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The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday February 8, 2006 - 15 As the YMCA of Oakville celebrates 50 years, we're talking to people who've resided in town for more than five decades and whose lives have'been touched in some way by the Y. Here's one story... Barbara Savage was born in 1931 in a maternity home at the foot of Thomas Street by the lake. "Babies weren't born in hospitals in those days," says Barbara, whose parents had · moved to Oakville from To ronto during the Depression in 1929 to open a bakery down* town. "Everyone told them they wouldn't succeed, but the busi ness thrived for 35 years," says Barbara. Barbara grew up in a flat above the store on Lakeshore Road, amidst the aroma of fresh bread and pastries. "There was a lot of green space around and gardens behind the building where we could play baseball," she recalls. Living downtown and working in the bakery on week ends meant that Barbara "knew everything that was going on in town." And she is still clued in to what's happening - as a Board member of the Oakville Histori cal Society. She does a lot of out reach work, frequendy speak ing to groups about the town's past, and leading walking tours of its historic districts. "Many people in Oakville don't know about the origins M M W N f or the fact that more than 720 run away American slaves took refuge here," says Barbara. Barbara has always lived in School, New Central School and t Oakville Trafalgar High School (in its original location on Reyn olds Street). She trained as a nurse and then worked on and off at Oakville Trafalgar Memo rial Hospital from 1953 to 1992, taking time off to raise her three children. During her last 20 years of employment, she co ordinated staff education at the hospital. The hospital changed a lot during her time. "There were seven doctors when I started there," she says, "and just two pediatric beds. When an emer gency case arrived, someone rang a bell and we all went run ning to see how we could help." Although she's a lifelong Oakville resident, Barbara has just recently joined the YMCA of Oakville. "My doctor said to get active, so here I am," she laughs. She has been enjoying the morn ing Aquafit class and is look ing forward to venturing into the Wellness Centre and asking the trainers to help her improve her fitness. "The YMCA is a wonder ful building and a very great re source," she says. Young or old, long-time resi dent or newcomer, why not come to the YMCA of Oakville and find out how you too can have fun while you get fit. k Y o u 're n e ve r to o y o u n g ^ ^ 0 f o r a splash in th e Y p o o l! & m Eden (le ft) a n d A n d re a B ib b y (rig h t) .... e n jo y a sw im w ith b e a u tifu l tw in s Carson a n d Braydon. S I G N U P T O D A Y ! in t h e c o m m u n i t y A d v e n tu re Tour (8-13 yrs) YMCA of Oakville, 410 Rebecca Street S205 9:00 am-4:30 pm A D V4001 A week of adventure! Send your child to five fabulous and fun locations including mini-putt and Mountsberg Wildlife Centre. B re a k -O u t C am p (5-9 yrs) St. Bernadette's S. S., 1201 Heritage Wa S160 SPB4001 Help them find a meaningful volunteer job that they enjoy - and encourage them to stick with it. Respect teenager's privacy, but take an interest in their friends and activities. Lots of fun - great activities, awesome games and a one-day out-trip. B ask etb all C am p (8-16 yrs) Oakville Trafalgar H.S. 1460 Devon Rd. S160 9:00 am-4:00 pm MBC4001 A week of drills, skills and basketball games! Learn from the best, step up your game, and meet new friends! 3. Believe that all young people can learn. 4. 5. Listen when young people talk Vow to say one encouraging thing to someone each day go- Aquatic Leadershi Bronze S ta r/F irs t A id (10-13 yrs) Y M e m b e rs S90, N o n -M e m b e rs S110 YMCA, 410 Rebecca Street 6. Teach children and youth how to be safe wherever they BRS4002 7. Learn and model peaceful ways to resolve disagreement. 8. Ask a young person to teach you a new skill. 9. Have family meetings Where children take part in Learn rescue skills, first aid, and resuscitation while you improve your strokes and endurance and have fun! NLS (N a tio n a l L ife g u a rd ) (16+yrs and proof of Bronze Cross) YMCA, 410 Rebecca Street 8:30 am-4:30 pm NLS4001 Members S210, Non-Mem bers S230 decision making. 10. Show courtesy to family members in public and at home. Develop advanced life guarding skills, rescue techniques, victim assessment and treatment, fitness and much more.