RENEW & RECONNECT
BAY WINDOWS SILVER BAY
SPRING 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 3 4 6 7 8 10
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Board of Trustees Connection in a New Normal Welcoming New Trustees A Message from the CVO A Message from the CEO 2020 Year End Results Silver Bay Council Council President’s Message Five Generations Finding Inspiration Diversity, Inclusion and Global Engagement Community Outreach Programs Staying Connected at Silver Bay
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One Man’s Perspective Sustaining Silver Bay Parlin Dormitory Planned Giving White Birch A Forever Home An Emp Family Welcome New Staff Emp Alumni Fellowship A Different Kind of Y A Look Back 21st Annual Golf Tournament Milestones
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Stephanie Wagoner, Chair Joel Wattenbarger, Vice Chair Phil White, Vice Chair Emily Clark, Secretary Dominic Colafati, Treasurer
Governance
CEO
Strategic Planning
Steve Tamm
Joel Wattenbarger
Finance Dominic Colafati
Phil White
Audit Paul Bell
DIG Task Force Michelle Hay
CEO Review Emily Clark
TRUSTEES Melissa Adams Mark Adzigian Kathryn “Katie” Bang Paul Bell Denise Carter Emily Clark Dominic Colafati Matthew Crusey
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Lee Farmer David Gray Andy Gorelik Michelle Hay David Kaiser C. Walter Lender Jonathan Loane Jack Mangiante
Adam Pearsall Morrie Peters David Ports Stephanie Wagoner Elise Walton Joel Wattenbarger Phil White Kathy Wilson
THIS ISSUE:
CONNECTION IN A NEW NORMAL
Dear Reader, It is with cautious but immense relief that our “new normal,” sculpted by the many challenges of the past year, finally begins to take shape. During this time, I, and I am sure many others as well, have felt the strength of this truth: our connections to loved ones, our love of places that feel like home, and our trust in the values that guide us have carried and will continue to carry us through difficult times. It was with great humility that we asked for your support to help us weather the storm of these challenges; the kindness and generosity that has followed has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your love of Silver Bay, your connection to this kind, caring community, and your affectionate support has served to fill the sails of
Silver Bay with a wind that will guide us towards calmer waters. It is with this humility and with sincere gratitude that we thank you for your incredible kindness and support. This issue is dedicated to the individuals, families and communities who have found connection with who and what they love through the spirit that exists at Silver Bay YMCA, and to those who have celebrated their love and connection to Silver Bay YMCA by sharing their time, talent and treasure in order to preserve our mission for the families of tomorrow. These connections have created the Silver Bay of today, and it is these connections that will ensure Silver Bay lasts for years to come.
We hope that the stories in this issue will inspire you to reflect on the joys, memories, and relationships borne out of your own connection to Silver Bay. Such connections require special care, and it is essential that we continue to nurture the relationships, values, and places that we cherish so they may grow and thrive. We invite you to continue to support Silver Bay YMCA with the same inspiring kindness that has sustained Silver Bay throughout the past year. The light that shines out of this community will never fade so long as those who love and cherish this special patch of earth continue to support Silver Bay YMCA. With gratitude, Hannah Jay Development Director
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WELCOME NEW TRUSTEES TRUSTEE BIOS
MELISSA ADAMS Melissa Adams is honored and humbled to be of service to Silver Bay and looks forward to supporting and evolving Silver Bay’s mission. Since 1996, Silver Bay’s Family Conference has become a treasured ritual for both her extended family and husband John’s extended family – it is the place to gather to celebrate engagements, wedding showers, introduce new family members, and memorialize loved ones, while making new friends and maintaining relationships with the expansive Silver Bay family.
In her professional life, Melissa is Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Washington Gas Light Company, where she leads climate initiatives that advance sustainable operating practices and the development of innovative new business models; promotes social objectives through corporate giving and volunteerism; and implements good governance in support of social equity and diversity through procurement and other programming.
MATTHEW CRUSEY Matthew Crusey (“Matt”) is General Counsel, Global Corporate, for AXA XL, the property & casualty and specialty risk division of AXA Group. Matt leads a global team of 20 responsible for legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions, investments, corporate finance, employment, benefits, commercial and procurement matters for AXA XL. Matt served as General Counsel for M&A and Corporate finance for XL Group Ltd (NYSE: XL), which was acquired by AXA in 2018. Prior to joining XL Group, Matt served as corporate counsel for Markel Corporation and Alterra Capital Ltd. Before joining Alterra Capital, Matt was an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and
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LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & Macrae LLP in New York City. Matt received a BA from Kenyon College and a JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Matt and his siblings, Kim Crusey and Lea Crusey, have been coming to Silver Bay since their elementary school years. Now, a father of two young girls, Laela, age 6, and Teagan, age 4, Matt and his wife, Susie Alkasab, are continuing his family’s tradition of spending time each summer at Silver Bay. Matt and his family live in Port Washington, New York. Matt is honored to be chosen and looks forward to being the next Crusey to serve on the Silver Bay Board of Trustees.
WELCOME NEW TRUSTEES TRUSTEE BIOS
DAVID GRAY David Gray serves as Senior Pastor of Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD. David previously directed the New America Foundation’s Workforce and Family Program and served as Senior Fellow at both New America and the Niskanen Center. He served as Acting Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Labor, as a Counsel to the U.S. Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and as a legislative aid to several members of Congress. He is a graduate of Yale, Harvard, Northwestern University
School of Law and Wesley Seminary. David has been part of the Silver Bay community nearly every summer of his life, was an Emp in the 90’s, and can often be found on the tennis courts, in a Sunfish or at Bay Beach. David and his wife, Bridget, were engaged at Slim Point and wear wedding rings they made for each other in the Silver Bay craft shop. Their most recent activity involves following their four kids, a Raven, a Chippie and two Woozles around campus.
DAVID PORTS David Ports is the President and CEO of The Granite YMCA, a 168-year-old Y serving 35,000 people in southern and seacoast New Hampshire. David’s 24-year Y career includes posts in Wisconsin, Washington, Montana, and California, where he worked both at local YMCAs and with YUSA. David has served on the YMCA National Government Relations Committee, as a national YMCA service delivery partner and as a Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement advocate, working with YMCAs in Uruguay, Sierra Leone, Belarus, and Russia in cross cultural, mutually beneficial partnerships.
David and his family first fell in love with Silver Bay on work trips in his role as a YUSA Resource Director, and has fallen only deeper in love with Silver Bay each year. David is married to Kathleen, a wildlife biologist, and together they have two children – Sam (18), a freshman Archaeology major at the University of Evansville, and Lily (12), a 6th grader who is a whirlwind of creativity. When David is not at the Y or with family, you will find him in the mountains, at yoga, on his bike, or cheering on the Red Sox. A good day includes them all!
