Meet Your Alumni Advisory Council Members

From our meeting in June - From left to right, members are: Alison Ostman, Marilyn Hawes, Dianne Asher, Lulie Melton, Rick Taylor, Marlene Borneman, Betsy Moore, Kathy Nolen-Martin, Chuck Trimble, Julie Day.  Jinetta Zentmire, Sue Hunt, Tracy Harrell and Joe Nichols are not pictured.

Jinetta Zentmire, Alumni Association Coordinator

Jinetta Zentmire & Family

Jinetta began her adventure with the YMCA of the Rockies in October 2010 starting out in Guest Services.  She began her new adventure as Alumni Association Coordinator on Ground Hog’s Day 2011.  Taking it to be a sign that, “This job is meant to be”. 

Jinetta loves working with people and what can be better than working with Alumni?  She follows in the footsteps of both her children having worked at the Y for several years.  Justin, 23 and Kelsi, 20, now live in Fort Collins. Jinetta has been married to Brian 25+ years and still can’t spend enough time together.  He works for the Postal Service in Fort Collins.   

Jinetta loves to spend time with her family and friends, reading, movies and working on the house, appropriately named “the money pit”.

Rick Taylor, Council Chair

Rick and Janet Taylor

A while back I was shooting a few hoops in the driveway of my home outside Houston on a crisp and sunny fall day. It’s a great way to clear out the cobwebs. I found myself reflecting on the various ways the YMCA of the Rockies has impacted my life. So I decided to capture the moment and come inside to write it down.

I spent two summers and a winter in the mid-70s on the seasonal staff at the Estes Park Center. Back then to most folks it was known more simply as “the Y Camp”. I had just graduated from college without a clue about what to do with my life. After that first summer at the Y, I visited my school in Pennsylvania. When one of the deans asked me what kind of work I was doing, I told him that I was mostly mopping floors and cleaning toilets. I’ll never forget the rather puzzled look he gave me. His expression seemed to say, “You’re doing that with your college degree?!” But I also remember how I felt when I told him I was proud. Not by the nature of the work, but proud that I had discovered an amazing place where I had one of the best summers of my life. I did something else till the following summer, then came back to the Y and stayed on to work the winter months as well. The Y Camp provided me with room and board along with a little spending money. Mainly, though, it gave me some good friends, a lot of fun times, and some space and time to hang out until I was ready to move on to the next phase of my life. 

Shortly after leaving Estes Park, I moved to Denver and began what turned out to be a 20-year career as a local YMCA director. While living and working in Denver, I often returned to the Y camp as a guest with family and friends and occasionally for a YMCA conference as well. After moving to Houston, my family and I would vacation there for a couple of weeks each summer. It was hard to imagine going anywhere else. A special treat was introducing the place to friends. For me, the Y-Camp had become a symbol of continuity in the midst of life’s many transitions. Each time I returned it felt like a homecoming. A sacred place, if you will.

Eight years ago I left YMCA employment to work as a high school math teacher, giving me back my summers. Our daughter is now in college and last year completed her first summer as a day camp counselor at the Estes Park Center. Needless to say, I was one happy dude (make that dad) when she told me of her desire to do that. I guess it was too much to ask that she mop floors and clean toilets as well! When she left home for college, I felt a little freer to do some exploring of my own. So, two summers ago I applied to work as a volunteer in the program department at the Sweet building desk, trying to help Y camp guests with their questions. I loved it!  

I recall a brief chat I had with a rather young seasonal staff member several years ago. I was once again shooting a few hoops, this time in the shadow of Mt. Ypsilon. As we shot and talked he began to complain about what he thought was lousy pay, so-so food, and not so great staff housing. As I listened to him, I didn’t say it but I thought to myself, “This guy is really missing the point of being here. Working at the Y camp can mean so much more”. It sure has for me.

Julie Adams Day, Council Secretary

Julie Adams Day

Attending The Fellowship of Christian Athletes' summer conferences with my family was my first introduction to the Y-Camp. From the time I was in 6th grade, I would go to the front desk and ask "How old do I have to be to work here?” Finally, in the summer of 1982, I became a Pondo gal in a.m. kitchen, complete with that lovely gold dress with the white collar! I still write and visit several friends from that first summer.

