The reorganization at the Boothbay Region YMCA is continuing with the creation of a new position: the healthy living coordinator. Taking this position is Abby Jones, who is a familiar face to many Y visitors during the summer.

“I have worked at the Y for eight summers,” Jones said. “I led fitness classes, and really enjoy working with the people there and interacting with all members of the community.

“Being able to work at the Y full-time, year-round is a dream come true.”

Executive Director Andy Hamblett conducted a nationwide search when the Y decided to create this position. A total of 20 applicants was narrowed to four, interviews were conducted, and a joint committee decided that Jones was the right person for the job.

“Jones is dynamic and outgoing,” Hamblett said. “She already has relationships with the Y and the community and the Y is all about relationships.”

“She is very enthusiastic about people and the programs we have here at the Y,” Mary Neal of the Y board said. “She has a good background in this kind of work, and is a real people-person. She's happy and fun. Healthy living is about everyday choices, not just nutrition and exercise but stress reduction and proper sleep as well. This position will involve every aspect of that.”

“I think she'll do an excellent job,” instructor Michael Maxim said. “She's worked with different age groups and has a lot of enthusiasm for the Y. She seems like the kind of person who will be able to connect with everybody, staff and members alike.”

This new position is designed to be an all-encompassing and integrated with every aspect of the Y, according to Hamblett.

“It's not just cycling, or zumba or aerobics. Not just classes or healthy eating. It's about all aspects of healthy living across the community, for youth, teens, adults, seniors and everyone in between.”

Jones' experience with youth and teens was a big plus that influenced the committee’s decision.

“The Y has been a hangout for kids who come down after school, and that's great, but I think we can do more for them,” Hamblett said. “I think Jones will be able to engage the youth and get them interested in using some of the equipment downstairs.”

“I think I'm pretty approachable,” Jones said. “I consider myself very sensitive to the interests and needs of members, and can help people of all different fitness abilities with healthy life choices.”

Jones has been a certified fitness instructor since 1984 and has taught classes of all ages in numerous settings. Along with her husband, Eric Bertelsen, she ran the All-Sports Camp at Bates College for 12 summers (Bertelsen ran the program for 22 years). She has worked at the Waterville Y, and with Colby College's mentoring program that matches college students with local youth. She has been involved with educational and cultural programs, and currently works as a house director for an all-girl's boarding school in Buffalo, N.Y., where she currently resides.

Her full-time status as the Y's healthy living coordinator will begin in mid-August, at which time she will be living year-round in East Boothbay.

“I'm really excited about working in the community,” Jones said. “The Y is truly a place for everyone in the community, and all my kids have been involved.”

Jones and her husband have three children. Chris, their oldest, has worked as a lifeguard at the Y pool. Her son Drew is going to work as a camp counselor at Y's Camp Knickerbocker, and her youngest, daughter Jane, will be counseling at Y-Arts, which she has participated in for many summers.

“I have so many friends I've met through the Y,” Jones said. “It will be a challenge, but within every challenge lies great opportunity.”