Connect. Travel. Serve
Greetings!
Join us for another great
Hoosier-Buell Zoom
Wednesday, April 14, 10 a.m. EST

Program: World Service update with Mary Tikalsky; plans for late summer or fall picnic; fall date for dinner/show at Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, Ind. and more...
Here's how to access Zoom quickly: Visit Google and click on "Zoom meeting login" or sign in on your cell phone and ask “Siri” how to log in on Zoom meeting. Below are listed links for you to join the meeting by your computer or cell phone. You must enter the Meeting ID and Pass code and follow the prompts. Need help? Contact Lou Drexler.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81100171767?pwd=dSs5L3lLUlFKMlJBcXhJQmV6YWMydz09
Meeting ID: 811 0017 1767
Passcode: 985420
One tap mobile:
+13017158592,,81100171767#,,,,*985420# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,81100171767#,,,,*985420# US (Chicago)
Our February Zoom report: Update on YMCAs during pandemic

Our first chapter Zoom provided a very good overview of the pandemic impact on Ys across the country. Paul McIntire, Executive Vice President COO of the YMCA of the USA, gave a thorough status on the many challenges for staff, members and operations in the YMCA.

Paul shared some branch closings; child care and feeding care impact; following CDC guidelines; revenue down 35-40 percent; staffing being reduced with painful restructuring; Y-USA is down 45 percent; physical memberships are down 40-60 percent; live streaming of classes are attractive in communities; foundation contributions have given remarkable help to some Ys; camping programs are being given full go-ahead for this summer.

Three current Y staff directors spoke about their actual experiences with the pandemic impact on their Ys.

Casey Winmer (top photo), of the Cole Family Y in Kendallville, Ind. said schools have been open since last August with good Y activity; small 15 percent loss of membership; some full and part time staff furloughed, but all are back working at the Y again. “Simply amazing dedication and commitment from these Y staff,” she reported.

A small, midsize and metro prospective was shared by Derrick Stewart, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. He spoke about the many school related COVID-19 changes. They have been open since May 2020 using a blended model for activities and have a virtual low cost membership plan. He is optimistic for the future once the pandemic is under control.

Mark Weber, YMCA of Greater Michiana, reflected upon the many changes at the branches in Benton Harbor-St. Joseph, Mich. and the South Bend, Ind. Ys. Membership was down 30 percent but is recovering.

Many thanks to Lou Drexler for planning our Chapter’s first Zoom Meeting.

Click the button below to view the replay via YouTube.
Coming soon...

Our Hoosier-Buell Chapter Membership roster will be sent to you shortly. Don Stetson encourages alumni to review the roster for any corrections and to connect with alumni friends.
Health update...

Roy Gilliom had a bad fall at home last month with a neck vertebrae injury and some tooth damage. He is home eating lots of ice cream and watching TV. Email or call Roy at 260-749-4476.
We need a volunteer liaison to ISC
We need a volunteer to serve as our Chapter Liaison to the International Service Corps. Have you had an international experience that may encourage you to consider a deeper relationship in service as a volunteer via this YMCA Alumni program? Developing YMCAs abroad have many needs your past leadership experience can complement their journey and excite yours.
 
If you have a potential interest in exploring the International Service Corp as our chapter liaison, please email ISC Chair Wayne Uhrig.
Michael Matthews is a fully retired career counselor and teacher. He enjoyed a nice part-time career at Southern Indiana Ys (Jeffersonville and New Albany) and South County, Fla. Ys (Venice and Englewood). Y positions included fitness coach, diabetes prevention program, moving for better balance, evening building supervisor and others. Mike and Kim have grandchildren involved with Y. They returned home to Jeffersonville, Ind. in 2010. Mike has competed at world-class level in Masters Track and Field for 13 years and plans to continue this until age 101 before slowing down a bit.

Rob Habiskt, a George Williams College graduate, was camp director at Camp Hawkeye of the Burlington, Iowa YMCA. He spent many years as a camper and counselor at the South Bend Y Camp Eberhart, South Bend YMCA and became its director. He moved on to Columbus, Ohio YMCA Camp Wilson. Rob returned to his home area of Niles, Mich. as Executive Director of the United Way. He retired last year. Julie and Rob have 3 children and 6 grandsons. He enjoys snow skiing and golf.

Allen Basket, a Ball State University grad, worked at YMCAs in Muncie, Ind; Cincinnati, Ohio; Fort Wayne, Ind., Auglaize & Mercer Counties YMCA over a 41- year career. Allen and Margaret have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. They retired to Rome City, Ind. He enjoys time with his children and grandchildren who all live nearby.

Sue Smith retired from the YMCA of Metro Detroit as Associate Executive. Her mother was Business Manager for the Adrian, Mich. Y. That led to her involvement in the Y Leader’s Club, swim instructor, swim team and later as instructor/life guard.  A graduate from Central Michigan University in 1979, she served in Ys at Cincinnati, Flint, Traverse City, Canton, Dayton, Cleveland, and Lenawee County. Her favorite experience in the Y career was working with teens in the Great Lakes Leader’s Training School. An avid University of Michigan fan, she looks forward to more time with family and friends including Jake, her golden retriever.
Last call for fall 2021
Travel Club cruises. Got vax?
Let's go, but don't delay as limited space remains
Active & Discovery
On The Rhine
Sept. 28-Oct. 5, 2021
Trade Routes
of the Middle Ages
Oct. 4-18, 2021
Hoosier-Buell Chapter Leaders

Co-Presidents: Dan SagerTerry Jones
Vice President: Lou Drexler
Treasurer: Don Stetson

Click on name in blue to send email.

The mission of YMCA Alumni is "to enable members to promote a nurturing worldwide Christian Fellowship that provides educational, social, service and charitable opportunities."
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