Silver Bay YMCA 2023 Spring Bay Windows

Discovering (Re)

Silver Bay

SPRING

Our

Our MISSION

To foster relationships, strengthen communities, and nurture spirit, mind, and body for all.

Our IMPACT

Because of Silver Bay YMCA, connections between people and family are stronger. People are more connected, respectful and caring. They have the confidence to develop to their full potential and to positively impact the communities in which they work and live. As a result, communities are more dynamic, inclusive and diverse. As stewards of Lake George, we inspire people to be stewards of the environment while they are visiting our magnificent campus and in their home communities.

A MESSAGE FROM THE VP DEVELOPMENT

SILVER BAY

our programs and how profoundly they impact the individuals and families who experience them. I have heardstoriesofrenewal,inspiration,transformation, connection, and much more. Silver Bay means so many things to so many people.

These programs need your support to thrive and grow. The needs for respite and healing in our broad Silver Bay community are only increasing. We must do all we can to keep up with those needs and sustain the preservation and growth of our mission.

I first came to Silver Bay as a volunteer through Key Club in the 1980s. Over the years I’ve worked with Silver Bay staff on projects like rain gardens, storm water wetlands, and invasive species. I served as a Trustee during the exciting times of the William Boyd Center construction and opening. Now, I am experiencing Silver Bay from a whole new perspective.

As the new Vice President for Development and Government Relations, I now see with renewed appreciation the dedication and passion of the staff, the steadfast support of the donors, and the genuine gratitude and deep bonds of the members and guests both new and old. Working here has given me a whole new set of eyes through which I see the value of the Silver Bay experience. I have rediscovered Silver Bay.

During my short learning curve, I have rapidly come to understand the deep community effect of

You will read here a few stories of how people have discovered Silver Bay whether through a first-time experience or through a new perspective. Perhaps something new moved them, or perhaps they experienced this special place for the very first time. No matter what the perspective, Silver Bay inspired them. I hope it inspires you in a new way every time you visit. And I hope this place ignites your philanthropic spirit as we preserve what Silver Bay is and grow it to meet the endless opportunities and challenging needs of a changing world.

Your philanthropy will sustain our valuable and much-needed programs in ways that member dues and program fees never can. We need your help to bolster our mission-related programs and enable us to provide essential services to our communities. Thank you for all you do for Silver Bay.

Please consider a gift today to help Silver Bay fulfill its mission. Visit silverbay.org/give.

Walt Lender VP Development and Government Relations

(RE)DISCOVERING

Walt Lender

SILVER BAY: YOU HAD ME AT HELLO

(RE)DISCOVERING SILVER BAY

the Founder and President of “Hope for a Woman’s Heart” that this is where our retreat was meant to be. There was such a peaceful feeling everywhere you went. You could sit by a fireplace or relax in the rockers on the long front porch of the Inn or in the Adirondack chairs that were perfectly placed on the grounds with a beautiful view of the lake. You could choose to enjoy the many outdoor activities by day, or by night sit around a bonfire talking and singing songs.

We also loved that Silver Bay had so many wonderful backdrops in the various buildings that allowed us to decorate to highlight the theme of our retreat. We could offer so many interesting and creative opportunities for our retreat too, such as fun shows in the auditorium, group sessions in the William Boyd conference room, and a candlelight service on the grounds at night. The newly renovated rooms and the top-of-the-line technology where we held our sessions were amazing. Everything and everyone at Silver Bay made the experience for our retreats a time that will never be forgotten. The reaction of those that have never been to Silver Bay is how taken aback they are by this precious gem that is right in our own backyard of the Adirondacks just waiting to be enjoyed!

When my eyes first gazed at all the breathtaking views, my first impression of Silver Bay was “WOW!” On my right was the majestic blue waters of Lake George and to my left I saw the unique blend of buildings nestled here and there, all perfectly placed and waiting to be enjoyed, from the 1900’s Adirondack wood structure Auditorium to the glorious stone Chapel.

Once I was able to meet the amazing staff and hear what Silver Bay had to offer, I immediately knew as

So, what was Hope for a Woman’s Heart’s first impression upon entering Silver Bay? It was “YOU HAD US AT HELLO,” and when we say goodbye to Silver Bay our hearts whisper “UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.”

