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Welcome to summer! I hope your season is off to a great start.
We had a tremendous turnout at our Spring Gathering in College Station. A special thank you to Pam Powers for coordinating and organizing the event.
Our next Gathering will be this fall, October 20-22. We will be sending out a “Save the Date” announcement soon, so watch for more details.
As we move through our summer schedules of travel, family events, and—something many of us are becoming quite familiar with—doctor visits, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the summers of our youth. Bare feet, long days, and endless opportunities to find fun and adventure filled those seasons. Summer was a time to slow down, enjoy life, and create memories. Those memories remind us to appreciate the journeys we have taken and the experiences that have shaped us.
I recently attended the National YMCA Alumni President’s Training, known as “48 Hours.” The program offered a full schedule focused on the many ways YMCA Alumni serves both local communities and the broader global YMCA movement. We learned more about initiatives such as the World Brotherhood of YMCA Retirees and the International Service Corps (ISC), both of which highlight the worldwide reach and impact of YMCA Alumni. Their work reflects the same spirit of service and outreach that defined many of our YMCA careers.
While I knew a few of the attendees, I also had the opportunity to meet many new people. Several had connections with friends and colleagues I have known throughout the years. What stood out most, however, was the fellowship we shared and our common commitment to doing good in our communities. It was a wonderful reminder of why YMCA Alumni gatherings are so valuable—they help rekindle the spark of service, friendship, and purpose that we all possess.
| | One of the major emphases of YMCA Alumni at the national level is supporting the future of our organization. In addition to membership dues, annual contributions are essential to sustaining our programs and expanding our impact. I encourage you to learn more by clicking the button below to Jean Carmichael’s video and considering how you can help support the continued success of YMCA Alumni. | | Thank you for your ongoing involvement and support. Enjoy your summer, stay connected, and we look forward to seeing you in October! | | Jim Heiman, President Sam Schreiner Chapter, YMCA Alumni | | |
SPRINGTIME AT COLLEGE STATION
'A TREMENDOUS TURNOUT'
| | Photos: Left -- Kathleen and Durwood Owen; Top: Sue Murchison and Elizabeth Seth, Pam Power and Jim Heiman. Bottom: Craig Schaefer, Debra Phillips, Karen Anderson and Kim Phillips at Bush Library. | | |
Our semi-annual gathering began on Tuesday with hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the Drury Hotel lobby, followed by dinner provided by the hotel. After dinner, we met in the meeting room for our business meeting. Pam Power called the meeting to order, inducted the new officers, and turned the meeting over to our new president, Jim Heiman.
We reviewed membership, finances, bylaw changes, the national service project, and the International Service Corps, then discussed possible locations for our fall meeting. We also held the Belt Buckle and silent auction, followed by a celebration with Blue Bell ice cream. We had hoped to play games afterward, but everyone was tired and ready to call it a night.
The next day began with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a group self-guided tour of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library. I had visited the library before, but a new exhibit on presidential trains and helicopters had been added. We were also invited to walk to the park where President and Mrs. Bush are buried.
It was a very pleasant morning, followed by a box lunch in the library garden area. After lunch, attendees split into groups: some played golf, others visited Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, and others toured The Gardens at Texas A&M. The weather was perfect for outdoor activities. Later, we gathered for dinner at Fish Daddy’s Restaurant and enjoyed time visiting together.
On Thursday morning, after breakfast and a brief tour of The Gardens at Texas A&M for some attendees, we said our goodbyes. I think we would all agree that it was a successful YMCA Alumni gathering filled with fun and fellowship.
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IN MEMORIAM
KATHIE DIEHR, BILL ELLISOR
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We offer our sincerest sympathies to the families and loved ones of two Sam Schreiner Chapter members.
Kathie W. Diehr, passed on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Heritage Place Assisted Living in Burleson, Texas. She is survived by her husband of sixty years, David B Diehr; son, Erik W Diehr, and daughter-in-law Sherry Diehr of Arlington, Texas; sister Linda (Mrs. Frank) Bonza of Beavercreek, Ohio; nieces and nephews; step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
In retirement, Kathie conducted Kathie's Fitness Classes in several locations in Whitney for 25 years from 2001 through May 2025.
Wilburn Lee Ellisor, affectionately known as Bill, passed away on January 30, 2026 at the age of 93. Through the YMCA, Bill built lifelong friendships and supported generations of families, proudly living out its mission of service and community. After retiring from the YMCA, Bill became a real estate broker. Real estate and investing were continued interests for his remaining years.
