The disaster that struck Japan in March struck us all. The loss of life and destruction of homes, the suffering of people whose lives had been turned upside down in minutes, were all shown in horrifying clarity.

We are part of the global village that media guru McLuhan wrote of decades ago. The participation of CanaFYR in the world organization heightens our connection to YMCAs in distant land.

This issue is dedicated to the YMCA of Japan and its efforts to cope with these terrible

circumstances.

INSIDE . . . .

Disaster in Japan 1

Reports 4PresidentSecours SpéciauxMembership

Remembering 6

Coming Events 9

Reunion 2012 10

Report and more from BC 11

YMCA-YWCA of Saint John 15

Jack Pearse Song Leader 18

Letter from Pete Seeger 20

Profiles 22Hugh MarchandIvan EatonIan Fleming

Secours Spéciaux 25Global Retirement Initiative

Spring 2011

The Newsletter of the Canadian Fellowship of YMCA Retirees

Tielines

We, Japan YMCA, fortunately all staffs of the local YMCAs and the National Council are safe. Some local YMCAs, especailly, Sendai and Morioka YMCAs where are located in Tohoku region are in the serious situation and lack of essential utilities until now.

We set up the YMCA Emergency headquarters at the National Council and keep collecting informations and coordinating resources.

We really appreciate pray and condolences from YMCAs all over the world. May all people in the disaster can gracefully and completely avoid from the danger or suffering, and May God takes care of them.

Shigeru Shimada, General Secretary, The National Council of YMCAs of Japan

Aloha Jack: Very good to hear from you. I have been in touch with most of our YMCA friends in Japan. They are all safe. None of the Sendai YMCA staff were lost and the YMCA building there sustained only minor damage. Japan YMCA's National GS, Shigeru Shimada attended a summit meeting of NGOs and the assigned YMCA role will be to work with the aged, disabled, children and foreigners. It was felt that the past experience of Japan's YMCAs qualified them to serve those specific populations. Much is still unfolding and a lot still has to come into focus. However, any messages of condolence and support are gratefully received. Of course, contributions to the YMCA there supporting recovery are certainly in order. I hope all is well with you. Don

This is the front of the Sendai YMCA in the heart of the city. Sendai is the major city closest to the epicenter of the earthquake. It is a bit inland, so it escaped tsunami damage and was only slightly affected by the quake.

This picture was picked off “Google Earth” which provides street level photos as well as satellite images in some places.

The following message was sent to CanaFYR President, Jack Bernhardt, from Don Anderson who is Chairman of WFYR, (World Fellowship of YMCA Retirees).

The above map shows the nearness of the city of Sendai to the epicenter of the earthquake. Although the city proper was not much damaged, its coastal port was devastated. See picture overleaf

The depressing task of trying to put a home back together.

continued next page

Disaster in Japan (continued)

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Disaster in Japan (continued)

The horrific effects of an 8.7 earthquake the YMCAs, responded quickly to avoid the followed by a tsunami are shown in these kind of after-effects where hundreds more pictures. Urban areas struck the most victims are added to the initial toll because of severely, were left with all buildings lack of shelter, food, water and medical completely demolished and much of the area treatment.under water. Citizens are left in a state of shock, wandering around dazed, looking for May we be mindful that all over the world the remains of their homes and for family, YMCA’s may be called on to play their part in hoping to find them alive. dealing with such events at any time. May we

honour our confreres in Japan and rejoice in When some semblance of order returns, the their ability to rise to the challenge in the very first task is to get needed supplies to the recent earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear survivors. This must come from outside the disasters visited upon them. disaster area. The Japanese people, including

3

Greetings from the President

April, 2011

There are many positive activities happening for our group. I am pleased with how ourteam works together. Thank you all who are working to keep CanaFYR on the move. Let me list some of the activities: In this Tielines check out the info about our 75th Anniversary, September 2012, to be held at Geneva Park. I have spoken by phone with over 50 Members who have been missing for sometime. Everyone has been pleased to be called. The executive is looking forward to a face to face gathering and planning for a May 18th meeting. It is great to see several New Members have enrolled, a big Welcome to them. Kudos to Gary Schofield for a “Super” Tielines which keeps us all up to date

It is sad to learn about our friends in Japan. I have received information from Yukio Yamasaki, a Y retiree in WFYR; I will share it with you when I can. I hope this issue of Tielines finds you in good health or as best as you can be.

Have a great summer, Be Safe.

Jack Bernhardt

REPORTS

SECOURS SPÉCIAUX

YEAR’S END REPORT

2010

Laurie BorneChair, Secours Spéciaux

Secours Spéciaux is an international fund administered b y t h e W o r l d Alliance of YMCAs that provides financial support to long-term Y staff and volunteers in need due to medical or other emergencies. CanaFYR is a leading contributor to the fund and is now represented on the World Alliance Secours Spéciaux Committee.

The annual campaign for member contributions to the Secours Spéciaux fund got underway in early May. By July, $8112 had been contributed. That grew to $11,422 from 76 contributors by year end, slightly under the $11,785 of the previous year but the lowest total in the past six years. Emergency situations in Haiti and Pakistan affected how some members made their contributions this year. The average donation was $151, slightly ahead of 2009’s $147. Interestingly, over the past six years, the number of donors has been increasing but the average donation has been decreasing.

For 2010, we had 7 new donors and 1 renewal after a lapse. 14 donors increased their contribution while 12 decreased. 42 remained the same as last year. Eighteen 2009 donors did not contribute in 2010; if they had done so at last year's level, our total would have been $1375 higher.

The online auction netted $3,212.75 which has been forwarded to Y Canada and since transmitted to the World Alliance. There were still a couple of outstanding cheques at year end. This was the least successful year of the past three. Nonetheless, the auction has contributed more than $12,000 to the Secours fund in its three years of operation.

4continued next page

51 auction items were available from 33 donors with pension available from their national movement or a retail value of $11,016. The number of members their government. Please see a separate Tielines who submitted items was down to 16 from 26 the article for more information. (Pages 25 - 30)previous year. We had 44 bidders, 24 of whom were members, 20 of whom were family and The combined figure for individual donations and friends. the auction for Secours Spéciaux 2010 was

$14,634.75.We wrote to over 30 national companies seeking gift certificate donations for the auction. Only M&M Meats responded positively (and generously). Most did not reply. Those that did were sponsoring other community organizations aligned with their business or required a charitable registration number.

28 members responded to our brief Auction survey. While the feedback was highly positive, two strong themes emerged: 1. the need to make auction items readily

accessible to people anywhere in Canada 2. The need to get more people involved as

contributors and bidders.

I was officially confirmed as a member of the World Secours committee July 12 at the Hong Kong meeting of the committee which President Jack Bernhardt attended. At that time, two requests for financial support were awarded. In one case, the application had been made due to a medical condition and before the application was considered the individual died in India. Because the family had significant medical expenses due to the individual’s illness, the request was granted. In another case, an individual in Ghana was awarded support for an ongoing medical problem.

A second new member to the Committee is Yukio Yamasaki (Japan) representing East Asia. The other members are Reg Wake (England) - UK; Eckard Geisler - Germany; Clifford Sileya -Zimbabwe; Don Anderson (USA); Jerry Prado Shaw (USA) - Chair of the World Fellowship of YMCA Retirees, Mireille Gilles (Uruguay) - Latin America and P.M. John (India). Suzanne Watson is the World Alliance staff member who assists the committee. The Chair is Bonnie Mairs of the USA.

The committee has recently approved designating 70% of the Secours Fund to continue aiding medical and emergency situations and 30% to begin a Global Retirement Initiative Project attempting to provide for retiring Y staff that have no

Membership MattersBy Jackie Kennedy

Spring has sprung - crocuses are blooming (it comes slowly to Toronto) - what a beautiful sight! They may be small but they are so uplifting.

It is also CanaFYR membership renewal time. Payment has

been received to date from 169 of our 262 members. If you have yours ready to go, please take that last step and mail it to us. We had 14 new members join last year. Are we going to be able to match or beat that number this year?

Keep those names and addresses coming! Thank you to those who have supplied us with names of possible members. We have sent them an invitation to join with a package of information on the Fellowship and our activities. Hopefully we will be able to welcome them eventually as members. The personal touch seems to work best. If you have renewed old acquaintances, people are more open to accepting our invitation to join.

