FALL 2011

Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees

Tielines

September . . . the end of summer and the beginning of the Y program year – the Fall Brochures are lavishly illustrated with swimming kids and adults in exercise classes. For CanaFYR it is thebeginning of the terms of office of a new Executive Committee.

INSIDEReports: Pg. 3

Remembering Pg. 6

Events, Past Pg. 10

Events Future Pg. 14

Anniversary 2012 Pg. 15

Profiles Pg 17

From and AboutMembers Pg. 20

Cartoons Pg 29

CanaFYRConstitution Pg. 30

INSIDE

Our CanaFYR website can be accessed in your browser by entering “Canafyr.org”. If you

enter “CanaFYR.com” or even just “CanaFYR” you will get the Interauction website (not used this year) but you will find a link to click on and bring you to our

home page shown at right.

The website is very simple; a welcome and two pages for the membership promotion brochure and a page for back issues of Tielines. Take a look!

All comments and suggestions are welcome. Email: garyccc25@hotmail.com

Some graphics from the Fall Program information as seen on websites of Canadian

YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs

The Official CanaFYR Website: CanaFYR.org

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New persons on the Executive Committee

Valarie Slater Bill VanGorder Ursula Hoehner Ron Bell

Photos ofValerie and Bilcoming next

issue

President's Letter Greetings:

This will be my final letter as your President. I want to report CanaFYR is in good shape. Everyone of our Executive has pulled their weight and as a result we are ready for the next phase of our development. Thank you to all of you who

have made 2011 a great year.

I am pleased to report the nomination committee led by Murray Faulkner has presented a slate of executive committee members which has been approved by our members. We welcome as your new executive for the Term, from October 2011 thru October 2013, the following:

Past President Jack BernhardtPresident Bill ThorsteinsonPresident Elect Gary SchofieldVice-President (West) Valerie SlaterVice-President (Central) Ron BellVice-President (Atlantic) Bill VanGorderSecretary Merle KisbyTreasurer Ursula HoehnerMembership Co-ordinator Jackie KennedyTielines Editor Gary SchofieldSecours Speciaux Chair Laurie Bourne

Thank you to Garth Toombs and Peter Noble who are stepping down as this term winds to a close and a special note of appreciation for Murray Faulkner who as President and Past-President through our first four years has made an invaluable contribution. A very warm "Welcome" to three new executive members: Valerie Slater, Ron Bell and Ursula Hoehner.

Please mark your Calendar for Sept 18, 19, & 20, in 2012 for our 75th Anniversary at Geneva Park. More will be coming later about this event.

Enjoy the fall season, take time to smell the roses, and keep in touch with loved ones. Take Care,

Jack Bernhardt

Membership Matters By Jackie Kennedy

Judging by the number of High School students on my local bus, Fall must be on the way. I hope you all had a great summer -- Toronto was a trifle humid, to say the least. A further 20 people have responded to our reminder letter for overdue 2011 membership fees, making 209 payments received from our total membership of 246. If you have not yet paid your dues, please forward a cheque made out to the Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees for $25 Single or $45 Couple and send it to our Treasurer, Bill Thorsteinson at 45 Moccasin Trail, Toronto, ON, M3C 1Y5. If you are unsure that you have paid your fee for the year, please contact me at retirejk@yahoo.ca or (416) 485-4372 and I will gladly check our records. We have had a total of 14 new members this year (the same as 2010). We will have to try even harder to find leads on likely candidates for membership. Is there anyone you can suggest? Welcome to the following new members: Ian Fleming – Toronto Susan Fortino – St. Catharines Don Gibson – Winnipeg Carmen Good – Harley, ON Steve Heming – Hamilton Florence Jesshope – Belleville Barrie MacGregor – Yarmouth Gwen Paul-Stiell – Montreal Bill Stewart – Surrey

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Secours Spéciaux – 2011During the summer of 2011, funding was Laurie Borneapproved sending support of US $1000, as Chair, Secours Spéciauxrequested, to each of 5 YMCA retirees in the Philippines. They all are over 70 years of age, The Canadian Fellowship have had long careers in the YMCA, and now of YMCA Retirees, and its have medical and financial problems. predecessor the

Copeland Budge chapter For the past three years, individual contributions has been a long-term were supplemented by the proceeds of an online contributor to the Secours auction. There will not be an auction this year. Spéciaux fund of the Chair Tony Fry and Registrar Laurie Borne World Alliance of YMCAs. wanted to pass the torch after three years of The fund provides providing leadership but no replacements have financial assistance to Y been found. An alternative fundraiser is being Retirees and long-term explored.volunteers in medical and

emergency situations.Since 2000, CanaFYR has contributed $135, 298 to the fund, an average of $12,300 per year. As The world Secours committee is chaired by of September 2, individual contributions for 2011 Bonnie Mairs of the USA. The committee (as stand at $8000 from 64 contributors, with four listed) serves as an advisory group to the months left to go in the annual campaign. If you Secretary General of the World Alliance. Jerry have not yet made your 2011 donation, please Prado-Shaw was born in Bolivia but now lives in forward your cheque addressed to “YMCA the USA. Reg Wake is British. Eckard Geisler is Canada - Secours Spéciaux” and mail it to Laurie German. Don Anderson is American, living in Borne, 41 Joymar Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, Hawaii. Mireille Gilles is from Uruguay. Yukio L5M 1G1. YMCA Canada will issue income tax Yamasaki is Japanese, and PM John is from receipts.India. The most recent member appointed is J.

Rhule representing the YMCAs of Africa. Laurie Secours Spéciaux remains an important annual Borne represents Canada. Suzanne Watson is project for CanaFYR.the World Alliance staff member who supports the

committee.

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be maintained. CanaFYR is communicating with What's Happening – the YMCA Canada to determine what their plans are Secretary's Corner for the future. In the meantime we

by Merle Kisby have extended a 5 year complimentary CanaFYR

May 18th Executive Meeting membership to Ian in appreciation for his excellent work and his close

Your executive met in Toronto on ties with CanaFYR. May 18th. It is my pleasure to report on the topics of discussion Honouring Canadian YMCA that haven't been covered Pioneerselsewhere in this issue of TieLines. Since our separation from NAFYR it

is uncertain whether we would still be able to recommend Canadians to the Springfield College – YMCA Hall

Archival Information of Fame and we have been YMCA Canada has made the unsuccessful to date in getting decision to discontinue the position answers to this question. CanaFYR of archivist. The loss of Ian Fleming, who has will explore opportunities for honouring our been the archivist for many years, leaves many Canadian YMCA pioneers. questions about the how the history of the Y will

World Fellowship of Y Retirees Request – majority of the business is conducted via email. Jerry Shaw, Chairperson of WFYR has invited There is a face to face meeting approximately CanaFYR to appoint a representative to serve as every 3 years and we would be expected to a Vice Chair for Canada on its Leadership Team cover the expenses if in attendance. for the period of 2010 – 2014. Jack reviewed the information included in the request; guidelines of The executive agreed that we accept this WFYR, other world VP leadership team members invitation and that the representative be the past and WFYR / Identification of Attainable Goals President at 2 year intervals consistent with (draft). The area of focus for WFYR includes; CanaFYR's terms of office. Secours Speciaux, exchange of information and ideas, water projects, and fellowship. It was There is a WFYR meeting scheduled in the USA noted that CanaFYR is the second largest this fall and CanaFYR will ask Norris Lineweaver, movement around the world, with solid historical who will be attending the meeting, to represent roots in the development of the YMCA movement CanaFYR.world-wide.

