Y’s MEN INTERNATIONAL PAST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENTS’ CLUB NEWS LETTER March 2021

Our Motto: “ To acknowledge the Duty that accompanies every Right” Service Club to the YMCA * Club de service des UCJG Service Club fur den CVJM * Club de Servicio para la ACJ

Contents  Flea Market In Østenstad Y’s Men’s Club by PIP . From Chair/Editor – PIP Isaac Palathinkal Henry Grindheim . Congratulations to K.C.Samuel IPE 2021-22  Wide Brown Land Travel Odyssey by PIP Dale . Resource Mobilization and the sustainability Fotheringham Y-Forest Coffee Project . Greetings from Carol Friis (PIP Christian Friis )

by PIP Wichian Boonmapajorn . A new country, A new club and A marvellous . First ever Zoom Meeting of PIPs’ Club by Jennifer project - A report by Daniel Mohan, President Jones North Jersey Club, USA

. From Chair - International Convention 2022 . News from Area by AP Hong Yong Seung Committee - PIP Joan Wilson . News from Area India by AP A.Shanvaskhan . A positive approach to the pandemic by PIP Finn . Birthdays and Wedding Anniversaries (March 21 Pedersen to June 2021) From Chair/Editor – PIP Isaac Palathinkal Dear PIP Club members, global platform. That was very significant. Let us We are still in the midst of the thank IPIP Jennifer for having mooted the idea and ISG pandemic. Like all organisations, our Jose Varghese for organising the meeting.

Movement also faces challenges in all My report was presented in the meeting and later fields of operations. Fortunately, we copies were sent to all of you. An article on our Zoom are able to face it positively. All our meeting by IPIP Jennifer appears later in this issue of International meetings and thousands Newsletter and hence I am not elaborating it further. of local meetings are now on virtual As reported in the last issue, we have completed platforms. publication of one round of articles from members. The It is a blessing that we have at least this opportunity second round is expected to start from the June 2021 before us. Let us have an attitude that looks for the issue. For this issue (March 2021), I had made a request positives and strive to be optimistic. to all members to volunteer and come out with any

As you witnessed, we could hold our first ever Zoom article of their choice. I am happy that seven members meeting of our members on 13th February 2021, along came forward and contributed articles, on general with IEOs and ISG. For some of us, it was early topics of interest and they appear in this issue. morning, where as it was midnight for some others. Wish you all a happy reading. Thank you.

Yet we could meet together at the same time on a PIP Isaac Palathinkal IPE 2021-22 Elected

CONGRATULATIONS Mr K.C. Samuel from India has been elected International President Elect for 2021/22. He will assume office as International President on 1 July 2022. Mr Samuel is a member of the Bangalore Y's Men's Club of South India Region. Congratulations and good wishes to Mr.Samuel from members of PIPs’ Club. We wish Godspeed in all your endeavours. 1

Resource Mobilization and the sustainability - Y-Forest Coffee Project

by PIP Wichian Boonmapajorn

APAY once commissioned Mr. YMCA Chiangmai and Chiangrai agreed to visit the Ron Coulombe of YMCA Pha Hi village whereby the children were provided Edmonton, Alberta to stress and education support sponsored by Wakatake Home – convey the importance of Resource established in 1994 to fulfill the mission of education Mobilization and how NGOs like to the Hill Tribe children. YMCA Chiangrai worked the YMCAs worldwide could seek with the Wakatake Home and Kumamoto YMCA to

the funding and donations to provide scholarship-sponsors. The Pha Hi village is PIP Wichian support the organization’s nested on an intricate mountain range in Mai Sai Boonmapajorn sustainability. District of Chiangrai, inhabited by Thais Hill Tribe of YMCA Alliance of Thailand received such privileges Akha ethnic. Formerly, these villages were part of to have Ron and team for 2 solid days with cramp Thailand’s largest opium growing area. But since King session for Board Members and staff with great value. Bhumibol Adulyadej’s visit to these villages in early As one of the leading author of the Capacity 1965-1970, all opium plantations have been Strengthening Ms. Judith B explained – What is transformed into Coffee Plantation. Located at an Resource mobilization? Resource Mobilization refers attitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, Pha Hi is ideal to all activities involved in securing new and for the plantation and cultivation of high quality Arabic additional resource for your organization. It also berries and one can relish the rich aroma that fill the involves in making better use of, and maximizing, villages in December-time during the harvesting and existing resources. Resource Mobilization is referred drying prior to the roasting for the coffee bean ready to as ‘New Business Development’ to support the for the cup of coffee. needy in their social and economic development. This is a story of Resource Mobilization and Chiang Rai YMCA is a case of the facing the Covid- opportunity. A resourceful location with raw materials 19 impact among the YMCAs in Thailand with to harvest and then dried and marketed by the Y-Forest encountering the fundamental streams of Coffee Brand as NGO’s Coffee to cater to the sustainability: institutional, financial and community of YMCAs and Y’s Men Club programmatic, each of which is vital to the survival of International. This along with its promotion as an the YMCA. The concept of the Resource Mobilization NGO’s Coffee under the conserved environment of the started up when the Y Development Co-operation green forest to sustain forest coffee for sustainability of Company Ltd, under the flagship of YMCA the Watergate Home in Thailand and even worldwide.