We would like to welcome the following new members:

Bill Dobie - TorontoHeather Green - EdmontonColin Hatcher - EdmontonHugh Marchand - TorontoValerie Slater - WinnipegDon Worthen- Charlottetown

Reports (continued)

5

REMEMBERING

some of the best Canadian universities, Les McILROYand authored the book, "The Managers' Les (born April 4, 1934 in Winnipeg). He Mentor." passed away in Toronto on January 11,

2011. Les will be missed by many but Les did a stint as Fellowship Secretary at especially his wife Ruth Fothergill and the the Ottawa YMCA in 1951 and 1952; he kids, Jennifer and Andrew. was an outstanding staff person at the ‘Y’ resident camp On-Da-da-Waks. On During his career, Les sold everything from Fellowship he ran the day camp for the Tide to oil and the federal government. He Central YMCA in Ottawa. He was a friend held top jobs at top organizations and and colleague of CanaFYR former worked with many others: Proctor & president, Jack Pearse. He was also a Gamble; Ogilvy & Mather; Bristol-Myers; high school buddy and fellow Hi-Y Bushnell Communications and Manulife member with President Elect, Bill Financial. In addition he was Chief of Staff Thorsteinson and Tielines Editor, Gary to federal cabinet ministers, a lecturer at Schofield.

Physical Director at the Saint John YMCA Faulds James Orchard from 1960 to 1964. He then moved to the This former YMCA staff person who Chicago suburban area and worked at the worked in both Canada and United States, Park Ridge YMCA and the North died February 5, 2011. He was born Suburban YMCA in Northbrook. He was February 13, 1936, in Saint John, New president and owner of a Limousine Brunswick, Canada. He attended George Service in The Chicago area. He is Williams College in Chicago, Illinois survived by two sons Richard F. Orchard where he received his Bachelor of of Las Vegas, NV, and Scott J. Orchard of Science degree in 1958 and Masters Gurnee, IL. degree in 1964. He worked as the

Canadal meetings, including most Annual Mary Agness Pollock meetings during John’s years there, August 6, 1925 -April 1, 2011particularly impressed with Voyage "84 in

Mary passed away at North York General Halifax, and the one in Vancouver, plus

Hospital ay the age of 85. Known and very some US annual meetings as well. She also

much appreciated by all of us, she was the attended all of our retiree Reunions.

loving wife and rock-firm supporter of John She was born and grew up in

Orr Pollock, one of our illustrious Past Vancouver, attending UBC,

Presidents, and the loving mother of Cathy acquiring degrees in both

(Terry O’Hearn), John, and Don (Paula L.R.S.M. and A.R T.C., which

Sousa); dear Gramma of Gaven, Whitney left her well prepared for the

(Billy), Hillary, Samantha and Alexander.many years of piano teaching

M a r y w a s v e r y i n v o l v e d i n and singing in church choirs,

Copeland/Bubge, both in support of John, highly cherished activities for

as a member of the Executive, and playing her. Mary was a very warm

the National anthem at many of our and up-beat lady!

meetings. She attended many YMCA

Harold Dean Axon 1919 - December 28, 2010Harold (’Hal’) died at the age of 91. An accomplished athlete, teacher, and coach at the High School of Commerce, he was also an avid bridge player and world traveler. Hal contributed many years to YMCA camps On-Da-Da-Waks and Red Pine.

Lois McKie December 2, 2010 Lois, who had been residing in the Sunnybrook Hospital Veteran’s Wing for several years, grew up in Prince Edward Island, and belonged to the CWAC (Canadian Women’s Auxiliary). A very quiet and reserved person, Lois worked at Toronto Central YMCA for many years with Alex Owen and Leith Drury

6

6

established an award in his name for Professor Kirk A. W. Wipperstudents in their second or third year of C.M., O.Ont, K.S.J., B.PH.E, study who demonstrated leadership and

B.S.W., M.A., M.Ed., D.Mus. a concern for the natural environment. Kirk was awarded the Arbor Award by the

Kirk Wipper was born December 6, 1923 university. He also ran an excellent TV and grew up on a marginal farm near series for CBC, ‘Walk with Kirk’. Kirk is Grahamdale, east of Lake Manitoba. recognized as a pioneer in the There he attended a one-room school development of outdoor education in where he completed eight grades and Canada.was a lone scout. His high school education was by correspondence. In the 1950’s, he began his collection of

canoes and kayaks at his boy’s camp, In Winnipeg, while training to teach, Kirk Kandalore, in Haliburton, Ontario. His joined the YMCA and discovered the collection was moved to Peterborough exhilaration of gymnastics and organized where, on July 1, 1997, the Canadian sports. He taught at King George School Canoe Museum of canoes, kayaks and in Winnipeg for one year. The leadership rowing craft opened. Over a 45-year qualities developed as a teacher and as a period, he collected more than 600 senior leader at the Winnipeg ‘Y’ were put canoes and kayaks which now form the to use when he joined the Canadian Navy greater part of the exhibits at the during the Second World War. He served Canadian Canoe Museum. He dedicated on the Atlantic and was one of three who his life to promoting and preserving the volunteered to serve in the Pacific. They canoe as a symbol of Canadiana.had just passed through the Panama Canal to the Pacific when the war ended. As a further testament to his canoeing

fame, he was knighted in 2002 in the After the war, Kirk studied geology at the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem University of Manitoba for one year and - Knights Hospitaller. Kirk received the then completed a degree in Social Work Order of Canada in History in 2002. Kirk before taking a Physical and Health was a past president of the Canadian Education degree at the University of Recreational Canoeing Association. In Toronto. As an all-round varsity athlete 2003, he was awarded the Order of with insatiable drive, he completed his Ontario medal in Education, in part, for Physical Education degree in two years his many years of untiring efforts in and worked for one year as secretary of preserving the canoe history of Canada. the Central Toronto YMCA. he was a forty-five-year volunteer with the

Royal Lifesaving Society, eventually His work at the ‘Y’ took him to Camp serving as national president. He was a Pinecrest, where Kirk’s love of canoes National Director of the Duke of and canoeing had its real beginning. He Edinburgh awards in Canada.saw the canoe as a vehicle for exploring a wide range of leadership training Kirk Wipper was the Principal and methods as well as a way to approach the Chancellor of TAIE (Toronto Academy for natural world. International Education) in

Toronto, with programs that In 1950, Kirk joined the faculty of Physical include English training and and Health Education at the University of university preparation.Toronto as a senior professor 1950 - 1988, remaining there unti l his Kirk’s life was well lived and in retirement. Kirk was a popular professor his own words he has during his tenure. In 1990, the faculty “Travelled On”.

REMEMBERING

7

One of Kirk's favourite poets was 19th Century To every man there openethEnglish writer William Arthur Dunkerley, who, under the pen name John Oxenham, wrote, "For A Way and Ways and A Waydeath begins with life's first breath, and life begins at the touch of death." So ends an era. And the High Soul climbs the High WayAnd so begins another, hard as that is to fathom at this moment. And the Low Soul gropes the Low

As you may know, Kirk was honoured last fall And in between on the misty flatswith the Ron Johnston Lifetime Achievement Award by his peers and colleagues in the Ontario The rest drift to and fro;Camping Association. In conjunction with this honour, the OCA made a short film to mark the But to every man there openethoccasion.

A Way and Ways and The Way* Near the end of this retrospective on his life, Kirk—prophetically, as it turns out—recites a And every man decidethpoem called "The Way" by John Oxenham. There will be much more to be said and done to The way his soul shall gomark the passing of this life that has brought us all together, this life that has done so much for This past evening, sadly, a High Soul has Canada ... but until we all get organized and paddled on.back on our feet I leave you with these words spoken by Kirk himself just a couple of months Jim Raffinago and send them along with stunned disbelief, Canoe CanadaI'm sure you share, that the time has come to say goodbye to our old friend. *(this is Kirk's personal variant on the poet's original line)

Additional Remembrances of Kirk Wipper

8

EASTERN ONTARIO - QUEBEC

THURSDAY - MAY 26 . 12:00 NOON

At the Ruddy Family Y 265 Centrum Boulevard, Orleans

This branch of the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA has undergone a major expansion of its facilities and has added a new gymnasium and a pool with state of the art facilities and equipment

Come and see what the Y is doing in this fast developing part of the city; enjoy meeting old and new friends over lunch. There is a $12 fee to cover the direct expenses of this event.

SOUTH CENTRAL ONTARIO

2011 SPRING LUNCHEON

THURSDAY MAY 19At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, 42 Charles Street East

12:00 noon - LUNCHEON, GUEST SPEAKER, AND CanaFYR UPDATES

OUR FEATURED GUEST SPEAKERS ARE:

Garth and Ann ToombsWith their story of the Rotary Club support work in Uganda

Garth and Ann are long-time residents of Calgary and Garth currently serves as CanaFYR’s Vice-President of the Western Region

Garth and Ann have had the opportunity of being personally and directly involved in Rotary’s support efforts in Uganda and will present both a look at the overall situation, the program being provided, and the plans for the future as well as stories about some of the beneficiaries, how they are progressing, and their earlier struggles. They will share their experiences from several visits to Africa through PowerPoint pictures and personal stories

Come and enjoy an informative and stimulating presentation,

We hope to see you. Please cofirm your attendance by May 20th by calling:Janet Buchan at the Y, 613-237-1320 x 5041 or Jack Bernhardt 613-342-2212

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SPRING IS HERE . . . . .and so are CanaFYR Meetings invitations

CanaFYR REUNION IN 2012We have reserved space at Geneva Park for

by Russ Davey September 18 to 20, 2012 for the reunion. That would be the 5th anniversary of our last reunion at

Would it not be great to have a gathering of our we which founded CanaFYR as a successor to Canada-wide YMCA retirees at Geneva Park in Copeland-Budge in an effort to strengthen ties 2012!! between YMCA retirees from coast to coast.

