Marilyn Spencer is the Duneland Family YMCA Senior of the Month for December. Marilyn began life in the small town of Covert, Michigan, in March of 1937. Although the town was small, Marilyn was provided a singularly quality entry into education by its elementary and high school.
After high school graduation, she attended Western Michigan University where she received her Bachelors of Art Degree with a major in music. Later her love of music motivated her to get her Master's Liberal Arts Degree from Valparaiso University, majoring in music education. In 1959 she married Charles Spencer. She and Charles in time became the parents of Jennifer, Stephen, and Mary. Jennifer, who became the mother of two children, lives in Mishawaka, Indiana. Jennifer is also the grandmother of two grandchildren. Stephen lives in Indianapolis and is the father of one child. Mary, the mother of one child, lives in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Marilyn formerly served as Director of Music at the United Methodist Church in Chesterton. She had special interest in complementing the church’s music with Hand Bells. For 20 years she flourished as a music teacher in the Duneland Schools, always sharing a singular love of and excitement about music with her students. She felt that music should be a part of every student’s life in school and ever after. For 10 years as well she was privileged to share her love of music and musical skills as accompanist for the Porter County Children's Choir. In this position she was rewarded with trips with the choir to Germany, France, Switzerland, and ultimately to Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Her love of music was accompanied by a singular love of experiencing nature by camping and traveling with her husband. They were fortunate to visit to 46 states and Canada.
Marilyn also loves nature. She belongs to the Save the Dunes Council and the Isaak Walton League. Her strong love of and commitment to the Indiana Dunes was demonstrated in 1959 when she testified in Washington before the Senate Sub-Committee in favor of the National Lakeshore. She believes her testimony made a difference in the National Lakeshore which expanded and still flourishes today.
Marilyn's time with the seniors at the Y involves fitness activities. The various activities of this program are consistent with the history of her life - learning, sharing, caring, supporting, and, of course, music!
The Y Senior Center, offers the opportunity to cultivate new friendships, sustain existing friendships and stay active in the community. It promotes healthy living through fitness classes specifically for older active adults, fun games, activities, movies and much more.
The Senior Center is open for activities Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week from 10:15 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Exercise programs are available daily. For more information, contact Carla Patino-Davis or Nancy Zlamal at 219-926-4204.