That's it for this issue. Hope you all had a The financial implications of accepting this wonderful summer and are back into the swing of request were discussed and it was noted that the your fall routines.

that they were an active and contributing member CENTRAL REGION REPORTof CanaFYR. While some members may take by Peter Noblethey position of “you “guys” have volunteered/been elected to make the decisions, - look after it”, others still want to discuss and On Tuesday, October express their views about the well being and 18th, the Central Region activities of the organization. It is hoped that all meeting will take the interested members in the region who can be form of a luncheon here will attend, whether it is to engage or just to followed by a dialogue listen in on the discussion and enjoy lunch and with attending members good fellowship. of the Executive

Committee. This session For any members outside the Central Region which will take place at also wishing to be more actively engaged, if you the Conference Room have questions, or opinions, or concerns, give of the Toronto YMCA at your Regional V.P. a call.42 Charles Street, in

Toronto, will offer those Effective this Executive Committee meeting, on in attendance an the !9th of October, I'll be completing a couple of opportunity to hear some of the key concerns terms as Central Region V.P., and (finally) leaving facing the organization from the Executive the Executive. I want to express my appreciation Committee's perspective, discuss these concerns for the privilege of having served in a leadership with Executive Committee members, and offer role with this organization, particularly during its their own perspectives on any concerns they may transition from a chapter of NAFYR to a self-have with CanaFYR. standing national organization. The role has put me in touch with some friends and colleagues of The meeting will begin as usual with a years gone by, an experience which in itself I gathering-and-catch-up get together at 11:00 have cherished. I have also appreciated the a.m., with lunch at 12:00, and dialogue from active engagement, challenge and support from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m.all my colleagues on the Executive Committee over the past few years. From time to time over the past several months it

has been made known to me that some members Thank you all, and farewell.have missed the opportunity of at least feeling

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Secretaries Corner (continued)

REMEMBERING

(continued next page)

REMEMBERINGlifelong BUCKLEY, Clair Allan commitment to September 6, 1924 to August 20, 2011 community Clair passed away peacefully at home in the service, he presence of family. He was a devoted volunteered for husband, father and grandfather, a respected the Canadian teacher, counselor, leader and mentor. He Cancer Society, was a vibrant life force, as serious and eventually committed as he was fun-loving. Born in becoming Glen Falls, NB youngest of eight he grew up President of the in Saint John, NB. He joined the Canadian BC & Yukon Army Infantry Pictou Highlanders leaving in Division. Clair will 1946 as a Lieutenant. Clair attended McGill be deeply missed by Marilyn, his beloved wife University graduating in 1950 with a BSc. in of 65 years, children Alison, Alan (Lorna) and Physical Education. He was class president David, grandchildren Kristen and Matthew, and a member of the Scarlet Key Society. He sisters Rhena and Marj, nephews and nieces. began a long career with the YMCA working Clair also leaves many wonderful friends from in Montreal, Woodstock, Edmonton and the Maritimes to the west coast. Flowers are Halifax. Part way through his YMCA career gratefully declined. In the spirit of Clair's he attended Boston University and obtained community giving, donate your time or money a Masters in Adult Education. Clair continued to the Canadian Cancer Society, or YMCA or his career moving to Ottawa, working in Victoria Hospice or charity of your choice. "The Fitness and Amateur Sport and later moved will to do, the soul to dare " to Victoria BC as Director of Policy and

Planning in the Ministry of Health. Upon retirement he founded a consulting company, Clair Buckley and Associates. Continuing his

period, and had organized EAGLESON, a huge Boys’ Baseball May 15, 1935 - June 2, 2011League in which Al was Alan was the beloved husband of Carol (nee one of the best, and most McEwan); dear father of Lori (Jeff), Lynn popular coaches. That (Omid), and Brad (Aileen); grandfather of affiliation also earned Al Sarah, Melissa, and Mikayla; and loving many shivering December brother of Bob Eagleson.days on their annual He was a graduate of North Toronto Christmas Tree lot ! Collegiate, and his career included working for He brought great energy the Ontario Government, Provincial Auditors and reliability to Department, and Senior Advisor for the everything he tackled , Ministry of Health. Recreationally, he was an quietly and graciously, and never missed an avid curler at Avonlea, Leaside, and Bayview opportunity to promote the Y and its programs! Curling Clubs.The family recognized and appreciated his Y Al Crawford sent us a note telling us of

connections so strongly that they invited Alan’s years of service as a member of two of our members , Jim Wise and Al the Y’s Men’s Club. Al Eagleson was Crawford, to participate in the funeral active with both The North Toronto Y's service.Men's Club and The North York Y's

Men's Club starting in 1963. Peter Noble was on staff during that early

Alan Montague

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REMEMBERING

(continued next page)

REMEMBERINGCentre Authority, GILLMORE, Dr. Allan K. - 1923-he skillfully guided 2011. this unique Former Executive Director, Sarnia YM- organization YWCA (1948-60) - Allan passed away in through its Ottawa on July 28, 2011. Pre-deceased formative years, in 2010 by his beloved wife, Jean, he is cutting new survived by his children, Donald ground in public (Valentina) and Marilyn (John Cavill), and policy and his grandchildren, Jeffrey and Erin Cavill. administration. He His career began in the Hamilton YMCA moved to Ottawa and brought him to Sarnia in 1948, where in 1966 as the first he oversaw construction of the YM-Vice-Rector (VP), YWCA and developed a vibrant hub of Admin of the newly public University of activity boasting 5,000 members; he also Ottawa. He rounded out his career as ran popular summer camps at Camp Executive Director of the Association of Kenny. He was extremely active in Universities and Colleges of Canada service clubs, fundraising for expansion (1980-88) and retired to Victoria, BC until of St. Joseph's Hospital, and many other 2007. He served on numerous services to his community. In 1960, he committees and boards of directors, was moved to Regina, where he worked awarded four honourary doctorates, and initially in the Saskatchewan Ministry of was named a Member of the Order of Education, under the late Honourable Canada (2000). Allan Blakeney. Soon named as first

Executive Director of Regina's Wascana

Tony loved to sail LUGAR, dinghies and keelboats at St. Born in Bedford, February 4, 1932, where he Margarets Sailing attended secondary school. He was on the Club and RNSYS. Queen Elizabeth High School team that won He was most happy the 1950 National Juvenile Basketball tinkering at “the Championship. Tony graduated from Sir cottage”, on Siesta George Williams College, Montreal, in 1954 and in the family RV where he also received YMCA Secretary Ruby. He will be Certification. He first worked at Montreal’s remembered for Central Y and as a section director at Kamp competing with his Kanawana. He later began a career in children in his business, first with Dupont in Montreal and beloved Sunfish at then in 1962, relocating to Halifax, with Paper regattas far and Products Ltd where he spent 35 thoroughly wide, for 15 years of enjoyable years.

hosting and occasionally winning the Tony touched many people through Maritime Sunfish Regatta, and as an the years, making each feel special athletic competitor in tennis, basketball, with his warm, engaging, friendly and orienteering. Tony was a loving and manner. He was Chairman of YMCA caring husband, father, grandfather and Big Cove Camp Committee, a brother. He is survived by his wife of 56 passionate supporter of the years, Rexanne (Moore). Orienteering Association of Nova

Scotia, and more recently Chairman of the Metro Prostate Support Group.

D. Anthony “Tony”

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REMEMBERING

REMEMBERING

coast in SHANTZ, Mary EvelynCanada and all February 5, 1923 - June 16, 2011through the Mary was born in St Catharines, Ontario, USA. They the daughter of Charles and Edith wintered at Hawke. She is survived by her husband, Melbourne Murray. They had celebrated 65 years of Beach in marriage. She is also survived by her Florida for sons David (Maureen), and Peter several years, (Diane), and daughter Barbara; and they grandchildren Derek (Madeline), Christy traveled to (Brian), Mark, and two great Africa, grandchildren. Australia, Mary led a full and active life. A very Europe, the enthusiastic curler, tennis player and Middle East, bridge player, she also served as a and Russia.volunteer at Bethsada United Church, Mary was very close to many members of the Sunnybrook Hospital Auxiliary, and of Copeland-Budge (CanaFYR), and we join course had a long and committed Murray and his family in remembering and involvement with Y Wives.paying tribute to her. She and Murray traveled extensively in their treasured Airstream from coast to

Janet saw the WILLIS, Janetpotential within Passed away peacefully on July 7th, each person. She 2011 with the courage and joy that she worked at the showed throughout her life. Beloved wife North York YMCA of Burns Proudfoot. Dear Daughter of for a time before Lila Willis Beach. Loved sister of Bruce moving on to a (Kataya) of Whitehorse, YK and B.J. career in Willis (David Miles) of PEI and step-education and brother Charlie Beach of Kingston. consulting. Henry Cherished aunt of Genevieve Loughlin, Labatte tells us Rebecca Nicholson, Kate Willis, and that, as part of her Emma Willis. Pre-deceased by her father YMCA work, she Bruce Willis and step-father Earl Beach.was involved in a very innovative “My candle burns at both ends,program in a It will not last the night.housing development with Reg BundyBut ah my foes and oh my friends,

It gives a lovely light.”Edna St. Vincent Mallay . Further information about Janet’s

YMCA career will be welcome and published in a future issue of Tielines.

excerpted from the Toronto Star, Saturday, July 9, 2011 8

Most of all I remember him as a person who was kind..and always thought of others before himself.I also remember him as the first old friend who welcomed me back to Nova Scotia in a very special way and who very rapidly became very close once again after so many years.