Some of the moves - like the marvelous job Gary Last Fall Murray Faulkner, on direction of the Schofield is doing with Tielines - are receiving CanaFYR Executive, asked me if I would assess both praise and encouragement. 2012 also marks the feasability of having such a reunion. If it the 100th anniversary of the founding of the looked like enough of us were interested and National Council of YMCA’s of Canada, and the would try to build it into their plans, I would be 75th anniversary of Canadian YMCA retirees’ first charged with acting as chair to stage the event. efforts to keep their YMCA connections alive.

With some trepidation I agreed. A pattern has I have already recruited a team including emerged over the last couple decades, first with Regional Vice Presidents and others from coast to Copeland-Budge (Canada), chapter of NAFYR coast led by Ursula Hoehner to canvass all and now reconstituted as CanaFYR, to get members to check for interest. Those replies will together every five years to re-connect, renew hopefully empower all of us to get on with working relationships, share old times, and find out what is on program features, maximizing our time happening now in our personal lives and in the Y. together, and travel issues. (Two suggestions that

Louis Vulliez put forward was establishing a Attendance has been good, and evaluations quite voluntary travel pool, and/or meeting Fly-ins at the positive for each of these past events. Most have airport to get to Geneva Park, and back, thus been held at Geneva Park, though we have reducing at least those travel costs for more gathered at Ottawa and Peterborough too. distant members.) It is a given that we must keep Geography and the location of the vast majority of cost as low as possible. retirees restrict possible sites, and this poses a significant financial decision to those of us who All reactions and suggestions are eagerly sought, live further away - and who might also feel especially the answer to the question: Can you “distanced” from their YMCA connections too. It is come? If it’s a “yes” or even a “maybe”, please a discouraging reality that for some of us health add to the momentum by joining Ursula’s team. issues and mobility challenges dictate what we Contact and encourage particular YMCA people can and cannot do. But getting together (as many (and their significant others) to plan to join you as can) to share space and time and memories is there. worth the effort.

In spite of my enjoyment of retirement ease, I’d be delighted if you said, “GET TO WORK”!!!

The favourite activity for most of the attendees was nostalgic reminiscing with old friends and colleagues — some new ones as well. The favourite location was the lounge in Geneva Park’s conference centre

REPRINT OF PHOTOFROM 70TH REUNION

10

On Thursday, April 1, 2010, all 12 members of the BC CANFYR gathered together for their tri-semester mid- Following lunch, Treasurer Condie quarterly meeting at the newly opened reported that our finances and Robert Lee YMCA on Burrard Street in investments were performing Vancouver. The YMCA staff had admirably, and when asked what bank graciously offered a spacious section in he was using this year, he replied, “I’ve their daycare centre knowing that we forgotten.” Battistelli suggested we would require special attention and should donate our surplus funds to a supervision. worthy cause – Glover said he doesn’t

care for dogs – Cook replied that they The meeting opened with the 6 from had enough frogs already on the Island Vancouver Island complaining about – and Vulliez said he doesn’t blog. Our their boat trip over to the mainland, but caregivers quietly stepped forward and the rest just told them to paddle harder. turned on all our hearing aids, to Glover from Maple Ridge also tried for disappear again into the background. sympathy because of his trip, but was given no consideration other than “Get Gillmore then shouted, “So why are we a better horse & buggy then!” all meeting today? What’s wrong with

the minutes of our previous meeting in The 2 Owen brothers began their usual 1974?” “Because we have to submit a verbal fisticuffs across the table until report!” replied Sproule. “What kind of they learned that lunch was to be report?” asked Watson. “A report on served. So they, and everyone else dug what we do out West!” said Owen. “Oh, into their fortified pabulum, and peace that’s easy.” Said the other Owen. was restored. Each person’s caregiver carefully put on our bibs and moved So all twelve members relaxed, closed our wheelchairs closer to the table to their eyes, and had their afternoon nap. avoid the spills.

Report to CanaFYR from BC

The above report was sent in by Louis Vulliez, Provincial Representative for British Columbia. The expectation of a meeting of CanaFYR members in BC came as a surprise to all in that province but they gamely did their best to accommodate by holding a get-to-gether that was virtually real (or really virtual). Since no photos accompanied this item, participants are represented by totem avatars.

11

Our Western Canadian YMCA Heritage

Yes, some of you will remember the time when we had Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Leader's Corps. I grew up in the YMCA during that era.

This group photo was taken in 1960, when the Senior Leaders from Western Canada would get together for an annual Conference. This one was held in Winnipeg. What did we do? I can remember gymnastic competitions, group meetings & discussions, a religious service on the Sunday morning, and elections for officers for the forthcoming year. Did we party at night? Does anyone remember?

This one was attended by 51 Senior Leaders - 4 from Vancouver, 4 from Edmonton, 13 from Calgary, 7 from Regina, 6 from Moose Jaw, 5 from Brandon, 12 from Winnipeg, plus our illustrious Wes McVicar. Actually, besides Wes, 6 were employed Physical Education staff. Can you pick them out? Can you pick me out?

What's significant to me is that 2 of the staff in this picture "recruited" me from the boy's gym program to join the Junior Leader's Corps when I was 12 years old. Their names were Syd & Bill. My life then changed.

What's also significant is that I fell in love with one of the attending Leaders from Edmonton, (she's easy to pick out) but I was so immature at the time, I couldn't even relate to her. Oh well, I guess it just wasn't meant to happen.

Back row: Louis Vulliez, Winnipeg St. Vital (5) - Rod Gleeson, Regina (6) - Syd Glenesk, Winnipeg Central (13) Third row: Joe Gould, Moose Jaw (5) - Wes McVicar, National Council (12) Second row: Aleck Recsky, Calgary (1) - Bill Halstead, Calgary (9)

All the rest were volunteer leaders.

I know it's normal to list all the names of people in a group photo, but only some westerners will know anybody. I will however identify anyone if someone writes me an email asking - "who is the eighth person from the left in the 3'd row?" for exampleLois Vulliez, Provincial Rep., BC.

12

first seven days.To me, the worse part of the He Comes from Old Vancouver with a operational experience was the 3 hour "recovery Bandage on his Kneeroom" time Tuesday afternoon. Boring as Hell, nothing to do, put up with the constant tests and

Tielines received a note from Louis Vulliez on his monitoring, recovery questions, but hey! It all had to

recent knee replacement. The following is the text be done. Then my move to the "ward". It was like I'd

with certain explicit details omitted.won the lottery (it actually is). Private room, end of the

hall, top floor, (6th?) with wall to wall windows facing

As I write this letter, it reminds me that exactly 7 days the North Shore mountains. No pain of course,

ago at this time, I was sitting sideways on the because I'm still total numb from the waist down.

operating table, with the most beautiful nurse at

Lion's Gate holding my shoulders, facing me, with her Since then? I found that on the second day in

face about 4 inches in front of me, to get me into the hospital, when sitting on the John, my knee was able

correct position for the anesthesiologist to inject me to bend close to 90 degrees. That was good news.

with his needle in my lower back. I actually had to After being taught how to use the crutches properly, I

constrain myself from leaning forward more to kiss was able to walk on the flat, and up and down stairs.

her. But from that point on - I was in La La land.(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

I just love historical pics, and this is one that tells so many stories. It looks just like the gym at Victoria Y where I first started my professional career in 1957.

From Out of the West

The realities of geography and demographics make it hard to have face-to-face meetings in CanaFYR’s Western Region. But as far as keeping up with our colleagues out ‘thar’ we are blessed by the contributions to Tielines by Hal Studholme in Winnipeg and Louis Vulliez in Vancouver. ‘Pics’ both historic and ones he takes himself are a special interest to Louis. We hope he will continue to grace our pages with his newsy items, humour and graphical contributions.

“Say cheese everybody

13

Assen, Dale, ‘65Alliston, George O., ‘61Andrassy, Michael, ‘57Bailey, Richard R., ‘62Balsden, Douglas, ‘66Barnet, James, Robert Arthur, ‘67Bell, Ronald R., ‘59Benne, Karl H., ‘61Bernhardt, John (Jack), ‘57Bonnenfant, Ms. Dot, ‘72Bonnefant, Louis P., ‘43Bratton, Dr. Robert D., ‘59

Editor’s Note: The list of GWC grads and some pages from the Alumni magazine were sent in by Bill Owen, another ‘West Coaster” (is that the right term?).

