David Smiley, who will be 84 in October, really is happy. That’s one of his secrets for being so healthy so late in life.

“The others are eating good food and exercising,” he said.

He exercises at least three times a week at the Marysville YMCA, which is celebrating its 20-year anniversary this week. He works out on the cardiovascular machines and lifts weights.

“You lose it if you don’t do it,” he said of keeping active.

Smiley played softball until he was 75, and when he turned 80 he was the Y’s Member of the Month. He was married to his first wife for 56 years before she died. Years later he met a woman at the First Baptist Church who was seven years younger. They’ve been married for 3 1/2 years.

“She keeps me young,” Smiley said. “She’s going to live to 100 and me 110, so she says get to the Y.”

Smiley was one of a number of longtime members who are joining in the celebration.

Chuck Pilon has been with the local Y for all of its 20 years.

“It’s the best thing to ever happen to Marysville,” he said.

Before leading the crowd Aug. 24 in the movements to the song “Y-M-C-A,” Pilon said his favorite thing is to see kids smiling in the pool.

“And they’re not too happy when they have to leave,” he said.

Art Olsen, who moved here from Chicago and is a proud Bears, Cubs and Bulls fan, said he likes to use the pool and walk around the gym. He also likes the staff.

“They have quality people,” he said. “They must screen them well.”

Longtime board member Loren Van Loo said the Y is a “blessing to the community.”

“It’s not just a swim and gym,” he said, adding the mission is to help the city’s residents.

As for the future of the Y, Van Loo said he would like to see it work more with the city, schools and Tulalip Tribes.

“There are a lot of opportunities,” he said. “The more people involved, the more people win.”

JJ Frank, who was named executive director of the Y just two weeks ago, echoed that goal.

“I want to get out in the community, collaborate more and connect with people,” Frank said.

He said he doesn’t plan to make changes anytime soon. He wants to listen to Y members and staff on how to improve services.

Frank said Mary Bredereck, the previous leader who is now at the Stanwood-Camano Y, built a strong foundation and has a good system in place.

“There’s a great team here, but we always look to grow and develop,” he said.

Frank has come up through the ranks, working for the Y for the past 18 years.

“It’s been a dream come true, and I look forward to leading this team for the next 20 years,” he said.