Chiangmai did officially appoint 2 Y’s Men - PISG The whole sustainability of the Resource Mobilization Nishi and PIP Wichian as an advisors to revitalize the concept could be reflected into the next issue of the export business of the Y Development. Hence YMI by PISG Nishi Nishimura.

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First ever Zoom Meeting of PIPs’ Club

by IPIP Jennifer Jones

The first ever Zoom meeting for the over the past two years, the latest copy being circulated PIP’s Club was held on Saturday 13 in January 2021. Statements regarding dues have also February. The International been shared with the group. Newsletters have been

Conventions normally provide an well-produced by PIP Isaac and members are opportunity for PIP members to get encouraged to send articles to Isaac to help keep the together, renew friendships and have newsletter interesting and current.

IPIP Jennifer fun. Due to the covid pandemic, IC20 Jones in was cancelled last year, The meeting was set for 2 pm Geneva time, which keeping us all at home and feeling that we had missed meant that for some, it was around midnight, while for out! others it was early in the morning. Despite the time It was suggested that since the usual meeting could not difference, everyone appreciated being able to attend. be held, a Zoom meeting could be organised for those Members had the opportunity to share something about who were able to attend. The attendees included PIP what was happening in their lives and how the covid Isaac Palathinkal, PIP Bruce Price, PIP John Choa, PIP pandemic was affecting life in their countries. From the

Finn Pedersen, PIP Joan Wilson, PIP Henry Grindheim, reports, most countries have experienced lockdown PIP Kazuyoshi Aoki, PIP Wichian Boonmapajorn, PIP conditions at some stage, but the severity of the VS Bashir, PIT Erik Breum, PISG Takao Nishimura, pandemic varied greatly depending on where people

PIPE Spouse Birgit Hove Jacobsen, IP Jacob Kristensen, lived. There are few occasions where club members IPE Kim Sang-chae, IPIP Jennifer Jones, ISG Jose can actually meet in person, with most having to meet Varghese and Translator Jin. Apologies were received online. An example of interesting meetings included from PIP Hirotushi Fuji, PIP Christian Bach Iversen, PIP clubs linking together with their IBC clubs, drawing

Dale Fotheringham, PIP Benson Wabule, PIP Moon them together from all parts of the world in one “virtual Sang-bong and Carole Friis. room”. Other clubs decided to fundraise using “crowd

PIP Isaac welcomed all to the meeting, thanking ISG funding”. Despite the difficulties, new members are Jose for making the online arrangements. joining YMI clubs and a number of Youth Clubs are being formed. Some members are enjoying the cold We remembered with love, those who passed away in weather conditions keeping warm inside, while others the last year or two - PIT BS Krishnan, PIPE Poul- are enjoying their warm climates. Club work as

Henrik Hove Jacobsen, PIP Poul V Thomsen and PIP president and compilation of newsletters have kept Arvid Malme. others busy, while juggling grandchildren in between. New members and associates were also welcomed into Technology has certainly kept many of us more the PIP Club - PIP Moon Sang-bong, IPIP Jennifer connected than ever before.

Jones, and Associate Members, IT Philips Cherian, IP Jacob shared an interesting message with us PISG Takao Nishimura, Bodil Thomsen (spouse of PIP focussing on three aspects to consider important -

Poul Thomsen) and Birgit Jacobsen (spouse of PIPE exciting club meetings, meaningful fellowship and Poul-Henrik Hove Jacobsen). good voluntary work. ISG Jose shared about YMI In Isaac’s report touched upon the following: Troubled Times, emphasising the good work that is

going on despite what is happening around us. IPIP Recent amendments to our Guidelines included: Jennifer shared about the celebrations that have been • December 2018, it was voted that currency for PIP planned and IPE Kim shared something about the dues would be changed from US dollars to Swiss Legacy Project. The documents and power points from Francs. this part of the program have been shared with all. • In October 2020, it was voted to admit spouses as PIP Isaac thanked everyone for making the effort to be Associate Members due to the passing of IPE while occupying that position. present and PIP Henry closed in prayer. Another meeting will be planned for later in the year. Hope you The PIP Club Directory has been updated several times can make it then.

