The Boothbay Region YMCA is planning to eliminate the Wellness Director position in an apparent effort to restructure the organization's programs.

YMCA Executive Director Andy Hamblett announced the changes to an aerobics class on January 13. Starting mid-February, Wellness Director Mary Baudo will no longer be serving at the Boothbay Region YMCA.

Hamblett declined to comment on the decision. Hamblett cited it as a personnel matter that he “didn't see as newsworthy.”

“We're going to focus on better delivery of services, to utilize the staff that we have, and go from there,” Hamblett said in a brief telephone interview.

In past weeks, concerns over the loss of the Wellness Director position have surfaced with local YMCA members.

Lisa McSwain of Edgecomb said there are a lot of people, particularly senior citizens, who rely on Baudo's expertise and healthy leadership.

“I feel like I'm speaking for a lot of people who go to the Y who are concerned about the loss of this position,” McSwain said. “I think (Mary) definitely implemented every good program at the Y that we have now. I don't know what they're going to do really.”

Local State Rep. Bruce MacDonald (D-Boothbay) who attends Baudo's Active Seniors classes was present on January 13 when Hamblett announced the changes.

“If you came to Mary's class and interviewed (participants), you would discover that there's a widespread disillusionment I guess with what's going on,” MacDonald said.

More than 100 signatures were gathered, and a letter was sent to the YMCA Board of Trustees on January 15.

In the letter MacDonald implored the board of trustees to delay Baudo's elimination until June 30.

“This should give time for a permanent replacement to be found, for the Wellness Program to be better planned, and for Mary to have a better change to find a replacement position,” MacDonald wrote.

The YMCA board of trustees have indicated that they are going to stick with their original decision and no answers have been given, MacDonald said. 

“All of the programs that were provided are still going to be provided,” said Board President Peggy Pinkham in a phone interview. “There is no change in programming.” Pinkham declined to comment further on the matter.

According to the YMCA website, Baudo was hired as the wellness director in 2006 and she has taught a variety of classes. The site lists her as a faculty trainer and coordinator of the Wellness Network for the YMCA Alliance of Maine, as well as an Active Older Adult coordinator who plans trips and events for older adult members.

In an email to the Boothbay Register, Baudo said she was not able to discuss the Y's decision at this time.

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