I have been speaking with folks at camp and it sounds as though it has been a great summer thus far at Glenburn. Enjoy it, it's half done (boo!)
I have gotten a bit of an update on Glenburn. I got an email from Joanne Sparkes the other day that describes the progress thus far. It also describes a situation regarding some infrastructure needs that have happened recently. Anyway, here it is:
Hello to all of you.
I thought I would get a quick update out to all of you on the progress with respect to Camp Glenburn.
1) I met with Pat Davis (the Y CEO) as a follow-up to the Alumni presentation to the Camp Task Force. With respect to the Camp Task Force Report, the current expectation is that a final report will be released in late August / September. I am still anticipating that a sub-set of the Alumni will have visibility to that report before it goes to the Y board which will likely be in September (at the earliest.) It would appear to me that things have slowed down due to summer vacations.
2) We have informally formed an Alumni “sub-committee” which has been working at various levels on various fronts in support of Camp Glenburn (ie fund-raising, board / executive communication, etc..) I will “seek permission” to release the names in my next email.
3) At my meeting with Pat, I requested that “we” (the Alumni) be made aware of any infrastructure failures at camp. We felt, and continue to feel that should the Alumni be able to financially remove the capital (financial) “burden” that the Camp Glenburn property currently poses to the Saint John Y, that both the Board and the Camp Task Force will see value in continuing to maintain Glenburn in its current location. Interestingly enough, the Alumni had its first small “test” in its commitment to Glenburn in the past week. As many of you may be aware, there was a septic tank failure approx. two weeks ago. It was quickly addressed and the Camp Glenburn Alumni were contacted immediately for financial support. Given that we do not have specific plans in place as of yet with the Y to do a broad capital campaign to raise money for on-going Glenburn support, the alumni “sub-committee” had to quickly respond to the Y‘s request for funds. We launched what was intended to be a small and targeted campaign to raise money to address this one incident. I am pleased to say that within a week, we have raised more than 5k, and we have successfully covered the cost of the new septic tank that was installed last week. It is very important to note that we are still intending to do a broader campaign to raise money in support of a much larger fund-raising program. In advance of this, we are working to understand the actual infrastructure work that needs to happen at Glenburn so that we can start to raise money to support a proactive plan. Our goal is to build a source of funds to draw on to address both incidents like the septic tank, as well as make proactive investments into the Glenburn property. Stay tuned…this is where we will really need the broader alumni’s support!
Of note: For any of you who may have been contacted directly or indirectly to donate money to Glenburn to address this septic tank issue, if you have already donated, please send me your name (the name of the donor) so that I can ensure that your money does go into the Camp Glenburn capital account that has been set up to support Glenburn…and Thank You!!! If you have been contacted and were planning on donating (but have not done so yet) please hang on to your donation for the time being. We have raised the required funds to address the incident at hand. We will be back to all of you looking for support in a broader campaign.
4) There are still rumors flying. I have heard talk of this (2008) being Camp’s last season, and I have also heard of a report that 2009 will be Camp’s last season. I have addressed both of these rumors directly with Pat Davis, and she firmly states that neither of those rumors are true. No decisions leading to either of the above statements have been made.
5) Lastly, on a positive note….My understanding is that Camp Glenburn is having an awesome season. I have been hearing lots of anecdotal feedback from parents that their kids are having a great time at camp this summer. I would also like to say that I thought the Glenburn Open House to kick-start the 2008 camping season was a great success. It was so nice to re-connect with so many of you.
Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or concerns!
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Joanne (Teli)
PS – Happy Birthday Flint for tomorrow (July 29th)…
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
still growing
Hey, we're almost at 400 people so far. I'm sure that there are tons of others out there and I hope that people continue to think about it and email any additions here. The open house was a big success and it was great to see so many people out. Camp looks great and the staff were excellent. I hope that we can keep the energy up in regards to saving camp while making sure not to rock the boat too much while the camping season is in full swing.
I also hope that people are starting to think about the contribution of financial resources towards our cause. We will have ample opportunity in the near future to donate money directly towards improvements at Glenburn. I anticipate that once people can be sure where there money is going, they will not hesitate to help out when help is needed. I know this would make a big difference for me and people I've spoken with.
So, keep the names coming and enjoy the summer, I know that everyone at camp is!
I also hope that people are starting to think about the contribution of financial resources towards our cause. We will have ample opportunity in the near future to donate money directly towards improvements at Glenburn. I anticipate that once people can be sure where there money is going, they will not hesitate to help out when help is needed. I know this would make a big difference for me and people I've spoken with.