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CVO RENEW & RECONNECT Oneida Bay, doing much of the work themselves. We spent over 10 years as a family enjoying the Silver Bay community. In 1975, my parents sold their cottage, and I did not return to Silver Bay for 25 years. When I was asked to join Silver Bay’s Board of Trustees in 2008, I thought I would know no one, having been away for so long. At my first meeting, I was welcomed by Paul Folkemer, who proceeded to tell me how he never forgot that my father asked him to play tennis when he was a young teenager. He then advised me that he taught with my mother in the same school system for 18 years. Silver Bay is a special place for many, including my family. I first came to Silver Bay as a Wee Woozle. My mother, having been a minister’s daughter and then a minister’s wife, thought it was important for our family to have a place of continuity in our lives since ministers’ families move around in service to churches. My parents loved Silver Bay after one visit and embarked on a multiyear project to build a cottage above
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As my service on Silver Bay’s board continued, I learned that my experience was not unique. Whether we have been coming here for generations, are newcomers, or in my case came for a while, went away and then came back, Silver Bay is a community where people feel a sense of belonging. Little did I know how much this place had become a part of my DNA, such that I chose to move here in retirement. The past year has been challenging for many
to maintain connections. Silver Bay creatively modified its programs and services to safely open during 2020, so we could all stay connected. I am very grateful for this community, for its adaptability, resilience, and continued focus on its mission and outreach. I am also grateful to be leading your Board of Trustees at this time. Silver Bay has faced challenges and achieved much over its one hundred and nineteen year history. We remain focused on our mission “To foster a lifelong sense of belonging, strengthen relationships, and nurture spirit, mind, and body for all”. Most of all, I am grateful for the relationships we have with each other. I hope when you visit Silver Bay, you will hear the same voice I heard many years ago after 25 years of being away. “Welcome home!”
Stephanie Wagoner
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO RENEW & RECONNECT This spring offers yet another kind of renewal. Yes, we have the normal renewal that comes with each spring yet this year it is a bit sweeter. The sense of hope is higher, we see a light at the end of the tunnel of a pandemic that has ruled our lives, the lives of the world, for the last year.
As I sit down to write this, the sun is shining so wonderfully. The ice of the lake is breaking up, the birds are singing and the smell of winter departing and spring arriving permeates the air. It’s a time of seasonal change in the north country. So many of us are energized by the return of spring; warmer temperatures, longer days, the blooming of flowers and trees and of being outdoors.
Nancy and I are excitedly planning on visiting our two daughters, who we have seen much too infrequently this past year. Planning get-togethers with friends has begun anew. For me, this pandemic has taught me so much; a silver lining in a time of much pain, sorrow and difficulties. The value of family and good friends is that much clearer now. Relationships and gettogethers that were too often taken for granted previously, now have a deeper meaning and higher worth. Here at Silver Bay, we are busy planning for summer and fall 2021. Many questions exist. Many regulations and restrictions remain in place and when and to what extent they will be lifted remains rather unclear. By the time you read this
no doubt things will have changed again. Regardless of all those details, we are thankful that Silver Bay is still here. We have worked hard and been diligent, we have been bumped and bruised and tired yet we have endured. Silver Bay is strong. It is strong because of all of us; you and me and him and her. I can think of no better time to return to Silver Bay then this year. This summer will not be as restrictive as 2020 nor will it be as open as 2019. Regardless, it will be a rich experience and one to cherish. People will gather, families will reunite, old friends will embrace once again and new friendships will be made. Games will be played, laughter will abound. The crisp clean waters of Lake George will invigorate and being at Silver Bay will provide everyone the opportunity to rest, renew and reconnect. I look forward to seeing you at the Bay soon.
Steve Tamm
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YEAR END RESULTS 2020
Dear Silver Bay friends, Typically our August Annual Meeting is when we share details about the previous year fiscal results and impact. Since 2020 was anything but typical, I thought you would all be interested to learn how Silver Bay has weathered the storm of the last 12 months. Our unaudited 2020 results show that our operating revenue was significantly down, i.e. some $4 million below our 2020 budget. Through various cost-cutting measures we were able to lower our expenses
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by $2.8 million when compared to our 2020 budget. We ended the year “in the black”. Because of you, Silver Bay is in a strong position. Your extraordinary support has allowed us to continue to operate and plan for the future. The first several months of 2021 are significantly lower than we would typically expect, though through cost containment and new partnerships, such as the one with American Ballet Theatre, and the surplus from 2020, Silver Bay is on solid ground.
This year we celebrate our 119th summer; we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the cornerstone laying of The Chapel and we will celebrate a new post-COVID era. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the staff and all those who we serve, thank you for your dedication and support to the traditions, values and mission of Silver Bay.
Steve Tamm
BY THE NUMBERS 2020
Giving was exceptionally strong and we are ever so thankful to the Silver Bay community. While COVID denied us the opportunity to perform many of our regular impact programs, much was achieved:
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We hosted
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New Donors who gave over $66,000
people from our Cancer Respite Program
$4,400,000 Given by over 800 donors
34,000 Views of our newly launched virtual Spiritual Life programs
440 Clergy have stayed in our Pastoral Respite Program We hosted
26 military families as part of our Military R&R Program
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SILVER BAY COUNCIL OFFICERS
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
President
Appropriations
Natalie Shotts
Kate Calendrillo Debby Wattenbarger Anne Erling
Vice President Anne Erling
Secretary Sue Nagy
Treasurer Peter Meyers
Staff Liaison Carolyn Close
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Membership Paul Duggan Jane Sheldon
Fundraising Natalie Shotts
Tidy Time Penny Siesko
A MESSAGE FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT
It’s challenging to find one word that fully describes how extraordinary Silver Bay and its community is. Even the word “extraordinary” is not enough. It’s the place to refresh the batteries and hit the reset button on mental health for just about all of us. It’s the beautiful views, the refreshing air and activities, the people and friendships that have lasted what seems like ten lifetimes.
And then came along Bruce and Garth and their weekly Facebook devotionals. I don’t consider myself a religious person, but I am a spiritual one. The whole of Silver Bay, Lake George, and the people are my church. Bruce and Garth were my lifeline. They kept me sane. (Note to Garth – I have an inner critic, too.) And I loved how they would choose different spots on campus to record their sessions. I wouldn’t have made it through the height of the pandemic without them.
own labyrinth. Since we do not have space in our yard, I instead walked a path around our neighborhood. I would start each walk with the words Betty taught me to use: “I am on a journey to…” and fill in the blank with whatever issue I’m trying to solve. On my journey I would imagine walking past the Inn, the Auditorium, tennis courts, the Boathouse, beaches, finally making my way to the altar known as Slim Point Pavilion. My walks became much more enjoyable and energizing.
Another person I have to thank for getting me through 2020 is Betty Towey. Back when the labyrinth was under construction, Betty explained how during the 11th and 12th centuries, labyrinths were built and used in cathedrals as a symbolic pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Since I could not make my yearly pilgrimage to Silver Bay, I needed to create my
Thank you, Betty, Bruce, and Garth (and Austin for recording!) for bringing Silver Bay to me when I couldn’t get there and helping me hit my reset button.
Natalie Shotts
When the pandemic hit, it was disheartening to know with too many unknown variables that we wouldn’t be able to get up there for Tidy Time or our summer vacation. I have a stressful job. I work long hours. I felt terrible for my family and coworkers… what kind of demon could be released on them if I can’t hit my reset button?
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FIVE GENERATIONS
A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE part of the summer. The Auditorium events - worship services, the Emp Show, music programs, and variety shows bring us together. Greetings on the campus, reading on the beach, and enjoying the lake and mountains are our favorite moments. The fifth generation living at our cottage will be 7-month-old Baby Van Heest who will be at SBA this 2021 summer, 80 years after her great-grandmother, Eloise, first went swimming at Bay Beach.
