BAY WINDOWS SILVER BAY
FALL 2020
OUR FINEST HOUR
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11
12 14
Board of Trustees A Message from the CVO A Message from the CEO Silver Bay Council New Faces at Silver Bay Resilience in the Face of Difficulty Overcoming Challenges Two Are Better Than One A Personal Perspective Silver Bay Timeline
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
White Birch A Different Summer But Still Special Teen Center Update Vacations Made Possible EMP Alumni EMP Alumni Fellowship Scholarship Four Generations of EMPs Friends, Soul Mates, and EMPS Milestones
THIS ISSUE: OUR HISTORY OF STRIVING, SURVIVING AND THRIVING
This issue is dedicated to the women and men throughout our history who have shared their time, treasure and talents to see to it that Silver Bay YMCA survives; to those who have provided to make Silver Bay YMCA what it is today and to those who continue to advocate for Silver Bay YMCA so that it remains for future generations. With this publication, it is our hope to instill in the reader a desire and subsequent action to philanthropically support Silver Bay YMCA. By supporting the places and institutions that we value, we play an important role in ensuring they will remain for us, and our families, now and in the future. It is an honor to share with you just a few stories of people who value and support Silver Bay YMCA. As you read these stories, we invite you to reflect on the importance Silver Bay YMCA has had, and will continue to have on your life. Then, we invite you to act by making a gift to Silver Bay YMCA. #SilverBayStrong
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Board of Trustees: Stephanie Wagoner, Dominic Colafati, Phil White, Paul Bell, Michelle Hay, Katie Bang, Kathy Wilson, Lee Farmer, Emily Clark, Adam Pearsall, Elise Walton, Denise Carter, Morrie Peters, David Kaiser, Mark Adzigian, Steve Tamm, Joel Wattenbarger, Jonathan Loane, Jack Mangiante Absent from photo: C. Walt Lender, Andy Gorelik
OFFICERS
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
TRUSTEES
Adam Pearsall, Chair Stephanie Wagoner, Vice Chair Phil White, Vice Chair Emily Clark, Secretary Dominic Colafati, Treasurer
Governance
Mark Adzigian Kathryn “Katie� Bang Paul Bell Denise Carter Emily Clark Dominic Colafati Lee Farmer Andy Gorelik Michelle Hay David Kaiser C. Walter Lender Jonathan Loane Jack Mangiante Adam Pearsall Morrie Peters Stephanie Wagoner Elise Walton Joel Wattenbarger Phil White Kathy Wilson
Stephanie Wagoner
Finance Dominic Colafati
Strategic Planning Phil White
Audit Give online at our safe and secure website
www.silverbay.org
Paul Bell
CEO Review Emily Clark
CEO Steve Tamm
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CVO OUR FINEST HOUR brace ourselves to our duty, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and Commonwealth lasts for a thousand years, men will still say, ’this was their finest hour.’”
Just four weeks after he became Prime Minister of England, Sir Winston Churchill delivered a speech on June 18, 1940 that is known by three powerful words: “Their Finest Hour.” He was speaking to the House of Commons and candidly portrayed the threat posed to their country and the rest of the world in the face of overwhelming odds. He described the work that needed to be done by their country and the tasks required to push back and eliminate the threat upon the free world. He stressed that it was not a time for excuses, not a time to point our fingers or lay blame. No, he declared to the frightened and anxious citizens of the United Kingdom the need to gather their courage and serve as a stronghold and fortress to protect the entire world. In our modern jargon, we might use the cliché, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” If I may, allow me to quote Churchill’s words: “Let us therefore
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Friends, as I sit here composing my last Bay Windows article as CVO, it is my hope that a century from now the future generations of people who love Silver Bay YMCA can look back with admiration upon us as they consider the challenges of 2020. When our descendants reflect on the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that jeopardized our lives and way of life, they can state without hesitation that this was our finest hour; that we rose up and overcame these hardships with courage and strength, protecting and upholding a place and community we hold dear. Though what Silver Bay faces pales in comparison to World War II, or the health threat of the current pandemic, make no mistake that these are challenging times for us. From my perspective, I venture to say with great thanks that there have been more contributions, more volunteer hours, more prayers, and more support than we have ever had in our history. Because of the help and support of our loyal Silver Bay family, we are pulling ourselves out of a tremendous hole. I and our Trustees cannot thank you enough. In candor and humility, allow me to say that if we stop doing what we are doing, if we stop contributing to preserve what we love, the future of Silver Bay YMCA becomes cloudy and uncertain.
At the writing of this letter and the publication of this Bay Windows, Silver Bay YMCA will incur an approximate $3 million shortfall in business revenue between now and the first quarter of 2021. Knowing that many of you have contributed this year, I respectfully and humbly ask you consider an additional contribution as 2020 draws to a close, exceeding your traditional annual contribution, as our family has committed. If you have not yet contributed to Silver Bay, I ask you to exceed your traditional annual contribution if your personal situation allows you to do so; we are all facing varied challenges right now. Knowing that most of you reading this note have financially supported Silver Bay for decades, never missing a year, I ask you to speak with your adult children on behalf of Silver Bay (they may not see my request). Invite those who have benefitted from your years of generosity to now pick up the torch and begin their annual support of the place that they have come to love and cherish. Invite them to experience the joy and satisfaction of supporting the institutions they value. Introduce the idea that they have the power to preserve what they love, but they must act. Maybe most importantly, thank them if they have been contributing. Together, we will ensure the success of Silver Bay YMCA. The challenges which we now endure will bring out our best, allowing us to proclaim that this will be “Our Finest Hour.”