In 1983, I returned as a hikemaster. The people I met and the friends I worked with truly made it the best summer of my life. The whole experience is something I still reflect on and treasure.  
A college logic course kept me from returning the following summer; however, our family returned annually.  When I got married, my husband didn't quite understand my strong attachment to the YMCA of the Rockies until we made our first trip.

Kathy Nolen-Martin, Vice Chair

Kathy Nolen-Martin and her longtime Y friend, Sue Hunt

Hello!  I’m Kathy Nolen-Martin and I live in Norfolk, Virginia.  I am happy to have the wonderful Y of the Rockies back in my life!  Summer of 1975 was my meaningful summer at the Y and I worked in Housekeeping.  This was the summer between my freshman and sophomore year at the University of Alabama.  I was first introduced to the Y through my cousin Mary when she worked there.  I remember seeing pictures of her hiking in the snow with shorts on and, growing up in Alabama, snow and shorts together was quite memorable!

I traveled from Alabama and arrived in Estes Park, not knowing a soul.  While in the bus station, waiting for the Y bus, I spotted an attractive, friendly person and her name was Sue Ludemann.  Sue and I, that day, started a memorable summer together – and we remain good friends today.  (As a matter of fact, Sue is a new Alumni Council member and she traveled to the Y for our June meeting – the first time that she had returned since the summer of ’75!!  I hadn’t seen Sue since the early ‘90s and we had a great time!) 

During that summer, Sue and I befriended two other staffers, Corrie and Liz.  We were quite the foursome!  Corrie’s VW bug was our getaway car and we made the most of our one day off per week.  We traveled all over Colorado – we enjoyed camping, Aspen, Vail, Leadville – to name only a few adventures. 

My summer at the Y was the most memorable time of my life.  This experience changed me and made me realize my place in the world.  I made new friends – friends from other parts of the US, friends who shared different beliefs from my own.  I came to understand that I am independent, that I am capable of anything! 

Jumping forward – I am married to Rick and we have a fabulous daughter, Molly – 10 years old.  My stepsons Eric and Taylor are wonderful and they live in San Francisco and Washington DC, respectively.  I am a Major Gifts Officer at The College of William and Mary.  I have already introduced Molly to the Y, when Rick and I attended the Y’s 100th anniversary and alumni reunion.  We returned summer of 2009 and loved new friendships, hiking, camp for Molly, etc. – just the meaningful offerings of the Y.

The Y of the Rockies is a special, unique place – a place with which I am honored to be associated.  I look forward to working with other Y Council members and, also, working with the Y’s talented staff.

Sue Hunt, Council at Large

Sue Hunt

I first experienced the YMCA of the Rockies in 1971 when I vacationed with family friends who had rented a cabin.  We went back again the next summer, and that was when I decided that someday I’d try to get a job at the “Y”.  I thought working with all of those college kids in that beautiful place would be a blast.

Right after Christmas of my freshman year of college, I filled out an application and was hired for the summer of 1975. Thinking I would surely be assigned to work as a day camp counselor (I was an education major after all) I was dismayed when I learned that I would be cleaning lodge rooms and bathrooms all summer.  Fortunately, my new roommate, Kathy Nolen, and I hit it off and were assigned to clean the same lodge or I might have been one those that fled the “Y” for less challenging work someplace else.

Among the friends Kathy and I made that summer were two other girls assigned to clean the neighboring lodge.  The four of us managed to get the same day off each week and took to exploring Colorado in an old VW bug belonging to one of the girls. I can’t imagine how many miles we put on that car!  We didn’t spend all of our free time traveling; however, we hiked, explored caves, helped with the staff talent show, and even went to the James Taylor concert at Red Rocks.  It was truly an amazing summer!

Now, my life revolves around our family and fourth generation Iowa farm.  Teaching fifth grade is also an important part of my life.  My husband, Nick, and I have two daughters.  Elizabeth and her husband live in New Hampshire and Carolyn lives in Texas.  One day I hope that we can all meet for a family reunion/vacation at the Y.