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Zoom meeting in progress

From Chair International Convention 2022 Committee - PIP Joan Wilson

I have the privilege of being the tasks, such as finding the right venue for the International Convention Committee International Youth Convocation, looking at excursion Chair for the 2022, Centennial options, and finding the needed local components for International Convention in Honolulu, our programme (speakers, forums, entertainment). It is and I thought it might be useful to important that the “Aloha Spirit”, famous in Hawai’i, provide you with a few updates on how be a part of this convention. PIP Joan Wilson things are going in these uncertain covid- ICCC As you can well imagine, the pandemic has made our 19 times. planning processes very difficult in the past year. Our contact people for hotels, the IC venue and the camp for IYC have all changed at least once in this past year.

In many cases, it is almost impossible to communicate with a real person, let alone get answers to our

questions. Nonetheless, we persist in adapting to make any needed changes that result from the impact of Phil Sammer Co- Debbie Redmond covid-19 on our centennial convention. Our logo chair Hawai’i Co-Chair US Area Along with the ICCC and our IEOs, we are looking at

The core leadership team includes Phil Sammer and ways to involve and engage our membership Debbie Redmond, who are Host Committee Co-chairs worldwide in this momentous convention, whether representing Hawai’i-based planning (Phil) and US they be in person or virtually, while still having a

Area-based planning (Debbie). AP Bobby Stivers-Apiki balanced budget. We cannot yet predict what the joins us on this leadership team, covering many duties at limitations to travel might be by August 2022, and how the Regional, Area and international levels. We meet as this will impact our planning. However, we will work needed to guide our overall planning, and to coordinate together to do the very best we can to ensure we can with the International Convention Committee as gather together as a YMI family celebrating 100 years necessary. of service to the YMCA, and the needy in our

Our IC22 planning team meets at least monthly, with communities and around the world. various members coordinating different components of the work. Since this is a special convention, these We encourage each of you to think positively, to get member s come from all across Area USA, not just host thecovid-19 vaccine when it is available to you, and to actively plan to attend this wonderful celebratory Region Hawai’i, and also from Area /Caribbean. There is a very strong and dedicated group of members convention in Hawai’i in 2022. I look forward to in Hawai’i that are taking on the many “on the ground” seeing you in Honolulu!

4 A positive approach to the pandemic

by PIP Finn Pedersen in Norway is very detailed and strict. Cities and communities are closing down and people are advised to stay at home and keep a social distance to each other. However:  You are allowed to call a friend

 You are allowed to call a family member  You are allowed to sing a song  You are allowed to write a Message or an e-

mail  You are allowed to walk around in the nature Now  You are allowed to go skiing and skating  No Y’s Men meetings  (we have a strong winter this year)  No concerts  You are allowed to go for a car drive  No theater  You are allowed to be kind  No football  You are allowed to smile  No guests at home When will we be back to normal? Will it ever be the  No visits to friends and family same as before? We do not know, but we can hope.  No social events We can hope for a better world. We can hope that we  International convention 2020 cancelled can meet again some time. We can hope that IC2022  Area convention 2021 cancelled in will go as planned. We hope that we can go  Regional conference 2020 cancelled on travel again.

 No nothing The vaccine is on the way. I hope that it will reach all

It is a very difficult time now when the Pandemic countries so we can live “normal” again. Covid -19 is ruling all over the world. The restrictions Take care and God bless.

Flea Market In Østenstad Y’s Men’s Club

by PIP Henry Grindheim

To raise money for the various funds role. After me, PIP Arvid Malme was the flea market administered by YMI is a priority in general for some years before his successor, the current my club. club president Max Eien, replaced him.

