Growing Stronger With Your Community

BAY WINDOWS

SPRING 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS Growing Stronger with Our Community

3

4 5 6 7 8 PLANTING ROOTS by

Anthony Basile

A PLACE TO GROW by Branden

Guerin

OUR ANSWER TO YOUR WINTER BLUES by Nick

Lemma

COMMUNITY THROUGH FOOD by Jon Van Zutphen

THE BAYVIEW LODGE RENOVATION

By Stephanie Bandzak

MOVING FOR BETTER BALANCE

Testimonials

OUR MISSION:

9 10 12 13 14 15

A RAMP TOWARDS INCLUSION by Bill Baker with input from Jean Weller

SLIM POINT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT by Anthony DeFranco

PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION by Ken Parlin

SILVER BAY COMMUNITY IMPACT

A PARTNER IN GROWTH FOR TICONDEROGA’S FAMILIES by James O’Bryan

MILESTONES

To cultivate relationships, strengthen communities and nurture spirit, mind and body for all.

OUR IMPACT: Because of Silver Bay YMCA, connections between people and family are stronger. People are more connected, respectful and caring. They have the confidence to develop to their full potential and to positively impact the communities in which they work and live. As a result, communities are more dynamic, comprehensive and varied. As stewards of Lake George, we inspire people to be stewards of the environment while they are visiting our magnificent campus and in their home communities.

PLANTING ROOTS

Growing Stronger with Our Community

For me, a job is more than just a paycheck - it’s about finding a place where your work matters, and your life can grow alongside it. When I first arrived at Silver Bay, I was looking for an opportunity. An opportunity to bring my passion for food and experience in the industry to an amazing property with unlimited potential. What I found was something much greater: a community strong enough to build a future around.

From day one, this workplace offered more than employment. It provided stability, purpose, and a sense of belonging. The culture here values hard work, teamwork, and genuine relationships - not

just between colleagues, but with the surrounding community as well. Over time, those daily interactions with coworkers, guests, and local residents turned into something meaningful.

Three years ago, I was able to take one of the biggest steps of my life: purchasing my first home. A one-acre plot of land that I have now developed into the most wonderful homestead. That milestone wasn’t just about real estate - it was about commitment. It was about deciding that this community was where I wanted to build my future. It was about planting roots, figuratively and literally.

Buying a home represents belief - belief in your employer, belief in your community, and belief in the path you’re on. Silver Bay has given me the confidence to invest not only in my career but in my neighborhood. Working with the local teens at our after-school program is by far one of the most rewarding parts of the job. When you feel what you are doing every day has purpose, it carries over into every other part of your life. You shop locally. You meet your neighbors. You become involved. You care more deeply.

Today, I’m proud to say I’m not just someone who works hereI’m someone who belongs here. My job has become part of my story, intertwined with the home I’ve built and the life I’m creating in this community. Planting roots means committing to growthpersonal growth, professional growth, and community growth. Thanks to the support from our guests, the local community, and my peers that I’ve found here, I’ve been able to do all three.

Anthony Basile

Silver Bay YMCA Food and Beverage Director

A PLACE TO GROW

Growing Stronger with Our Community

Silver Bay YMCA is a place where many individuals come to grow. Whether that’s spiritually, personally, or professionally is up to each individual and the journey they are on. For Branden Guerin, who started working at Silver Bay in 2022, he’s grown professionally and personally during his time on staff.

Guerin, is a valued member of Silver Bay’s food service team and first started at Silver Bay in 2022 as a part-time employee. He proceeded to join the year-round staff in 2024.

When asked how working for Silver Bay made him feel, Guerin replied, “happy and greatly accomplished.” Guerin enjoys getting to meet

Silver Bay’s guests and members while working and interacting with his fellow coworkers.

He strives to bring a positive environment to Silver Bay while at work. “I bring positivity to help make Silver Bay succeed,” Guerin stated.

Guerin’s favorite part about working at Silver Bay is the people. “The summer there is beautiful and there are nice people in the summer. I love making new friends and seeing all the smiles on people’s faces.”

Guerin joined Silver Bay as part of a partnership between Silver Bay YMCA and Mountain Lake Services, a chapter of The ARC New York.

In October of 2022, Silver Bay YMCA was awarded “Supported Employer of the Year” by Mountain Lake Services. This award is a true testament to the beneficial relationship between Mountain Lake Services and Silver Bay.

