The YMCA Olde Tymers hosted its 29th Annual Reunion Banquet and Dance recently in the Atrium Room of the Paul Detrick Building. Board of Director Chairman Willis Clary extended a warm welcome to the capacity crowd. Albert Ross, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors gave a short overview of the Olde Tymers’ Vision. The charter members date back to the Pine Street Y. Vassar Keys gave the invocation before dinner was served.
Following dinner, Albert Ross introduced Mistress of Ceremonies Ida Goodwin Woolfolk, who kept the audience entertained throughout the program. Howard Webb conducted the memoriam recognition of recently deceased member Vernon Woodson, who was present last year at the 28th reunion. Orville Kirk led the recognition and introduced guests.
Annually, a monetary presentation is presented to the Monsanto YMCA. This year Ernest Jacobs, Treasurer, gave the YMCA Cliff Bailey Scholarship Fund presentation and it was accepted by Michael Johnson, assistant to the Monsanto YMCA director. Johnson stated that the YMCA does not turn any child away and expressed appreciation for the financial contribution. Albert Ross presented the monetary contribution to the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation and it was received by John Bernard, who expressed Earl Wilson’s grateful appreciation for their support.
Erssie Lucas introduced the YMCA Olde Tymers, Inc. New members presented were Damon Ambus, Elmer Burns, Lawson Calhoun, Lowell Denny, Johnnie Marshall and Jack Saunders.
Howard Webb was recognized as the YMCA Olde Tymers “Man of the Year.
Special recognition was given to Olde Tymers members for eventful occasions in their life. Ernest and Billie Jacobs recently had celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Mr and Mrs. Erssie Lucas were also recognized for celebrating 50 years of marriage. Other couples present who had been married more that fifty years were Artie and Armetta Whitmore, Victor and Delores Roberts, Clyde and Maize Orr, Mr. and Mrs. Willis Clary, and Charles and Jacqueline Butler.
In the closing, Chairman Clary, he requested the support of the audience in the establishment of the James E. Cook Memorial Campaign, in honor of the late Pine Street executive director. Please send contributions to the YMCA Olde Tymers, P.O. Box 11160, St. Louis, MO. 63135