So, keep the names coming and enjoy the summer, I know that everyone at camp is!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Camp Names Update
Alright, we have about 305 confirmed camp names as of right now. Thanks to everyone for their contributions. We do still have a lot missing and a lot of "Known Unknowns" that I bet we can fill in. Keep thinking back to camp years and trying to remember names. Even if you only remember a camp name or a first/last name, send it along and we can add it to the list. Also, if you know anyone who might remember, point them this way and we'll see how long we can go. Thanks everyone. 305 is not to friggin' bad, eh?
Anyone know anything about Endowment funds. I've heard that that Glenburn has been placed under the Y Endowment Fund for protection in case of bankruptcy. I've also heard that, by transferring this property to the Endowment fund, this would increase the value of the Fund in the event that it is used as collateral for borrowing money from a bank to fund a project (perhaps the development of a new property). An increase in the value of the collateral would allow the Y to have a lower rate when borrowing money.
Every time I think that Glenburn is going to be safe, I find out something else that makes me nervous. Boo.
Anyone know anything about Endowment funds. I've heard that that Glenburn has been placed under the Y Endowment Fund for protection in case of bankruptcy. I've also heard that, by transferring this property to the Endowment fund, this would increase the value of the Fund in the event that it is used as collateral for borrowing money from a bank to fund a project (perhaps the development of a new property). An increase in the value of the collateral would allow the Y to have a lower rate when borrowing money.
Every time I think that Glenburn is going to be safe, I find out something else that makes me nervous. Boo.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Camp Names
Hey,
I'm trying to compile a list of all the Glenburn people and all their camp names. I feel like a bit of a dope because I already know I'm going to hear names that I should have remembered and people I love but it's a big list so I'll get over it. My list is to the right of this post, if you scroll down a bit. The best way to search for people is to use the "Find" tool that comes under the Edit menu of your web browser (way up top of the screen). It is also in alphebetical order by first names. If you can think of any more, comment here or email me and we'll see how many we can get.
I was thinking the other day that, in the meeting that happened at Ashburn, there was a sense that the emotion attached to the place was something to be appreciated but also a sense that it couldn't be brought up as a valid reason for saving Glenburn and getting rid of Ashburn. Assuming they really had no financial capacity to run 2 facilities at the same time. It was acknowledged, a couple of times but not really taken into consideration.
If the Saint John YMCA had more things that people were this emotionally attached to than they wouldn't be in the position that they are in right now. The level of attachment people have to Glenburn should be a very important factor in deciding whether to get rid of it or not. Especially if you are an organization that is looking for help financially and especially if you are not exactly at the proudest point in your existance located in beautiful Prince Edward Square, Saint John.
Our feelings about the place should be considered as a positive. I also hope that the Y can hold on to both places and have one great facility to operate and the potential for another great facility to run closer to town. If a decision needs to be made as to which one to get rid of, I think that people's love of Glenburn is a valid point to be considered and it should hold more weight than the end of a bullet point on page 16 in the preliminary Task Force report recommending its closure ("warm feelings").
I also hope to see lots of people at camp on the 5th (this Saturday between 12 - 4 pm) at the open house.
KEEP ON SENDING NAMES
I'm trying to compile a list of all the Glenburn people and all their camp names. I feel like a bit of a dope because I already know I'm going to hear names that I should have remembered and people I love but it's a big list so I'll get over it. My list is to the right of this post, if you scroll down a bit. The best way to search for people is to use the "Find" tool that comes under the Edit menu of your web browser (way up top of the screen). It is also in alphebetical order by first names. If you can think of any more, comment here or email me and we'll see how many we can get.
I was thinking the other day that, in the meeting that happened at Ashburn, there was a sense that the emotion attached to the place was something to be appreciated but also a sense that it couldn't be brought up as a valid reason for saving Glenburn and getting rid of Ashburn. Assuming they really had no financial capacity to run 2 facilities at the same time. It was acknowledged, a couple of times but not really taken into consideration.
If the Saint John YMCA had more things that people were this emotionally attached to than they wouldn't be in the position that they are in right now. The level of attachment people have to Glenburn should be a very important factor in deciding whether to get rid of it or not. Especially if you are an organization that is looking for help financially and especially if you are not exactly at the proudest point in your existance located in beautiful Prince Edward Square, Saint John.
Our feelings about the place should be considered as a positive. I also hope that the Y can hold on to both places and have one great facility to operate and the potential for another great facility to run closer to town. If a decision needs to be made as to which one to get rid of, I think that people's love of Glenburn is a valid point to be considered and it should hold more weight than the end of a bullet point on page 16 in the preliminary Task Force report recommending its closure ("warm feelings").
I also hope to see lots of people at camp on the 5th (this Saturday between 12 - 4 pm) at the open house.
KEEP ON SENDING NAMES
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Come show your support!
