[Photo pictured top row left to right Allyn Molina and Lauren Sylvain; bottom row left to right David Seawell and Shannon Siwinski]

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors, recently elected to three-year terms while bidding farewell to several outgoing members who have made significant contributions to the Y’s mission.

“The YMCA of Montclair’s board is comprised of community leaders who bring a wealth of experience, diverse skills, and perspectives, vision, and leadership to our organization, along with a deep passion for making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Chief Volunteer Officer Marjorie Pierre-Merritt. “I am grateful to our departing board members who have dedicated their time and expertise to our community, and I am delighted to welcome four outstanding new board members to the Y.”

The Board of Directors of the YMCA of Montclair welcomes:

Allyn Molina (Bloomfield) is the Group Vice President, Publishing at Wiley Publishing where she manages publishing development for 2000 research journals. Ms. Molina has previously served on the board of the Sanctuary on the Green Alliance. Ms. Molina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Maryland.

Shannon Siwinski (Montclair) is a Managing Director at R. Seelaus & Co. Ms. Siwinski is a senior short-term fixed-income trader with 30+ years’ experience serving the treasury funding requirements of many of the world’s largest global corporations. Ms. Siwinski has volunteered with the Mercier Club of Montclair as well as local Montclair PTAs and athletic organizations. Ms. Siwinski is an active alumnus with Fairfield University, having served as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Ms. Siwinski holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.

Lauren Sylvain (West Orange) is the Senior Director, External Manufacturing at Sovos Brands. Ms. Sylvain is a project management leader with 15+ years of experience in the areas of new product development and technical strategy. She has served on school advisory boards and as a mentor. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Ms. Sylvain holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University.

David Seawell (Montclair) is a former Public Defender with 10 years of criminal trial and 4 years of supervisory experience. Mr. Seawell has served on the board for the Legal Counsel for Youth and Children as a member and Board President and currently serves on the Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation. He also served as a youth baseball coach. Mr. Seawell received his Juris Doctor from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Arts in Writing and Philosophy from DePauw University.

In addition to welcoming new board members, the YMCA of Montclair is also taking this moment to thank our departing board members. We thank Risa Cretella, David Harrison, and Tad Roselund for their dedicated service and impactful contributions, especially during the pandemic, in positioning the YMCA of Montclair to thrive and grow.

President and CEO Buddy Evans said, “We strive to have the best executive talent and thought leaders at the top of our organization. Our Board of Directors are a highly diverse group with the expertise, integrity and dedication required for the good governance of the YMCA for all the communities that we serve.”

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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. We focus on healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. 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 Dolphins have been back in action over the past two weekends as the short-course swim season gets underway, with the youngest swimmers in a thrilling first swim meet of the season at the Pumpkin Chill 10 and Under Invite on October 8, hosted by perennial national Y champion Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. The Dolphins had 47 swimmers competing, many of them in competitive action for the Dolphins at a YMCA swim meet for the first time.

The team was led by returning and accomplished Dolphins such as Toby and Marcel Arbelaez, Maeve D’Amico, Lilliana Ferrante, Simon Firth, Chloe Fritzky, Sophia Landrove, Clare Laracy, Daphne Razo, and Aiden Stopp, who were all top 6 finishers in individual events. The competition culminated with some close and exciting relay races!

The meet came just over a week after 140 swimmers raced in time trials at the YMCA Montclair on September 30. The Dolphins start the season with a squad of 190 swimmers, including around 65 new members. The team will race against other North Jersey YMCA teams in dual meets starting this weekend and in more invitational events like the Pumpkin Chill throughout the season. The girls squad takes on the West Essex YMCA on Saturday, October 14, while the boys squad races against Greater Morristown YMCA.

“It’s great to see so many new swimmers, especially the young swimmers,” Head Coach Kyle Laracy said. “They all did great. We are gearing up for more invitational and dual meets beginning this weekend.”

