The branches of the “YMCA family tree” offer insight into one of the fascinating aspects of the history of the YMCA in the United States. “Railroad YMCAs” historically located at the major rail centers, “Armed Services YMCAs” serving members of the military and their dependents, and “Student YMCAs” all reflect the serviceful mission of the YMCA.
In Connecticut there remains today a vestige of one of the “Student YMCAs”. Founded in 1881 as the Young Men’s Christian Association at Yale, Dwight Hall at Yale has gradually evolved to become an inclusive place for students of diverse backgrounds and beliefs to connect with the community. While Dwight Hall has changed significantly since its beginnings at the end of the 19th century, the Hall’s interest in promoting public service, social justice, and the reflection which brought the Hall into existence continues today.
The mission of Dwight Hall at Yale is to foster civic-minded student leaders and to promote service and activism in New Haven, Connecticut, and around the world.
In keeping with its mission, Dwight Hall seeks to enable students to stretch how they learn and to better understand who they are through active engagement with the world beyond the Yale campus. The combination of thought and practice results in exceptional graduates who combine the knowledge and passion needed to continue the Dwight Hall tradition of promoting service and activism.
Dwight Hall is the Center for Public Service and Social Justice at Yale. It is an independent nonprofit umbrella organization that provides support and fosters communication among 3,500 students in over 60 student-run member organizations whose primary purposes fall within Dwight Hall’s mission. Dwight Hall also operates its own programs, supervised by the professional staff and the many student volunteers, which focus on community development, education, and leadership development. Dwight Hall resources are shared among the member organizations and are managed by a professional staff.
For further information on Dwight Hall, visit on the Web at www.dwighthall.org
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
A Bonanza of Energy Savings
Over the holidays I sat down with a Bonanza steak house owner (actually, he owns two Bonanzas!) and was fascinated with the attention he pays to the details of energy conservation at his restaurants.
“John” prefaced his commentary on actions he has taken to address the rising costs of energy with the statement that his business is one of “pennies”. John asserted emphatically, “If you focus on the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves.”
When the store manager arrives in the morning, only certain lights are turned on – and the dining room remains dark, until five minutes before the restaurant opens for business. Appliances and motors are sequenced for start-up, so as to level the spikes in energy draw, thereby moderating the “peak demand” penalties imposed by the local utility. After the surge of business at the prime dining hours, the number of operating fry-o-lators is reduced, commensurate with the needs.
Ceiling fans are used in the summer to move air, allowing air conditioning units to be thermostatically set two degrees higher for energy savings. In the cold months the same fans are used to down-draft the warm air, again earning energy savings. John also tracks oil and gas consumption – without this measure, he cannot optimize his energy savings potential.
Store managers are held accountable for utility consumption targets – these are not just the concern of the “corporate office”. And, John periodically conducts on-site inspections to ensure adherence to conservation measures. Compact fluorescent lights are installed in all fixtures and each is marked with the installation date so as to track the life of the units.
Reflecting on John’s business, I recognized parallels to our YMCA operations. Our “business” has daily rhythms, where member usage is high, and periods of the day when it is reasonable to shut off the lights in the gymnasium, or in the racquetball courts. Through energy audits many of our YMCAs have instituted energy conservation measures – more energy efficient water heaters, building heating units, HVAC units, etc. – installed co-generation units – and instilled the discipline of simply turning off the lights when a space is vacant (or installed motion-activated lighting).
YMCA of the USA Property Development Specialist Al Tursi has developed an Energy Management Program Manual to guide local YMCAs in the realm of energy conservation.
Truly, it makes dollars and sense (cents) to watch the pennies!
“John” prefaced his commentary on actions he has taken to address the rising costs of energy with the statement that his business is one of “pennies”. John asserted emphatically, “If you focus on the pennies, the dollars will take care of themselves.”
When the store manager arrives in the morning, only certain lights are turned on – and the dining room remains dark, until five minutes before the restaurant opens for business. Appliances and motors are sequenced for start-up, so as to level the spikes in energy draw, thereby moderating the “peak demand” penalties imposed by the local utility. After the surge of business at the prime dining hours, the number of operating fry-o-lators is reduced, commensurate with the needs.
