They get along swimmingly: 2025 calendar celebrates Franklin County YMCA water fitness class

A rollicking group who bonded through a class at Franklin County’s YMCA in Greenfield have produced a calendar for 2025 that celebrates beautiful humans in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Let’s meet some water nymphs who could grace your wall if you get your hands on one of these fabulous calendars.

“I’ve been in the Deep Water Fitness class for five years,” said Julia Rabin, 67, who lives in Wendell. “In that pool, I’m 8 years old again. I can’t stop joking around. It brings out the best in me.” A few months ago, a fun incident in the women’s locker room led to creating the calendar. Rabin noticed a pal wearing a pair of checkered undies and commented on the fancy pants. In response, the sassy gal “mooned” Rabin. (Undies remained in place, so it was actually “mooning lite.”) Rabin snapped a photo, and the rest is history.

Rabin put together a calendar in 2015 with a group called Potters All, helping to provide scholarships for local pottery students. They created an elegant nudie calendar depicting members in various stages of undress; the exquisitely tasteful calendar was a hit.

After being faux-mooned, Rabin figured it was time to make another calendar and encouraged group members to participate at their respective levels of comfort. The result is the “2025 Swimsuit Issue … or the (not so) Nudie Calendar.” Class members range in age from 67 to 94: “Our combined ages are 1,720 years,” said Rabin, who took some of the photos. (The rest were taken by Trish Crapo.)

Robin Waldron, 71, of Turners Falls, joined the Y 10 years ago after knee replacements. “(The water fitness class) is a breath of fresh air,” she said. “I’ve gained friends, support, and compassion. I love everyone dearly. After I see them, I go home smiling, no matter what mood I was in when I got here.”

The class is led by Greenfield native Jane Kane, 69. “I learned to swim at this YMCA, and have been a member for 43 years,” said Kane. She was employed for nearly 30 years by the Recorder; later she was the Y’s CFO and volunteered to lead a water aerobics class for Y employees. The class grew, as did Kane’s offerings, and she joined the aquatics department staff. Kane teaches 12 pool classes a week, including HART (Hydro Aquatic Rigorous Training), Ab Blast, Aquasize, and a step class. About the Deep Water Fitness group, Kane said, “They personify the Y’s motto: Love, serve, and care.”

When the Y pool closed for repairs early this year, Turners Falls High School made their pool available to swimmers, which is why calendar photo shoots took place at three locations: both pools, plus the Leyden home of Annie Garvey. “It’s the most welcoming place,” said Garvey, 75, who’s fairly new to the class. “It’s also the funniest! I’m amazed by the friendliness and warmth. And we really work out!”

Pandemic lockdowns hit the group hard. “It was so isolating, but we did our best,” said Greenfield’s Sara Hannon, the Y’s marketing director. “We did some classes by video, but that couldn’t really replace the pool.” She added, “Ours was one of the first regional Ys to offer water programs to address arthritis, joint health, rehab, and chronic disease management.”

Fans of the Y cite obvious and more subtle benefits. Turners Falls resident Havi Stander, 94, had previous experience with water aerobics, so it felt natural to check out the Y when she moved to the area from Connecticut in 2019. Aside from family members, Stander said she “didn’t know a soul in this area,” and that joining the class was a great fit. “(During the pandemic), I read a lot of books, and was glad when we could get together again in person. We even had a purple hair party!” A glance around the room confirmed that, indeed, members had varying amounts of purple hair. Someone commented, “It’s time to do that again; mine’s fading.” Everyone laughed.

Y membership is free for those over 90. Sue Bowman, 90, said, “When I moved to Greenfield in 2001, I knew only two people in town. When I joined this class, I found it to be one of those places that brings together people from different walks of life. It’s so inclusive.”

The tip for this story came from Kate Mason, 74, who moved to Greenfield from Newton in 2017. “It’s smile therapy,” she said. “This is a great gang.” She loves that the 45-minute class runs three times a week.

Bernardston resident Marsha Pratt, 81, first came to the Y during her 20s. A swim instructor herself, the Y provided a source of community when Pratt was a new mom. “I’ve been in this class for 20 years,” she said. “I came for the workout, and I love that aspect, but little did I know how the friendships would evolve.” Pratt said the group meets outside of the pool, too: “We celebrate birthdays and holidays, and go out to eat. It’s wonderful.”

South Deerfield resident Muriel Stundis, 87, calls the Y “the best prescription. For me, water is the best therapy.” The 21-year Y member joined the water fitness class about 15 years ago. Turners Falls resident, Terry Englen, 75, a recent transplant from the Boston area and one of the newest members in the class, said “This is such a different experience from living in the city. I’ve found such heart-warming people, great friendships.”

The calendar is available for $25 at the YMCA, located at 451 Main St. in Greenfield; proceeds go to the Y’s Annual Campaign.

Eveline MacDougall is the author of “Fiery Hope.” To contact: eveline@amandlachorus.org.