Chapter members met at the Matunuck Oyster Bar in Rhode Island for lunch in April. Pictured are Harry and Anne Rock, Jim and Marsha Bowman, Martha Machnik, Karen Leslie, Duane German, Gregg Howells, Harold Hemberger, John Coduri and Charlie Myer.

Karen is looking for individuals to co-host neighborhood luncheons with her targeting YMCA Alumni that live within a one hour drive of the restaurant. These luncheons are designed to be informal, fun and a way to connect with colleagues and friends. Are you willing to help? All you need to do is identify a date and location and together, with Karen, send the invitation and help with the follow up. Interested? Just email Karen.

June 2024 View as Webpage

From the President: Karen Leslie

Hello Craig,

Another successful home building trip is in the books so here's a shout out to our chapter members who spent a week in the Dominican Republic- the boots on the ground- to make homes a reality for families in need.

Our thanks and respect to Alan Hurst, Bruce Macdonald, Nancy Bonell, Laurie Garbacz, Sharon Friedman, Stanley Styrczula and Lou Falk. Please read Lou’s article on the trip below. Save May 20-27 for 2025.

I hope that you will make every effort to join us at the 3rd Annual Fall Gathering at Silver Bay. Sept. 16-19. Some old favorites return - a boat ride on Lake George, early morning yoga, pickleball, a hike to Inspiration Point and a closing night campfire. New this year: we have added an extra day to the agenda, an update on the Jerusalem YMCA and the International Service Corps, an optional golf outing and tour of Ft. Ticonderoga and for our artists (and would be artists) a paint and sip event! Registration information can be found below.

Our Annual Holiday Luncheon will be held Friday, Dec. 6 at Springfield College. Much more information to follow this Fall, but please mark the date in your calendar.

My best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy summer. My family is headed for a week-long vacation on Long Beach Island in NJ at the end of the month. I have asked my kids and their families for just one thing- a commitment to get together one week every summer- and I cannot wait. I am also excited to welcome my 6th grandchild in August. Blessings all around and I wish the same to you.

Karen Leslie, President

New England YMCA Alumni

Dominican Republic 2024:

Proud history and new leadership

May 2024 saw the completion of the 13^th year of our chapter’s home building project in the Dominican Republic. During that time chapter members and friends donated more than $184,800 which allowed us to build new homes for 21 families, plus a new bathhouse, in the humble community of Don Gregorio.

This year’s building team on the ground consisted of Alan Hurst, Bruce Macdonald, Nancy Bonell, Laurie Garbacz, Sharon Friedman, Stan Styrczula, and Lou Falk from our chapter, plus Kim Decker from McBurney-Morse chapter and Jim Gaites from the Willis Chapter area. Also assisting for several days was a group of staff and Board members from YMCA Camp Woodstock.

The fundraising team members included Nancy Bonell, Lou Falk, Risa Filkoff, Chuck Goding, Alan Hurst, Bob Hoffman, Bruce Macdonald, Mike Sherman, Stan Styrczula and Joyce Sypher. They raised almost $11,500 to support this project plus an additional $5,075 for the National Service Project on the Lakota Reservation in South Dakota.

A new Leadership Team will complete the transition in 2025 which was begun this year as Lou Falk “retires” as chairman after 13 years. Stan Styrczula is the new “In-country” leader in charge of all phases of the project in the Dominican Republic; Bruce Macdonald is the “Volunteer Recruitment” chair; Nancy Bonell is the “Social Activities” chair; while Lou Falk will serve as "Fundraising Chair."

Our next home building adventure will be in May 2025. All are invited to participate as there are jobs for all abilities. It is a wonderful multi-generational experience. For info, contact any member of the Leadership Team.

CLICK FOR DETAILS, REGISTER

Alan's 'summer vacation'

Val and Alan Hurst have built and are moving into a new home. This may be the only picture without a bunch of boxes. So this is how I am spending my summer vacation (which I could really use about now).

Our 2025 Reunion is your 'winter getaway'

Take a look at this YouTube video of Port Stop in beautiful Costa Maya, Mexico on our YMCA Alumni Reunion Cruise aboard the amazing Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas departing from and returning to Galveston, Texas Jan. 26-Feb. 2, 2025. Will you miss the snow? Click the button below for details and to register.

REUNION DETAILS