Ceiling fans are used in the summer to move air, allowing air conditioning units to be thermostatically set two degrees higher for energy savings. In the cold months the same fans are used to down-draft the warm air, again earning energy savings. John also tracks oil and gas consumption – without this measure, he cannot optimize his energy savings potential.
Store managers are held accountable for utility consumption targets – these are not just the concern of the “corporate office”. And, John periodically conducts on-site inspections to ensure adherence to conservation measures. Compact fluorescent lights are installed in all fixtures and each is marked with the installation date so as to track the life of the units.
Reflecting on John’s business, I recognized parallels to our YMCA operations. Our “business” has daily rhythms, where member usage is high, and periods of the day when it is reasonable to shut off the lights in the gymnasium, or in the racquetball courts. Through energy audits many of our YMCAs have instituted energy conservation measures – more energy efficient water heaters, building heating units, HVAC units, etc. – installed co-generation units – and instilled the discipline of simply turning off the lights when a space is vacant (or installed motion-activated lighting).
YMCA of the USA Property Development Specialist Al Tursi has developed an Energy Management Program Manual to guide local YMCAs in the realm of energy conservation.
Truly, it makes dollars and sense (cents) to watch the pennies!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Connecticut YMCAs Survive Depression Era
William L. Miller, writing in A History of the State YMCA of Connecticut from 1867 to 1950 (Eastern Press, New Haven, Connecticut, 1951), recounts that during the Great Depression - "Many of the modern YMCA buildings now in use were built in the years between 1924 and 1940. These buildings often symbolize not only a healthy Association but also a revived confidence in the YMCA on the part of the community."
"One of the most significant advances made during the decade beginning in 1925 was the generating of new life in the Association of Bridgeport. Within less than three years a campaign for a new building produced more than $600,000 and gave Bridgeport one of the most up-to-date YMCA buildings, dedicated in December 1929."
"In South Norwalk which had been the headquarters of the Fairfield County YMCA for ten years, leading citizens became convinced that a building was needed and asked State Secretary Smith to direct a survey. The survey revealed the need not only of a building with a city type of program for a YMCA but also for a YWCA. Within two years the necessary money was raised and a building erected in 1929 to serve both sexes. "
"These buildings erected in the period between the two World Wars were the forerunners of a wave of new buildings constructed in Connecticut cities including Ansonia, Greenwich, Hartford, Meriden, Naugatuck, New London, Norwich, Southington, Torrington and Wesport." ]
"One of the most significant advances made during the decade beginning in 1925 was the generating of new life in the Association of Bridgeport. Within less than three years a campaign for a new building produced more than $600,000 and gave Bridgeport one of the most up-to-date YMCA buildings, dedicated in December 1929."
"In South Norwalk which had been the headquarters of the Fairfield County YMCA for ten years, leading citizens became convinced that a building was needed and asked State Secretary Smith to direct a survey. The survey revealed the need not only of a building with a city type of program for a YMCA but also for a YWCA. Within two years the necessary money was raised and a building erected in 1929 to serve both sexes. "
"These buildings erected in the period between the two World Wars were the forerunners of a wave of new buildings constructed in Connecticut cities including Ansonia, Greenwich, Hartford, Meriden, Naugatuck, New London, Norwich, Southington, Torrington and Wesport." ]
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Valley YMCA & CCCYMCA Vote To Merge
This evening the governing boards of the Valley YMCA and the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA meeting jointly at United Illuminating in Shelton, Connecticut voted to merge the two Associations. Leaders of the two YMCAs signed a merger agreement and certificate of merger, such documents to be filed with the YMCA of the USA and The Secretary of The State of the State of Connecticut.
The boards’ actions culminated a year-long strategic alliance discussion process which started on December 19, 2007.
