Sent to us, with thanks, by Kohei Yamada.

Hello Craig,

In July 2022, at the 20th World Council, we had the 7th world gathering of WFYR representatives from 25 countries, representing Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America /Caribbean, the Middle East, and North America.

It was really amazing to see many YMCA retirees from all over the world. Every four years, we meet to share the most up-to-date YMCA activities and leadership. For this to be successful, we need to plan ahead and prepare for a meaningful and joyful gathering, Attending the World Council are more than 1000 members from 80 countries. I feel we are an important part of such a global movement.

I recognize that many young people play the major parts of the World Council, but many or all appreciate the attendees from WFYR who share in the important discussion and decision-making process of the World Council. The next World Council and our WFYR conference will be held July 18 to 24, 2026, in Toronto, Canada, just two years from now.

In June 2024, we invited Carlos Sanvee, Secretary General of the World YMCA, to share his views and expectations with the WFYR. We started preparing for the next global meeting. We also need to fundraise and plan programs for both the World Council and the WFYR General Conference. We also need to appoint new leadership for the next four years of WFYR, 2026-2030. We hope to have a productive gathering and also a feeling of being in touch with the global YMCA community.

The YMCA movement in our rapidly changing world has started a global approach to various issues that affect many people, especially young people. Many young leaders of YMCAs will gather at the World Council to discuss and decide how globally and regionally we could make changes. As YMCA members and Y retirees, we would like to be the new and strong change-makers in many parts of the world. Let us experience the ideas and enthusiasm of people in the world movements together.

Kohei Yamada

WFYR Chair, 2022-2026

This edition of Bridges is packed with exciting news of WFYR activities around the world. The excellent newsletters coming out of the UK, Canada, South and Central America, the U.S., India and Germany provide a wealth of information on WFYR and national YMCA activities.

Numerous individuals continue to provide reports of the activities of Y retirees, and their support is much appreciated. Bridges would not be possible without input from around the world.

This issue highlights articles written by some very dear and important friends of WFYR over the years. In some cases, readers are urged to open the corresponding tabs to appreciate the messages fully.

Learn more about Mary Tikalsky, Director of World Service for the YMCA of the USA and WFYR. For more than 30 years, she has kept strong connections with WFYR leadership, and most recently, she and her staff were angels of mercy, dispensing aid to the many WFYR members who contracted COVID at the last World Council sessions in Denmark.

You will also have an opportunity to learn what past WFYR President Don Anderson has been accomplishing for local YMCAs in the Philippines. Don seems to get more active as he ages, constantly traveling and linking Rotary and YMCA local activities.

Another longtime friend and leader of WFYR, Jerry Prado Shaw, has written an insightful article for retirees in South and Central America that commemorates the 180th anniversary of the founding of the YMCA. (See below "The World".)

Good friend Guenter Ozdyk keeps us aware of the activities of a kindred group of retirees in Germany who meet regularly and prioritize improving their linkage with the Christian tenets in our heritages.

Bridges welcomes reports of local WFYR events and will celebrate YMCA heroes, many of whom are still active among us. We continue to receive interesting and humorous clippings and enjoy sharing some of them. Our next edition will highlight activities occurring through October. A special holiday edition will be published in mid-December. Plan to contribute your best wishes for the Christmas season and blessings for 2025.

Pictured at a gathering of Latin America friends at Jerry and Martha Prado Shaw's Florida home are Martha and Jerry, Jorge González, Heli Rojas, Gladys Rojas, Cristina von Lindenerg, Libby Vargas, Omaira Romero and Herman Romero.

The Brazilian Noe´s Ark (Arca de Noe) brings news from most of the Latin America countries. We participate every month in Zoom meetings and share news with Luiz Gonzaga, the Ark's editor, who is a journalist himself and produces the magazine.

Our colleagues around the continent don´t organize many local activities. It is mostly frequent writing, using "WhatsApp" and telephone calls for now.

The most important Latin American venue will be AGAPE in September 2025 in Cali, Colombia. We expect over 60 participants from every Latin American country, and as we did in Argentina in 2023. A very good time is assured with friendship, challenging issues to be discussed, beautiful views, warm weather and music!

Cali is the center of Salsa dance! Learning the basic steps is a must if you go to Cali. We are already working hard on fundraising, program planning and invitations. We are also thinking about the 2026 World Council in Toronto.

