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Where New England YMCA Alumni gather, connect,
and carry the YMCA Mission forward.
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LISA DROUIN
FROM THE PRESIDENT
THE POWER OF CONNECTION.
IT CAN BE ELECTRIC!
| | Photo L to R: Pete Walsh, YMCA Alumni Grand Canyon Chapter Member with his friend Rose Lucki and Lisa Drouin, YMCA Alumni New England Chapter President. | | |
Do you ever notice that feeling—the vibrant energy that comes from connecting with others? It's the spark (or maybe just a tingle) when you meet someone new or reunite after years apart.
My first experience of this was at our chapter’s Cape Cod Winery event in July: bright smiles, warm greetings, a gentle buzz in the air. Then, at the Cape Cod Gathering on October 6-8, the excitement grew as 50 people from three YMCA Alumni Chapters joined together. Personally, the Holiday Luncheon at the Publick House in Sturbridge, MA felt electric; just thinking about it made me smile for an entire week! All these joyful moments together truly warmed my heart.
Whether we gather in small groups or large, connection is at the heart of YMCA Alumni. It’s our chance to renew old friendships and form new bonds. Thanks to our members’ efforts, we can also connect online—through our Facebook page, member app, and virtual events. No matter how we meet - in person or virtually - these experiences can bring real joy.
So, what brings you joy?
Lisa
Lisa Drouin, YMCA Alumni New England Chapter President
| | OUR NEWSLETTER HAS A NEW NAME | | |
We had many suggestions for the new name of our newsletter. BIG NEWS! We did choose one. Drum roll, please? Our new name and tag line are:
CONNECTING NEW ENGLAND
Where New England YMCA Alumni
gather, connect, and carry the YMCA Mission forward.
Thank you to everyone for your creative thoughts. The new name is a compilation of several similar concepts – truly a team effort. The tag line is the brainchild of Dick Foot.
PSA: Our newsletter is intended to share A LOT of information. It can become lengthy. Please be sure to click on the tiny ‘view the entire message’ line to open and access the entire newsletter.
Also, our newsletter is emailed to primary members, so please forward it to your significant other and any other important YMCA retirees and people in your life.
One more thing: Please do not unsubscribe from this email. Doing so will unwittingly "unsubscribe" you from all YMCA Alumni communications. Just whisk it away if you don't wish to read it.
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Dan and Patty Berry, from Mattapoisett, MA; Jennifer Colangelo from Nashua, NH; Debbie and James Greenwood from Monroe, CT; Ed and Jennifer Toole from Longmeadow, MA; Diane Purcell from South Windsor, CT, and Rebecca Stanfield McGowan from Lebanon, NH.
Did you know?
On 12/1/23, there were 83 NE Chapter members, and on 4/1/26, we have 102 members!
Our retention rates grew again! 10/1/25 – 89%, as of 4/1/26 (YTD) 98% (largest of 17 chapters)
Total Members renewed: 70 as of 10/1/25, 84 as of 4/1/26.
Total New Members since 10/1/25 is 18! Next highest chapter has 10.
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HOMEBUILDING 2026
DR SERVICE TRIP IS HAPPENING NOW
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If you’re reading this close to Memorial Day, chances are that there are 29 folks working (and playing) hard right now at the YMCA International Village in Don Gregorio, Dominican Republic.
These 29 people are members of our New England Chapter, plus YMCA Alumni from Chambers, Willis, and Central Atlantic Chapters, their families and friends, and counselors and volunteer leaders from YMCA Camp Woodstock. This is our largest group ever. Quite a diverse, multi-generational, and eclectic group. And all are paying their own expenses!
Supporting the work of this group has totaled over $21,000 in contributions, mainly from members of our New England chapter, supplemented by donations from previous building volunteers and folks who may be unable to travel but still want to help. This total is the highest ever from individual contributions in the 15-year history.
We should take great pride in our chapter having sustained this project for 15 years and being described as the “Gold Standard” of service projects for all 17 YMCA Alumni Chapters. We will share pictures on Facebook and story (or two) in the coming months.
(Photo: 2025 volunteers)
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The Membership Committee rolled out a new Membership App to help you stay connected and provide an additional venue for communications. Thank you to Serah Selmon, South Shore YMCA COO, for helping with the process.
If you have not logged in, find the "Instant Church Directory" on Google Play or in the iPhone App Store. The logo looks like a church. Log in using your email. You don’t need a password.