Tony was not only kind..he was a fighter. His fight with cancer had been going on for ten years and he was winning..as he usually did! He was chairman of the Metro Halifax Prostate Support Group and has held executive positions with numerous Voluntary Groups and Agencies at the local, provincial, regional and national levels.

I took this picture of Tony on Tuesday, May31 He maintained a close association with the where we had enjoyed a wonderful lunch with YMCA and served as chairman of the big Cove Tony and Rexanne at their seaside home at Camp Committee for 10 years. He was active Hd. St. Margaret's Bay. We made tentative in the Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees plans on that day for the upcoming summer and held an executive position in the Maritime including sailing on his 30 foot sailboat and a Group.visitation to Big Cove Camp where Tony and I

had been on staff about 50 years ago.Tony’s professional career was just as exciting and rewarding. A graduate of the YMCA On Thursday , June 2nd, while helping with the Fellowship Plan and Sir George Williams construction of a new building at their College he started his professional career with residence Tony was accidentally struck by a the Montreal YMCA before entering a lengthy falling branch and was instantly killed.and rewarding career in Paper Products. He spend 35 years with Maritime Paper Products I have many memories of Tony..the tall blond and retired as a vice president. His friendly and headed brush cut forward who helped a Nova caring personality and professional Scotia high school basketball team win the competencies are well known throughout the 1950 National Juvenile Basketball areas he served including Eastern Canada, Championship. I remember him as well as a Europe, Iceland and Cuba.championship tennis player, sailor , rower , and

passionate supporter and participant in Our thoughts are with Rexanne ,his wife of 56 orienteering .years and his life partner since university days in Montreal.I remember him when we sang the song Won/t

You Play a Simple Melody together in terrible If desired, donations can be made in his name harmony at a talent show in Montreal . I to Prostate Canada Atlantic Region,5121 remember him potting baskets in the gold and Sackville Street, Halifax, B3J 1K1maroon colours of the Georgian team. I

remember him as Business Manager of Big Personally I do not think I will ever see the Cove Camp when I was on staff as Waterfront deep blue waters of Nova Scotia again without Director. I remember him as a fellow student in seeing the form of a blond athlete rowing his Montreal, as well as the long talks we would shell or sailing his beloved Sunfish.have in the residence at night. I also remember

him coming down with the basketball from the Sail and row in peace Tony, our world is much backboard as I went up for it, and his elbow better because of you.breaking my cheek in a game in Saint John. He

has been apologizing for 60 years!

A Tribute to Tony from Chuck Griffith

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It happened last Spring . . .

Eastern Ontario-Quebec Group

South Central Ontario Group

The Eastern Ontario-Quebec CanaFYR group met on May 26 at the Ruddy Family Y, a branch of the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA. This branch, located in the eastern suburb Orleans, just went through an extensive renewal and upgrade of its facilities. First opened in 1996 the original building was without a swimming area. The group was greeted by staffer Kelly Blais who related the history of the relatively new branch and conducted a tour of the facilities which, in addition to the areas shown in the photos to the right, now has a new double gymnasium and much more extensive fitness facilities.

CanaFYR members in attendance:

Chris BartleBill DouglasMary DouglasTerry ForthJoanne ScottHalina SchofieldGary SchofieldFrank StaceyIrene WatsonRoger Wilson

One of the most interesting features of this Y is its main pool that has a floor that can be adjusted for height so the effective depth of the water can be set at 4 feet (usually the most shallow that is used) up to a maximum depth of 7 feet.

Here the group looks at an area that will be the new youth activity centre. The official opening is set for September 11.

Many thanks to Bill and Mary Douglas who, as hosted the event.local CanaFYR representatives, 10

Jack and Joyce BernhardtLaurie BorneDon and Kay BrundageAl CrawfordRuss and Keitha DaveyIvan EatonMurray and Joan FaulknerJohn and Lorna FergusonIan FlemingTony Fry and Margaret HughesUrsula HoehnerJackie KennedyMerle KisbyHenry Labatte and Jean Cuddy

Gerry and Carole LangKen MacKeracherHugh MarchandShirley MarescauxAl and Grace McCannPeggy McGregorMarlene and Jim McPhersonPeter and Cathy NobleJack PearseGord and Ginny RamsayGary SchofieldGeorge and Joan SinclairJake and Betty SmytheBill ThorsteinsonGarth and Ann Toombs

South Central OntarioSpring LuncheonMay 19, 2011

Forty-four CanaFYR members gathered in the conference room of the Downtown YMCA, Charles Street for the traditional spring luncheon. Along with a tasty lunch, they were treated to an interesting presentation by Garth and Ann Toombs, CanaFYR members from Calgary who have been doing development work in Uganda, Africa, on behalf of TRACC (Taking Rotary Assistance to Communities and Children). Their talk was illustrated by an excellent slide show (see Page 12). But, of course, the main attraction of these events is meeting old friends and colleagues – there was plenty of time for that as the photos on this page and next demonstrate.

Complete list of Attendees –

Gord Ramsay, Jim McPherson John Ferguson

Joyce Bernhardt

Ken MacKeracher Shirley Wood, Jack Pearse, Tony Fry 11

Ginny Ramsay, Keitha Davey

CanaFYR President, Jack Bernhardt presents a five-year honourary membership to Ian Fleming who, as Archivist at YMCA Canada, contributed much to the organization until that position was recently cancelled.

Ann Toombs presenting her experiences in Uganda working in a Rotary-sponsored project illustrated by an excellent slide show.

Gerry Lang Al Crawford Carole Lang Ian Fleming Russ Davey Peggy McGregor Joan Faulkner Jack Pearse

Don and Kay Brundage Keitha Davey Laurie Borne Peter Noble Bill Thorsteinson Jack Bernhardt Jake Smythe

Merle Kisby Ursula Hoehner Lorna Ferguson Kay Brundage Jean Cuddy Henry Labatte Shirley Wood Marlene McPherson

Murray Faulkner George and Joan Sinclair Shirley Maresceau Al and Grace McCann Hugh Marchand 12

South Central Ontario Spring Luncheon (continued)

Names by Row:

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South Central Ontario Spring Luncheon (continued)

The TRACC project in which Ann and Garth Toombs are involved has two aspects – support and sustenance for orphans living in child-headed homes and micro-credit support for people infected with AIDS. 1. Child-Headed HomesThese are homes where, because the parents are dead, the older children have the responsibility of looking after the younger ones providing food and complete parental care of their siblings. The parents have died of AIDS. The project offers support to 549 of these orphans. Each child-headed home has a Community Guardian who regularly visits. 444 of the orphans attend school, with 85 of these in Vocational courses.

2. Micro-Credit SupportThere have been 475 Micro-credit recipients, All have HIV/AIDS (under care), or have been tested for same. CD$30,000 have been loaned out. These micro-credit recipients care for 1057 orphans.

The photos below are part of the slide presentation showing scenes of life in rural Uganda and of Ann and Garth meeting and interacting with the local people, both recipients of the help and community leaders.

