AUGUST 2026 * VIEW AS WEBPAGE

Working hard at our Share The Harvest volunteer day are (L-R) Gregg Howells, Ashley from the Y Farm staff, Lisa Howells, Karen Leslie and Lisa Drouin.

LISA DROUIN

FROM THE PRESIDENT

A LIFE OF SERVICE NEVER RETIRES

I often wonder whether our career choices reflect who we truly are. When I meet someone new, I usually ask what they do —or did— for work because it offers a glimpse into their values, interests, and education.

My life’s motto has been “living and teaching service to others.” I learned that from my mother, who gave so much of herself to others. When I discovered the Y as a college senior, I found a career that allowed me to live that motto fully.

For many of us who built careers in the YMCA, service is part of our DNA. It reflects who we are and what we believe. Retirement - and our membership in YMCA Alumni - has opened even more opportunities to serve. Those opportunities are all around us, in our local communities and through regional, national, and international efforts.

Regionally, we have participated in service days, volunteered for our chapter, and served as senior advisors in the Y Staff Advisory Program. Nationally, we have supported the National Service Project, partnering with the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires. Internationally, we have contributed to the Dominican Republic Home Building Program.

Here’s to living our best lives with service to others at the heart of all we do!

Lisa

Lisa Drouin, YMCA Alumni New England Chapter President

OLD AND NEW FRIENDS

Welcome to new members: Kathy and Rob Treglia from Fall River, MA; Kellie Wardman from Dunbarton, NH; Mary Young, soon moving into her new home in Pawcatuck, CT; and Susan Rittscher of Providence, RI.

Happy 100^th Birthday to Kathe Czerwonka, who has now become our only 100-year-old member.

Our YMCA Alumni chapter can celebrate a 2026 retention rate of 98% and 24 new members to date. The membership committee now plans to focus on existing projects and program activities to reconnect with old friends and make new friends among YMCA Alumni.

Want to connect with a New England Chapter member? Their information can be found on our Membership App. Our "Instant Church Directory" app can be downloaded from Google Play or in the iPhone App Store. The logo looks like a church. Log in using your email. (You don’t need a password.) While snooping around, please update your personal information so others can find you. Need help? Contact Rob Reeves at (203) 505-5913.

CELEBRATING OUR LIFETIME MEMBERS

Did you know? Members of our YMCA Alumni Chapter are eligible for complimentary Lifetime Membership upon reaching their 90th birthday. It's a wonderful way to celebrate a remarkable personal milestone while recognizing a lifetime of connection to the YMCA movement.

If you are celebrating your 90th birthday—or know a former YMCA colleague who has reached this milestone—please contact Membership Chair Rob Reeves or Chapter President Lisa Drouin to learn how to apply for Lifetime Membership.

Our Current Lifetime Members

• Kathe Czerwonka, South Deerfield, MA (Happy 100^th Birthday!)
• Alan Douglass, Otisfield, ME
• Nancy Goding, Cromwell, CT (wife of Charles Goding, who passed away on March 10, 2026)
• Robert Hoffman, West Hartford, CT

We recently had the opportunity to reconnect with two of our Lifetime Members, Alan Douglass and Robert (Bob) Hoffman’s daughter Jo Ann Hoffman Short. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach Kathe Czerwonka and Nancy Goding, but we hope to share updates about them in a future issue.

Alan Douglass:

Alan served as Executive Director of Camping Services for the Greater Lawrence (Massachusetts) YMCA from 1975 to 1985, now the Merrimack Valley YMCA. He and his wife, Janet, lived in Andover, Massachusetts, for 38 years before relocating to Maine in 1999 following Alan's retirement from a career in defense logistics and contract administration with Raytheon.

Sadly, Janet passed away on November 2, 2025. She enjoyed a distinguished career in university-level nursing education and was also a familiar face at Camp Lawrence. During the summers of the 1970s, she served as the camp nurse, where her warmth, compassion, and sense of humor made her a favorite among campers and staff alike.

Today, Alan enjoys staying connected with the YMCA Alumni Chapter, appreciating the opportunity to keep in touch with longtime YMCA friends and stay informed about the chapter's activities.

Robert (Bob) Hoffman:

When Jo Ann Hoffman Short talks about her father, her admiration is unmistakable. Having grown up in the YMCA and later spending her own career in the movement, she understands firsthand the lifelong bonds the YMCA creates.

"It's a hard stop when you retire," Jo Ann said. "Dad found other ways to stay active, but his YMCA colleagues were much more than co-workers—they were lifelong friends. The YMCA Alumni chapter has helped him stay connected to those friendships."

Bob began his YMCA career in 1958 after earning both his bachelor's and master's degrees from Springfield College. His first assignment was at the Wilbraham YMCA in Massachusetts, now the Scantic Valley YMCA Branch of the YMCA of Greater Springfield.