Betsy Moore, Council at Large

Betsy Moore

I was first introduced to the Y camp the summer of 1973 when my family rented a cabin. Who knew then what an important role the YMCA of the Rockies would play in my life?
 
The following year I experienced depression and was feeling pretty hopeless. My mother remembered the Y camp and all of the college students they hired every summer. She was convinced a change of scenery would do wonders for me. At her insistence, I filled out an application never dreaming I would be hired, but I was. Taking my first plane ride to a far away camp where I didn't know a sole made me anxious beyond words. When I arrived at the Y and settled in, I discovered there was something about the majesty of the Rockies that lifted the dark clouds that had been hovering over me.

I spent the summer of 1974 working in the kitchen. I had a ball! As the summer was nearing an end, I discovered I was not ready to go back to college. So I decided to stay through the fall. I developed friendships that fall that have lasted for 35 years.

Eventually, I went back to school and graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1978 with a degree in nursing. In 1980, I spent the summer at Snow Mountain Ranch as the camp nurse. I married Greg Moore in 1993 who is a symphonic musician. Ten years ago I changed careers and became a financial advisor.

I have been back to the Y camp numerous times over the past 35 years. It owns a piece of my heart. I know God used the Y to bring healing and direction to my life when I was lost. I met my best friend of 35 years there, Debbie Wedman Deupree (aka Super Deb). That relationship has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

My heart's desire is that others experience the magic of the YMCA of the Rockies. I recently became a "Trailblazer" so I can tell others in my community about the Y. I am thrilled to serve on the alumni advisory council. It's wonderful to be around others who love the Y camp as much as I do. I know there are many others out there who will find the same peace and direction at the camp as I did.

Marlene Borneman (Fleitas), Alumni Volunteer Coordinator

Marlene Borneman

My first summer at the YMCA of the Rockies was 1974. It was a memorable arrival. After landing at Stapleton Airport and riding the Greyhound bus to Estes Park, I was picked up by Nob in a Y pickup truck. Being a proper southern lady from New Orleans, I presented myself in the “appropriate” attire for employment, a short sleeveless silk dress complete with heels and stockings. I was shell shocked! I felt I had landed on Mars! The temperature was approximately 35 degrees complimented by snow.

I had two large pieces of luggage, which staff told me to take uphill to Fern- Odessa. Doug Adams, the first friend I met at the Y and who remains a dear friend, gave me the best advice, “If you have jeans and sneakers please go change clothes.” I do not think I ever wore that dress or shoes again.

I was assigned to the YMCA Grocery Store. By the end of that summer I had climbed Longs, Meeker, McHernys and many other peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park while forming many relationships. That serendipity event of being chosen to be part of the seasonal staff changed my lifestyle forever.

I worked year round at the YMCA of the Rockies for three years. I learned to rock climb, backpack, and ski and yes clean toilets. Most of all I learned to value the world around me; the many people the world holds, and teamwork.

I had received a Bachelors Degree in Social Work at Southeastern Louisiana University in 1974 prior to coming to the YMCA. I then worked as a social worker for Larimer County in Estes Park. I lived in Estes Park from 1977- 1987. Due to employment and educational opportunities, I moved out of the area. I later received a Masters degree in Social Work. I worked in child welfare for twenty plus years; twelve of those as a Child Protective Services Supervisor. I am now licensed in Colorado, and practice today as a mental health therapist working with adolescents.

Even though I was temporarily far away, my heart was always with Estes Park and the YMCA. I know there are many that feel that tug. I was fortunate enough to be able to come back on extended visits several times a year. I moved back permanently to Estes Park in 2001. To quote Kipling;
GOD GAVE ALL MEN ALL EARTH TO LOVE,
    BUT, SINCE OUR HEARTS ARE SMALL,
ORDAINED FOR EACH ONE SPOT SHOULD PROVE
    BELOVED OVER ALL.

