IMPACT IMPACT BAY WINDOWS
MY EXPERIENCE WITH SILVER BAY IMPACT
Before coming to Silver Bay, I was studying to be an English teacher in Mexico. I lived in a city apartment, walked to class each morning, and spent my afternoons with my daughter - playing, walking in the park, and enjoying time together. One day, while applying for camp jobs, I unexpectedly received an email from Silver Bay expressing interest in me. I was excited!
I was eager to improve my English, and working in the U.S. seemed like the perfect opportunity. At the time, I was studying foreign languages, and I knew being immersed in another culture would help me grow. Still, I felt nervous - especially about the language barrier. When I first
arrived, my English was basic. I struggled with slang, accents, and even small tasks like finding my luggage at the airport, despite having instructions.
Arriving at Silver Bay was a big cultural shift, and at first, I felt a little lost. But the warmth and kindness of the people there helped me adjust. I was greeted with smiles, hugs, and genuine support. Despite the language challenges, people included me and even offered to help me learn English. That meant a lot to me. By the end of my first year, I was hooked!
Silver Bay is full of life, joy, and connection. I met people from all over the world, made new friends, and had unforgettable experiences. I quickly decided I wanted to return the next summer - and I did. I’ve now been coming back for nine years.
Over the years, I’ve always felt a strong sense of community at Silver Bay. People invite you to gatherings, readings, dancing, and discussions. There’s always something meaningful happening, and I always felt welcome. I was also invited to services by the Leadership Training group - while I didn’t attend every time, I always left feeling peaceful and happy.
And something very special happened here too: I met my husband! He worked in a different department, and over time, we became friends and eventually fell in love. Our friends at Silver Bay supported our relationship and our marriage. I never imagined that this place would change my life so deeply - from growing professionally and learning English, to falling in love. But it did.
Silver Bay is more than just a camp. It’s a place to grow, connect, and experience something truly special. It’s where you can find friends - and even partners - for life. You learn about yourself, others, and the world. It’s peaceful, joyful, and full of opportunities for personal growth.
I’m so grateful for everything Silver Bay has given me. I would recommend it to anyoneespecially other internationals like me - who are seeking a meaningful, life-changing adventure.
I’m Abigail McCue, and this has been my experience with Silver Bay.
Abbie McCue
Housekeeping
Abbie McCue
There are places that change you. And then there are places that save you. For me, Silver Bay YMCA was both. Coming from Venezuela, where daily life was marked by uncertainty and hardship, I never imagined that a summer job could become the turning point of my entire existence. Through Silver Bay, I was granted a J1 visa — an opportunity that not only allowed me to leave a dire situation but also opened the door to a new life in the United States. That visa wasn’t just paperwork. It was a lifeline.
Silver Bay didn’t just offer me employment — it offered me purpose. It was there that I discovered the mission of
IMPACT
THE FAMILY I FOUND AT SILVER BAY
the YMCA, because everyone ultimately put it into practice to build strong communities through relationships, service, and personal growth. I didn’t just witness that mission — I lived it. And I continue to live it today through my career with the YMCA, a path that began on the shores of Lake George.
But the true impact of Silver Bay lies in the people. Mentors like Karyn Ryan, Trisha Winchell, Chet Lastowski and Lindsey Butler; they didn’t just supervise — they nurtured, guided, and believed in me. Erick Mendoza, still on staff, and Benita Reiter were more than colleagues — they are my chosen family. And the friendships I formed there are not seasonal
— they are lifelong. Additionally, Silver Bay gave me the most incredible gift I could have ever asked for, my husband.
Silver Bay is more than a location. It’s a home. It’s a heartbeat. It’s the place where I found safety, belonging, and the courage to build a future. My heart will always belong to Silver Bay, because it gave me more than a job — it gave me a life, a chance and all came from a loving place from each individual that I met, that touched my soul.
Valentina Overend Former Silver Bay Employee
Valentina Overend
FINDING VALUE IN SERVICE
Aaron Walker of Redding, England made his way to Silver Bay 3 years ago and is currently the supervisor of Conference Set Up. While Aaron may have only discovered the magic of Silver Bay recently, his journey on the road that led him here started long before that.
Aaron, who has been living in the States for almost 14 years, has always been interested in theatre. “...but I always, when I was in the theatre, spent more time looking at how they were doing things rather than what was actually going on onstage,” explained Aaron.
His youth wasn’t spent backstage though, Aaron enjoyed acting on stage for a while, and participated in different kinds of dance throughout college. While in college Aaron studied Event Production, and worked successfully in the industry upon graduating, until he moved to America, specifically Ohio, at the age of 22.
Aaron Walker with Silver Bay’s Program Team and Evenings of Dance performers.