The “Shoe Factory”, the original Hyde Parkcampus of George Williams College

Aurora University

George Williams College

14

The YMCA- YWCA

of SAINT JOHN

EDITOR’S NOTE: Last September while visiting my sister in Saint John, New Brunswick, I went around to the local YMCA-YWCA. I talked to staff and took some pictures. Unfortunately my computer was victim of a nasty virus which necessitated the reformatting of my hard drive and I lost the pictures and text of my visit. The above image of the Y building being demolished by a monstrous machine was picked off Youtube. Although it is a bit disturbing to see a fairly modern looking Y being thus reduced to rubble, the Saint John YMCA-YWCA is a good example of the developments in many cities who have just rebuilt or are in the process thereof. The following is a rewrite of my article from my notes.

The city of Saint John NB, not to be confused cultural history. It is split down the centre by the with St. John’s NL, is a very interesting mighty St. John river with its famous Reversing Falls community, the largest in New Brunswick, the in the heart of earliest to be incorporated in Canada. It has a long the city. Two history as the site of conflicts between England h i g h l a n d and France, and later, England and its rebellious ranges and a colonies to the south (now known as USA). It has coastal plain been the destination of various waves of p roduce a immigrants, mostly as refugees: United Empire topography Loyalists in the 1700s; escaped slaves in the that is by 1800s then later, many of the Irish who were times kindly forced out of their homeland by the potato famine. level to the

p e d e s t r i a n Its geography is as interesting and varied as its and by times

Saint John YMCA-YWCA . . . continued next page 15

Saint John YMCA-YWCA . . .

The history of the Y in Saint John is likewise interesting and varied. It was the fourth YMCA to And in 2009:” From a singular focus on Hazen be founded in Canada (1854) just after those in Avenue, the Y Montreal, Toronto and Halifax. now serves

the community In 1870 the first YWCA in Canada was begun in this f r o m 1 5 city, however it remained separate from the YMCA l o c a t i o n s for over a century. a c r o s s

Greater Saint Then in 1873, the first YMCA buildings to house John. Chi ld gyms open in Saint John, New Brunswick along c a r e h a s with those in Toronto, Ontario and Charlottetown, grown to 10 PEI. c e n t r e s

serving over The Saint John YMCA took a leading role in the 500 children. development of programs and services that S e t t l e m e n t became a standard part of the Ys of the times, Services on

snotably Leaders Corps, Y Men Clubs, Hi-Y Clubs. B r o a d v i e w A v e n u e , i s

In 1954 a new building replacing the venerable home to an brick block style edifice (shown at right), was average of 70 opened. adults every

day who are In 1985 the YMCA and YWCA amalgamated and l e a r n i n g continues to be one of eight such YMCA-YWCAs in English as a second language, and meeting the the country. challenges of being a newcomer in our city.

Hundreds of children learn to swim through the Y at As the new millennium began, the Y was having the Saint John High School pool.”increasing financial difficulty. Their building, now 50 years old, needed major repairs they could not The map shows the geographic locations of the afford. Their property in the centre of the city was schools, community centres, parks, churches and an important asset. Things came to a head in 2005 a mall where the YMCA-YWCA provides services. with a severe budget crisis. An interim CEO, George Rogers, recruited Pat Davis from the Niagara Falls YMCA to come to Saint John as the President and CEO of the Y. The building was sold and in 2008, torn down to make room for a major civic project.

Pat Davis’s challenge: get us a new building. But meanwhile programs and services to members and community must continue. The YMCA-YWCA put its effort into expanding and improving the many community based sites it operates. Like other Ys across the country it formed partnerships to offer programs in schools, municipal facilities, and churches. In the Annual Report of 2008 the Chairman of the Board said: “Your Y continues to improve all its locations and facilities. It is more evident than ever that your Y is not a building but a family built on caring, respect, honesty, enrichment, and accessibility.” Saint John YMCA-YWCA . . . continued next page

Saint John YMCA-YWCA . . . continued from previous page

16

It was fascinating to learn how this Y coped with the loss the new building and of its building and has gone on to provide innovative and the organization of a effective programming in an impressive number of capital campaign to locations scattered about the city. But I particularly make it possible. wanted to get the prospective from the staff point of “Constant growth is view, so I arranged a meeting with CEO Patricia Davis. my main aim”, said

Pat, leaving me in Pat greeted me very warmly when I arrived at her work a d m i r i n g premises in the historic Maritimes Beverage Building wonderment as to where the Y rents space and shares the large building the energy she must with an office supply business (see No. 3 on the have to stay on top locations’ map). Although a bit makeshift the Y has their of all this.

F o r e s t G l e n C o m m u n i t y CentreOne of the ten child care programs takes place at this community centre which shares a building with an elementary school (No. 6 on the locations’ map). The children participate in gym, games, crafts, and social projects. About 20% of the 50 or so participants have special needs: wheelchair users, visually or hearing impaired, autistic. Heather Oldfield supervises a staff of five who work from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM with children from K to age 12. Heather who has a diploma in Early Childhood Education says the main requirement of the job is patience – with the children and with the young staff,

One of these staff members is a young man named Kyle Mallett. His contact with the Y began in early teens at the Friday night youth dances through which main administrative offices here as well as an extensive

he became a member of the Junior Leaders Corps. He educational service directed at refugees and other participated in the weekly training sessions and the immigrants who are learning English and employment volunteer work that the corps did for various Y skills. programs. In 2007 he was one of the youths who went to Niagara Falls as part of an exchange program. His Classes were ongoing as I met with Pat in her office. 1000+ hours of volunteering won him an award as Sixty some participants keep seven classrooms and outstanding leader/volunteer. He has been a CIT and sixteen staff busy with education and other settlement Counsellor at summer camp and is now part-time staff oriented work. Pat introduced me to one class of eight at Forest Glen. students who exhibited differing cultural backgrounds;

they gamely smiled and nodded just as if they knew Always cheerful and willing to help, Kyle has found a what I was doing there and understood my words of place where he is able to contribute and where his greeting.efforts and skills are truly appreciated. I know this to be true, not only from Kyle but from his mother and Pat talked of the extensive program the Y maintains in grandmother too who just happen to be my niece and their several sites. They work in partnership with three sister. The important role the Y has played in Kyle’s life municipalities conducting activities in Community g a v e m e g r e a t Centres. Ten after-school and five full-day child care s a t i s f a c t i o n a n d programs are a big part of the Y’s services. The Y has a confidence that the resident camp and day camps, and the full range of YMCA continues to be fitness and swimming programs. International a most potent force in emphasis includes a special project in Trinidad and t h e h e a l t h y a n d Tobago and events for the observance of Peace Week.c o n s t r u c t i v e development of youth.In addition to giving leadership and inspiration to the

staff who conduct these program, as CEO Pat has special responsibility in the negotiations for property for

Saint John YMCA-YWCA . . . continued from previous page

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PARENTS CENTRAL honours CanaFYR former President: Jack Pearse

Recognition of Jack’s contribution to youth and camping was in the form of an article in the organization’s magazine – by Mary Albino. Most of it is reprinted below

WATERLOO—If you were to talk to Jack Pearse on the phone, you would guess, from what he was saying and the inflections in his speech, that he was maybe 9 going on 10. But in real life, Pearse is in his 80s, nearly 10 years into retirement and has 77 years of summer camp behind doing.” Pearse has no burning love for sailing, him. however, or bird watching. That’s not why he camps.