I am married to Walter R. Borneman. He is an author, attorney and my beloved climbing partner. I have two daughters; Fadra, twenty-seven, whom just graduated form The University of Pennsylvania Dental School and Avery age twenty who worked at the YMCA Livery for four summers and remains an extraordinary horsewoman. I have climbed all Colorado 54 Fourteeners, 123 of the 126 named peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park and 32 of the 50 state highpoints. Not bad for a girl raised below sea level!

I have supported the YMCA of the Rockies and the Dorsey Museum for many years. I now embrace the opportunity to contribute more to the YMCA through the Alumni Association Advisory Council. I have been involved with several organizations over the years, but the YMCA of the Rockies is the one that has become a strong investment for me. As I grow older, I find myself cherishing my gains more and more; my family, my health, my education, my employment, my faith and my friends of 30 plus years I met at the YMCA. To me, Fulfillment in life is not retirement but to keep going the extra mile, keep learning and keep giving attitude that is self-fulfilling. I now have an avenue to continue to grow by giving back what the YMCA of the Rockies gave me in 1974; a window of opportunity to volunteer in service with present friends and people I have yet to meet that have a common interest in the YMCA.

My hope is the Alumni Association will help create memories and promote fellowship by helping the alumni support the Y’s mission. I am excited to be part of The YMCA of the Rockies Alumni Association; truly a family of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith.

Marilyn Hawes, Council at Large

Marilyn Hawes

I was three years old when I first visited the Y-Camp. A co-worker of my father told him about this great vacation place in Estes Park. You could take the whole family and have a good time, and it was affordable.

It was always the highlight of the summer to spend a week at the Y. I remember that in grade school you always had to write a little essay about what you did over the summer. I always wrote about the Y-Camp, figuring everybody knew what I was talking about. I illustrated my essay with crayon pine trees.

I'm sure taking hikes and nature walks with Park Rangers during those vacations influenced me to decide that I would be a biologist, with the idea of going back to the mountains to work. I haven’t made it back to the mountains yet, but I did get a biology degree and worked in environmental monitoring, usually involving the Missouri River. I took early retirement in October and now work for a local caterer.

I worked at the Y two summers during college. My first summer was in Housekeeping, assigned primarily to the old Wind River Lodge, which of course was partly preserved to serve as the Lula W. Dorsey Museum. The second summer I was lucky enough to be assigned to the Craft Shop.

Unlike many of my fellow alumni, I don’t have any Y summer romance stories to share. What a pity. When I worked at the Y I think somebody figured there were seven girls to every guy! Pretty slim pickings. 

I have continued to vacation at the Y since those early years. My husband, Todd, comes with me to Estes Park at least every other year. Twenty-one years ago I began volunteering at the Dorsey Museum. I was their first room-and-board volunteer. Back then there was no paper work for volunteers to fill out. I just showed up for work. My "dorm room" was the Infirmary. Now that I’m retired I hope to volunteer regularly in the future.

I'm looking forward to the next reunion and being more involved with the mission of the Y.

Dianne Batman Asher, Council at Large

Dianne Batman Asher

My name is Dianne Batman Asher and I worked at the Estes Park Center the summers of 1981 and 1982. The first summer I worked in Housekeeping, and the second summer in Jellison as a Day Camp counselor. I feel so blessed to have discovered the Y during college and have felt the Y was like a second home ever since. To this day, working at the Y was the best job I ever had. Between the friends I met and the Rocky Mountains, it was fantastic!

I was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, but did not spend much time in Rocky Mountain National Park until I worked at the Y. I went to college in Kansas not once but twice and have lived in the Kansas City area for 25 years. I work for the University of Kansas-School of Social Welfare where I develop programs and train mental health center staff to work with individuals who have a severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring substance disorder. I love my job, but alas there are no mountains in Kansas.

I married a wonderful man from Kansas in 1992 and have two terrific kids. I have a very blessed life here in Kansas City, but don’t plan or retiring here. I think we found a great spot to retire in Colorado at this place called the Estes Park Center, but don’t tell anyone. I don’t want the secret to get out. My husband already has sights on running the mini-golf. We are coming as soon as we get the kids off to college, but first we have to get them out of elementary and middle school. I am counting the days until I can return to the mountains and my home at the Y.