CanaFYR PROfiles

FALL 2011
Tielines
Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees
INSIDE
Reports:
Pg. 3
Remembering
Pg. 6
Events, Past
Pg. 10
Events Future
Pg. 14
Anniversary 2012 Pg. 15
INSIDE
Profiles
Pg 17
From and About
Members
Pg. 20
Cartoons
Pg 29
CanaFYR
Constitution
Pg. 30
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 the
beginning of the terms of office of a new Executive Committee.
Some graphics from the Fall Program
information as seen on websites of Canadian
YMCAs and YMCA-YWCAs
New persons on the Executive Committee
Photos of
Valerie and Bil
coming next
issue
Valarie Slater
Bill VanGorder
Ursula Hoehner
Ron Bell
The Official CanaFYR Website: CanaFYR.org
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:
[email protected]
2
President's Letter
Membership Matters
Greetings:
By Jackie Kennedy
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
President
President Elect
Vice-President (West)
Vice-President (Central)
Vice-President (Atlantic)
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership Co-ordinator
Tielines Editor
Secours Speciaux Chair
Jack Bernhardt
Bill Thorsteinson
Gary Schofield
Valerie Slater
Ron Bell
Bill VanGorder
Merle Kisby
Ursula Hoehner
Jackie Kennedy
Gary Schofield
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
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 [email protected]
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
3
Secours Spéciaux – 2011
Laurie Borne
Chair, Secours Spéciaux
The Canadian Fellowship
of YMCA Retirees, and its
predecessor the
Copeland Budge chapter
has been a long-term
contributor to the Secours
Spéciaux fund of the
World Alliance of YMCAs.
The fund provides
financial assistance to Y
Retirees and long-term
volunteers in medical and
emergency situations.
The world Secours committee is chaired by
Bonnie Mairs of the USA. The committee (as
listed) serves as an advisory group to the
Secretary General of the World Alliance. Jerry
Prado-Shaw was born in Bolivia but now lives in
the USA. Reg Wake is British. Eckard Geisler is
German. Don Anderson is American, living in
Hawaii. Mireille Gilles is from Uruguay. Yukio
Yamasaki is Japanese, and PM John is from
India. The most recent member appointed is J.
Rhule representing the YMCAs of Africa. Laurie
Borne represents Canada. Suzanne Watson is
the World Alliance staff member who supports the
committee.
What's Happening – the
Secretary's Corner
by Merle Kisby
May 18th Executive Meeting
Your executive met in Toronto on
May 18th. It is my pleasure to
report on the topics of discussion
that haven't been covered
elsewhere in this issue of TieLines.
Archival Information
YMCA Canada has made the
decision to discontinue the position
of archivist. The loss of Ian Fleming, who has
been the archivist for many years, leaves many
questions about the how the history of the Y will
During the summer of 2011, funding was
approved sending support of US $1000, as
requested, to each of 5 YMCA retirees in the
Philippines. They all are over 70 years of age,
have had long careers in the YMCA, and now
have medical and financial problems.
For the past three years, individual contributions
were supplemented by the proceeds of an online
auction. There will not be an auction this year.
Chair Tony Fry and Registrar Laurie Borne
wanted to pass the torch after three years of
providing leadership but no replacements have
been found. An alternative fundraiser is being
explored.
Since 2000, CanaFYR has contributed $135, 298
to the fund, an average of $12,300 per year. As
of September 2, individual contributions for 2011
stand at $8000 from 64 contributors, with four
months left to go in the annual campaign. If you
have not yet made your 2011 donation, please
forward your cheque addressed to “YMCA
Canada - Secours Spéciaux” and mail it to Laurie
Borne, 41 Joymar Drive, Mississauga, Ontario,
L5M 1G1. YMCA Canada will issue income tax
receipts.
Secours Spéciaux remains an important annual
project for CanaFYR.
be maintained. CanaFYR is communicating with
YMCA Canada to determine what their plans are
for the future. In the meantime we
have extended a 5 year
complimentary CanaFYR
membership to Ian in appreciation
for his excellent work and his close
ties with CanaFYR.
Honouring Canadian YMCA
Pioneers
Since our separation from NAFYR it
is uncertain whether we would still
be able to recommend Canadians to
the Springfield College – YMCA Hall
of Fame and we have been
unsuccessful to date in getting
answers to this question. CanaFYR
will explore opportunities for honouring our
Canadian YMCA pioneers.
4
Secretaries Corner (continued)
World Fellowship of Y Retirees Request –
Jerry Shaw, Chairperson of WFYR has invited
CanaFYR to appoint a representative to serve as
a Vice Chair for Canada on its Leadership Team
for the period of 2010 – 2014. Jack reviewed the
information included in the request; guidelines of
WFYR, other world VP leadership team members
and WFYR / Identification of Attainable Goals
(draft). The area of focus for WFYR includes;
Secours Speciaux, exchange of information and
ideas, water projects, and fellowship. It was
noted that CanaFYR is the second largest
movement around the world, with solid historical
roots in the development of the YMCA movement
world-wide.