Congratulations to the governing boards and management of the two YMCAs on this historic occasion. Special appreciation to the members of the Joint Strategic Alliance Task Force, who performed their role with thought, confidentiality and common purpose:
Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
Bob Fiscus, Co-Chair, Dee Chiota, Chris Gallo, Mike Leone, Don Hutchinson, Dan Neaton, and Preston Tisdale
Phil Dwyer, President, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
Valley YMCA
Dennis Gleason, Co-Chair, Jim Czajkowski, Martha Dulla, Dick Feher, Mark Kirschbaum, and Sue Malloy
Suzanne Reilly, Executive Director, Valley YMCA
Gratitude is also offered to funding partners whose generous grants facilitated the merger process:
Valley United Way
New Haven United Way
Community Foundation of Greater New Haven
Valley Community Foundation
Appreciation is extended to professional consultants who provided invaluable support over the past year:
Steve Erickson of Whittsley and Hadley (financial review)
Joe Staley of Staley Robeson (community leader interviews)
Buffeted by a worsening economy, while facing increased demand for YMCA services, the Valley YMCA and the CCCYMCA are working together to achieve the long-term strategic benefits of uniting into a more sustainable and successful operation, increasing the capacity for the merged organization to reach more members and serve them better.
The boards’ actions culminated a year-long strategic alliance discussion process which started on December 19, 2007.
Congratulations to the governing boards and management of the two YMCAs on this historic occasion. Special appreciation to the members of the Joint Strategic Alliance Task Force, who performed their role with thought, confidentiality and common purpose:
Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
Bob Fiscus, Co-Chair, Dee Chiota, Chris Gallo, Mike Leone, Don Hutchinson, Dan Neaton, and Preston Tisdale
Phil Dwyer, President, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
Valley YMCA
Dennis Gleason, Co-Chair, Jim Czajkowski, Martha Dulla, Dick Feher, Mark Kirschbaum, and Sue Malloy
Suzanne Reilly, Executive Director, Valley YMCA
Gratitude is also offered to funding partners whose generous grants facilitated the merger process:
Valley United Way
New Haven United Way
Community Foundation of Greater New Haven
Valley Community Foundation
Appreciation is extended to professional consultants who provided invaluable support over the past year:
Steve Erickson of Whittsley and Hadley (financial review)
Joe Staley of Staley Robeson (community leader interviews)
Buffeted by a worsening economy, while facing increased demand for YMCA services, the Valley YMCA and the CCCYMCA are working together to achieve the long-term strategic benefits of uniting into a more sustainable and successful operation, increasing the capacity for the merged organization to reach more members and serve them better.
Darien Double-Decker Delights
The Darien YMCA has made economical use of space in its wellness center, elevating the cardiovascular equipment on a mezzanine, such that YMCA members have a stunning view of Long Island Sound while working out!
Stamford YMCA Re-Construction Commences
The bright yellow construction debris chute spilling from the upper floors of the Stamford YMCA building at 909 Washington Bouevard in downtown Stamford heralds the renovation and renaissance of this venerable social service organization. YMCA CEO Mark Ketley reports that the upper six floors of the building will be converted to a hotel and the lower two floors renovated for YMCA use. The hotel reconstruction is expected to be completed by June of 2009
Monday, December 15, 2008
Ocean State YMCA Alliance Elects Leaders
The Rhode Island YMCA State Alliance has elected officers for the two-year term (September 2008-September 2010):
Chair - David Devault - Volunteer with the Ocean Community YMCA
Vice Chair - R. Kelly Sheridan - Volunteer with the Greater Providence YMCA
Treasurer - Pete Milinazzo - CEO of the Newport County YMCA
Secretary - Harold Hemberger - CEO of the Smithfield YMCA
The Rhode Island YMCA Alliance will host its YMCA Key Leaders' Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2009. YMCA General Counsel Angela Williams will keynote the dinner.
Chair - David Devault - Volunteer with the Ocean Community YMCA
Vice Chair - R. Kelly Sheridan - Volunteer with the Greater Providence YMCA
Treasurer - Pete Milinazzo - CEO of the Newport County YMCA
Secretary - Harold Hemberger - CEO of the Smithfield YMCA
The Rhode Island YMCA Alliance will host its YMCA Key Leaders' Dinner on Thursday, May 7, 2009. YMCA General Counsel Angela Williams will keynote the dinner.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Hartford YMCA Dynamic Duo - Past and Present
Greater Hartford YMCA President Kevin Washington and 42-year veteran Greater Hartford YMCA professional Bob Hoffman (now retired) chat at today’s meeting of the Association of YMCA Professionals Chapter 3 conducted at YMCA Camp Hazen in Chester, Connecticut.