Gerard & Eloise Van Heest In July 1941 five generations of our family began participating in the Silver Bay Association. Without a car available, Mother would put our lunch and swim suits in the little white wagon so that my brother (5 yrs.) and myself (10 yrs.) could leave our cottage off Terrace Road and walk down to “The Bay” for the day. Mother would weave and enjoy oil painting with her friend, Adele Hepburn. We children would work in the Craft Shop with Mrs. Barton. We were always in the presence of people who shared their abilities, passion, and encouragement with us who were the hesitant ones. All the following generations enjoyed the Craft Shop where the Emps taught
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planning, patience and persistence. The center of every day was going down to The Bay as they looked forward to the program and being with friends from all over the United States and Canada. Their leaders were role models of Christian values of kindness, caring and joy. The tennis courts, the waterfront, and Slim Point were the places to find the family most days. Some became Emps for many years. Volunteering became meaningful serving on the Board of Trustees, working at the concierge desk, leading Bible Study in Sproul. Those of us who are at Silver Bay for the summer months look forward to connecting with those who are able to come a
FINDING INSPIRATION A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE Those childhood experiences seeded roots that would branch out in ways I could never have imagined.
Silver Bay has fostered impactful experiences for me throughout my life. In 1970 at the age of 1 my childhood Family Week experiences began, and for the following two decades I looked forward all year to our August vacations at Silver Bay. Years later my memories of picking up with old friends, making new ones, capturing the flag, afternoons on Slim Point, basketball at bay beach and of course ice cream at the Store are as vivid as if they were yesterday.
I returned to Silver Bay as a young adult to find solace and inspiration to overcome what appeared at the time to be life’s greatest challenges. As many of you know, Silver Bay is where in 2004 I left a career in finance to realize a childhood dream of starting an ice cream company, Adirondack Creamery. The introduction to my wife Simi came through my longtime Silver Bay friend, Beth Whitaker. Morse Hall was where we held our Mehndi ceremony (the party to celebrate the bride the night before a wedding) with friends and family from all aspects of our lives -- a truly unforgettable evening. In recent years we have watched our sons create their own memorable
but inspiration and peace on familiar Silver Bay trails which seemed like new discoveries being snow covered and with visibility deep into the forest without the green leaves of summer. Our traditional July vacation, with fewer program activities, provided new experiences with friends on the lake and deepened our appreciation for the spirit and nature of Silver Bay. I am forever grateful for the inspirations and experiences I have had at Silver Bay and look forward to those yet to come.
Paul Nasrani
Silver Bay experiences as woozles, chippies and ravens. In March of 2020 we were fortunate to be able to depart from our NYC home to take up residence in the North Country to ride out the pandemic. In those early spring days, we found not only exercise,
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DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT 2020 has proven to be a turbulent time in many ways. A heightened awareness of inequities across a broad spectrum of communities has compelled us to re-evaluate our perspective and viewpoint on these issues. This is true both individually and collectively. Through this reevaluation process, the Silver Bay Board of Trustees has embraced the opportunity for Silver Bay to evolve, to become a stronger organization, and to focus on our stated mission, which is, “To foster a lifelong sense of belonging, strengthen relationships, and nurture spirit, mind, and body for all.”
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As part of this process, the Trustees of Silver Bay have taken steps to listen and learn, engaging in a series of discussions and training sessions facilitated by the Y-USA relating to diversity and inclusion. We also had the opportunity to participate in a Virtual Town Hall, hosted by the YMCA African American CEOs, on Unlearning Systemic Racism. As a board, we are committed to upholding and living by the values of our mission, with a specific focus on diversity and inclusion. With this in mind, the board has established
a Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement Task Force to oversee our continuing efforts in this area. This task force has a stated goal of identifying clear next actions, both for the immediate future and in the long-term. We invite all members of the Silver Bay community to join us in living out our mission, thereby ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain as core values of Silver Bay.
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT DIG AT SILVER BAY
three years. We have set short-term and long-term goals where we will implement diversity, inclusion, and equity-based goals within the board, with the support of the board and the CEO of Silver Bay. Over the next few years, our actions will be driven by the following themes: Breaking Down Barriers, Rise to the Challenge, Establishing Our Presence, with each phase including planning, implementation, evaluation, and adjustments.
Over the past year, we have been met with an immense amount of challenges. We have grown as an organization, through a pandemic, isolation, and racial injustice. As part of the growth, the Board decided that one area of focus was on Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement (DIG). Initially, we worked with YUSA to establish common language and began the self-reflection to evaluate where we are as a Board and organization. With our deep bonds and loving commitment to Silver Bay, we see areas where we can improve and what we can act
on. As part of that improvement, during November 2020, the Board of Trustees created the DIG Task Force to address diversity, inclusion and global engagement in the Silver Bay Organization. The Task Force is here to ensure that Silver Bay lives up to its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity on the board and in Silver Bay’s efforts as a community partner. The Task Force has established a mission and statement of intent as well as laying the groundwork for improvement plans over the next
Guided by our principles, we recognize and value all dimensions of diversity. Some of our goals are that we champion a multi-cultural understanding, understand the needs and wants of all segments of our community, and to develop the solutions that ensure the greatest possible inclusion. We will lead the interpersonal and community engagement with empathy, connect and build bridges between diverse individuals’ groups in the community, and promote the safe exchange of ideas, beliefs and perspectives at all levels.
Michelle Hay
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COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS MADE POSSIBLE BY YOUR GENEROSITY
“We had a fabulous time at Silver Bay last October! It was exactly what we needed: a relaxing weekend in a cozy cottage, with beautiful surroundings and crisp fall weather. Our kids reminisce about the experience to this day.”
Michael “A great time of rest, reflection and fun for our family. Loved being able to swim and kayak and hike. Or just spend time inside playing games and reading books together without distractions.”
James
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“Our stay was delightful. Everyone was so nice and helpful. The campus was beautiful.”
Daniel “Our daily activities included swimming, archery, walking the labyrinth, and kayaking. We appreciated the health supporting fresh air, sunshine, and exercising; soul nourishing walks, conversation, and having meals together; being spiritually held and supported by the lake and mountains; the unbounded friendliness and helpfulness of the staff; the generosity of the donors who made all this possible; the linger after effect of all the above when I returned home.”
Gary
STAYING CONNECTED AT SILVER BAY YMCA
A little over a year ago, the fulltime staff at Silver Bay YMCA began to work from home because of the spread of COVID-19. As we entered this period of lockdown, all of our Spiritual Life programs stopped. We were concerned about how this would affect the members of the Silver Bay community who regularly participated in our prayer breakfasts and reading group. Those who live in and around Silver Bay know how long and lonely the winters can be here in the North Country and we were afraid to lose these vital personal connections. After a week or two of brainstorming and consulting with those who are deeply engaged in the Spiritual Life Program, we launched our first plan to keep people connected: a weekly devotional video. With technical help from Austin Porth, Bruce Tamlyn and I recorded a video that contained words of welcome, prayers, a message from the Scriptures, and several hymns and songs that we
often sing at Silver Bay. We had no idea if what we were doing would be meaningful to anyone or if anyone would even watch, but here we are over a year later continuing to record these weekly videos as a way to connect people to Silver Bay. We also tried to transform some of our other programming to make it work in the virtual world, with mixed results. Our monthly Prayer Breakfasts became monthly Prayer Gatherings via Zoom. We don’t quite draw the same number of folks to these – we think it is because we can’t send each participant a delicious breakfast through the internet. However, our Spiritual Life Reading Group has boomed with the advent of Zoom. We went from a small group of 8-12 people meeting in the lobby of Trinity House to a group of 15-25 people from 6 or more states meeting on Zoom. We have also added new programming via Zoom: a biweekly Contemplative Prayer Group and a monthly Finger
Labyrinth. We have found that using the technology that is available to us has actually increased the reach of the Spiritual Life Program at Silver Bay and has fostered community and interpersonal connection in ways we could not have imagined. We have had well over 30,000 views/ touch points with people since the pandemic began and are truly grateful for the opportunities that we have had to connect and reconnect with the Silver Bay Community. At Spiritual Life, we long to be together with our Silver Bay friends again. We hope to share our lives over meals, to give handshakes and hugs again very soon. Until it is possible to do these things in safe and healthy ways, we will continue to provide meaningful spiritual programming that provides ongoing connection. Blessings to everyone! We look forward to seeing you here at Silver Bay YMCA very soon!