The financial implications of accepting this
request were discussed and it was noted that the
CENTRAL REGION REPORT
by Peter Noble
On Tuesday, October
18th, the Central Region
meeting will take the
form of a luncheon
followed by a dialogue
with attending members
of the Executive
Committee. This session
which will take place at
the Conference Room
of the Toronto YMCA at
42 Charles Street, in
Toronto, will offer those
in attendance an
opportunity to hear some of the key concerns
facing the organization from the Executive
Committee's perspective, discuss these concerns
with Executive Committee members, and offer
their own perspectives on any concerns they may
have with CanaFYR.
The meeting will begin as usual with a
gathering-and-catch-up get together at 11:00
a.m., with lunch at 12:00, and dialogue from
1:00 to 2:15 p.m.
From time to time over the past several months it
has been made known to me that some members
have missed the opportunity of at least feeling
majority of the business is conducted via email.
There is a face to face meeting approximately
every 3 years and we would be expected to
cover the expenses if in attendance.
The executive agreed that we accept this
invitation and that the representative be the past
President at 2 year intervals consistent with
CanaFYR's terms of office.
There is a WFYR meeting scheduled in the USA
this fall and CanaFYR will ask Norris Lineweaver,
who will be attending the meeting, to represent
CanaFYR.
That's it for this issue. Hope you all had a
wonderful summer and are back into the swing of
your fall routines.
that they were an active and contributing member
of CanaFYR. While some members may take
they position of “you “guys” have
volunteered/been elected to make the decisions,
- look after it”, others still want to discuss and
express their views about the well being and
activities of the organization. It is hoped that all
interested members in the region who can be
here will attend, whether it is to engage or just to
listen in on the discussion and enjoy lunch and
good fellowship.
For any members outside the Central Region
also wishing to be more actively engaged, if you
have questions, or opinions, or concerns, give
your Regional V.P. a call.
Effective this Executive Committee meeting, on
the !9th of October, I'll be completing a couple of
terms as Central Region V.P., and (finally) leaving
the Executive. I want to express my appreciation
for the privilege of having served in a leadership
role with this organization, particularly during its
transition from a chapter of NAFYR to a selfstanding national organization. The role has put
me in touch with some friends and colleagues of
years gone by, an experience which in itself I
have cherished. I have also appreciated the
active engagement, challenge and support from
all my colleagues on the Executive Committee
over the past few years.
Thank you all, and farewell.
5
REMEMBERING
REMEMBERING
BUCKLEY, Clair Allan
September 6, 1924 to August 20, 2011
Clair passed away peacefully at home in the
presence of family. He was a devoted
husband, father and grandfather, a respected
teacher, counselor, leader and mentor. He
was a vibrant life force, as serious and
committed as he was fun-loving. Born in
Glen Falls, NB youngest of eight he grew up
in Saint John, NB. He joined the Canadian
Army Infantry Pictou Highlanders leaving in
1946 as a Lieutenant. Clair attended McGill
University graduating in 1950 with a BSc. in
Physical Education. He was class president
and a member of the Scarlet Key Society. He
began a long career with the YMCA working
in Montreal, Woodstock, Edmonton and
Halifax. Part way through his YMCA career
he attended Boston University and obtained
a Masters in Adult Education. Clair continued
his career moving to Ottawa, working in
Fitness and Amateur Sport and later moved
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
EAGLESON, Alan Montague
May 15, 1935 - June 2, 2011
Alan was the beloved husband of Carol (nee
McEwan); dear father of Lori (Jeff), Lynn
(Omid), and Brad (Aileen); grandfather of
Sarah, Melissa, and Mikayla; and loving
brother of Bob Eagleson.
He was a graduate of North Toronto
Collegiate, and his career included working for
the Ontario Government, Provincial Auditors
Department, and Senior Advisor for the
Ministry of Health. Recreationally, he was an
avid curler at Avonlea, Leaside, and Bayview
Curling Clubs.
Al Crawford sent us a note telling us of
Alan’s years of service as a member of
the Y’s Men’s Club. Al Eagleson was
active with both The North Toronto Y's
Men's Club and The North York Y's
Men's Club starting in 1963. Peter
Noble was on staff during that early
lifelong
commitment to
community
service, he
volunteered for
the Canadian
Cancer Society,
eventually
becoming
President of the
BC & Yukon
Division. Clair will
be deeply missed by Marilyn, his beloved wife
of 65 years, children Alison, Alan (Lorna) and
David, grandchildren Kristen and Matthew,
sisters Rhena and Marj, nephews and nieces.