Triennial Transfer of AYP Chapter 3 Leadership
AYP Chapter 3 paid tribute to Newport County YMCA CEO Pete Millinazzo for his leadership of the Chapter for the past triennium. Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA Branch Executive Wendy Stevens, incoming President of the Chapter, presented Pete with a handsome framed plaque in recognition of his distinguished service.
With the start of the 2009-2011 Triennium in January, a new slate of officers will lead AYP Chapter 3:
· Wendy Stevens, Cheshire Branch of the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, President
· Chris Pallatto, Wheeler Regional YMCA Branch of the GHYMCA, Vice President
· Tony Sharillo, Greater Waterbury YMCA, Treasurer
· Michelle Hill, Indian Valley Branch of the GHYMCA, Secretary
· Mike Miller, Newport County YMCA, Recognition Chair
· Patrick Connelly, Northern Middlesex YMCA, EAF Chair
· Mark Pooler, Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, Secretary
With the start of the 2009-2011 Triennium in January, a new slate of officers will lead AYP Chapter 3:
· Wendy Stevens, Cheshire Branch of the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, President
· Chris Pallatto, Wheeler Regional YMCA Branch of the GHYMCA, Vice President
· Tony Sharillo, Greater Waterbury YMCA, Treasurer
· Michelle Hill, Indian Valley Branch of the GHYMCA, Secretary
· Mike Miller, Newport County YMCA, Recognition Chair
· Patrick Connelly, Northern Middlesex YMCA, EAF Chair
· Mark Pooler, Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, Secretary
YMCA Camp Hazen Tabernacle Choir
Joyous voices of the season lifted spirits within Chapter 3 of the Association of YMCA Professionals as the "YMCA Camp Hazen Tabernacle Choir" serenaded YMCA professionals and Springfield College YMCA Studies Students at the December meeting of the Chapter conducted at YMCA Camp Hazen in Chester, Connecticut.
Decked out in fuzzy brown antlers the chorus of a dozen YMCA Camp Hazen staff offered a "campy" rendition of the popular "Twelve Days of Christmas". YMCA Camp Hazen Program Director Camille Erickson is pictured (right) playing her part in the choral effort.
Decked out in fuzzy brown antlers the chorus of a dozen YMCA Camp Hazen staff offered a "campy" rendition of the popular "Twelve Days of Christmas". YMCA Camp Hazen Program Director Camille Erickson is pictured (right) playing her part in the choral effort.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Mr. Dwyer Goes To Washington
This week the CEO of the Marshalltown Community YMCA in Marshalltown, IA, represented YMCA of the USA’s Activate America: Pioneering Healthier Communities® (PHC) at a hearing of the United States Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).
This hearing, “Prevention and Public Health: The Key to Transforming our Sickcare System,” is especially important because it is a prelude to shaping health care reform, where prevention is expected to be a key focal point.
It also marks the second time this year that Y-USA has testified before this Senate committee. Earlier this year Central Connecticut Coast YMCA CEO Phil Dwyer testified before the Senate HELP committee. Recalling Dwyer's articulate testimony on the role of the YMCA and its Pioneering Healthier Communities initiative in reducing childhood obesity, US Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) commended Phil's public policy advocacy.
This hearing, “Prevention and Public Health: The Key to Transforming our Sickcare System,” is especially important because it is a prelude to shaping health care reform, where prevention is expected to be a key focal point.
It also marks the second time this year that Y-USA has testified before this Senate committee. Earlier this year Central Connecticut Coast YMCA CEO Phil Dwyer testified before the Senate HELP committee. Recalling Dwyer's articulate testimony on the role of the YMCA and its Pioneering Healthier Communities initiative in reducing childhood obesity, US Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) commended Phil's public policy advocacy.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
All I Want For Christmas
In what may have seemed like a trip down memory lane, Y-USA Northeast Region Resource Directors gathered this week to reminisce about Christmases-past. Oh! But these were no idle reminisences. There was purpose to these fond recollections.
Under the guidance of YMCA Resource Director Lisa Drouin (MA), the Y-USA professionals were asked to think about their favorite Christmas present, or the one gift they always longed for as a child, but never received. Ahh! But now the fun! The Resource Directors were asked to each purchase that gift, to be presented to children of families experiencing financial hardship.
