Dear Editor:

I want to publicly express my appreciation for our Boothbay Region YMCA. I reached my 90th in good health recently, due in part, I'm sure, to the YMCA. where I have been participating in a water aerobics class in the Y swimming pool. Non-strenuous fun exercises keep little used muscles flexible and strong. A highly skilled leader poolside shows us how to move. 

Usually the focus is on ourselves, with very little or no social interaction, but I was surprised recently when they broke into a vigorous "Happy Birthday" to me as I came poolside. Then someone handed me a colorful bunch of balloons. After our aerobics session everyone gathered together poolside, shared soft drinks and mini-cupcakes, and watched me sort through a little gift bag of goodies.

Thanks to our wonderful YMCA and to our poolside leaders that made reaching 90 unexpectedly special!                                 

Robert G Blakesley

Boothbay Harbor