Garth Allen 17
ONE MAN’S PERSPECTIVE HOW HAS A PANDEMIC SERVED TO RENEW YOUR LIFE, AND YOUR FAITH
Let’s be clear right from the start. No one would have ever wanted this pandemic to strike our country or our world. Close to 600,000 lives have been lost in the United States and more than 2.75 million have been lost worldwide. Tens of millions of people have lost jobs and it is safe to say that every life on the planet has been affected in one way or another. This pandemic has been devastating to so many. No one would want such a tragedy to engulf the world — no one. But since the pandemic has come to us and has been part of each of our daily lives for the past 13 months, it has presented us with a profound question. How has the pandemic, in the midst of all its
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devastation, changed us, grown us, affected us and deepened us? This is not an easy question to answer. It asks us to take an in-depth look at ourselves and our lives. What pre-pandemic patterns, behaviors, lifestyles had we fallen into that were no longer serving us, that were no longer bringing us a sense of inner contentment and joy? Leonard Cohen in his song Anthem has a line that says, “in everything there is a crack, and that’s where the light comes through.” The pandemic has opened up a significant crack, and with it the opportunity for insights, new awareness, more consciousness, and greater enlightenment.
The word “renew” comes from the prefix “re” which comes from Latin and means “again or once more.” And the word “new” means not having existed before or not having been known, understood, or seen before. So, the word “renew” conjures up an image that once again something that has not existed or known before has come into view— something that has not been known previously has come into being. So, what new awareness, insight(s), behavior change, or understanding has the pandemic brought into your life? Maybe you have come to appreciate the more subtle and simpler aspects
These are but a few examples, and no doubt there are many other ways this pandemic has served to renew your life and your faith. In the midst of it all, know that God was the first to weep when the pandemic engulfed God’s people. But know this, God wastes nothing, even a worldwide pandemic. Everything serves the Kingdom of God if we have the eyes and heart to see God at work in our world and in our lives. So how has your experience of the pandemic changed your life and deepened your faith? Let me suggest that you have a conversation with a trusted person as you reflect on this question. of your life — A gentle walk, a warm cup of tea, a call with a friend, more time to read, the joy of listening to music. Maybe your ability to use technology has increased so Facetime and Zoom are everyday occurrences that are bringing you face to face with loved ones. Maybe you have come to appreciate your friends in new ways — reaching out and connecting with friends with greater humility, vulnerability, honesty, and openness. Maybe you have a greater sense of gratitude for family members—your affection for grandparents, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren, and other relatives has grown, and you have found yourself using the phrase, “I love you” more often.
Maybe you have found yourself quieting down and developing a greater appreciation for silence, solitude, and calm. Maybe you have come to a greater sense of inner peace. Maybe you have found a greater sense of inner joy during this time. In the past maybe you were looking for external experiences to bring you joy. Now inner joy comes to you regardless of your circumstances. Joy has become more a part of your everyday life. Maybe you have found yourself connecting with God more often through prayer, silent meditation, the reading of scripture, or other spiritual practices. And maybe you have noticed God’s yearning to have a deeper relationship with you.
My hope and prayer are that each of us comes away from this experience with a deeper understanding of how God is with us and among us, and is continually calling us to a greater sense of what it means to love God, love our neighbor, and love ourselves.* With all that we have been through and are going through, Gracious God open our hearts to how you are calling us to deepen in our faith and in our capacity to love. May God bless you. * Matthew 22:36-40
Bruce Tamlyn
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SUSTAINING SILVER BAY KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING
These projects have been prioritized as our most important needs this year. It is with great respect that I ask for your consideration to make a gift in support of a capital project and in support of the Fund for Silver Bay. Your support will keep Silver Bay YMCA strong and protect the community, place, and values you love today and for the families of tomorrow!
NEEDS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION MBR WASTE WATER FACILITY $2 million needed The MBR Waste Water Facility is preserving Silver Bay YMCA for the future and protecting the environment that makes Silver Bay and the entire Lake George area the beautiful place it is today. The incredible generosity towards this project has brought us halfway to our goal, and it is our hope that the continued generosity of the Silver Bay YMCA community will fully fund the rest of this gap.
BAYVIEW LODGE BED REPLACEMENT PROJECT
WASHING MACHINE REPLACEMENT
30 mattress / box spring sets: $27,000
$20,000
Sofa bed: $900 (3 needed) Your gift will replace the mattresses and box springs in all 27 rooms in Bayview Lodge. Adding sofa beds to the Bayview suites will further increase comfort and capacity, improving the quality of rest and renewal in Bayview Lodge.
This item is critical to our mission. Your gift will replace an essential piece of equipment that is needed in order for the Hospitality Services department to perform their housekeeping services.
MOBILE PLATE WARMER $10,000 Silver Bay YMCA is continuously evaluating the dining experience in order to better serve guests in the dining hall. Your gift will add a mobile plate warmer to the dining hall to help keep food warm and improve the overall dining experience.
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BUFFET LINE SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS $5,000 This is a requirement in response to COVID-19 safety regulations. Your gift will install safety barriers along the buffet line in the dining hall, ensuring that the dining experience is safe and healthy for all.
PARLIN DORMITORY
RECONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE FUND
FULLY FUNDED THANK YOU DONORS! Thank you to our generous donors who have fully funded the reconstruction of Parlin Dormitory and its maintenance fund. Parlin is complete and ready to welcome Emps for summer 2021. Your contributions will benefit the Emp community for decades to come!
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WHITE BIRCH
PLANNED GIVING WHAT IS WHITE BIRCH?
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
The members of White Birch are a caring group of individuals who have decided to make a gift to Silver Bay YMCA through a planned or deferred gift. As a White Birch donor, you acknowledge the importance of sustaining Silver Bay’s mission and vision for the families of tomorrow. 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.
Your willingness to make a planned gift is a testimony to your love and care for Silver Bay YMCA. To make a planned gift, you will need to decide which way you would like to give your planned gift and if you would like your gift to be unrestricted or directed towards a specific program or fund. An unrestricted gift will allow Silver Bay to use your generosity in a way that best supports the mission of Silver Bay YMCA. Unrestricted bequests are placed in an endowment fund that is intended to generate interest in perpetuity. This fund is invested in a well-diversified portfolio and is overseen by the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees. Annual income from this fund is an important source of long-term funding for Silver Bay YMCA’s programs and facility needs.
If you are planning 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.
Planned gifts may also be directed towards specific programs and projects at Silver Bay YMCA. To direct your planned gift to a specific project, fund or value, we suggest that you speak with the Development Office to ensure that your gift will be used exactly as you intend. Contact Hannah Jay at hjay@silverbay.org or 518-543-8510.
WAYS TO MAKE A PLANNED GIFT 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 a Retirement Account: Silver Bay YMCA can be named as the full or partial beneficiary of
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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.
WHITE BIRCH
SUPPORTING THE FUTURE
WHITE BIRCH, Betula papyrifera
A Pioneer Species that is often the first to grow in a region, leading the way for other forest growth. It’s that sense of place and constancy that makes Silver Bay almost a state of mind, where time stands still in all of the best ways. And in a world where the pace keeps accelerating while connectivity and community crumble, it feels more important than ever to preserve this precious sliver on Northern Lake George. That is
why we have included the Silver Bay Association in our financial planning, and the reason it sits on top of our list as an annual giving priority. It takes a lot to run a facility like SBA, and not every fund or need is “sexy” (let’s face it, replacing a septic system doesn’t have a desirable naming opportunity). But there are so many
ways and places to give. Doing so helps ensure that everything we love is preserved for future generations to come.