Clair also leaves many wonderful friends from
the Maritimes to the west coast. Flowers are
gratefully declined. In the spirit of Clair's
community giving, donate your time or money
to the Canadian Cancer Society, or YMCA or
Victoria Hospice or charity of your choice. "The
will to do, the soul to dare "
period, and had organized
a huge Boys’ Baseball
League in which Al was
one of the best, and most
popular coaches. That
affiliation also earned Al
many shivering December
days on their annual
Christmas Tree lot !
He brought great energy
and reliability to
everything he tackled ,
quietly and graciously, and never missed an
opportunity to promote the Y and its programs!
The family recognized and appreciated his Y
connections so strongly that they invited
two of our members , Jim Wise and Al
Crawford, to participate in the funeral
service.
6
(continued next page)
REMEMBERING
REMEMBERING
GILLMORE, Dr. Allan K. - 19232011.
Former Executive Director, Sarnia YMYWCA (1948-60) - Allan passed away in
Ottawa on July 28, 2011. Pre-deceased
in 2010 by his beloved wife, Jean, he is
survived by his children, Donald
(Valentina) and Marilyn (John Cavill), and
his grandchildren, Jeffrey and Erin Cavill.
His career began in the Hamilton YMCA
and brought him to Sarnia in 1948, where
he oversaw construction of the YMYWCA and developed a vibrant hub of
activity boasting 5,000 members; he also
ran popular summer camps at Camp
Kenny. He was extremely active in
service clubs, fundraising for expansion
of St. Joseph's Hospital, and many other
services to his community. In 1960, he
moved to Regina, where he worked
initially in the Saskatchewan Ministry of
Education, under the late Honourable
Allan Blakeney. Soon named as first
Executive Director of Regina's Wascana
LUGAR, D. Anthony “Tony”
Born in Bedford, February 4, 1932, where he
attended secondary school. He was on the
Queen Elizabeth High School team that won
the 1950 National Juvenile Basketball
Championship. Tony graduated from Sir
George Williams College, Montreal, in 1954
where he also received YMCA Secretary
Certification. He first worked at Montreal’s
Central Y and as a section director at Kamp
Kanawana. He later began a career in
business, first with Dupont in Montreal and
then in 1962, relocating to Halifax, with Paper
Products Ltd where he spent 35 thoroughly
enjoyable years.
Tony touched many people through
the years, making each feel special
with his warm, engaging, friendly
manner. He was Chairman of YMCA
Big Cove Camp Committee, a
passionate supporter of the
Orienteering Association of Nova
Scotia, and more recently Chairman of
the Metro Prostate Support Group.
Centre Authority,
he skillfully guided
this unique
organization
through its
formative years,
cutting new
ground in public
policy and
administration. He
moved to Ottawa
in 1966 as the first
Vice-Rector (VP),
Admin of the newly public University of
Ottawa. He rounded out his career as
Executive Director of the Association of
Universities and Colleges of Canada
(1980-88) and retired to Victoria, BC until
2007. He served on numerous
committees and boards of directors, was
awarded four honourary doctorates, and
was named a Member of the Order of
Canada (2000).
Tony loved to sail
dinghies and
keelboats at St.
Margarets Sailing
Club and RNSYS.
He was most happy
tinkering at “the
cottage”, on Siesta
and in the family RV
Ruby. He will be
remembered for
competing with his
children in his
beloved Sunfish at
regattas far and
wide, for 15 years of
hosting and occasionally winning the
Maritime Sunfish Regatta, and as an
athletic competitor in tennis, basketball,
and orienteering. Tony was a loving and
caring husband, father, grandfather and
brother. He is survived by his wife of 56
years, Rexanne (Moore).
7
(continued next page)
REMEMBERING
REMEMBERING
SHANTZ, Mary Evelyn
February 5, 1923 - June 16, 2011
Mary was born in St Catharines, Ontario,
the daughter of Charles and Edith
Hawke. She is survived by her husband,
Murray. They had celebrated 65 years of
marriage. She is also survived by her
sons David (Maureen), and Peter
(Diane), and daughter Barbara;
grandchildren Derek (Madeline), Christy
(Brian), Mark, and two great
grandchildren.
Mary led a full and active life. A very
enthusiastic curler, tennis player and
bridge player, she also served as a
volunteer at Bethsada United Church,
the Sunnybrook Hospital Auxiliary, and of
course had a long and committed
involvement with Y Wives.
She and Murray traveled extensively in
their treasured Airstream from coast to
WILLIS, Janet
Passed away peacefully on July 7th,
2011 with the courage and joy that she
showed throughout her life. Beloved wife
of Burns Proudfoot. Dear Daughter of
Lila Willis Beach. Loved sister of Bruce
(Kataya) of Whitehorse, YK and B.J.
Willis (David Miles) of PEI and stepbrother Charlie Beach of Kingston.