YMCA Resource Director Barb Schweitzer (NY) shared that she always loved her Barbie dolls, so she purchased a brand new Barbie Doll for this Christmas (see picture on this blog). By the end of the gift sharing, Santa's sack was filled with table games, baseball gloves, John Deere tractors, Matchbox car sets, toy boats, slot-car race sets, Lincoln Logs, and a host of other toys and games popular with children of all ages.
The toys will now be delivered to the Plainfield Area YMCA (www.plainfieldy.org ) to brighten the holidays of girls and boys served by this YMCA.
The Northeast Region Service Delivery team has organized similar childrens' toy parties for four consecutive years. The group establishes a theme for the collection each year. One year the Resource Directors were asked to select a toy which represents their Heroes. Another year they were to select a child's gift representative of the interests or personalities of one of their YMCA Resource Director colleagues.
Under the guidance of YMCA Resource Director Lisa Drouin (MA), the Y-USA professionals were asked to think about their favorite Christmas present, or the one gift they always longed for as a child, but never received. Ahh! But now the fun! The Resource Directors were asked to each purchase that gift, to be presented to children of families experiencing financial hardship.
YMCA Resource Director Barb Schweitzer (NY) shared that she always loved her Barbie dolls, so she purchased a brand new Barbie Doll for this Christmas (see picture on this blog). By the end of the gift sharing, Santa's sack was filled with table games, baseball gloves, John Deere tractors, Matchbox car sets, toy boats, slot-car race sets, Lincoln Logs, and a host of other toys and games popular with children of all ages.
The toys will now be delivered to the Plainfield Area YMCA (www.plainfieldy.org ) to brighten the holidays of girls and boys served by this YMCA.
The Northeast Region Service Delivery team has organized similar childrens' toy parties for four consecutive years. The group establishes a theme for the collection each year. One year the Resource Directors were asked to select a toy which represents their Heroes. Another year they were to select a child's gift representative of the interests or personalities of one of their YMCA Resource Director colleagues.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Gift That Keeps On Giving
While the phrase "The Gift That Keeps on Giving" was first used in commerce to promote "talking machines", "talking machine records",etc. in 1924, and was registered as a trademark in the United States in 1927, we can apply the popular saying to the gift of a YMCA membership in this holiday season.
The West Side YMCA in New York City is promoting the gift of YMCA memberships this year with handsome lobby posters and point-of-sale signs.
To borrow a phrase from Hallmark: "When You Care Enough To Send The Very Best" - give the gift of a YMCA membership this holiday season!
The West Side YMCA in New York City is promoting the gift of YMCA memberships this year with handsome lobby posters and point-of-sale signs.
To borrow a phrase from Hallmark: "When You Care Enough To Send The Very Best" - give the gift of a YMCA membership this holiday season!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
HARK! YMCA Heralds Community Benefit
With its artistic holiday greeting card, the New Canaan Community YMCA (CT) heralds the community benefit of this 54-year old not-for-profit organization "dedicated to serving our community's changing needs". YMCA Director of Development Susan Cossette Eng, the creator of the card, highlights community benefits derived from the presence of the YMCA as. . . .
"Safe, loving childcare for 120 working families with $32,000 in financial assistance awarded Crafting, clapping and singing for 375 children in Y-Arts and Humanities programs
Serving 125 people with special needs through mainstream and therapeutic programs
Summer fun for 320 children at camp, with $72,000 in camp scholarships
Time together for 750 dads and kids in our Y-Guides and Princesses program
Splashing, swimming, and water safety for 1,165 kids in Y-Swim lessons
Teamwork, sportsmanship, and character development for 1,700 young people through recreational sports leagues and gymnastics
A place for everyone: $89,000 in membership and program scholarships this past year.