We are pleased to take this opportunity to extend a fraternal greeting and express our closeness through Bridges to so many retired colleagues from YMCAs around the world. They are examples of life, commitment, and generosity to the Y's mission and contribute to a better, more dignified, fair, and humane world.

The Regional Executive Committee of WFYR for Latin America and the Caribbean decided, among several proposals, to host the Ágape 2025 in the city of Cali, Colombia, Sept. 17-20, 2025. This decision that honors Colombia and the YMCA movement with its visit and prepares JUBILOSOS to welcome them as hosts with all our affection to make Ágape 2025 a memorable experience. We will be promoting spaces for meetings, fraternity, and solidarity among retired colleagues and friends from YMCAs of Latin America and the Caribbean.

That's Mary with Oscar Ordens, the late Pres and Dee Johnson, Len Wilson and Jonaton Seldner.

Mary Tikalsky is Director of YMCA World Service in the International Group of the YMCA of the USA and is based in Chicago, IL. Here is her story:

I was called to join the YMCA part-time in 1990 and full-time in 1994. I have enjoyed several YMCA volunteer and staff roles in the USA and Germany over the years. The role I am most passionate about is YMCA of the USA - World Service, where, since 2002, it has been my honor to help advance meaningful engagement and build fellowship and global understanding between YMCA leaders in the USA with YMCA leaders worldwide. 

I also have the privilege of sharing the YMCA's impact in helping raise financial and technical support through the YMCA World Service Annual Campaign and the YMCA Global Planned Giving Program to strengthen the powerful work of YMCAs around the world. My responsibilities include helping to raise support for Secours Speciaux through U.S. YMCA Alumni.

I also played an administrative role in the initial phase of the World Brotherhood Fund for Global Retirement Initiatives. YMCA of the USA partners with the World YMCA and the YMCA Area Alliances to strengthen and support Vision 2030 and the collective global impact of the YMCA. These initiatives all have meaning to me, both personally and professionally.

My most important mentor in the mission of the YMCA around the world was and remains Jerry Prado-Shaw. He has taught me through his example and global servant leadership. 

Jerry introduced me to more mentors, including John O’Melia, Rosemarie Miller, Adrian Moody, Pres and Dee Johnson, Stew Brown, Len and Joyce Wilson, Don Anderson, Norris Lineweaver, Phil and Debby Dwyer, Evan Page, Bonnie Mairs, Albrecht Kaul, and many more. He introduced me to our area's YMCA’s Service Club, which I joined. He introduced me to the YMCA Alumni Chapter in our area, which I joined. 

I remember Jerry sharing with me a YMCA program called “Roots and Wings”, where YMCA mentors met with young professionals in the YMCA to share knowledge and experience. I feel that between YMCA of the USA, WFYR, and YMCA Alumni, I have been abundantly blessed with a “Roots and Wings” experience over my entire career. 

It has guided and strengthened me beyond measure and allowed me to learn from YMCA servant leaders across the world who truly take John 17:21 to heart, “that they may all be one.”  I look forward to one day helping build and maintain fellowship among YMCA retirees worldwide and helping to continue the “Roots and Wings” connections as an avenue for retirees to share their knowledge, commitment, and experience to benefit the YMCA and humanity.  

For 28 years, past WFYR Chairman Don Anderson and Philippine Fellowship of Retirees Chairman Cris Caparoso (top left photo) collaborated to conduct annual humanitarian projects in poor rural Philippine villages. For 16 of those 28 years, they did so as YMCA retirees. 

Over the years, participants have totaled more than 600 from Honolulu, 350 from the Philippines, and 250 from Japan, with a total investment of $1,700,000 USD. 

The “Hands-on” projects have provided classrooms and medical facilities, youth shelters, training centers, and housing for disaster victims in under-served communities. The projects also provided life-changing experiences for the hundreds of young adult participants.

These developmental experiences inspired Don and Cris to continue raising funds and organizing and leading these projects. As we say in WFYR, “They were retired but not tired.”

No projects were conducted in the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022. During the pandemic period, the great YMCA leader, Cris Caparoso, passed away. This was a huge loss. Don and Cris had worked together since 1967, when Don was stationed in the Philippines as a USAF Captain. A new Filipino partner was needed if the projects were to continue.