He later served in YMCA leadership roles in Norristown and York, Pennsylvania, where he developed youth programs including Y-Indian Guides, Gra-Y, Junior Hi-Y, and Senior Hi-Y. He also helped establish a new YMCA camp and created a street outreach program for teens.

Bob went on to serve as Executive Director of both the Hazleton YMCA and the Germantown YMCA before joining the YMCA of Greater Hartford as Chief Operating Officer. He served there from 1979 until his retirement in 2000.

Throughout his career, Bob made lasting contributions to the YMCA movement. He organized and directed the YMCA Financial Development School for 13 years and helped establish an international partnership with the YMCA of the Dominican Republic—a relationship that continues to thrive today.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Bob was inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame in 2002, the same year he received Springfield College's prestigious Tarbell Medallion.

His legacy is also reflected in the Bob Hoffman Dover YMCA in Dover, Pennsylvania, which bears his name in honor of his lasting impact on the YMCA movement in the region. Jo Ann is equally quick to recognize the role her mother, Nancy, played throughout Bob's career.

"My mom ran our household while working full-time outside the home," she said. "Anyone who knows the YMCA knows the long hours that come with the job. We moved several times, and Mom was incredibly supportive of Dad's career. They were true partners, and our family was very proud of the work he did."

Our hearts are heavy as we remember Nancy who passed away on August 3, 2026. 

LET'S GET TOGETHER

Mark your calendar for these upcoming YMCA Alumni New England Chapter events. Interested in hosting a get-together in your area? GREAT! Please reach out to Nancy Bonell (508) 965-9507.

September 9 – Lunch at noon at Lucky Lou’s in Old Wethersfield, CT. Host: Donna Lisitano (860) 372-2563.

September 23 - 4 p.m .- Zoom led by Tracy Mucky, Chair of the YMCA Alumni International Service Corp. (ISC). Learn about the history, current, and emerging projects and the many ways to become involved. LINK

October 6-8 – Three Chapter Cape Cod Gathering, Sea Crest Beach Resort, North Falmouth, MA. Read about all the details further in this newsletter.

November 1 – Octoberfest Pats Peak Ski Area, Henniker, NH. Host Nancy Bonell (508) 965-9507.

December 15 – Holiday Lunch Publick House, Sturbridge, MA. Host Nancy Bonell (508) 965-9507.

May 27-June 3, 2027 Dominican Republic Service Project, Lou Falk (860) 559-8059.

REGISTER NOW!

2026 CAPE COD EVENT

Enjoy Tuesday, October 6 – Thursday, October 8 on Cape Cod with fellow YMCA Alumni and friends from the New England, Central Atlantic, and McBurney-Morse Chapters at the Sea Crest Beach Resort in Falmouth MA.

Enjoy the private, pristine white sandy beach, inspiring guest speakers, biking on the Shining Sea Bikeway, golfing at the Paul Harney Golf Club, shopping on Falmouth’s Main Street, and a visit to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Aquarium.

Speakers will include Kellie Wardman, Director of Strategy, Governance & Leadership, DBD Group; Bob Cook, Director of Sales, Go Travel; and Dennis Hohengasser and Bruce Farrell from AARP Cybersecurity/Fraud Protection. 

Two-step process to register:

Reserve your room: Our Sea Crest Beach Resort reservation is under YMCA Alumni. Room rates: $239/room/night (includes 14.5% MA tax & $10 resort fee). For our event, reserve your two-night stay on-line or call (508) 540-9400. If you plan to stay only one night or extend your stay, the resort asks that you call to make your reservation (508) 540-9400. The room rate is discounted 3 nights before and 3 nights after our event (based on availability) if you would like to stay longer on the Cape.

Event Registration: Register on-line or mail your check made out to New England YMCA Alumni to Greg Brisco, 23 Old Mill Drive, Canton, CT 06019. Include your name, street address, email and phone.

·      Registration Fee is $225 which covers speaker fees, 2 fabulous dinners and 2 breakfasts at the resort, welcome bags, and more.

·      There will be additional fees for some activities such as golf, cash bars, etc.

Other details:

·      If you’re only able to attend the Oct 6 Opening Night event, the fee is $100 which will include a meet and greet, cash bar, appetizers, raffles, dinner and a fun program. 

·      An event agenda will be emailed to attendees in advance.  

·      Financial assistance is available if you feel you cannot afford the full cost of the conference. Email Nancy to request assistance.

·      For those interested in extending their time on Cape Cod, we are arranging a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard on Friday, Oct. 9.

Got questions? Please email Nancy Bonell or call her at (508) 965-9507.

BUILDING HOMES AND HOPE

IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Twenty-nine dedicated volunteers from the New England YMCA Alumni Chapter, joined by Greater Hartford YMCA Camp Woodstock and friends, traveled to Don Gregorio, Dominican Republic, to participate in our life-changing international homebuilding project. Working alongside local residents, the team successfully constructed two homes for families in need in just six days. Photo above: The "old" and the "new."

