What a wonderful gift the Gendron family has given to Lewiston-Auburn. I’m sure that I am not the only woman who can look at the YWCA and see how it has influenced my life.
As a seventh-grader in 1954, I was introduced to the YWCA teen dances held at the Kate J. Anthony House on Turner Street in Auburn. Also at that time, there was a Y-Teen club for girls to gather and learn skills to help them grow.
In high school, I was hired to baby-sit young children while their mothers attended a young mothers club that met at the YWCA building on Pine Street in Lewiston.
After college, I returned to Auburn and took classes at the YWCA. Adult director, Tonie Ramsey, organized classes on how to make a Christmas wreath, braid a rug, perform CPR, do stenciling, sew, decorate a cake and so much more.
Next, I became a member of the Y-Wives Club that met twice a month in the evening. The club had speakers, social gatherings and a chance for local women to develop and enjoy each other’s friendship.
During that time, Roberta Austin and Tonie Ramsey encouraged us to take leadership roles on committees and boards of the YWCA.
I believe I am the woman I am today because of my involvement in the YWCA.
I hope the community will join the Gendron family in the fundraising effort.
Thank you, YWCA; my check is in the mail.
Mary Ann Norcross, Auburn
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