Each time you log-in a code will be emailed to you. No password to remember.
Please add your personal information, if you’d like – picture, secondary member and phone.
Need help? Have questions? Contact: Rob, (203) 505-5913, Lisa (973) 714-3678, or Joyce (508) 889-6753.
Thank you one and all for your support.
| | SPRING EVENT CALENDAR: JOIN US | | |
We have great events lined up. Details were emailed to you on April 9, 2026. Please add them to your calendar and RSVP to the host.
Monday, June 8, 12:30 - 4 PM A Day of Service at Sharing the Harvest (STH) Community Farm Project, Dartmouth YMCA, 276 Gulf Road, Dartmouth, MA with Gary Schuyler and Nancy Bonell (former CEO & COO at YMCA Southcoast). Please RSVP/Questions to Nancy (508) 965-9507.
Dust off the Golf Clubs and Shine up your Shoes. Our 2nd Annual YMCA Alumni Golf Outing will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at the Tewksbury Treehouse 9-hole course, 1880 Main Street, Tewksbury MA. Rates are $36 to walk / $50 with a cart. Tee times from 9:34–10:34 am. Max golfers: 24. To sign up, connect with Sandy Berlin Walker (513) 373-7782 by June 1. Venmo or Zelle payment after registration. Cancellations permitted up to June 7, no refunds after that.
Wednesday, June 17, 12 noon - CT Luncheon at the “Smokin’ with Chris” BBQ Restaurant on 59 W Center St., Southington, CT 06489. We’re planning a fun, laid back, casual get together, dining from their menu indoors or out. It's also right on the 'Rails to Trails' walking/biking path - so we can walk and talk before or afterwards – if you’d like. Also, it's very close/walking distance to the Southington YMCA. Host and please RSVP/Questions to Donna Lisitano (860) 372-2563.
Thursday, July 16, 3-5 p.m. Cape Cod Winery Get Together, Cape Cod Winery, 4 Oxbow Road in East Falmouth, MA, hosted by Steve and Mary Beth Clay and Lisa Drouin. For those who may want to stay, dinner at Flying Bridge in Falmouth. Please RSVP to Steve Clay or Lisa Drouin.
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OCTOBER 6-8, 2026
YOU’RE INVITED TO CAPE COD
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Connect with YMCA Alumni in the Central Atlantic, McBurney-Morse, and New England Chapters.
Enjoy a few days on Cape Cod with fellow YMCA Alumni and friends at the Sea Crest Beach Resort in Falmouth, MA. Enjoy the private, pristine white sandy beach, inspiring guest speakers, biking on the Shining Sea Bikeway, golfing at the Paul Harney Golf Club, shopping on Falmouth’s Main Street, a visit to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and Aquarium, fellowship, dine on some really great food, and more. Kellie Wardman, Director of Strategy, Governance & Leadership, DBD Group; Bob Cook, Director of Sales, Go Travel, and AARP Cybersecurity/Fraud Protection will be joining us.
Two-Step Process to Register:
Reserve your room: Our Sea Crest Beach Resort reservation is under YMCA Alumni. Room rates: $239/room/night (includes 14.5% MA tax & $10 resort fee). For our event, reserve your two-night stay online or call (508) 540-9400. If you plan to stay only one night or extend your stay, the resort asks that you call to make your reservation (508) 540-9400. The room rate is discounted 3 nights before and 3 nights after our event (based on availability) if you would like to stay longer on the Cape.
Event Registration: Register online or mail your check, payable to New England YMCA Alumni, to Greg Brisco, 23 Old Mill Drive, Canton, CT 06019. Include your name, street address, email, and phone.
· Early Bird registration fee is $200 per person (must register by Aug. 1) to cover: speaker fees, 2 fabulous dinners and 2 breakfasts at the resort, welcome bags, and more.
· Please NOTE: Registration Fee is $225 after August 1.
· There will be additional fees for some activities such as golf, cash bars, etc.
Other details:
· Financial assistance is available if you feel you cannot afford the full cost of the conference. Email Nancy to request assistance.
· For those interested in extending their time on Cape Cod, we are arranging a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard on Friday, Oct. 9.
· Got questions? Please email Nancy Bonell or call her at (508) 965-9507.
| | NEW ENGLAND CHAPTER CONNECTS | | |
Way back in February, (L to R) Laurie Garbacz, Jim Doremus, Nancy LaRue Bonell, Steve Russell, and Mike Norklun took advantage of the snow during their annual Ski and Snowboard Day at Mount Sunapee in Newbury, NH.