With no theatre in the town Aaron was living in, he left the industry and took another job. Upon moving to New York, Aaron started working at Best Buy where he was able to use some of his tech skills. It wasn’t until meeting Shealy Williford, a past employee of Silver Bay, at church, that Aaron was introduced to Silver Bay.
“Me and my partner at Best Buy stopped by in the van [while working in the area one day] and Shealy gave us the campus tour,” Aaron recalled.
Aaron was impressed with what he saw and inquired about potential job openings, and as luck would have it, there was. Aaron has been working in the Conference Set Up department ever since.
“It’s not working for shareholders to get their money. It’s working for each other in the growth of our community,” stated Aaron.
Specifically, Aaron recalled a time in the recent past when there was an extended power outage in the area, and Silver Bay opened its doors to the public as a warming center.
“So, it feels a lot more value.” Aaron added, “what inspires me to stay is that every year we somehow manage to have impact with new people each year and we improve and push the ‘Y’ in an improving direction whether that’s numbers, guests, or experiences.”
“Silver Bay is special because it’s mainly focused on helping other people out. It’s not focused on making a profit, it’s focused on the people and the community it serves... So, I’m not just in it for the job, I’m truly all in it for the mission,” Aaron concluded.
Aaron Walker CSU Supervisor
FINDING CALM AND CONNECTION IMPACT
If you know Silver Bay, you know it’s more than just a place, it’s a special community that feels like family. For Erick Orlando Mendoza Martinez, who came all the way from Venezuela, Silver Bay quickly became just that: a home where he could feel safe, comfortable, and truly be himself.
Erick holds a bachelor’s degree in tourism and worked as a technician back in Venezuela. But deciding to leave his home country and start a new life working in the United States was a big step. “I was really nervous about leaving Venezuela to come work here,” he shared. The drive to Silver Bay was a mix of excitement and anxiety. Like many before him,
when Erick first came over county route 11 and saw the lake, he was speechless. “I was amazed by the beauty, though still a little anxious,” he remembered. But as soon as he arrived, everything shifted. “There was a calm and peaceful feeling on the property that I just can’t explain.”
One of the most unforgettable parts of Erick’s experience was the genuine warmth of both the guests and staff who embraced everyone at Silver Bay. Coming from Venezuela, where life often felt like a constant need to defend yourself and your stance rather than show kindness, this openness was a welcome and powerful change. “Meeting everyone here was a turning point, they welcomed me with open arms.” Surrounded by a diverse community from Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Poland, Russia, and beyond, Erick found a place where different cultures came together in harmony. It was a safe space where he could finally be himself and share his story openly.
Silver Bay didn’t just become a place to live or work, it became a second home for Erick. He speaks with deep love for the community, describing it as the perfect place for him. “Silver Bay has allowed me to learn things
about myself that I never knew like that I can overcome hard experiences, and that I can use my experiences to help others.” Drawing from his own struggles and the support he received from this caring community, Erick now feels inspired to give back. He hopes to make the journey easier for newcomers by sharing his knowledge and experience, helping others feel as welcomed and supported as he did.
The bonds formed at Silver Bay run deep. The friendships Erick made have lasted, and over time, the sense of family here has only grown stronger.
For Erick, Silver Bay isn’t just a job or a stop along the way. It’s a place where he found peace, belonging, and a new beginning. Simply put, “Silver Bay feels like home.”
Mendoza Martinez Food Service
Erick Orlando
Erick Mendoza
ALPER’S JOURNEY
FINDING HOME THROUGH HOSPITALITY
For Alper Tunga Küçük, Silver Bay YMCA is more than a workplace, it’s where his personal values, professional journey, and deep sense of community have all come together. Originally from Turkey, a country rich in history and culture, Alper now serves as the Dining Room and Banquet Manager, leading food and beverage operations with both passion and purpose.
“My story with Silver Bay actually began about twelve years ago,” Alper says. “During my university years in Russia, I spent three summers here as part of the seasonal staff. Each summer I returned, balancing my studies with the opportunity to work in the U.S.”
After completing his degree,
Alper worked abroad in Thailand for several years in the tourism industry. But when the pandemic disrupted global travel, it became a turning point. “Covid-19 brought major challenges, but I never lost my belief in hospitality and the power of tourism.” That period pushed him to return to the U.S. and pursue what he’d always loved: food, people, and service.
Now at Silver Bay full-time, Alper leads a growing banquets program, especially at the Mountain View Grille, a place that’s close to his heart. “What inspires me to stay at Silver Bay is the unique combination of community, purpose, and environment,” he adds.
“Watching the Mountain View Grille grow in popularity, seeing
our events and weddings reach new levels of excellence... it brings me great joy.”