“It’s truly an honor to have an employee as positive as Branden be part of our team. He’s a hard worker who is always willing to help. It’s been a pleasure to see him grow as an employee, and we’re very thankful to have him on staff,” Silver Bay YMCA Interim CEO Lucas Callahan stated.

Branden Guerin

Silver Bay YMCA Food Service Utility

OUR ANSWER TO YOUR WINTER BLUES

Growing Stronger with Our Community

FISHER GYMNASIUM

Summer up here at Silver Bay YMCA is totally heaven with swimming, boating, tennis on the red clay courts, and pickleball on the four new pickleball courts. Also, we enjoy watching the kids play soccer, beach volleyball, softball, etc. And spring and fall still avail you with boating and racket sports with friends who have not yet gone south. But when it comes winter…. you must be a hardy soul to live up here in the Adirondacks.

My wife, Kathleen, and I are now retired and spend most of the year living next-door to Silver Bay, in Arcady Bay. We are very thankful for Silver Bay’s generosity to

open up Fisher Gymnasium to the locals free of charge, a wonderful gesture that we don’t take for granted. It is always refreshing to reconnect with friends and other health-conscious locals who decide to stay and enjoy the winter months in the area.

On cold winter days we go over and use the exercise room with the machines and free weights. Whether it be a cardio workout or body building, the gym offers a complete exercise program. And there is also the rock climbing wall if we want to add some variety and/or another challenge. That’s on our bucket list!

In December, January, February and March we have played a number of pickleball matches with our local picklers in what we refer to as the ‘North Pole’ given that the main gym is definitely not heated. But with wearing plenty of layers of ski wear it is doable. Our big thrill has been to challenge our adult kids and their spouses to pickleball there over holiday breaks. Thrilling because it is something we are competitive with the next generation!

The big news is that Silver Bay has received a $1 million grant to insulate, heat and air condition the entire 109-year-old building in the near future. This will not only increase the number of those using the gym year-round but will make them more comfortable.

So, when the winter blues hit, please head over to the Fisher Gym…. we will be there either working out or chasing the pickleball around the gym. We look forward to seeing you.

Nick Lemma Community Member

COMMUNITY THROUGH FOOD Growing Stronger with Our Community

Silver Bay YMCA has long been a place where people gather not just for recreation and retreat, but for connection. At the heart of that connection lies something simple yet powerful: food.

Meals at Silver Bay are more than just a daily routine - they are a shared experience that brings people together across generations, backgrounds, and stories. Whether it’s families returning year after year, firsttime visitors, or staff members from around the world, the dining hall becomes a central hub of community life.

Each meal creates an opportunity for conversation. A simple breakfast can turn into a meaningful discussion about life experiences, while dinner often becomes a time of reflection, laughter, and storytelling. In a world where people are often rushed and disconnected, these moments of intentional gathering feel especially meaningful.

try something new. This variety mirrors the people who come to Silver Bay - each bringing their own traditions, perspectives, and tastes.

Ultimately, food at Silver Bay YMCA is not just about nourishmentit’s about connection. It creates space for people to slow down, engage with one another, and build relationships that often extend far beyond their stay. In sharing meals, guests also share pieces of their lives, strengthening the sense of community that defines Silver Bay.

Being able to truly put a smile on our guests’ faces when they eat a meal at Silver Bay, or try new foods is what motivates me, and many individuals in food service, to continue striving to do their best. The honor of being able to serve the Silver Bay community and see the effect each meal we put out has on them, motivates me to keep thinking of new meals and offerings we can bring to the table.

The tables at Silver Bay are more than a place to eat; they’re a place where community is built, one meal at a time.

Food also reflects the diversity of the Silver Bay community. From classic comfort meals to dishes inspired by different cultures, the menu offers something familiar while also inviting guests to

Jon Van Zutphen Silver Bay YMCA Sous-Chef

THE BAYVIEW LODGE RENOVATION

Growing Stronger with Our Community

BAYVIEW EXTERIOR RENOVATION DRAWING

As Silver Bay YMCA continues to grow with our community, thoughtful investment in campus facilities is essential to ensure this special place remains vibrant and welcoming for generations to come. One of the first steps in this effort is the planned renovation of Bayview Lodge, a guest accommodation building located along Silver Bay’s scenic lakefront.

Constructed in the 1970s, Bayview has served an important role on campus, but its design and condition no longer reflect the character of Silver Bay’s historic architecture or the expectations of today’s guests. As part of a comprehensive property evaluation conducted by facility planning consultants Gro, Bayview was identified as the most strategic starting point for a series

of campus-wide improvements. While the building occupies one of the most beautiful locations on campus, its exterior appearance, interior finishes, and amenities currently make it one of the least appealing lodging options.

