LEN WILSON
FROM THE PRESIDENT
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Hello Craig,
Let’s grow and go places with our
Y-retired friends in 2025.
Another year and perhaps more resolutions were made and hoped to be accomplished. I’ve already broken one. It is impossible to cut out some of the good things in life completely. But with careful attention and planning, it is possible to see progress.
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Let’s make real gains in membership, retention, and attendance at chapter functions in the coming year. This chapter is fortunate to have an excellent cadre of officers seeking ways to serve our members with outings, learnings, support of some very worthwhile charities related to the YMCA, and engagement in a local, hopefully, Y-related, service project. The board welcomes your input and suggestions.
If you could not make the Christmas luncheon, you missed a festive and fun- filled event. We raised $3,205 for our designated Y programs. You will be receiving a report on the chapter’s total giving in 2024 as soon as we receive reports from our national board.
Joyce and I are looking forward to being part of the YMCA Alumni Reunion Cruise later this month with some Y friends and meeting new retirees. The Whites and the Wilsons plan to enjoy a special “Captain’s Table” evening aboard the cruise.
We lost some dear friends this year, and we want to hold tightly to their loved ones. As our chapter members age and are unable to attend functions, we want to ensure that they are remembered and encouraged to join us by providing ride-sharing options.
Prayers and best wishes for good health and friendships in the coming year.
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A MERRY CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
DELICIOUS FOOD, GOOD FUN AT THE INN
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Some 28 chapter members celebrated the holidays Dec. 5 at our Annual Christmas Luncheon at the William Penn Inn in Gwynedd PA. Along with the delicious food and good company, we held a live auction to benefit World Service, ISC, and EAF. Len Wilson was our auctioneer, backed up by Cathy Fromm and Carl Zvanut, auction runners. We had great gifts, and bidding was hot and heavy on a few items. Ultimately, we raised $3,205: World Service: $1,527, EAF: $876, ISC: $802. Well done, everyone. | |
Christmas at the Inn: Top L-R: Chris and Ken White; auction with Len Wilson and Carl Zvanut; Joyce and Len Wilson. Second row L-R: Deb Zvanut, Jude Gallaher and Wendy Fox (taken at another holiday event); Veronica Elias; Al Tursi and Joe Elias; Bob and Karen McDowell; Bottom L-R: Inn's Christmas tree; Betty and John Eikrem and Dave Stephenson, John and Alane McCahey. | |
Of Christmas past...
The year was Christmas 2012 when this timeless photo was taken of Cathy Fromm and Santa Claus, the late Maurice Hight.
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OFFICERS ELECTED for '25-'27 | |
We held our election of officers for the 2025-2027 term. Len Wilson continues as President; Bob McDowell - Vice President; Cathy Fromm – Vice-President of Membership; Ken White – Treasurer; Veronica Elias – Secretary and Jude Gallaher - Clippings Editor. The position of Vice-President of Programs is vacant. Interested? email Len Wilson. | |
REPORT FROM TIJUANA, MEXICO
DEB ZVANUT ON ISC VISIT
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Our own Debbi Zvanut was a member of the YMCA Alumni International Service Corps (ISC) group that went to Mexico in late October to study the Casa de Menores Migrantes that provides service to migrant children whose parents are already in the U.S.
One of Deb’s passions is to be involved in YMCA programs and opportunities that foster peace and understanding. She raised $1,000 with help from friends and our YMCA Alumni chapter. The group took 8 teens (4 boys and 4 girls ) shopping at Walmart. The children were able to buy clothing, pajamas, jackets, shoes, a game, toy or recreational item, snacks and personal items.
The group members played picture Halloween bingo with the teens, and the group laughed a lot while trying to communicate in several languages! One teen, Jessica, played basketball with one of our retirees. His skills came back, and they had a great time playing.
The team also toured the three program centers: the migrant center, a preschool, and a recreation center with a pool, weight room, basketball court, and fitness room. The group spent time painting and improving the Community Center and the gym. The Tijuana YMCA does not have maintenance staff, so the ISC group pitched in to help.
They also met with YMCA Mexico CEO Dr. Oscar Velasco, San Diego YMCA CEO Todd Tibbetts, Casa YMCA Director Valeria Ruiz Griego, and two YMCA board members.They shared past accomplishments and dreams for the future and discussed how to build a future relationship with ISC.