My great grandfather, Fred B. Smith, helped to transition Silver Bay from a boys school to a YMCA Conference Center. He was one of the spiritual leaders. His daughter and son-inlaw, Lucile and Chuck Cross (my grandparents), were frequent guests over many years and established lasting friendships.
of the group who conceived the idea of the ERC, built it, and paid for it!
Our entire family spent a week at Silver Bay for our 50th anniversary – why not?!
My parents, Newell and Nicky Cross, and my uncle, Chuck Cross, were Emps 1939-1941. In 1940 they were part
I was an Emp (of course!) and have numerous lasting friendships because of that experience. My husband, Tom Cole, and I brought our children to Silver Bay countless summers. Kathleen Cole Cramer and Michael Cole were Emps for many summers. They have children waiting in the wings to be Emps. They are 6th generation members!
Lee & Bob Woodruff
I remember walking to Slim Point and passing the birches lining the path now memorialized in Adele Hepbron’s painting. Keep your memories and Silver Bay in your hearts by joining White Birch.
Dale Cole 23
A FOREVER HOME
A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE Lord, Tom Lord’s wife. In those days fresh flowers on every dining table was a custom. Flowers were also needed for the Chapel as well as for a greeting for new arrivals in the cottages. Many of the flowers were wildflowers picked along roadsides and in parks. Being a “Flower Lady” was a lot tougher than it sounded. Gertrude loved music, composed many pieces, and often played the piano for chapel services and other programs.
And the rest is history. Well, the rest after Skipper Mac Meglathery told Frank Stillinger, Sr. about Silver Bay. Skipper Mac and Frank were both teachers and knew each other. Frank had four boys and wanted a special place for the whole family to spend summers. Skipper Mac told Frank in glowing words about Silver Bay and the opportunities it offered for adults and children. Frank tried it out by himself in 1959 and in 1960, being convinced it was truly a wonderful place, brought up everyone except Frank, Jr., who had gotten his Ph.D. in chemistry from Yale and was working for Bell Labs in New Jersey. So “everyone” included Frank, Frank’s
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wife Gertrude Metcalf Stillinger, and sons Buzz, Bob (Yancy) and Bill. Side notes: Skipper Mac was Frank, Jr.’s phys. ed. teacher. Gertrude visited Silver Bay for a church conference in 1926 when the only access was by steamboat. Frank, Sr. worked in maintenance until 1971. Not only his boys but other Emps who worked with Frank remember how dedicated he was to keeping the tennis courts in immaculate condition. Initially Gertrude staffed Collins until she became needed as a second “Flower Lady”, joining Peg Meglathery, Skipper Mac’s wife, and later Jane
Buzz, Bob and Bill each worked for several summers as Emps. Each guy met his wife at Silver Bay (Joan, Carole, Cindy). Frank’s wife Dot began as an Emp in 1976 and still is on staff. Both Frank and Dot’s children (Connie and Andy) worked at Silver Bay. Dot works in the Nature Center and as a relief Silver Spirit driver (as was Frank, Sr). Dot’s interest in wildflowers, sparked by Tom Lord, head of the Nature Center for many years, led to an on-going collection (https://dkstillinger.github. io/Flowers_dks/) of her photos of wildflowers on and near the Silver Bay campus. Buzz has a talent for music and many remember the songs he wrote and performed as an Emp. Silver Bay is the forever home for the Stillinger family.
Dot Stillinger
AN EMP FAMILY
ACROSS GENERATIONS My sister met her husband Jim Waddell at Silver Bay. My husband, Joel Wattenbarger, and I met and worked together as Emps in 1992. My sister and I were both married in the chapel and had our receptions on the Horicon, and my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary there too. Since my wedding, my college friends and their families have joined the fun. Each summer we all come back to jump in the lake, climb the mountains, and breathe the fresh Adirondack air. And we renew our love for this place and for each other. Our family wouldn’t be the same without Silver Bay. My parents, Don and Joanne Dietterick, met at our local YMCA in Berwick, PA. Don was the director of the Berwick Y and would travel to Silver Bay for conferences starting in the late 1960s. My dad realized soon after my sister Dee (Diane) was born that this was a place we should experience as a family.
joined the summer staff too. My mom was the campus nurse for many years, and my dad was a captain of the Silver Spray (now Spirit). We have all made forever friends. During the pandemic, my parents and their Silver Bay friends have stayed connected with Zoom calls, anticipating the next chance to be together at the Bay.
Last year was the first year that my parents missed time at Silver Bay due to Covid-19. Thankfully, we all plan to be there together this summer!
Debra Wattenbarger
Every year since then, we have vacationed or worked (or both!) at Silver Bay. My sister and I started as Robins and Crickets and grew up to become EITs and Emps. My parents enjoyed so much about Silver Bay, starting with dropping us off at camp each morning! My mother loved the craft shop, and both enjoyed canoeing and hiking the trails. And they love the lectures, slide shows, Vespers, and many memorable Emp performances. Eventually my parents
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WELCOME NEW STAFF STAFF BIOS
SOPHIA LOYAS - CONFERENCE COORDINATOR Hello! My name is Sophia and I am so excited to be a new member of the team here at Silver Bay! I am originally from New Jersey but moved up to the area this past October. I have been visiting Lake George since I was little as my grandparents live in Diamond Point and much of my family have houses on Trout Lake. I graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey this past August with my Bachelors in Marketing, and will be graduating again this coming August with my MBA.
I love reading, writing, playing with my dogs, being on the lake, and spending time with my family. Lake George has always been a special place for me; both my parents and aunt and uncle were married at the Sagamore. I know that my family, like many others, have years and years of memories on the lake, and I am most looking forward to helping make this happen for even more people!
SHEALY SMITH - DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT I grew up in the rural farm country of Georgia and early on developed a passion for working with people. I attended college at the University of Georgia where I had the opportunity to volunteer with different nonprofit organizations and decided that I wanted to be involved in that field as a career. After graduating, I had the opportunity to work overseas with organizations that were involved in relief work for the refugee crisis, and then I came back to the States to work with local nonprofits that fostered community-oriented goals, one being YMCA of the Rockies.
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I am really excited to continue my career at Silver Bay YMCA as Development Assistant, and I look forward to living and working in my favorite area of the country. I love to travel and experience different cultures, and my hobbies are hiking, kayaking, reading, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. I am so happy to be a part of the Silver Bay team!
EMP ALUMNI FELLOWSHIP SCHOLARSHIP REPORT
Appreciation and gratitude to the following for gifts to the Emp Alumni Fellowship Scholarship since the last Bay Windows DAVID AND MARGE COMSTOCK - In memory of Joe Halm DOROTHY AND BRUNO BRAUNER - In memory of Betty Heintzelman and Ellie Halm JULES AND GALE HALM - In memory of Betty Heintzelman, Elayne Cross, and Barbara Dixon
Since 1997 when the first scholarships were awarded, seventy Emps have received a scholarship for a total of $87,814.00. Total contributed funds as of December 31, 2020, are $149,141.14. Many, many thanks to all who have made these scholarships possible with their donations.
