Dateline Earlton

Written by Richard Lerner Friday, 23 September 2011 12:37

The 93^rd summer of Tranquillity Camp has successfully concluded. Campers are back at school, counselors have returned to high school and college, and the countdown to 2012 has already begun. I want to congratulate each one of the counselors for helping to make the summer of 2011 extraordinary. I also want to thank the alumni, who have given their time and energy to guarantee that Tranquillity Camp remains a unique and rewarding experience for all the children who have been fortunate enough to attend.

On Alumni/Visiting Weekend this summer, dozens of former campers and counselors came from all over the country to reunite at TY. Saturday evening, our invited Alumni and special guests saw a fabulous “Broadway Review” presented by the Tranquillity Players in the Pearl C. Miller Sports Center. Later that evening, after the children returned to their houses, we were all treated to a sumptuous buffet in the Dining Room. It was a pleasure to see so many parents, former campers and staff. We all had a great day on Sunday, as parents and Alumni visited with their children and enjoyed our beautiful camp. My sincere thanks and appreciation to all the Alumni, who worked so tirelessly to make the weekend a success.

Throughout the summer, I received numerous calls from past Tranquillity-ites wishing us well and wanting to visit. It is obvious to us all what an impact Tranquillity has had on our lives. TY was not just a summer home to so many, but a place where our characters were developed - first under the guidance of Elias A. Cohen, and, for most of us, by the incredible influence of Pearl Miller. Although Pearl has been gone for eight years, we are dedicated to carrying on in her name. She remains the guiding light for camp and will continue to be an inspiration to us all.

I would like to thank all who have helped to ensure that Tranquillity Camp remains in perpetuity as Mr. Cohen and Pearl wished. The Cohen Family, The Elias A. Cohen Foundation, The Charles Cohn Foundation, The Schlang Foundation and The Friends of Tranquillity Camp have dedicated themselves to this effort. As we continue to flourish, it is the responsibility of all of us to lend a hand to Tranquillity. Our mission since 1919 has been to help deserving children. Whether in financial hardships, from broken homes, or for a host of other reasons, it is our obligation to help. This past summer we continued our program with the military. We were privileged to have twenty wonderful children from all over New York State whose fathers or mothers are members of the Armed Forces. These brave men and women had been put in harm’s way serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our mission requires a great effort from anyone whose life has been touched by Tranquillity. Please support our goals and help wherever you can; whether through financial donations or contributions of goods or services, there are many ways to help. Parents, ask your children what “Noblesse Oblige” means. Our obligation is the continuance of Tranquillity Camp for our children and future generations.

Sherrie and I look forward to seeing you at the Casino Night this coming March, the Tranquillity Camp Reunion, as well as Alumni/Visiting Day 2012. Best regards to you and your family for a healthy and happy new year.

Richard