Suzanne Broullon

YMCA of Montclair Announces Black History Month Events

by

Montclair, NJ —The YMCA of Montclair is hosting a series of events in celebration of Black History Month that are free and open to the community.

Events will be held at the Park Street YMCA, 25 Park Street, Montclair or the Geyer Family YMCA, 159 Glenridge Ave, Montclair. Reservations are required at montclairymca.org/blackhistorymonth/.

Black Joy: Stories By African American Writers and Illustrators, Monday, February 13, 11:00am – 12:00pm Geyer Family YMCA

Join us and our friends from the Montclair Public Library for a children’s storytime featuring the works of Black authors and illustrators.

Afro-Caribbean Dance Party, Thursday, February 16, 6:00pm – 7:00pm Park Street YMCA

YMCA Group-Ex Instructor Jevonn McRae will get you moving and grooving to the vibrant styles of Afro-Caribbean Dance.

Black History in Montclair, Wednesday, February 22, 11:30am – 1:00pm, Park Street YMCA

Historian Betty Holloway will lead a lecture and discussion on Montclair’s own Black history, including the significance of the former Washington Street Y and the Howe House. Lunch will be provided.

African American Women’s Update with Miss Ernestine, Wednesday, March 1, 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Park Street YMCA

Join Ernestine Galloway and other Y members as they share the rich history of African American women leaders, icons, and change-makers. Lunch will be provided.

Teen members of the YMCA of Montclair are invited to attend weekly TV and movie watch parties hosted by the Teen Department throughout the month. Reservations on the Y app are required.

###

ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that works to empower young people, improve health and well-being, and inspire action in and across our community. The Y offers need-based financial assistance for its programs to ensure access for all. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit www.montclairymca.org.

 

YMCA of Montclair Organizes Toiletry Drive for MLK Day of Service

by

Travel-size toiletry items may be donated through January 13; Volunteers will assemble kits on MLK Day of Service January 16 at the Y

MONTCLAIR, NJ — In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the YMCA of Montclair is collecting personal hygiene and health kits for Family Promise Essex, an organization that provides support services for families experiencing homelessness.

“The Y seeks to connect people to their potential, purpose, and each other,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “MLK Day is ‘a day on, not a day off’, a reminder that when we pull together as helping neighbors, we can make a difference in our community.”

The Toiletry Drive runs through January 13. The Y is requesting new and unexpired travel-size items:

    Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
    Handwipes
    Soap/Shower Gel
    Shampoo/Conditioner
    Deodorant
    Tampons/Pads
    Lotion
    Combs/Brushes
    Tissues

Drop off the items at either Park Street YMCA, 25 Park Street, Montclair or Geyer Family YMCA, 159 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair.

Volunteers will assemble travel toiletry kits on MLK Day of Service Monday, January 16, 2023, from 11am – 1pm at the Park Street YMCA, 25 Park Street, Montclair. Families and children are welcome; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited. To RSVP, please go to https://www.montclairymca.org/mlk-day-rsvp/.

For more information, contact Jen Grisafi, Volunteer and Community Programming Manager, at jgrisafi@montclairymca.org.

###

ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that works to empower young people, improve health and well-being, and inspire action in and across our community. The Y offers need-based financial assistance for its programs to ensure access for all. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit www.montclairymca.org.

ABOUT FAMILY PROMISE ESSEX
Family Promise Essex (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network) is a not-for-profit organization that provides shelter, professional support services and housing assistance so families experiencing homelessness can find and sustain a home. We do this with help from an extensive network of volunteers, generous individuals and other partners throughout our community. For more information, please visit www.fpessexnj.org.

Montclair Dolphins Girls Swim New Bests at Great Turkey to Qualify for Carolina Meet

by

Written by Simon Webb

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Four swimmers from the Montclair Dolphins girls’ team smashed their personal best times at the three-day Great Turkey meet in Tom’s River earlier this month to qualify for a top regional competition in North Carolina in March.

Some 74 Dolphins swimmers traveled to the meet hosted by the Tiger Sharks team at the Ocean County YMCA over the first weekend of November, competing in 316 events. It was the first major meet of the winter season for the Dolphins under new head coach Roman Sloudnov.

Dolphin Charlotte Roeland (Verona) had a standout meet, winning the 50-yard fly and the 100- and 200-yard breaststroke events for 11-12 year-old girls.

