Kick off the summer by joining hundreds of runners, walkers, volunteers, and community partners for this family-friendly event on Sunday, June 1. 

Montclair, NJ – On Sunday, June 1, runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators from across Essex County and beyond will gather at the YMCA of Montclair for the 42nd Annual Montclair Run. The event offers a Grand Prix 10K and family friendly 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk. The USATF (USA Track and Field) Sanctioned 10K Run, for more serious runners, is a fast & flat course that runs through two scenic parks.  

Both races are chip timed. Free finish line photography is provided. Same day registration is available. Popular performance material shirts and finisher medals are provided while supplies last. 

“Each year, this 10K and 2 Mile Fun Run brings our community together in a powerful way—not just to run, but to celebrate health, perseverance, and connection,” said Rheagan Alexander, YMCA of Montclair Senior Healthy Living and Race Director. It’s more than a race; it’s a tradition that unites us with every stride.” 

The Montclair Run is a ‘Run for a Cause’ race. All race proceeds benefit the Y’s community health programs through direct financial assistance. The race is also funded by generous individual donors and sponsors. The Y’s 10K Presenting Sponsors this year are Fette Ford KIA Infiniti of Clifton, Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center, and Milner Technologies. In total 28 sponsors have stepped up to help fund community health programs, including the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris and Optimum this year’s 2-Mile Fun/Walk sponsors. 

“The Montclair Run is an enduring testament to the strength of our community. Every step taken supports a greater cause, and every participant—whether running, walking, or cheering—helps create lasting impact. Together, we move forward, stronger, and more united.” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. 

The Montclair Run was created in 1983 when Montclair Recreation Director Perry Doerr enlisted Dave Hartop of the Montclair YMCA to recreate a springtime run. Perry Doerr personally mapped out the route. History buffs can find the actual Montclair Times article at this link to read about the first run on June 5, 1983. 

All runners and walkers are encouraged to register online by May 31 at runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Montclair/TheMontclairRun. 

Race day in-person registration at the YMCA of Montclair, Park Street Branch at 25 Park Street is available on Sunday, June 1 from 6:30-7:30am for the 10K and 8:30-9:30am for the 2-Mile.  

Race Day Schedule  

•  6:30-9:30am Race Check-In 

•  8am USATF certified 10K Grand Prix starts 

• 10am 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts  

This year, award and finisher medals will be handed out immediately at the finish line for each race. For the 10K, medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers (male and female) in each age category. For the 2-Mile, medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers overall (male and female).  

The races begin and end in front of the YMCA of Montclair, 25 Park Street, Montclair.  

For further information about the Montclair Run and to sign up to volunteer, visit https://www.montclairymca.org/montclair-run/.  

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR  
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. The YMCA of Montclair offers financial assistance for childcare, summer camp, membership, and other programs to ensure opportunities for everyone to grow and thrive. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Hewitt, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org. 

 

Low-Cost Swim Lessons Offered May 19–23 During Safety Around Water Week

Montclair, NJ — With summer just weeks away, the YMCA of Montclair is encouraging families to make water safety a priority before heading to pools, lakes, or the shore. May marks National Water Safety Month, and as the weather warms up, the risk of water-related accidents increases—especially for children.

To help prevent drownings and promote safe water practices, the YMCA of Montclair will host its annual Safety Around Water Week from May 19 to May 23, offering swim instruction for children and teens at a significantly reduced cost.

“Each year, we teach over 4,600 youth how to be safer in and around water,” said Tammy Como, Executive Director of Aquatics and Risk Management. “As families return to swimming activities, we want to emphasize how essential water safety is to enjoying the summer safely.”

The weeklong program is open to nonmembers ages 6-18, who do not have swimming skills. Lessons are designed to instill confidence while teaching core safety techniques such as how to float, tread water, and exit a pool safely. Registration is open now at montclairymca.org/safety-around-water, and the full week of classes costs just $5 per participant.

In support of National Water Safety Month, the Y is also sharing key water safety reminders for parents and caregivers:

• Always ask permission: Teach kids to ask an adult before going near or into the water.
• Never swim alone: Ensure children swim only under active supervision and preferably where a lifeguard is present.
• Stay within arm’s reach: Keep young children close at all times during water activities—even during bath time.
• Avoid breath-holding games: Prolonged breath-holding can lead to serious injury or death.
• Use life jackets: Non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers should wear Coast Guard-approved life vests.
• Reach, throw, don’t go: Instead of jumping in to rescue someone, use a long object to help pull them to safety.

