3 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, September 4, 2009 Ferrone says no reason given for his dismissal OAKVILLE'S ORIGINAL BOOTCAMP Continued from page 1 The board said retiring YMCA CEO Bruce Ireland will be available to provide support and counsel to McKenzie as needed. McKenzie's appointment follows the sudden dismissal of the then newly appointed CEO Dan Ferrone on July 31. The termination of Ferrone, not quite two months into his three-month probation, has created considerable discontent, both inside and outside of the YMCA, from many who feel Ferrone has been treated unfairly. "While we accept that potential legal proceedings have limited your ability to share the circumstances surrounding your decision, the very termination of an otherwise ideal candidate after such an extensive screening process suggests either a flawed screening process or a general lack of leadership from the board," wrote the Committee Representing the Concerned Members of the YMCA and Community in a letter addressed to members of the YMCA board. Further support for Ferrone can be found on an online petition calling for his reinstatement at epetitions.net. To date 446 people have added their signatures to the petition since it was created on Aug. 14. Even as the YMCA board met with staff on Thursday to announce McKenzie's appointment as interim CEO and answer staff questions about Ferrone's departure, a small band of protesters gathered outside and handed out flyers supporting Ferrone. "It's a wonderful facility, Oakville needs it, they have some great employees and unfortunately we've lost our good CEO," said Beverlie Rockliffe of the Committee Representing the Concerned Members of the YMCA and Community. "This (protest) is for such a great person of our community. If he were from outside town, or if this was another person in town we may not be upset, but when this man has done so much for this community, even donated to this Y, worked hard and raised all kinds of money and for him to be dismissed, it's unfortunate." Rockliffe noted the protest was small because the YMCA staff meeting the group wanted to draw attention to was rescheduled from Sept. 16, to Sept. 3, and as a result instead of 50 people, Rockliffe was only able to assemble four, including herself. Knibutat said the YMCA moved ahead the meeting with staff to bring staff and volunteers up to speed after McKenzie's appointment was confirmed. The meeting also gave staff and volunteers the opportunity to ask questions about Ferrone. "It was very emotional. Dan...it's no reflection on him, the decision that we made. He's got some great skills and abilities, he's a wonderful people person," said Knibutat. "There were some emotions in the room, I would say, and we answered some of the questions as best we could." All of the emotions and protests and petition signings have not been lost on Ferrone, who said he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received since losing his job. "It's flattering. It's overwhelming. It's something that kind of balances out the unfortunate thing that happened," said Ferrone. "I would love to go back. It was something I wanted to do. It was something I knew I could add value to. I knew I could help. This was something I was so excited to be a part of and not being able to fulfill that has been a disappointment." As far as the reason behind his termination is concerned, Ferrone said to this day he has yet to receive a complete explanation. "I was really disappointed on how things went. To never have the opportunity to find out what the issues were, to never have dialogue if I was not doing things right," said Ferrone. "No dialogue, no discussion, no guidance, no mentoring. That was something that was hard to overcome." Knibutat would not comment on the reason for Ferrone's dismissal, citing confidentiality, but noted the YMCA is in communication with Ferrone. Ferrone said he expects this experience will make it more difficult to get the same type of position he had at the YMCA in the future. Enlist today! INDOOR & OUTDOOR FITNESS TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING River Oaks Community Church 2435 Munn's Avenue East 5:30am and 6:30pm 905.808.4055 www.survivorbootcamp.com Small Class Sizes Ensure Guaranteed Results. ingeborg shoes FITNESS SANO shoes for a better body shape 3 WEEKSONLY! SAVE THE GST MARCH ONLY! SAVE THE GST Now is the time to plan your cemetery pre-arrangements, because planning ahead could save thousands. Create your own cemetery plans today, or add to your existing arrangements. Act Now. Plan before September 13th and save. Act Now. Plan before March 31st and save. * For Pre-arrangements only. Offer not applicable to Group Sales or Private Crypt Rooms. ** 63731562 GLEN OAKS MEMORIAL GARDENS · Call 905-257-1100 Today. Easy, Low Monthly Payment Plans. Ask Us. INGEBORG'S WAREHOUSE by M E P H I S TO Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 to 5 Sun. 11 to 4 1681 FINFAR COURT, MISSISSAUGA 905-823-7415