BAY WINDOWS WHY I GIVE
GIVE BACK BY VOLUNTEERING AT SILVER BAY
WHY I GIVE
I have the pleasure of working with volunteers at Silver Bay YMCA. There are over 120 individuals who commit their time despite the hustle and bustle of daily life who contribute to the greater good of this beautiful place where we work, visit, and play. As a full-time employee, I am continually humbled by the selfless time and commitment each dedicates out of their own good will. Volunteers are the life and soul of what makes Silver Bay YMCA so special.
Last year volunteers donated 3,803 hours tending to the gardens, serving in the dining hall, keeping the library and archives organized, folding towels, canning rocking chairs, clearing trails, driving golf carts, and scooping ice cream in the store. These are just some of the tasks volunteers give their time and talent to help Silver Bay fulfill its mission to foster relations, strengthen communities and nurture spirit, mind and body for all. The time volunteers contribute is an important piece of who we
are as they help us to preserve Silver Bay’s nonprofit status, and the total number of hours are reported on the annual tax 990 form. Collecting volunteer hours gives us a snapshot of what is being accomplished and provides us with opportunities to obtain funding through grants and donations which are critical to the success of our programming on campus.
If you are considering volunteering for the first time you will see that the benefits of volunteering can be enormous. There are many who quietly donate their time and would rather not be recognized, and I have witnessed it’s not the acknowledgment that is sought but the reward of giving received is the driving force. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a longterm commitment or take a huge
amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways makes a huge difference.
I welcome you to reach out to me if you are interested in volunteering. You can find me in the Administration building, I am the first door on the right and am typically the same one to greet you upon entering. I am here to answer any questions you may have and help you find your match to make a difference and give back by supporting one another.
I would like to take this time to thank all of our amazing volunteers for all that you contribute and give out of the kindness of your hearts. We appreciate you and your contributions and all that you do for Silver Bay YMCA as we work together to serve our community!
Sarah Spitzer Executive Assistant to CEO
Sarah Spitzer
SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE
WHY I GIVE BACK
Springfield College’s mission is to educate the whole person in spirit, mind, and body for leadership and service to others. The Silver Bay YMCA offers students the opportunity to live and apply that mission. Students are given the opportunity to serve others by volunteering in program areas, serving meals, and being creative thinkers.
Most often students sign up for volunteer weekends and they don’t know each other. By the time they leave Silver Bay they have created life-long relationships because of the time they have spent together. In addition to developing their group work skills, they also become stronger critical thinkers, empowered individuals, and learn about the community they are serving.
For some Springfield students, this is their first volunteer
opportunity. After experiencing the beauty of Silver Bay students find themselves returning to Silver Bay for volunteer weekends, internships, or as professional staff members.
When students have free time, they enjoy the amenities of Silver Bay YMCA by playing disc golf and going for a hike or enjoying a cup of coffee on the porch admiring the scenic views.
The weekend of volunteering fosters a space of learning and growth that can’t be taught in a classroom. After visiting Silver Bay for a weekend students have left with a fulfillment that they contributed to something greater than themselves.
Scott Woodaman Director of YMCA Relations at Springfield College
BENEVOLENT FUND
Please give generously to support Silver Bay’s respite programs.
Cancer Respite Program
Foster & Adoptive Family Retreat
Military R&R Program
Vacations Made Possible
First Responders Respite Program
The Benevolent Fund of Silver Bay underwrites the expenses associated with providing these vital programs to help renew and refresh families and individuals in these special circumstances.
In 2024, a generous anonymous donor will match your gifts in order to jump-start this new fund at Silver Bay and make these programs sustainable long into the future.
WHY I GIVE MY TIME
WHY I GIVE
This summer marks 40 years since our first weekend visit at Silver Bay, which we discovered by chance on Saturday July 9, 1983. Acting on impulse to visit Ft. Ticonderoga, Ming our three kids (Kim 9, Matt 5 & Lea 2), and I drove from northern New Jersey on Friday afternoon arriving in the town of Ticonderoga at dusk. The next morning at the Fort we were thrilled to witness the celebration of the 225th anniversary of General Amherst’s ill-fated attack. There was a detachment of the famous Black Watch on parade, cannons, etc. Our kids were thrilled.