Cherished aunt of Genevieve Loughlin,
Rebecca Nicholson, Kate Willis, and
Emma Willis. Pre-deceased by her father
Bruce Willis and step-father Earl Beach.
“My candle burns at both ends,
It will not last the night.
But ah my foes and oh my friends,
It gives a lovely light.”
Edna St. Vincent Mallay
excerpted from the Toronto Star,
Saturday, July 9, 2011
coast in
Canada and all
through the
USA. They
wintered at
Melbourne
Beach in
Florida for
several years,
and they
traveled to
Africa,
Australia,
Europe, the
Middle East,
and Russia.
Mary was very close to many members of
Copeland-Budge (CanaFYR), and we join
Murray and his family in remembering and
paying tribute to her.
Janet saw the
potential within
each person. She
worked at the
North York YMCA
for a time before
moving on to a
career in
education and
consulting. Henry
Labatte tells us
that, as part of her
YMCA work, she
was involved in a
very innovative
program in a
housing development with Reg Bundy
. Further information about Janet’s
YMCA career will be welcome and
published in a future issue of Tielines.
8
A Tribute to Tony from Chuck Griffith
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
where we had enjoyed a wonderful lunch with
Tony and Rexanne at their seaside home at
Hd. St. Margaret's Bay. We made tentative
plans on that day for the upcoming summer
including sailing on his 30 foot sailboat and a
visitation to Big Cove Camp where Tony and I
had been on staff about 50 years ago.
On Thursday , June 2nd, while helping with the
construction of a new building at their
residence Tony was accidentally struck by a
falling branch and was instantly killed.
I have many memories of Tony..the tall blond
headed brush cut forward who helped a Nova
Scotia high school basketball team win the
1950 National Juvenile Basketball
Championship. I remember him as well as a
championship tennis player, sailor , rower , and
passionate supporter and participant in
orienteering .
I remember him when we sang the song Won/t
You Play a Simple Melody together in terrible
harmony at a talent show in Montreal . I
remember him potting baskets in the gold and
maroon colours of the Georgian team. I
remember him as Business Manager of Big
Cove Camp when I was on staff as Waterfront
Director. I remember him as a fellow student in
Montreal, as well as the long talks we would
have in the residence at night. I also remember
him coming down with the basketball from the
backboard as I went up for it, and his elbow
breaking my cheek in a game in Saint John. He
has been apologizing for 60 years!
He maintained a close association with the
YMCA and served as chairman of the big Cove
Camp Committee for 10 years. He was active
in the Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees
and held an executive position in the Maritime
Group.
Tony’s professional career was just as exciting
and rewarding. A graduate of the YMCA
Fellowship Plan and Sir George Williams
College he started his professional career with
the Montreal YMCA before entering a lengthy
and rewarding career in Paper Products. He
spend 35 years with Maritime Paper Products
and retired as a vice president. His friendly and
caring personality and professional
competencies are well known throughout the
areas he served including Eastern Canada,
Europe, Iceland and Cuba.
Our thoughts are with Rexanne ,his wife of 56
years and his life partner since university days
in Montreal.
If desired, donations can be made in his name
to Prostate Canada Atlantic Region,5121
Sackville Street, Halifax, B3J 1K1
Personally I do not think I will ever see the
deep blue waters of Nova Scotia again without
seeing the form of a blond athlete rowing his
shell or sailing his beloved Sunfish.
Sail and row in peace Tony, our world is much
better because of you.
9
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.
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.
CanaFYR members in
attendance:
Chris Bartle
Bill Douglas
Mary Douglas
Terry Forth
Joanne Scott
Halina Schofield
Gary Schofield
Frank Stacey
Irene Watson
Roger Wilson
Here the group looks at an area that will be the new youth activity centre. The
official opening is set for September 11.
10
Many thanks to Bill and Mary Douglas who, as local CanaFYR representatives, hosted the event.
South Central Ontario
Spring Luncheon
May 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.
Gord Ramsay, Jim McPherson
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.
John Ferguson
Ann Toombs presenting her experiences in Uganda working
in a Rotary-sponsored project illustrated by an excellent slide
show.
Complete list of Attendees –
Ginny Ramsay, Keitha Davey
Joyce Bernhardt
Ken MacKeracher Shirley Wood, Jack Pearse, Tony Fry
Jack and Joyce Bernhardt
Laurie Borne
Don and Kay Brundage
Al Crawford
Russ and Keitha Davey
Ivan Eaton
Murray and Joan Faulkner
John and Lorna Ferguson
Ian Fleming
Tony Fry and Margaret Hughes
Ursula Hoehner
Jackie Kennedy
Merle Kisby
Henry Labatte and Jean Cuddy
Gerry and Carole Lang
Ken MacKeracher
Hugh Marchand
Shirley Marescaux
Al and Grace McCann
Peggy McGregor
Marlene and Jim McPherson
Peter and Cathy Noble
Jack Pearse
Gord and Ginny Ramsay
Gary Schofield
George and Joan Sinclair
Jake and Betty Smythe
Bill Thorsteinson
Garth and Ann Toombs
11
South Central Ontario Spring Luncheon (continued)
Names by Row:
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)
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 Homes
These 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 Support
There 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.
