Dear Editor:

Mary Baudo came to the Y with a set of professional and organizational skills and a background in health and wellness programing that I had not seen before.  She understands human physiology and how to safely create and sustain programming that is a benefit to  people of all ages seeking to maintain health and wellness in their individual lives. She is aware of her students and makes sure her students are doing their work out properly and effectively. Her classes are well attended but she does so much more than teach classes. She has an innovative perspective and has created or directed such programs as PIYO, spinning, LiveStrong, Active Older Adults outings and has helped organize numerous other events at the Y,  the Rowgatta being only one. She encourages people to participate in the events and has made them fun and exciting.

Most of the teaching staff at the Y is part-time, many with day jobs, unable or unwilling to take over the numerous classes and duties that Mary has willingly performed. Her expertise and energy is an invaluable quality that is expressed over and over again in her work at the Y. The LiveStrong program is one in point that required a knowledgeable in how a person recovering from illness can participate in a wellness program without danger to themselves. Who else has that expertise?

She also keeps the Wellness program running smoothly, maintains fine records and makes sure the teaching staff is certified, even bringing continuing education training to our local Y so staff doesn't have to travel long distances. To the best of my knowledge, she maintains the schedules and makes sure that  information about classes, times, etc. are disseminated promptly and correctly.

Mary Baudo has been a true asset to the YMCA and it is a travesty that she has been pushed out under the guise of "reorganization.”

The Y really has no plan in place to fill Mary's shoes in all of its diverse aspects and the Y will be sorely diminished because of it.

Bonnie Ginger
Boothbay