Pictured in the back row from left are Kevin Priest, Bob Murphy, Frank Valentino and Judy Gorton; the front row are Phyllis Stoker, Margaret Rosbrook and Pat Orcutt.
Pictured in the back row from left are Barb Wattley, Bill Alessi and Paul Amoroso; in the front are Shawn Hoyt, Michelle Thieme, Carrie Desai-Bergron and Christine Garry.
(Oneida, Vernon, NY – Feb. 2014) On April 4, the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley will once again honor the spirit and legacy of long-time member, Don Connelly with the YMCA Don Connelly Determination Celebration. This time, the Y is moving to a larger venue to house a bigger audience, by moving the event to Vernon Downs.
Each year since his passing, the Y has honored members who have overcome challenges to succeed, through working out at the Ys in Rome and Oneida.
“Several of our members have achieved significant success by overcoming odds with determination, said Development Director John Elberson. “In the spirit of Don, who was such an inspiration to all of us at the Y, we want to celebrate their achievements, by having a big party.”
“Whether it’s losing 100 pounds, overcoming a physical challenge or reaching a milestone, we want to join them in their happiness,” said Marketing Manager Maryalice Golden.
Connelly (1912-2004) was a founding member and served as president of Utica-Rome IBM Ring No. 101, which would become known as the “Don Connelly Ring.” He served four years as a combat medic in World War II and was awarded two Bronze Stars.
While recovering from the severe wounds received in the war, he discovered that magic manipulation helped and threw himself into the study of magic. Upon recovery, he toured with the USO for many years. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, he played in the remnants of vaudeville and worked nightclubs.
His wife Mildred “Molly” Steele (d. 2000) developed her own act as “Molly Rembrant”, that complimented his magic, drawing pictures with colored sand.
He eventually settled in Central New York and helped start an I.B.M. ring there. Connelly would serve for nine years on the Board of Trustees of the I.B.M. and as the chairman of the Sick and Convalescent Committee for 26 years. Connelly had post-polio syndrome, yet came to the Y every day to swim and use the wellness center.
The event, scheduled for April 4, will feature basket raffles, a major prize raffle, wine and beer tasting, buffet, a brief video presentation of the winners and entertainment by the band Stroke.
The Y will use the proceeds from the event to help support financial assistance for those who cannot afford programs and services. The Y annually awards over $150,000 in aid to those in need in our local communities.
Tickets are $20 each, which include a buffet and wine and beer tasting. Tickets can be purchased at the Rome, Oneida, and New Hartford YMCA branches, and through the Y’s website, www.ymcatrivalley.org.