13
Coming events . . .
South Central Ontario Group October 18
Eastern Ontario / Quebec
October 27
14
Coming in 2012 . . .
BE A CanaFYR
SPARK PLUG . . .
“If the spark
does not work
then all is in
vain” – Karl Benz
AND PARTICIPATE IN NEXT YEAR’S MULTI-ANNIVERSARY REUNION
2012 GIVES US “Something to Shout About!”
5th ANNIVERSARY of CanaFYR after its growth
from Copeland-Budge (Canada) Chapter of NAFYR
75th ANNIVERSARY of a fellowship of YMCA
retirees in Canada
100th ANNIVERSARY of YMCA Canada
This celebration will take place at YMCA Geneva Park
September 18, 19, 20 in 2012.
15
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
– Jake Smythe
– Jack Bernhardt
– Jack Pearse
– Ivan Eaton
– Bill Thorsteinson
CORRESPONDENTS
– Garth Toombs, Calgary
– Hal Studholme, Winnipeg
– Bill VanGorder, Halifax
– Ed Fox Fredericton
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 !
16
CanaFYR
CanaFYR PROfiles
PROfiles
This section of Tielines consists of autobiographical
stories from members who kindly respond to our requests.
Louis Vulliez
born February 15, 1935
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
17
CanaFYR PROfiles (continued) Louis Vulliez
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-ontime 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.
18
CanaFYR PROfiles (continued) Louis Vulliez
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.
Louis’ excellent story – interestingly written and graphically illustrated will
continue in the next issue. . .
19
A meeting with Yukio . . .
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
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.
Enjoying this international fellowship opportunity are (from left to right) Gary Schofield,
Roger and Ann Wilson, Jack Bernhardt, Yukio Yamasaki, Joyce Bernhardt.
When Margaret met Al . . .
In the summer, Norma and Al Crawford enjoy taking in
theatre productions at the Shaw Festival, Niagara-on-thelake; 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.
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
On the Road with Ann and Roger Wilson . . .
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.
22
On the Road . . .(continued)
We have always travelled in an Airstream trailer. In 1997
we bought my Dad’s 1975, 31 foot rig and in 1999 we
bought a 1992, 34 footer. The Airstream is the rounded,
silver bullet shaped
trailer and is
sometimes referred
to irreverently as the
“beer-can on
wheels”. We chose
an Airstream trailer
rather then a motor
home or a 5th wheel
because we knew of
the Airstream
reputation as a very
reliable trailer but
also we wanted only
one motorized
vehicle (our
Suburban tow
vehicle) . With a
motor home you
need a car which
you tow behind the
main rig. When you
stop for a few days you use the “toad” to get around. The
fifth wheels are generally bigger then the trailers and are
more 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,
waste water,
electricity, propane,
cooking, refrigeration,
cooling and heating
need regular
monitoring and
maintenance. It is
kind of like what you
have to do at your
home. Regular
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.
Again just like home. Again, as at home, we need
insurance and have to pay campground fees just as we
pay taxes at home. Food, doing the laundry, gas,
electricity, all cost us money. We find that what we pay on
the road is just about the same as we pay in our home.
The one thing we use more of is gas for the Suburban!!!!!
We do put on about 50,000 km a year and about half of
those are towing the trailer.
We are always asked where have we been. Well we have
visited every province and the two road accessible
territories in Canada and we have been in all but two
states (Rhode Island and Connecticut) in the US of A. We
have visited 17 of 29 states in Mexico and on a trip to
Panama we visited all 7 countries in Central America. We
are often asked what our favourite place is. We really
can’t say. Every state, province and country has
something that stands out in our memories; something
that made our visit really worth while.
I am sure this is all the space Gary is going
to give me but I might do another, if he
asks me, and will fill you in on the social
side of RVing; how we meet people and
how we keep in touch.
Roger Wilson
Happy Motoring
Roger and Anne!
. . . and “Yes” we
definitely want to hear
more about your
“gypsy” lifestyle!
23
The PHOENIX: a story of the rebirth of an inner city Y. . .
by Hal Studholme
Winnipeg 2011
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
room, a full youth division, offices, a cafeteria,
chapel and a four floors men's residence. It was
state of the art for the era and a replacement for
an earlier facility which was erected in 1900 as
the first YMCA facility in Western Canada. Within
six years the membership at that building had
completely outstripped the capacity of the old
plant.