SILVER BAY YMCA
EMP ALUMNI
Date & Time: TBA
The continued donations from former and current Emps, friends of the Emp community, and very generous donations from the estates of Mildred Gott Bryan in memory of Robert Merrell (Emp ’53, ’54), Helen Muniz (Emp ’39, ’40), and the Jacoby bequest (Walt and Joan Emps ’79’84) have made the awarding of these scholarships possible. With the continued growth of the scholarship, think of all the future Emps that will be touched by its assistance.
2021 EAF Annual Meeting via Zoom this summer Watch Silver Bay’s e-Breeze, the
FELLOWSHIP 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 for the scholarship.
EAF, and Silver Bay’s Facebook page for more details.
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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A DIFFERENT KIND OF Y A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE and go hiking in the high peaks for the weekend. I remember pulling into the service road entrance and making my way toward Brightwood cottage, thinking “what kind of YMCA is this?!” The first thought I had when I parked my car and looked down the hill toward the Chapel was “Okay, time to figure out how to start working here”.
When I think of how I ended up at Silver Bay, I’m reminded of the words of Peter Venkman, “Call it fate, call it karma, call it luck, call it destiny”. Nineteen years ago this June, I came up to Silver Bay to meet a friend who was working for Nature’s Classroom
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Over the last 19 years, I have gone from Nature’s Classroom staff, to summer Emp, to NC Program Coordinator, to Lead Cook, to Conference Coordinator, to Conference Manager, and now Food Service Director. To look at it from a purely professional standpoint, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to the mission of one location throughout my adult life. Along the way, I’ve met some
incredible people who have helped to guide me and some people who I have been fortunate enough to be able to guide as well. It is the personal impact that Silver Bay has had in my life that I am most grateful for. Like many others with a Silver Bay story, I met my wife here. We are blessed with an amazing daughter, and have become a part of the local community in Ticonderoga. When I think about how I have been impacted by the simple decision to meet a friend at Silver Bay to go hiking, I can’t help but be grateful and smile. It’s impossible to say how everything would have played out if we had met somewhere else, but it doesn’t really matter. Wherever life takes me in the future, there will always be a special place for Silver Bay in my heart.
Chet Lastowski
A LOOK BACK
EMP ALUMNI FELLOWSHIP We want to hear from you! Submit your Emp stories, pictures, and updates for the Emp Alumni Fellowship by emailing Hannah Jay, Development Director, at hjay@silverbay.org
This picture from August 1981 was taken in the old Emp dining room at a dinner where supervisors served dinner to the rest of the summer staff. It perfectly personifies who Mark was – a servant leader who derived great joy and satisfaction from caring for and ministering to others. It was my privilege to work alongside him that summer. His gentleness, humility and kindness had a lasting impact on those around him. - Ellen (Chandler) Brookhart Photo by J.K. Boodley
Photos courtesy of J.K. Boodley, Gale Halm and Silver Bay Association: Pictorial History 1936 – 1975.
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YES! IT’S HAPPENING!
SILVER BAY YMCA
21ST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT We are doing it! This year we are definitely celebrating our 21st year of the Silver Bay YMCA Golf Tournament. We are planning to pull out all the stops again for a fantastic day of golf, fun and friendship, all in a healthy and socially safe way. Keep an eye out for registration details, coming soon! You can count on a day that features: Breakfast for all participants and course refreshments; gift bags with a myriad of gift certificates, golf accessories, golf hat, snacks and refreshments; a $25,000 hole-in-one prize; a chance to win $5,000 by sinking a single putt; an American Style BBQ lunch following the event; and a 50/50 drawing in support of the Silver Bay YMCA Teen Center-Ticonderoga and Silver Bay’s Community Outreach Programs.
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SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11, 2021 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM Registration and Breakfast 7:45 PM Putting Contest 8:00 PM Shotgun Start 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch, Raffle and Awards Ceremony
REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 15, 2021 STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION! SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Make an impact in the lives of local kids and families in a big way by being a tournament sponsor
$5,000 PRESENTING SPONSOR • (2) Golf foursomes • $500 Voucher for your company’s next event at Silver Bay • Four Tee signs • Logo & recognition on all printed materials • Banner recognition $3,000 SUPPORTING SPONSOR • Golf foursome • $350 Voucher for your company’s next event at Silver Bay • Two Tee Signs • Logo & company name on printed materials • Banner recognition $500 CLUBHOUSE SPONSOR 2 Tee signs and banner recognition
$2,000 PLATINUM SPONSOR • Golf twosome • $200 Voucher for your company’s next event at Silver Bay • Two Tee Signs • Banner recognition $1,000 GOLD SPONSOR • Golf twosome • $100 Voucher for your company’s next event at Silver Bay • One Tee Sign • Banner recognition
$400 TENT SPONSOR Your Company name at our refreshment tent
$150 TEE SIGN SPONSOR 1 Tee sign
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MILESTONES SILVER BAY
Donald Barton
Passed on November 18, 2020 Age: 78 Don first came to Silver Bay at the age of four with his twin brother Dave, and his mother, Bobby Barton, who ran the Craft Shop for many years. Don worked for several summers in the Craft Shop, and met his wife Barbara at Silver Bay. They were married in the Silver Bay chapel, and have returned every summer since to stay in a cottage near campus. Don loved to sail, kayak, and hike, and when he was younger he enjoyed being at the lake in the winter. One of his favorite things to do at Silver Bay was to listen to the string quartet. He helped introduce his children and grandchildren to the Craft Shop, archery, Inspiration Point, and Crazy Charlie sauce, and recently let them teach him micro-disc golf. Don was a graduate of Harvard University and MIT, and worked for 35 years as an experimental particle physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island, NY. He leaves his wife, daughter Rachel, son Jonathan, daughter-in-law Jenn, and grandchildren Alex, Becca and Liam.
Charles M. Close
Passed on April 3, 2021 Age: 94 Charles was born on March 15, 1927. He was valedictorian of his class at Glen Ridge HS but left early to serve in WWII in the Navy. He earned his B.S. from Lehigh University, M.S. from Stevens Institute of Technology, and Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Most of his career was spent at RPI, where he was professor of Electrical, Computer, and Systems
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Engineering. For many years Charles was a member of the vestry at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Troy, NY. In their later years, he and his beloved wife Margo attended St. George’s Episcopal Church. Charles’s favorite activities in his retirement years included tennis, travel, duplicate bridge, and spending time with his family. Charles and his brother Jack first came to Silver Bay as children with their parents Charles and Marion, where they would stay in Hickory Cottage. Later they would share their love of SB with their families who, in turn, continue the tradition with their families. Charles enjoyed playing tennis with Jack, swimming in the lake, and taking in the view from the cottage. Charles is survived by his children Doug, Kim, and Scott, stepchildren Mark Schellkopf, Steve Schellkopf, and nine grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Charles (Chip) David Cross II
Passed on December 4, 2020 Age: 59 Charles (Chip) David Cross II passed away after a recent cancer diagnosis. He was predeceased by his father, Charles Cross and his mother, Elayne Cross. He is survived by his sisters Christina Kelly (Art) and Carolyn Cross Daley (Shawn) and their children Nate, Nick, and Katie Kelly and Matt, Maggie, and Mark Daley. He will be remembered by his contagious smile and laugh and by his great love of the outdoors. As the generations of family before him, Chip wished to have his ashes scattered at Silver Bay, a place that was a constant in his life. A gathering to celebrate his life will be in August.