“Do I like canoeing, wilderness treks, swimming? I Pearse and his wife, Helen, live on a quiet street off do. But they aren’t why I like camp. What I like is the main drag in Waterloo, smack dab between the being with kids. I like helping kids be themselves. University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. And where is better to do that than far away from Photos of their four children, in sand boxes and then normal life, surrounded by friends, singing songs?”later at weddings, are displayed on most surfaces in the sitting room. Pearse wears a vintage blue and He built Tawingo into a place where interactions are white 1960s Camp Tawingo sweatshirt that he’s kept guided by fun and respect. At the core of the Jack neatly in storage since then. “It still fits!” Pearse method of leadership is the idea that if you

focus on character, skill will follow. “If a person feels Pearse is one of the great leaders of the Ontario like they matter, and that you believe in them, the camp tradition. After a stint as the director of Camp learning comes.” It’s not about being the fastest On-Da-Da-Waks (now Red Pine Camp) in the Ottawa swimmer or the most talent bracelet maker. Jack’s Valley, he founded Camp Tawingo in Huntsville in got proof.1960 and was director until his retirement (son Mike now heads the camp). Pearse was a president of the “I was the coach of the University of Waterloo golf Ontario, Canadian and American camp associations, team in the late 1960s even though I knew almost and longtime chair of the International Camping nothing about the sport. But we won all sorts of Fellowship. The Jack Pearse Award of Honour is championships,” Pearse says. The secret? “Go right given annually in recognition of outstanding service to the hole and cheer for them. Tell them they’re the to the Canadian Camping Association. He was also a best.” Pearse encouraged the players to approach founding faculty member of the recreation and leisure golf like a team sport and look out for each other the studies department at the University of Waterloo in way a soccer or basketball team would. In 1968 where he taught generations of camp leaders. recognition of his contributions, Pearse was inducted Considering he doesn’t have a university degree, the to the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. title of professor always amused him. Let’s just say “Funny for a guy with not much sporting ability.”the man knows how to build a campfire. Of all his contributions to camp life, Jack is perhaps The story goes that when Pearse was 3, his parents best known as a song leader. spent a summer volunteering at Camp Kitchikewana Despite what he said was a significant dose of on Beausoleil Island in Georgian Bay. Pearse was nerves, Pearse would stand up after lunch in front of hooked: “There was never anything else I thought of 200 kids who had just gorged on grilled cheese and

18continued next page

chocolate pudding and were facing an hour of rest; he Camp Directors to what was then Crimea, a peninsula in would focus their energy through tunes like southern Ukraine. “Skinnamarink,” “Alouette” and “Let There Always be a Song.” The softer, sweeter “Steal Away” or “Wade in the They visited Artek, a camp started by Nadezhda Water” would conclude the session. Krupskaya, the wife of Russian revolutionary Vladimir Pearse almost always speaks in the plural (“We did this Lenin.The camp was like a city: 4,000 campers, 2,500 song, We recorded that album.”) and it’s not always clear counsellors, a hospital.who he’s talking about. What is clear, however, is that for Pearse wanted to know what they were singing. him, everything is collaborative. “When you hear the words camp and Crimea together you For bigger events like campfires, it was Jack Pearse & The think — well, bad things. Boy were we wrong!” Pearse Boys Camp Band: Tom Knowlton, Jim Knowlton, Peter said. Rasberry, Mark Baldwin, all musically inclined senior staff “You should have heard the piano players. We’d start a members at Tawingo in the late 1970s and 80s. Together song, sing one verse and the refrain and next thing you they released three albums including the 1980 LP, Clap know there would be perfect, elaborate accompaniment by Your Hands & Lots of Other Great Songs you can Sing. a tiny 12-year-old.”Members of the band rotated over years, but the originals still make guest appearances, at the right event. Then there was the time Pearse was asked to lead

singsong for a delegation of German camp directors who Pearse has also written a number of books on gaming and were staying at the summer residence of Canada’s primer programming for summer camp. Camp Fire Programs with minister. Pearse started with “My Hat, It Has Three Jack Pearse (1984) and More Camp Fires Programs with Corners” and the German’s replied with “Main Hut, der hat Jack Pearse remain a staple among camp leaders in drei Ecken.” Like that, it was confirmed. The camp song Ontario. tradition was international. Pearse, however, claims to have no natural musical ability. Pearse wrote an article about the history and tradition of He just believes that singing is where bonds are formed. camp singing in the July 2010 edition of Camping “It’s not about making a pretty song. It’s about creating a Magazine. In it Pearse argues that people all over the singing experience that is fun, inspiring and easy to world sing songs like “Kumbaya.” This icon campfire song remember.” Pearse steps out of the room and wife Helen, has come to mean peace and caring for others nearby and also in her 80s, leans over and whispers: “You know, he all around the world.was quite the song leader in his day. Oh yes he was.” In early 1991, when Jack was chair of the International It’s a summary of Pearse’s mission. Camping Fellowship, he travelled with a delegation of

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Here is the KOBE massed choir singing“Kum-Bah-Yah” among other spiritual;evidence of the song’s world wide popularity.

For more on Kum-Bah-Yah read an exchange of letters between Jack and Pete Seeger on its origin. NEXT PAGE

In the fall 2010 issue of Tielines we reprinted part of an article that former CanaFYR (or Copeland-Budge at the time) President, Jack Pearse, wrote on the history of camp singing for the magazine of the American Camping Association, part of their celebration of their 100th anniversary. Folk song icon Pete Seeger saw the article in “Camping Magazine” and sent a note (depicted at right) to Jack.

This resulted in an exchange concerning the origin of “Kum Bah Yah”

Here is the text of Seeger’s letter to Jack:

Oct 14 2010 Jack replied:

Dear Jack –November 30/10

Belated thanks for your article on camp Dear Pete & Toshi!

singing. Incidentally, at the Library of Congress I heard 2 tapes of a gospel song

You are always so kind in acknowledging “Come By Here” in the 1920’s. I think that

references to the enormous contribution you have Marvin Frey really thought he made up the

made as the premier advocate of the relevance song, but subconsciously he remembered

and importance of group singing.it. This has happened to me – I thought I

the whole world is striving to travel in your remembered making up a tune for a slow

gigantic footsteps, especially those of us who seek children’s song. Thirty years later I

to emulate you.remember a marching song of George

When we chatted at the Washington D.C. Washington’s army in 1783, collected in

International Camping Conference, in 1987, you New Jersey by a friend, Frank Warner.

suggested that we might write a history of camp Completely different words.

singing. It was noted that the history needed your thoughtful input.

old Pete

A Letter from Pete Seeger

20continued next page

Now you have shown, conclusively, that Music in the Dancing Eyes of Children”. Joanne “Come By Here” is not Marvin Frey’s original. Bender wrote the music and we had lotsa fun WOW, I should write a sequel, in ACA magazine, leading it at conferences and at camp.because that song (and its origin) had a key Some time later, I was humming songs place in my article. from “Phantom of the Opera”. When I got to “Lala

In 1954, I was convinced that Larry Eisenberg Lalala The Music of the Night”, I phoned Joanne had ‘discovered’ the song while he was a and asked her to hum that last line, then hum the missionary in Africa. However, he was always last line to “Dancing Eyes of Children”. We puzzled that he couldn’t uncover the ‘translation’ decided not to follow through on our threat to sue of ‘Kum Bah Yah’, when the rest of the lyrics Andrew Lloyd Webber.were English. So, he went investigating and Over the years, you have given us (The found a person, in Tennessee, whose Boys’ Camp Band and me) great, great pleasure, grandfather had sung the song, ‘Come By Here’. none more memorable than your invitation to That was one time I should have done more ‘in- have us visit your hotel room following your depth’ work session at the 1987 Washington D.C.

One can suppose this kind of thing has International Camping Congress. That was happened to many of us. At an A.C.A. particularly special!conference, in the 80s, a keynote speaker’s theme was, “The Dancing Eyes of Children”. I Cordially,was intrigued, by this, and, on the way home, I Jackthought of the first line for a new song, “There is

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A Letter from Pete Seeger (continued)

Kumbaya, my Lord, kumbayaKumbaya, my Lord, kumbayaKum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yahO Lord, kumbaya

Someone’s laughing, Lord, kumbayaSomeone’s laughing, Lord, kumbayaSomeone’s laughing, Lord, kumbayaOh Lord, kum ba yah

Someone’s crying, Lord, kumbayaSomeone’s crying, Lord, kumbayaSomeone’s crying, Lord, kumbayaO Lord, kumbaya

Someone’s praying, Lord, kumbayaSomeone’s praying, Lord, kumbayaSomeone’s praying, Lord, kumbayaOh Lord, kum ba yah

Dear Gary, Of course, I can't deny that my fondness for those halcyon days at the Y is also due to the fact that I

From time to time I Google the names of past met my wife of 37 years there. Maureen Rettie - friends and colleagues with whom I have lost touch she has kept her name - worked with Dennis long ago. The search led me to "Tielines" and an McClelland, John Ferguson, Stan Gural and others edition in which you invited 'lost souls' to drop you a too I'm sure, downstairs in the 'executive suite' at line. College Street. She too has good memories of

those few years. Of course that might be in the I appear on your list, thanks largely to Tony Fry's context of subsequently raising three boisterous hilarious account of Bill Thorsteinson's presentation kids, which was tough, and who now are all making of the first Metro Toronto budget. I am Hugh their way in the world with a spirit reminiscent of the Marchand and while I can't claim the tenure of late sixties; or are we kidding ourselves!many of the members - I was Manager of Administration reporting to Ron Clark from 1969 to Since my Y days I have both volunteered and 1972 - I can say that my time at College Street was worked in not-for-profit organizations, interspersed one of the happiest periods of my life. Having only with business assignments, and always found it worked in the private sector previously, it was a helps to repair the soul.marvelous revelation to work in an organization where the competition for scarce resources had I owe a special debt of gratitute to Henry Labatte social benefit as its currency. for counseling me during a time of personal crisis

just after I started at the Y; to Ron Clark for not I arrived at a challenging time: the amalgamation of firing me when, nitwit that I was, I decided to run for the city Ys into Metro had just taken place, and part municipal office two months after starting work - of my job was to help (and sometimes placate) thankfully I lost the election; to Bill Thorsteinson for formerly autonomous managers in the centralizing gently prodding me into coaching his Don Mills of admin processes. It went well because there was soccer team, which started me on many rewarding a sense of goodwill that I had never encountered in years in the sport.my previous jobs when someone's turf was being appropriated. But also, we were very well led and Anyway I'm sure that enough of a ramble from me. well organized. In later years after I returned to the I have one request: Stan Gural who was the After private sector (friends teased me, accused me of School program director in my time was a good returning to the 'dark side' - 'Star Wars' had made friend. I lost contact with him after I left and have its appearance!), particularly when I went into had no luck finding him since. Any leads?business consulting, I was continually amazed at how primitive the control systems were in some so- Best regards,called 'for profit' organizations. Henry Labatte would Hugh Marchandhave been tearing his hair (I know, I know) if he had seen some of the ad hoc processes that passed for strategic management.