The Safety Around Water initiative is made possible thanks to the support of community partners including the Kiwanis Club of Montclair and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. For more information or to register, visit montclairymca.org/safety-around-water.

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Hewitt, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

 

The YMCA of Montclair invites the public to our in-person Annual Meeting at the Wally Choice Community Center, 45 Maple Avenue, Montclair. Registration is required. A light dinner will be served at 6:30pm. We hope you will join us!

2024 IN REVIEW & A LOOK AHEAD TO 2025
Serving our community through the generosity of our donors

RECOGNIZING NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Growing our volunteer leadership 

HIGHLIGHTING BELONGING. COMMUNITY.  PURPOSE.

DAWN MCFADDEN LEADERSHIP AWARD
Celebrating our full-time staff

BETSY SMITH STAFF RECOGNITION AWARD
Celebrating our part-time staff

RSVP HERE

 

Montclair, NJ — The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony H. Asher as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) beginning on April 28. Asher brings over two decades of global nonprofit financial leadership experience to the organization, having held senior finance roles in the United States, Europe, and multiple postings on behalf of the United Nations.

“We are excited to welcome Tony to our leadership team,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “His extensive background in financial strategy, international nonprofit operations, and commitment to mission-driven work will strengthen our financial stewardship and support our continued growth.”

Asher most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at the Coalition for the Homeless in New York, where he implemented FinTech solutions to modernize financial systems and secured more than $500,000 in cost savings through strategic vendor management. His previous roles include CFO at Results for America and WaterAid America, as well as senior finance positions at UNICEF and the United Nations.

“I am honored to join the YMCA of Montclair, an institution deeply rooted in community service and impact,” said Asher. “I look forward to working alongside the dedicated staff and board to ensure our resources are managed effectively and sustainably in support of the Y’s mission.”

Asher holds an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor of Accountancy from George Washington University. He resides in Montclair, New Jersey with his wife, who is a Montclair Board of Education employee.

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community. We focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Hewitt, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

Montclair, NJ — The YMCA of Montclair announces that José Lastra, Chief Financial Officer will be departing the organization after 14.5 years of dedicated service at the end of May. Throughout his tenure Lastra’s leadership has been instrumental in enabling our Y to offer more resources to both members and staff, reflecting his commitment to compassionate and effective community building. 

Since joining the YMCA of Montclair in 2010, Lastra has played a pivotal role in strengthening the organization’s financial health and operational efficiency. During his tenure with the YMCA of Montclair, Lastra has successfully guided the YMCA’s operations to a fiscally sustainable pace, and built sustainable financial planning for our Y.   

“José’s contributions over the past 14.5 years have been invaluable,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “His financial acumen and dedication to our mission have significantly advanced our organization’s capacity to serve the community. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”  

Lastra has graciously agreed to help onboard successor, Anthony H. Asher, in the month of May in order to ensure a smooth transition for the organization.  

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR   
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community. We focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Hewitt, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org. 

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of our commitment to protecting the children in our community, we’re participating in the Five Days of Action® – a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it. By taking part in this important campaign and implementing abuse prevention practices year-round, YMCA of Montclair is committing to the safety of all children in our community.

The Know. See. Respond. campaign is back this year, and Praesidium, Saprea, and Lauren’s Kids have shared resources to support this campaign.

KNOW

When evaluating camps, sports, and other activities for your child, do you KNOW what questions to ask about abuse prevention? As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults, we play a vital role in protecting children and teens from abuse. Learn the key questions to ask from Praesidium, the YMCA’s partner in child abuse prevention: praesidiuminc.com/6-key-questions-a-parent-should-ask-of-an-organization.

SEE

When we SEE grooming patterns—methodical, subtle, gradual, and escalating behaviors used to groom a child for sexual abuse—we can identify them, strengthen our intuition, and protect children. Learn the 6 grooming behaviors every parent or caregiver needs to know and what to do if you see them, from our partner, Saprea: saprea.org/blog/6-perpetrator-grooming-behaviors.

RESPOND

RESPONDing starts when a child or teen feels heard and is helped. How can you take action to prevent child sexual abuse? The Trusted Triangle (for younger children) and the Safety NETwork (for older youth) are strategies from Lauren’s Kids Safer, Smarter Families Family Safety Toolkit. These resources are designed to help families and caregivers teach personal and digital safety in a comfortable and accessible way.

Grades K-2: safersmarterfamilies.org/grades-k-2 Grades 3-5: safersmarterfamilies.org/grades-3-5

We take our commitment to child protection seriously and we hope you do too. Check out our protection policy here https://www.montclairymca.org/child-protection/ to learn more about how we keep kids safe in our community.