YWCA of Bay County to Restructure; Meeting Set at Noon Friday
Pool Closing, Fitness Classes, Child Care to be Discontinued
January 15, 2009
By: Dave Rogers
Board President Laurie Bush announced "due to economic conditions, we have been forced to take certain steps to reduce the costs to maintain the viability of the YWCA."
A meeting will be held at noon tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 16, so officials of the Bay County YWCA can explain a restructuring program to members.
In a letter posted on the Y's website, Board President Laurie Bush announced "due to economic conditions, we have been forced to take certain steps to reduce the costs to maintain the viability of the YWCA."
Ms. Bush reported the pool will close Saturday, Jan. 17, and fitness classes and child care will be discontinued Jan. 23.
"Unfortunately, there is no alternative," she wrote in a letter posted Wednesday, adding: "The YWCA of Bay County is currently unable to operate the building, pay payroll and conduct the programs that are still important to its mission if these actions are not taken."
"At the present time, we are pursuing options which may allow you to realize the full benefit of your fitness membership, going forward, in other organizations; however, there is no firm plan at this point and no guarantees that we will be able to do so."
No fitness membership will be renewed and further use will be at the drop in rate of $3 per visit, she wrote. Members who have monthly payments automatically deducted from a bank account are asked to stop the deductions.
The Fitness Center and fitness programs service about 800 members per month. The fitness area was expanded in 2004. The space was doubled; Treadmills, Cybex and Hammer Strength weight machines were added.
Ms. Bush concluded: "The YWCA will continue to exist and pursue its mission of empowering women and eliminating racism."
Staff members of the YWCA are Janelle Hemingway, executive director; Dianne Gilbert, director of finance; Lisa Grills, director of development; Tracy Messing, director of child care; and Beth Trahan, director of fitness/aquatics.
Board members include Dwan Bryant, Barb Engelhardt, Rozanne Giunta, Jennifer Hall, Gloria Horner, Judy Kerman, Tyra Khan, Pam Monastiere, Chris Pahssen-Noble, Kathy Paulson, Jenna Schrumpf, Mary Schubert, Brenda Scramlin and Marcia Sumerix.
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