LEN WILSON

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings!

Summer has arrived at our shore home in Strathmere. Parking during the day is at a premium, and on weekends, “parking vultures” circle in the neighborhood. Joyce and I always have an extra parking space for friends or family visiting, but we are looking forward to the delightful “shoulder season” in September, particularly September 10, when all our chapter members are encouraged to visit the Jersey Shore, spend the day, enjoy lunch and catch up with your friends in our chapter. After labor Day, working folk and families must get back home, and the shore is uncrowded and inviting as always. Please circle 9/10 on your calendars.

Point of personal privilege, my significant birthday falls on 9/12, so I intend to provide a special birthday cake and am envisioning an extra special added attraction. Stay tuned for details from Cathy.

For those of you who often find your calendars very crowded, please reserve Thursday, December 11, to attend our Christmas luncheon. We will be auctioning off some wonderful gifts, enjoy meeting friends, and share a meal together. You will be receiving ample information and an opportunity to register for the event.

The past three months featured a couple of memorable outings that are described in this newsletter. Joyce and I particularly benefited from the outing at White Horse Senior Community on May 8th, thanks to Hank and Lois. All who attended our trip to Valley Forge National Historical Site on June 5th were surprised at the number of meaningful and interesting stops within Valley Forge Park. It is truly a place to bring friends and visitors to this area.

Perhaps some of you have an idea of a place or area that other members would enjoy visiting, sharing a meal, and fellowship with former colleagues. Please let me know so we can plan a trip for the members. We are still searching for a Vice-President for Programs. It is a Program Director's dream job. It has everything you could ever want, and you don’t get paid! How great is that? Please let me know if you’re interested in the position.

I recently had an in-depth discussion of our chapter’s activities and enrollment with national YMCA Alumni leadership and learned that, for many reasons, we are among the top chapters in the country. I would like to describe the various evaluation factors considered and gather input from as many current members as possible. I plan to initiate this process with a brief chapter formal meeting on September 10, using that meeting as a springboard to gather input from members who are unable to attend.

Many of our members find it challenging to travel to the Philadelphia area for a chapter meeting; however, some chapters hold a general session for all members on Zoom. Joyce just recently participated in a Zoom discussion session with over 200 people on the call. That could be a way to involve more of our members in determining some activities or services our chapter could provide. Let’s give it some thought.

Finally, our chapter has been supporting the work of the Jerusalem International YMCA for several years, and now, during the ongoing conflict, support is even more needed. CEO Fadi Suidan's recent letter explains the reasons he continues to provide leadership for his staff and programs during these challenging times. Click HERE to read Fadi's letter.



Best wishes for a safe and fun-filled summer.  See you in September.

WE VISITED WHITE HORSE VILLAGE...

L-R -- Back row: Bob McDowell, Hank Van Zanten, Walt Fromm, Lois Van Zanten, Pete Smith Len Wilson; Front Row: Karen McDowell, Cathy Fromm, Frannie Smith, Joyce Wilson. Bottom: Len and Shawn Elliott, President and CEO of the Philadelphia YMCA receiving memorabilia from Len's YMCA collelction.

Ten chapter members wandered out to Chester County on May 8^th to visit White Horse Village, a retirement community adjacent to Ridley State Park. Shawn Elliot, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, joined them. A brief presentation was given by the folks at White Horse, followed by a tour of the facility and a buffet lunch. Len presented Shawn with a lot of his YMCA Collection. One standout piece was a poster from WWI for the Canada-wide YMCA appeal to raise funds in support of the YMCA war effort. Since Shawn is originally from Canada, he really appreciated the gesture. 

...AND VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL PARK

Top row L-R: Len tries to hop into top bunk; Karen and Bob McDowell check out the cannon; Jen Clarke and Jude Gallaher decided not to climb on the cannon; Joyce and Len dress for success. Bottom row L-R top: Ken White, Bob McDowell, Carl Zvanut, Ed Clarke, Jude Gallaher, Joyce Wilson, Len Wilson. Front row L-R: Chris White, Karen McDowell, Debbi Zvanut, Jen Helm Clarke. Way in the back is General Washington and Prescott the horse.

Eleven chapter members met at Valley Forge National Park on a beautiful sunny day in June for an auto tour of the park, the museum and lunch at 52 Seasons restaurant in King of Prussia Mall. The tour kicked off with a film about the winter of 1777 -1778 and the hardships the Americans faced. After the film, the group toured the museum, marveling at the displays of artifacts and the history of the encampment.

The self-guided auto tour included stops at the Soldiers’ Huts, the Muhlenberg Arch, and Washington’s Headquarters. Many of the group had visited the Park as children, but none of them were willing to sit on the cannon for photos. After the tour, the group had lunch at 52 Seasons. It was a great trip, and everyone had a great time.