Adam Pearsall
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO OUR FINEST HOUR
On March 12, 2020, I sent an email update out to our Silver Bay community on how we were approaching, what we now know, were the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis. In that newsletter I borrowed a quote from Thomas Paine written in December 1776: “These are the times that test men’s souls.” Reflecting back, I can certainly say that I had no idea how impactful this would all be to our community, our nation and the world in general. These past months certainly have indeed tested many of us in many different ways. We find our nation more divided and hurting deeply. We see injustice taking on various different forms with impacts that devastate individuals, families and communities. We seem to point to others saying “they” are the problem, forgetting that our nation’s very foundation was and is based on “us” E Pluribus Unum; we are many yet one. I remain hopeful in the spirit of our country and communities. An image that sticks in mind, and perhaps a silly one at that, is in the midst of New York City’s darkest days, a truck
emblazoned with the New England Patriots logo, loaded with 300,000 items of medical equipment arrived in the city from Boston donated by the owner of the “rival” New England Patriots. That act of kindness to a “rival”, for me, speaks of the spirit of “us”. I know there are many hurts and wrongs both past and present, and I hope that we, as a Silver Bay community, can lead our own actions, families, workplaces and communities in walking our talk by spreading hope and love and compassion, that we speak more about our responsibilities than our rights and through that, create a new contagion of love and respect that we can all embrace. 2020 has been and will continue to be a tough year for Silver Bay. This summer, with only a handful of summer staff, all the staff pitched in working in multiple roles in an attempt to serve our guests while keeping costs as low as possible. At our recent annual meeting, I noted that our current forecasts are indicating we will be ~$3 million short of our 2020 revenue targets. With cost cutting, we are forecasting that our 2020 year-end results, without extraordinary giving, will be ~$1.75-$2 million short. Additionally, our January - May 2021 revenue shortfall is forecasted to be another ~$1 million. These are large figures and not ones that can easily be overcome. It is because of this that I must ask each and every one of you who love Silver Bay and who has been impacted by Silver Bay to give this year. Many of us have foregone going out to dinner or taking that special trip this year and so I ask you
to consider giving all or at least a portion of those dollars to Silver Bay. I know some of you are struggling financially and to you I say, if you cannot afford to give, that is okay, it’s best for you to be prudent and take care of your family. To everyone else, I ask you to consider giving more this year than you did last year. If you have never given, please give this year in any amount. Our future depends on all of us, the entire Silver Bay community. In early summer, someone approached me after Sunday Chapel and told me a funny story. The night before after dinner, one of the kids asked the family, “Who owns Silver Bay?” and an ensuing discussion was had. What a great question and one I reflected on for a moment. I as CEO certainly don’t own Silver Bay, nor does the Board of Trustees, so who then owns Silver Bay? The answer is none of us and all of us. We have not so much inherited Silver Bay from our grandparents as we are borrowing it from our grandchildren. Someday there will be a new CEO and a new Board of Trustees and faces will come and go and yet, if we want Silver Bay to be here for our grandchildren’s grandkids, we have a responsibility to them today. If I may quote Thomas Paine one last time. “These are the times that try men’s souls. … the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.”
Steve Tamm 5
SILVER BAY COUNCIL OFFICERS
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
President
Appropriations
Natalie Shotts
Kate Calendrillo Debby Wattenbarger Anne Erling
Vice President Anne Erling
Secretary Sue Nagy
Paul Duggan Jane Sheldon
Treasurer
Fundraising
Peter Meyers
Staff Liaison Carolyn Close
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Membership
Natalie Shotts
Tidy Time Penny Siesko
SILVER BAY STRONG!
THE SILVER BAY COUNCIL
When the 2020 pandemic took hold early in March, outside of family and friends, my top concern was, “How will Silver Bay weather this out?” I consider Silver Bay my second home and view the full-time staff (and Council members) as my extended family. I’ve known so many of them since my Wee Woozle days. It is the Council’s mission to support the needs of Silver Bay and to enhance and preserve the campus while embodying the fellowship and spirit of Silver Bay. I called together the Council Senior Leadership, and we decided we had to help Silver Bay in any way possible. We learned of the immediate and necessary funding needed to complete critical projects. Council held a special virtual meeting on April 18, 2020 and overwhelmingly voted to approve the most considerable allocation amount the Council has ever given.
Because of our donation, Silver Bay completed its annual sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers inspection, removed hazardous trees around campus, and completed site work and installation of the new playground at the Children’s Pavilion. The Silver Bay Council is driven to support the mission and needs of Silver Bay YMCA. Each and every person who participates in the Council has demonstrated their appreciation for Silver Bay YMCA. When we convened our online meeting, I was moved by the number of council members who attended and participated. Meeting in person during a pandemic creates a logistical dilemma. However, with the urgent topic and the accessibility of having an online forum made it possible for almost every single council member to attend virtually. In Silver Bay Spirit, the Council voted to deliver financial
support in Silver Bay’s time of need. Contributions that had accumulated in the Council Fund for years were immediately put to work supporting Silver Bay. In addition, throughout this summer, local Council members have volunteered their time to lend a hand where and when needed. During this challenging time, the Council stayed true to its mission of assisting Silver Bay YMCA. If there is a silver lining to this year, it is that we - the Council, staff, volunteers and Silver Bay community as a whole – rallied together to support Silver Bay when it was in need. Thank you, Council, for being there. Thank you for being Silver Bay Strong!
Natalie Shotts President, Silver Bay Council
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THE STAFF OF SILVER BAY NEW FACES
ANTHONY “TONY” BASILE - CHEF Growing up in an Italian family, I developed a passion for food at a very young age. As soon as I could reach the stove I began cooking with my grandmother and never turned back. I graduated from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute in May of 2015. From there, I took a summer position as a line cook at the Ausable Club in Keene Valley and fell in love with mountain life. After the season, I returned back home to Youngstown, NY where I worked various jobs, moving my way up through the ranks of the kitchen. In August of last year I took a job in Bolton Landing and was able to move back to my happy place, the mountains. When I am not at work during the
summer months, I enjoy kayaking and sport fishing as well as hiking. I am an amateur herpetologist and arachnologist. I own a variety of snakes and spiders… as well as your typical house pets, two cats and a dog. Another passion of mine is gardening and farming. I am in the process of designing and developing an all-organic farm for chefs. My vision is to have a place where both professional chefs and people from the community can come to get produce that is all organic and not necessarily available in the area. When cooking, your food can only be as good as your raw products; I strive to use fresh, sustainable and locally sourced products whenever possible. I am very excited to join
the Silver Bay team and give you a dining experience that will not be soon forgotten.
A MESSAGE FROM THE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Dear Friends, Over the last three years I have been blessed to meet and become friends with many of you reading this note, and for those of us who haven’t met, I still consider you my friends. We are friends because we are tied together through our mutual love for Silver Bay. I write this note to share with you that, come October 9, 2020, I will be stepping down as Silver Bay’s Development Director. I have accepted the position as Development Director
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for the Hoving Home in Garrison, NY. From a purely practical point of view, this new position is closer to my home and, when not traveling, will allow me to spend my nights at home with my family. I will miss the mission and work of Silver Bay YMCA and mostly, I will miss all of you who welcomed me and accepted me into your wonderful community. With that, allow me to introduce you to Silver Bay’s new Development Director, Hannah Jay. Hannah has been with Silver Bay for over five
years, first as Assistant to the CEO and then as Assistant Development Director. Many, if not all of you, are familiar with Hannah and her tremendous hospitality, and intelligent and thoughtful business demeanor. There couldn’t be a more professional, caring and trustworthy person who Silver Bay could have as their Development Director. Join me in congratulating Hannah!
