Alvin Stimage has worked at the Vicksburg YMCA for 34 years. During that time, he has established himself in the community as a leader in fitness and well-being.

John Hennessey is a longtime member of the Vicksburg YMCA and has known Stimage since his first day on the job.

“Alvin has developed a very large client base due to his outstanding friendliness, helpfulness, and warm demeanor,” Hennessey said. “The Y is truly blessed to have him in their Exercise Support Program, as well as his other duties.”

Hennessey said he has experienced firsthand the intensity and care that Stimage brings to his exercise classes.

“I promise you he will put you through a completely exhausting set of exercises,” he said.

When the Vicksburg YMCA first received exercise equipment, Stimage was tasked with providing orientations to members who wanted to know how to use them, and he got to know the machines well.

“I would take a whole machine loose and put the whole thing back together like it was nothing,” Stimage said. “And then membership started going up because they had somebody in there that knew how to operate the equipment and show people how to do things.”

Stimage has worn many hats at the YMCA. Early on in his career, he helped run a childcare program and worked in maintenance. Now, he is chiefly a personal trainer (one of the first at the Vicksburg location) and the night supervisor for the facility.

Stimage said he is passionate about his work.

“I just like helping people, you know? I let them know that they don’t have to give up on life; that there’s better things to do,” he said. “That’s why when they come in the door, I’m smiling, talking to them and saying, ‘Man, y’all make sure you come back,’”

Another role he has filled is being a mentor to young people.

Stimage recalled a time when a young man he had been working with entered the locker room just as another person was stealing his wallet out of his belongings. The young man took the individual to the front desk where the situation was handled. Later, the young man told Stimage that his mentorship was the reason he was able to remain calm and de-escalate the situation.

Vicksburg local Tully Hall has known Stimage since he briefly worked at a sawmill more than 30 years ago.

“I’ve seen him get married and raise children,” Hall said. “I can’t say enough nice things about him.”

And there is no shortage of people willing to share similar sentiments. YMCA Executive Director Phillip Doiron  has known Stimage since the two went to high school together.

“When you think of the YMCA, Alvin’s probably one of the first pictures that comes to mind. He is the Y. His presence in being here for so long, what he does, his demeanor, how he works with people. And it’s not just certain people. He treats everyone the same,” Doiron said. “The mission of the Y is to help people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body. And that’s what that man does.”