The Board of Trustees recently hosted a YMCA "staff appreciation day" to honor the hard-working staff that shows up for community every day. Delicious coffee and treats were donated by the East Boothbay General Store and Farm 23 to demonstrate their support for Y staff. 

“Our leaders support us,” said Allyson Goodwin, director of development for the Y, “it’s what they do. The way the board and local organizations honor our staff members is an inspiration, and we are grateful for their thoughtfulness.” 

Joined by several trustees, Board President Bruce Harris spoke to the gathered group about his appreciation for all that the staff do to support the Y to keep the community hub humming. “I’ve been endlessly inspired by the work I see happening at the Y,” Harris said. “The team always puts community first, and we don’t take that for granted. Today is just a small token of our true appreciation for the time, energy, and heart our Y staff devotes to each and every initiative,” he added. Harris was quick to lend kudos to his fellow trustee, Judy Ryan, for her inspiration and planning of the event. Judy serves as the board vice president and she shared many words of appreciation for the staff and added her favorite refrain from her work life: "Be kind. Work Hard. Repeat." 

To allow staff to fully partake in the festivities, treats were brought to the Child Enrichment Center in order for child care workers to participate, and pizza was delivered later in the afternoon for the evening shift when they came to work. People took turns watching over the pool and the front desk to enable everyone who could to join in. With leadership like that displayed by Judy and other trustees, Y staff not only felt appreciated, but part of a vigorous, committed team. By all accounts, the day was a lovely embodiment of Judy’s mantra, combining kindness and hard work as occasions to celebrate.