Preparations for the market is an ongoing process in our My club, Østenstad Y’s Men’s Club, club with a special team collecting articles from people was chartered in 1976, and the idea to who wish to quit such articles and give Y’s Men a organize a flea market to get income possibility to earn some money. PIP Henry from sale of second hand articles, Grindheim came up in the early years. At the market, taking place in our church, the sales articles are divided into various departments: Second The first flea market in my club was held around 1980, hand books, furniture, clothes, electrical articles and I have been told. My family and I moved to Asker in «exclusive fleas», to mention some. Around 100 persons 1980, and I remember my first visit at the flea market in are involved which means that our club is not big enough 1982. We used to visit the market each year before I to handle the job. Staff is a mix of club members, became a member of my club in 1991. From 1992 and spouses, scouts, Ten Singers, members of our onwards I have contributed, first as a member of the congregation and the church choir. The participants booksellers team, later as the flea market general for register the number of hours he/she has spent and the unit some years up to 2006. Then I returned to the bookseller they represent receive their share of the surplus department, as I should become RD in Region Norway, according to these figures, after our club deducts the a task difficult to combine with the flea market general amount needed for the contribution to the programmes.

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Normally the flea market is an April event, taking place our government decided last year that voluntary shortly after Easter. Final preparations are done on organizations like Y’s Men, music corpses etc which weekdays that week. The flea market opens on Friday organize flea markets or similar activities to raise night lasting until Saturday afternoon. After the market money for their work, should receive a compensation has closed, we clean the premises to get the church for the loss of income due to these cancellation. We ready for the Sunday worship. were invited to apply for refund for such loss through

The market is very popular in our community, and a special arrangement. An amount withdrawn from the before opening we have to keep customers away and huge oil fund developed by the enormous taxes we receive from the oil and gas exploration in the North organize all those who stand in line. At six o’clock we strike the bell and the doors are opened. Each year the sea, was allocated for this purpose. Our government so waiting crowd outside the church is storming into the highly appreciates voluntary work performed here in Norway. What a generous gift! And it is not unlikely premises eagerly searching for the most attractive articles. that the type of refund may appear the second time around if the Corona situation remains unchanged. Due to Corona we had to cancel our market in 2020, and as the outlook is now, the same might happen this year. I must admit that we are extremely privileged living in The coming weeks will show. a country where voluntary work done by the

However, as Norway is a wealthy country, thanks to the Norwegian inhabitants is so highly appreciated by the oil and gas resources explored outside our coastline, official authorities

Wide Brown Land Travel Odyssey

by PIP Dale Fotheringham

As a retired School Principal, I’ve had many opportunities to introduce students to the richness of Australian poems/ballads including “Mulga Bill’s Bicycle”, “The Man from Ironbark” and “The Man From Snowy

River”. Great ballads, but my favourite poem is Dorothea Mackellar’s “My Country”. “I love a sunburnt country, A land of Sweeping Plains. Of Ragged Mountain Ranges, Of Droughts and Flooding Rains. I love Her Far Horizons, I love Her Jewel Sea, Her Beauty and Her Terror, The Wide Brown Land For Me!”

PIP Dale and Jean on a short family break Jean and I are soon to experience this Wide Brown Land as we plan on their northern coastline our annual travel to visit family and friends living in “far horizons” across our country. Stage One : From Terrigal, travelling to Broken Hill, a distance of 1200 km, with an overnight stay at Cobar, just 730 km from home. We’ll pass through the “Ragged Mountain Ranges”, before descending into the green and “Sweeping Plains” – plains (“sunburnt country”) now infested with hundreds of wild goats, once the territory of resident red kangaroos. Our time here will be spent visiting my sister Lillian, old school friends, and members of the local Y’s Men’s Club.

6 Stage Two: Broken Hill to Adelaide, 516 km, passing through the Thackaringa Hills (location of silver, lead & zinc ore lodes discovered by Charles Rasp, leading to the settlement of the “Silver City”. We’ll cross the South

Australian State Border at Cockburn with a welcome coffee break at Oodlawirra before proceeding to Adelaide, where we’ll visit Jean’s sister, Lillian, PIP Jennifer and husband Russell, and a 1944 Broken Hill Kindergarten classmate. Time permitting, we’ll visit local wineries to replenish diminishing wine stocks. Stage Three: Adelaide to Donovan’s Landing ( near Mount Gambier). 435 km, crossing from South into . Donovan’s Landing is a tiny town situated on the Glenelg River, named after Thomas John Donovan who was famous for shooting the ‘phantom cat’ known as the Tantanoola Tiger ( now preserved in the Tantantoola Hotel.). It’s a delightful place – a place to stop and refresh, enjoy country walks and spend quality time with sister Barbara and her husband Alan. Stage Four: Donovan’s Landing to Melbourne, a mere 454 km, beginning with an idyllic drive through pine forests and open green fields, but one quickly changing character as we approach Melbourne and the accompanying noisy, heavy city traffic. We’ll be visiting Shirley (Jean’s sister) and husband Ken in their home in Park Orchards.

