University YMCA celebrates grand reopening

The University Family YMCA held an open house to celebrate the reopening of its renovated and expanded facilities on Jan. 22.

The event featured crafts activities, a children's karate demonstration, a kid's magic show, a performance by the Teen Dance Group from Aki Kurose Middle School Academy and a dedication ceremony.

Chuck Armstrong, co-chair of the YMCA's capital campaign, Karl Kreitzer, senior vice president of Safeco Insurance, Matt Griffin, YMCA chairman, and Roger Anderson of GLY Construction were among the dignitaries taking part in the ceremony. Joe Hauser, chairman of the University YMCA, Cathy McCluskey, executive director and Olivia Kato, youth development director, also took part in recognizing the many donors who made the renovation/expansion possible.

The seven-month project added 4,900 square feet to the U-District facility, which is located at 5003 12th Ave. NE.

Ride West BMW to move to Lake City Way

Ride West BMW is moving from its east Green Lake location to a much larger facility at 8100 Lake City Way.

The motorcycle dealership will close down the last Saturday of February and re-open at its new spot on March 1.

The move is being made because Ride West has outgrown its 4,500 square foot shop. Ride West, which had a staff of five when owners Keith and Anne Thye bought the business five years ago, now employs 19 people.

The new facility is 20,000 square feet and also features something else missing from the Green Lake store, off street parking.

Keith and Anne Thye, who rode their first BMW motorcycle together in 1969, have grown their business to become the nation's eighth largest BMW dealership.

Prior to entering the motorcycle business, Keith Thye worked in the whole-foods business, while Anne Thye was employed in a retirement community in Olympia.