This annual service trip reflects the YMCA Alumni New England Chapter's longstanding commitment to strengthening communities through volunteerism and service. Drawing participants from across New England and other parts of the country, the team represented generations of YMCA leaders and supporters who share a common passion for giving back and living the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Each day, volunteers mixed concrete, carried blocks, painted walls, and completed countless other tasks to complete the building of two new houses despite the demanding work and tropical heat, the team remained focused on its mission.

"This was an incredible experience for my family and me - so inspirational!" said one volunteer. "Trips like this are not your typical, mandated service outing that one might find in a school or corporate setting. And it will absolutely positively affect your soul as a human."

The homes will provide three families with safe and secure housing. For many residents of Don Gregorio, access to stable housing represents more than shelter—it offers a safe environment for children and future generations.

Beyond the construction project, volunteers immersed themselves in Dominican culture, sharing meals, stories, and laughter with community members and fellow volunteers. These personal connections underscored the true purpose of the trip: building relationships while making a lasting impact.

Many participants were returning volunteers, while others experienced their first homebuilding mission. Regardless of experience, each volunteer contributed unique skills, enthusiasm, and compassion to the effort. The shared commitment created an atmosphere of teamwork and camaraderie that reflected the enduring spirit of the YMCA.

The success of the project was made possible through months of planning, generous financial support from donors and sponsors, and the dedication of volunteers who gave their vacation time to serve others. Their collective efforts demonstrate how ordinary people, united by a common purpose, can accomplish extraordinary things.

Although the homes were completed in only six days, the impact of the experience will last far longer. The families of Don Gregorio now have a place to call home, while the volunteers returned home with lasting memories, renewed inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the power of service.

The dates for the 2027 Dominican Republic Homebuilding project are Wednesday, May 27 - Wednesday, June 3. Please contact Stan Styrczula or Lou Falk if you are interested in more information.

THANKS FOR JOINING US

Sharing the Harvest Community Farm Project: L to R: Ashley, Y Farm Manager, Gregg and Lisa Howells, Karen Leslie, Nancy Bonell, Gary Schuyler, Lucria Ortiz, CEO YMCA Southcoast, Lisa Drouin, Martha Machnik and Chloe, Y Volunteer Coordinator.

Second Annual YMCA Alumni Golf Outing at the Tewksbury Treehouse course: L to R: Dan Desmond, Walt (Kim) Kimball, Nancy Larue Bonell, Joanne Reeves, Mark Walker, Sandy Walker, Duffy Brent, Rob Reeves, Mike LaChance, and Claudia Soo Hoo.

BBQ Lunch in CT: L to R: Pictured: Harry Rock, Alan Hurst, Dorothy Brisco, Jim and Marsha Bowman, Greg Brisco, Donna and Seb Lisitano.

Cape Cod Winery: L to R Steve Clay, KC Klier, Mary Beth Clay, Vinnie Marturano, Pete Walsh, Karen Leslie, Joyce Dwyer, Lisa Drouin, Serah Solman, Stacie Peugh, Judi LaBranche, Kathy Treglia, and Rob Treglia.

LET'S KEEP IN TOUCH

Please follow the YMCA Alumni New England Chapter on Facebook. Watch your feed for Y posts about projects, programs, and activities. Click here to link to the New England YMCA Alumni page. Email Donna Lisitano your suggestions, articles and news.

Our New England Connection newsletter is published four times a year. There’s so much we want to share with you! Please be sure to click on the tiny ‘view the entire message’ line to access the entire newsletter. It’s emailed to primary members, so please forward it to your significant other - - and any other important YMCA retirees and people in your life. Don’t unsubscribe - doing so will unsubscribe you from all YMCA Alumni newsletters. Just delete it if you don't wish to read it. 

We also ask for your assistance in keeping our Caring, Compassion, and Celebration Committee informed of significant news concerning fellow members. Whether someone is facing a health challenge, experiencing a loss, celebrating a milestone, or could simply benefit from a message of support, your communication helps us to extend care and recognition when it is most needed. Connect with Karen Leslie, Committee Chair

WRITE FOR PERSPECTIVE E-ZINE

The theme of the Fall (NOV. 15) issue of Perspective, the

e-zine of YMCA Alumni, is "Hobbies for Fun and Profit." The editors are looking for interesting stories about YMCA Alumni members' hobbies. If you have a hobby you love and want to share with a story and photos, please email Perspective Managing Editor Peggi Simmons soon.

CHAPTER LEADERS

Chapter President: Lisa Drouin

Program Chair: Nancy Bonell

Membership Chair: Rob Reeves

Treasurer: Greg Brisco

Past President: Karen Leslie

Communications: Donna Lisitano

Service Project: Lou Falk

Members-At-Large

Harry Rock * Martha Machnik

Duffy Brent * Andrea Vignali

Click on the name to send an email.

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