YCON Spotlight - Carolyn and Ernie Baird

From the very beginning, Ernie Baird saw what the YMCA could mean for Washington County.

“When Washington County was going to get the Y, I thought of other communities who had the Y and how much it meant to them. I was excited to be a part of it.”

That excitement turned into a lifelong connection. Ernie and his wife, Carolyn, have been members since those early days, and even now, you can still find Ernie regularly checking in, continuing a routine that has become part of his life in more ways than one.

But Ernie’s connection to the Y actually stretches back even further, before there was ever a building in Washington County.

“When my son Cary was in high school, they had Hi Y. This was an offshoot of the Y in the Salem schools, before our Washington County Y even existed. This was in the late 1970s. Their objective was to have some type of program during the school year. They were able to get Buster Soaries Jr. to come and speak to their group. There was a huge turnout of all ages to hear him speak.”

Moments like that planted seeds, showing what the Y could be even before it fully arrived.

Today, Ernie sees that vision come to life every time he walks through the doors.

“I was walking to the Y and there were people playing on the pickleball courts. Others were playing soccer, and others walking. When I got inside, many others were using the fitness equipment. This was so reassuring seeing the mission of the Y in action.”

For Ernie, the impact of the Y goes beyond physical health. It is about connection.

“Going into the Y, you can get into many conversations, even just asking if someone is using the equipment. From there additional conversations take place and relationships are established. I think being connected is so important.”

That simple, everyday interaction is what builds stronger families and a more connected community over time.

When asked what he would say to someone considering joining, Ernie keeps it simple.

“I can only say what it has meant to me, which has been more than enough to help me both physically and spiritually. There are so few Ys for small towns. We are extremely blessed to have this one. I strongly encourage everyone to use the Y to help them keep and maintain a healthy life.”