Few know, however, of the sister Y facility
opened within months of the Vaughan Street
"Central Branch." The Selkirk Avenue YMCA
was built to serve young men in the north end of
Winnipeg. Selkirk Avenue was the bustling
centre of the area and served, with its shops and
services, the growing population of this lower
income, blue collar district. Spreading to the
north of the sprawling CRP freight yards and the
many large and small industrial firms
surrounding them, Winnipeg's north end was the
home of thousands of immigrants, predominantly
but not exclusively, from eastern Europe. The
CPR and its related industries provided work for
the population. The YMCA had determined to
serve the many young men who were part of this
population. Its motivation, as always in that era,
was to bring young men
to Christ and to provide healthy, physical, sport
and social outlets for their energies to counter
the many bars, brothels and other negative
"amusements" that also served the area. The
new Selkirk Y was a four storey miniature of the
Central Y facility and was an instant success
with its target population.
What the YMCA had not counted on was a
financial problem that arose for both facilities.
For some strange sense of good citizenship, the
YMCA Governors had decided, prior to the
opening of the first Y structure, to support the
growing city and pay property taxes. It was a
situation which would plague the YMCA for more
than eight decades into the future, at one point
nearly causing the demise of the Winnipeg
Association itself. But it had a more immediate
effect for the Selkirk Y. By the early 1920's the
tax concerns of the unit caused such pressures
on the overall finances of the YMCA that the
building was closed and sold to the St. Paul's
College. It would appear to be the end of the
YMCA in north Winnipeg.
24
The PHOENIX: a story of the rebirth of an inner
city Y. . . (continued)
taxes. Within three years of opening the pool it
The spirit of the young men and their older
mentors on the Branch board were not to be so
easily dampened by the mere closing of their
four storey, full facility branch. Within a few
weeks, members had banded together and
raised sufficient funds to rent
a small store-front unit on Arlington Street,
about six blocks from their former home. Men
from the Program leaders group, all volunteers,
established a schedule to man
the facility in the evening and all day Saturday
and soon a small library, Bible study classes
and meetings to discuss various issues facing
the young men were once again attracting a
core group of former members. As interest
grew, sports and exercise programs were
initiated using local church halls and recreation
fields in warmer months. North Y lived on and
the Y Governors were delighted and gave it
enough support to hire a part-time staff person
to serve the expanding membership. The storefront, North Y, as it was now called, continued
on, moving several times until the late 1930's
when some local philanthropists secured a
small vacant lot further north on McGregor
Street and placed on it a box car from the
CPR's large stock of de-commissioned units.
North Y was moving toward a permanent home
again, although the small wood heater barely
provided enough warmth for activities in the
minus 30 degree temperatures of a Winnipeg
winter. But it was home. By the end of the
1940's a small building with central heating and
four rooms, one large enough for a gathering of
thirty participants was erected. At the same time
a group calling itself the North Winnipeg
Charitable Club was constituted, made up of the
original philanthropic group with other likeminded men. The dream of these men, and the
growing membership and small staff, was a full
complement building with Gym, Pool and
supportive features on the site. To create this
the Club started a weekly bingo program which,
together with help from the Winnipeg YMCA 's
own fund drives over the next three decades,
realized those dreams, a gym constructed in the
early 1950's and a fine pool in the late 1960's.
Further improvements in later years made it a
focal point in the area for quality youth and
family activities. The North Winnipeg YMCA
took its rightful place as a full partner with four
other full branches in Winnipeg.
But the old nemesis again reared its ugly head,
became clear that the branch could cover its
own operating expenses, thanks to a sound
membership and a-la-carte program base. But
the taxes were a burden that was draining
resources for repairs, staff positions and
program expansion. At one point the tax load
amounted to nearly fifteen percent of the total
operating budget. While branches in other
suburbs of the city received grants to cover their
property taxes, North Y and Central Y branches,
within the City of Winnipeg proper, were refused
relief in repeated appeals. The end was
inevitable. The Y had appealed again in the
early 1980's for support for needed repairs to
the plant so as to continue its services to the
area and for relief from the tax burden. The Y
based this new appeal on the basis that the
demographics of the north end had been
changing and more and more the original
eastern European residents were being
replaced by aboriginal families and Asian
immigrants. There was a growing need to serve
these residents, especially the youth. The city
had reduced its own recreational services in the
area several years past. The city refused, citing
“poor Y management” as part of its rationale. By
1988 the North YMCA again closed its doors.
The city claimed the property and facility but the
building was left to weather and after ten years
was beyond recovery, the pool having collapsed
and the rest of the facility suffering severe water
damage. But once again a ray of hope
appeared. Early in the new century a small
group of YMCA officials, the local 'Splash' day
care, and Ma-ma-wi-chi-itata, a native family
organization began talks regarding a new type
of service facility on the old site. Again
philanthropy came through in the form of a local
business leader whose family had been part of
the old Y. Under his leadership funds were
raised from individuals and local firms, and
grants generated from the Province of
Manitoba, the Federal Government, two large
local foundations and, believe it or not, the City
of Winnipeg, to construct a multi-service facility
housing the three core agencies together with
the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. Almost
exactly a century after the ground was broken
for its Selkirk Avenue parent, YMCA services
were emerging again in the north end.