Nick Rama
RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DIFFICULTY
Stories of Luther Wishard’s vision and Silas and Mary Paine’s generosity have been told frequently. Other chapters of Silver Bay’s history are less well known. Through the years, the Silver Bay Association, more recently known as Silver Bay YMCA, has faced its share of crises. And still it exists, against many odds, not the least of which has been financial. The Depression, for example, brought with it numerous woes. Summer conference attendance and income decreased significantly. Adding to the burden, the Silver Bay Boys’ School, which had opened in 1918, was unable to support itself and closed. Terms on outstanding bank and private notes could not be met. Maintenance was deferred. Spruce Mountain Lodge was sold. By 1934, persistent Depression Era problems produced such a dire situation that bankruptcy was discussed. In desperation, the Association approached the National Board of the YMCA for financial assistance. There had been no previous direct connection between the Boards of the two organizations, so it was with hesitation that the
National Y Board loaned sufficient funds to get Silver Bay through the summer. Thereafter, additional funds were made available with the understanding that the Board and Leadership of the Silver Bay Association reorganize and that significant YMCA representation be placed on the new Board. Charles A. Herschleb, a Y man, emerged from the reorganization as Executive of the Silver Bay Association. Some background information is helpful before continuing the story. In 1904, groups with ties to the YMCA and the YWCA, as well as organizations within several church denominations and colleges pooled their resources (including contributions in the thousands of dollars from Miss Helen Gould, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., George Foster Peabody and the Delaware and Hudson Railway) to acquire the Silver Bay Paine property. The partners incorporated in the State of New York as the Silver Bay Association for Christian Conferences and Training, the organization’s legal name to this day. In simplistic terms, the Association was to operate the Silver Bay facilities. Within the framework of partnership agreements, members organized and conducted the programming of their conferences independently. When Mr. Herschleb reviewed the existing organizational setup, he was convinced that the Association could do more than serve conference
hospitality needs and envisioned a much broader Silver Bay experience. His decision to introduce diverse daily program activities and lessons for people of all ages proved to be a short and long term game changer. The talented artists, musicians, craft instructors and leaders selected to implement the new activities shaped the many programs and features that we continue to enjoy today. To provide additional funding for his innovations, memberships were offered to Off-Campus Cottagers. Family Conference Weeks were added to the conference schedule. Participation in a Fellowship of present and former Emps was encouraged; and yes, there was a campaign as well, which benefited from the expanded membership base. In July 1946, it was announced that the Association was free of current debt. With vision, perseverance and patience the phoenix which rose from the ashes was more vibrant, broader based and stronger than before. Even WWII (that’s another story of difficulties) was unable to defeat the energy of the Silver Bay Spirit. There are clear parallels between the circumstances that accompanied the Depression and present day uncertainties caused by the coronavirus. Challenges will need to be met, obstacles overcome. There is the hope that the resiliency of the past will provide determination and inspiration moving forward.
Mary Henck Sharp 9
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
THE YEAR OVERLOOK WAS CRUSHED BY A TREE
My parents first brought me to Silver Bay in the mid 1950s, when we stayed in the primitive accommodations of Overlook. This building is part of the history of the Bay, constructed by Silas Payne before there was a Silver Bay YMCA. Years later, we “upgraded” to Forest Lodge, now known as Hepbron. As we walked to the Inn, we would look up to that old building. The years were not kind (nor were the Adirondack winters) to Overlook. Part of the oldest section was demolished. It earned the name “Overlooked” with the addition of new letters on the sign by some residents. One Tidy Time weekend
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I helped repair the deck, which had rotted in multiple places. It was so far out of alignment that we cut triangles of wood to fill the gaps. It was truly sliding down the mountain. A summer storm in the early 2000s caused an oak tree to fall in the middle of the building, rendering it useless. That could have been the end of the story, but through the generosity of an unknown donor, Overlook was renovated and improved. Once again it offered families an economical introduction to Silver Bay. Old buildings can tell a story about the past, but this story is about the future.
The year of COVID, 2020, is much like that crushing tree. Overlook is closed and much of the Silver Bay campus looks empty. We do not know when, but the virus will be overcome and Silver Bay is far from being crushed. Through the generosity of Annual Giving friends and many loyal supporters, Silver Bay will be revived and continue to welcome, with hospitality and inspiration, new and old guests to beautiful lakes and mountains.
Thomas Loane
OUR FINEST HOUR
TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE or shuffleboard gear. I also spent most Saturdays with an amazing crew cleaning cabins and working in Housekeeping. Trisha Winchell organized a bunch of newbies into different work crews. Chantal Smith led our crew, which was made up of Abby (a brilliant high school student), Alex (a tech guru), Megan (a guest services wizard), Carolyn (an organizational expert), and me (a pastor with soft hands and a weak back). Although the days were hot and the work was hard, I thoroughly enjoyed working with this crew (we called ourselves ‘The A Team’) and I miss them now that the summer is over.
With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic this spring, I certainly wondered what the summer season at Silver Bay would look like. I even thought that perhaps no one would be able to come here and that there would be no summer. After much discussion, planning, and adjusting, it was decided that the summer of 2020 would indeed happen, but that the year-round staff would need pitch in and do the majority of the work. In mid-June there was staff training across a variety of work areas. It was all hands on deck and we needed to be ready to work in places on campus that were new, different, and challenging. In a typical summer, I
would spend most of my time in the Spiritual Life Office, the Spiritual Life Tent, the Chapel, and at the labyrinth. However, this summer was anything but typical! I spent time at Archery with Lanny Johns. I watched as he instructed new archers and heard the squeals of joy when children hit the target for the first time. I spent time with Jackie Palandrani at the Boathouse and realized that it wasn’t all sitting in Adirondack chairs and taking in the beauty of Lake George. There were kayaks and paddleboards to lift and to sanitize, all while watching the horizon to make sure the guests were safe on the water. I met all kinds of interesting and amazing people at Collins Equipment Center as they signed out their discs
Silver Bay YMCA has a long history and I have a relatively short tenure here, but I think that the summer of 2020 may have been the year-round staff’s finest hour. I have thought often this summer that the Silver Bay Staff exemplified the words of King Solomon from Ecclesiastes 4:912 which says: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Garth Allen
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OUR FINEST HOUR A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
There are many “finest hours” in the history of Silver Bay. Time after time, lay leaders and staff leaders made important decisions and taken decisive action to forward the mission over Silver Bay’s one hundred eighteen year history. What follows are eight “finest hours” from this author’s perspective. This is not an all-inclusive list. Many who read this will think of other moments in Silver Bay’s history that are equally worthy of the label, “finest hour.” May this article and issue of Bay Windows encourage a rich and enlightening discussion of the many “finest hours” in the remarkable history of Silver Bay.
The Founding – “Founded in Full Year Operation – “If we 1902, the Silver Bay Association was incorporated in 1904 to serve the conference and training needs of religious, missionary, charitable and educational purposes . . .” (Silver Bay Association Board Minutes February 14, 1998). The vision of Luther Wishard and the generosity of Silas and Mary Paine combined to create Silver Bay.
