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LISA DROUIN
FROM THE PRESIDENT
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WHAT'S YOUR 'WHY?'
True confession. When I first joined YMCA Alumni, I struggled with "Why?" Why should I get involved, especially when I have so many other opportunities to spend my time?
The focus of our recently constituted membership committee, which I chaired at the time, wrestled with just that. How do we create a reason for retirees and current working staff to join?
After reviewing newly received member satisfaction survey results, the number one reason members said they joined was to be connected to others. So that became our focus!
Our membership committee’s purpose early on, in partnership with our program group, was to create a few local events – events that would give members the opportunity to come together.
Events included a workday at the Dartmouth Y farm; a golf/social outing; a gathering at the Cape Cod Winery; our annual three-chapter Cape Cod gathering; an Oktoberfest event and, and, finally, our annual holiday luncheon. Each event provided the opportunity to rekindle relationships as well as develop new ones, create a sense of community that we all long for, and fill that void of "why" for many of us.
This work became the springboard for the development of an additional five committees: Caring, Compassion and Celebration Committee, Communications Committee, DR Committee, Program Committee and Y Staff Advisory Committee.
The ‘why’ for me now is clear. The opportunities for all chapter members are many to be engaged, at any level they wish.
Have you found your “why”? Care to share? Please email me, I’d love to connect.
Lisa
Lisa Drouin, YMCA Alumni New England Chapter President
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NEWLY ELECTED BOARD
PLANNING OUR CHAPTER'S FUTURE
| | Photos clockwise: Rob Reeves, Duffy Brent, Alan Hurst, Bruce Macdonald, Andrea Vignali, Lisa Drouin, Karen Leslie, Donna Lisitano, and Nancy Bonell. Photographer, Harry Rock, not in photo. Right photo: James Naismith statue at Springfield College. | | |
Members of the Board met on Tuesday, January 13, for a full-day session at Springfield College to begin plans for 2026. Many topics were discussed, including board goals, committee structure, and how best to grow, engage, and retain members. One common theme is that the group welcomes all chapter members’ involvement at any level they wish.
Members who are leading our chapter’s efforts include:
Board: Lisa Drouin (President), Karen Leslie (Past President), Nancy Bonell (VP – Program), Greg Brisco (Treasurer), Rob Reeves (Membership), Bruce Macdonald (Dominican Republic Housing Project), Donna Lisitano (Communications), Duffy Brent (Member at Large), Martha Machnik (Member at Large), Harry Rock (Member at Large), Andrea Vignali (Member at Large).
Committees:
· Caring, Compassion, and Celebration/EAF: Karen Leslie (chair), Lou Falk, Dick Foot, Vinnie Marturano and Gary Schuyler
· Communications: Donna Lisitano (chair), Beth Covino, Joanne Reeves
· Dominican Republic Housing Project Committee: Lou Falk (chair), Nancy Bonell, Risa Filkoff, Chuck Goding (emeritus), Bob Hoffman (emeritus), Bruce Macdonald, Steve Russell, Mike Sherman, Stan Styrczula
· Membership: Rob Reeves (chair), Joyce Dwyer, Dick Foot, Harold Hemberger, Marie Miszewski, Kathy Viens, Sandy Walker
· Programs: Nancy Bonell (chair), Duffy Brent, Steve Clay, Laurie Garbacz, Kim Harty, Martha Machnik, Charlie Myer, Laura Prisco
· Treasurer: Greg Brisco (chair)
· Y- Staff Advisory Program: Lisa Drouin (chair), Andrea Vignali (vice chair), Jenelle Balstra, Joyce Dwyer, Gregg Howells, Karen McNamara, Charlie Myer, Jeanette Paul
Please reach out to our committee chairs for more information. We welcome everyone who would like to be involved.
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WE'RE STRONG AND MIGHTY
WE HAVE AN APP FOR THAT
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Our Membership Committee, led by Rob Reeves as Chair, has a new Member App coming your way. It will help you stay connected with fellow YMCA Alumni members and keep you informed about our New England Chapter and everything your membership offers. The App will be easy to use on desktop and mobile devices, with versions for Apple and Android. Stay tuned for more details!
We would like to welcome our newest members.