Barbara Dixon
Passed on December 28, 2020 Age: 92 Barbara passed away peacefully in Burlington NC. Barbara was born on August 6, ‘28 in Brooklyn, NY; later residing in Baldwin & Rockville Centre, NY for 65 years. She attended Riverside Elementary & Southside HS (Class of ‘46; Red & Blue Meets); Westbrook College, Maine (Class of ‘48); Medical Secretary, with dictation from renowned Dr. Jonas Salk. Barbara and her husband James were married for 67 years. Community involvement: Saint Mark’s UMC (UMW President; Handbell Choir, Church Bazaar); Philips House Museum Volunteer; 4-H; Crossing Guard (RVC 15 yrs); Republican Club; Cruises; Bridge Club; Antiquer; exposing her children to the Arts; Baker (Meatloaf, Easter Bunny Salad, Holiday Cookies, Carrot Cake). Retired ‘93 to Fearrington Village, NC (22 yrs): Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity; Soprano with the “Harmony Grits”; 50 family summers at Silver Bay YMCA (Lake George, NY). Predeceased by parents Alfred & Mabel Fox & brother Alfred. Survived by husband, James; children, David and Suzanne; grandchildren, Patrick & Jessica; nieces, grand nieces & nephews & cousins. Sincere thanks to the staff at Twin Lakes for their years of care. Memorial Service/Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date.
Craig Eaton
Passed on September 23, 2020 Age: 74 Craig Eaton grew up in Westfield, NJ and graduated from Rutgers University with highest honors. From
1972 to 2005 he specialized in the manufacture of flavors and fragrances at Colgate-Palmolive. In retirement, he subscribed to the Philadelphia Orchestra and sang for 12 years in the Voices Chorale. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dr. Alice Eaton, and their sons Noah Eaton (partner Kim Jones) and John Eaton (partner Doug Cohen). Craig is also survived by Lily Eaton, the daughter of Noah and Kim. He is further survived by his brother Doug Eaton (wife Joanne Eaton). In 1969, Craig and his brother played 11 of the most storied golf courses in England and Scotland, and Craig scored 79 on the Old Course at St. Andrews.
Ellie Halm
Passed on November 13, 2020 Age: 22 Ellie was a loving daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin and friend who brought a special spirit and energy to all of her relationships. She had a magical way with young children, who would celebrate the news that Ellie was coming to babysit. She will be especially missed by her family, friends and her many little fans. Ellie earned a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin and Marshall College with a major in film and media studies and a minor in music. During the summers of 2016, 2017 and 2018, Ellie worked at Silver Bay YMCA, where her parents had met and where she created many cherished memories. As an “Emp,”Ellie worked with “Robins and Crickets,” the infants and toddlers at the family camp. She earned the Emp Alumni Scholarship from Silver Bay. Ellie was preceded in death by her father, Joe Halm. She is survived by her mother, Joey, sister Abby, brother Mac, grandparents Jim and Martha Lockwood and Jules and Gale Halm, and the families of Aunt Suzanne (Halm) and Uncle Steve Locke, Uncle Blake and Aunt Alecia Lockwood, Uncle Jason and Aunt Traci Lockwood and Uncle Mitch and Aunt Kerri Lockwood.
Ruth Harris
Passed on March 8, 2021 Age: 89 Ruth Harris, died peacefully at Laurel Circle, Bridgewater. Ruth was a graduate of Bound Brook High School, Trenton State Teachers College and Princeton Theological Seminary. Ruth worked at Bright Angel Lodge, Grand Canyon before beginning her ministry with the Presbyterian Church at the Navajo Reservation in Ganado, AZ. Ruth taught at the reservation for 26 years. She lived in Arizona, Oklahoma, and New Mexico after retirement, before moving “back home” to NJ. She worked summers at Silver Bay YMCA. She was the Superintendent of the Bound Brook Cemetery for years and a Caring Minister with the Presbyterian Church at Bound Brook. Ruth loved all God’s creation and engaged in the study of scripture and living her faith. Ruth was predeceased by her brother Robert Haase and her sister-in-law, Dollie Haase. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Susan (Ed) Dinkins of CO; Nancy (Jim) Hannon of NJ; Betsy Haase Reimer of NJ; Ted (Ellen) Haase of SC; her great nieces and nephews Kristin Dinkins Davis, Eric Dinkins, Kelly Hannon, Casey Hannon, Melissa Hoffman, Chelsea Reimer, and Heather Haase.
Reverend John Melvin Hay
Passed on December 19, 2020 Age: 54 The Reverend John Melvin Hay of New Haven, Conn. and Mount Washington, Mass. John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol Squire Hay, his children Katherine Hay, Margaret Hay Howson (and Philip Howson), and Matthew Hay (and Michelle Anisse Hay), his beloved grandchildren Celia Howson, Damian Howson, Ronan Hay, Ethan Hay, Isaac Hay and Nicholas Hay. Two of John’s passions were religion and drama. He pursued both at Yale, earning a MA in Divinity in 1968 and a MFA in Drama in 1972. In Divinity School, he met Carol Squire, and they married in
1966. John taught drama at Simon’s Rock College of Bard from 19721975, and he was the minister of the Mount Washington Church of Christ from 1969-1975. John was minister of the Salisbury Congregational Church from 1975-1980, then senior minister of United Church on the Green in New Haven, Connecticut, from 1980-1991. John helped countless students, parishioners, and friends, always listening with loving patience. He was also enthusiastic about living an active, bold life, taking up with serious purpose: travel, sailing at Silver Bay, hiking, canoeing, bicycling, house building, astronomy, sculpture. John lived a full life.
Mark C. Johnson
Passed on October 12, 2020 Age: 73 Mark Charles Johnson departed this world at his beloved cottage near North Creek. His life-long fascination with ideas, history, language and people created networks that motivated and sustained him. He read voraciously and wrote poetry throughout his life, made excellent pies and enjoyed foraging, making jams and teas from his harvests and loved hiking and kayaking in the Adirondacks. Mark served as Executive Director at Silver Bay YMCA from 1989-2001. He was actively involved in preserving wild lands within the Adirondack Park, serving on the boards of the Fund for Lake George, the Lake George Land Conservancy and Adirondack Nature Conservatory. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary (Bell); an uncle, David Siegel of Rochester, NY; two brothers, Kirk (Sandy Spezzano) of Maine and Brian (Shay) of Florida; daughters Allison (George) Ricciardella, Monica (Greg) Belvedere, and Anne (Paul) Rappoccio; six grandchildren, several cousins and nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for July 2021.
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Bruce B. Marr
Passed on February 22, 2021 Age: 66 Bruce Marr, who worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Silver Bay YMCA in the early 1970s and spent many summer vacations there with his family, died on February 22 in Chicago, IL, due to complications from an illness. He was born on March 15, 1954, in Rochester, NY, the son of the late Rev. Robert B. and Barbara Putnam Marr, who met at Silver Bay as Emps in the 1940s. A graduate of the U. of Virginia and DePaul U. College of Law, Bruce worked for many years as a lawyer in Chicago, becoming a partner in the law firm McKenna Storer. Bruce loved Silver Bay, the friends he made there, and time spent there with family, including many games of family tennis, swimming at Slim Point, rocking on the Inn Porch, and gatherings in the Ice Cream Store. He is survived by his loving four siblings: Wayne Marr, Lauren Marr, Diane Marr, and Sarah Marr, and by several beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. A Celebration of Life gathering is planned for Silver Bay this summer.