Later, driving south on 9N on the way home, Ming insisted that we stop at Hague Beach so the kids could play in Lake George. NOW THIS IS WHERE THE MAGIC BEGINS and in many ways our lives changed forever. We were standing in the lake and Ming spotted a young girl who was a New Jersey neighbor. Seems that she was spending the summer with relatives in Hague
and recommended that we stop by Silver Bay where she attends a day camp. “You might like it.” So, we did, parking in front of the Inn.
What really cemented our attraction to Silver Bay was Tidy Time, a volunteer weekend at Silver Bay which provides the opportunity to stay at Silver Bay while working on improvements to the campus.
Until our retirement, most of our time at Silver Bay, aside from Tidy Time, was spent enjoying the facilities offered, especially the wonderful clay tennis courts. Since ’05 Silver Bay has become the center of our lives during the 6 months that we are able to spend here every year and have made so many lasting friendships with others who love “The Bay”.
Unexpectedly, my summer this year has been spent taking advantage of volunteer opportunities which has been incredibly rewarding.
More satisfying, while a bit less fun, has been working with Trisha Winchell’s well lead crew in Housekeeping. Their pride and professionalism in preparing cottages and rooms for guests is amazing and a little embarrassing - my occasional cleaning of our apartment seldom includes dusting picture frames and vacuuming under furniture.
My summer was also spent recaning/refurbishing rocking chairs under the leadership of Caley Bittel (who volunteers her free time working on the rockers after her regular shift) along with other folks addicted to this art kept me busy most days.
Yes indeed, giving into the impulse to visit Fort Ti has changed my life.
Bill Crusey
Silver Bay Member
Bill Crusey
WHY I GIVE MY TALENT
Blanch Olivet & Barbara Marchetti
We give because Silver Bay is home: a place we feel loved, comforted and protected despite what is happening in our lives or in the world. My great-great-uncle came to Silver Bay in the early 40s as part of the Y leadership conference and shortly thereafter he brought my grandmother and my mother, Barbara Marchetti, (photographed on the Slim Point path). We have been here as guests and emps ever since.
Silver Bay has provided a fun and enriching community for our 3 daughters to explore and develop on their own. As a 7-year-old, our eldest commented at dinner, that she knew all her friend’s grandmothers! How special is that!!!
As a child, I spent days on the weaving porch and loved to watch our youngest follow suit in the weaving attic. This early loom exposure led her to be a Fibers major today.
Lastly, our middle daughter lived for the songs and youthful camaraderie of the evening campfires at the council ring which sparked her absolute love of campfires and the outdoors today.
Silver Bay is integral to our family’s story!!
Gina (Marchetti) Jeckering & Brian Jeckering
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Silver Bay YMCA has donated over $1,241,430 worth of programs that directly benefit the community in the past year. The following statistics highlight some of the important work being done by Silver Bay.
196 69 801 32 17
Teens served at Teen Center, a $260,000 expense
Families visited as Cancer Respite guests, a $138,000 value
Pastoral respite guests, a $712,000 value
Vacations donated to other community non-profit fundraisers, a $12,800 value
Campers sponsored for Silver Camp by Open Pathways, a $13,000 value
20 11 282 126
Scholarship campers enrolled in Silver Camp youth day camp (value of $4,110)
Local boards/organizations on which Silver Bay YMCA staff volunteer
Free community wellness members (value of $101,520)
Nights of emergency housing stays (value of $30,770.30)
61
SILVER BAY YMCA
ECONOMIC IMPACTS
Savings Generated (Deposits in Local Banks) As one of the largest employers in Northern Warren County, Silver Bay YMCA has put over $5 million back into the community through salaries, housing and utility costs, and contributions to local organizations. Highlighted below is a breakdown of the economic impacts Silver Bay has had on the local community.