Coming events . . .South Central Ontario Group October 18Eastern Ontario / Quebec October 27

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“ I f the sparkdoes not workthen all is invain” – Karl Benz

BE A CanaFYR

SPARK PLUG . . .AND PARTICIPATE IN NEXT YEAR’S MULTI-ANNIVERSARY REUNION

2012 GIVES US “Something to Shout About!”

5th ANNIVERSARY of CanaFYR after its growthfrom Copeland-Budge (Canada) Chapter of NAFYR

75th ANNIVERSARY of a fellowship of YMCAretirees in Canada

100th ANNIVERSARY of YMCA Canada

This celebration will take place at YMCA Geneva ParkSeptember 18, 19, 20 in 2012.

Coming in 2012 . . .

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BE A CanaFYR SPARK PLUG . . .

In this era of impersonal electronic communication a good, old fashion, face-to-face reunion is welcome. There is still no substitute!

Here’s your coast-to-coast planning team:

LEADER – Russ Davey

COORDINATORS – Murray Faulkner, Program – Ursula Hoehner, Registration – Al Crawford, Promotion

ADVISORS CORRESPONDENTS – Jake Smythe – Garth Toombs, Calgary – Jack Bernhardt – Hal Studholme, Winnipeg – Jack Pearse – Bill VanGorder, Halifax – Ivan Eaton – Ed Fox Fredericton – Bill Thorsteinson

NOTE THE DATES now and plan to attend. You can renew relationships, share old times, find out what’s happening in other’s personal lives and in the YMCA.

WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS including possibilities of a travel pool, meeting planes, trains, and buses etc. Plus unique program activities.

GET PLUGGED IN. . . help energize a national CanaFYR . . . ignite our theme

“Something to Shout About!” By the way, do you remember the year 1947?

What is its significance for you? You graduated? You got married? Your team won a championship?Bring your stories! Bring any memorabilia you have!The significance of 1947 for CanaFYR will be revealed September 20, 2012 !

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I was born a YMCA gym rat. Unknowingly, it started at 8 years old when my mother first took me to the Winnipeg Downtown Y to learn how to swim. I was ecstatic when I was first able to jump into the middle of the pool (6 feet?) and touch the bottom with my toes, only to come up gasping for air. Gym & swim was my thing. My schoolteacher even let me out 15 minutes early on Y day so I could catch the streetcar to be on time for class! But Saturday mornings were my dream

world. My favorite lunch was a Cream Soda with a sugar doughnut stuck on the neck of the bottle. I guess I just burned it off.

But the “transition” came when I was 12 years old and was asked to join the “Junior Leaders Corps”. Hey! I was now able to wear the coveted navy blue shorts uniform with the white stripe down the side? Then Saturdays became helping younger kids all morning, creating gymnasium obstacle challenges at noon (just for fun) – or bowling, and then participating in Leader Corp training in the afternoon. (Gym, Pool, Theory & Club Meetings) I was never elected as President. The closest I got was “Sergeant at Arms”.

I guess this all started my “teaching career”, which was in helping and training others. I breezed through High School but was never a top student because I spent so much time at the Y teaching, playing basketball in a city league, and putting on exhibitions as part of my Senior Gym Club participation. I guess I just did as little homework as possible to not have to go to summer school. (This was my biggest fear as a teenager.) Then it was the “big decision” time. What was I going to do with my life?

The Y paid for some sort of aptitude test. The result said that I should either go into Engineering, Professional Football, or Social Services. What? I couldn’t see myself sitting behind a drafting board, or getting the crap beat out of me on the playing field, so I joined an “apprenticeship” type of program with the Y, which was then

called Fellowship Training. It meant taking first Year University while working as slave labour for the Phys. Ed. Department teaching classes. Big deal, but I got a few bucks. I also worked at several Y residence camps every summer, which to me, was getting paid for having a ball! While on Fellowship, an Assistant PE staff named Tom Potts showed us pictures and told these wonderful stories about his life at George Williams College from which he had just graduated. That was it! I had saved enough money from working after school in a shoe store, delivering papers, and working at Y Camps in the summer to satisfy the border officials that I could afford it. (It was around $900) Tom had actually talked Bill Owen (the other PE Assistant) to go there for his Graduate Degree, and one other Fellowship Staff and myself, to finish our Undergraduate Degree at good old GWC! What an adventure!

The three of us crammed into the back of my parent’s car to be driven from Winnipeg to the big city of Chicago in 1954. I remember being shocked seeing a lady smoking openly

on a street corner when we arrived in the city. Boy! Was I ever from the farm!

Bill was my roomy for the first term but decided he’d rather bunk in with his girlfriend Eleanor, so he married her in December and they grabbed a one-room attic apartment close to the College while he finished off his degree. I became friends with Jim Condie, who suffered being my roomy for my final two years until I departed in 1957. Because of my previous skills and experience before Chicago, I was able to obtain decent

CanaFYR PROfilesCanaFYR PROfilesLouis Vulliez

born February 15, 1935

This section of Tielines consists of autobiographicalstories from members who kindly respond to our requests.

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employment at several Ys in the city as PE staff working around 25 hrs per week. I had extreme trouble dealing with the obvious discrimination to the black youth by one Y I worked at, but was at least relieved when the “Boy’s Work Secretary” (remember that title?) was fired because of financial theft and pedophilia. The Chicago Y system was as big as the entire Canadian Y system at the time, and I certainly learned a lot from my participation in both the local and regional staff while working there. Hey! This, plus my summer camp jobs also enabled me to pay for all my expenses so that I still had $300 in my bank account when I left Chicago for my first full time job! Can you imagine? Three years of College only cost me $600! Right.

I had no hesitation choosing the Victoria YMCA for my first full time job. The building was built in the early 1900s where the gym had an elevated running track, horizontal ladders underneath, stall bars galore on the walls, built in gymnastics equipment, and suspended travelling rings hanging from the ceiling. And guess

what? All of this has now come back – but now only in the latest quality outdoor playgrounds! In the basement at the locker room level was a 50 foot swimming pool with no more than a 2 foot deck on two sides – but this is where Archie McKinnon trained Olympic swim champions! He was amazing. My summer job was working at Camp Thunderbird where I recruited the best of the best of counsellors and campers into the Leader Training programs at the Y. For some reason, these programs didn’t exist before that. To this date, I have kept in touch, and have the

email addresses of 29 of these individuals. Most of them have had amazing careers. At Thunderbird I was introduced also to the West Coast Indian art form, which I fell in love with, and subsequently carved totems, wall plaques, murals and drawings. I still dabble, but other things seem to take over my time currently.

So Victoria Y took over my life while I was still single; worked me 50 hours, 6 days per week, 4 evenings, gave me 2 weeks vacation in late summer, and paid me

$3800.00 annually! Plus, I even started an automatic investment savings account! Money management was compulsory. But what’s amazing to me now is that I still was able to buy a brand new Triumph 650cc for transportation, (my first pay-on-time purchase), then later negotiate to buy a brand new 1959 Morgan+4 sports car, (I wish I still had it) and drive it finally to Winnipeg for my next job. Craft Dinner didn’t exist in those days, but I do remember that a decent cut of meat for a meal was 50 cents. I guess it’s all related.

The pleasant memories I have of Victoria are the long lasting friendships I made with members and their families, the accolades I received from Wes McVicar when he came to visit, and the absolute beauty of the environment

and its climate. I love Victoria.

CanaFYR PROfiles (continued) Louis Vulliez

18

In my second year there, I was wooed by several Associations, (That’s how they did it then.), but held off until Winnipeg asked me to be the Physical Director of the new St. Vital branch. (Currently called South Winnipeg Y). I liked the concept of the “Family YMCA”, saw the plans of the new facility and the opportunity to be part of its development, and also work with Gordon Ramsay, the Executive. (He was my old Sr. Gym Club buddy). Gordon was eventually replaced by Jerry Jerrett, and my six years there was an exhilarating experience that left me emotionally sobbing in front of everyone at my farewell “party”.