Even more meaningful are the friendships that have lasted over a decade. “Some of the friendships I built during my early summers here are still a part of my life today.”
“Silver Bay connects people from every corner of the globe, but it roots us in something timeless,” Alper says. “It reminds us that no matter where we come from, we can find home and each other here.”
Alper
Tunga Küçük
Dining Room & Banquet Manager
Alper Tunga Küçük
DOUBLE YOUR DONATION
Mallika and Rolf on their wedding day in August 2025.
Mallika’s grandparents say “I Do” in the Helen Hughes Memorial Chapel.
WHERE OUR STORY CONTINUES A LEGACY OF LOVE AT SLIM POINT
I’ve visited Silver Bay every summer for as long as I can remember. Each year, between major life milestones — graduating high school then college, moving from New York to California and back, getting new jobs and finally settling in Chicago — I’ve come back to Lake George. This year, I returned for another milestone: I got married at Slim Point.
Friends and family flew from the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, and across the U.S. to be with my husband Rolf and me. We were joined by loved ones who haven’t yet had their first birthdays, friends we met in Charleston when Rolf was in the Navy, classmates from our college in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and generations of family — including many who met or were married at Silver Bay. My parents married at Slim Point in 1989, and my grandparents were married in the chapel in 1959 after meeting as EMPs. Because my family from India is so far away, we brought a bit of my culture to Silver Bay with a Bollywood dance performed at the reception in the Boyd Center.
Mallika’s parents on their wedding day at Slim Point.
Mallika and Rolf’s wedding party doing a Bollywood dance in the William Boyd Center.
This oasis tucked in the Adirondacks has always felt like my secret escape every summer. But I’m so glad I was able to share it with the people of different ages and cultures who have supported Rolf and me throughout our lives. I hope, like us, they’ll come back for summers to come.
Mallika Mitra Silver Bay Bride
BAYVIEW: A NEW CHAPTER
IMPACT INVEST IN SILVER BAY’S FUTURE
By renovating Bayview to create a modern and comfortable accommodation option for groups and guests, Silver Bay is predicted to generate additional revenue of over $700,000/year, or more.
On top of increased year-round revenue, these renovations will:
• Allow Silver Bay to maintain a high-quality, affordable experience for generations to come.
• Increase multi-generational appeal and increased reach, participation, and financial sustainability.
• Insure sustainability of Silver Bay’s facilities.
• Meet the needs of future guests and groups.
SILVER BAY YMCA: A CORNERSTONE OF TOURISM IN THE LAKE GEORGE REGION
Respectfully
submitted by:
Gina Mintzer & Megan Seeley Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB
Tourism has long been the lifeblood of the Lake George region, shaping not only the area’s economic vitality but also the spirit of its communities. Each year, millions visit to take in the Adirondacks’ natural beauty, discover our cultural treasures, and experience the hospitality that defines our region. At the heart of this success are institutions like Silver Bay YMCA, which embody the values of service, community, and innovation while playing a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding our tourism economy.
Silver Bay YMCA’s impact is evident in multiple dimensions of the regional tourism ecosystem. Its lodging and conference facilities attract guests from across the United States and around the world. Families seeking a restorative vacation, groups gathering for conferences, and couples celebrating weddings all find a welcoming and professional environment on the shores of Lake George. These visits translate into overnight stays that directly benefit the lodging sector, and stimulate spending at area restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Equally important is Silver Bay’s leadership in outdoor recreation and experiential tourism. With hiking trails, waterfront
activities, arts programs, and youth development offerings, the campus delivers a wide spectrum of experiences that attract both first-time visitors and returning guests. These amenities encourage extended stays and foster long-term visitor loyalty.
The organization also plays a vital role in sustaining the tourism workforce. By employing seasonal staff during the peak summer months and maintaining year-round positions that support ongoing operations, Silver Bay creates meaningful job opportunities for both local residents and international exchange workers. These employees not only deliver essential services but also become ambassadors for the region, carrying their positive experiences home to their families and communities.
One of Silver Bay YMCA’s often underappreciated contributions is its support of the shoulder season economy. When many destinations experience a slowdown in visitation, Silver Bay continues to welcome conferences, retreats, and weddings. These events bring much-needed business to the region in early spring and late fall, helping stabilize revenues for local hotels, caterers, florists, transportation providers, and
countless other small businesses. In this way, Silver Bay helps smooth the seasonality that can challenge the Adirondack tourism economy.
Beyond economics, Silver Bay’s impact is felt in its community engagement. From hosting cultural programs and wellness initiatives to opening its grounds for events that connect visitors and residents, the YMCA strengthens the fabric of the local community. These experiences create powerful memories for participants and reinforce Lake George’s reputation as a place where authentic connections are made.
