”