It’s a suburb away from the city’s hustle and bustle and adjacent to the “Hundred Acre Woods” a conservation area offering lots of splendid walks. Highlights here will be visits of the extended family and fish & chips on Friday Night! Stage Five: Melbourne to Bendigo 153 km. Home stay with friends Peter Unmack and wife Shirley. Bendigo remains the hub of Y’s Men’s activity in the Australian Region with active clubs and members still serving in Regional roles. We plan to visit old friends, and, hopefully, enjoy a Y’s Men’s Meeting or two. Stage Six: Homeward Bound. Bendigo to Terrigal a distance of 911 km, with a stopover at the former gold-mining town of Chiltern where we’ll stay with Jean’s cousin. This is home country for Jean’s family and is one of our favourite holiday spots. We enjoy visiting the Old Grapevine Hotel, which served for a season as a picture theatre, and taking the opportunity (again) to visit local wineries. After Chiltern, it’s non-stop to Terrigal (except for a snack break at Holbrook) and the first night in our own bed after our 3-4 weeks’ odyssey.

Total Distance travelled: 3629 km Total Hours Driving: 38:52 minutes

And it’s still “The Wide, Brown Land” for me (for us!)

Regards to all, PIP Dale Fotheringham

Greetings from Carol Friis (Spouse of PIP Christian Friis )

This is Carol Friis checking in from Lake San Marcos, California. It is mid-February, 2021, 2 days after my 86th birthday !It is in the low 60/s F. It seems quite cool to me but a lot of the US is covered with snow so I think I'll continue to think of this as paradise. San Marcos is in north San Diego County. Some of you know that PIP Christian & I moved here in 1998 so this has been home for 20+ years now. Chris has been gone since 2012 but the dog & I keep things under control..... just like he taught us. Carol Friis

I have several family members within a radius of 75 miles. Our daughter, granddaughter & family, including her 2 ½ yr. Old twin boys, my sister and her daughter. No one gets to spend as much time together as we would like because of the virus but you do what you have to do,.

I still belong to the North Coast Y Service Club but am not too involved. Chris and I both loved our active days in Y'sDom., especially the wonderful friends we made around the world. It indeed was a highlight of our lives!

I send greetings to one & all. Please stay safe and healthy!

Y'sly and Sincerely,

Carol Friis (PIP Christian Friis )

7 Carol’s treasured photographs

With great grandsons Everett & Linkon Taylor With daughter Melinda Payne and grand daughter, Krystin Taylor

A new country, A New club and A Marvellous project - A report by Daniel Mohan, President North Jersey Club, USA

Tegucigalpa Y Service Club, Honduras. - Hurricane Relief Project Work

The Y’s Service International Shortly thereafter, Honduras was hit by two welcomed Tegucigalpa Y Service consecutive hurricanes - Hurricane Eta and Hurricane

Club, Honduras to its ranks and Iota. The hurricanes horribly effected the already congratulates them on their fragile situation at the port City of Tela, leaving them humanitarian work, serving those in isolated from the larger communities. Subsequently,

greatest need from natural disaster – the Y Service Club North Jersey called upon Mr. Daniel Mohan Hurricanes Eta and Iota. Salinas to immediately set up a relief plan for the In January 2020, North Jersey Club, USA officials smaller communities most affected by the hurricane invited Mr. Mario Salinas, a gentleman from Honduras, induced mudslides. to North Jersey to discuss the possibility of a pilot The North Jersey Club carried out a fundraiser in the project in Character Education in Tela, Honduras. The USA to support the effort. Authorities of the project was confirmed and scheduled to begin in the Municipality of Tela, including Mayor Darío Springtime of 2020. However, due to the Coronavirus Munguía, his son Gerardo Munguía, Ms. Lilian García, pandemic, the project was postponed. Not missing the Director of Social Development of Tela, Ms. Larisa opportunity to expand the footprint of the Y Service Calix, Public Relations & Media Officer, Tela Police Club’s mission, Mr. Daniel Mohan, President of Y Department, and other community leaders worked