The planned renovation will transform Bayview both functionally and aesthetically. Improvements will include new universally accessible lodging options, additional conferencing and meeting space, air conditioning , and inviting outdoor gathering areas. Modernizing this underutilized building will enhance the guest experience, expand the flexibility of accommodations, and help place Silver Bay on a stronger financial footing.

Equally important, Bayview establishes the standard for future improvements across campus. Planned next steps include renovations to other cherished facilities such as Hepbron Hall and The Inn - ensuring these historic spaces can continue serving the community for decades to come.

Through thoughtful planning and investment, Silver Bay is strengthening its campus for the future while honoring the legacy that makes this place so special.

Stephanie Bandzak

Senior Architect at Gro

MOVING FOR BETTER BALANCE

Tai Chi Class Testimonials

“The Tai Chi class offered by Silver Bay as part of its community outreach is a fantastic opportunity. We are all well into the senior citizen range (except for one) and have a range of abilities, but we are all concerned about improving balance and flexibility. Sam is an amazing instructor - he explains things very clearly and has unending patience working us through the moves. When we started the course, he showed us the routine we would be learning, and I thought ‘He doesn’t know what a bunch of mis-fits he has’ - but he has done it!! We are all actually moving together and mastering the routine. Sam is a born teacher and it is wonderful that Silver Bay is providing this opportunity.”

Linda Cunningham

“The Silver Bay YMCA has initiated a Tai Chi class [Moving for Better Balance]! The class is conducted in a positive and comfortable environment, which is key to encouraging clear understanding and enjoyment. The instructor uses purposeful, sequential instruction that builds skills step by step, making it easy for participants to follow along. Rather than focusing on perfect precision, praise is given generously to boost confidence and motivation!

There is a very social element to this Tai Chi class, making it much more than just a workout. Participants not only learn the gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi, but also enjoy connecting with others in this friendly and very encouraging environment while strengthening the body and improving balance!

Ultimately, the combination of clear explanations, encouraging feedback, and social interaction creates a welcoming space where students feel inspired and comfortable to grow at their own pace.

Before the first class, prospective students may have felt a mix of curiosity and uncertainty; by the conclusion of that inaugural session, those initial questions gave way to clarity and excitement!”

Jim Cunningham

Moving For Better Balance was developed by Fuzhong Li, PhD at the Oregon Research Institute with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[YMCA] and the National Council of Young Men’s Christian Association of the United States of America (“YMCA of the USA”) are committed to supporting healthy lifestyles through the Moving For Better Balance program but do not guarantee any specific outcomes for program participants.

A RAMP TOWARD INCLUSION

Growing Stronger with Our Community

One of the many charming qualities about Silver Bay YMCA is that it’s cherished by many. Silver Bay has, and always will be, a crossroads where generations coalesce for vacations, conferences, spiritual guidance, and much more.

Silver Bay YMCA members and guests encompass a wide range of physical abilities. Their needs should be met in their accommodations and at all other locations on campus. Silver Bay has helped address accessibility concerns by adding ramps to buildings, automatic door openers, and by installing grab bars in the showers.

One area that still has room for improvement regarding accessibility is the Boathouse. This concern was originally brought to my attention by my friend Jean Weller, whose son – Paul – must use a power wheelchair to get around.

Paul’s wheelchair is unable to safely navigate the rocky incline from the walking path along the shore of the lake to the Boathouse dock – where the Silver Spirit is moored, leaving Paul unable to participate in Silver Spirit tours. This is when I first recognized the need for a safe, durable ramp at the Boathouse. Not only for individuals with disabilities, but so that any

differently abled individual can easily access the fun to be had on the lower level of the Boathouse.

With Paul in mind, I began donating, along with other Silver Bayer’s, towards the construction of a ramp connecting the shore path to the dock and Silver Spirit.

Silver Bay’s willingness to grow and develop the accessibility of its campus and amenities, gives me hope that other Silver Bayer’s won’t have to miss out due to accessibility challenges in the future.

Bill Baker

with input from Jean Weller

SLIM POINT IMPROVEMENTS

Preserving Legacy and Lake Stewardship

For generations, Slim Point has been one of the most recognizable and beloved areas of the Silver Bay YMCA campus. Overlooking Lake George and easily identifiable from the water, the Slim Point beach, lawn, and the Brooks Pavilion have served as gathering spaces for recreation, reflection, education, and community connection. As both a landmark and a functional outdoor venue, this area plays a vital role in the Silver Bay experience.