As the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB, we are proud to recognize Silver Bay YMCA as a cornerstone of the regional tourism economy. Its commitment to excellence in hospitality, recreation, workforce development, and community building exemplifies the very best of what makes our destination thrive. Silver Bay’s global reach not only draws visitors from near and far but also ensures that the impact of tourism resonates well beyond the shoreline—fueling prosperity, fostering connection, and securing the Lake George region’s place as one of the most inspiring destinations in the world.
Marianne Burhans and her daughter Mona pose for a photo outside the old Dining Hall Circa. 2016.
A LEGACY OF LOVE, CULTURE, AND CONNECTION
Marianne Burhans was a longtime seasonal staff at Silver Bay YMCA, best known and deeply loved as the International EMP Coordinator. Alongside her husband Buzz, she served in many roles, from dorm parents in Parlin to overnights at the front desk while Buzz was nightwatchman, but it was her care for the international staff that made a lasting impact.
Each summer, many staff would say the season didn’t officially begin until Marianne arrived. She shared her time, talent, and treasure with each student, making sure they were not only welcomed but deeply supported. She championed the tradition of hanging national flags in the dining room, visible symbols of pride and belonging. As Carolyn Close noted, “As you walk into the William Boyd Center today, in
the lobby hang flags from all over the world… this is a tradition Marianne championed.”
From 1996 to 2019, she arranged cultural excursions like dress rehearsals at Seagle Opera, Rotary breakfasts, and tours of International Paper. Even routine Walmart trips became moments of connection, filled with stories and laughter. Marianne saw the program as more than staffing, it was about cross-cultural exchange and personal growth.
She was known as “Mom” to many. She wrote heartfelt letters to each international staff at the end of their summer, one of which was hand-carried back 15 years later by Patrick from Kenya, just to thank her. This year, 2025, Ben from Rwanda sat with her for two hours in her nursing home, simply to express his gratitude.
Marianne’s kindness even extended into her own family— her son’s chance meeting with a Russian staff member, Julia, led to their marriage in 1994.
“My mom set the standard leading the International EMPS in their Silver Bay experience both on and off campus. She welcomed each one individually providing support, mentorship, and extraordinary friendship. More importantly, Marianne exemplified hospitality and kindness to all,” Marianne’s daughter, Mona Burhans DiMarco, stated.
For countless international students, Marianne didn’t just coordinate a program, she created a home, a family, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The friends, family, and
colleagues of Marianne.
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AT SILVER BAY
We are proud, honored, and humbled to share that on October 2, 2025 the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded Silver Bay YMCA the Large Nonprofit of the Year Award.
For over 120 years, Silver Bay has been serving our community - and through the years, we’ve provided more than $1.4 million in community benefits through our programs and services.
This recognition is only possible because of the unwavering support of our guests, members, volunteers, donors, and staff. You help us live out our mission to: cultivate relationships, strengthen communities, and nurture spirit mind and body for all.
Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Award.
MILESTONES SILVER BAY
Dave Barton
Passed on October 1, 2024 Age 82 Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Past Employee, and Long Time Donor.
Victor Leroy LaVallee
Passed on September 24, 2024 Age 82 Donor.
Joan Goddard
Passed on March 18, 2025 Age 57 Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Past Employee, and Long Time Donor.
Mary Helen Staley
Passed on March 11, 2025 Age 93 Conference Attendee, Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Past Employee, and Long Time Donor.
Earla Woodworth
Passed on March 24, 2025 Age 93 A Long Time Donor.
Louis W Snell
Passed on April 5, 2025 Age 98 Conference Attendee, and Long Time Donor.
WHAT IS WHITE BIRCH?
Ryan Lawrence
Passed on April 6, 2025 Age 41 Emp Alumni, Past Employee.
Sam Perkins
Passed on May 14, 2025 Age 48 Trustee, and Conference Attendee.
Carol Squire Hay
Passed on February 24, 2025 Age 82 Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Long Time Donor, and White Birch member.
Marianne Burhans
Passed on September 14, 2025 Age 90 A Former Council Member, Conference Attendee, Senior Staff, Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Past Employee, and Long Time Donor.
Do you have a loved one you would like to be acknowledged in future Bay Windows? Please email: development@silverbay.org
This symbol depicts a White Birch Member.
Formed in 1976, White Birch is a caring group of individuals who have decided to make a gift to Silver Bay YMCA through a planned or deferred gift, in the form of an estate bequest, a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy, a charitable gift annuity, a charitable trust, or a gift of stock, real estate, or other assets.
To learn more about becoming a White Birch Member please contact: Development at development@silverbay.org.
87 Silver Bay Road
Silver Bay, NY 12874
www.silverbay.org