"Safe, loving childcare for 120 working families with $32,000 in financial assistance awarded Crafting, clapping and singing for 375 children in Y-Arts and Humanities programs
Serving 125 people with special needs through mainstream and therapeutic programs
Summer fun for 320 children at camp, with $72,000 in camp scholarships
Time together for 750 dads and kids in our Y-Guides and Princesses program
Splashing, swimming, and water safety for 1,165 kids in Y-Swim lessons
Teamwork, sportsmanship, and character development for 1,700 young people through recreational sports leagues and gymnastics
A place for everyone: $89,000 in membership and program scholarships this past year.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
YMCA Buildings Speak To Us
In my travels as a YMCA Resource Director I am regularly impressed by the symbols incorporated into the logos and architecture of YMCA buildings. While these YMCA symbols may have been secularized – from the explicitly evangelical origins of the YMCA Movement, it is well worth noticing that they may well have been chosen or adapted because they drew on a recognizable (whether or not subliminal) cultural legacy.
Harold F. Worthley, Librarian with the Congregational Library of the American Congregational Association (in Boston, Massachusetts), offers the following insights into the symbolism of the terra cotta inlays which appear on the façade of the Westport Weston Family YMCA in Westport, Connecticut.
“The most obvious example of this is the equilateral triangle which has been drawn upon more than once as a symbolic shorthand. Whatever else it may be, it is an ancient symbol of the Trinity, reminding the observer that all three Persons of the Trinity are distinct and equal (the three sides), yet inseparably joined (the triangle overall). When Gulick designed the Y’s logo, and the body-mind-spirit interpretation, he was also echoing the famous Christian ‘great commandment’: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” (Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27; Matthew omits “strength” in 22:37.) If in Gulick’s mind “heart” and “soul” equaled “spirit”, then “strength” equals body, and “mind” equals “mind”. Was this intentional? Who can say? But it would ring bells in the minds of anyone raised in the predominantly evangelical Christian culture of America’s late 19th century.
In the Christian context, the circle is a symbol of eternity or God’s eternalness (without beginning or end), or of (God’s) perfection.
Taking some of the other symbols which appear (in the terra cotta inlays): the shield carries shorthand for a particular identity – in liturgical art each of the twelve apostles has a shield (actually, each has several shields). Peter’s shield shows crossed keys (Matthew 16:13-19), an inverted cross (for the manner of his death), a rooster (Matthew 26:75), etc. Heraldry used (and uses) the shield to identify a family or individual’s persona (carrying a coat of arms). And a shield is an instrument of warfare (“Onward Christian soldiers”, “The Son of God goes forth to war”, etc.), harking back to the days when armies or solitary combatants could identify an unrecognizable opponent (because encased in armor) or his own feudal lord! by the shield’s design.
The torch represents “Christ, the Light of the World”. In a broader sense, it represents the intellect, education, etc.
The oak tree symbolizes strength and longevity, enduring relationships, and firmness of faith in God. In antiquity, oak leaves were used like laurel to make crowns for civic or athletic heroes.
There is a “legend of the dogwood”, which tells of the peculiar magenta staining of the flower’s white petals as representing the blood of Christ, and implying the evangelical doctrine of blood atonement for the sins of each believing Christian.”
Harold F. Worthley, Librarian with the Congregational Library of the American Congregational Association (in Boston, Massachusetts), offers the following insights into the symbolism of the terra cotta inlays which appear on the façade of the Westport Weston Family YMCA in Westport, Connecticut.
“The most obvious example of this is the equilateral triangle which has been drawn upon more than once as a symbolic shorthand. Whatever else it may be, it is an ancient symbol of the Trinity, reminding the observer that all three Persons of the Trinity are distinct and equal (the three sides), yet inseparably joined (the triangle overall). When Gulick designed the Y’s logo, and the body-mind-spirit interpretation, he was also echoing the famous Christian ‘great commandment’: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.” (Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27; Matthew omits “strength” in 22:37.) If in Gulick’s mind “heart” and “soul” equaled “spirit”, then “strength” equals body, and “mind” equals “mind”. Was this intentional? Who can say? But it would ring bells in the minds of anyone raised in the predominantly evangelical Christian culture of America’s late 19th century.
In the Christian context, the circle is a symbol of eternity or God’s eternalness (without beginning or end), or of (God’s) perfection.
