In this episode of The Perrysburg Podcast, I share the story of how a foot injury led me to become a lap swimmer at the Fort Meigs YMCA at age 35 — and how that journey introduced me to my swim coach and friend, Mary Chris Kay.

Mary Chris helped me learn how to "speak swim," build confidence in the water, and become part of a swim community at the Y. She has taught kids, coached adults, encouraged beginners, supported competitors, and helped make the pool feel like a place where people belong.

I also talk about the newly created Mary Chris Kay Aquatics Fund, which honors Mary Chris and gives community members a way to support swimming and aquatics programs at the Fort Meigs YMCA.

Links from this episode

• Mary Chris Kay Aquatics Fund https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/ymca-and-jcc-of-greater-toledo/endowment-gift-donation-form
• Fort Meigs YMCA https://www.ymcatoledo.org/branch/fort-meigs/
• The Greater Toledo Community Foundation https://toledocf.org/
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• Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast
• Email the host: kim@perrysburgpodcast.com

In this episode of The Perrysburg Podcast, I speak with Tramain Rayford, Founder and CEO of The Program Inc., a Northwest Ohio nonprofit organization dedicated to helping boys become men. To learn more, visit https://www.programinc.org/.

Released on Father's Day 2026, this conversation explores the impact that mentors, role models, and positive relationships can have on young people growing up in father-absent homes. Tramain shares how his own life experiences inspired him to create The Program Inc. and discusses the organization's work providing mentoring, life skills training, workshops, career exploration opportunities, and community experiences for boys ages 8 to 18.

Along the way, you'll hear stories about overcoming fear, discovering new opportunities, and the power of investing in the next generation. Whether you're a parent, mentor, volunteer, business owner, or simply someone who cares about young people, this episode offers an inspiring look at an organization making a difference throughout Northwest Ohio.

Quotes mentioned in this episode

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." — Frederick Douglass

"If boys don't learn, men won't know." — Douglas Wilson

"Bloom where you're planted" — Unknown

Links for this episode

The Program Inc. website https://www.programinc.org/

The Program Inc. Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TheProgamInc

The Program Inc. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theprograminc

The Program Inc. events page https://www.programinc.org/events

The Program Inc. donation page https://www.programinc.org/donate

The Program Inc. volunteer page https://www.programinc.org/volunteer

• Sign up for The Perrysburg Podcast's newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter
• Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast
• Email the host: kim@perrysburgpodcast.com

My guest is Rick Rettig, a City of Perrysburg resident, husband, father of four, retired educator, coach, current President of Perrysburg City Council, and candidate for Ohio's 75th House District.

During this episode, Rick shares:

• What brought him and his family to Perrysburg
• Why he enjoys living in Perrysburg
• His career as an educator, school counselor, and coach
• Stories about raising a family in Perrysburg
• His passion for community service and leadership
• Programs and initiatives he helped develop for students
• Why he decided to run for Ohio's 75th House District
• What he hopes to accomplish if elected

Whether you're interested in local leadership, education, community involvement, or simply getting to know one of your neighbors, I think you'll enjoy this conversation with Rick Rettig.

Thank you for listening to The Perrysburg Podcast.

Links

• Rick Rettig Campaign Website https://www.rettigforohio.com/
• Rick Rettig for Ohio Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/RettigForOhio
• Link to Donate to Rick's campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/rick-rettig-1
• Sign up for The Perrysburg Podcast's newsletter on https://www.perrysburgpodcast.com/newsletter
• Follow the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@perrysburgpodcast
• Email the host: kim@perrysburgpodcast.com