Debbie Geer Founder & President of Hope for a Woman’s Heart

Debbie Geer

SILVER BAY: THE MAGICAL PLACE

(RE)DISCOVERING SILVER BAY

Upon arriving at Silver Bay for the first time, I knew it was the perfect location to host our retreat for veterans and their families. Greeted by the sprawling grounds, shimmering lake, and serenity of nature, I felt both a sense of space and a contrasting closeness evoked by the historical buildings and Silver Bay staff. It was as if the pressures and worries of the outside world were being held at bay and a home I didn’t yet know existed awaited me there. That first experience and the many retreats for veterans and their families that followed have forever etched in our hearts memories of connection, compassion, healing, and growth. Amongst us, Silver Bay has taken on a persona of its own. We call it the “magical place” – a space you can come to with the promise of renewal. You may not always know what you need from Silver Bay when you arrive, but you always leave fulfilled, feeling you received exactly what you were searching for. That promise is what keeps us coming back each year!

Technology Manager

Team Red, White & Blue | teamrwb.org

AmandaRondon

Amanda Rondon

Team Red White & Blue

SILVER BAY: FUN FOR ALL

(RE)DISCOVERING SILVER BAY

What better Christmas present could a widowed grandmother of twelve give her grandchildren? A family reunion at Silver Bay!

When we arrived the first year, we were immediately drawn to the beauty of the lakeside campus, the backdrop of the surrounding mountains and the charm of the buildings, especially the Inn and it’s wrap around porch equipped with Adirondack rockers.

Our interracial family ranged in age from 5 to 75 and there was something for everyone. The two moms cherished the free time that having the kids in camp offered them. One chose tennis and the mother of nine chose a shower. The kids each enjoyed the variety of activities and camaraderie they experienced at camp and the opportunity to repeat those activities or create their own long into the evening. I enjoyed doing some craft projects, on my own and with varied

grandchildren, watching the kids come and go, playing board games and reading. My kids will tell you, I also like to “make friends!”

At the end of that first week, my daughter said, “I think we should come every year for as long as we can.” And that is the plan. Silver Bay offers us the opportunity to come together as a family to play and relax in a beautiful, wholesome, and safe environment. The youngest grandchild says, “Silver Bay is the best Christmas present ever”!

Bibi’s Bunch

Daphne Wilcox

Daphne Wilcox

Bibi’s Bunch

BLUEGRASS IN HEAVEN

SEPTEMBER 15-17TH 2023

PERFORMANCES BY:

Jamcrackers Blue Highway Rock Hearts

Bob & Sarah Amos Drank The Gold

ATTENTION ALL CURRENT AND FORMER EMPS!

Topic: EMP Alumni Fellowship Annual Meeting

Time: August 8, 2023

7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Location: Morse Hall

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75061869662?pwd=7

DQZLagDKeMmq7xbW3HWm2SgKP1ZTh.1

Meeting ID: 750 6186 9662

Pass code: EAF2023

Donate to EAF!

You are invited to the Emp Alumni Fellowship 2023 Annual Meeting. Please consider joining us in person or on Zoom, even if you’ve never participated in EAF before. It’s a wonderful opportunity to stay connected to Silver Bay and the Emp community. EAF oversees a scholarship fund, donates gifts to the Emp community and the ERC, and has the opportunity to organize reunion events.

We would love to have as many Emp Alumni join us as possible and will be appointing new officers, so please consider if this is something you would be interested in or if there is someone you would like to nominate. We hope to see you in August!

Please consider donating to the Emp Alumni Fellowship Scholarship at https://silverbay.org/give-now/ From the “I want to support” drop down menu, select “EAF Scholarship” to give.

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper April Verch & Cody Walters

SILVER 23rd ANNUAL

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2023

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

https://silverbay.org/activities/golf-tournament

Join us for a day of golf, fun, and friendship at the 23rd Annual Golf Tournament! The day will feature course refreshments, gift bags, golf accessories, golf hat, a $25,000 hole-in-one prize, and a chance to win $5,000 by sinking a single putt. An American Style BBQ lunch will follow the event along with a 50/50 raffle in support of the Silver Bay YMCA’s Youth Programs and Community Outreach Programs. It is bound to be an incredible day!