Taking some of the other symbols which appear (in the terra cotta inlays): the shield carries shorthand for a particular identity – in liturgical art each of the twelve apostles has a shield (actually, each has several shields). Peter’s shield shows crossed keys (Matthew 16:13-19), an inverted cross (for the manner of his death), a rooster (Matthew 26:75), etc. Heraldry used (and uses) the shield to identify a family or individual’s persona (carrying a coat of arms). And a shield is an instrument of warfare (“Onward Christian soldiers”, “The Son of God goes forth to war”, etc.), harking back to the days when armies or solitary combatants could identify an unrecognizable opponent (because encased in armor) or his own feudal lord! by the shield’s design.
The torch represents “Christ, the Light of the World”. In a broader sense, it represents the intellect, education, etc.
The oak tree symbolizes strength and longevity, enduring relationships, and firmness of faith in God. In antiquity, oak leaves were used like laurel to make crowns for civic or athletic heroes.
There is a “legend of the dogwood”, which tells of the peculiar magenta staining of the flower’s white petals as representing the blood of Christ, and implying the evangelical doctrine of blood atonement for the sins of each believing Christian.”
Friday, December 5, 2008
Mumbai Meanderings
Darien (CT) Community YMCA CEO Pat Morrissey shares with us a view of the streets of Mumbai (formerly Bombay), where Pat visited on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the YMCA in India.
Pat reflects on his introduction to the YMCA of Mumbai. . . . .
“After an hour on the bus, our guide stopped. Somewhere among the narrow maze of city streets we arrived at what appeared to be no place in particular. We followed him single-file down a short alley, carefully stepping around the debris, the puddles, and the mud until we got to a huge metal door covered with long vertical bars. It looked like a stable to me. After tugging open the door, we entered the windowless hallway lit by a single hanging light bulb. I was convinced that this was a livestock annex. However, when we turned the corner we found a classroom of bright-eyed pre-school children waiting quietly and patiently for our arrival. The teacher motioned for us to take off our shoes and we entered one of the schools run by the YMCA in Mumbai, India. The contrast of this quiet and orderly schoolroom with the teeming streets a few yards away was representative of things we saw again and again as we explored this amazing city.”
If you are curious about the work of the YMCA in Mumbai or the nation of India, click on the following websites. . . .
World Alliance of YMCAs - http://www.ymca.int/index.php?id=113&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=387&tx_ttnews[backPid]=111&cHash=a9b2b28d82
National Council of YMCAs of India - http://www.ymcaindia.org/
YMCA Bombay – www.ymcabombay.org
Pat reflects on his introduction to the YMCA of Mumbai. . . . .
“After an hour on the bus, our guide stopped. Somewhere among the narrow maze of city streets we arrived at what appeared to be no place in particular. We followed him single-file down a short alley, carefully stepping around the debris, the puddles, and the mud until we got to a huge metal door covered with long vertical bars. It looked like a stable to me. After tugging open the door, we entered the windowless hallway lit by a single hanging light bulb. I was convinced that this was a livestock annex. However, when we turned the corner we found a classroom of bright-eyed pre-school children waiting quietly and patiently for our arrival. The teacher motioned for us to take off our shoes and we entered one of the schools run by the YMCA in Mumbai, India. The contrast of this quiet and orderly schoolroom with the teeming streets a few yards away was representative of things we saw again and again as we explored this amazing city.”
If you are curious about the work of the YMCA in Mumbai or the nation of India, click on the following websites. . . .
World Alliance of YMCAs - http://www.ymca.int/index.php?id=113&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=387&tx_ttnews[backPid]=111&cHash=a9b2b28d82
National Council of YMCAs of India - http://www.ymcaindia.org/
YMCA Bombay – www.ymcabombay.org
A Feat For Fleet Feet
The simple act of creating this "web-log" has made this "boomer" FEEL young! Thanks to YMCA Resource Director Ricardo Torres for walking "Foot" into the world of the "Millennial Generation" with the creation of FOOTNOTES - All The News That Foot Can Print!
The "masthead slogan" for the FOOTNOTES blog is a turn-of-phrase on the credo of The New York Times. The venerable newspaper of The Big Apple heralds "All The News That's Fit To Print".
The "masthead slogan" for the FOOTNOTES blog is a turn-of-phrase on the credo of The New York Times. The venerable newspaper of The Big Apple heralds "All The News That's Fit To Print".
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