Fortunately, Christopher Cudera, Cris's right-hand man for the projects, has been named Cris’s successor as Cebu YMCA Executive. Christopher has done a great job in location-worthy projects and coordinating with Don for a project on Cebu Island in 2023 and Palawan Island in 2024.

In March 2024, 37 Honolulu Rotarians and YMCA members traveled to Palawan to Join 13 Cebu participants. Together, they built three new classrooms in an overcrowded school in Puerto Princesa.

As YMCA retirees, we can still make a huge difference in today's world by collaborating and helping young people discover how they can impact the lives of others. There were 25 college-age participants in Puerto Princesa, and each had a new sense of their ability to be a change agent for a better world. It is not about doing things to people or for people. It is about doing things with people; as YMCA retirees, we know how to do that.

Andres Forunato, National General Director of the YMCA of the Dominican Republic, and Kim Decker from YMCA Alumni, present the keys to another new home at the YMCA Village in Don Gregorio. The New England Chapter of YMCA Alumni volunteers have been building homes for local families in the DR for more than a decade.

We recently celebrated the Fourth of July in the USA. Reflecting on the national holiday celebrating our independence, I have some memories and thoughts about our flag and freedom.

As a first grader at St. Matthews School, I remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance each morning with my class and our teacher, asking us to turn and face the flag. I didn’t understand the meaning of those words, especially indivisible. However, because I said, ‘under God.’ I felt this pledge was very important.

As a youth, I learned from my teachers the historical narratives of our country's founding and the challenges and battles to keep our democracy.

Harry Rock posts news about the National Service Project each Wednesday. He posted that National Service Project Construction Management Chair George Painter said, “Amazing progress was made by the two volunteer work weeks in May in getting the third tiny home erected with continuing work on the first two homes that are nearing completion." Three more “waves” of volunteer workers return in September.

The final day at the New England YMCA Alumni Chapter's Homebuilding project in the Dominican Republic in May included putting finishing touches to the exterior. The "drum roll" moment was when the grateful family received the key to their new home presented by Andres Fortunato, National General Director of the Dominican Republic YMCA (ACJ) and McBurney-Morse chapter member Kim Decker.

India Fellowship of YMCA Retirees Executive Committee and Board of Trustees meeting was held on June 20 and was hosted by the Ernakulam YMCA.

The Executive Committee meeting of the India Fellowship of YMCA Retirees and the Board of Trustees of the Benevolent Trust was arranged on 20 June 2024, hosted by the Ernakulam YMCA. Those who were unable to attend the meetings in person joined the gathering remotely via videoconferencing, and thus, it became hybrid meetings. M/s. Stanley C. Karkada, President of India Fellowship of YMCA Retirees, and T. Thomas, Chair of India YMCA Retirees Benevolent Trust, presided over the respective meetings and guided the deliberations of the committees. 

The meetings appraised the work performance of both organizations at an annual level. It was observed that the year passed by was indeed gratifying for the continuance of the interest of the fellowship, and we were effectually functioning during the period by catering to every aspect of the organizational mandate.

Additionally, the members' spouses were promptly added to the IFYR general WhatsApp group as proposed by the Annual Conference 2023 to encourage added communication and fellowship among its members. As usual, the management of the WhatsApp group has been efficiently coordinated for strengthening fellowship through sharing of health info, devotional notes, important YMCA and AOS news, felicitating on birthdays and anniversaries, and, thus, maintaining long-term and genuine fellowship among the members.

Substantial progress has also been made in developing the India YMCA Retirees Jubilee Benevolent Trust Capital funds and necessary administrative protocols to assist our members and spouses in financial difficulties. It is gratifying to note that the Target for the financial period as of 31st March 2024 was achieved well in time. As of year-end, we could raise an amount to the tune of Rs. 25 53,001/- (approx. USD 30500) towards the capital Fund, of which an amount of Rs. 20 lakhs have been already deposited in the Bank as capital Fixed Deposit.

We thank all the YMCAs, sponsors, and supporters for their kind cooperation in the fundraising campaign. It is also gratifying to note that financial assistance was given to two of our members from the Trust Funds during the past year. As per the fundraising campaign, we have to raise another 25 lakhs of Indian rupees as capital funds for the years 2024 and 2025.

It was also resolved to hold the 27th Annual Conference of India Fellowship of YMCA Retirees from September 19 to 21, 2024, at the YMCA Camp Centre in Aluva, Kerala State.