Schedule for the day

7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m. Registration

7:45 a.m. Putting Contest

8:00 a.m. Shotgun Start

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch, Raffle & Awards Ceremony

Awards

• Low Gross and Low Net Team Score

• Longest Drive (Male/Female)

• Closest to the Pin

• $5,000 Long Putt Contest

• $25,000 Hole in One Prize on the 13th Hole

SILVER BAY YMCA

ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Make an impact in the lives of local kids and families by being a tournament sponsor.

$5,000 PLATINUM SPONSOR

• (2) Golf foursomes

• $500 voucher for your company’s next corporate event at Silver Bay YMCA

• Four tee signs

• Logo & recognition on all printed materials

• Banner recognition

$3,000 GOLD SPONSOR

• Golf foursome

• $350 voucher for your company’s next corporate event at Silver Bay YMCA

• Two tee signs

• Logo & company name on printed materials

• Banner recognition

$2,000 SILVER SPONSOR

• Golf twosome

• $200 voucher for your company’s next corporate event at Silver Bay YMCA

• Two tee signs

• Banner recognition

$1,500 MEAL SPONSOR

• Golf twosome

• $100 voucher for your company’s next corporate retreat at Silver Bay YMCA

• Signage at breakfast and lunch

• One tee sign

• Banner recognition

$750 PUTTING CONTEST SPONSOR

• Two tee signs at putting contest hole

• Banner recognition

$500 CLUBHOUSE SPONSOR

• Two tee signs and banner recognition

$400 REFRESHMENT SPONSOR

• Your company name at the refreshment tent on the course

$150 TEE SIGN SPONSOR

• One tee sign

LIVING OUR MISSION

(RE)DISCOVERING SILVER BAY

These programs are central to the mission of Silver Bay YMCA. Your financial support now is critical to ensure that we are able to continue these programs and serve our community. Please give generously!

CANCER RESPITE PROGRAM SILVER CAMP, OPEN PATHWAYS, AND THE TICONDEROGA TEEN CENTER

SCAN HERE

By providing respite to patients and their immediate families at no cost, the Cancer Respite Programs at Silver Bay YMCA gives these individuals the opportunity to enjoy and escape from the anxieties that accompany a battle against cancer.

FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE FAMILY RETREAT

Silver Bay YMCA provides a space where families who are fostering or who have adopted children can come at no cost to spend quality time as a family. Through the Foster and Adoptive Family Program Retreat, experience the natural beauty and

SCAN HERE calming effect of Silver Bay and go home feeling refreshed, renewed, and inspired!

MILITARY R&R PROGRAM

Silver Bay YMCA offers financial assistance to local youth to provide them with the opportunity to attend summer camp at Silver Bay YMCA. Silver Camp and swim lessons are designed to provide kids with new challenges to grow confidence, foster self-worth, and to build relationships with others. Silver Bay YMCA is also committed to supporting the youth of Essex and Warren counties outside of the summer season by providing opportunities through programs such as the Teen Center in Ticonderoga, After School Program, Youth & Government, Healthy Meals, Leaders Club and more. Your gift towards these programs will positively impact local youth year-round.

VACATIONS MADE POSSIBLE

Understanding the unique challenges that members of the military and their families face, Silver Bay YMCA provides temporary respite to US military personnel and their families at no cost, giving these individuals the chance to reconnect with their loved ones and enjoy a reprieve from the stresses associated with their service and everyday life.

SCAN HERE

SCAN HERE

Families can be nominated for or apply to Silver Bay YMCA’s Vacations Made Possible program to have an opportunity to enjoy a vacation in the Adirondacks for rest and renewal. Silver Bay YMCA is honored to provide families with the opportunity to reconnect.

SILVER BAY YMCA

TICONDEROGA TEEN CENTER

(RE)DISCOVERING SILVER BAY

“My introduction to Silver Bay was Silver Camp. I moved to Ticonderoga when I was going into 5th grade and wanted to go to summer camp. I had a great time. I made friends that I still talk to, and I was literally just texting with one of them.

