The six swimmers line up. They hear, “Take your mark!” They tense on the starting blocks, one foot in front of the other. After a loud whistle, they propel forward into the water and free stroke furiously down the length of the pool. After 46.40 seconds, the winner pops out of the water. Officer Brown has done it again!

Since March of 2019, Officer Larry Brown has engaged in a friendly competition with members of the Boothbay Region YMCA Dolphins swim team. He has enjoyed an ongoing swim contest with junior and co-captain Hannah Hills. Even though Larry, age 70, had a 25-meter head start from the rest of the participating swimmers (the youngest of whom is 10), he emerged as the victor, by .79 of a second over Hannah’s time. The first year, however, they both swam a mile, and “Hannah smoked me,” Officer Brown said.  

“I love the Y and both of the amazing pools and the sauna. Not only do I swim to keep in shape, but my routine has helped me through several surgeries,” said Officer Brown. “I really love seeing the kids on the swim team who work hard and are able to accomplish so much in the pool.”

Hannah Hills, 16, has been a member of the swim team since 2013. Her parents, Heather and Mike, volunteer as two of the coaches, and her younger brother, Byran, 12, is a member of the team and participated in the mini-meet with Officer Brown. It’s a family affair and the Hills volunteer countless hours at practices and meets. This year, the Hills family agreed to be the family co-chairs of the 2023 Annual Fund. The theme, with a nod to the Dolphins, is “Make a Splash, Make an Impact.” The family signs letters, reaches out to donors, and serves as great ambassadors for philanthropy at the Y.  Several people have made gifts in honor of the Hills family in appreciation for all they do for the Y.  

“We have been part of the Y since I swam myself as a Dolphin in elementary school when I was six years old,” said Heather, who grew up in Southport and now lives in Boothbay. We love doing things together as a family and the swim team is our extended family. It’s a special program and a special place for all of us.”  

Officer Brown agrees. “The Hills family are amazing and I appreciate all that they do for the team, for the Y, and for the community. The team is a healthy and happy group and there’s nothing better than watching them work, and when I can, swimming right alongside them.”  

The pools and sauna at the Bosarge Aquatic Center are just one of the offerings included with a Y membership. “We know that membership does not cover all of the operating expenses at the Y, and that’s why we ask others to join us with philanthropic support,” said Heather. “It’s been a great learning experience for all of us to understand the finances at the Y,” said Hannah, who is a youth representative on the Board of Trustees. “I have learned so much about how complicated and, well, expensive it is for the Y to offer so many programs. I feel fortunate to be part of helping make it as affordable as possible.”  

Officer Brown also supports the Annual Fund and is a passionate advocate for the annual Y aquatics program fundraiser called “The Penquin Plunge.” The Plunge takes place every New Year’s Day at the East Boothbay boat launch. Donations from the Plunge benefit the learn-to-swim program offered for free to every second grader on the peninsula. Office Brown says, “This is our 20th year and while the water is pretty cold, the event is very exciting. We gather with a group of other hearty Plungers and do something good to support the community. This year the Plunge committee is very proud to announce that Bruce and Medea Harris will be the grand marshals of the event. We hope a lot of people will join us to Plunge, or to watch, on January 1st!”    

As the parents of six children, Bruce and Medea Harris have been enthusiastically supporting the Dolphin Swim Team and the Y-Arts programs for years. They also use the Y to benefit their own health and fitness goals. In addition, Bruce is the Board of Trustees chair and now deeply involved behind the scenes at the Y in addition to watching his children compete and perform. Regarding this year’s Penguin Plunge, Bruce said, “Medea likes to tout the health benefits of jumping into cold water, which she does with some frequency in Southport. I prefer the warmth of the sauna and think it’s a little nuts, but I’m willing to do anything for the Y and will jump in beside her this year.”  

Look for great Y programs for all ages in the winter program guide, check out the pool schedule, find information about membership, and consider supporting the Annual Fund in honor of the Hills Family, Officer Brown, the Harris family, or any one of your own friends or family. For details about the New Year’s Day Penguin Plunge, contact Y Aquatics Director David Washburn at washburn@brymca.org.