Peggy and I.J. Pinkham want everyone to know there are “Opportunities for All” at Boothbay Region YMCA. BRYMCA is kicking off its annual campaign with the help of the Pinkhams who, in their appeal for community support, highlighted their history of over 40 years with the organization.

The Pinkhams moved to the Boothbay region in 1976 so I.J. could coach basketball and teach math at Boothbay Region High School. Neither had ever experienced Y programming, so arriving in a town where a new school was being built and a new swimming pool installed at the Y, they found the Y quickly became an integral part of life for them and their two sons, Matthew and Tim.

“BRHS created a teaching position so he could coach,” Peggy said. “I like to tell everybody, 'You know him as a basketball coach, but he really is a great teacher.'”

I.J. taught for 47 years overall and said it is not a job a person could do if they did not like it. Peggy said I.J. prefers the students to adults.

“Isn't that right, Irv," she asked.

“No doubt,” I.J. said, laughing.

The Pinkhams have grandchildren involved in the Harbor Montessori Program and several of the Y’s other programs; and their daughter-in-law, Alexandra, is the lead teacher of the Harbor Montessori Program. I.J. is entering his 44th year coaching the Seahawk boys and Peggy, who was on the Y’s board of trustees for 14 years, is entering her seventh year on the finance committee.

“She is somebody who sees all the work and … really got the board to think about what their functions are which is that responsibility of raising funds, being fiduciary, thinking strategically,” said Executive Director Andy Hamblett who also credits IJ with the success of the Y’s basketball feeder program into the schools.

Asked what the Pinkhams have seen the Y do for children and young adults, I.J. said it is hard to put into words.

“The kids are down here all the time, now, and it's gotten progressively better as time goes on. I've witnessed the coordination between the Y and the high school and that's been great. The kids are certainly comfortable coming down here and are better for it.”

BRHS students have access to the Y through a partnership. Hamblett said it is great to witness students striking up relationships with community members who may end up serving as a mentor or future employer.

Hamblett said the Y serves the community through programs responding to needs in the community. Parent/child swim classes, basketball, Y-Arts and Camp Knickerbocker have been some of the quintessential programs. However, newer programs like Rock Steady Boxing, Livestrong and diabetes prevention also came out of needs found in the community.

“The Y continues to evolve based off somebody saying there is a need and how can the Y do it and in partnership whether that be with the school or LincolnHealth or some other businesses,” said Hamblett. “I would encourage people to come in and see what is offered and if there isn't something and there's an idea to do it, we can help facilitate that, whether it's literacy, supporting those with Parkinson's or opiate addiction.”

Peggy said one of the best kept secrets about the Y is the hundreds of thousands of dollars provided annually for assistance in membership. Most of that comes from the annual fund. The Y is not like gyms where you have to pay to go or you cannot go at all, she said.

“Here, they look for ways to make sure that it's available for all,” said Peggy. "And scholarships make this an opportunity for all. I really want to emphasize that. You know, money and financials get in the way of so many things and this is the one time in life where that doesn't have to be the case. The way the Y is set up for people to access the programs and get a membership, they try to do it respectfully and discreetly and people should know that.”

The Pinkhams agreed the Boothbay region is a gem for healthy living, the Y is central to that and the annual fund is the core of what makes the Y wonderful for all.

Said Peggy, “I've been on the finance committee long enough to realize that without the annual fund drive, you would not see the programs and services that are offered today. It just would not happen.”