The Slim Point Area Outdoor Improvements Plan was developed to serve as a thoughtful, longterm guide for enhancing Slim Point while preserving its historic character. The intent is not to reinvent Slim Point, but to strengthen it, ensuring that it continues to serve future generations while expanding opportunities for programming,

accessibility, and environmental stewardship.

The overarching goal of the plan is to improve, preserve, and expand the use of Slim Point, including the beach, lawn area, and the Brooks Pavilion. Through collaborative discussions with Silver Bay leadership, a set of clear objectives was developed. These objectives shaped a comprehensive site plan that balances architectural enhancements, improved access, and environmental improvements.

One of the primary objectives is to better integrate Slim Point with the broader Silver Bay YMCA campus. While Slim Point has long functioned as a destination space for swimming, there is opportunity to strengthen both physical and visual connections to other campus facilities.

Central to this effort is the renovation of the Brooks Pavilion. Improvements will honor the structure’s historic character while enhancing its appearance and increasing programming flexibility. Updated finishes, improved functionality, and subtle architectural refinements will allow the Pavilion to accommodate a wider range of events and seasonal uses.

Proposed upgrades to the space include the creation of a formalized accessible vehicular drop-off area, regrading portions of the lawn to reduce slope challenges, and installing a new ADA-compliant walkway. These changes will improve access from the parking area to the beach and the Pavilion, making events and daily use more comfortable for guests of all ages and mobility levels.

SLIM POINT IMPROVEMENTS

Preserving Legacy and Lake Stewardship

By addressing accessibility proactively, the YMCA reinforces its commitment to inclusion and community engagement and reinforces connectivity between the campus areas.

A key element of the improvement plan focuses on increasing flexibility and expanding the variety of programming options available at Slim Point.

The proposed updates include renovation of the Brooks Pavilion, relocation of the existing volleyball court to create an adaptable lawn space, and the relocation of the fire pit for improved flow and safety.

Addressing drainage challenges with current storm water measures will further enhance the site’s usability by preventing water accumulation and maintaining healthy turf conditions. Strategic planting of native plantings in storm water retention areas around the Pavilion and walkways,

will protect Lake George from storm water runoff, enhancing the seasonal beauty of Slim Point while supporting pollinators and reducing long-term maintenance.

Additional improvements include replacing aging benches, removing dead trees and eliminating the many invasive species that can be found in the fringes of the wood lines, managing underbrush, and future stabilizing eroding shoreline areas. Shoreline stabilization is particularly important for preserving the integrity of the shoreline and protecting the longterm health of Lake George.

These environmental upgrades ensure that enhancements feel authentic to the site’s historic character while strengthening ecological resilience.

Slim Point has long been a place of gathering, recreation, and reflection. This improvement plan builds upon that legacy

by enhancing accessibility, expanding programming potential, and reinforcing environmental stewardship — all while honoring the history that makes Slim Point so meaningful. This plan emphasizes environmental responsibility and lake stewardship with the surrounding landscape.

Collectively, these improvements allow Slim Point to serve multigenerational guests, educational programs, recreational activities, special events, and community gatherings with efficiency and comfort. Through careful planning and phased implementation, Silver Bay YMCA can ensure that Slim Point remains not only a recognizable landmark from the lake, but a vibrant and functional space for generations to come.

Anthony DeFranco DeFranco Landscaping Inc.

PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION

Ticonderoga Community Early Learning Center and the Northern Lake George Foundation

“By working together, the Early Learning Center and the Northern Lake George Foundation are not only supporting children and families - they’re strengthening the entire community.”

Strong communities grow through partnerships. A collaboration between the Ticonderoga Community Early Learning Center and the Northern Lake George Foundation (NLGF) is helping families, children, and the broader community thrive.

Operated by Silver Bay YMCA, the Early Learning Center opened in 2024 to address a critical shortage of childcare in Ticonderoga and nearby communities. Local leaders recognized that the lack of reliable childcare was affecting working families, employers, and the region’s long-term economic vitality. By providing a nurturing environment for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, the center gives

children a strong educational start while enabling parents to participate fully in the workforce.