SPENDING IMPACTS*
745
$282,485
WHY I GIVE MY RESOURCES
We were digging planting holes in front of the Auditorium this summer when John Porpora told me he supported Silver Bay as a legacy for his grandchildren.
Being a grandchild myself, I reflected on the legacy of my grandfather, Penn Watson, the first member of my family who attached himself to this wonderful institution.
An admirer of the late painting teacher Adele Hepbron and a lover of the String Quartet, he donated the money for the Watson Arts Center as the two programs’ home. My father, George Scott, supervised construction. Inside, I’ve painted, watched movies, listened to lectures, and listened to music as well as played it. My brother and sisters held my mother’s memorial service there.
I’ve helped plant the flowers that surround the sundial and last year I replaced the sundial itself. It is not glued down -the glue failed -- so it is fully adjustable for daylight savings time. Silver Bay being what it is, it’s still there.
Legacy. My father’s grandchildren are mine, and they bring their children to Silver Bay for the same array of activities, environments, and long-term friendships our generations enjoyed.
Like Disneyland, Silver Bay has an off-stage apparatus that keeps it running. It costs cash money that isn’t generated by grants, fees, or restricted donations.
The costs extend over the entire year, so in imitation I send an automatic monthly payment
from my bank. Like “dollaraveraging” investments in the stock market, but with a more predictable result: Legacy. For my grandchildren.
Bruce Scott Silver Bay Member
WHITE BIRCH SOCIETY
WHAT IS WHITE BIRCH?
Ways to Make a Planned Gift
The members of White Birch Society are a caring group of individuals who have decided to make a gift to Silver Bay YMCA through a planned or deferred gift. A planned gift allows you to preserve the Silver Bay YMCA that you love for future generations in the form of an estate bequest, a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy, a charitable trust or gift of stock, real estate or other assets. Through a planned gift, you can make a meaningful gift to Silver Bay YMCA because it does not depend on your annual discretionary income. As a White Birch donor, you acknowledge the importance of sustaining Silver Bay’s mission and vision for the next 100 years and beyond.
If you are intending to leave Silver Bay YMCA a planned gift, you immediately join the society of donors of White Birch. It is our honor to recognize you as a member of White Birch as a small way to express our gratitude for your kindness and foresight. Please let us know of your intention so that we may honor you now for your generosity that will come at a later date. To learn more about White Birch, please contact Walt Lender at wlender@ silverbay.org or 518-543-8510 ext. 307.
Bequests
Silver Bay YMCA can be named in your will with a specific bequest of cash, named securities, or other assets. You can also provide for Silver Bay by designating all or a percentage of the remainder of your estate. Use this bequest language to bequeath a gift to Silver Bay YMCA from your estate:
“I, (Name), of (City, State Zip), give, devise and bequeath to Silver Bay YMCA Tax ID# 13-5604788 (written amount, or percentage of the estate, or description of property) for its unrestricted use and purpose.”
Planned Gifts from Retirement
Silver Bay YMCA can be named as the full or partial beneficiary of your IRA or retirement plan. This is easily accomplished by filling out the appropriate beneficiary designations online or by mailing in forms to your retirement plan provider.
Gifts of Life Insurance
You can name Silver Bay YMCA as the full or partial beneficiary of a current life insurance policy or you can purchase a new policy and name Silver Bay YMCA as the owner and beneficiary.
Gifts of Stock and Real Estate
Silver Bay YMCA is also capable of receiving gifts of stock or real estate. If you are considering either of these planned gifts, contact the Development Office to get the needed information and ensure that your gift is used precisely as you intend.
Thank you to all the members of the White Birch Society and to all who donate to Silver Bay!
MILESTONES SILVER BAY
Carolyn W. Babinsky
Passed on February 1, 2024
Age 93
A longtime Silver Bay Member and Donor.