Last year when the Teen Center reopened, I heard about it from some friends. It’s a fun place to chill and meet new people. They also have good snacks available. It’s nice to have a place just for teens.

My favorite thing we did this year was going to a hockey game in Glens Falls and staying overnight at the arena. I liked that we got to be with the friends we made through the Armory outside of usual Teen Center hours.”

Carter Mack Age 14

“My grandfather worked at Silver Bay, and my whole family has a lot of connection there. I’ve been going there since I was little. Now I’m in 6th grade and can go to the Silver Bay Teen Center in Ticonderoga during the school year. It’s a good place to meet up with friends and have fun. I like to play games with my friends, make crafts, and do activities.

I like being in the Leaders Club, we get to do stuff around the community helping others. One of my favorite activities from this year was when we went to the Northeast Leaders Club rally at Silver Bay. There were clubs there from a ton of other YMCAs. It was a really good experience meeting a bunch of new people, hanging out, and being away from home for a little while.”

Samuel Thompson Age 12

EMBRACING CHANGE

(RE)DISCOVERING SILVER BAY

The season of spring is sometimes called “mud season” here in the Adirondacks, but if you look closely, you can see the grass and flowers sprouting. If you listen closely, you can hear the brooks roaring because of the snow melt and see the returning birds and hear their beautiful singing. Yet all too often, I miss these new beginnings and subtle changes because I’m so focused on the same old mud that appears every year.

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God is always up to something new. The challenge lies in our perception; we simply fail to notice the new things that are happening all around us! For some reason, I tend to think things should always remain the same, but change is the one thing that we can truly count on. Author Mandy Hale has stated that “change is painful, but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”

There are new things happening all the time at Silver Bay YMCA, and this can be a little scary because of the treasured memories we hold so dearly. There are personnel changes. There are changes to our campus. There are new guests coming all the time. Some of these changes are very small and you may have to look very hard to see them. Other changes

are obvious, and you would have to work very hard to avoid seeing them.

Change can certainly be challenging, but it can also be very good. Sometimes new things are necessary because the old ways of doing things and old patterns of thinking no longer work. Here at Silver Bay YMCA new things are happening and changes are being rolled out. I would encourage each member of the Silver Bay community to embrace the new changes here and perceive the good that can come from these changes so that this community continues to thrive and grow well into the future!

Garth Allen

Spiritual Life Director

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:19

Dr. Rev. Garth Allen

MILESTONES SILVER BAY

William “Bill” Birdsall

Passed on October 4, 2022

Age 82

Bill Birdsall was raised near the then small, quiet Delaware River town of Yardley, Pennsylvania. Though plagued by allergies and illnesses, Bill thrived with the support of his loving sister and brother, Bette and Jim, and his caring mother, Helen, who always gave of herself for the benefit of her children.

As a youth, Bill loved exploring the area on his bicycle and spent all too brief a time at his grandmother’s farm in Ulster County, New York. In later years, he came to believe in the old saying, “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”

Bill’s career as a CPA led him to work at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Price Waterhouse & Co. and the New York Life Insurance Company, where he rose to serve as Vice President in the Investment Department.

While working in Philadelphia, Bill met, fell in love with and married (1966) Marge Willis. It was with Marge that Bill came into the fullness of his life. Over the following years, they welcomed their three wonderful children, Jon, Lyn and Jim; and eventually, eight grandchildren.

Jane Ergood

Passed on September 22, 2022 Age 87

Dr. Jane Ergood passed away peacefully after suffering Parkinson’s and related health issues.

Jane was a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Yale School of Nursing and the University of Pittsburgh where she received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She taught nursing at Clark County School of Nursing in Ohio, the University of Florida, and the University of Toledo, and was the first female director of Planned Parenthood Southeastern Ohio. Jane continued her career as a Clinical Psychologist in the area.

Jane enjoyed the Quaker meetings and the strong friendships she developed. Jane was accomplished at playing the piano, was involved with the Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Church of Epiphany in Nelsonville.