Kyle, who has been coaching with the Dolphins for four years, will lead the team through his first full short-course competition as head coach since taking on the job in June. Kyle already had a successful summer season with 12 swimmers at the Gold Championships compared to 4 last year and 41 in the Bronze/Silver Championships, up from 25 a year ago.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to work with a great, diverse team of coaching staff, with the parent group and within the community,” Kyle said. “Competitive swimming offers an unparalleled opportunity for each child to develop and has tremendous physical benefits. I want them to meet their personal goals in swimming and, by doing so, develop character traits that will serve them for the rest of their lives as a lifetime of competitive swimming has done for me.”

Submitted by Dolphin Parent Volunteer Simon Webb

Pictured in photo: Coach Maddie and Director of Competitive Aquatics Kyle Laracy

 

 

PRESS RELEASE
August 18, 2023

Montclair, NJ — On Thursday, August 17, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) toured the YMCA of Montclair’s Early Learning Center to discuss critical childcare and community services provided to families in the greater Montclair area.

Congresswoman Sherrill met with President and CEO Buddy Evans, Board Member Bob Davison, Executive Director Justine Perillo, and Early Learning Center parents and reviewed how funding received from the NJ Stabilization Fund (CARES ACT) made a difference when families needed care most. These funds helped support staff salaries and training, new supplies and equipment, and enrichment programming for the children ages 3 months to 4 years old in the Early Learning Center program and approximately 1,500 children who rely on the YMCA of Montclair’s before and after school childcare. Also discussed was Congresswoman Sherrill’s childcare bill, the Child Care for Every Community Act, which would ensure access to high-quality, affordable childcare and early learning opportunities by establishing a network of federally-supported, locally-administered childcare options.

The YMCA of Montclair opened its Early Learning Center initially to the children of first responders in March 2020 and then offered a modified on-site camp experience in the summer of 2020. By the fall, when it was clear that schools were not opening, the Y provided a Learning Enrichment Center where families could drop their children to learn virtually in a supportive environment while parents worked. The Y is committed to providing parents quality childcare coverage year-round with 20+ days of “staycation” for school holidays, serves over 1,500 summer campers, after school enrichment and swim lessons, and memberships for teens to work out at the Y.

Access to affordable childcare is critical for working families, especially for women in the workforce. Waitlists for daycare, aftercare, and camp spots are now common and the cost is prohibitive for many families. Supporting places like the YMCA of Montclair and identifying funds to supplement the cost of childcare allows families to access safe, high-quality programs for their children to help them grow and thrive.

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.

Kick off the summer by joining hundreds of runners, walkers, volunteers, and community partners for this family-friendly event on Sunday, June 4.

Montclair, NJ – It’s time to get your retro gear on and lace up those sneakers for the 40th Annual Montclair Run! This year’s event promises to be a funky and fun time for participants of all ages.

On Sunday, June 4, runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators from across Essex County and beyond will gather at the YMCA of Montclair for the Grand Prix 10K and 2-mile Fun Run/Walk. The USATF Sanctioned 10K Run, designed for more serious runners, will take participants through two scenic parks on a flat course.

Participants are encouraged to don their favorite “retro” wear, from stellar spandex to totally tubular tube socks. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your style while supporting a great cause. Retro wear is not required but encouraged.

“I am so excited for this year’s run,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “Since the 1980s, the Montclair Run has been a unifying community spring event that also raises monies to help our community. I want to thank all the volunteers, runners/walkers, and our sponsors for making this event what it is today.”

The 10K Presenting Sponsors this year are Fette Ford KIA Infiniti of Clifton and Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center.

“We enjoy supporting this community event that brings people together, gets them to challenge themselves, and all for a good cause,” said John and Kristin Fette, Fette Ford-KIA-Infiniti, Clifton.

“The Y’s chronic disease programming complements the mission of our hospital, making a great partnership,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center. “And we love cheering on our Mountainside Medical Center running club every year.”

In total, 21 sponsors have stepped up to help fund chronic disease financial assistance, including the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, this year’s 2 Mile Fun/Walk sponsor.

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. This year will mark the 40th Montclair Run event. However, for at least a decade, the YMCA of Montclair stated the run started in 1982. 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 31st 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 4, from 6:30-7:30am for the 10K and 8:30-9:30am for the 2-Mile.

