Ken was a wonderful husband, father, friend, mentor, teacher and coach. But when summer arrived in Fayson Lakes during the early 1950's and 1960's - Ken was our fearless leader - The Beach Director.
Ken encouraged and inspired strong teams of volunteers that made programs work at the beach. The volunteers became an integral as "Timers" to develop the popular the Sunday Swim Races. He further developed and enlarged the swimming program. The Swim Club continued to grow in number, and competitive meets with other lake communities were held on Wednesday evenings at each lake community. Fayson Lakes began to host AAU swim meets as well. Ken initiated what he called "the Mother's Hour," providing swim lessons for the adult who never had the opportunity to learn to swim as a child.
Monday evenings brought the much anticipated "Monday Night at the Movies" on the handball court. It was complete with the sale of penny candy and an ice-cold 10 cent soda. An outstanding Arts and Crafts program was initiated, under the volunteer leadership of Mrs. DeAngeles. An annual Water Ballet was initiated with influence by many volunteers, resulting in elaborate set design, choreography and announcing. Ken lead a very active, Activity Day each week. He would lead a group of children on brown bag lunch and bike tours through the valley; boat picnics to the island. And can you imagine - taking a group of children by bus to the old Yankee Stadium to see the greats such as Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Yogi Berra - what a thrill! Then there were trips to Fairy Tale Forest and Wild West City which was complete with a ride in a stage coach being held up by "robbers." A camp area was cleared behind Sabey's Beach and dedicated to Ken as "Camp Allerman." Labor Day Weekend was a culmination of all the events of summer. It began with "decorations" by teenagers on the high dive; potato-sack races, spoon race, water balloon toss, etc. for all age groups - including our parents; one can't forget the Baby Parade; finally - trophies - for fishing derby, sailing club, swim races.
Perhaps you will have a better understanding of the man, Ken Allerman, by the following comments which were made by those children of the 50's and 60's who learned that Ken had gone to join the angels in January 2014.
Many have commented on how fortunate we were to have grown up in Fayson Lakes and Ken Allerman was the heart and soul of it all. He had an influence on many during their childhood years. Ken was an exceptional man who leaves a great legacy.
Ken instilled courage and bravery by getting generations of kids to leap off the high dive.
Ken taught us rules for respect and developed our creative side by admiring our lanyards made in Arts and Crafts.
Ken taught us responsibility by making us relinquish our badges in order to borrow kick boards, beach balls, and the highly coveted knock hockey boards.
Ken taught us to laugh at our parents in the egg toss.
Ken taught us to be safe in the water or else his highly trained life guards would come charging.
Ken taught us to be serious by joining hands as a group to search the water for a missing person, which we never really understood as kids, but do as adults.
Ken taught us we were individuals by calling us by name and knowing where our Mom was sitting with the Shady Ladies.
Ken nourished our inner diva by bringing Broadway-worthy water ballet to the pool area.
Ken taught us to save our pennies and them blow them all at the Penny Carnival.
Ken taught us that children have their place - starring in the Baby Parade.
Ken taught us humor by never, ever, even once, catching the culprits of the end-of-summer high dive "transformations" - the pranks of legends.
The one thing remembered most about Mr. Allerman was his smile. A smile can't be carved in stone, not his anyway. You earned a smile from him by just showing up, being ready to jump in.
So how best to honor the legacy of Ken Allerman? Do what Ken did - make life a beach, smile, jump in, and don't forget your badge!
The flagpole on main beach was rededicated in Ken Allerman's memory on August 1, 2015.
The Board of Trustees, Fayson Lakes Association