CanaFYR

PROfiles

CanaFYRPROfiles

Hugh Marchand

Ivan Eaton

Ian Fleming

Hugh Marchand

Ivan Eaton

Ian Fleming

This section is for solicited information on members’ lives and careers and their comments and memories of their working days at the YMCA. However, the first of the three is from a newly joined member who sent me this nice letter that I thought qualified. – Thanks Hugh

22Profiles continues next page

group of confreres to help keep me on the straight and Profile - IVAN EATONnarrow. And they often did!! Somewhere in the mid sixties, I joined the National Council staff as Field M y f i r s t Services Secretary to work as a resource for the contact with southern Ontario YMCAs Windsor to Ottawa - a fun time the YMCA with more training and staff you have heard about often. was in my (I know I sound like a name dropper but the leadership last year of of the people like Les Vipond, Bob Torrance, Murray high school Shantz, Wes McVicar & Gordon Hodge was key to the when one of impact of the Canadian YMCA at that time. my buddies

asked if I I left National Council in '68 and headed up a small would like to eleven bed hospital for recovering alcoholics at 8 May go with him Street in Rosedale, Toronto which was part of the t o a f a l l Addiction Research Foundation. (The stories I could w e e k e n d tell you!!). Two years later, I was invited by the Bank of "conference" Montreal to create a training program for 17 to 19 year t o l e a r n old school dropouts, street walkers & young men and about a new women with addiction problems. Why a Bank? In program he 1969, Arnold Hart, Chairman of the Board, spoke to the was involved Halifax Chamber of Commerce at their annual meeting. in at the "Y" The topic was "The Social Responsibility of the called So-Ed. A weekend away sounded like fun and Corporate Citizen". I think he must have sold himself so it began. Within a year through the efforts and because that was the beginning of a program that still interest of Art Stinson, the Lakeshore Y Exec Director, a lives on in Montreal, Halifax and Winnipeg. great guy, I began a relationship that has lasted to this

day, some 65 years later. Art first hired me for the day In spite of all the wonderful experiences I had as a camp staff as the nature expert. (I think I inadvertently YMCA staff person, an opportunity to start an innovative mentioned I had, one time, studied some bugs or frogs retraining program from absolute scratch with a team in a biology class). Then it was basketball refereeing committed to learning as they were doing was the most in the local house league. (I was a much better referee satisfying work of my life. I retired from this program in than player) and helping with publicity and membership. 1991. One of the joys of my retirement is to be able to (I always have had the gift of the gab). say that the program is still thriving.

As I entered U of T, I became a Fellowship Secretary. I retired to a hobby farm in Iroquois, Ontario, home to You know what fellowship secretaries were? Low cost two Arabian horses, my wife Evelyn's passion. Evelyn labour, 20 hours a week which often became 35 or more is the equestrian - I tended to go down when the horse for the magnificent sum of $50 per month - no meals went up. In 1995, we moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake included. However, what a great learning experience. and between presidential stints with the Niagara Supper For the last two years of fellowship Dick MacDonald Club (a dinner/dance group of 63 years) and currently then exec of High Park Y was my mentor. Speaking of as the chief poobah of the Lawn Bowling Club (we've High Park Y, I'm not sure if I had much to do with it but in been in continuous operation for 133 years) I keep busy. the three years I was there as a full time & full fledged Golf with the WOOFs (Worn Out Old Farts) and the YMCA secretary, we went through Dick McDonald, mens' league is still a part of my life. My good lady is Dave Nicholson & Arnold Fraser as Executive Directors. very active in the local hospital auxiliary and also works What a group. in palliative care (her professional background as a therapist is most helpful here). We both enjoy a good In 1953 I moved to Ottawa YMCA as the Adult Program hand of bridge from time to time. During early Secretary where Art Buckley was General Secretary. retirement, Copeland-Budge became an important part (The incentive was that Art offered me $200/year more of my life. I had two and a half years as president and than Arnold Fraser offered me to stay at High Park). along with Jack Pearce and Murray Faulkner was much Lou Bonnenfant, Jack Pearse, Al Simpson, Sandy Keir, involved in the decision to separate from NAFYR and to Vic Hryhorchuk along with Art were part of a pretty damn develop a Canadian retirees group which is, today, the good team. Gary Schofield came on as I was leaving. thriving CANAFYR. It wasn't easy but I believe it was the right thing to do. Off to Toronto as Executive Director of North Toronto Y where Alex Owen, Bill Thorsteinson, Peter Noble were Worked into all of this activity are our five children and all part of this team with Ed Wybourn and George Allen nine grandchildren. What a life!.helping at the Metro level. You can see I had a great

23Profiles continues next page

PROFILE: Ian input and counsel as he brought a very eclectic Fleming until educational and life experience background to his recently YMCA former position. He received a BA in History and Canada Political Science from New Brunswick's Mount Archivist and Allison University, an MA in History from Oriel friend of College, Oxford, a Master of Information Studies CanaFYR (Archival Stream) at the U of T in addition to

completing advanced piano studies at the In mid- March, as renowned Berklee College in Boston. While on an a consequence earlier vacation, Ian put his musical mastery to of a staff re- good use as a dining room pianist in Edmonton organization, and in March played piano at a friend's father's YMCA Canada memorial service. feted departing Archivist IAN His mother's asking him to look up the family tree FLEMING who in Canada was the key to Ian's interest in matters had served in archival. Among other things, Ian discovered links

that capacity for ten years. During that time he to United Empire Loyalists. Later he became a was a regular contributor to the "Tie-Lines" bookseller at the now defunct Edwards Books in newsletter and a great friend of and advisor to the Toronto, was a bookseller at a shop in Charing earlier Copeland-Budge and current CanaFYR Cross Road, London and he also enjoyed another Executives. "It was a mutually beneficial stint in North American retail as a Sam the Record association" Ian reported, as he felt he learned a Man employee in Toronto.great deal about Canadian and International YMCA history, programs and people through the At his send off, many nice things were said about many informal conversations and exchanges with Ian, there was great cake and he was given a CanaFYR members over the decade. Our travel voucher which he put to good use recently President-elect Bill Thorsteinson ably represented on a flight to Berlin with side trips to Helsinki and and spoke on behalf of the retiree community. some other European sites that have always been

a part of his wish list. Ian may be asked to assume The Canadian YMCA has been part of short term contracts in the future. For the present, Peterborough-born Ian's life inasmuch as his the Canadian YMCA archival records are safely grandfather had served on the Peterborough stored at an off-site location easily accessed by a YMCA Board and had been involved in the computer terminal at Y Canada. Hopefully, Ian will governance of Camp Kawartha. As a boy, Ian took be able to attend the CanaFYR Southern Ontario swimming classes at that Association. During his Spring Luncheon when those who haven't yet had studies and travel he was a member of YMCAs in an opportunity to wish him well may do so.Greater London and Boston.

Tielines Staff ReporterNo wonder so many of us came to respect Ian's March 21st. 2011

EDITORS NOTE: Ian Fleming prepared an article for each issue of Tielines: YMCA Canada Archives Remembers. Based on National Council Bulletins, it contained information about staff changes (promotions, moving, hiring) from 40 to 60 years ago when many CanaFYR members were in early or mid-career changes . These articles were always well prepared and highly readable. Tielines readers will miss Ian’s contribution – we wish him “farewell” in the old- fashioned sense and “live long and prosper” in more modern idiom.

The cancelling of the position of Archivist saddens me because it was the only activity that seemed dedicated to strengthening the old sense of the YMCA as a movement. Nowadays YMCA Canada’s concern for things like public opinion polls and branding seems to be edging the organization towards a business corporation model. This is a good and necessary development, no doubt, but it is a bit uncomfortable to my ears to hear what was previously the position of “General Secretary” called “President and CEO”. Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?