They already had an established adult & youth volunteer leadership program before I got there, which enabled me to take it further to the next level. I developed my personal philosophy of leadership development in the YMCA while doing this, documented it, and it was published in the Journal of Physical Education, Sept/Oct 1966. Volunteers training volunteers, - helping members, was the theme. It was all fun for me, and membership flourished. I was still working 6 days weekly without complaint, actually had a social life enjoying my bachelorhood, and then I met Jean.

My parents owned a cottage at Falcon Lake, Manitoba, which I used regularly, and her parents rented the cottage next door for their family one summer in 1964. She and her sister were told to watch out for the bachelor with the baby blue Falcon convertible, but to no avail. What started out as a summer romance for me slowly developed into something more pleasantly serious, resulting in an engagement announcement on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, 1965. We married July 5, and guess when Suzette was born? April 16. I’ll never forget Jean’s comment to the doctor at the lake when she went in that summer because of stomach sickness. “Pregnant? I can’t be pregnant – I just got married!” So my work continued at St. Vital – with a family – until I got a call in 1966 from Ham Gosse in Regina.

They had an excellent, almost brand new facility, and an experienced and skilled staff. I felt I had developed the St Vital volunteers & staff as far as I could for the moment, so we moved to another prairie city. The first night was a disaster. We had arranged a house to rent near the train tracks on the NW corner of the city, but we had to stay in a motel that evening. Our daughter was three months old at the time; Jean was exhausted, and guess where a loud party started up? Right in the next room. We complained to the management – they couldn’t stop the noise nor move us - so we packed up and moved to another motel. We still got their invoice in the mail several days later. Ham took care of the politics.

Everything went up from there. It was a satisfying & productive 4-year’s experience. I made changes that Ham was not initially pleased about, but as they say – results count. Janine popped out during our second year there, and we made many new friends. I naturally continued my interest in leadership development and was pleased to be given the opportunity to help with the National Leadership Camp at Geneva Park, until I took over as Director when Wes McVicar retired. I loved the job in Regina, but the winters were Hell. And me - a born prairie boy from Winnipeg even! And then Vancouver called.

I’ll never forget flying out to check out the job in February 1970. It was one of Regina’s normal freezing cold winters with snow piled up 6 feet deep in places. Jim Condie drove me through Lynn Valley to check out potential rental houses, and kids & parents were playing ball on their front lawns in shorts & T shirts! A different world did exist. We saw a lot for sale in the Valley at $9,000 next to a creek and a forest, but the price? It was out of this world for us. When I went back to Regina to announce that I had accepted the job – Ham was not pleased. But he had put up with me for 4 years – I had dun good – and it was time to move on.

CanaFYR PROfiles (continued) Louis Vulliez

Louis’ excellent story – interestingly written and graphically illustrated will continue in the next issue. . .

19

Yukio Yamasaki is a fellow YMCA retiree, the WFYR representative from Japan. CanaFYR President, Jack Bernhardt met Yukio in Hong Kong at the 17th World Congress of YMCAs and the 5th gathering of the World Fellowship of YMCA Retirees (WFYR). When Jack learned that Yukio would be visiting Montreal, he invited him to make a side trip to Ottawa to meet some local CanaFYR members. A tour of the main branch of the YMCA-YWCA, a meal at the Colonnade Restaurant, gifts of Canadian Native handicraft and a brief look at local scenery, were part of the hospitality and fellowship extended to our Japanese guest.

Yukio is a Christian clergyman and long-time YMCA volunteer in Japan. There is more information about Yukio on Facebook . . . if you can read Japanese

Enjoying this international fellowship opportunity are (from left to right) Gary Schofield, Roger and Ann Wilson, Jack Bernhardt, Yukio Yamasaki, Joyce Bernhardt.

A meeting with Yukio . . .

In the summer, Norma and Al Crawford enjoy taking in theatre productions at the Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-the-lake; an additional benefit of the trip is the opportunity to have lunch with Margaret Torrance.

Norma snapped this picture of Margaret and Al at the Stone Road Grill. Margaret regularly visits her sister (another Norma) in British Colombia but, says she, the 2012 CanaFYR Reunion is on my calender.

When Margaret met Al . . .

20

Recycled news . . .

Joyce Bernhardt spotted this item from a local paper and rescued it from the recycle bin. It is particularly relevant because Norris will represent CanaFYR at a meeting of WFYR being held in conjunction with the meeting which will honour him. At the 2012 Anniversary at Geneva Park, CanaFYR members may get the chance to meet Norris and listen to his experiences as head of the Jerusalem YMCA.

21

I retired from CIDA in 1992 and continued consulting with NGOs in the International Development field for 4 years. Anne and I then fully retired, after which in 1996 we were encouraged into RVing by my Dad. In 1997 we bought his RV and travelled extensively mainly between Ottawa and Florida. After a year of this friends we met in Florida encouraged us to get on the road. “You can sit in a campground when you are too old to tow a trailer; get out and see North America now when you still have your health”. So we very shortly began what is called full time RVing. Full timing meant that we gave up our home (in reality we rented it out rather then sell it in order to have it if we became ill or lost interest). Well 13 years later we are still enjoying it and having fun. August 1st 2011 we will begin our 14th year on the road. We have rough plans for the next two years and more ideas of things we would like to do than we will ever have time to complete.

On the Road with Ann and Roger Wilson . . .

22

We have always travelled in an Airstream trailer. In 1997 Again just like home. Again, as at home, we need we bought my Dad’s 1975, 31 foot rig and in 1999 we insurance and have to pay campground fees just as we bought a 1992, 34 footer. The Airstream is the rounded, pay taxes at home. Food, doing the laundry, gas,

silver bullet shaped electricity, all cost us money. We find that what we pay on t r a i l e r a n d i s the road is just about the same as we pay in our home. sometimes referred The one thing we use more of is gas for the Suburban!!!!! to irreverently as the We do put on about 50,000 km a year and about half of “ b e e r - c a n o n those are towing the trailer. wheels”. We chose an Airstream trailer We are always asked where have we been. Well we have rather then a motor visited every province and the two road accessible home or a 5th wheel territories in Canada and we have been in all but two because we knew of states (Rhode Island and Connecticut) in the US of A. We t h e A i r s t r e a m have visited 17 of 29 states in Mexico and on a trip to reputation as a very Panama we visited all 7 countries in Central America. We reliable trailer but are often asked what our favourite place is. We really also we wanted only can’t say. Every state, province and country has o n e m o t o r i z e d something that stands out in our memories; something v e h i c l e ( o u r that made our visit really worth while. S u b u r b a n t o w vehicle) . With a I am sure this is all the space Gary is going motor home you to give me but I might do another, if he need a car which asks me, and will fill you in on the social you tow behind the side of RVing; how we meet people and main rig. When you how we keep in touch.

stop for a few days you use the “toad” to get around. The fifth wheels are generally bigger then the trailers and are Roger Wilsonmore difficult to get into small parking spots. However, people have to make up their own minds and many would disagree with us.

Keeping any RV on the road (I mean in good repair) is a must. Tires and the hitch are the most critical areas of concern. These we check at lease once a week. We also need to monitor 9 systems that are in every RV. Systems like water, w a s t e w a t e r , electricity, propane, cooking, refrigeration, cooling and heating n e e d r e g u l a r m o n i t o r i n g a n d maintenance. It is kind of like what you have to do at your h o m e . R e g u l a r servicing saves you money in the long run. Some of the repairs we can do ourselves but for other things we have to call in a pro.

On the Road . . .(continued)

Happy MotoringRoger and Anne!

. . . and “Yes” we definitely want to hear more about your“gypsy” lifestyle! 23

In late autumn 1911, the Young Men's Christian Association of Winnipeg opened its brand new, six storey, full feature facility on Vaughan St near the corner of Portage Avenue. In its early planning stage the proposed building was once feared to be "too far out of town." by Y governors of the era. Still fully operational in its 100th year of service, with its interior completely modernized, it now sits proudly, a heritage facility, in the heart of the downtown core. The new 1911 building featured a large gym with elevated running track, 75 x 25 foot swimming pool, locker and shower rooms, meeting rooms, bowling lanes, billiard was to bring young men room, a full youth division, offices, a cafeteria, to Christ and to provide healthy, physical, sport chapel and a four floors men's residence. It was and social outlets for their energies to counter state of the art for the era and a replacement for the many bars, brothels and other negative an earlier facility which was erected in 1900 as "amusements" that also served the area. The the first YMCA facility in Western Canada. Within new Selkirk Y was a four storey miniature of the six years the membership at that building had Central Y facility and was an instant success completely outstripped the capacity of the old with its target population.plant.