25
The PHOENIX: a story of the rebirth of an inner city Y. . . (continued)
For the Y, gone is the pool but in its place a
large area is used for an indoor skateboard
park, climbing wall, play structure and work-out
machines. A shared gym is programmed by the
Y and the rest of the ultra modern wood and
glass facility houses the day care, and a large
aboriginal family centre open to all which
features inexpensive meals, places to gather
and family support services. The Health
Authority uses the upper floor for a fully
equipped, modern health clinic open to all.
Management of the facility is by a board on
which all partners were equally represented.
Even before its grand opening in April 2010 the
Y unit had 800 youth members. The Y services
are limited to youth 6 to 16 years at a fee of
$5.00 per year. Within six months the Y
membership stabilized at 1100 members and
the facility is booming seven days a week for all
agencies involved. The new Service Centre is
called the Win Gardner Centre after the mother
of the leader of the campaign to build the
centre, herself a philanthropist and activist in
the north end all her life.
Whether this
latest rebirth of
the Y and its
partners will in
some far future be
reduced to ashes
like its
predecessors is
yet to be seen, but
those of us
involved with
North Y over the
decades have
little doubt that the
spirit of the people
of the north end
and of the Y will cause some new version to
rise, phoenix-like, to take its place.
It is important to note that CanaFYR members
Gord Saunders, Hal Studholme, Brent Thomas,
Nancy Kolotylo and Jerry Jerrett have all served
in senior staff capacities in the North Branch Y.
All declare it to be their favourite branch
assignment in the Y.
A Visit from Uncle Wes . . .
by Hal Studholme
I got the news that Wes McVicar, the National
Director of Physical Education was coming for a
'visit' from my boss, Gord Saunders, the
Executive Director of the newly opened
Elmwood Kildonan Family branch of the
Winnipeg Y. I was the Men & Boy's Program
Director, single and working 8:00 am to 10:00
pm six days a week just for the fun of it. I had
served my apprenticeship under Syd Glenesk
for three years previous at the Central branch. I
was experienced, trained, ready. I was worried.
Two weeks back I had received a copy of Wes's
book about the Physical Director's job with its
detailed chapter on an orderly office, desk, files
and general organization. I had only glanced
through it but remembering some of its contents
created a sense of impending doom. I took
stock of the situation.
My office was the swimming pool office and a
war zone. I hadn't seen the desk top in weeks.
Just finding the phone was a multi-minute task.
I shared the space with more than forty teen
and adult leaders who taught the swim classes
throughout the week, I had no trouble with the
accommodations, but I dreaded my visitor's
reaction. I gathered clip boards scattered
around the room into a neat pile on top of the
file cabinet and closed its drawers at the same
time. Hopefully he wouldn't look in. I found the
office chair under a pile of new leader T shirts
that had yet to be distributed. They got
crammed into the stand-up cabinet with the
demo life jacket, copies of the National YMCA
Swimming Program, three large boxes of
awards badges and my winter coat. It was 3:10
on a Tuesday in September and Wes was due
to arrive at 3:30. I still had time. And then I
looked up. He was standing in the doorway with
a puzzled but (I hoped) friendly smile on his
face.
26
A Visit from Uncle Wes. . . (continued)
“Hello Harold,” he said. Only my mother called
me Harold and then only when I was in trouble.
He stepped in and closed the door. We shook
hands; strong grip; I returned it. Manly stuff. He
suggested I close the door into the pool. “For a
bit of privacy,” he said. The temperature, already
at 30 degrees began to rise, and the humid air
from the pool didn't help. I began to sweat
profusely. After removing one last T shirt, Wes
sat in the damp chair, cool and calm as if in an
air conditioned luxury suite. We exchanged
pleasantries about Syd and Jack Bernhardt. He
even said he remembered me as a teen leader
at Toronto West End Y when he was Executive
Director in the 50's. Then the interview began.
We discussed my desk, still strewn with papers,
file folders, a dozen pencils, and the now newly
discovered phone. No comment. “Did you read
the book I sent,” he asked. “I'm still working on
it,” I responded lamely. He stood and walked to
the record player by the pool window. After
removing the candy wrapper on the LP he noted
the title, “Dave Brubeck, Les Vipond would
approve.” Turning he took note of the one open
desk drawer. “Better throw out that half-eaten
sandwich and use the space for those files.” I
wondered if I should crawl into the drawer
myself. All through this Wes's tone was friendly,
even helpful. I looked at the clock, it was 4:10.
