June 2025

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ORVILLE LINDQUIST:

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Summer is here - all too suddenly. Seems like we just had cold and ice - and now it is time for yardwork, days at the lake and a chance to take the snow brush out of the car (for a few months, anyway).

It is also time for our annual YMCA Alumni Picnic. This is one of the best events of the summer - a chance to get together with old friends and enjoy time together with good food in a great setting. We all have busy lives which can make it hard to stay in touch with folks who figured prominently in our working world. Our picnic is a chance to slow down, focus on friendship and indulge in some really good potluck.

I hope you will join us at Burnes Park in Hopkins on June 24. Details are included in this newsletter. We will provide the brats and hot dogs (with all the fixings) and ask everyone to bring a dessert or side dish to share. Please email RSVP to Marji Miller by June 19 so we can plan for your participation.

Now, I need to sort through some recipes . . .

Best wishes for a wonderful summer,

Orville Lindquist, President

Upper Midwest YMCA Alumni Chapter

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

SUMMER PICNIC AND CHRISTMAS LUNCH

YMCA Alumni Summer Picnic

Tuesday June 24, 2025

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Burnes Park East Shelter

301 2nd Street North Hopkins, Mn 55343

Parking is available in the church parking lot on the westside and the eastside of Burnes Park by the covered shelter. Brats and hot dogs will be provided—please bring a dessert or side dish to share.

Email RSVP to Marji Miller by June 19.

YMCA Alumni Annual Christmas Luncheon

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Saint Paul Town and Country Club

300 Mississippi River Blvd. N.

St. Paul, MN 55104

MEMBERSHIP (GOOD) NEWS

Mary Felty reports that our chapter has 65 membership units and recently achieved a 90 percent annual retention rate. Our Upper Midwest Chapter renewal rate is second highest in the country.

Can you think of other YMCA Alumni who might be interested in joining our chapter? Reach out to them, and remind them their first year of membership is free. Email Mary with any questions. Direct potential new members to our website. Click button below.

JOIN YMCA ALUMNI

YMCA Emergency Assistance Fund

Makes a Difference

The past year has been a challenging one nationally, marked by hurricanes, floods, and fires. More than 500 EAF grant requests were submitted by Southeast Y colleagues alone. People are responding; donations have been rising. Giving to EAF is one practical way we can help people in need. Thanks for considering an EAF gift this year.

JENICE SCHROETKE

FINDING NEW WAYS TO SERVE

Jenice Schroetke worked for the YMCA for over 30 years, beginning in administration at the New Hope Branch of the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis, then serving at the Downtown Minneapolis Y, Ridgedale Y, and for more than 10 years at the YMCA Customer Service Center.

Jenice remains active in her retirement. Along with involvement in music at her church and playing in a community band, you’ll find her volunteering each week at the Clearwater/Clear Lake Food Shelf. Why does she do that?

“I volunteer because I see first-hand the needs of those families that visit the Food Shelf,” she says. “Every time I complete a shift I realize I have something new to be very thankful for. I can't imagine what it's like for these families to experience such food insecurity.”

Would she recommend other YMCA Alumni members to seek ways to volunteer?

“I encourage all members to volunteer if they’re able. Volunteering gives us a chance to make new friends, assist those who are struggling, use many aspects of our YMCA experiences in helping others and, in my case, it makes me feel like I am contributing to my community.”

WORLD SERVICE UPDATE

Nearly a dozen volunteers participated in April’s Word Service Day calling campaign at YCID hosted by Mary Tikalsky, Director of World Service, YMCA of the USA . “It was a fun and meaningful day,” says John Duntley. “Our thanks to all who lent their support!”

CATCHING UP WITH OUR MEMBERS

3 QUESTIONS FOR DON KERR

Don Kerr’s remarkable YMCA career has spanned 40 years and many different YMCAs, from Dubuque YMCA Camp Wapsie in Iowa, South Bend Mishawaka branch in Indiana, YMCAs in Appleton, Wisconsin, Bismarck North Dakota (twice), the Brainerd YMCA, and YMCA of the USA. Don later served as president of our Alumni chapter for eight years and remains wonderfully active today.

1. Who was a Y-mentor early in your career and what’s one thing they taught you that made a lasting impact?

Jim Gilbert. He challenged me. When I became the Brainerd YMCA Executive in September, 1978, Jim said they’d be closing the Y at the end of December if I couldn’t get it moving in the right direction. I told Jim the YMCA won’t be closing in December. When I left the Brainerd YMCA in January of 1982 it had a balanced budget and a brighter future.

2. What advice would you give a “young” Don Kerr just starting his Y career?

Start in an area that interests you and develop it to the max. Seek out challenging positions locally or nationally that give you the opportunity to overcome problems, improve YMCA programs and YMCA services, as well as yourself. Get as much experience as possible in everything the YMCA has to offer.

3. What makes a great Y retirement?

Volunteering and travel. I’ve participated in natural disaster volunteer relief efforts, including Hurricane Ike in Galveston, Texas; Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans; flood relief projects in Grand Forks and Bismarck-Mandan; and tornado cleanup in Wadena, Hugo and North Minneapolis. I also enjoyed volunteering for the YMCA Alumni National Service Project in South Dakota. (Photo: Don in action in Dupree, SD.)

We’ve been blessed to visit many countries, Australia, Norway, Iceland, Denmark, China, Ireland, Scotland, England, and France among them. All the U.S. states, too.

Thanks, Don, for your service, your inspiring dedication, and your warm friendship with so many people throughout the YMCA movement.

FIRST PHASE OF SERVICE PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION; CELEBRATION SET

The first phase of our National YMCA Alumni Service Project -- completing four tiny homes for single parents and children on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation -- is nearing completion. A celebration will take place Sept. 19-21, 2025. The second phase -- building a "twig" (small YMCA branch) in La Plant, SD -- is set for 2026.

WE WELCOME YOUR

CHAPTER PROGRAM IDEAS

Marji Miller recently sent out a survey seeking input and ideas for future programs for our YMCA Alumni Chapter. “It’s our goal to provide fun and educational program options—your input will be very helpful,” says Marji.

Questions included: “What types of programs or activities are most important to you? What types of outings, service projects, and social events would be of interest to you?”

If you haven’t already done so, please email your ideas to Marji.

YMCA ALUMNI TRAVEL CLUB

2025-2026 AVAILABLE ADVENTURES

YMCA Alumni members may now access all trips and other opportunities through YMCA Alumni's new expanded partnership with Go Travel. Our YMCA Alumni/Go Travel agents can also advise and book your personal travel, help plan and book family reunions and much more. Visit the Travel Club webpage by clicking the button below.

(Photo: See the incredible "Christ The Redeemer" -- a "Wonder of the Modern World" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on our So. America Getaway.)

COMING UP:

Oct. 14-22, 2025

South America Getaway to Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls and Buenos Aires air and motor coach with Globus Tours.

Oct. 20-Nov. 3, 2025:

Ancient Adriatic Treasures cruise on the brand new Viking Vesta ocean ship.

June 5-12 2026:

Alaska: The Last Frontier cruise on Celebrity Edge.

NEW:

Sept. 9-19, 2026

Classic Canada and New England cruise aboard the Majestic Princess,

Visit our YMCA Alumni Facebook page every Travel Tuesday.

YMCA Alumni members, family and referred friends are always welcome on our Travel Club Adventures. Be sure to call our Go Travel partners at (407) 774-2229) for all your individual and family travel planning and booking. Be sure to ID yourself as a YMCA Alumni member.

Click to Travel Club