From the President... Len Wilson
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Hello Craig,
The 4th of July weekend has come and gone. Families and friends came together and created new memories while celebrating local pride for our communities and country.
The recent presidential debate painfully pointed out the growing local and national divisions. Let’s hope and pray we have reasons to celebrate a year from now after Americans go to the polls in November.
Our chapter continues to have reasons to celebrate as we enter the last half of this calendar year. Our members were treated to an “Extraordinary Experience“ during a recent tour to the Glencairn Museum (photo below).
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We had fun at our luncheon at Ricardo's Restaurant (top photo) and our gathering in the museum's great hall. What a truly magnificent home, now a museum, to be visited. The tour points out the careful planning of building a house that blends history, art, religion, and a comfortable living arrangement for the family and guests.
Our chapter offers several opportunities to connect with old and new YMCA friends throughout the year. This newsletter offers more details about the planned three-chapter gathering in September at Silver Bay. It is a wonderful chance to reconnect with Y friends from the New York and New England areas. The beauty of Lake George, comfortable accommodations, and planned activities make for an unforgettable experience.
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Members are also encouraged to travel to the Jersey Shore Sept. 11. Joyce and I plan to welcome all members again to share a delightful lunch and enjoy the beauty and charm of Strathmere, a small but unique community only two streets wide between the ocean and the bay. It is an excellent opportunity to renew friendships and have a good time. Watch for a future notice and opportunity to sign up for the fun and fellowship.
In this edition of Clippings, I continue to provide useful advice for the various stages of retirement. Please consider sharing any personal experiences or lessons learned during your retirement journey.
The entire chapter board joins me in wishing all our members a safe and joy-filled summer.
| Len Wilson, President, Central Atlantic Chapter, YMCA Alumni | |
Tips for retirees;
An occasional article
by Len Wilson
Some of us who have been around longer remember a dedicated and talented Y consultant. Gene Turner was my mentor and friend, and I was privileged to have him guide me when I replaced him as Philadelphia MRC Director. Gene went on to do a great deal of writing while in retirement.
One of his best works was an entire book on retirement tips and suggestions. It was titled “THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE… a guide to planning your retirement.” Our YMCA Retirement Fund published the book, and I am using it as the basis for providing a wide range of suggestions for retirees at all stages of retirement planning.
Read Len's article by clicking on the button below:
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A 3-Chapter Fall Gathering at beautiful Silver Bay, NY
Join the Central Atlantic, McBurney-Morse and New England YMCA Alumni Chapters September 16-19 at the Silver Bay YMCA Conference Center.
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Glencairn Museum --
'Scale and grandeur do not disappoint'
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The chapter members drove to the nearby Glencairn estate after a delightful and tasty luncheon in a private setting at Ricardo’s Restaurant, which is noted for its Mediterranean food.
The estate and home do not disappoint. The scale and grandeur of what was once a private home is somewhat overwhelming. It was disappointing to learn that since it took nearly ten years to complete, most of the family members had moved on to their own lives. Obviously, some elaborate and memorable events were held there for family occasions and larger gatherings.
The tour lasted 90 minutes and started and ended in the Great Hall, where some of our group stayed for photographs. The entire home artfully displays various exhibits of wood, stone, metal, and stained-glass originals and replicas that are the main feature of the hall. Our group was welcomed by the Director of the Museum, who provided some of his insights prior to the tour.
There are just too many exhibits and far too many rooms to describe, but the ride up to the top of the tower in the tiny but original elevator was unique and set the tone for the magnificent view of the grounds and countryside. The observation level still shows signs of its popularity to family members and guests. The entire tour can be highly recommended to friends and family members.
Members attending included Pete and Frannie Smith, Veronica and Joe Elias, Kurt Kaboth, Cathy and Walt Fromm, Nancy and George Gray, Mel Hill and Robin Waddell, Len and Joyce Wilson, Hank and Lois VanZanten.
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Emergency Assistance Fund
off to great start
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Central Atlantic Chapter alumni and actives, from January 1 to June 30, 2024 have seen 15 donors contribute $2,350 to the Emergency Assistance Fund (EAF). This is an excellent start to our goal of $3,000 for 2024. A chapter alumni member recently received a $2,500 grant to help pay for her emergency medical expenses not covered by insurance that enabled her to obtain additional critical testing due to a rare blood disease that almost cost her life. Remember that a gift to EAF is twice blessed; it blesses the one who gives and the one who receives.
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Our project in partnership with the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires is moving right along. Three of the tiny homes are in various stages of completion. The fourth will be built in September. Three new waves of volunteers are heading to Dupree, SD in early fall.The goal is to complete and dedicate our small village in September 2025. Phase II -- two "twigs" (small Y branches in oulying communities) is currently in arxchitect planning mode.