Dixon “Dick” Raymond
Passed on December 4, 2020 Age: 94 Dixon “Dick” Raymond grew up on a farm outside of Buffalo, NY. Weary of taking care of the chickens, he joined the Canadian Army’s Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa at age 15 for four years. Dick later finished high school and went on to graduate from The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania. Dick and his family spent 30-plus years vacationing at Silver Bay. While the family vacationed, Dick could often be seen at the payphones in the Inn working. Dick enjoyed the Shuffleboard courts with his youngest daughter, Jane, the ice cream shop and walking to Slim Point. His favorite spot was on the dock of the home they rented for years in Oneita Bay. Dixon is survived
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by his wife Barbara (former SBA Board Member), daughters Susan of Brooklyn, NY; former Emp Lyn Raymond and Larry Helder of Holland, MI; and Jane and Kevin Gailey of Carmel, IN, both former Emps; grandsons Sam and Max Gailey. He also leaves behind a host of friends and acquaintances who will miss Dick’s love of conversation and learning.
Donald Sanborn
Passed on October 22, 2020 Age: 86 Donald Sanborn died peacefully in Smithtown, N.Y. Born in Glen Ridge, N.J. in 1934, Don graduated from Colgate University and Syracuse Law School before beginning his business career as a stockbroker in New York. Don built a successful career as a broker and an individual investor. Don also served on the Board of Trustees of the Silver Bay Association and coached the local Little League baseball team in Summit, N.J. Don was a generous and giving person to everyone in his life. He was predeceased by his wife Anne Turner Sanborn who he married in 1959 in the Silver Bay chapel. He is survived by daughter Kathy (Sami) Mitra of Stony Brook, NY, sons William (Mary Jo) Sanborn of Leavenworth, Wash., and Peter (Victoria) Sanborn of Seattle, Wash. and his grandchildren, Mallika and Leela Mitra, Benjamin and Owen Sanborn, Audrey and Hawkins Sanborn.
Constance Parker Sinkway
Passed on February 12, 2021 Age: 90 Connie began her association with Silver Bay as an “Emp” in the 1950’s. After marrying, she and her husband Bob continued to summer at The Bay with her family, and in 1967, finally realized their dream of owning a cottage near the campus. An integral part of the Silver Bay community, she served as Director of Tennis in the 1980’s and Council President 199193. Her elegant tennis game, polished teaching skills and talent for mentoring
younger players made her an inspiring presence on the courts. Later in life, Connie and Bob expanded their circle of friends when they started playing golf at the Ticonderoga Country Club. Not only an athlete, Connie was a faithful contributor to all the communities to which she belonged — as volunteer, leader, bridge game coordinator, choir member, caring neighbor and friend, and gracious party host. She died peacefully in her NJ home, surrounded by family, and will be deeply missed by her children David, Robin, Jody and Diane; nieces Laurie and Gail; six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Connie’s life will be celebrated this summer at Silver Bay, date to be announced.
Lynn Turner
Passed on February 17, 2021 Age: 57 Lynn Turner was born Sept. 27, 1964 at Yale New Haven hospital with Down Syndrome, a condition at the time for some meant a life of institutionalization. At the strong recommendation of the medical staff and concurrence of her parents, Lynn began an active life as independent as possible. She participated in educational, community and Special Olympic activities in Maryland, Washington, California, Delaware and Wisconsin. She was an eager and joyous participant in many sports including swimming and speed skating where she competed internationally. She was also an avid Wisconsin sports fan of the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. Lynn was a long-time member of Plymouth Congregational Church and the Silver Bay YMCA. She spent several summers there volunteering in the childcare pavilion. A private interment will be held at Silver Bay in August. Lynn is survived by her father John H. Turner, stepmother Vicki Keck Turner, siblings Molly Turner Scippa (Marcello), John H. (Jack) Turner (Molly), Alexandra Keck, Andrew Keck and nieces and nephews Enzo Scippa, Clyde Turner and Sylvie
Turner. Lynn was preceded in death by her mother Rebecca (Becky) Snyder Turner Adlam and grandparents.
Raymond A. Vanderslice, Jr.
Passed on December 10, 2020 Age: 91 Raymond A. Vanderslice, Jr. passed away peacefully at the Sunrise Assisted Living in Morris Plains. He is survived by three daughters, Mary Rorke of Peterborough, Ontario, Nancy Vanderslice of Parsippany, NJ, and Janice Coppola (Vincent) of Pittsburgh, PA, and two grandsons, Pasquale Charles and Charles Raymond, as well as three stepchildren, Bruce Adelberg (Barbara) of West Cornwall, CT, Paul (Diane) of Rancho Cucamonga Ca. and Dawn Kierzek (Joe) of Brooksville, FL, plus his two beloved cats, Treasure and Gem. Ray received his Master of Music and DMA in church music from Eastman School of Music. Ray taught at the Cobbles Elementary School and loved to retell stories of his years there as music teacher. Ray taught at East Stroudsburg State College until his retirement in 1995. After retirement, he taught in the Older Adult Learning Center in East Stroudsburg until 2005. He served in the Marine Corps from 1951- 53 and was discharged from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1959 with the rank of sergeant. He was married to
Hilda Ruth Gutshall, a fellow musician, teacher and performer, in 1951 until her death in 1985. He married Barbara Martin Adelberg, a colleague in the Pocono Choral Society, in 1988 until her death in 2018.
Geraldine C. Wagoner
Passed August 2020 Age: 88 Geraldine grew up in the Midwest and North Carolina, where she played the organ at Reformed Churches her father served as a minister. This early passion for music continued as she majored in flute at Central College in Iowa. Geraldine married Roy Wagoner upon graduation and supported him in service to Reformed Churches. Geraldine studied at the Juilliard School and later received a master’s degree in music education. For 30 years, she taught music in various NJ schools and private music lessons. She was a member of the National Association for Music Education for over 50 years. After retiring, Geraldine judged for the American College of Musicians and sang with the Collegiate Chorale at Carnegie Hall. In the 1960’s, Gerry and Roy built a cottage above Oneida Bay where they spent summers while their children, Joel and Stephanie were growing up. Having moved often to serve different churches, it was
important to her to have a place of continuity for her family. Survivors include her two children and spouses, her sister and spouse, grandchildren, a great grandchild and many extended relatives. A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at the Silver Bay Chapel in August 2022.
Harold (Hal) B. Wright, Jr.
Passed on January 17, 2021 Age: 97 Harold (Hal) B. Wright, Jr. passed away in Bloomfield, CT. Hal was a WWII navy pilot and graduated in 1949 from Oberlin College. Hal was the beloved husband of Jane (Gray) and the son-inlaw of the late Francis E. Gray. Hal and Jane were married for 72 years and had 5 sons: Gray, Bruce, Dave, Howard and Steve. He had eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Hal and Jane were married in 1948 and honeymooned at Silver Bay. They then spent the next 60 years vacationing each summer at Silver Bay, mostly in Cedar Cottage. Hal loved playing on Silver Bay’s tennis courts and was seen swimming laps daily at Bay Beach. Hal worked for many YMCAs over a 40year career starting in Dayton, OH, then Jersey City, NJ, Boston, MA, and retired from the Hartford Y in 1988. Hal served on the Silver Bay’s Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1994.
It is Silver Bay YMCA’s honor to include loved ones in the milestones of Bay Windows publications. Milestones may be submitted for inclusion in Bay Windows to the Development Office at development@silverbay.org.
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SILVER BAY YMCA of the Adirondacks
87 Silver Bay Road Silver Bay, NY 12874 www.silverbay.org
Our Mission
The mission of Silver Bay YMCA is to foster a lifelong sense of belonging, strengthen relationships, and nurture spirit, mind, and body for all.
Our Impact
Because of Silver Bay YMCA, personal and family bonds are stronger. People are more connected, respectful, and caring have the confidence to develop to their fullest potential and impact the communities in which they live. Inspired by the beauty of the landscape at Silver Bay, they become better stewards of the environment.