Anna Maria Island Community Center executive director Dawn Stiles resigned Oct. 21, saying she wants to return to friends and family in Maine.
Stiles wrote board chairman Scott Rudacille that she was resigning effective Nov. 15, giving the board about three weeks to find a replacement or interim director.
In her resignation letter, Stiles said she is “leaving to return north to the ones I love: family and friends.” Stiles was hired by the board in late 2012 and while she participated in some meetings in the interim, she started work at the center April 1, 2013
“After all, at the end of the day,” she continued in her letter, “relationships are what truly make life worthwhile. Over the past few very difficult months it has become increasingly clear that living apart from those I love is not the life I want or anticipated.”
She thanked Rudacille and the board for giving her the opportunity to direct the center the past 18 months.
“I believe that the center is well on its way to building a strong financial foundation and know that it has a solid leadership team in place.”
The center was on the verge of closing its doors in June due to financial difficulties. An emergency meeting held June 6 with center members and the public resulted in a campaign to raise funds to continue operating the center.
“It has been a joy getting to know the island community. While there remain many challenges in trying to serve the diverse needs/desires of the residents and visitors it is because of this diversity that the center must exist.
Stiles replaced Pierrette Kelly, who was director for nearly 20 years.
The search to find a replacement for Kelly took the board about six months before Stiles was offered the post.
Rudacille said he was unaware Stiles was leaving until he received her resignation letter.
He had no immediate comment, but said the resignation would be discussed by the board at its Oct. 27 meeting. A statement about Stiles and a search for a replacement would likely be issued by the board following the meeting, he said.
New center member rates, programs announced
The center announced new membership packages and new rates beginning Nov. 1.
A center press release said memberships now include the fitness center. Previously, a fitness center membership was purchased separately.
The center also is offering a stand-alone membership to the dragon-boat team.
For those under 18, the center offers two categories of membership by age, for sports and before-and-after school.
The 12-17 age group will have membership in the fitness center, as well as open gym and social time in their membership packet.
Sports memberships may still be purchased separately, but are also included in youth and family memberships.
Other stand-alone memberships include pickleball and tennis. Pickleball members receive a senior rate for member prices on classes.
A special offer to year-round residents is available that includes all activities all year.
Some classes offered by the center will be $8 for members and $15 for non-members.
Memberships will be offered on a monthly, three-month, six-month and annual basis.
For more information on the new member packets and pricing of individual programs, go online to www.islandcommunitycenter.com or call 941-778-1908.