If you’ve been to the Bear Levin Studer YMCA, more than likely you’ve met Hilda Jones, along with her faithful companion, Solo.
Members since 1989, the Jones' fitness journey started nearly 20 years prior. Back in Japan, when Hilda became pregnant and when aerobic training started to become popular, Hilda and her husband, Ray, began their fitness journey began. Hilda started running and gradually began increasing her distances. These days you can find Hilda and Solo walking all over downtown Pensacola.
Besides fitness, Hilda is also a fan of the arts – ballet, architecture, and history. Her love of arts and history are some of the many reasons she loves being in downtown Pensacola. Hilda is also a past president for Ballet Pensacola.
More than likely, if you’ve met Hilda … you’ve met Solo.
Solo joined the Jones pack about four years ago. Solo, the great-grand-nephew of Chaucer (who many knew from the old downtown location), was already 3 ½ year old when he joined the Jones’ pack. His birthday is Dec. 7.Solo is quite agile and a great hunter, as one can see when Ms. Rose is around the Welcome Center. He knows where those treats are!