24

NGO's. This loss of talent results from the need GLOBAL RETIREMENT INITIATIVEto insure a secure financial future for oneself and one's family not currently provided by the YMCA.

(This article by Laurie Borne is an edited The World Alliance Secours Speciaux (SS) Fund version of the draft proposal developed has been increasingly receiving requests to fund by Don Anderson, Past President of the retirements. The SS Fund is meant to provide World Fellowship of YMCA Retirees. financial assistance to YMCA staff and retirees CanaFYR members interested in facing medical or emergency circumstances obtaining a copy of the full document beyond their own resources. The SS Fund, in its can contact current form, would quickly be depleted if it were laurieborne@hotmail.com). to begin to fund YMCA retirements as a general practice. Another solution is required to provide a dignified retirement for career YMCA staff. The Global Retirement Initiative (GRI) is a response Recent studies show that YMCAs in more than to this need. 75 countries have no pension or health benefit

plans. It is estimated that hundreds of retirees are living in or at the poverty level. Many others

The GRI or Global Retirement Initiative is not a approaching retirement age are facing an retirement plan or a project, it is a simple viable uncertain future due to lack of a pension plan.initiative; a tool to aid YMCAs to retain and reward young, dedicated professionals with great potential. This initiative will not solve the entire This issue has been a significant concern and a problem, nor will it cover everybody. It will impact challenge for previous administrations at the a few in the beginning, perhaps a few dozens in World Alliance. The task is complex, difficult and a couple of years, and hopefully a few hundred extremely costly if we intend to develop a during the next decade.worldwide comprehensive plan but not so if we

focus on developing a more limited and targeted initiative.

We use the word “initiative” because the GRI is a beginning, a small step forward in addressing a huge problem. Initiative also means that For many years individuals within the YMCA individual YMCA staff members take movement have shown interest in finding responsibility or initiative in planning for their own solutions to the “unsecured retirement” or “staff retirement. And, initiative also implies that GRI security” issues. Serious studies were conducted is a response by YMCA colleagues who care in the past, including a very comprehensible deeply about the problem and want to do analysis conducted by the World Alliance of something, even if they cannot do everything, to YMCAs in 1974. Yet after more than 35 years solve it. and the best of intents, the issue remains

unresolved.

Often YMCA staff in developing countries arrive at retirement without a YMCA retirement income or government pension. After long and distinguished careers they face a life of poverty in retirement. The result is a tragic and unjust loss of human dignity or continuing active employment into old age beyond one's desires or ability.

The world-wide YMCA movement suffers the loss of many of its most promising young staff to employment by government agencies or other 25

Global Retirement Initiative continued next page

YMCAs of South America

The Global Retirement Initiative is a tool to help retain highly qualified young YMCA staff and to Beyond efforts by career YMCA staff and their help them plan for their retirement. It aims to individual associations, the YMCA movement serve staff that are making the YMCA their must provide a retirement funding mechanism for career. the most critical and economically deprived It will be global in scope and managed by the YMCAs, primarily in Africa, South Asia and Latin World Alliance of YMCAs. It is designed to America-Caribbean. This mechanism will be protect the existing Secours Speciaux Fund so developed within an expanded structure of the that it can continue to respond to emergencies existing Secours Speciaux Fund.faced by YMCA staff and retirees.

In recent years, the SS Committee has been responding to two types of requests:

The educational component is a key ingredient for the success of the GRI. Three major 1. Individual emergency situations triggered by audiences have been medical or other identified: e m e r g e n c i e s

which call for ·YMCA policy makers, f i n a n c i a l as well as local and assistance not global board members o t h e r w i s e should make a available. These conscious decision emergencies are not only to foster the i m m e d i a t e , GRI implementation, unan t i c i pa ted but to facilitate and cannot be mechanisms for the planned for.development and administration of a 2. Financial dignifying retirement s u p p o r t f o r plan for career ca reer YMCA professionals. staff facing retirement to a future of poverty

because of no or inadequate YMCA or · The GRI should help the individual develop government retirement benefits. These situations financial planning skills, to become a wiser are predictable but emerge as humanitarian planner and to excel in management and emergencies because of a lack of planning and leadership. It should equip them to prepare responsibility by YMCA leadership.intelligent succession plans and it will ensure stewardship and transparency. Because the SS Committee is already focused on

humanitarian concern for career YMCA staff and · The GRI will help the YMCA to recruit and has a history of responding financially to retain the best talent available to support the unsecured retirement needs, it is proposed that success and relevance of the YMCA in the SS is the best place within the YMCA movement community. This in turn will motivate the financial for an expanded response to the retirement contributors, because their investment will be problem in developing countrieshighly profitable in terms of social impact and relevance. Emergency Response Division of the SS fund will

be created with 70% of the existing SS Fund and Funds, development and implementation for this will receive 70% of future undesignated gifts to the educational component can be a joint effort SS Fund. It would also receive 100% of gifts between the World Fellowship of YMCA Retirees, designated for this purpose.the YMCA World Urban Network, and the Secours Speciaux Committee of the World Alliance of YMCAs.

YMCAs of AFRICA

26Global Retirement Initiative continued next page

GLOBAL RETIREMENT INITIATIVE (continued)

It is proposed to create three divisions within the SS Fund. These are:

GRI has several components:a. A plan to encourage qualified

YMCA staff to plan for their own future.

b. A method of allowing local and national YMCAs, and other donors such as partner Y M C A s , t o m a k e contributions in the name of GRI participants.

c. A separate GRI Fund that can make retirement grants to retirees based on need

d. A fundraising plan to support the GRI Fund.

It is not a worldwide retirement plan. It is not automatic. It is not for everyone. It needs to start foundations, other YMCA groups, etc.) who small. It might not work in every country. It is not have an interest in strong leadership and a total or final solution to the problem of success at a particular YMCA. The Donors will unsecured retirement. make their gifts, or series of gifts, for a

particular position or person of their interest. EMERGENCY FUND for responding to financial Gifts will be held in the name of the selected needs arising from medical or other emergencies staff within this section of the SS fund and faced by retired or current YMCA staff. This 2. retained until that individual's retirement. The UNSECURED RETIREMENT GENERAL FUND Funds will be placed in highly secure for career YMCA staff retiring without adequate deposits/investments under the oversight of the income, assets or family support and are facing World Alliance Investment Committee. There extreme poverty and hardship. It is to be noted will be rules for the establishment of a “named that this fund is a limited, one time humanitarian fund: and for payout at retirement.response to provide partial relief to a crisis that should have been prevented by individual and The draft proposal was circulated to the association planning. This fund will be created by CanaFYR Executive for comment before Laurie 30% of the current SS fund balance and will Borne provided our comments and general receive 30% of future undesignated gifts to SS. It approval of the plan. Subsequently, the will receive 100% of gifts designated for this Secours Speciaux Committee of the World purpose. Alliance voted to split the Fund into two parts --

70% to respond to personal emergencies 3. UNSECURED RETIREMENT NAMED FUND (medical, political, and other crises) and 30% to is at the heart of the GRI proposal, requires new be available for cases of unsecured retirement. efforts and has the greatest potential to attract Johan Vilhelm Eltvik, the new World Alliance new funding. It also will have the greatest Secretary General, has approved the proposal. impact on the quality of YMCA leadership in Considerable work lies ahead in further developing countries and on movement development of the plans and procedures strengthening. This fund will be created from necessary to make this initiative successful. gifts by donors (individuals, partner YMCAs, YMCA movements in developed countries,

YMCAs of Asia

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GLOBAL RETIREMENT INITIATIVE (continued)

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Laurie: It would be helpful to have a much better As a newly appointed member of the understanding of the operations of the Secours World Secours Committee, Laurie Spéciaux fund as it currently operates. Borne, CanaFYR’s Chair of Secours Specifically, what is the financial record of

Spéciaux, takes the opportunity to ask donations received, requests received, requests some questions approved, funds allocated and financial reserves

for the past ten years? By cc, I am asking Bonnie LAURIE: The proposed 70/30 split is a good Mairs and Suzanne Watson to provide that beginning and presumably allows for the ratio to information.change as experience warrants. I can support it in principle but have a number of questions and This information is being prepared and will be concerns based on our experience with the World coming to you.Alliance and the Secours Spéciaux fund.