The Chapel – The Helen Hughes Memorial Chapel was dedicated on June 25, 1922, in remembrance of Helen Hughes, daughter of Charles and Antoinette Hughes. Vassar alumnae, where Helen graduated in 1914, and co-workers in the Young Women’s Christian Association movement were the dominant influence in the Chapel becoming a reality.
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secure a January conference, we will be operating an 11-month season . . .” Words of George Ludlow from the January 17, 1975 Board minutes. For the first 73 years of Silver Bay’s history, the Association only operated during June, July, August, and the early part of September. George’s vision provided the opportunity for Silver Bay to serve people on a yearround basis.
Geographic Boundaries - The May 29, 1976 Board minutes include the welcoming of Bill Glenn as the new executive director of Silver Bay. Bill proposes to remove geographic boundaries regarding participation in Silver Bay programs, which was approved by the Silver Bay Association Board at its November 4, 1978 meeting.
The Margaret Boyd Rowan Preserve - Under the leadership of Mark Johnson and the generosity of Henry Rowan, the Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation, Manning and Virginia Smith, and others, the Margaret Boyd Rowan Preserve was dedicated in July of 1999. This tract of land across the lake from Silver Bay is now forever wild.
The Memorial Garden – Through the vision and leadership of Mark Johnson, and the generosity of the Isinger family and the Wright family, the Memorial Garden was dedicated on October 25, 1997. The remains of hundreds of loved ones rest there now, and someday there will be thousands.
OUR FINEST HOUR A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Pastoral Respite Ministry – Brookside Community House was dedicated in August 1999 and opened to pastors and their families in September. Trinity house was dedicated in August 2004. This ministry was made possible through the vision and generosity of Paul and Jane Ingrey. This program has served tens of thousands of pastors and their families over the past 21 years.
The William Boyd Center - The William Boyd Center was dedicated on August 3, 2018 by CEO Steve Tamm. Through the lead gift and generosity of the Henry M. Rowan family Foundation and Manning and Virginia Smith, as well as the generosity of hundreds of other contributors, this long-held vision of a self-enclosed dining hall, room accommodations, and meeting facility was completed. In conclusion, the common element in all of these “finest hours” is the coming together of leaders, both lay people and staff members to shape the future of Silver Bay. Each of these important events in Silver Bay’s history represents commitment, generosity, vision, courage, and hard work on the part of many people. Each of these “finest hours” honors the values of inclusivity, compassion, expansion, preservation, and the Christian foundation upon which Silver Bay was founded.
has been accomplished over the first one hundred eighteen years and lead Silver Bay to continue to serve the beloved Kingdom of God.
May the lay and staff leaders of future generations build upon what
* In gratitude to Gale Halm for the research she provided for this article.
Yours Truly,
Bruce Tamlyn
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Luther D. Wishard made his historic visit to Silver Bay, returning immediately to New York City to ask Silas and Mary Paine if they would “devote Silver Bay to Christian assemblies for the study of the Bible and missions.”
Silas Paine purchased The Silver Bay House (formerly Brookdale Farm Boarding House, Silver Bay House) from Judge John J. Wilson.
START
Si and “S
1897
Sila
1900
1898 Construction of the Inn began, as well as Forest Lodge (now Hepbron) and Overlook.
1902
Leaders of the YMCA, its laymen secretaries under appointment to f lands met first in the summer of 19 “Setting-up” conferences of the Fo Department of the International Com
Gerald Ford, then Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, was the keynote speaker at the 52nd Conference on Human Issues in Management in the Silver Bay Auditorium.
First musical performance to ben the Hague Volunteer Fire Departm
Brightwood Cottage built
1970
1969
1970’S Private baths added to bedrooms on the first and second sleeping floors in east wing (front) of Inn.
Housing was provided to volunteers and staff of the Winter Olympics held in Lake Placid.
Watson Art Center built
1972
1974 Bayview built
1980
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Dedication of th
ilas Paine sells the Silver Bay Hotel d property to the newly incorporated Silver Bay Association for Christian Conferences and Training.”
The old boathouse was moved and reconstructed into the photographer’s workshop behind the Store and a new boathouse built.
New York Governor Cha was the keynote speaker served as Governor of N of State, Chief Justice o Supreme Court, and a pre the 1916 el
as Paine built his museum/library that is known today as Morse Hall.
First Auditorium built. (Destroyed by fire July 1, 1908)
Cornerstone for See Mem 1909. (Building dedicated
1904
1906
1905 Silver Bay Association built the Store which was opened year-round to serve the local community.
and foreign 902, in oreign mmittee.
Second Auditorium built – 500-pound Meneely bell in tower, cast 1909.
Five Oneita Bay shoreline cottages built (Hartford, Charter Oak, Willow, Nassau and Boltz).
nefit ment.
1968
1960’S
Parlin Dormitory became a reality and is a memorial to Edward Elcome Parlin.
1953
1958
1950’
Juniper, Sycamore, and E
Silver Bay purchases the Paine estate for $100,000.
Spengler Hall built to serve as a winterized dormitory for female Emps and small conferences.
1909
1908
Summit Cottage built.
Sproul Pavilion built.
Fisher Gym Addition – Fitness Center, Climbing Wall, Dance Studio, and locker rooms.
Liz Gray Pavilion built in memory of Liz Gray.
1984
he new 1984 Dining Hall.
1992
1993 Marjorie Hilliard Hodges Children’s Pavilion built in memory of Marjorie Hilliard Hodges.
1994
S
1998 Construction of Brookside Community House.
arles Evans Hughes for the Institute. He New York, Secretary of the United States esidential nominee in lection.
SILVER B
Frances E. Field Memorial built and dedicated.
morial laid August 21, d on August 7, 1910).
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Richard C. Morse Hall (Morse Hall) formerly Silas Paine’s library/ museum and acquired.
Munn Hall, The Railroad Institute Building dedicated in honor of John P. Munn.
1913
1910 First Scout Master’s Training School held at Slim Point.
1917
1916
YMCA Industrial Institute fo during World War I.
Construction of a Gymnasium started in 1916 at a cost of $24,000 and was the first building on campus to have electricity.
Cherry and Spruce Cottages built.
The Silver Bay B
Silver Bay Association acq Emps outlined a plan whereby the Dock House be turned over to the Emps as a recreation center, with the Emps doing the entire planning, execution, and financing of the project.
New York Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends meet at Silver Bay.
1948
’S
Elm Cottages built
The new council ring and campfire circle were dedicated on the historic site where the first Experimental Camp of the Boy Scout Movement in America was held in 1910.
Silver Bay Association celebrates its centennial.
2002
1940
1947
Extremely difficult years, co Charles Towson resigned as Di A. Herschleb becomes Directo the roots of the program we music, watercolor, crafts,
1935 The Silver Bay School for Boys is discontinued.
Reconstruction of Oak Cottage.
