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3 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Protesters challenging board of YMCA By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Around 30 members of the YMCA of Oakville called on the organization's board to step down last Thursday -- and they weren't shy about doing it. The disgruntled members picketed outside the Y's Rebecca Street building in southwest Oakville. They did so, toting placards that were sporting slogans like `Board a Bad Fit,' `Dan In, Board Out,' and more. The group had dubbed itself the Committee Representing the Concerned Members of the YMCA and Community. Its members are upset about the sudden termination of YMCA CEO Dan Ferrone on July 31. "We're a group of members that are concerned about the direction the Y is going at the moment... they are not answering the simple question as to why the gentleman is gone," said protester Bruce Mailing. "At the meeting held (between the board and Y staff) on Sept. 3, the board of directors made it clear to the employees and volunteers of the Y that they have absolutely no intention of bringing Dan Ferrone back as our CEO," said Mailing. At this meeting they appointed an interim CEO from Barrie to run the day-to-day affairs of the Y until a permanent CEO is chosen. "We are here today "It seems there is a group of people who don't want to accept the decision or be part of moving forward as a Y team." Kristian Knibutat, chair YMCA of Oakville because we feel it is necessary to make it clear that we have serious concerns," Mailing continued. Mailing believes the board should step down. "To us, this is just sounding like they are running on their own and they just feel like they have to answer to no one and that's incorrect. They have to answer to us, we're the ones who vote them in and we're asking the simple question, why," said Mailing. "Why would you get rid of this gentleman who got to the position of CEO, was picked out of 100 people and then only six weeks later was terminated?" Ferrone, a former football star, local businessman and prominent figure in community fundraising circles, was ter- minated approximately six weeks after he took over the job. Mailing charged the board may even have violated its own policies by failing to consult with YMCA of Canada before terminating Ferrone. YMCA Board Chair Kristian Knibutat would neither confirm nor deny contacting YMCA of Canada before Ferrone's termination, but did say there is no reason for the board to resign and no board members have resigned as a result of the situation involving Ferrone. "The board of directors announced recently that it would resume the search for a CEO and, in the meantime, has appointed an interim CEO who began his role last week. "We have communicated this to our staff, volunteers and to the general public in Oakville," said Knibutat. "It seems there is a group of people who don't want to accept the decision or be part of moving forward as a Y team. We are beginning to get complaints about this group from both staff and members," said Knibutat. "We are monitoring the situation carefully and will take steps, if necessary, to ensure there is no disruption of YMCA programs and services that the community relies on us for," Knibutat said. FACTORY TILE TOUCH! Elegance, Stylish, Sophisticated, or Sleek We can transform any space! We specialize in importing and distributing unique Ceramics, Porcelain, Travertine, Marble, Glass, Custom Medallions and mosiacs from Around the World. GIVE YOUR HOME THE Let our designers and product selection take you to another place. Ask about our Custom Glass Shower Doors & Floor Heating NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER ASKING THE QUESTION: Wendy Hueton is obscured by a placard as protesters picket the YMCA last Thursday evening. The protesters were asking `Why' Dan Ferrone was let go earlier this year as CEO of the YMCA of Oakville and even called for Y board members to step down. Fareshare needs volunteers for Thanksgiving food drive Oakville's Fareshare food bank needs lots of high students or adults to hand out paper bags to collect food donations during the Thanksgiving food drive taking place Oct. 318. Volunteers are needed to stand at the entrance of the Loblaws superstore located at Trafalgar Road at Dundas Street to hand out bags for shoppers entering the store to fill with food donations. High school students can use these volunteer hours towards their compulsory 40-hour community service required to graduate. Those interested in volunteering or seeking more information should call 905-8458014 on or after Friday, Sept. 25. Also anyone interested in helping sort and pack food into boxes can call Ron at the food bank during the day at 905-847-3988 to find out about the sorting schedule. Tile selection made enjoyable! FACTORY TILE DEPOT 1360 Speers Road, Oakville (East of third line) 905.465.1650 Mon.-Wed., 9:30-6,Thurs. 9:30-8, Fri. 9:30-5, Sat., 10-5, Sun. 11-4 505 Queensway East Mississauga 905.277.1760 Factory Tile Depot www.factorytiledepot.ca