Jenelle Balltra from Liverpool, NY; Patricia Barnwell from West Roxbury, MA; Greg and Dorothy Brisco from Canton, CT; Robert and Barbara Cioffi from Johnston, RI; Betsey and James LaFontaine from Fryberg, ME; Donna and Seb Lisitano from Berlin, CT; Marie and Mitch Miszewski from Bethel, CT; Mike LaChance from Salem, NH; Chris and Sharon Pallatto from Chester, CT; Kate-Marie Roycroft from Newburyport, MA; Janet Samelwich from Milford, CT; Harold Sparrow from Boston, MA; Lonney Steves from Winthrop, ME and Laura Tiedge from Danbury, CT.
Did you know?
· On 12/31/23, there were 83 Chapter members; on 12/31/24 - 82 and on 12/31/25 – 96 (second largest out of the 17 chapters). YEAH!
· Our retention rates are impressive! 10/1/25 – 89% and as of 1/16/26 (year to date) - 85% (second highest out of the 17 chapters)
· Total Members renewed were 70 as of 10/1/25, increasing to 73 as of 1/16/26 (second largest out of 17 chapters). The more members, the more fun. Please encourage your Y friends to join.
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SAVE THE DATES
FUN AND UNIQUE EVENTS ON TAP
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2026 will be an exciting time for the New England Chapter with new events. Please join us for some fun and unique events! For more detailed information, please email Nancy Bonell.
March 2 OR March 3 - Senior Advisor Zoom introductory meeting options. Please email Lisa Drouin with your interest.
March 11 – Ski Day at Gunstock Mountain, Gilford, NH
May 8 -- Day of Service at Hamden/North Haven YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel, Hamden, CT.
May 14 10:30 AM - The American Heritage Museum, a personal museum tour will be given by Y Alumni Member and Museum Docent, Duffy Brent.
June 8 2:00 - 4:00 PM – Volunteering at the Sharing the Harvest Community Farm Project Dartmouth YMCA, Dartmouth, MA
October 6-8 – Cape Cod Gathering, SeaCrest Beach Resort, North Falmouth, MA
November 1 – Oktoberfest Pats Peak Ski Area, Henniker, NH
December 15 – Holiday Lunch Publick House, Sturbridge, MA
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OUR TREASURER'S REPORT
THANKS ALAN. WELCOME GREG
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We would like to thank Alan Hurst (top photo) for his service to the New England Chapter of the YMCA Alumni.
During the 2025 calendar year, our New England Alumni Chapter, "paid all their bills and still has some money left over,” reports Alan.
Early in the year, the second $6,750 installment to pay for the furniture, fixtures and appliances in South Dakota's tiny home #1 was made. Mid-year, we funded the building of two homes in the Dominican Republic. Thank you for your donations.
As the ledger, checks, and all financial records were transferred to our new Treasurer, Greg Brisco (bottom photo), a $1,540 check was issued to support "Twig" construction, thanks to your Cape Cod and Sturbridge event raffles.
Thank you one and all for your support.
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INTRODUCING...
CARING, COMPASSION, AND CELEBRATION
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We’re so excited to launch a new committee dedicated to what truly connects us - showing up for one another.
The Caring, Compassion, and Celebration Committee was formed to recognize life’s challenges, to honor meaningful moments, and to celebrate the joys along the way. From offering support during difficult times to applauding personal milestones, this committee will work to make sure that no member of our YMCA Alumni Chapter feels unseen or unsupported.
At its core, this committee is about connection - strengthening relationships, building community, and reminding us that whether we are facing challenges or celebrations - big or small - brings us closer.
We are currently building our committee. If you are interested in participating, please email Committee Chair, Karen Leslie (photo).
What is really unique about this committee is that we are all members! If you are aware of a colleague that we should reach out to please let us know; so, if appropriate, we can connect with them.
We are glad that you are here, and we cannot wait to care for, and celebrate with you!
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IN THE LOOP
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
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The new year brought a change to our Communications Committee.
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Photo: Thank goodness there’s Zoom! Joanne Reeves, Donna Lisitano and Beth Covino.
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We would like to thank Beth Covino for her service and leadership, and to welcome Donna Lisitano as the new Communications Chair. Beth will continue to participate on the committee and in many other ways. Joanne Reeves is also a key member of the Communications Committee.
Through the four upcoming e-newsletters, we hope that you’ll learn more about YMCA Alumni New England Chapter programs, projects, and opportunities for you to connect and participate.
But first – we’re renaming our newsletter, and we want your brilliant ideas! Please email your best name suggestions to Joanne Reeves for a chance to win a fabulous prize. Entries provided before March 15, 2026, will be considered.
Got ideas, suggestions,or feedback for the newsletter? Please e-mail Donna Lisitano.