The National Council of YMCAs of India has kindly agreed to host this year’s conference through its Aluva Project and the YMCA South West India Region. The theme of the assembly will be “YMCA 180 Years—Joining the Celebration of the Great Legacy of the YMCA Movement.” We expect about 60 people to attend the meeting.

Attending the Y's Retired of the UK lunch in Girton, England were (L-R, front row) — Sue Winter, Mary Hills, Norman Wallis; (Middle row) Thelma Kerridge, Ann Ingamells, Cella Wojcik, Val Wallis; Back row Vic Hills, Paul Kerridge, Ron Ingamells, Andy Winter, Stan Wojcik and Graham Clarke.

Look back 180 years! As George Williams and friends crossed Blackfriars Bridge, they were concerned about young people's welfare and working conditions.They were concerned about the spiritual well-being of those working at what we would consider below the minimum wage.

That was their landscape which they set about trying to change as they formulated their plans for what would become the YMCA.The impact of their work was not so much changing the overall landscape.

It meant changing the personal landscape of thousands of young men’s lives who became more educated through the Exeter Hall Lectures and Reading Rooms, found answers to life’s deep questions through Bible Study Groups, grew fitter through YMCA Gyms and were given a firm safe start through YMCA accommodation.This was not just in London but across Britain and the rest of the world.

The overall landscape today has many different aspects, but the basic

human need to grow and develop in body, mind and spirit has not

changed.Thousands of young people still need opportunities similar to those provided by the YMCA 180 years ago.They need to be encouraged to grow in body, mind, and spirit no matter what the generation.

Looking back over life in the YMCA, it soon becomes apparent that we too

as staff and volunteers, have also had our landscapes changed through our work and contacts. Who among us as ‘’Y’s retired” cannot say that we

have not been challenged and have not grown in body, mind, and spirit

because of our opportunities, experiences, and involvement in the

movement? This may still be continuing for some of us! If you have particular stories to tell, please let us have them to share with others and the wider movement.

So, as we celebrate the YMCA’s 180th Anniversary this year, may we

celebrate the landscape changes it has made in the lives of so many and

continues so to do.

We told you about Bertha, the UK Tea Cart, in a recent issue of Bridges. We have recently become aware of a second YMCA Tea Cart. The Austen ‘Tilly’ is owned by Tim and Linda De Bues, who live on the Isle of Wight and are members of Vectis 40s Vintage, a re-enactment group and have been fitting it out it with china mugs, catering teapot, wooden baker’s trays for currant buns, washstand and basin and reproduction cigarettes, matches and wartime chocolate bars. Tim and Linda would like to know about Tea Cart Staff and Volunteers' uniforms. Let us know if you can help!

(Above photos are of Tilly in action at Amberley Museum Home Front Weekend.)

Tielines is the official newsletter of the Canadian YMCA Alumni, and a tab is provided below so our readers can fully appreciate its value to YMCA Alumni in Canada and readers in other parts of the world. Bridges appreciates the opportunity to be part of its circulation.

The current edition gives an overview of the YMCA of Canada’s Fellowship of Honour 2024, which recognizes and pays tribute to the most outstanding contributors to the YMCA. Since 1981 over 100 exceptional staff and volunteers have been recognized.

Congratulations to Janet Giles, President of the Canadian YMCA Alumni, and their lifelong commitment to the YMCA and community makes her an ideal recipient of this prestigious award.

Alumni in Canada and readers of Tielines will miss the wit and writing skills of Harold (Hal) Studholme, who recently passed at the age of 85. He was able to recreate many magical moments in his Y career and had a special way of connecting the meaning of his YMCA mantra, “People, Service and Comradeship,” in his many articles and poems.

Hal left his Y and camp gang a final message for their treasured friendship.

ADIEU

So it has come to this at last.

The journey I take on my own,

To light and a new life;

I hold that firm belief.

So, I leave you these ancient words,

The watchwords of my quest:

This is what gods asks of you:

“To love tenderly, To act justly

And to walk humbly with your God.” (Michah 6:8)

Click HERE to read Tielines latest edition

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BRIDGES is published with the support of YMCA Alumni of the USA. Editors: Len and Joyce Wilson. Mailing lists by Ken White. Production by Craig Altschul + Associates, Tucson, Arizona, USA