2003 Trinity House built.
2012
Construction of MBR Was
2017 Construction of the William Boyd Center.
2018
BAY YMCA TIMELINE Franklin W. Ganse and Helen W. Ganse conveyed what is now Spruce Mountain Lodge and property to the Silver Bay Association.
1919
1918
1921
ormed in a response to industrial conditions Now known as the Leadership Form.
Helen Hughes Chapel built.
Boys’ School opened October 1.
quired Brookside Cottage from Silas Paine.
oupled with the effects of the depression: irector; Silver Bay Board reorganized; Charles or of Silver Bay Association under Herschleb know today were established: the lectures, and physical activity (body, mind, spirit)
1934
1926
1932
1922
First Lutheran Summer School for Church Workers came to Silver Bay Association with 212 delegates.
Silver Bay Association in very financially difficult times – owed $200,000.
Parlin Dorm reconstruction
stewater Facility.
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South wing is added to the Inn. Coincides with the new road over Tongue Mountain.
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down United States for several months. Although unable to welcome Emps to campus due to restrictions, Silver Bay Association reopens for summer 2020 with limited staffing and increased health and safety standards.
2019 Reconstruction of Summit Cottage.
2020
2021 & beyond
Silver Bay Association continues to thrive for generations to come, in gratitude to its supportive and loving community
WHITE BIRCH
NO REASON TO WAIT Point 2. With the exception of an
If you care about Silver Bay YMCA, and you probably do if you are getting this publication, picture this: We all, every person receiving this magazine, become a member of Silver Bay’s planned giving society, White Birch! Everyone! For those of you who might not know, White Birch is Silver Bay’s esteemed honorary group who has chosen Silver Bay YMCA to be a recipient of a charitable gift following their death. Please allow me to share with you how most if not all of us can participate and how easy, painless and beneficial an estate gift can be to you, your family and to Silver Bay YMCA. Your kind and thoughtful charitable planning will support what you value most and preserve Silver Bay for years to come. Steps to follow to benefit the organizations that matter to you most:
Point 1. Most adults have at least one of these financial products in their “portfolio” – if employed, likely a 401k or 403b retirement plan and group life insurance; personal life insurance; an investment account; a bank account; or an IRA (Roth or regular).
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investment or bank account that isn’t in the form of an IRA, at your death the money in the aforementioned accounts goes directly to the beneficiary (ies) you noted in paperwork required to establish the accounts. (As you can imagine, you can change beneficiaries any time.) There is no legal cost (a will is not involved, therefore this money doesn’t flow through probate court), nor difficulties for this movement of money. If you have an investment or bank account, either owned individually or with someone else, making that account a Transfer on Death Account assures you that the money in this account will go directly to the named beneficiaries without going through probate. (Just talk to the service rep at the organization holding your funds and have the account revised to a TOD account.)
Point 3. When our money goes to the beneficiaries, I want to make it obvious that with rare exception we should absolutely be able to “afford” to have some of this money go to charities, besides to family and friends. There is no economic cost to the decedent by making such a gift as opposed to when one writes out a check while living. Writing out that $1000 check or a $100 check, whatever the amount, may not be easy based on all the other costs of one’s lifestyle. We all have some limit as to what we can afford to donate while living. Well, following your passing and before this money goes to your family or friends, a certain amount should certainly be able to be
directed to causes that are important to you, hopefully one of them being Silver Bay YMCA. I must note that in many instances there are economic needs of your beneficiaries. If so, be sure it’s a small amount going to the charity. Factor into your calculations life insurance that is to be paid at your death. Here, a policy that has little or no value while you are alive becomes $50,000, $100,000, maybe $1,000,000 at your death.
Point 4. Here’s how you do it. You simply get the beneficiary form of the account or life insurance policy you wish to use, add in the Silver Bay YMCA Tax ID# 13-5604788 to the beneficiary section along with the other required information including the dollar amount or percentage, then return it to the servicing address. Once you do, let Silver Bay know of your intention so they can honor you for your kind generosity by welcoming you into White Birch!! There is no minimum amount the Bay needs to receive. Base your figure on the size of your estate (including, again, life insurance) and who may be dependent on this money. Whether it’s $500 or $50,000, what you value is sustained by the legacy created by your thoughtfulness. Reach out to the Silver Bay Development Office if you have any questions development@ silverbay.org If we all participate, the sad event of a death is accompanied by the joy of sustaining the values we cherish through our positive act of planned giving toward Silver Bay YMCA.
Richard Robb
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
A DIFFERENT SUMMER BUT STILL SPECIAL I have a photo of my grandmother in a long white dress standing on the arrival dock (now the ERC) at Silver Bay. Nearby is her travel trunk, no doubt with a pantaloon bathing suit inside. The photo was probably taken some time before 1920, before women could vote. Perhaps it was taken during the summer of 1918 or 1919 when the H1N1 global pandemic infected nearly one third of the world’s population, killing 50 million. I assumed that Silver Bay was closed during that time until I found a quote from the Lake George Mirror of August 31, 1918. It said, “The Silver Bay Hotel will be open until September 15, which is two weeks later than usual.” So, this is not the first time Silver Bay has weathered a public health crisis. Those blocked by the travel ban were missed this summer. For those who did make the trip, it was a summer of quiet pauses; morning pauses with no discussion groups, daily pauses with no children’s camp, evening pauses with no talent shows. Instead of Trivial Pursuit games with ice cream cones, you could watch the moon rise over the mountains and shimmer on the water. Silver Bay felt different, but it was still special. Without competition from programs, Mother Nature took center stage. Stillness flowed from the mountains onto campus. Rhythmic lapping at the shoreline deepened the mantra of an afternoon meditation. A loon called. An eagle
flew over Slim Point. Perhaps the Lake was grateful for a “slow down” year. My grandmother was a pro at “slow down”. During the decade of the Great Depression, she kept the tent, fishing poles and sleeping bags packed in the car while my grandfather worked his allotted three days per week at General Electric. The other four days were spent at lakeside campgrounds, fishing for their supper. With their garden, they survived on Nature’s bounty. They avoided the frustration and poverty of the times by embracing a simpler lifestyle. It was simple at Silver Bay this summer. With the frills gone, the essence was more prominent. I have a photo of my mother wearing 1950s winged sunglasses sitting at Bay Beach. My mother grew up during the pre-penicillin years when getting the flu was a big deal because pneumonia could follow. “There were no easy cures. When we were sick we went to bed and stayed there so no one else would get it.” With no treatment or vaccine, polio and tuberculosis were the other scary monsters. My generation is the first to grow up in the modern pill era. Such ease creates a misguided assumption that health is only a swallow away. We are now learning the lessons of previous generations when health required
careful concern for one’s self and others. This summer, masks were worn on campus and people were careful for each other. Silver Bay managed by asking for help from its community. The call went out weekly for volunteers to supplement the reduced staff. It was heartening to see the response. My husband and I cleaned cottages, greeted diners, cleared trails and mended pillows. Others signed in swimmers, managed boats and tennis courts, or made sure appropriate seats were left empty at church services. We like to think we did our part to keep Silver Bay afloat during a summer of partial opening and unpredictable income. Cleaning cottages was more fun this summer than when I was an Emp. I am older and now know that service is a blessing to those who serve. It is times like these when the cooperative spirit at Silver Bay means the most especially for the future of the place we know and love.