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Y STAFF ADVISORY PROGRAM
YMCA ALUMNI MEMBERS NEEDED
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Throughout our careers, we have consistently contributed our expertise guiding staff in their careers and professional development. We now have the opportunity to continue supporting current staff by sharing our knowledge as our schedules permit.
The New England Y-Alumni Chapter, in collaboration with the three YMCA State Alliances serving New England, is establishing a Y Staff Advisory Program. This initiative will match experienced YMCA Alumni residing in New England with current Y staff members seeking professional guidance through an application process.
The senior advisor-Y staff relationships may involve a limited number of discussions or ongoing conversations, tailored to the needs and objectives identified by participating Y staff in their applications. The program’s primary goal is to foster an environment of cooperation and support among all YMCA staff.
YMCA Alumni potentially interested in serving as senior advisors are invited to attend an informational Zoom meeting. Meetings will be held on Monday, March 2 from 4-5 p.m. OR Tuesday, March 3 from 9-10 a.m. To confirm your participation or to request further information, please contact Lisa Drouin, Staff Advisory Program Committee Chair.
The anticipated start date for the program is March. Advisors can indicate their availability according to their preferences. Thanks to the 28-plus YMCA Alumni members who have already volunteered!
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HOMEBUILDING IN THE DOMINICAN
EXPERIENCE IT THIS SPRING
| | Here's a before-and-after look at a home we tore down and built anew. | | |
YMCA Alumni member Stephen Russell and his wife, Sue, had a remarkable volunteer experience in the Dominican Republic, helping to build homes for people living in hardship. They were motivated to continue volunteering beyond their home turf and encouraged to participate by Lou Falk.
They found it deeply rewarding to connect with fellow YMCA retirees and especially moving to help build homes and hand over the keys to two families in the Dominican Republic who were in desperate need.
The Russells spent Memorial Day week 2025 in the Dominican Republic, where they easily made their way to the hotel, were welcomed, had dinner, and an informative orientation to start the week.
The job site bus ride to the small village of Don Gregorio was eye-opening – poverty was evident everywhere. Upon arrival, everyone applied bug spray, then helped tear down a decrepit, metal-roofed wooden shack. A fairly easy task.
Cinder blocks were moved to the sites so local bricklayers could do the bricklaying and mudding. (Thank goodness, because brick laying skills were not on their Y resumes.) They then painted the interiors and exteriors of each structure.
The weather was much warmer than New England. The team was kept well hydrated to ensure no one was overheated. The ACJ (YMCA) served lunches, and evenings (after welcomed hotel showers) were spent with other Y retirees enjoying great meals. On ‘rest day’ the group traveled to the beach to relax in the warm Caribbean waters.
For first hand de-hand details, connect with Stephen Russell and/or with Bruce Macdonald, or Lou Falk who welcome questions with open arms.
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SUPPORT OUR SERVICE PROJECT
TWO NEW FAMILY HOMES THIS YEAR
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The New England YMCA Alumni’s Community Service project team is gearing up to travel to the village of Don Gregorio, Dominican Republic to remove and replace two more shacks occupied by two families. We will be constructing two new secure homes May 20-27, 2026.
As a Chapter Alumni, you should have received a letter outlining the project with a request for financial support.
If you have already sent in your support, THANK YOU.
If you have not yet been able to send it - it’s not too late. This is our chapter's primary service project, let’s get 100 percent support.
We are also still looking for a few more volunteers to join us. It’s a great week that’s both eye-opening and rewarding.
What an amazing impact our Alumni group is having. Please get involved in any way you can.
For more information, please contact Bruce Macdonald,
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MEET CHAPTER MEMBER
CARLTON 'SKIP' RAYMOND
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My YMCA career was filled with meaningful opportunities and memorable challenges. I graduated from Springfield College in 1963 with my wife, Natalie, and our young family.
I began my Y career as Youth and Camping Director in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Within my third year, I was unexpectedly asked to serve as Interim Executive when the CEO became ill—a six-month assignment that marked my first major leadership challenge.
In 1968, I became Branch Executive of the Milford/Orange YMCA, part of the Greater New Haven Y. This role launched my work in capital development, resulting in the creation of the Woodruff Family Outdoor Center on 15 acres, supported by more than $1 million in fundraising. During this time, our family continued to grow.
In 1978, we moved to New Jersey, where I served as Branch Executive with the YMCA of the Oranges. After two and a half years, I accepted the position of CEO at the Wilton Family YMCA in Connecticut. Over 14 years there, we raised nearly $4 million and built the nation’s first indoor/outdoor 50-meter pool with an inflatable air structure.