Service Club North Jersey encouraged Mr. Salinas to together to determine how and where to use the donated consider starting a Y Service Club in Honduras, which funds. It was decided that the donations would best be would become the 71st Nation to host a club. The used to acquire bags of food, clothing, baby milk and Charter was done and Mr. Mario Salinas was elected as bottled drinking water for the people most severely hurt President of Tegucigalpa Y Service Club, Honduras by the hurricanes. The Tegucigalpa Y Service delegation travelled 300 KM from the Tegucigalpa, the Capital City of Honduras, to the City of Tela. Tela Mayor, Mr. Mayor Darío Munguía gave a summary of his communities’ Truck loaded with entire situation and offered details regarding the needs food bags being of their people. In addition, he provided logistical and pushed by people due to mud other support from his office to make the delivery of caused by this aid to the neediest people possible. The challenge hurricane for the mission was to reach the communities of San

Juan, Jerusalem and La Fortalez, which had been isolated by the landslides and that otherwise had no means of transportation to go down to the city and

8 obtain food. Early on Friday morning, the Y Service As we all know the motto of the Y Service Club is “To team joined the Tela team. Mayor Munguía came to acknowledge the duty that accompanies every greet and thank the team. At that time, Mr. Mohan, the right.”When we take a moment to think about this president of the North Jersey Club, called to thank the motto, and ask the question “What is our greatest delegation for the mobilization and to offer best wishes. right?” We have many rights – the right to freedom, Both the Mayor and Mr. Mohan had the opportunity to liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our greatest duty exchange a few words by video call. then is to care for our human family as our brothers and The weather and the roads were both difficult to sisters, recognizing each person regardless of age, race, navigate. At the beginning of the trip, the weather was nationality, religion, financial level, or political or dry and sunny when the group arrived at the community social position as equal in value to God and therefore of San Juan where the first delivery was made. When to us. going further up to the next village named Jerusalem, the landscape changed and the trucks bearing the supplies had to ascend steep hills. At this time, the weather changed dramatically from dry to cool, cool to cold, cold to rainy, to cloudy and misty at the top of the hills. At this altitude, the roads were completely muddy from the hurricane, so that the vehicles could not advance any farther. Since the passage was too dangerous, young people and adults were asked to come down from their village to push the vehicles in order to reach La Fortaleza where a large number of families (the elderly, adults, children and infants) were waiting for the convoy in a small community hut where the goods were distributed. Most of those people had lost their homes. A young man shared with sadness and tears how he had witnessed his wife and two daughters, 13 and 8 years old, say goodbye before slowly being swallowed under the mud, without Food bags were distributed to the most needy being able to help them since he himself was equally stuck in the mud. We are the heirs of God’s love and therefore At the end of the project, Elsa Moncada (Y Service responsible to enact that love in everything we do.

Tegucigalpa) gratefully shared with tears that she was Even as a very young club, Tegucigalpa Y Service very happy to have been part of this first joint service Club has in cooperation with a North Jersey Club activity between Y Service Tegucigalpa and the Y extended a helping hand to three of the villages that Service Club North Jersey. Maritza Morel, another team was severely impacted by the Hurricanes Eta and Iota. member, said she recognized the city leaders’ great Y Service Club North Jersey is grateful to have had a willingness to serve their people since this type of aid is trusted Club family to deliver our monetary help usually only given to nearby areas, leaving the distant because it is not money alone that was given. The villages to care for themselves. From the bottom their young club demonstrated its commitment and resolve hearts, Tegucigalpa Club and the Tela Team deeply to carry out a difficult mission and the process carried thanked the people from North Jersey Club who, with out their most important duty to their neighbours in unconditional love, offered their help for people they did need. not even know.

Congratulations to The Y Service Team and Tela Official Team

9 News from Area Korea by AP Hong Yong Seung

Date: 2020.6.26.~27 @ Gunsan Charter Sponsor The 2020 Proud Y’s MenAward was held in Gunsan No Club Name Region Date Club region in June, 2020. The Award was presented to honour senior Menettes and Menettes who have been Jeonju participating in the activities of the YMI Korea Area for 1 Chonbuk 2020.8.17 Bisabeol Shinwha more than 30 years for the development of Y’s dom. Hwasun Kwangju Korea Area President, Mr. Hong Young-seung hosted an 2 New Go South 2020.8.27 installation ceremony where Y’s Men, Menettes and Taebong Indol their family altogether could exchange greetings and resolutions for a new semester. In the previous day of Mokpo 3 Jeonnam 2020.8.29 Mokpo the installation, AP Hong has invited senior Y’s Men Nojeokbong and Menettes to have an opportunity to look back on the contribution and memories of them toward the growth Icheon 4 Joongang 2020.9.10 Eicheun of the Y’s Men Korea Area. Jungang