Carol was a tireless advocate for the value of women in the life of the church and its ministries within the Reformed Church of America, especially in the Synods of New York, New Jersey and the MidAtlantics and the Classis of New Brunswick. She also served on the Board of the interdenominational Grace Memorial Chapel in Silver Bay, NY. It is less well known that she advocated and promoted more interaction between white suburban congregations and black urban populations during the turbulent years of the 1960’s. She believed, and acted upon, a deep conviction of the inclusiveness of the gospel that she wanted to see reflected in the church. She was among the first women ordained as an Elder in the Reformed Church of America and continued to fight for inclusion throughout her life. After her husband’s (Bill) death, she began working with the National Council on the Aging in connection with the Reformed Church, and later with Room for All, promoting inclusiveness within all aspects of the life of the church and beyond. Alongside this conviction, she had an acute sense of order and organization that showed in her work on Stewardship, as secretary
of several Boards, and in the preservation of church archives.
Carol was not all work, however. She found a deep peace in the forested mountains and waters of Silver Bay, NY on the shores of Lake George, where she enjoyed gardening, swimming, boating, tennis, intense Scrabble games, watching rainbows, hummingbirds, finches, herons and butterflies, and most especially spending time with her many beloved ‘Lake friends’. She was a gracious host to many at the cottage, providing a restful space and relaxed company, and she treasured the many deep friendships that lasted for decades.
Carolyn Bryan Goodrich
Passed on May 10, 2024
Age 90
A former EMP and member of the EMP Alumni.
Carolyn’s great passion, besides tennis, Berkshire Hathaway, and her daughter was teaching children. Carolyn started her career teaching first grade at the Happy Hollow School in Wayland, MA. She moved to New York City in 1957 and worked at Heavenly Rest before transitioning to the Spence School where for 30 years, she dedicated herself to teaching first grade and later served as the Lower School Librarian. After retiring from Spence, Carolyn couldn’t stay away and
returned to work part time at the Episcopal School alongside many of her former colleagues. She is remembered fondly for her skill in inspiring even the most reluctant children into becoming lifelong readers and book lovers.
Outside of her professional life, Carolyn was an active member of Christ Church in Roxbury, CT, serving as head of the Alter Guild for many years. She found joy in playing tennis, gardening, travel, attending cooking classes at the Roxbury Senior Center, and actively participating in investment and book clubs. She was also a member of the Junior League, the Cosmopolitan Club, and the New York Society Library. Her vibrant personality, quick wit, infectious smile, and one-of-akind laugh endeared her to all who knew her.
William A. Haase
Passed on March 7, 2024
Age 91
A former trustee, member of the Silver Bay Council and long-time donor.
Bill attended Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Science degree. A proud LT US Navy Veteran, he served on the USS Bryce Canyon during the Korean war. Bill worked for General Electric Company for 39 years as a Marketing Communications Manager.
He served as an usher for 70 years at Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJ. Bill was a Boy Scout Leader, avid fisherman and a lifeguard at Ocean Grove. He also enjoyed being a model electric train hobbyist. Bill will always be remembered as a man of strong faith. He was dedicated to his family, friends and his church community.
Jean Hilliard
Passed on April 29, 2024
Age 86
A former trustee and member of the Silver Bay Council.
Jean grew up in the sweet and simple goodness of being the minister’s daughter in the small town of Red Bank, New Jersey. Her family’s first trip to the Silver Bay YMCA in 1945 began 79 years of joyful August weeks on Lake George in New York.
Jean was a religious studies major at Vassar College, graduating in 1959. In the fall of her junior year, she met Hugh when he came to the Thanksgiving Sunday service at her father’s Methodist church, and she invited him home for lunch. So started a 65-year marriage rich with love, trust, kindness, and mutual respect.
Living first in Massachusetts for Hugh’s career in computer engineering, Jean and Hugh had three children—Marjorie, Conway and Jeff.
Jean earned a library science degree from Simmons College and a Master of Divinity at Boston University. Combining her lifelong pleasure in books, education,
and the spiritual journey, Jean worked as the librarian for the Swedenborg School of Religion—a job that brought her meaningful community and professional satisfaction.
Jean paid attention to the state of the world and eagerly acted in direct, local and personal ways to improve people’s lives. Steered by her sense of generous responsibility and held by the tender belongings of marriage and family, Jean honored the richness of her own life, convinced that what truly matters is how one lives life, here & now.