Charlotte notched up a qualifying time for the Sunkissed National Championship event to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in March for the 100-yard fly, beating her previous best by a huge 23.66 seconds to finish in second place with a time of 1 minute 7.53 seconds. She also swam her first Sunkissed times for the 100-yard and 200-yard individual medleys, finishing second in both events.

Qualifying for Sunkissed meet during the winter season is the ambition of many competitive swimmers from more than a dozen East Coast and Midwest states that attend.

Dolphin Magnolia Shimizu-Tragni (Montclair) also swam Sunkissed times in the 100-yard fly and the 200-yard individual medley for 11-12 year-olds.

Edith Wong (Verona) took nearly nine seconds off her best in the 100-yard breaststroke to swim her first Sunkissed time in that event for girls aged 11-12 years.

Vivian McCormick (Montclair) chopped a massive 26.35 seconds off her best in the 200-yard breaststroke for girls 13 years and older, finishing in 2 minutes 56:92 seconds.

The squad had a strong meet, collectively notching up 149 new bests over the weekend.

“We have had a successful meet. I am equally happy for those who made time cuts for championship meets and those who did their first flip-turn at this invitational. It was a great opportunity for our coaches to watch their athletes in action. The number of personal best times tells me that we are moving in the right direction,” said Sloudnov, who was named head coach in July. Sloudnov is a former world-record holder and a four-time Olympian who won a bronze medal for the 100m breaststroke at the Sydney games in 2000.

Congratulations to the swimmers diving into their maiden invitational meet for the Dolphins. They included Eliana Anderson (Montclair), Ella Anderson (Glen Ridge), Claire Anderson-Howard (Montclair), Paloma Gregory-Menez (Verona), Morgan McCartney (Verona), Sofia Porawski (Glen Ridge), Ryan Reis (Caldwell), Jack Wilson (Montclair), Jacob Miller (Montclair), and Jake Lo (Bloomfield).

The Dolphins were back in the pool for a busy day on November 12, when they hosted their first home event of the season, a dual meet against Hunterdon County YMCA. The team also traveled to Ridgewood YMCA for another dual meet there.

Next up is a home meet against Ridgewood and another invitational in Morristown in the first weekend of December.

Pictured Left to Right in Photo: Victoria Sluk and Charlotte Roeland.  Photo credit Jacky Roeland

###

ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR DOLPHINS
The YMCA of Montclair Dolphins swim team offers a year-round opportunity for competitive swimming in both YMCA and USA Swimming competitions as well as seasonal instructional clinics for aspiring competitive athletes. The team is comprised of girls and boys from ages 6 through high school. Around 200 athletes train with the team each year. They compete at all levels based on their skill set.

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. We focus on healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

THE 7TH GRADE INITIATIVE RETURNS TO THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR

by

THE 7TH GRADE INITIATIVE RETURNS TO THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR

Two Hundred 7th graders have a free Y membership and more

(Montclair, NJ) – The YMCA of Montclair is excited to bring back the 7th Grade Initiative, a free school year program that includes memberships for 7th graders in the service area of Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Glen Ridge, Montclair, and Verona.

The popular program was suspended due to COVID but has returned to the Park Street YMCA with a new team led by Naomi Wallace, Teen Director. “Kids in 7th grade are at a critical time in their lives. Now more than ever, they need a space to grow and thrive,” said Wallace. The program provides not only access to the Park Street YMCA but also opportunities for students of all backgrounds to be inspired to learn new things, get involved in community projects, form wellness habits, and socialize with peers in a safe, supervised environment outside of school. The program also hosts events and activities exclusive to the program participants.

Registration is now closed, but if you want to learn more contact Naomi Wallace, Teen Director at nwallace@montclairymca.org.

###
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that works to empower young people, improve health and well-being, and inspire action in and across our community. The Y offers need-based financial assistance for its programs to ensure access for all. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

YMCA of Montclair Announces Welcoming Week Activities, September 9-18

by

Annual national event celebrating diversity and inclusion by bringing people together and championing a welcoming spirit.

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Join the YMCA of Montclair in celebrating Welcoming Week, September 9-18, a week of events that recognizes diversity and the community benefits of welcoming everyone and their contributions to the social fabric of the country. The event is an opportunity for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born residents—to get to know one another and celebrate what unites people as a community.

“At the YMCA of Montclair we believe our community is stronger when everyone feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Buddy Evans, CEO & President. “We’re excited to celebrate Welcoming Week with events that promote cross-cultural understanding and raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone in our community.”

During Welcoming Week, the YMCA of Montclair invites the community to join several free programs and events inclusive of all:

Global Storytime – Tuesday, September 13, 10:00am
Hear stories of ancestry and immigration at the Geyer Family Y with our friends from Watchung Booksellers.

