Capital Area YMCA shortening name

The YMCA of the Capital Area is following the lead of the national organization and is in the process of abbreviating its name to “the Y.” The nonprofit announced Monday that it is changing both logo and name to “the Y,” marking its first branding change in 43 years. The switch comes after more than two years of research indicated many people don’t understand what the group does. Kristen Hogan, a spokeswoman for the local YMCA, says the name change reflects what people have called the organization for years. “We’re still going to be who we’ve always been,” says Hogan. “There’s just going to be a fresh look to us, that’s all.” While the Y has changed its name nationally, Hogan says the plans are to change the name locally by September. “We’re trying to make the internal transition right now,” she says. And if you’re worried how this will affect a kitschy disco classic, you can breathe easy: The Village People say they have no plans to change their hit “YMCA” to reflect current events.