As you read this column, Steve Komanecky and I will probably be at the Soap Box Derby getting ready for the first drivers to come down the hill in front of Hoopes Park.

It doesn't seem possible that it is already here. The Soap Box Derby committee does a great job of putting together the entire day and making it run smoothly.

It is a lot more than just the drivers going down the hill. It stars with loading the cars onto the starting ramps under the able supervision of John Dalziel, Mark and John Izzo, Dave and Mike Sperduti and Tom Hughes.

Meanwhile, down at the finish line, we make sure the correct drivers are coming down when they are supposed to and that our timer is working. Besides the working of the entire day, Steve sets up the drivers who will take the cars back up the hill, the football players who will put the cars on the trailers, the Auburn football food tent, Finger Lakes Antique Car Club, Prison City Ramblers, and of course, the ever-necessary porta-potty.

We also have to set up all of the participants' pictures, brochures and T-shirts. Plus, Gabby Petrosino who will be singing the national anthem.

Brances will have a tent there for face painting and kids' activities and the EJ Gavras Center will have T-shirt decorating, free balloons and candy giveaways.

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This past Tuesday, Mayor Quill came to the Auburn YMCA and spoke to our members about the parking kiosks. Sylvia Davis led the questions and spoke on behalf of many who have trouble with the new kiosks.

Mayor Quill very patiently answered all questions for the people that were there. He also said he would look into a couple of issues regarding these kiosks that our members brought up. Thank you Mayor Quill for coming to the YMCA. It was a very informative hour.

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Human Health Services sponsored our Hospitality Hour this week. Ray Madigan brought us lots of healthy food as well as the occasional breakfast goodie for our members to enjoy. Judging from the fact that all of the tables were full, this was a huge success.

It is always nice to see our members out in the community participating in other activities. This week, the Sonya Ward Dance Recital is going on. One adult class is made up of Christine Tabone, Katie Smith, Jeanne Wiseman and Aja Hahn who are all members. They are here often working out yet they are taking time to participate in another activity that keeps them moving.

Don't forget that the hours at the Auburn YMCA this week are modified. We will close on Saturday, May 24 at noon and be closed on Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26. After Memorial Day our hours will be 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sundays. These hours will continue until Labor Day.

As the holiday weekend approaches, be sure to enjoy yourselves and also remember all those who have allowed us to enjoy our freedom. Keep moving and stay healthy!

Hansinger is the assistant fitness instructor for the YMCA.