What the YMCA had not counted on was a Few know, however, of the sister Y facility financial problem that arose for both facilities. opened within months of the Vaughan Street For some strange sense of good citizenship, the "Central Branch." The Selkirk Avenue YMCA YMCA Governors had decided, prior to the was built to serve young men in the north end of opening of the first Y structure, to support the Winnipeg. Selkirk Avenue was the bustling growing city and pay property taxes. It was a centre of the area and served, with its shops and situation which would plague the YMCA for more services, the growing population of this lower than eight decades into the future, at one point income, blue collar district. Spreading to the nearly causing the demise of the Winnipeg north of the sprawling CRP freight yards and the Association itself. But it had a more immediate many large and small industrial firms effect for the Selkirk Y. By the early 1920's the surrounding them, Winnipeg's north end was the tax concerns of the unit caused such pressures home of thousands of immigrants, predominantly on the overall finances of the YMCA that the but not exclusively, from eastern Europe. The building was closed and sold to the St. Paul's CPR and its related industries provided work for College. It would appear to be the end of the the population. The YMCA had determined to YMCA in north Winnipeg.serve the many young men who were part of this population. Its motivation, as always in that era,

The PHOENIX: a story of the rebirth of an inner city Y. . .

by Hal StudholmeWinnipeg 2011

24

The spirit of the young men and their older taxes. Within three years of opening the pool it mentors on the Branch board were not to be so became clear that the branch could cover its easily dampened by the mere closing of their own operating expenses, thanks to a sound four storey, full facility branch. Within a few membership and a-la-carte program base. But weeks, members had banded together and the taxes were a burden that was draining raised sufficient funds to rent resources for repairs, staff positions and a small store-front unit on Arlington Street, program expansion. At one point the tax load about six blocks from their former home. Men amounted to nearly fifteen percent of the total from the Program leaders group, all volunteers, operating budget. While branches in other established a schedule to man suburbs of the city received grants to cover their the facility in the evening and all day Saturday property taxes, North Y and Central Y branches, and soon a small library, Bible study classes within the City of Winnipeg proper, were refused and meetings to discuss various issues facing relief in repeated appeals. The end was the young men were once again attracting a inevitable. The Y had appealed again in the core group of former members. As interest early 1980's for support for needed repairs to grew, sports and exercise programs were the plant so as to continue its services to the initiated using local church halls and recreation area and for relief from the tax burden. The Y fields in warmer months. North Y lived on and based this new appeal on the basis that the the Y Governors were delighted and gave it demographics of the north end had been enough support to hire a part-time staff person changing and more and more the original to serve the expanding membership. The store- eastern European residents were being front, North Y, as it was now called, continued replaced by aboriginal families and Asian on, moving several times until the late 1930's immigrants. There was a growing need to serve when some local philanthropists secured a these residents, especially the youth. The city small vacant lot further north on McGregor had reduced its own recreational services in the Street and placed on it a box car from the area several years past. The city refused, citing CPR's large stock of de-commissioned units. “poor Y management” as part of its rationale. By North Y was moving toward a permanent home 1988 the North YMCA again closed its doors.again, although the small wood heater barely provided enough warmth for activities in the The city claimed the property and facility but the minus 30 degree temperatures of a Winnipeg building was left to weather and after ten years winter. But it was home. By the end of the was beyond recovery, the pool having collapsed 1940's a small building with central heating and and the rest of the facility suffering severe water four rooms, one large enough for a gathering of damage. But once again a ray of hope thirty participants was erected. At the same time appeared. Early in the new century a small a group calling itself the North Winnipeg group of YMCA officials, the local 'Splash' day Charitable Club was constituted, made up of the care, and Ma-ma-wi-chi-itata, a native family original philanthropic group with other like- organization began talks regarding a new type minded men. The dream of these men, and the of service facility on the old site. Again growing membership and small staff, was a full philanthropy came through in the form of a local complement building with Gym, Pool and business leader whose family had been part of supportive features on the site. To create this the old Y. Under his leadership funds were the Club started a weekly bingo program which, raised from individuals and local firms, and together with help from the Winnipeg YMCA 's grants generated from the Province of own fund drives over the next three decades, Manitoba, the Federal Government, two large realized those dreams, a gym constructed in the local foundations and, believe it or not, the City early 1950's and a fine pool in the late 1960's. of Winnipeg, to construct a multi-service facility Further improvements in later years made it a housing the three core agencies together with focal point in the area for quality youth and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Almost family activities. The North Winnipeg YMCA exactly a century after the ground was broken took its rightful place as a full partner with four for its Selkirk Avenue parent, YMCA services other full branches in Winnipeg. were emerging again in the north end.But the old nemesis again reared its ugly head,

The PHOENIX: a story of the rebirth of an inner city Y. . . (continued)

25

For the Y, gone is the pool but in its place a Whether this large area is used for an indoor skateboard latest rebirth of park, climbing wall, play structure and work-out the Y and its machines. A shared gym is programmed by the partners will in Y and the rest of the ultra modern wood and some far future be glass facility houses the day care, and a large reduced to ashes aboriginal family centre open to all which like its features inexpensive meals, places to gather predecessors is and family support services. The Health yet to be seen, but Authority uses the upper floor for a fully those of us equipped, modern health clinic open to all. involved with Management of the facility is by a board on North Y over the which all partners were equally represented. decades have Even before its grand opening in April 2010 the little doubt that the Y unit had 800 youth members. The Y services spirit of the people are limited to youth 6 to 16 years at a fee of of the north end $5.00 per year. Within six months the Y and of the Y will cause some new version to membership stabilized at 1100 members and rise, phoenix-like, to take its place. the facility is booming seven days a week for all agencies involved. The new Service Centre is It is important to note that CanaFYR members called the Win Gardner Centre after the mother Gord Saunders, Hal Studholme, Brent Thomas, of the leader of the campaign to build the Nancy Kolotylo and Jerry Jerrett have all served centre, herself a philanthropist and activist in in senior staff capacities in the North Branch Y. the north end all her life. All declare it to be their favourite branch

assignment in the Y.

The PHOENIX: a story of the rebirth of an inner city Y. . . (continued)

I got the news that Wes McVicar, the National war zone. I hadn't seen the desk top in weeks. Director of Physical Education was coming for a Just finding the phone was a multi-minute task. 'visit' from my boss, Gord Saunders, the I shared the space with more than forty teen Executive Director of the newly opened and adult leaders who taught the swim classes Elmwood Kildonan Family branch of the throughout the week, I had no trouble with the Winnipeg Y. I was the Men & Boy's Program accommodations, but I dreaded my visitor's Director, single and working 8:00 am to 10:00 reaction. I gathered clip boards scattered pm six days a week just for the fun of it. I had around the room into a neat pile on top of the served my apprenticeship under Syd Glenesk file cabinet and closed its drawers at the same for three years previous at the Central branch. I time. Hopefully he wouldn't look in. I found the was experienced, trained, ready. I was worried. office chair under a pile of new leader T shirts

that had yet to be distributed. They got Two weeks back I had received a copy of Wes's crammed into the stand-up cabinet with the book about the Physical Director's job with its demo life jacket, copies of the National YMCA detailed chapter on an orderly office, desk, files Swimming Program, three large boxes of and general organization. I had only glanced awards badges and my winter coat. It was 3:10 through it but remembering some of its contents on a Tuesday in September and Wes was due created a sense of impending doom. I took to arrive at 3:30. I still had time. And then I stock of the situation. looked up. He was standing in the doorway with

a puzzled but (I hoped) friendly smile on his My office was the swimming pool office and a face.