Global Dance Party – Thursday, September 15, 7:00pm
Join us for a global dance party as we make our way around the world while learning various international dance practices. Led by Fitness Instructor, Jevonn McRae in the Park Street gym.

Sharing Your Heritage – Friday, September 16, 10:00am
Older Adults are invited to join us in the Senior/Teen Room for a special morning of sharing about their ancestors and heritage. Bring an object special to you or a memory to share.

Welcoming Week Map
Mark your country of heritage on a world map displayed in the Park Street lobby.

Sounds From Around the World
Submit music that reminds you of your heritage, and we’ll curate a playlist for you to enjoy in our Park Street lobby.

Pre-registration for both Y members and community members for Welcoming Week events is strongly encouraged. Information on registration and events can be found here: https://www.montclairymca.org/welcoming-week/

###

Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that works to empower young people, improve health and well-being, and inspire action in and across our community. The Y offers need-based financial assistance for its programs to ensure access for all. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

 

The YMCA of Montclair 1891 Gala to Honor Izumi Hara and Rao’s Homemade

by

Now in its 10th year, the 1891 Gala raises funds to advance the mission of the YMCA of Montclair.

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce Montclair resident Izumi Hara as its individual honoree for the 1891 Gala fundraiser to be held at The Grove in Cedar Grove on October 14, 2022. The Gala’s corporate honoree is Rao’s Homemade.

“The 1891 Gala is a wonderful opportunity to honor those who have played an important role in strengthening our Y so we can be there for our community,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “I would like to thank Izumi for the support, leadership, and guidance she gave our Y, our Board, and me personally. I also want to thank Rao’s Homemade for partnering with and supporting our Y during the pandemic. Our honorees have helped our Y meet the needs of our community during crisis and positioned us to meet the needs of the future.”

This past May, Izumi Hara concluded her term as Chief Volunteer Officer at the YMCA of Montclair, where she served on the Board of Directors for ten years and led the Y through a CEO transition. Under her leadership, the Y created its strategic plan, weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, and launched the Re-Imagining Camp at the Lake Campaign.

Bringing up three daughters in Montclair, Izumi has been deeply involved in many aspects of the Y’s programming, particularly the Dolphins swim team. Izumi’s service to the community also includes serving on the board of directors of the Northern NJ Chapter of the American Red Cross and previously on the board of directors of Partners For Health.

“I have had the honor and privilege of serving with passionate, dedicated, and deeply committed volunteers and staff,” said Izumi Hara. “I look forward to seeing them bring our broad goals to improve member experience, deepen engagement with our communities and grow the reach of the YMCA of Montclair in the years to come.”

Rao’s Homemade has supported the YMCA of Montclair since the company located its headquarters just down the street from the Park Street YMCA in 2018. Rao’s Homemade has been a sponsor of the Geyer Family YMCA Playground fund, the Montclair Run, and other fundraising Y initiatives to benefit individuals, families, and seniors. During the pandemic, Rao’s Homemade donated cases and cases of sauce and pasta to those experiencing food insecurity, through the Y’s food delivery programs.

Risa Cretella, Executive Vice President, Group General Manager of Sovos Brands said, “At Sovos Brands, we believe in getting involved with and giving back to our local communities. That’s why we chose to headquarter our Rao’s Homemade office right in the heart of downtown Montclair, where we are immersed in the community. We prioritize partnering with organizations doing good work, like Toni’s Kitchen, Newark West Side High School, and the YMCA of Montclair.”

The 1891 Gala will raise funds to ensure access for all through the Y’s scholarship program. With a focus on camp, funds will also be used for the YMCA of Montclair’s 32-acre Camp at the Lake. Proceeds will be allocated to much-needed facility improvements, which will allow the Y to serve children, families, and seniors in this unique natural setting year-round.

The special guest hosts for this year’s YMCA Gala are stage and screen actress Laura Benanti Tony® Award-winner and five-time Tony® Award nominee, and award-winning journalist Tracie Strahan, a breaking news and general assignment reporter who regularly appears on Today in New York. Montclair’s own Prince Hakim returns as the evening’s DJ. The Gala is co-chaired by Kathleen Harrison and Bridget Placek.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to donate, visit montclairymca.org/1891gala/.

####

Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that works to empower young people, improve health and well-being, and inspire action in and across our community. The Y offers need-based financial assistance for its programs to ensure access for all. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.