My family joined the Y back in the 1970s. It was the thing to do. We came three to five days a week back then, taking exercise classes, swimming and participating in infant/tot swim lessons with my sons, Pete and Ben.

Both Pete and Ben learned to play basketball at our Y. Years later, this gave Ben the opportunity no other Boothbay graduate has received ... a full, four-year Division 2 basketball scholarship at St. Michael’s in Vermont. This would not have been possible without our Y.

Today, I’m at the Y two days a week (ideally five) walking the track, participating in low-impact aerobics class, as well as the LiveStrong program. What I love most is there is always an open invitation to go; you don’t have to be asked.

Feeling grateful that our Y helped shape our family.

Y notes: Donate to the 2013 Annual Fund Drive securely online at www.boothbayregionymca.org to give a one-time gift or a monthly gift. For more information, call 207-633-2855.