When St. Mary’s School closed, it created an opportunity for Silver Bay YMCA to repurpose the space for childcare. That commitment not only helped address the region’s childcare shortage but also ensured the building continues to serve the community. Today, the facility can host additional programs such as Tai Chi classes offered by Silver Bay - demonstrating how thoughtful partnerships expand opportunities for wellness and connection.

expand opportunities for young people throughout the region. Its leaders believe investing in children - from the earliest years forward - is one of the most effective ways to build a stronger community. Fundraising has been central to that mission. Through the leadership of Foundation board members Kathleen Coffman, Ken Parlin, and Bobby Porter, NLGF has helped mobilize local donors and community partners to support the Early Learning Center’s programs and long-term sustainability.

Ken Parlin

The Northern Lake George Foundation was created to strengthen youth development and

Northern Lake George Foundation Board Member

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Growing Stronger with Our Community

COMMUNITY DINNERS

Over 630 participants Spring 2025 to Fall 2026

SWIM LESSONS

Over 100 lesson sessions

Estimated Full Value $8,371.00

COMMUNITY WELLNESS

213 individuals with Silver Bay memberships

EMPLOYMENT

84 year around employees 2025 Increase of 8 over 2024

PASTORAL RESPITE

1,069 guests served

37

SCHOLARSHIPS

Provided 18 Children from Hague Silver Camp Scholarships. Silver Bay funded $14,695.00

LOCAL BOARDS

9 Silver Bay staff volunteers

RESPITE GUESTS

188 guests served by the cancer, first responders, foster/adoptive, and military respite programs

41

140

Children from Ticonderoga attended Children’s Camp

Children enrolled in the Ticonderoga Community Early Learning Center

Teens enrolled in the Teen Center from Spring to Fall 2025

A PARTNER IN GROWTH

For Ticonderoga’s Families

First and foremost, Silver Bay puts family and children first. In all the youth programming that I see in the Ticonderoga area Silver Bay and its staff make our children a priority. From the Ticonderoga Teen Center, to the newly opened Early Learning Center, to its summer camp at the Silver Bay campus, children are welcomed, cared for, and encouraged.

Silver Bay is also there for the entire community, working to support a stronger region. Its Early Learning Center provides essential childcare for working families. Without an available workforce, our community could not grow economically. Its staff also gets involved and pitches in

to help with local organizations and events like the Chamber of Commerce, parades, and other local non-profits.

Silver Bay is always willing to sit down and talk about improvements and how their resources may be able to help. I’ve had several productive conversations with the dedicated staff at Silver Bay to talk about ways their team can use its YMCA resources and staff to further improve how it serves the youth of our community.

Silver Bay is a friend to the community, and we know them, and they know us. Many of their staff live in the local community.

They go to our local churches. They shop in our stores. They eat in our restaurants. We are all neighbors and we support one another.

Bottom Line, Silver Bay is not only a great asset, but also a great friend to the Ticonderoga Region. One I can’t wait to continue developing and growing our relationship with.

Jim O’Brian

Supervisor Town of Ticonderoga

MILESTONES

Growing Stronger with Our Community

Donald “Don” Blanchard McLellan

Passed away Aug. 13, 2025

Born Nov. 13, 1928 Emps Fellowship, Emp Alumni, Donor.

Sara Lee Lehman Sanborn

Passed away June 26, 2025

Born on July 5, 1936 EMP Fellowship, EMP Alumni, Donor.

Ann Barber

Passed away January 16, 2026

Born March 11,1936 EMP Fellowship, EMP Alumni, Donor, Council member, White Birch Member.

Emily Winslow Goddard

Passed away December 26,2025

Born February 24, 1945 Council member, Donor, Emp Alumni, Emps Fellowship.

Robert Allen Jr.

Passed away February 17, 2026

Born July 21, 1941

Former Trustee – 1997 to 2002 and 2005 to 2007, Council member, EMP Fellowship, EMP Alumni, Donor.

Peter R. Doliber

Passed away March 6, 2026

Born April 18, 1955

Former Silver Bay YMCA CEO, EMP Alumni, Major Donor.

Do you have a loved one you would like to be acknowledged in future Bay Windows? Please email: development@silverbay.org

WHAT IS WHITE BIRCH?

This symbol depicts a White Birch Member.

Formed in 1976, White Birch is a caring group of individuals who have decided to make a gift to Silver Bay YMCA through a planned or deferred gift, in the form of an estate bequest, a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy, a charitable gift annuity, a charitable trust, or a gift of stock, real estate, or other assets.

To learn more about becoming a White Birch Member please contact: Development at development@silverbay.org.

SILVER BAY YMCA

87 Silver Bay Road

Silver Bay, NY 12874

www.silverbay.org