Sharon Sassaman
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEEN CENTER UPDATE
You may have recently seen our CEO’s press release from August 10, 2020. The press release states that the Silver Bay YMCA Teen CenterTiconderoga will cease to operate due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even more unfortunate, we have not been able to come to an agreement with our landlord, the town of Ticonderoga, over use of the Armory. To all of our supporters of the Silver Bay YMCA Teen Center-Ticonderoga, your gifts have made a tremendous difference in the lives of children and families in the North Country. It is important to communicate with you as clearly as possible, that your contributions to the Teen Center have impacted real people, in real time, since 2012. Because of your support
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and confidence in the program, the Teen Center was on track to break its attendance numbers for 2020. Through March 2020, we estimate that 70% of our local teens visited the Teen Center on a regular basis. Youth Programs – Moving Forward While we don’t have a way to definitively see into the future, we are hopeful and expecting to resume summer camp in 2021. Silver Camp is Silver Bay’s summer program for children from six months to seventeen years of age. Each year, we offer financial assistance through a program known as Open Pathways to children in the town of Hague and Ticonderoga whose families cannot afford sending their kids to camp. This financial assistance directly
impacts children who otherwise may never experience our tremendous summer camp on Lake George. We will continue to pursue ways to help our local youth by working with our local school district and community and are hopeful to find the right collaborative opportunity to support local families.
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH VACATIONS MADE POSSIBLE
The Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center has expanded its Vacations Made Possible program to offer rest and renewal at no cost to essential workers from New York state who served at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
we had what we needed to survive,” stated Steve Tamm. “Expanding this opportunity to essential workers so that they may rest and reconnect with their families is but a small way to thank them for serving throughout such a stressful and chaotic time.”
The program, which was established in 2015 to provide free vacation opportunities to families with limited financial means, broadened its original scope in response to the pandemic that shut New York State down for over two months.
Since the announcement of the program’s expansion in July, seventeen families, which consisted of 51 individuals, will stay on the YMCA’s campus throughout the fall season. Many of these families include young children who have not enjoyed quality time with one or more of their parents because of their long shifts during the pandemic. Additionally, Silver Bay welcomed eight military families this summer, which consisted of 41 individuals as part of its Military R & R Program and four families consisting of nine individuals as part
“The unsung heroes of the pandemic are those who continued to serve at the height of the pandemic when the rest of us had to stay home, the healthcare workers and grocery store associates who have risked their lives to take care of us and ensure that
of its Cancer Respite Program, which supports patients who are actively being treated for cancer. These programs give these individuals the opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones and enjoy a reprieve from their unique stresses and financial challenges. Silver Bay works closely with Glens Falls Hospital and Hudson Headwater Health Network, both of which make their cancer patients aware of this opportunity. All of these programs are provided at no cost and are 100% funded by Silver Bay YMCA and its generous donors. If you would like to make a donation to support any of these programs or would like to request an application, please contact the Development Office at hjay@silverbay.org.
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EMP ALUMNI
PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH
Now that the “summer without Emps” has drawn to a close, let’s hope that next year will find guests, year-round staff, and Emps enjoying the place we all know and love. In the meantime:
• Please stay in touch by sending in your news, photos, and contribution to support the Emp Activity (formerly EAF dues) and EAF Scholarship Funds. Your gifts to the Emp Activity and Support Fund will help support the work of the Bay (such as helping with the cost of producing Bay Windows) as well as an annual gift to the Emps. And as Gale Halm wrote in her article, contributions to the scholarship fund can help make college a little more affordable for a deserving Emp. Your contributions can be sent directly to Silver Bay YMCA, 87 Silver Bay Road, Silver Bay, NY 12874 Attention the Development Office.
• Join one or all of the numerous Silver Bay Facebook groups: Silver Bay Emp Alumni Fellowship, Silver Bay Friends, Silver Bay Emp Address Book, and Silver Bay. • Send news and photos about whatever’s going on in your life to me via email: boods@bluefrog.com • Send information about changes to your mailing address, etc., to: Hannah Jay @ hjay@silverbay.org Have a good rest of the year. Hope to see you next year at the Bay.
James K. Boodley President, Emps Alumni Fellowship
A MESSAGE FROM EMP TREASURER Greetings EMP Alumni, This past August concluded my term as EMP Alumni Treasurer. It’s been a pleasure to serve under Jill and Terry Baker, Scott Cotten and now concluding my term, under J.K. Boodley, as he takes on the position of President. To those of you who love Silver Bay and relish your time as an Emp, I invite your consideration to become the next treasurer of our fine organization. As treasurer, you will receive our organizations quarterly financial reports from Silver Bay’s Finance
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Department and relay the numbers on to the Emp organization. Additionally, each August the Emp alumni convene a meeting during one of our family weeks. The ideal candidate would be on campus during the weekend the meeting takes place. At the meeting, you’d share the numbers in our operating and scholarship accounts as well as report on the gifts received from contributions. At the time of our annual meeting on August 19, 2020, our Operating Account balance was $5,948.86. During this meeting, those present unanimously voted to make a gift of $3000 to Silver Bay YMCA to help underwrite the cost of this year’s
Bay Windows. With this recent gift, our current operational balance is $2,948.86. To the Emps who are reading this note, I invite you to participate with us in your Emp Alumni Organization. For more information please reach out J.K. Boodley at boods@bluefrog. com. If you love people, love Silver Bay YMCA and loved your time as an Emp, you would be the ideal candidate for the next treasurer of the Emp Alumni Organization.
Todd Phillips
EMP ALUMNI FELLOWSHIP 2020 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER My name is Micah Testa, and I am 17 years old and will be a freshman at Lansing Community College. I live in East Lansing, Michigan and have three sisters and one brother. Throughout high school, I enjoyed playing soccer; I have a passion for competitive sports that involve practice and skill. I also love the outdoors and the experience of being in nature along with being around, on, or in bodies of water. The eight summers I spent at Silver Bay YMCA,
with the last two working at the Store, are definitely a highlight of my life. I was looking forward to being a day camp counselor in 2020 and hope to fulfill that dream summer 2021. I plan to use this scholarship to aid me as I face the many expenses of going to college. I am thrilled for the opportunity to learn and grow during my college experience and to become equipped for the future ahead of me.