Bill will receive a military burial at Fort Logan National Veterans Cemetery, Denver, CO.
| | Thom Parker reports the Sam Schreiner Chapter has a bank balance of $5,940.82 as of June 1, 2026. Our expenses for this quarter included payments to World Service/National Service Project and International Service Corps of $1,410.00, as well as expenses for the Spring Gathering. | | |
Jeffrey and Laura Allen, Bartlesville, OK
David and Valerie Johnson, Lago Vista, TX
Cheryl and Otis McCarver, Grand Prairie, TX
Dave and Lisa Powell, Johnson City, TX
Jeri Strange, Plainview, TX
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OCTOBER 20-22
FALL FUN, FELLOWSHIP IN ARLINGTON
| | Our Fall Gathering in Arlington includes a visit to the Medal of Honor Museum (left), honoring the lives and legacies of ordinary Americans who took extraordinary action in the service of others, and to Illumia, a Vegas-style light show in nearby Grand Prairie with water displays more than 60 feet high. | | |
Make your plans now to join us in Arlington, Texas, for a great gathering. We are staying at the new Drury Inn in Arlington and have some great activities planned during our gathering. Click the buttons berlow.
Book your hotel room:
Drury Plaza Hotel Dallas/Arlington
101 West Road to Six Flags Street, Arlington, TX
(972) 231-8888
Room Cost: $153 per night (plus taxes and hotel fees), including hot breakfast, dinner-time snacks and beverages at the hotel’s ‘Kickback.’
Registration: $50 individual, $80 per couple, including admission to the Medal of Honor Museum, lunch, and meeting expenses.
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NATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE 'TWIG'
BY PAM POWER
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The final piece of our YMCA Alumni National Service Project, known as “the Twig,” is a small YMCA branch. As a YMCA Alumni member, I am proud to share our accomplishments with friends and family, including the Morningstar Village at the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires in Dupree, South Dakota.
When I mention the Twig, people smile and become excited about what our group has achieved together. Being part of this project, which focuses on housing and YMCA programs in an area with significant needs, brings me great joy and satisfaction.
Gary Graham and Lee Muckey are organizing volunteer efforts to assist with the construction of the Twig, starting in August. There will be six waves of volunteers, and Carmelita Gallo and I have committed to join the wave beginning Sept. 1. I am hopeful that my skills will be valuable. E-mail Gary or Lee if you'd like to join us.
The Twig will serve the small community of LaPlant, located on the reservation. According to Andrew Corley, the Y CEO, “access is limited, and potential is limitless.” The project will be situated next to a planned foster home village and an elementary school. I am thrilled to participate in the NSP project once again and proud that our Sam Schreiner Chapter continues to contribute to this important service initiative.
| | INTERNATIONAL SERVICE CORPS OFFERS SHORT TERM OPPORTUNITIES | | |
The International Service Corps (ISC), a program initiative of YMCA Alumni, provides short-term opportunities for YMCA Alumni members to use their expertise and critical skills to benefit YMCAs in foreign countries.
Types of services may include teaching English language skills, coaching basketball, swimming, or other sports, helping to develop staff and volunteer leadership skills, facilitating collaboration, and long-term planning, among other activities. Current opportunities to serve include Ys in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Macedonia, Uruguay, and Mexico.
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ANOTHER CHANCE:
SWISS TRAIN ADVENTURE RETURNS IN APRIL 2027
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April 14-24, 2027
No tour or cruise has ever had so many overwhelmingly positive reports from members, so we are doing something we've never done before: Your YMCA Alumni Travel Club is repeating last spring's Scenic Switzerland by Train tour April 14-24, 2027.
It’s the perfect way to see Switzerland’s breathtaking mountains, charming mountain resorts, fascinating old towns, and beautiful lakes, all while you relax aboard the world-famous Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gornergrat Cog Railway and others. This escorted trip by Cosmos, part of the Globus Tours family, sold out within days of its announcement last time, so don’t delay. Your YMCA Alumni hosts are Debbie and Larry Garvin.
Click the button below to register and/or call Go Travel at (407) 774-2229 and identify yourself as a YMCA Alumni member.
Contact YMCA Alumni Travel Club:
(407) 774-2229
ymcaalumni@gotravel.com
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IMPORTANT NOTE: Please think twice when unsubscribing to any unsolicited email. If it has been sent to you by Constant Contact, they are not allowed, by law, to send any more emails to you, including from YMCA Alumni. Just flick away emails you don't want -- but please don't "unsubscribe." We can get you re-subscribed ONLY ONCE. Send us an email if you are not receiving our newsletters or you have accidentally unsubscribed and we will try to reinstate you. --editor
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YMCA Alumni Mission:
"...to enable members to promote a nurturing worldwide Christian Fellowship that provides educational, social, service and charitable opportunities."
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