THREE-CHAPTER FALL GATHERING

OCT. 6-8 IN BEAUTIFUL CAPE COD

Central Atlantic, McBurney-Morse, and New England YMCA Alumni Chapters invite you to attend the 4th YMCA Alumni Three-Chapter Gathering as summer turns to fall. Connect with former colleagues and friends on Cape Cod at a beautiful time of year.

The event will be held on October 6-8, 2025, at the Emerald Resort in Hyannis, MA.

Relax and enjoy the company of fellow retirees and other YMCA Alumni members. Take part in hearing inspiring guest speakers, participating in activities such as visiting the JFK Museum, golfing at Twin Brooks Golf Course (located on hotel property), visiting and relaxing on pristine Craigville Beach, exploring nearby shopping at Hyannis Village, joining in the fellowship, eating some really good food, and much more. If you have time, you can take the ferry over to Nantucket and enjoy the island for a day or more. It’s quite a trip!

Click the button below for more details and to register. Deadline is Sept. 8.

NJ GIRL SCOUTS HONOR DEBBI ZVANUT

Photos: Kim Frites-Dow, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, Debra Zvanut, Ann Donley GSEP Board Member, and National GSUSA Volunteer for Alumni Development.; Carl and Debbi Zvanut; Debbi's awards from the Fair.

Congratulations to Debbi Zvanut for receiving the “Inspiration Award” on May 7th at the 2025 Women of Vision Awards Breakfast, hosted by the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey. Debbi, who has been a Girl Scout for 65 years, credits Girl Scouts for shaping who she is and giving her the opportunity to give back in ways that bring her so much joy. A Girl Scout since the age of 7, scouting has been a constant in her journey. 

Debbi says that she has had the privilege of creating and leading programs that encourage girls to embrace adventure, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. Whether developing staff training programs, directing Camp Lou Henry Hoover programs, creating workshops, or special programs, Debbi has seen the life-changing impact of Girl Scouting for girls, young leaders, and adults since 1977 when she came to Washington Rock Girl Scout Council.

Debbi then brought her expertise to the YMCA where she integrated camping and outdoor education, staff training and program development to impact youth and staff for 30 years in the PA, DE and NJ region. For the last 15 summers, Debbi continues to volunteer for a week at Camp Hoover where she conducts her Super Summer Basket sessions. She mentors counselors, teaches basket weaving and inspires girls to build confidence - whether they are singing a camp song, crafting a basket or exploring the stars each night.

Speaking of baskets, Deb recently entered some of her baskets, fused glass, and a Sailors Valentine in the 2025 Schnecksville Fair where she won eight first place ribbons and two second place ribbons.

WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE OUR MEMBERS?

Our intrepid pair of world travelers, Barbara and Roy Taylor, recently returned from a cruise to Norway. They spent time cruising fiords, visiting museums and taking in the sights from quaint villages to big cities. By the looks of it, it was pretty cold! Meanwhile, a group of YMCA Alumni members from across the country cruised to the Land of the Midnight Sun in June with our Travel Club.

HERE'S HOW TO CONTINUE YMCA WORK -- AS AN ISC VOLUNTEER

Are you looking for something to do in retirement? Well, you can join ISC and volunteer to help YMCAs around the world. The International Service Corps is the volunteer arm of the YMCA Alumni. Joining it is the perfect way to give back and be connected to YMCA work abroad.

To make it easy for you to become an ISC volunteer, the ISC has researched a neighboring YMCA that needs our help: the YMCA of Mexico. In October of 2024, eight Y alumni members went to Tijuana to meet and get to know the children in the Y's migrant center, deliver donations and do painting and repairs at two Tijuana Y locations.

A new team will be heading to the YMCA Sports Club in Tijuana, Mexico Sept. 29 through Oct. 6, 2025; the YMCA Alumni ISC hosts it. The skills that a program volunteer needs include youth sports, fitness knowledge, aquatics, summer camps, or marketing and promotion. 

The hands-on portion is maintenance-oriented with volunteers who have knowledge of fitness equipment, spinning bikes, and treadmills, as well as repair and maintenance skills. Some team members will be actively working on repairs or improvements, while others may be working with staff to develop new programs or provide training. The YMCA Mexico provides translators for the Tijuana visit.

Interested? Email Tracy Muckey for a volunteer application, Wayne Uhrig (Trip leader) or Debbi Zvanut for details. Applications are being accepted now.

WE REMEMBER...