A SPECIAL THANKS FOR GENEROUS DONATIONS TO THE EMP ALUMNI FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FUND • • • •
David L. Roegner - In memory of Doris Clarke John and Patricia Geils Elizabeth A. Booth and Thomas W. Briggs Nancy F. Mueller – In memory of Betty Heintzelman
These donations along with all the others since 1994 will allow Emp Alumni Fellowship to continue awarding scholarships in the future. As stipulated by the Emp Alumni Fellowship Committee that established the scholarship guidelines, at no time will any of the contributed funds be used for scholarship purposes. Only the earned income and a five percent of a three-year trailing average of
• Randall Harmon and Barbara Booth • Bruno and Dorothy Brauner • David and Jennifer Comstock – In memory of Jim Neal
the appreciated value of the fund will be used. Since 1997 when the first scholarships were awarded, sixty-nine Emps have received a scholarship for a total of $85,314. Total contributed funds as of July 16, 2020, are $147,533.92. Any first-time or former Emp enrolled full-time in an accredited college for the school year following the summer of employment who would not be
able to work at Silver Bay because of financial reasons is encouraged to apply to the scholarship. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to May 1st. Applications for the coming summer will be reviewed by the committee on or about March 1st and May 1st. Contact Carolyn Close at cclose@silverbay.org for more information and an application.
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OUR FINEST HOUR
FOUR GENERATIONS OF EMPS
Our family affection with Silver Bay, like countless others, begins with employment on the staff. My maternal grandparents arrived at the Bay in 1946 with three of their teenage children in tow. E. W. Barnes (my grand- father) had been hired as the new executive director of Silver Bay at a time when conference growth was expected to grow following the ration-constricted years of World War II. His background was in the ministry and the YMCA, not an uncommon career combination back then. ‘Barney’s only daughter was my mom, Betty, who worked as a EMP starting as a teenager in housekeeping and the dining room. Her brothers, Bob and Don, also worked several summers as EMPS in the kitchen and the service department. I continue to marvel how in life’s journey human connections influence
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future generations and this is especially true at Silver Bay. Director Barnes hired a former camp staff colleague to work with him at SBA, Harold Kline, to run the program department who in turn brought to Silver Bay Skipper Mac and Herman Giersch. Those three individuals all had a tremendous impact on me as I spent all of my summers at Silver Bay; first as a cottager and later as an EMP. Betty brought a young man, David, from Miami University where they were both students and eventually they were married in the Hughes Chapel in 1951. The first picture of Tom (me) in the annual Baylights emp’s publication is in a stroller in 1954, the last year my parents were on the staff. Dave Heintzelman was first Chippie leader at SBA and numerous guests now identify themselves as being in that inaugural group.
How many Barnes/Heintzelmans/ Beckers have been on the SBA staff? I count about twenty-five of us over the years, some who served for 20 or more summers. We worked in the kitchen, laundry, multiple stints as children’s leaders, archery, lifeguards, maintenance, choir director, gift shop, tennis and watercolor teacher (the last position presently held by my sister, Kathy Becker.) Kathy met her future husband, Fred, at Silver Bay and in 1982 they were also married in the chapel. Fred worked the front desk and played Papi Yokum in the EMP musical Lil’ Abner. Over seven decades participation in the EMPS summer musical has been a common thread for our family throughout the generations. My own family, with three daughters, spent their time growing up and living on campus where they had many parents (instead of just two) as the EMPs and senior staff all filled the role of caretakers - we were rarely concerned with their well-being or safety on the campus. All three served as summer EMPS along with several cousins and a few second cousins. Silver Bay, and especially the people here, have enriched our family life beyond any measure that might be told and we hope our collective contributions as staff members have benefitted the association. History is human.
Tom Heintzelman
EMP ALUMNI
FRIENDS, SOUL MATES, AND EMPS
Martin and Sarah Glazer met as students at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, and have each worked at Silver Bay for several years as summer emps. As a resident of Ticonderoga through high school, Martin was a long time camper in Silver Bay’s youth program in addition to attending New York Yearly Meeting (NYYM) of the Religious Society of Friends Summer Sessions on campus. Martin joined the emp staff as a gardener and returned for several years as a children’s leader. Sarah has served at the front desk, as a children’s leader, and as an archery instructor. The pair is looking forward to maintaining their relationship with Silver Bay and having the opportunity to return to
campus each year as part of their new jobs with the Religious Society of Friends. Silver Bay and its emps have long been connected to the NYYM of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). For decades, the campus has welcomed hundreds of Quakers as they gather in late July for the NYYM Summer Sessions. Now the connection between NYYM and emps is stronger than ever as Martin and Sarah have been hired as the new youth directors for Powell House. Powell House, located in Old Chatham, NY, is the conference and retreat center for NYYM of the Religious Society of Friends.
Previously working as a biology teacher and freelance graphic designer in the Catskills, Martin and Sarah made the move to Powell House in July. “It feels really strange to be starting a new career right now with everything going on, but we’re so happy to be doing work in this community that means so much to both of us, and to be living so close to Silver Bay.” We are excited for you both, Martin and Sarah and wish you the best of luck!
Kathleen Leonard
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MILESTONES SILVER BAY
Richard “Dick” Barney
Passed on June 8, 2020 Age: 74 Richard (Dick) Barney passed away peacefully June 8 in the wake of sudden and severe cardiac arrest. Dick is survived by Ruth, his wife of 49 years; Sean, his son; Heather, his daughter; Nikki Lavoie and Abigail Noonan, his daughter-in-laws; and his grandchildren Sophie Lavoie Boone, Christopher Lavoie Barney, and Theodore Roberts Noonan. He was raised in Madison, NJ, and earned a B.A. degree from Davidson College as well as a Ph.D. in Germanic Languages and Literature from Princeton University. His real passion, however, was math, and he soon studied on his own to pass the ten required exams to become a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. He spent thirty years employed as a benefits and pension actuary while raising his family in Chatham, NJ. After retiring in 2004, he moved to Ticonderoga to enjoy his beloved Lake George area.
Dr. Donald Haywood Brancato
Passed on June 11, 2020 Age 78 Don Brancato was born in Washington, DC on May 9, 1942. Don is survived by his beloved wife, DeLyn (nee Pittman) Brancato of Calverton Park; their five children John (Katrina) of Ferguson; Benjamin (Celeste) of Ladue; Rebecca of Schaumburg, IL; David (Gabriela) of Turlock, CA; and Thomas (Tania) of Franklin, TN. Don’s joy was being Grand Don to his 12 grandchildren.