During the two day’s event, the senior Y’s Men Poong 5 Jinan Maisan Chonbuk 2020.12.02 prepared a performance to express their appreciation Nyeon and messages that they will continue to become Gunsan Gunsan proud members of the YMI. 6 Chonbuk 2021.1.18 Ariul Alpha

Jeonju Jeonju 7 Chonbuk 2021.1.23 Nambu Bombit

Proud Y’s Men Award function 10 Date: 2020.7.3.~4 @ Gunsan

Host: 11 regions 2020/21 Korea area DG training was held in the Date: August, 2020 Gunsan region for two days under the theme of Place: Flood-damaged areas the role of the district governors for the club

extension. Members of the YMI Korea Area rolled up their sleeves The training was originally planned for both DGs to help 11 regions where more than 40 million households were heavily affected. They also presented relief goods and club presidents as key leaders for the and donations. extention but it was forced to slim down due to the increased cases of Covid-19 in the Area.

Host: Wando Club, Jeonnam region

Date: 2020.9.12./9.25/11.14

Place: 3 islands in the Jeonnam region

Host: Mokpo Club, Jeonnam region

Date: 2020.12.27

Place: Blood donation bus

YMI Korea Area volunteered due to the critical blood shortage in the blood donations.

Host: 7 clubs in the Middle West Sea District

Date: 2020.12.21

Place: Mokpo YMCA

News from Area India by AP A.Shanavaskhan

INSTALLATION OF OFFICE BEARERS and he inaugurated the Installation Ceremony. Due to the present covid 19 pandemic International President Elect Ym.Jacob Kristensen

situation Area team was installed through a installed the Area office bearers on line. In the meeting video conference with live streaming on 27th IPIP Jennifer Jones, IPEE Dr. Kim Sang Chae, ISG June 2020, in which Member of Parliament Ym.Jose Varghese, IT Ym.Philip Cherian, ITE

Shri. N.K.Premachandran was the chief guest Ym.T.M.Jose, Area related secretary Mr. Bertram AP Devadas attended. A.Shanavaskhan

11 AREA PROJECT INAUGURATION participated the family fest which was an outstanding Area project “Kidney Care” was inaugurated by Prof. P. one with Cultural Programmes, Boating, Fireworks, Fellowship and Yoga. J. Kurian, Former Vice Chairman, Rajyasabha in a meeting conducted through Zoom platform. YMC HOME FOR HOMELESS PROJECT Vennikkulamin of SWIR handed over cash for 1001 As part of the “Home For Homeless” Project YMC dialysis to Superintendent of Kozhenchery Taluk Gopichettippalayam in South India Region has Hospital for conducting free dialysis to poor kidney constructed and handed over 2 houses at Velankanni in patients. ISG Ym.Jose Varghese participated in the Tamilnadu. YMC of Kottiyam which is the home club meeting through Zoom platform. of AP and YMC of Arattupuzha in South West India

Another project of Area – “Rehabilitation of Covid - Region has constructed and handed over one house orphaned kids” was inaugurated by RD SWI Region each. Construction of 2 houses by YMC of Ym. Mammen Oommen in the meeting. Pathanamthitta Town in SWIR is in progress.

ASD TRAINING & AREA COUNCIL MEETINGS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT India Area conducted Area Service Director’s Training YMC Vennikkulam in SWIR handed over cash for on 02.08.2020 over Zoom platform .The training was 1001 dialysis to Superintendent of Kozhenchery Taluk inaugurated by PIP Ym.Er.V.S.Bashir .The session on Hospital for conducting free dialysis to poor kidney “Servant Leadership” was handled by International patients. YMC Trivandrum and District XIII in SWIR trainer Adv.A.V.Vamanakumar. The second session on has donated Dialysis Machines.

“Duties and Responsibilities of ASDs” was taken by PUBLICATIONS PICM and LTOD Ym. Anto. K. Antony. 179 ASDs Area has already published 3 Bulletins and 3 E- participated in the training programme. 1st Area Bulletins so far. A Mini Directory covering the Constitutional and Extended Council was held on Zoom Photographs, Address, Phone Numbers and Email IDs Platform and was inaugurated by YMCA National of all the International, Area, Regional, District President Hon’ble Mr Justice J B Koshy. 2 Constitutio- Leaders and the Area Service Directors was already nal and 2 Extended Area Council meetings were held in published. Also planning to publish A Handbook Cum this Covid 19 Pandemic situation through Zoom Directory and its work is on progress which will be Platform. released during the 3rd Area Council meeting.