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Cathy and Walt Fromm recently enjoyed an 11-day Douro river cruise in May with an extension in Porto, Portugal. The tour took them as far north as Salamanca, Spain. This trip filled the senses with beautiful scenery of the many vineyards, architecture, delicious food (Iberian ham is yummy), and plenty of young vino Verdi white wine. The ship was small, with only 107 passengers and 30-plus crew. They were one happy family by the end. Who knows where the Fromms’ next adventure will take them? |  | |
Hank and Lois Van Zanten recently returned for a cruise to Bermuda. They took the whole family with them. Raise your hand if you wish Hank and Lois would adopt you and take you on a cruise.
Speaking of Hank, the Community Y of Eastern Delaware County recently awarded Gabriella Wong its 2024 Hank Van Zanten Scholarship award. When Hank retired in 2002, the Y set up a $1,000 scholarship award for a member who met the established criteria. Hank and Lois decided to match it; this year marks the 22nd year the award has been given out. Congratulations, Hank and Lois, for continuing to support the youth of the community and the YMCA.
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Ken White joined 16 of his friends who all worked as staff at YMCA Camp Fuller by the Sea (Greater Providence YMCA) some 55-plus years ago for a three-day outing on the Chesapeake River. The group stayed at a rented hunting lodge and took daily boat trips, including checking out the recently destroyed Key Bridge in Baltimore. | |
...and more from our members | |
Here's a photo from Mark Elsasser's retirement party in Westfield, NJ. Mark has been CEO at the Westfield, NJ YMCA since 2002. (L-R) Tony Fragale, Mark Elsasser, Larry Wagner, Bob McDowell, all Hatboro YMCA staff from 1981, reunited for the occasion. | |
Bob McDowell volunteered as the Public Address announcer for the 2024 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships that took place in Oaks, PA, and was hosted by the Greater Philadelphia YMCA and the Willow Grove YMCA Twisters. More than 2,000 Y Gymnasts participated during the meet weekend (June 22-24). | |
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Say Hello to New Member, Denise Puglisi
As a recent retiree living in Lewes, Delaware, Denise spends her time with family and friends and as an entrepreneur who markets Aromatherapy Oils and Lavender-themed products at community fairs and festivals throughout the state. The oils have always been an interest and passion of hers, and she has incorporated them into her daily life. (Left photo: Denise working at Y, circa 1980s; Right photo: Denise as a YMCA Alumni member.)
Denise’s career started at the YMCA of Philadelphia, where MRC Director Gene Turner hired her as his secretary. He was one of her most outstanding mentors, opening opportunities for her to attend and participate in any training offered by the MRC.
Her Y career took a new direction when Dick Betts arrived on the scene as the new President of the YMCA, and she spent the next several years as his Executive Secretary. Then, she was offered the Associate Director of Development position when the Y kicked off its Capital Campaign. She also spent over a year with the National YMCA East Field Office when Gene Schaeffer was at the helm.
Denise’s years with the Y opened doors for her to meet and connect with Philadelphia corporate leaders, which led her to accept a position at Betz Laboratories, an international water treatment company. She managed their Corporate Foundation and Giving program and a volunteer program that included individuals from all levels of the organization.
Denise met her husband in a YMCA exercise program in 1976 and they married in 1978.
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YMCA Alumni Reunion-at-Sea:
Set sail with us Jan. 26-Feb. 2, 2025
Our final Port Stop on our YMCA Alumni Reunion-at-Sea and exciting cruise ports in the world. Click the arrow on the video link above for a preview. This incredible port area includes beautiful beaches, terrific shopping and dining, and, if you're up for a full-day adventure, an excursion to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, recently named one of the world's seven wonders. We'll cruise on Royal Caribbean's iconic Harmony of the Seas, departing and returning to Galveston, TX.
Consider flying in early to Houston Hobby Airport, staying with us at the nearby Marriott, and touring the Houston Space Center before we shuttle to Galveston to board our ship. Hit the button below for reunion details and to register. Len and Joyce Wilson and Ken and Chris White will be cruising. Join them for a great cruise and lots of YMCA Alumni connecting.
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Make your travel plans with us... | |
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Adventures at a glance
Jan. 26-Feb. 2: 2025: Alumni Reunion at Sea Cruise
June 17-July 3, 2025: Norway: Land of the Midnight Sun Cruise on Emerald Princess
Sept. 14-24, 2025: Majestic Canadian Rockies motor coach tour
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Visit us on Facebook
YMCA Alumni news is updated several times a week on our Facebook page. Visit often. Just click on the logo.
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