In 2004, I became a Management Consultant for Fairfield and Westchester Counties, a role that later transitioned to YMCA of the USA. After 11 years, I retired to Vermont. Retirement didn’t last long, however, and in 2009 I stepped in as interim leadership for the Keene YMCA in New Hampshire. Over two and a half years as CEO, we raised more than $10 million and built a new 65,000-square-foot facility.
I officially retired in 2012. After the sudden passing of my wife in 2014, I remained deeply engaged through volunteering, church leadership, Rotary, and service with the NE Y Alumni Chapter.
Today, I enjoy time with my significant other, Karen, my three married children and eight grandchildren, as well as reading history and mysteries, traveling, and looking ahead. I’m grateful for a life rooted in family, service, and community.
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MEET CHAPTER MEMBER
JOYCE DWYER
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What roles have you held in your YMCA career so far?
I began my YMCA career in Branch Operations focused on Healthy Living, building community coalitions and programs that addressed diabetes prevention, food insecurity, and housing instability. More recently, I served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Old Colony YMCA, leading strategy and innovation across branch operations and social services to better meet community needs.
What has been a highlight of your career?
The people. Working alongside dedicated Y professionals, volunteers, members, and community partners has been both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
What are your goals for your next professional role?
To leverage my experience in strategy and innovation to identify emerging needs, develop forward-thinking solutions, and translate vision into measurable impact—while aligning mission-driven work with sustainable business practices.
What are you reading, and what would you recommend to YMCA colleagues?
I recently read The Measure, a thought-provoking novel about how people choose to live when faced with the length of their lives. I highly recommend it for the meaningful conversations it sparks about purpose and community.
Why did you join YMCA Alumni?
Y people are the best. I enjoy staying connected through events, committees, and collaboration. I currently serve on the Membership Committee, supporting a new app launch and helping develop a mentoring program connecting Senior Y Advisors with current staff.
Do you have any travel plans?
I just returned from a six-week trip around Italy—an unforgettable experience. I’m not sure where I’ll go next, but I have plenty of dream destinations ahead.
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YMCA ALUMNI AT ALLIANCE EVENTS
MAKING CONNECTIONS
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Chapter leaders attended the Alliance of Northern New England Conference in Portland, ME. Left photo: Joanne and Rob Reeves with Dr. Rebecca Stanfield McCowan, Alliance CEO. Rebecca was excited to have YMCA Alumni participate. Rebecca believes leadership is not about a title; it's about the action we take every day to strengthen our Ys and our communities.
Right photo: Lisa Drouin (L) and Karen Leslie (R) joined Alliance CEO Kate-Marie Roycroft at the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs and YPN Chapter 4, which held their Leadership Conference at Gillette Stadium. More than 700 people attended. The event focused on the power of global connection and the impact the Y creates in our local communities.
Are you participating in any upcoming Y events? If so, we’d love to know! Please send us a photo! We’d like to highlight our Alumni members working together with their Y teammates. Thanks for staying connected.
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GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW
CATHY GERO YMCA IN MAINE IS EXCITING
| | Photos: L - Diane Dickerson, YMCA CEO; R - First shovels by local, county, and state dignitaries; Bottom: Rendering of new Y by SMRT Architects & Engineers. | | |
Excitement was all around on October 17, 2025 when Diane Dickerson, CEO of the Bangor Region YMCA, was joined by Senator Susan Collins, board members, dozens of stakeholders and supporters, including YMCA Alumni members Rob and Joanne Reeves, at the exciting groundbreaking ceremony of the Cathy Gero Bangor YMCA on Main Street in Bangor, Maine.
“The YMCA has served this region for nearly 160 years,” Diane said. The Cathy Gero Bangor Region YMCA ensures that our region will continue to be well served for decades to come. It will be able to serve every age group, from babies and children through teens and adults, with more programs and services than ever before. It will give people the opportunity to connect, live, grow, educate, recreate, and learn in a modern, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of downtown Bangor.”
The new YMCA is named after Cathy Gero, a woman who loved, supported, and pushed for the new building, who passed away from cancer in 2022.
The fully accessible facility is 82,000 square feet and will include a full-court gymnasium, an indoor run/walk track, a community kitchen and café, a STEAM Maker Space, and new spaces for youth, teen, and family programming. It will double the number of children served in early childhood education, before and after school programs and, for the first time in Bangor YMCA history, will offer infant care starting at 6 months.