AREA YOUTH CONVOCATION INDIA AREA OFFICE India Area Youth Convocation “Electra 2020-21” was For the first time in the history of India Area, A conducted from 8th to 10th January 2021 at permanent office is going to be inaugurated at Kuttikkanam, Idukki District, Kerala. International Thiruvananthapuram. After the inauguration of President Ym. Jacob Kristensen Inaugurated the Youth Permanent Office, India Area will register officially Convocation. 42 youths from 5 Regions participated in and steps will be taken for a Permanent Accounting the Convocation. It was a well-planned and well- System with PAN Card. arranged one which has excelled all the youth camps RELATION WITH YMCA held in the recent years. Area is trying to keep and develop a good relation with RDE AND DGE TRAINING the National Council of YMCAs and with its President Regional Directors Elect and District Governors Elect Hon’ble Mr. Justice J B Koshy and Area related training programme was held on 30th and 31st secretary Mr.Bertram Devadas. In the Centenary Year Decembe r 2020 at Estuary Sarovar Portico, Poovar Area is planning to start many more New Clubs with Island, Kerala. IP Ym. Jacob Kristensen inaugurated the the support of YMCA. training programme. Ym. Philip Cherian IT, Ym. T.M.Jose ITE and Ym.Jose Varghese ISG handled PORTAL BUZZ various sessions. All the Seven Regional Directors and The process of enrolling all the Y’s Family Members in Portal Buzz will be completed by the end of March 40 out of 42 District Governors attended the 2021. Programme. EXTENSION AREA FAMILY FEST Membership extension is one phase where we were not At this Covid 19 Pandemic situation India Area took able to accomplish as we expected due to the pandemic pains to conduct India Area Family Fest “Rose Petals situation, but we are confident to reach our goals as we 2021” in a most befitting manner at Estuary Sarocar are now able to conduct more physical meetings. Portico, Poovar Island, Kerala on 13th and 14th However, 10 new clubs were started and by April 20 February 2021. About 70 families from India Area more clubs will be chartered. 12

Inaugural meeting A Regional Service Project – Relieving Hunger

ELECTRA- India Area Youth Camp @ Kuttikkanam, Idukki, South India

Area level Training for RDEs and DGEs

Birthdays and Wedding Anniversaries (December 2020 to March 2021)

Name Birthday Name Birthday V S Bashir 3rd Mar Wichian Boonmapajorn 27th April Benson Wabule 4th Mar Sangbong Moon 28th Apr Clare Graham 21st Mar Janet McCoy 6th May Russel Jones 21st Mar Dale Fotheringham 13th May Henry Grindheim 25th Mar Christian Bach Iversen 16th May Jacob Cherian 31st Mar Tirapan Boonmapajorn 27th May Lili D.Choa 1st Apr Marie Iversen 8th Jun 13 Hyesook Lee 11th Apr Ameena Bashir 8th Jun Jennifer Jones 12th Apr Kumiko Nishimura 26th Jun Carol Cummings 21st Apr Donna Ward 30th Jun Finn Pedersen 24th Apr Saby Philips 10th Jun Lasse Bergstedt 27th Apr Wedding Couple Couple Wedding Anniversary Anniversary Kim Bong – hee & Lee Dong - in 10th Mar Joan Wilson & Stuart Wilson 21st May Sangbong Moon & Hyesook Lee 21st Mar Takao Nishimura and Kumiko 26th May Hirotoshi Fujii and Shoko 15th Apr Bruce Price and Rosalie Price 30th May Clare Graham & Nancy Kazuyoshi Aoki & Kiyoko Aoki 28th Apr 30th May Graham Christian Bach Iversen and Isaac Palathinkal and Susan 13th May 8th June Marie Iversen Dale Fotheringham & Jean 16th May Fotheringham PIP Club members wish all of you all many more happy returns of the day.

Snapshots from our Zoom meeting on 13th February 2021

PIP Isaac – Chair PIPs’ Club PIP Bruce E.Price PIP Kazuyoshi Aoki

PIP John L.Choa PIP V.S.Bashir PIP Finn A.Pedersen Wichian Boonmapajorn

PIP Joan Wilson PIP Henry J.Grindheim PIP Jennifer Jones PIT Erik Breum

PISG Takao Nishimura Birgit Jakobsen (Spouse PIPE Poul) IP Jacob A.Kristensen IPE Kim Sang Chei

ISG Jose Varghese and his presentation Thanks, Bye 14 The PIP Newsletter is an exclusive quarterly publication of and for Past International Presidents of Y’s Men International