Karen H. Hoffman
Passed on August 21, 2024
Age 75
A long-time member and donor and a member of the Silver Bay Council.
Karen graduated from the Chapin School in New York and later attended Rollins College and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In 1969, she served as the maid of honor for her closest childhood friend where she met the best man, Robert (Rip) Hoffman. Their connection was immediate and by January 1971 they wed.
Over the years, Karen served as the President of the Parent Teacher Association and Board of Trustee member at Greens Farms Academy, taught adults to read at the Mercy Learning Center, happily served as the Registrar for the Lutheran Summer Gathering at Silver Bay, and volunteered as the
Secretary for the Chapin School Class of 1966 for over 40 years.
Karen and Rip spent countless hours rooting for the UConn Lady Huskies basketball team. She cherished the 50+ year tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving with her extended family, vacations at Silver Bay at Lake George, trips to the theater and travel and time spent with family and friends.
Anne Carol Johns
Passed on November 10, 2023
Age 94
A former EMP Alumni. EMP Fellowship, and Silver Bay Council member.
Anne married Allan E. Johns in June 1950, then taught kindergarten for several years before starting a family. After their two children were grown she worked as an executive administrative assistant for the legal department of Texas Gulf/Elf Aquitaine before joining Al in retirement at Arcady Bay in Silver Bay on Lake George in 1990. After several years of leisure, Anne rejoined the workforce as the assistant to the Town Assessor in the Town of Hague Office Community Center. She retired again, for good, in 2009 after 17 years.
Anne enjoyed gardening, especially daylilies, tomatoes, green beans, and herbs. She loved watching birds at feeders on her deck, with a special fondness for hummingbirds.
She was active in the Presbyterian Church in Putnam Station, serving as an Elder, on search committees,
volunteering for community dinners and fundraising. She loved to sew, especially clothing for her family and making quilts; notably hand-stitching a quilt with friends who met monthly in Hague’s Community Center. Anne became deeply attached to her home in Arcady Bay while strengthening her love of Lake George and Silver Bay YMCA.
David D. Mangiante
Passed on September 6, 2024 Age 94
A former EMP and longtime donor and member.
Dave graduated Rutgers University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. After working in New York City for three years, Dave found that he was being called to the ministry. Following prayerful consideration, Dave enrolled at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. While guest preaching during the summer following his first year in seminary, Dave met Elmira Beislie
(known affectionately as Midy). Their meeting was truly an act of providence, as Midy only attended service two times that summer, due to her work schedule as a nurse. Yet these were the same two Sundays that Dave was asked to fill in as a guest preacher. The two soon fell in love and were married the following summer on August 24, 1957. After graduating from seminary in 1958 with a Master of Divinity, Dave was ordained into the Lutheran Church of America.
Following graduation, Dave was called to his first parish in Bridgeton, NJ. While in Bridgeton,
Dave and Midy were blessed with the birth of their two children, Nancy Sue and Jack David.
He had a myriad of hobbies that ranged from gardening to reading, to working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles. He was an accomplished musician and continued to play the piano his whole life. He enjoyed movies and
all sorts of games and sports, including playing golf and tennis with his friends. His greatest joy, though, came when he could spend time visiting with family and friends, playing cards or dominos, or simply sharing stories of times spent together.
Edythe Wiener
Passed on August 23, 2024
Age 87
A former volunteer and member of the Silver Bay Council.
Edythe passed in Charlottesville, VA. Predeceased by her husband George, mother of Laura (Ullrich) Marks, and Amy Ullrich, Edythe first came to Silver Bay in 1965. She continued to come each August for two weeks until 2017.
Edythe had five grandchildren, Joseph, Erin and Maddie Marano, and Robert and Maria Marks, and one great grandchild, Ayden Marks. A Memorial Service is planned for August 4, 2025, in the Silver Bay Chapel.
VOLUNTEERS
Silver Bay YMCA would like to say thank you to all the volunteers who work tirelessly to help improve Silver Bay.
SILVER BAY YMCA
87 Silver Bay Road
Silver Bay, NY 12874
www.silverbay.org