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Thank you, Harry Rock, for sharing so much information about the National Service Project, Twig (a small YMCA branch), and Tiny Home #5. It was nice to see so many YMCA Alumni on Zoom. If you missed the presentation. CLICK HERE.
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Thank you, Alumni Member and museum docent Duffy Brent, for an informative tour of the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA. (L to R) Gary Schuyler, Nancy Bonell, Duffy Brent, Sandy Walker, Mark Walker, and Joanne Reeves are pictured against a Panther Ausf. Tank, one of the rarest treasures, rebuilt and fully operable military tanks in the world.
| | NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION AND DONATIONS | | |
To make registration for our events and contributions easier, we have chosen to partner with the online company Zeffy. (Don’t worry, we’ll still accept checks and cash.)
Zeffy is an online software company specifically created to work with non-profit organizations. Unlike other vendors, Zeffy does NOT charge a per transaction service fee or even a credit card processing fee. Instead, it relies on optional “Tips” from users. They will suggest something, but tips are optional, including how much you feel is appropriate.
This site is safe for use with credit cards, but of course, you can always send a check via the US Postal Service. To date, we have created registration for the Fall Cape Cod Gathering and for donations to the Dominican Republic Home Building Project. These can both be accessed via desktop, laptops, and mobile devices or mobile phone.
Dominican Republic project: Home Building in the Dominican Republic
Fall Gathering: 5th Annual 3 Chapter YMCA Alumni Fall Gathering
Thank you, Treasurer Greg Brisco, for your research and recommendation. If you have questions, please email Greg at Greg Brisco
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FACEBOOK PAGE REACTIVATED
NE CHAPTER SOCIAL MEDIA
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There’s lots of conversation in the news about social media. One of the positive notes is that it enables users to create and share information. And for them to participate in online networking and engagement. To expand our ability to share New England Chapter information, we have re-energized our Facebook Page.
Please follow us. Take a look at what’s recently been posted. And watch your feed for posts. Click here to link to the New England YMCA Alumni page.
Thank you to Dick Foot for organizing and maintaining the page since 2011 and to Donna Lisitano for the recent engagement. Have something you’d like to share? Please email Donna your ideas.
You don’t ‘do’ social media? No worries, our newsletters, telephone conversations, and events are here to stay!
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NEW PROGRAM FOR ALL
SUPPORTING YMCA STAFF
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This initiative will match experienced YMCA Alumni residing in New England with current Y staff members seeking professional guidance through an application process. Senior advisor-Y staff relationships are tailored to the needs and objectives identified by the participating Y staff member. The program’s primary goal is to foster collaboration and support among all YMCA staff.
An optional senior advisor coaching workshop, led by Andrea Vignali, will be held on Tuesday, October 6, noon-3 p.m. at the Cape Cod Gathering.
If you are interested in serving as a Senior Advisor and have not yet submitted your application, click on this link: Y Staff Advisory Program – Senior Advisor Application.
Thank you, Jody Cumming from the Old Colony YMCA, for creating the marketing materials, and to all the Y Staff and YMCA Alumni who helped to develop, review, and test the processes for this program.
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How long was your YMCA career? And what roles did you hold?
I had a 40-year YMCA career. I started as Assistant Physical Director, was promoted to Physical Director, and later became President/CEO of Ocean Community YMCA (formerly Westerly-Pawcatuck YMCA) in Westerly, Rhode Island. I also served as CEO of the Association of YMCA Professionals (AYP), the professional society for YMCA employees.
What was a highlight of your career?
There were many. My first job stands out because I grew up in that YMCA and had long admired the staff. Being hired as Assistant Physical Director meant a great deal. Becoming President/CEO of my hometown Y was especially meaningful, as was serving as national executive director of AYP.
What excites you most about being retired?
I’ve been retired for 16 years. Initially, my late wife Julie and I were excited to travel more. She passed away 18 months ago, and this has become a very different phase of retirement. After 55 years of marriage, living alone feels like starting over again.
In this new chapter, I’ve begun doing things I might not have before. I volunteer one day a week at Westerly Hospital to give back for the care my wife received. I’ve been doing that for two months, and it feels good to be out with people and contributing.
Is volunteering a part of this new chapter for you?