A Visit from Uncle Wes . . .

by Hal Studholme

26

“Hello Harold,” he said. Only my mother called sandwich and use the space for those files.” I me Harold and then only when I was in trouble. wondered if I should crawl into the drawer He stepped in and closed the door. We shook myself. All through this Wes's tone was friendly, hands; strong grip; I returned it. Manly stuff. He even helpful. I looked at the clock, it was 4:10.suggested I close the door into the pool. “For a bit of privacy,” he said. The temperature, already The door burst open and four of my best leaders at 30 degrees began to rise, and the humid air swept in, chattering and laughing. “Hi Hal, where from the pool didn't help. I began to sweat are the clip boards?” They all added a cheery, profusely. After removing one last T shirt, Wes “Hi.” to Wes to which he responded, smiling sat in the damp chair, cool and calm as if in an broadly, by standing and saying, “Hello ladies.” air conditioned luxury suite. We exchanged The rest of the after school class leaders began pleasantries about Syd and Jack Bernhardt. He to cram into the office. I despaired. Wes, on the even said he remembered me as a teen leader other hand seemed to be enjoying the at Toronto West End Y when he was Executive commotion. As usual it was organized chaos. But Director in the 50's. Then the interview began. the excitement of those great kids was infectious.

Wes stood and shook my hand. “Guess it's time We discussed my desk, still strewn with papers, to go. Perhaps I'll stay and watch the classes for file folders, a dozen pencils, and the now newly a few minutes, if that's alright with you.” discovered phone. No comment. “Did you read the book I sent,” he asked. “I'm still working on He stopped in the doorway and over the rising it,” I responded lamely. He stood and walked to din said, “By the way, Syd says you did very well the record player by the pool window. After at Central, Gord is quite pleased, and Ing Jonas removing the candy wrapper on the LP he noted from West End sends his regards. You're doing the title, “Dave Brubeck, Les Vipond would fine. Just read the book.”approve.” Turning he took note of the one open desk drawer. “Better throw out that half-eaten

A Visit from Uncle Wes. . . (continued)

27

A Visit from Uncle Wes. . . (continued)

A Bit of Humour from Below the Border . . .

Perks of Being Over the Hill

There is nothing left anymore to learn the hard way.

Things that you buy now won’t wear out.

Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.

You no longer think of the speed limit as a challenge.

You can quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks in the room.

Your secrets are safe with your friends; they can’t remember them anyway.

Your joints are more accurate about the weather than the TV

Your eyes won’t get too much worse.

Kidnappers are not very interested in you.

People call you at 9 p.m. and ask, “Did I wake you?”

You can eat dinner at 4:00 in the afternoon.

No one expects you to run anymore.

You are no longer viewed as a hypochondriac

Comedian George Burns still performing at 99 years was asked by the talk show host, “ What does your doctor say?”Replied George,” He tells me: don’t buy any green bananas”

Tielines received a note from Louis Vulliez on with wall to wall windows facing the North Shore his recent knee replacement. The following is the mountains. No pain of course, because I'm still text with certain explicit details omitted. total numb from the waist down. As I write this letter, it reminds me that exactly 7 Since then? I found that on the second day in days ago at this time, I was sitting sideways on hospital, when sitting on the John, my knee was the operating table, with the most beautiful nurse able to bend close to 90 degrees. That was good at Lion's Gate holding my shoulders, facing me, news. After being taught how to use the crutches with her face about 4 inches in front of me, to get properly, I was able to walk on the flat, and up me into the correct position for the and down stairs. (All I have to do is stop myself anesthesiologist to inject me with his needle in form going too fast.) Stupid French impatience I my lower back. I actually had to constrain myself guess.from leaning forward more to kiss her. But from that point on - I was in La La land. Even better news now, is that as of Friday, (The

day after discharge) I've discarded the one They sure have their routine down pat. From all crutch, and am getting around easily using one the enquiries I'm getting, this is just to update you crutch only. Yes, I can now put full weight on the on the first seven days.To me, the worse part of leg.the operational experience was the 3 hour "recovery room" time Tuesday afternoon. Boring I do a lot of pain management with ice packs and as Hell, nothing to do, put up with the constant Hydromorphone, elevation and exercise. Bottom tests and monitoring, recovery questions, but line? Recover is doing well, and I get my staples hey! It all had to be done. Then my move to the out April 6. (I'll have to send you a before & after "ward". It was like I'd won the lottery (it actually pic) is). Private room, end of the hall, top floor, (6th?)

He Comes from Old Vancouver with a Bandage on his Knee . . .

28

Just for laughs . . .

MY LIVING WILL

Last night, my kids and I were sitting in the living room and I said to them, 'I

never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids

from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug.'

They got up, unplugged the computer, and threw out my wine.

The little @#$%&s!

Oh great! Look at ol’ Y guy on the end.

He still hasn’t grasped the concept.

ThanksgivingDinnerToday

29

Canadian Fellowshipof

YMCA Retirees

CONSTITUTIONand

BY-LAWS

30

Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees

The Constitution th (4 revision)

Article One -Name

The name of the organization shall be the Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees. The name CanaFYR may be used, less formally, where appropriate.

Article Two -Mission

The mission is to provide opportunities for Canada-wide information exchange, fellowship, and meaningful experiences for former YMCA and YMCA-YWCA employees and long-service volunteers, including their spouses / partners, during their retirement years.

Article Three -Purpose

A) To provide opportunities for members to interact face-to-face, by telephone, mail or electronically, locally, regionally and nationally;

B) To provide a system of regular communication between members;

C) To offer the provision of resources of experienced people in support of YMCA endeavors locally, regionally, nationally or internationally;

D) To provide opportunity to sustain a meaningful sense of personal and professional fellowship and an affiliation that continues YMCA connectedness;

E) To assure that members are well informed about YMCA and YMCA - YWCA developments at local, regional, national and international levels;

F) To establish and maintain mutually supporting and interactive relationships with NAFYR, WFYR, YMCA Canada, local associations and other organizations to advance the mission;

G) To provide opportunities for members to contribute financial resources in support of the charitable and educational programs of the YMCA movement and other YMCA related charitable organizations.

Development: The first draft was prepared by Keitha and Russ Davey in 2007. This draft was further revised by Peter Noble and Al Crawford and adapted on May 7, 2008. At the Executive Committee meeting of May 19, 2010, the Constitution was presented. There were some suggested revisions. It was decided to circulate it to the Exec. Ctte. members. Gary Schofield took on the task of collecting recommendations from the Executive Committee for changes, deletions and additions. These were incorporated into the draft in revisions one through four.

A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed. These rules together make up, (i.e. constitute), what the entity is. When these principles are written down into a single or set of legal documents, those documents may be said to comprise a written constitution.

The Articles of a constitution state the m a i n c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f t h e organization; those that define it. In this case the Name, Mission, Purpose, Membership, Structure, and procedure to pass Amendments.

Any change in any of these articles can change the identity of the organization and so must be approved by the membership.

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Article Four -Membership

A) There is one Membership classification which is Full Membership; all Members are entitled to vote and hold office.

B) To become a Member, one must have been a former employee or long-service volunteer in a YMCA or YMCA – YWCA, or spouse / partner of same, wishing to maintain a "Y" connection.

Article Five -Structure

The organization shall establish Officers, Committees, Task Groups and By-Laws as needed to fulfill its mission.

Article Six - Amendments

Amendments to the Articles of the Constitution shall be distributed to each individual member who may vote and must return said vote to the Executive Committee in a stated time period not to be shorter than three weeks from receipt of ballot. Amendments require approval by a vote of two-thirds of the members responding.

Amendments to the By-laws may be initiated by presentation of a motion to the Executive Committee. Amendments require approval by a vote of two-thirds of the Executive Committee members.

Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws

Amendments: Changes to The Articles, because they define the basics of the organization, must be approved by a sizeable fraction of the membership so there can be no doubt that such change is the will of the majority. The Bylaws may be deleted, amended or added to by the Executive Committee without reference to the membership as a whole. Once again, a clear and significant majority of the Executive Committee must approve it.