Laurie: Canada, through the former Copeland-TO OUR CANAFYR FRIENDS, Budge chapter of NAFYR, and CanaFYR has been We would like to thank you for your interest and a major contributor to Secours Spéciaux. Since effort put into the Global Retirement Initiative 2000, CanaFYR has contributed $121,585 (an proposal, as well as for your thoughtful average of $12,159 per year).comments and contributions. We will try to respond to your questions to the best of our Your contributions and support are highly ability. commendable. We are most grateful to our Canadian colleagues and are happy to have Laurie: To begin, who has the authority to approve Canadian representation on the committee. this proposal? Is it the Secours Spéciaux Committee? The Secretary General? The Laurie: We have been largely operating on a basis Executive Committee of the World Alliance? of trust that the World Alliance has managed the Fund effectively.Effective January 1, 2011, the World Alliance of YMCAs is under a new administration led by the We believe the members of the Secours Rev. Johan Vilhelm Eltvik as the new Secretary Speciaux commit tee have the same General. assumption. Currently there is a high trust in

the stewardship of the committee and in the Laurie: The Secours Speciaux committee is World Alliance staff assigned to administer the appointed by the Secretary General of the World fund.Alliance of YMCAs. It is an advisory committee rather than a standing committee. Laurie: We have received limited and sporadic

information concerning the management of the The process for approving the proposed 70/30 Fund, usually in response to our queries. Regular split of the Secours Special Fund is as follows: reporting of fund activities has been non-existent; if First, the Secours Speciaux Committee reports were sent to NAFYR or Y Canada none exist approves the proposal and then sends it to the in files held by the CanaFYR Chair of Secours World Alliance Secretary General. He can Spéciauxaccept it, reject it or send it to his Executive Committee for further action. If he agrees and Regular reports are prepared by the World wishes to send it on, he submits it for Alliance staff and sent to the Secours Speciaux consideration of the officers (President, Deputy committee, usually just before a meeting. The

World Alliance staff is small and does not have Vice President and Treasurer). As a formality, time for detailed reports. The Secours Speciaux the proposal may be submitted for the committee chair could take this on, in a regular consideration and approval of the World schedule. Presently, the chair sends reports on Alliance Executive Committee. It can be a long the Fund to the WFYR newsletter and to the US process, especially if a decision is taken to Association of YMCA Retirees newsletter and consult with the national movements. also thanks major donors for their gifts. The World Alliance staff acknowledges every donation to the Fund. .

Laurie:. How many cases are considered by the The current intent is for the WFYR to provide Secours Spéciaux committee annually? How leadership in collaboration with the World many of these are retirement related? How many Alliance of YMCAs, but first the concept must are medical or other emergencies? What is the be approved in principle, before it is refined. ratio of applications to grants? This again would benefit from a ten-year perspective. Laurie: “It sounds like eligible individuals would

simply get a payout. Wouldn't it better if they A report is being prepared and will be sent to received a payout periodically over a period of you when ready. time, similar to how pensions work?”

Laurie: What percentage of donations goes to The method of payment will need further administrative overheads? What are the dollars study. International bank charges are very involved? high.

One hundred percent (100%) of every Laurie: “While part of the plan is to get younger donation goes to the program. None is used staff to start saving for retirement, would it not be a for administration. The World Alliance good option to make it possible for them to save covers administrative costs, including staff through a larger Y entity, rather than just time, bank charges, and telephone encouraging them to keep a separate bank conference calls. In addition, committee account?”members cover their own expenses to attend meetings. Usually the committee meets This may be possible in some cases. Swiss through email and conference calls. law will not allow such funds to be held in Switzerland. In any event, each case will be Laurie: How does the World Alliance ensure decided individually, depending upon the that allocations are appropriate and used as level of trust in the “larger Y entity” as well as intended? What quality control mechanisms are its solvency and ability to administer this type in place? What follow-up occurs to determine of “special fund”.the benefits associated with the grant?

Laurie: “Has any thought been given to involving There are no official mechanisms in place for an insurance program that would set up a quality control or follow up. We are working on retirement income for individuals being supported an honor system, trusting in the good will and in the plan? Some involvement of professionals honorability of the individuals that support who are in the business of setting up financial each request. (National Movements, or Area plans for people in retirement might be Organizations or committee members, or a worthwhile. GRI funds could be factored into the combination of these.) We have received planning.”thank you letters from many recipients. Perhaps we should consider a follow up Circumstances and laws vary from country to evaluation form. country. Cases must be decided individually.

We have to consider that this initiative does Laurie: To quote one of our executive members, not pretend to be for everybody, but rather for “The intent of the GRI is very positive. But the a few, , perhaps in the near future a few document doesn't give me any confidence about hundred. the plan to build the fund. Who will give leadership We have been dealing with the issue of to it? How does it get promoted on a world wide unsecured retirement for over 30 years, but we basis? How is the issue of language dealt with never before decided to work in a small and beyond the three mentioned? The target groups more modest manner, as the GRI proposes. for raising funds are good ones and perhaps more For years, we were trying to build the ”perfect thought has gone into this than comes through in plan”, but none of them was possible, so the the document.” issues went nowhere. We never arrived at

even a single pilot project. GRI is the first pilot project; this is a first concrete initiative.

29

We are in agreement. The chair will work on this.

Laurie: Another executive member states: “A major target should be the local Board of Laurie: One of our major continuing concerns Directors (in member countries). MANY is the lack of timely and effective countries have NO retirement plans and until communication regarding the operations of the they do the staff member has little incentive to fund. This makes it difficult to provide good do any planning and in many countries staff information to our members as we seek their salaries are so low there is little left over and financial support for the Secours Spéciaux with no local association plan little reason to be fund. motivated. So a plan to bring local boards to set up a plan and begin to fund it is job one.” This must be corrected. Your point is well

taken.We are in agreement. Moreover, most countries don't have retirement plans. The Laurie: I know that you and your colleagues Secours Speciaux chair was able to speak have put a great deal of time, energy, and to the National Executives of all National thought into development of this proposal and Movements at the recent World Council your Canadian confrères thank you for it! Meeting in Hong Kong. She encouraged Providing more secure retirement for YMCA them to discuss this matter with their staff is a daunting task. This is a good National President. beginning. There is much more work to be

done.

Laurie: Another comments: “The education Thank you! The current need is to obtain component is critical. As the HR Director in support from our principal partners and Toronto I found it quite difficult to convince continue to work to get approval from the young staff of the importance of retirement new leadership at the World Alliance to saving and planning. Finally, there may be an initiate the pilot projects. We will need your advantage to conducting a pilot project within a help and support.supportive country with a committed YMCA.”

Johan Vilhelm Eltvik, newly appointed General We are in agreement. We must start with one or two pilot projects.

Laurie: We believe that an annual report of fund activities should be made available to all contributors and national movements. This would strengthen the fund and lead to greater giving world-wide. The potential of the Secours Speciaux Fund is great and could achieve a great deal more.

We are in agreement as an integral part of the global strategy.

Laurie: The annual report should include status of the reserve (trust) fund, applications received for the year, applications approved, Secretary to the World Alliance of YMCAs. applications denied, anonymous information Announces strategic plan “NEW WAY” which concerning recipients/beneficiaries (their will impact Secours Spéciauxcountry or area, their former position with the The NEW WAY will address our Y), recipients of annual or longer term support, interconnected goals to be stronger as a funds dispersed, status of reserve at year-end. movement and to be visible and recognized

as a powerful movement for empowering youth and strengthening communities. 30

CanaFYR Executive Committee:

Past President – Murray FaulknerPresident – Jack BernhardtPresident Elect – Bill ThorsteinsonVice-President Atlantic – Bill VanGorderVice-President Central – Peter NobleVice-President West – Garth ToombsSecretary – Merle KisbyTreasurer – Bill ThorsteinsonMembership Coordinator – Jackie KennedyTielines Editor – Gary SchofieldChair Secours Speciaux - Laurie Borne

Provincial Representatives:

BC - Louis VulliezAB - Garth ToombsSK - Peter WhitenectMB - Brent ThomasON(W) t.b.a.ON(E) Bill DouglasPQ - Bill RussellNB - Ed FoxNS - Tony LugarNL/PEI Gary Bell

special Tielines correspondent:Russ Davey – “Remembering”

With the Stanley Cup playoffs at full throtle, this photo sent in by Bob Brown is to remind us of the days when there were no multi-millionnaire players, no lights, and you shoveled your own snow off the ice if you wanted to play.

Bob says this comes from the ‘36 - ‘37 era, possibly a rink beside the NDG YMCA in Montreal.

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NOTE NEW ADDRESS

YMCA Canada1867 Yonge Street, Suite 601Toronto, ON, M4S 1Y5

See the rest of Pete Seeger’s letter to Jack Pearse on Page 20

We shall overcome, We shall overcome, We shall overcome, some day.

Oh, deep in my heart,I do believeWe shall overcome, some day.

We’ ll walk hand in hand, We’ ll walk hand in hand, We’ ll walk hand in hand, some day.

Oh, deep in my heart,

We shall live in peace, We shall live in peace, We shall live in peace, some day.

Oh, deep in my heart,

We shall all be free, We shall all be free, We shall all be free, some day.