Yes. I also volunteer at the Babcock-Smith House Museum in my town, where I’ve been involved for 15 years. I previously served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for 10 years and now focus on special projects, including fundraising. I’m proud the museum completed an expansion with no debt—something my YMCA experience helped prepare me for.
What book are you currently reading? What do you recommend?
I’m a history buff and currently reading Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I also recently enjoyed Mr. Churchill in the White House by Robert Schmuhl and History Matters by David McCullough. I like to read one or two books at a time.
Do you have any travel plans?
I’m heading to Walt Disney World with my daughter and granddaughter, who graduates this year. I especially enjoy spending time at EPCOT exploring the different countries.
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How long was your YMCA career? And what roles did you hold?
I graduated from Springfield College in 1982 with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Business. After moving to Boston, a volleyball teammate who was a Camp Director at the Malden YMCA offered me a job as a Camp Counselor — “beer money,” I thought. On my first day, I learned the Physical Director role was open. That was my start in the YMCA.
After two years in Malden, I joined the Abington branch of the Philadelphia YMCA as Physical Director. Under Sandy Walker and Jim Sheldon, I gained foundational experience that shaped my career. I later served there as Sr. Physical Director and Associate Executive Director.
I went on to roles including Associate Executive Director at Hatboro; Branch Director at Lower Bucks Family YMCA; CEO of Lower Bucks Family YMCA for six years; and CEO of the Northwestern Connecticut YMCA for 22 years.
What was a highlight of your career?
I was drawn to YMCAs facing fiscal challenges. Success in one role led me to seek greater challenges. There’s no better feeling than helping a Y grow—developing programs, creating community events, raising funds, renovating facilities, and expanding services—until it becomes a vibrant organization the community turns to for solutions.
What excites you most about being retired?
Retirement offers flexibility with my wife, Dorothy—to travel, spend time with our growing family, and enjoy our granddaughter in Connecticut, with another on the way. We also cherish extended visits with grandchildren in New Zealand. I now have more time for biking, hiking, kayaking, and helping with family home projects.
Is volunteering a part of this new chapter for you?
Yes. I’m active in our local Rotary Club and Fit Together, a community health initiative started by the YMCA. I’ve also become treasurer of the New England Chapter YMCA Alumni. After coaching volleyball and baseball for over 30 years, I’m exploring getting back into coaching and have already reached out to a baseball organization in New Zealand.
What book are you currently reading? And what book would you recommend for your retired YMCA friends to read?
I recently read John Grisham’s Camino Island Trilogy and am now reading Thunderstruck by Erik Larson. I also enjoy Ken Follett’s historical novels and look forward to his latest, Circle of Days.
Is there something that during your busy career you did not have time to pursue that you now have time to pursue and it’s bringing you joy?
I’m learning the mandolin and ukulele, and I’d like to start a woodworking shop focused on multi-wood and epoxy table projects. I also hope to get back into sailing using two boats passed down from my father.
Do you have any travel plans?
Yes. We frequently visit our grandchildren in New Zealand and are currently exploring the South Island—hiking, visiting glaciers, and enjoying the landscape. Since retiring in April 2025, we’ve also visited friends in the Carolinas and plan to explore U.S. National Parks in the coming years.
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Thanks for reading all of our Spring Newsletter! We’d like to ask all members of the New England YMCA Alumni Chapter to help us stay connected and supportive of one another.
If you are aware of any fellow alumni who may be going through a difficult time - such as illness, loss, or other life challenges or celebrating an important milestone - please let us know.
The Caring, Compassion, and Celebration Committee is here to reach out with encouragement, comfort, and support, but we rely on you to help us identify those in need. Your awareness and willingness to share information make a meaningful difference in ensuring that no one feels overlooked, alone, or unsupported.
Together, we can strengthen our community by showing care when it matters most. Simply, email Karen Leslie and she will work with members of the committee to follow up in the most appropriate manner.
In the past few months we have followed up with colleagues facing surgery, death in the family, milestone birthdays, and illness. In return, we have received thanks for the connections we have made.
We appreciate your help and staying connected with you.
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TRAVEL WITH YMCA ALUMNI:
2026-27 TRAVEL CLUB OPPORTUNITIES
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Escape on an unforgettable 16-day Pacific paradise journey aboard Emerald Princess, sailing round-trip from Los Angeles Jan. 25, 2027 to the magical Hawaiian Islands, offering lush volcanoes, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and endless relaxation.
Click the button below for all available trips in 2026 and 2027.
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