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CHAPTER RAISES $5,000
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND
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With several very generous gifts from YMCA Alumni Central Atlantic Chapter members, more than $5,000 was donated to the Emergency Assistance Fund in 2024. This blew by Committee Chair Hank Van Zanten’s goal of $3,000. The total includes $876, a portion of auction money raised at our Chapter's Holiday party in December.
Our collective support via donations made a real difference in the lives of our Y colleagues facing a financial crisis due to several natural disasters.
As Hebrews 16:16 states, "Do not neglect to do good, and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." In other words, a gift to EAF is twice blessed. It blesses both you and those it helps. Happy New Year, and may all our chapter members consider EAF in their 2025 contributions.
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WENDY FOX
UP TO HER EARS IN FLOWERS
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Wendy Fox recently had the honor of Chairing a District I, Federated Garden Clubs of PA, Flower Show. The show had a Horticulture section as well as a Design section. Approximately 300 entries were displayed over the Oct. 4-6 weekend. Wendy reported that the staff at Longwood were great to work with and helpful with staging the show and entering all the exhibits.
District 1 Garden Clubs are fortunate to be able to hold their show every two years at such a magnificent venue. The show was recognized for the creative staging of the exhibits and, indeed, Longwood Gardens helped them execute their plans.
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WHERE IN THE WORLD?
IN AUSTRIA, UPSTATE NY AND FLORIDA
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ROY AND BARBARA TAYLOR have a really long Bucket List. Basically, they want to see the world. On their latest trip, they spent some time in Switzerland and Austria. It’s hard to keep up with those two! Where to next?
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KEN AND CHRIS WHITE visited the Finger Lakes, New York, with friends for a wine-tasting event called Deck the Halls. They traveled to 15 wineries over three days and had a tasting at each. As part of the program, Ken and Chris got an ornament from each winery to put on a grape vine wreath they built when they got home. While the Finger Lakes are not Napa Valley (what is), there are some remarkable wineries and wines. Needless to say, Ken, the enophile, had a great time, and so did Chris. | |
RICH CURL, MARK ELASASSER, BOB MCDOWELL and TONY FRAGALE got together for some golf in Florida over several days back in late October. They enjoyed spending five fun days together catching up and reminiscing about their days in the Philly YMCA (initially Abington & Hatboro) when their youthful selves thought they knew everything about running a Y. | |
WE REMEMBER
MEL HILL AND JERRY LAWTON
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MEL
Our friend and colleague, Mel Hill, passed away on December 18, 2024. Mel was the loving husband of Robin Waddell, father of Matthew Hill and Marcie Pullano, stepfather of Robert (Jillian) Luessen, and grandfather of Francesca Luessen.
Mel was born in Leechburg, PA, and graduated from Leechburg High School. He then continued to Penn State University, where he graduated with a BS in Health & Physical Education. He began his working career as a Physical Education teacher, he then went to the YMCA where he spent the rest of his working life.
Mel started as a Program Director and later as the President/CEO of the YMCA of Camden County. He ended his career with the YMCA as the Executive Director/CEO of the Trenton, New Jersey branch. Mel also served as the YMCA’s President of the New Jersey State Alliance, the New Jersey Public Policy Committee, the Association of Professional Directors, and the Camden County United Way Council of Executives.
Mel loved all sports and followed the Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers. He was an avid golfer, and after retiring, he played all year round regardless of weather. He enjoyed Bocce, Horseshoes, and freshwater fishing. He will be missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet Melvin's family on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11-11:45 a.m. at Kain-Murphy Funeral Services, 15 West End Ave. Haddonfield, NJ, where his Words of Remembrance will begin at noon. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Mel's name may be made to the YMCA.
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JERRY
Our oldest chapter member, Jerry Lawton, who was active with our chapter most of his retired life until he moved to Rochester, NY, turned 100 on Wednesday, November 13. Unfortunately, Jerry passed away peacefully December 27, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Ruth Pollard Lawton. He is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Jerry was born in Morristown, NJ to the late Harold and Lillian Lawton. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII. He was an Executive Director at various YMCAs in the New Jersey and New York area. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.
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2025-2026 ADVENTURES
YMCA ALUMNI TRAVEL CLUB
Four YMCA Alumni Travel Clubs have SOLD OUT since September. Don't delay.
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June 17-July 3, 2025:
Norway: Land of the Midnight Sun Cruise on Emerald Princess
Oct. 8-18, 2025:
NEW: Ancient Aegean Treasures cruise on Viking (Venice to Istanbul)
June 5-12, 2026:
Alaska: The Last Frontier cruise on Celebrity Edge
Photos: Norway, Crete, Alaska
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