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After his education at Northwestern University, he served as a Marine in Vietnam and was awarded medals and honors, including a Purple Heart, throughout his career before retiring as a colonel in the USMC reserves. Dr. Brancato cared for patients at North County Orthopedics for over 40 years. He also served as attending physician at Barnes, St. Louis Children’s, Christian, and DePaul Hospitals, as well as on the teaching staff at Washington University School of Medicine. He was devoted to his Lord, family, friends, country, church, patients and fellow Marines.
Nancy Virginia (Griffin) Bryant
Passed on March 22, 2020 Age: 77 Nancy was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 15, 1943 and spent her childhood in Rockville Centre, NY. She graduated from Southside High School (Rockville Centre) and attended SUNY Oswego as an elementary education major. There she met her future husband. She and Dale were married August 22, 1964 at the Silver Bay Chapel. Nancy and Dale moved to Dale’s hometown of Elmira, NY and built the home where they raised three children. She was an elementary teacher in the Elmira, Horseheads and Elmira Height’s school districts with 26 years in the Heights (1979-2005). Next to her family, teaching was her passion. Nancy spent her summers at Silver Bay, NY on Lake George. Not only did she participate in summer activities at the YMCA Conference Center, but also worked as an Emp in her college years as a children’s leader.
Margaret Rose “Margo” Close
Passed on May 14, 2020 Age: 84 Margaret Rose “Margo” Close, 84 of Sheldon Drive, was born on April 28, 1936, and was the daughter of the late Harold and Helen Wheel Startup. Margo was the beloved wife of Charles M. Close; devoted mother of Mark (Donna) Schellkopf, Stephen (Patty) Schellkopf, Scott (Jessica) Close, Douglas Close and Kimberly (Wayne Mathisen) Close; Margo was a third grade teacher and taught at Moreau Elementary in the South Glens Falls School District for 30 years.
Mark Hudak
Passed on May 3, 2020 Age: 64 Mark Hudak passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020. He loved his wife, Gloria, and his sons, Chris and Matt. He and his wife gained another son when Matt married Iain, and a daughter with Chris’s girlfriend, Karen. Mark loved football and taking pictures of sports. His favorite place in the world was Silver Bay, New York. Mark and Gloria have been blessed with fabulous family and friends with whom they shared a wonderful life.
Bertram Graff Miller
Passed on May 26, 2020 Age: 84 Was born on February 11, 1936 to Harry and Dorothy (Suggett) Miller of Hummelstown. Bert had a contagious laugh and infectious personality. He loved nothing more than gatherings of friends and family, where telling jokes
and re-living hysterical shenanigans from his youth often made him the center of attention. He earned an undergraduate degree in education from Millersville State College and a master’s degree in education from University of Pennsylvania. A former Navy Reserve Corpsman, he had long careers as a teacher and salesman, which had him travelling the country. He had a strong Christian faith and was a valuable member of the choir at the churches he attended, throughout his life.
Timothy “Jack” J. Morrison Jr.
Passed on April 21, 2020 Age: 19 Timothy John Morrison, Jr, known to all as Jack, was born on July 18, 2000 in Silver Spring, MD, and ended his life on April 21, 2020; despite arduous and courageous efforts to overcome anxiety-induced depression complicated by complex auto-immune issues. He planned to attend Syracuse University in the fall of 2020, having been admitted to the Falk College School of Sports Management, deciding to pursue his passion for sports despite his acumen and interest in science and engineering. He worked as a camp counselor at the Silver Bay YMCA, where he was beloved by little campers, their families, and fellow staff alike. Having spent summers in Silver Bay throughout his life, he loved both tramping through the woods and being on the water. Most of all, he enjoyed being with the people of Silver Bay. Jack is survived by his parents, Kimberly (Kehoe) and Timothy John Morrison, Sr.; his siblings Clara, Crae and Leah; his grandparents Jim and Joanne (Murray) Kehoe (Phoenix City, AL); his grandmother Margaret (Jenkins) Morrison (Silver Bay, NY).
Walter Lee Robb
Passed on March 23, 2020 Age: 91 Walt was born in Harrisburg April 25, 1928, and raised in New Bloomfield, PA. He earned his B.S. at Penn State and Ph.D in Chemical Engineering at University of Illinois. At age 23, he joined GE. Dr. Robb become president of GE Healthcare and director of GE Global Research and a member of the company’s corporate executive council. In August 1951, Walt moved to Schenectady where he met Anne Gruver, marrying here in February 27, 1954. Walt is survived by his wife, Anne, three sons all in Massachusetts: Richard (Marge) of Marblehead; Steve (Kim) of Wayland, Lindsey (Marin) of Jamaica Plain, and five beloved granddaughters, who are the joy of Anne and Walt’s life: Mackenzie, Hayley, Kelsey, Carly and Kyle. He also leaves behind a brother Herb of New Bloomfield, PA and a sister Kay of Peoria, Il.
Ruth Waller
Passed on April 10, 2020 Age: 91 Ruth Ergood Waller was predeceased by her beloved husband David Allen Waller and brother Bruce Ergood. She is survived by her children Allen Waller (Sue), Mary Ellen Zuckerman (Miron), Roger Waller (Karen), Paul Waller (Beth), Carol Malach (John) and Eric Waller (Cindy). Ruth shared her love of books through her work as a librarian. She was family oriented, raising her six children and enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her favorite place was Silver Bay, NY on Lake George, where she spent summers throughout her childhood, met her husband David, and continued to bring her own children and their families throughout her life.
Kevin Zeese
Passed on September 6, 2020 Age: 64 Kevin Zeese passed on September 6, 2020 he was 64 years of age. Mr. Zeese was the eldest of three children born to and raised by the former Barbara Brudenell-Bruce, a nurse, and Charles Zeese, a teacher, in Queens, New York. While he attended the State University of New York at Buffalo, Mr. Zeese’s life was shaped by a visit from former U.S. Attorney General Ramsey Clark and lawyer William Kunstler, who urged white students to join their Black peers to combat racism. Mr. Zeese is survived by his partner, Margaret Flowers, his sons, Alex Zeese of Washington, D.C. and Daniel Zeese of Hague, New York; three stepchildren, Jack Flowers of Ulm, Germany, Claire Flowers of Oswego, New York, and Braden Flowers of Baltimore; his mother, Barbara Zeese of Queens, New York; and a sister, Eve Zeese of Larchmont, New York.
Correction for Spring Bay Windows 2020 Our apologies to the families of Joyce Buchanan and Elayne Cross for incorrectly publishing the dates of their passing in our last Bay Windows. Joyce passed away on March 3, 2020 and Elayne passed away on February 8, 2020.
Give online at our safe and secure website
www.silverbay.org
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SILVER BAY YMCA of the Adirondacks
87 Silver Bay Road Silver Bay, NY 12874 www.silverbay.org
Together, we are
SILVER BAY STRONG
December 1, 2020