Some of her favorite places were Ocracoke Island, NC and their cottage at Sabbath Day Point, NY on Lake George.

Ned Farrar

Passed on October 10, 2022

Age 75

Ned was born in Ann Arbor, MI, to Howard and Frances Farrar, the next-to-last child in a brood of

five. He began his musical training at home and in the church choir under the direction of his father. Ned completed his musical studies at the University of Michigan and University of Kentucky.

As Ned liked to say, he took his retirement up front, crushing aluminum cans and taking cross country cycling trips with his brother.

In 1982, he had the good luck to meet his future wife, Lu-Ann Dunn. After happily marrying in 1984, they began their family. Rachel Elizabeth came first, followed soon by Byron Rutledge. They are the greatest joy of LuAnn and Ned’s lives.

Ned was an active member of the Lexington musical community beginning in 1967. As a singer, he performed with UK Opera, Christ Church Cathedral Choir and was a founding member of the Lexington Chamber Chorale. He was a violist in the LeMay String Quartet and the Ashland Trio and a violinist in the Lexington Philharmonic for 50 years. Ned taught elementary orchestra in the Fayette County public schools from 1996 until his second retirement in 2016.

Carole Itjen Haller

Passed on February 10, 2022

Age 90

Carole was born on January 25,

1932 in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating from Richmond Hill High School, she attended Bucknell University and graduated in 1954 with a A.B. degree in Mathematics & Psychology. She was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority and the Pi Mu Epsilon Honorary Math Society.

While working at a summer job in Martha’s Vineyard, she met a chef, Henry Haller, and they were married on November 13, 1954, in Queens, New York. Henry’s career took them from New York to the Maryland/Washington DC area, when Henry became the Executive Chef at the White House in 1966. Carole became a stay at home mother, supporting Henry’s career, and raising four children. She volunteered as a book keeper for her church, Geneva United Presbyterian in Potomac, Maryland, and later used her accounting skills at various companies.

Carole was an avid reader and was always up to date with current affairs from sports, politics, international events, and the stock market. She also enjoyed sewing and gardening and was a frequent donor to many charities.

Henry Haller

Passed November 7, 2020

Age 97

Henry was born in Altdorf, Switzerland and apprenticed as a chef and completed his chef’s training in several prestigious hotels in Switzerland. He then immigrated to Canada to work and ultimately moved to New York where he developed a successful culinary career.

Henry was happily married to his wife Carole Haller for 66 years. Henry’s career took them from New York to the Maryland/ Washington D.C. area when Henry became the Executive Chef at the White House in 1966 where he remained through five administrations, from President Johnson through Reagan. After retirement Henry wrote The White House Family Cookbook and toured the US and Europe giving speeches, presentations, and attending book signings.

Mary Louise James

Passed on March 12, 2023

Age 89

Mary was born July 1,1933 in Utica, NY. She graduated from Manlius High School in 1951 as the salutatorian and then secretarial school. She worked for Syracuse University and belonged to the International Folk Dance Club where she met her future husband, Robert Evan James IV. Dance became a part of their lives for many of their 65 years together.

Mary worked a variety of jobs including bank teller and receptionist in Danbury, CT. However, her most favorite job of all was at Silver Bay YMCA of the Adirondacks. For over 30 summers she rekindled friendships made in the 1960’s as well as many new and lifelong friends. Over the years, she ran the mimeograph machine in the auditorium tower, assisted the accountant, worked at the concierge deck and her all-time favorite of all… The Store. She made crepes, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, counted newspapers, and chatted everybody up within a 50foot radius.

June Kaiser

Passed on November 25, 2022

Age 95

June Kaiser passed away at her home in Canajoharie, NY where she had resided for the past 60 years. She married Ferdinand Kaiser in 1954 and they had 58 wonderful years together up until Ferd’s passing in 2012.

June was a loving mother and grandmother and is survived by her two sons, David Kaiser and his wife Tamara of New Jersey, and Clifford Kaiser and his wife Laurie of South Carolina, and her four grandsons.

June was a member of St. John and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Canajoharie. Over the years, she sang in the church choir, was a church council member, and had been the church’s financial secretary.