In many organization Bylaws must be approved by the membership. The nature of our membership, spread out and not much concerned with the detailed workings of the Exec. Cttee.(as evidenced by the lack of response to surveys sent out in the past), is deemed to make such a provision inappropriate.

According to the general wording of this section, an individual member may still initiate an amendment to the Bylaws through an Executive Committee member or by writing to the President or Secretary.

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The By-Laws4th Revision

1. MembershipMembership is attained and renewed annually by completing and returning a declaration of continuing interest which normally includes the payment of an annual membership fee to be determined by the Executive Committee

2. OfficersThe national officers (called collectively the Executive Committee) shall be:

Past PresidentPresidentPresident ElectVice-President WestVice-President CentralVice-President AtlanticSecretaryTreasurerMembership CoordinatorTielines EditorSecours Spéciaux Chair

3. Regional Roles and Officers (Provincial Representatives)Regional roles may be determined and assigned by the appropriate Vice-President.

4. Terms of OfficeThe term of office of the elected officers is two years or until their successors have assumed office.

5. Election of Officers

At least two months before the end of the current Officers' terms, the Nominating Committee will request names of any members to stand for election for any of the Officers' positions (with the exception of President unless the President-Elect is not available to serve as President). Any names put forward will appear on the ballot along with those proposed by the Nominating Committee provided that such persons have indicated their willingness to serve if elected.

Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws

1. Membership: This section specifies procedure for qualified individuals to obtain and retain membership. The payment or non-payment of fees has been a matter of some discussion. Bylaw 1. states the present position which is that payment of a fee is not strictly necessary, but is expected unless there is a reason why a member thinks he or she should not pay a fair share of the organization’s expenses.

2. Officers: These are the names of the positions of the Executive Committee. it should be noted that the position of President Elect and Treasurer are filled by the same person at the moment. This situation was occasioned by the resignation of the Treasurer in mid-term. This situation is likely to arise again. It could be accommodated by a provision in this section that the Executive Committee may authorize that two offices be fulfilled by the same person when circumstances require.

4. Terms of Office: As written, this provision could result in all elected positions being filled by new persons at the same time. Some constitutions overlap the terms of office so only some of the positions come up for election at any one time. The fact that the President and the Present-Elect stay on as Past President and President and that several persons may stay for another term, mitigates the lack of staggered terms, in our case.

5. Election of Officers: This p rov i s i on r equ i r e s t ha t t he membership be involved in the election of Executive Committee members. This and the necessity of members votes on changes to the Articles, are all that qualifies us as a democratic organization, of the members and by the members,

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Unless unavailable for any reason, the President-Elect will assume the position of President, without election, by the terms of this by-law.

At least one month before the end of the current Officers' terms, the names of all who have been nominated, and have accepted nomination, will be sent individually to all members who may vote for any or all nominations for Officers' positions. (NOTE: there will be no nomination for President unless the President-Elect is not available to serve as President). Members will have 14 days to send in their completed ballots.

The Nominating Committee will count and report the votes, maintaining confidentiality of the vote of individual members. Those persons receiving the most votes, of those returned for each of the positions, will be declared elected. If there are no additional nominations from the membership for any or all positions, those presented by the nominating committee will be declared elected."

6. VacanciesVacancies on the Executive Committee may be filled for the unexpired term by presidential appointment in consultation with the Executive Committee.

7. Duties of OfficersPast PresidentA. Be a member of the Executive Committee;B. Advise and support the President;C. Chair the nominating committee appointed by the Executive

Committee, when applicable.

PresidentA. Give leadership to the Executive Committee;B. Convene Executive Committee meetings, as necessary at a place and

time convenient to the majority of the members of the Executive Committee;

C. Prepare and deliver an Executive Committee report to the membership annually;

D. Develop, with the assistance of the Executive Committee, goals for the organization and present them to the general membership.

President-ElectA. Take the lead role in planning and conducting meetings and special events as requested by the Executive Committee;B. Substitute for the President as required, including assuming the

position of President should it become open in mid-term.

Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws

5. Election of Officers (cont’d):

The Nominating Committee calls for nominations from the membership. In the unlikely event they get any, such names are sent out for election to the membership along with the slate proposed by the Nominating Committee.

Another way this could be done is for the Nominating Committee to draw up a slate, send it out twith the call for any new names to be added. This would signal that there were candidates seen as qualified and may avoid names being proposed just because it was feared that no candidate was available and the consequent possibility of voting out a sincere candidate. Voting would then proceed as described.

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Vice-Presidents

A. Participate in all Executive Committee meetings and work with President to fulfill the organizations goals;

B. Act as a communications link between the Regions and the Executive Committee making sure area ideas and needs are made known;

C. Stimulate gatherings within their region and across regions;D. Work with the Membership Coordinator to expand membership

recruitment and increase retention and participation in the regions.

Secretary

A. Record and circulate timely meeting minutes;B. Respond to letters from the members where appropriate;C. Prepare and mail announcements pertinent to the interests and

participation of the national membership.

Treasurer

A. Be accountable for the management of the organization’s funds;B. Lead the development of an annual budget in conjunction with the

Executive Committee;C. Collect membership fees and other such monies given in support of the

organization. This does not include donations to Secours Spéciaux;D. Issue cheques for financial obligations for the organization that have

been approved by the Executive Committee. Such cheques must be signed by the Treasurer and at least one other of the Executive Committee members who have been designated as 'Signing Officers' and registered as such at organization's bank;

E. Report the financial condition regularly. The budget year is the calendar styear. The fiscal year shall close on December 31

F Chair the Finance Resource group.

Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws

Treasurer – D. Getting two signatures on a cheque can be awkward and time consuming. On the other hand, most organization require this control. Perhaps there is a compromise; a way of authorizing a cheque without actually signing it.

The second sentence of D. could read as: “Such cheques must be signed by the Treasurer and authorized by at least one other of the Executive Committee members who have been designated as 'Signing Officers' by the Executive Committee and may authorize cheques by email according to a procedure that is transparent to all.

It needs to be stated that a provision like this is not required by the present situation; it is there to avoid (if there was only one authorizing signature), the awkwardness and bad feeling of instituting a control of this type at some future time when concerns about the financial management may emerge.

Treasurer – F. There has not been a Financial Resource Group. Its formation was recommended by the “Purpose Committee” that met just before the 75th Anniversary in 2007, animated by Ivan Eaton.There have been problems in financial reporting as to timing and clarity.

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Membership Coordinator

A. Maintain membership records and produce, or arrange for the production of, membership rosters as required;

B. Determine, create, and promote effective approaches to membership recruitment and retention in conjunction with the Executive Committee and regions;

C. Issue or arrange the issue of membership renewal notices annually with follow up communication as may be required

D. Chair the Membership Resource group.

“Tielines” EditorA. Prepare newsletters to communicate happenings and plans to all

members coast-to-coast;B. Act as a full member of the Executive Committee;C. Chair the Tielines Resource Group.

Chair, Secours SpéciauxA. Annually conduct a fund raising campaign amongst all members;B. Arrange for the conveyance of Secours Spéciaux donations to

the World Alliance of YMCAs (using established channel).C. Act as a full member of the Executive Committee.D. Appoint and Chair a Secours Spéciaux committee.E. Manage the direct expenses of the Interauction fund raiser for Secours

Spéciaux (postage, website, etc.) which shall be borne by the proceeds of the Interauction.

8. Committees

A. There shall be an Executive Committee comprised of the elected officers, the President and the Past President. A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business;

B. A Nominating Committee, with the Past President as Chair, shall be appointed by the Executive Committee to prepare a slate to fill vacancies at an appropriate time in the year;

C. Other committees or task groups may be named by the Executive Committee. Such groups will be provided with written descriptions of responsibilities including time lines;

D. Executive members may participate in any meeting of the Executive Committee through the use of telephone conference or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can communicate with each other. Participation in such meetings shall constitute attendance and presence in person at that meeting.

Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws

Chair, Secours Spéciaux – B.

Donations to Secours Spéciaux go directly to YMCA Canada who give tax receipts for same.

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