The door burst open and four of my best leaders
swept in, chattering and laughing. “Hi Hal, where
are the clip boards?” They all added a cheery,
“Hi.” to Wes to which he responded, smiling
broadly, by standing and saying, “Hello ladies.”
The rest of the after school class leaders began
to cram into the office. I despaired. Wes, on the
other hand seemed to be enjoying the
commotion. As usual it was organized chaos. But
the excitement of those great kids was infectious.
Wes stood and shook my hand. “Guess it's time
to go. Perhaps I'll stay and watch the classes for
a few minutes, if that's alright with you.”
He stopped in the doorway and over the rising
din said, “By the way, Syd says you did very well
at Central, Gord is quite pleased, and Ing Jonas
from West End sends his regards. You're doing
fine. Just read the book.”
A Bit of Humour from Below the Border . . .
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.
Perks of Being Over the Hill
People call you at 9 p.m. and ask, “Did I
wake you?”
There is nothing left anymore to learn the hard way.
You can eat dinner at 4:00 in the afternoon.
Things that you buy now won’t wear out.
No one expects you to run anymore.
Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
You are no longer viewed as a
hypochondriac
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.
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”
27
He Comes from Old Vancouver with a Bandage on his Knee . . .
Tielines received a note from Louis Vulliez on
his recent knee replacement. The following is the
text with certain explicit details omitted.
with wall to wall windows facing the North Shore
mountains. No pain of course, because I'm still
total numb from the waist down.
As I write this letter, it reminds me that exactly 7
days ago at this time, I was sitting sideways on
the operating table, with the most beautiful nurse
at Lion's Gate holding my shoulders, facing me,
with her face about 4 inches in front of me, to get
me into the correct position for the
anesthesiologist to inject me with his needle in
my lower back. I actually had to constrain myself
from leaning forward more to kiss her. But from
that point on - I was in La La land.
Since then? I found that on the second day in
hospital, when sitting on the John, my knee was
able to bend close to 90 degrees. That was good
news. After being taught how to use the crutches
properly, I was able to walk on the flat, and up
and down stairs. (All I have to do is stop myself
form going too fast.) Stupid French impatience I
guess.
They sure have their routine down pat. From all
the enquiries I'm getting, this is just to update you
on the first seven days.To me, the worse part of
the operational experience was the 3 hour
"recovery room" time Tuesday afternoon. Boring
as Hell, nothing to do, put up with the constant
tests and monitoring, recovery questions, but
hey! It all had to be done. Then my move to the
"ward". It was like I'd won the lottery (it actually
is). Private room, end of the hall, top floor, (6th?)
Even better news now, is that as of Friday, (The
day after discharge) I've discarded the one
crutch, and am getting around easily using one
crutch only. Yes, I can now put full weight on the
leg.
I do a lot of pain management with ice packs and
Hydromorphone, elevation and exercise. Bottom
line? Recover is doing well, and I get my staples
out April 6. (I'll have to send you a before & after
pic)
28
Just for laughs . . .
n the end.
o
y
u
g
Y
l’
o
o ok at
Oh great! L grasped the concept.
’t
He still hasn
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!
29
Canadian Fellowship
of
YMCA Retirees
CONSTITUTION
and
BY-LAWS
30
Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees
The Constitution
(4th 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.
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
main characteristics of the
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.
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.
31
Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws
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 ByLaws 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.
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.
32
Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws
The By-Laws
4th Revision
1. Membership
Membership 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
1. Membership: This section
specifies procedure for qualified
individuals to obtain and retain
membership. The payment or nonpayment 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
The national officers (called collectively the Executive Committee) shall
be:
Past President
President
President Elect
Vice-President West
Vice-President Central
Vice-President Atlantic
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership Coordinator
Tielines Editor
Secours Spéciaux Chair
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.
5. Election of Officers
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.
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.
5. Election of Officers: This
provision requires that the
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,
3. Regional Roles and Officers (Provincial Representatives)
Regional roles may be determined and assigned by the appropriate VicePresident.
4. Terms of Office
The term of office of the elected officers is two years or until their
successors have assumed office.
33
Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws
5. Election of Officers (cont’d):
Unless unavailable for any reason, the President-Elect will assume
the position of President, without election, by the terms of this bylaw.
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."
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.
6. Vacancies
Vacancies on the Executive Committee may be filled for the unexpired
term by presidential appointment in consultation with the Executive
Committee.
7. Duties of Officers
Past President
A. 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.
President
A. 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-Elect
A. 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.
34
Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws
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
year. The fiscal year shall close on December 31st
F Chair the Finance Resource group.
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.
35
Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees — Constitution and By-laws
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” Editor
A. 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 Spéciaux
A.
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.
Chair, Secours Spéciaux – B.
Donations to Secours Spéciaux go
directly to YMCA Canada who give
tax receipts for same.
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.
36