Hey everyone,
It's been a little while since I've been able to add to this. I have been out of the country for a while but I'm back now, there are some new developments. First and foremost, there is going to be an open house this Saturday (July 5th from 12 - 4 pm) at camp and everyone who can show up should do so. We need to show that we can back up our words of support with actions and so let's have some significant numbers on the 5th.
Next up, there was a presentation from representatives of the Glenburn alumni (Sherry Golding, Terry Moore, Kim Peer, and Joanne Sparkes) to Pat Davis (CEO) on Thursday, June 19th. This appears to have been a very productive meeting and they were able to address some concerns. You can view the powerpoint by following this link: http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dp93pxq_9fnfc87t6 or by looking above this blog post. In particular, the following was addressed: (this is an excerpt of an email from Joanne Sparkes to the Glenburn alumni mailing list)
Some findings / points of clarity are as follows:
1) It was stressed the meeting that the Camp Task Force report that Pat Davis distributed to the Alumni is preliminary. The Camp Task Force continues to collect information that will be added to the final report / recommendation that will be submitted to the Y Board for a vote (date TBD.) Given that the Camp Task Force anticipates that there will still be questions with respect to the business case in particular when the final report / recommendation is submitted, they fully expect that a second task force will be struck to complete the business case picture.
Of note…
- The attached Alumni presentation (in its entirety) is going to be inserted to the final report that will be presented to the Y Board.
- A recommendation will be put forward to ensure that Alumni are a part of the second Task Force.
- The Alumni contingent who presented to the Camp Task Force will be offered an opportunity to review the Camp Task Force Report before it goes to the Y Board.
2) Many of you have asked questions with respect to the role of the Y Endowment Fund. The transfer of the Camp Glenburn Property to the Y Endowment fund was done largely to protect the property from Creditors. As you all know, the Saint John Y has had a couple of bankruptcy scares over the past several years. Despite the fact that the Y Endowment Fund "owns" the Glenburn Property, decisions with respect to the future direction of Camp Glenburn lie with the Y Board of Directors.
3) The Alumni opened the discussion with respect to how the Alumni can proactively engage at this time to ensure that Camp Glenburn remains operational for the foreseeable future. The Camp Task Force was open to this offer however the specifics as to how this engagement would logistically be defined are unclear at this time. (ie. Will the Camp Committee as a sub-committee of the Y Board be re-instated?)
******** End of excerpt of the email ************
It's been a little while since I've been able to add to this. I have been out of the country for a while but I'm back now, there are some new developments. First and foremost, there is going to be an open house this Saturday (July 5th from 12 - 4 pm) at camp and everyone who can show up should do so. We need to show that we can back up our words of support with actions and so let's have some significant numbers on the 5th.
Next up, there was a presentation from representatives of the Glenburn alumni (Sherry Golding, Terry Moore, Kim Peer, and Joanne Sparkes) to Pat Davis (CEO) on Thursday, June 19th. This appears to have been a very productive meeting and they were able to address some concerns. You can view the powerpoint by following this link: http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dp93pxq_9fnfc87t6 or by looking above this blog post. In particular, the following was addressed: (this is an excerpt of an email from Joanne Sparkes to the Glenburn alumni mailing list)
Some findings / points of clarity are as follows:
1) It was stressed the meeting that the Camp Task Force report that Pat Davis distributed to the Alumni is preliminary. The Camp Task Force continues to collect information that will be added to the final report / recommendation that will be submitted to the Y Board for a vote (date TBD.) Given that the Camp Task Force anticipates that there will still be questions with respect to the business case in particular when the final report / recommendation is submitted, they fully expect that a second task force will be struck to complete the business case picture.
Of note…
- The attached Alumni presentation (in its entirety) is going to be inserted to the final report that will be presented to the Y Board.
- A recommendation will be put forward to ensure that Alumni are a part of the second Task Force.
- The Alumni contingent who presented to the Camp Task Force will be offered an opportunity to review the Camp Task Force Report before it goes to the Y Board.
2) Many of you have asked questions with respect to the role of the Y Endowment Fund. The transfer of the Camp Glenburn Property to the Y Endowment fund was done largely to protect the property from Creditors. As you all know, the Saint John Y has had a couple of bankruptcy scares over the past several years. Despite the fact that the Y Endowment Fund "owns" the Glenburn Property, decisions with respect to the future direction of Camp Glenburn lie with the Y Board of Directors.
3) The Alumni opened the discussion with respect to how the Alumni can proactively engage at this time to ensure that Camp Glenburn remains operational for the foreseeable future. The Camp Task Force was open to this offer however the specifics as to how this engagement would logistically be defined are unclear at this time. (ie. Will the Camp Committee as a sub-committee of the Y Board be re-instated?)
******** End of excerpt of the email ************
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