Three years later, this YMCA water aerobics class has tripled and become its own community

HANOVER ? A few weeks ago, I caught a TV profile of the American singer, songwriter and actress Pink.

"She reminds me of Annie Donovan," I thought. They had the same big, happy smile. A directness and energetic presence. Joy in life.

I met Annie Donovan three years ago when she introduced her early-morning aqua exercise classes at the Emilson Branch of the South Shore YMCA.

In her early 50s, she had become a certified fitness aqua instructor and was trying this out as a second career. Annie definitely had a presence. Her first class had six to 10 women and her strong voice carried across one side of the Y's large lap pool.

One way to make getting up at 7 a.m. more fun

"Would you like to join my class?" she would ask swimmers finishing up their laps. Over several months, women of different ages, most over 50, gave it a try, convincing themselves to get up earlier than they would otherwise. Some who struggled with chronic pain found they were feeling better just to be there and be encouraged.

Three years later, Donovan's 7 a.m. water aerobics class has grown to 24 people or more, on average.

It has also been transformed into a community resource, an informal support group, so much more than exercise.

Sharing recipes and life advice in sync with the beat

The members send cards when someone is sick, check up if a member doesn't show up for a while and share recipes, life advice and water aerobics wisdom.

Before and after class, or on social outings, they may proudly talk about their grandchildren or different experiences their families are going through. They share stories, successes, hopes for the future.

When they decided to have a holiday get-together last year, they brought food donations for the Germantown food pantry.

As this summer approached, Donovan suggested they have lunch together to celebrate Flag Day, and some two dozen women showed up at Tolson's Tap and Tavern in Pembroke.

On another occasion, a small group saw a play together at Laura's Center for the Arts.

"I am so blessed to have this community we have at the YMCA,"  Donovan posted afterward.

"I've never done anything like this class before," Anne Manna, of Pembroke, a retired teacher, said as she left for a cross-country summer trip. "I love it."

Some of the women in the class have survived different types of cancer or deal with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic conditions. They are inspired by Donovan in another way as well.

After 10 years of being cancer-free, a shock

In 2023, Donovan was diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer and had to step aside for six months to undergo grueling treatments. She returned with a clean bill of health.

"I am cancer-free and back on my journey to the better me," she said. "I had the fight of my life getting through treatment. Some days it was almost impossible to get up and face the day."

She sustained her hope with the love and support of her family and friends. She also realized "the YMCA community was a place I wanted to get back to. ... You don't realize how much the YMCA community gives to you until you are away from it."

Donovan, 58, grew up in Foxboro, lives in Kingston with her husband, has two daughters and a son, and works full time as practice manager at South Shore Animal Services in Hanover.

Nearly 90, she's up and ready to make a splash most days

When she is standing on the pool deck, looking out at the happy, expectant faces in the water, she finds her own strength.

"I am truly impressed by the fact that the women in my class get up and get out and put a bathing suit on at that time of the morning," she said. "They are truly an inspiration. I'm in awe that there is a nearly 90-year-old human waking up and coming into my class."

Donovan is one of many exercise instructors at the South Shore Y. She teaches her hourlong class three days a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7 a.m. For more information, visit the website or call 781-829-8585.

Hats off as Gladys Laughland turns 106 in Kingston

Gladys Laughland celebrated her 106th birthday recently at Wingate at Silver Lake in Kingston, where she lives happily in assisted living. Gladys is an Air Force veteran and holds the town's Boston Post Cane for being the oldest resident of Kingston.

Her daughter Linda Ryan reports Gladys continues to enjoy her life, especially activities with a military theme and musical entertainment. Congratulations to Gladys, a proud World War II veteran.

Kingston is also the home of Margaret Spalluzzi, 101, who has been honored for her work as a welder at the Hingham Shipyard from 1942 to 1945.

UPDATE: "Our spitfire passed peacefully in her sleep on the best fitting day, July 4, 2024," her daughter Linda Ryan reported on July 10.

Showing off their Fringe fashions at Alliance at Marina Bay

Residents of Alliance Health at Marina Bay, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Quincy, had a grand time June 27 putting on a fashion show, with the clothing loaned out by Fringe Boutique in Dorchester.

Ericka Troup, the activity director, came up with the idea when she saw a story about a similar event. She said "we had a big crowd" of staff, other residents and families cheering on the fashionistas.

Reach Sue Scheible at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Water exercise at Emilson S. Shore Y builds new community connection