News

As CEO in Nashville Clark when the  Franklin Y was built—he was so pleased to see the parking lot full and the Y busy—even at lunch.  Cheryl Stanfield, Active Older Adult Coordinator, welcomed us to the Potluck Luncheon.  These members know how to cook as everything was delicious.  I enjoyed speaking to the group encouraging them to “tell your own story.”  I was able to give suggestions and show concrete ways they could leave a legacy by writing.  Clark was…

A special “shout out” to CEO John Hoey for ordering 190 books for his staff.  Clark spoke at their recent conference.  Two of his staff were so clever—they had CLARK bars on each table immediately after Clark’s speech.  This is an impressive team with the audience so engaged during my husband’s speech.  If your staff is interested in having Clark speak, please contact me at carolynbaker@bcglobal.net.  Thanks to John and the Maryland area YMCA.

Sarah Riffer, Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA OF Alaska, has a creative way to host a book club when distance is an issue—have a virtual book club meeting!  If you have trouble finding a way to meet and have a book club, here’s how Sarah does it:                                                                                                “We ‘meet’ virtually once a month to discuss the chosen book.  We are all Y professionals so the first half hour is usually catch up of what is going on at our Y’s. …

The morning of January 10, 2018, Clark presented the keynote speech to the Campfire Conference at Blue Ridge Assembly to almost 200 Y Camp leaders/directors An anonymous benefactor was kind enough to purchase a book for each person in attendance!  Thanks Campfire Conference for a great time AND thanks to daughter, Christin, and friends, Marjorie and David Snow for making the trip to be with us.

   On January 9, Clark was presented with the Legends of Camping Award for the work he’s done and the vision he’s had in the area of camping. As CEO of the Nashville Y, Clark began the Joe C. Davis Center that includes Camp Widjiwagan, and as CEO in Houston, Clark totally rebuilt Camp Cullen.  This award s rarely given—the last was in 2015 and the one before that in 2010.  Clark felt humbled to receive this honor.

October 19th brought a wonderful opportunity for Clark to speak to an Indiana Y Leadership conference.  Indianapolis CEO, Eric Ellsworth, was a splendid host who made us feel “at home”.  The crowd was attentive and friendly.  The books I brought to sell at the conference sold out!  Thanks to Eric and his staff for such a superb visit.

Congratulations to Camp Widjiwagan who had the most favored votes on Facebook.  The poll brought attention to two outstanding YMCA camps:  Camp Widjiwagan in Nashville and Camp Cullen in Houston.  Camp Widji won with 58.7% of the votes. Over 500 people participated in the poll—thanks to all of you!  Clark and I decided that we would award both camps and send a child to each camp this summer.  If you wish to help these camps, please go to carolynbakerauthor.com and…

Would you like to help a child go to camp?  Go to poll.fbapplio and vote for one of two YMCA camps:  Camp Widjiwagan in Nashville or Camp Cullen in Houston.  Clark and I will give the camp with the most votes funds to send a child to camp this summer.  There’s only one week left.  In addition, if you purchase my book  and post a photo of you and the, tag me, and share which camp you want—that will be…

Thanks to Parnassus Bookstore who hosted a book signing for my book.  It was so special to see many friends and family drop by to support “Work, Play, Pray Hard”.  They have only a few books left—if you haven’t purchased one and you are near the Green Hills Mall, stop by and purchase a book.  Remember, you will be helping TWO YMCA camps:  Camp Widjiwagan in Nashville and Camp Cullen in Houston.  Our proceeds will be given to these deserving…