June’s Silver Bay story began in 1960 as the Kaiser family began making annual trips to Silver Bay as cottagers and expanded to include four other families of relatives and friends in the following years. This instilled their love and appreciation for Silver Bay over all these decades and has now extended to new generations.

Terry Stokes McConaughy

Passed on January 3, 2023

Age 89

Terry was a well-loved member of her communities at Newbury Court in Concord, MA and Silver Bay on Lake George, NY, where Terry resided seasonally for more than 50 years.

Terry received her undergraduate

degree from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in speech therapy from SUNY Albany. Following graduation, she worked as a speech therapist in the public school system.

She was born into a family of professional musicians, which instilled in her a lifelong love of classical music. Terry was a member of various choral groups throughout her life and listening to her favorite symphonies and hymns soothed her, especially in her final days.

Terry took pride in creating a nurturing home for her family and had a lifelong love of books and learning. Her passion for history endures in the creation of the archives at Silver Bay YMCA.

Jean File Melby

Passed on February 5, 2023

Age 92

Jean was born in Cedar Rapids, IA and attended Rutgers University for two years, finishing her degree at Ithaca College (’53) in Physical Education. She spent summers working at The Silver Bay Association on Lake George where she was known for her performance dance and choreography skills. In Ithaca, she married Dr. Edward Melby, Jr. and began her career teaching physical education. Upon Ed’s graduation from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, she and Ed moved to Cornwall, VT where together they raised a family and ran a veterinary practice. In the early ‘60s following Ed’s career move, Jean and family moved to Baltimore, MD. While in Baltimore, she devoted her time to raising four children, taught physical

education, and volunteered her time in various school activities. In 1974 the family moved to Ithaca, NY. Along with raising her children, she carried on the various roles of Dean’s wife, learned and transcribed braille for the blind, and pursued her interest in watercolor painting. From Ithaca, Jean and Ed moved to Villanova, PA and finally back to Vermont where they lived until their passing. In Vermont, Jean volunteered as a proofreader at The Charlotte News, developed a community of friends, and enjoyed her summers at the family camp on Lake Champlain spending many enjoyable hours playing mixed tennis doubles.

Lila Anne Mitchell

Passed on February 17, 2023

Age 77

Anne was active with the Elmira Garden Club and had a strong interest in history, genealogy and astronomy. She took delight in creating beauty in her surroundings, whether through gardening, renovating, and furnishing her house, or coordinating and sewing clothes. Anne started coming to “Family Conference” at Silver Bay YMCA with her family in 1948. As an adult, Anne valued her time at Silver Bay as a refuge from the busy-ness of working, whether early on in New York City or later in various locations around the country. Part of that was making annual pilgrimages to Jabe Pond.

Patricia Louise Squire

Passed on January 3, 2023

Age 82

She was an amazing 3rd/4th grade teacher in the Springfield Township, Montgomery County

schools. Pat began in Wyndmoor School and then upon its closing she taught at Enfield Elementary School until her retirement after 33 years of teaching. Pat was a traveler throughout her life both in the United States and abroad. She visited England and Scotland many times and Wales. She toured much of Europe, Scandinavia, spent time in Russia, Egypt, Greece, Turkey and on safari in East Africa. She was always a storyteller so not to slow down in her retirement, she established a funny, entertaining, interesting and continuously changing and up to date book review program. She gave her presentations of book reviews for 18 years to many local organizations and some in New Jersey and, her most popular of all, at Silver Bay YMCA, Lake George, NY. Pat, with her family, had spent 72 continuous summers at Silver Bay YMCA, N Y. Her story telling, her faith and her life experiences as a PK (preacher’s kid) inspired her to write sermons which she delivered through the years at her own church and her father’s church in Red Bank, N.J. She was very active in the First United Methodist Church of Germantown teaching Sunday School, adult Bible courses and was a member of the worship committee.

Pat loved to sing and she was a member of The Philomusica Chorale for many years. Pat was the founder and President of The Tabitha Foundation that had a two-fold focus of grants for organizations that provided healing, support and care for children and organizations for the protection of the environment.