All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s chronic disease programs. The YMCA of Montclair also offers financial assistance for childcare, summer camp, membership, and other programs to ensure opportunities for everyone to grow and thrive.

Race Day Schedule

6:30-9:30am Race Check-In

8am USATF certified 10K Grand Prix starts

10am 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts

The awards ceremony immediately follows 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). All runners will receive a commemorative medal in celebration of this special run anniversary and a T-shirt.

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. 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 through implementing abuse prevention practices year-round, the YMCA of Montclair is committing to the safety of all children in our community.  

The Know. See. Respond. campaign is back this year, tying in three impact areas – preventing child sexual abuse at both summer camp and youth sports, and internet safety. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, U.S. Center for SafeSport and Praesidium have shared resources to support this campaign. 

Know: Summer Camp 

KNOWing about child sexual abuse can help adults better understand what to look for and how to prevent it.  As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults to the young people in our lives, we play an important role in protecting them from abuse. This requires our commitment to continually learn and then ask questions about the safety of our loved ones.  

The Y – and other youth-serving organizations – implement a series of measures to keep the kids in their care safe.  Next time you enroll your loved one in a new program, ask them about their child protection practices.   

See: Youth Sports 

When we SEE boundaries being crossed or suspect a child is being abused, we can and should act quickly. Sports should be safe places for children to grow, both as people and athletes. As a parent, caregiver, coach, or volunteer, it is up to you to make sure any environment in which children in your care interact is free from abuse. Learn more about the signs and how you can help prevent child sexual abuse in youth sports at https://uscenterforsafesport.org/parents/. 

Respond: Internet Safety 

Did you know you don’t need evidence to report abuse—only reasonable suspicion? But even for adults, reporting abuse is hard. We don’t want to falsely accuse someone or get someone in trouble. On the other hand, reporting might be the one thing that saves a child – or children – from abuse. It is our responsibility to RESPOND to any and all disclosure, discovery or suspicion of child sexual abuse.  

As adults and children alike have turned to digital tools for school, work, and socialization, online safety matters now more than ever. Many online dangers put children at risk, such as cyberbullying, online enticement, and more. As an adult, keeping an open line of communication with any children in your care who may access online content can be key to helping prevent sexual abuse. Learn the facts, how to keep kids safe, and how to respond to online victimization at https://www.missingkids.org/netsmartz. 

Free and open to the public, this annual event features activities to celebrate kids being kids.

The YMCA of Montclair is excited to welcome families to Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The event theme is “A Day At The Y” and will take place from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Geyer Family YMCA, located at 159 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair. Geared towards children aged PreK through 13, this free annual event encourages healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the summer season. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Locally sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center and the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, and nationally by Eggland’s Best, Healthy Kids Day will feature a range of family-friendly activities, including STEAM, Games, Sports, Dry Land Water Education, Bounce House, DJ, Sensory Tables, Youth Fitness, Snacks, and more!

“Mountainside Medical Center is proud to sponsor Healthy Kids Day,” said Tim O’Brien, Chief Executive Officer of Mountainside Medical Center. “Our continued partnership helps the families in our community to fulfill their health and wellness goals.”

Families will receive a ‘passport’ that will be stamped as they move through each activity station. Giveaways await those families that collect all their passport stamps.

“At the Y, we believe in providing resources to families so children have access to what they need to reach their full potential,” said Buddy Evans, YMCA of Montclair President and CEO. Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free event that encourages families to take advantage of all the great resources the Y offers.” 

Registration for Healthy Kids Day is required at https://www.montclairymca.org/healthy-kids-day/. 

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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.

ABOUT MOUNTAINSIDE MEDICAL CENTER
Mountainside Medical Center has been serving Montclair and its surrounding New Jersey communities since 1891. The medical center provides patients immediate access to innovative and effective treatment alternatives at specialized centers within the medical center that focuses on imaging, women’s health, cancer care, surgery, obesity, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. Mountainside Medical Center is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services and is one of only a few community hospitals licensed by the State to perform emergency and elective cardiac angioplasty. To learn more about Mountainside Medical Center visit mountainsidehosp.com.