“To have a new YMCA that will be serving people in 25 towns of all ages, all walks of life, helps to strengthen the community,” said Sen. Susan Collins. Sen. Collins helped secure $6.5 million specifically for the project.
So far, a total of $43.5 million out of $57.8 million has been raised in a quiet phase and public campaign and the expected grand opening is the fall of 2027.
Click HERE for more information.
| YMCA CAPE COD BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW DON AND DOTTIE SMITH YMCA | | Photos L-R: Chapter Members Steve and Mary Beth Clay: Co-Chairs of the Community Phase of the Capital Campaign; Stacie Peugh, YMCA President and CEO; Capital Donors: Don Smith and Pam Burkes-Smith. | | |
After years of strategic planning, building a supportive community, and fundraising, YMCA Cape Cod held a celebratory groundbreaking for the new Don and Dottie Smith YMCA. Some 300 supporters, braving a cold New England day, listened and cheered all the speakers who addressed the vision, donor generosity, volunteer and staff dedication, and how the new 73,000-square-foot facility will serve all residents of the Upper Cape Community.
In partnership with CHC (Community Health Center of Cape Cod), which will provide medical services in the new health center wing of the building, Stacie Peugh, President and CEO of YMCA Cape Cod (and YMCA Alumni member), verbally painted a visual experience for all individuals and families of what to look forward to when they participate.
A standing ovation was given to Don Smith and Pam Burkes-Smith, who donated $10 million, making the Y a reality. The Smiths named the YMCA after Don’s parents, "who were Nana and Poppy to everyone in the family."
The YMCA is scheduled to open in two years. The Upper Cape Community is eagerly looking forward to this new community hub, especially the two pools.
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DID YOU KNOW?
CLIFF SMITH YMCA POSTCARD COLLECTION
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The Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection (Springfield College Archives & Special Collections) is a major research collection of YMCA postcards: nearly 10,000 unique/rare postcards plus almost 3,000 duplicates, spanning roughly from the 1890s through the 20th century (collection date range listed as ca. 1880–1980).
Beyond YMCA buildings, the cards document YMCA programs and social history—topics noted in the finding description include camping, aquatics, youth work, armed services, fitness/athletics, World War I, African American YMCAs, and Springfield, Massachusetts/Springfield College.
The collection description notes that some postcards may be among the few remaining images of certain YMCA buildings, making them useful for architectural and local history research, as well as for YMCA institutions.
Springfield College describes the collection as organized into four series: (1) unique postcards, (2) duplicates, (3) compact discs holding original 1997 digitization files/databases, and (4) ephemera & photographs related to the donation and collector.
They also note that all unique postcards are digitized and browsable via the Massachusetts Digital Commonwealth (linked from the collection record).
Clifford A. (“Cliff”) Smith was a career YMCA professional and a Springfield College alumnus:
- Born/raised on Long Island, New York; Cliff graduated Springfield College in 1949; earned a master’s at the University of Nebraska; and did advanced management programs at Southern Methodist University.
- Served in senior YMCA leadership, including as president and CEO of the Cleveland (Ohio) YMCA.
- Helped lead YMCA international fundraising efforts, including support connected to launching YMCAs in the former Soviet Union.
- Was an avid postcard collector; his YMCA postcards became this collection at Springfield College. He died in March 2014.
Click HERE to explore. Thank you, Dick Foot, for sharing this information.
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ADVENTURES AWAIT
YMCA ALUMNI TRAVEL CLUB
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Embark on an unforgettable guided luxury motor coach tour through the marvelous cities of Madrid, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona, Spain, all while enjoying the benefit of the all-inclusive advantage of C.I.E. tours. Dates are Oct. 4-13, 2026. C.I.E. is considered the top motor coach tour company in Europe.This will be our third YMCA Alumni Travel Club trip with C.I.E.
Click the button below for all available trips in 2026 and 2027. Don't delay; trips sell out quickly.
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Make plans now to join in on one of the available 2026 and 2027 YMCA Alumni Travel Club Adventures. Trips can sell out fast, so don’t delay. You can cancel later if circumstances change, but if you wait, you may be disappointed.
Several 2026 trips have some availability, including cruises in Alaska, Classic Canada and New England, and a deluxe motor coach tour of Spain. 2027 brings a river cruise on the Blue Danube, a round-trip cruise from L.A. to the Hawaiian Islands, and an Atlantic Crossing. Click the button below to the YMCA Alumni Travel Club page on our website. Then contact our partner, Go Travel, to book your trip.
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