MIKE GRAVES AND PAT HIGHT

Michael Paul Graves, 72, of Kennett Square, PA and Ocean City, NJ, passed away on May 19, 2025, at home. Born in Springfield, OH, Mike was the son of the late William Paul Graves and Emma Katherine (DeMaster) Graves. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy, his three children, and six grandchildren

Mike discovered his passion for serving others as a member of the Leaders Club at the Springfield YMCA in Ohio — an experience that inspired him to pursue a BS in Physical Education in Schools and Community at Springfield College in 1974, where he was also a proud member of the swim team. It was there that he met the love of his life, Nancy. They were married on a snowy day on April 19, 1975, in Ithaca, New York. Mike later earned his MBA from the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

After college, Mike started work at the Norwalk YMCA as the Physical Director. All told, Mike enjoyed a 39-year career in the YMCA, culminating as the President and CEO of the YMCA of Delaware for 26 years. He retired in 2013. Mike was dedicated to promoting the YMCA values of a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Mike possessed boundless kindness and humor. He was an enthusiastic banjo player, a skilled woodworker, an excellent baker, and a lover of sailing at Camp Tockwogh. Mike created an incredible legacy where he will be remembered for his unwavering faith, principled character, and tireless service and advocacy

After he retired from the Y, Mike failed retirement by continuing to work as a management consultant for a variety of organizations including Redwoods and Macintyre Associates. He even spent some time as the Chief Development Officer for the Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay in Delaware. He founded his own consulting company in 2018. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to:

YMCA Camp Tockwogh donate.ymcade.org/donation/ or YMCA Camp Toghwogh, 24370 Still Pond Neck Road, Worton, MD 21678 (Note: In memory of Michael Graves.)

Patricia J. Hight, wife of former YMCA CEO Maurice Hight Jr. of Cape May, NJ, passed away on June 5, 2025, from a recent illness. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was 93 blessed years old.

Patricia was born in Westbrook, Maine in October 1931 to Marion and Charles Small. She grew up in the Westbrook/Portland area. She graduated from Portland High School in 1950 and Westbrook Junior College in 1953, where she studied Medical Technology. She married her high school sweetheart and husband of 63 years, Maurice H. Hight Jr., in November 1953 in Portland, Maine, and they soon started raising a family.

Maurice was a career YMCA director, and Pat volunteered in many YMCA organizations throughout the years, and everywhere they lived Pat worked as a lab technician. They spent a long life together living in Boston, MA, Natick, MA, Pownal, VT, Fanwood, NJ, Haddonfield, NJ and finally retired back by the ocean in Cape May, NJ.

She formed valuable friendships with many families from her church, YMCA, and neighborhood that have endured throughout her life. She enjoyed spending her time with family and friends, reading, gardening, skiing, camping, playing and watching tennis, going to the beach, and traveling around the world after retirement.

Her children Stephen Hight, Jeffrey Hight, and Susan Unverzagt, her five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren survive Pat.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Pat’s honor at The Cape May Lutheran Church in Cape May, New Jersey, on August 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The family will greet guests starting at 1:30 PM. The service will be followed by fellowship time at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given in Patricia’s name to The Cape May Lutheran Church or The American Cancer Society.

2025-2026 CURRENT ADVENTURES

YMCA ALUMNI TRAVEL CLUB

YMCA Alumni members Patrick and Jan Murphy are your hosts on this Classic Canada and New England cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess. in September 2026.The Murphys hosted our just-returned Norway cruise.

Oct. 14-22, 2025:

South America Getaway: Rio to Buenos Aires motor coach with Globus Tours. Your host: Bob Cook (YMCA Alumni Travel Club/Go Travel).

June 5-12, 2026:

Alaska: The Last Frontier ocean cruise on Celebrity Edge. Hosts: Jean and Bert Bock (Weatherford Chapter).

Sept. 13-23, 2026:

Classic Canada and New England aboard the Sapphire Princess

Do uou love to knit? Check out the July 15 issue of our Travel Club's Going Places newsletter where you can knit your way through a great 2026 vacation.

Family members and referred friends of YMCA Alumni members are welcome on all YMCA Alumni Travel Club adventures and to book individual travel. YMCA Alumni receives a contribution from all bookings.

Visit us on Facebook each Travel Tuesday.

Contact YMCA Alumni Travel Club:

(407) 774-2229

ymcaalumni@gotravel.com

CHAPTER LEADERS

President: Len Wilson

VP: Bob McDowell

VP Membership: Cathy Fromm

VP Programs: Vacant

Secretary: Veronica Elias

Treasurer: Ken White

Hospitality/EAF: Hank and Lois Van Zanten

World Service/ISC: Debbi Zvanut

Clippings Editor: Jude Gallaher

Member-at-Large: Alane McCahey

Member-at-Large: Rich Curl

Past President: Barbara Taylor

Click on name in red to send email.

Clippings is produced for the Central Atlantic Chapter

by craig altschul + associates.

The mission of YMCA Alumni is "to enable members to promote a nurturing worldwide Christian Fellowship that provides educational, social, service and charitable opportunities."

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