Suzanne Broullon

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

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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/

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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

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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/.

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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.

West Milford Rotary Club Donates to YMCA Camp at the Lake Campaign 

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 (West Milford, NJ) – The West Milford Rotary Club has generously donated $500 towards the Reimagining Camp at the Lake Capital Campaign. Camp at the Lake is located at the YMCA Outdoor Education Center at 131 Germantown Road in West Milford, NJ.  

“We are grateful for the support of the West Milford Rotary Club,” said Buddy Evans YMCA of Montclair President and CEO.” We have big plans for our location in West Milford and look forward to providing this community with high-quality YMCA programming now and in the years to come.” 

Since 1970, the YMCA of Montclair has run a summer day camp at the West Milford YMCA Outdoor Education Center. The capital campaign seeks to raise the necessary funds to build structures that will provide year-round access to outdoor and indoor wellness and recreation programs for all ages.  

To learn more about the Reimagining Camp at the Lake Capital Campaign, visit https://www.montclairymca.org/reimagine/. 

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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, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit https://www.montclairymca.org. 

 

ABOUT THE WEST MILFORD ROTARY CLUB
West Milford Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at 12:15 pm. If you are interested in joining this organization to provide service above self, contact Rotarian Tom Ziegenbalg at 973-728-9169. https://www.westmilfordrotary.org/ 

YMCA of Montclair Announces New Volunteer Leadership

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MONTCLAIR, NJ — The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Chief Volunteer Officer Marjorie Pierre-Merritt and a new slate of Board officers — Jack Pitts as Vice-Chair, David Harrison as Secretary, and Alberto Bonilla as Treasurer.

The transition took place on May 25 at the YMCA of Montclair’s Annual Meeting. Longtime Y member, former Dolphins Swim Team Board member, YMCA Board member, and outgoing Chief Volunteer Officer Izumi Hara virtually passed the gavel.

“For the past 10 years, Izumi Hara has served on our Board of Directors, led our Y through a CEO transition, initiated our Strategic Planning process, recruited many of our current Board members, and has held numerous leadership positions, including the Chair for the past 3 years,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “I would like to thank Izumi for all the support, leadership, and guidance she gave our Y, our Board, and me personally.”

Also rotating off the Board are Mutya Harsch and Michael Townson who served for 6 and 5 years, respectively. The Y looks forward to their future involvement with the Y.

In addition to the installation of new officers, two new board members were added to serve three-year terms. The Board of Directors of the YMCA of Montclair welcomes:

Robert Davison, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Association. Robert serves and has served the State of New Jersey on numerous Task Forces on Mental Health, is on the Board of Directors Public Policy Committee for Mental Health America and is a grant reviewer for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Robert also served as a councilperson for the Borough of Caldwell from 1995 to 2004. Robert is a resident of West Caldwell.

DeVonne Salliey, the Director of Client Success at ADP, Inc. DeVonne cultivates retention and business growth within a human resource outsourcing model. DeVonne is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Human Capital Management (HCM) Professional. DeVonne is an active member, former Trustee and Treasurer of Union Baptist Church of Montclair. DeVonne brings to the Y her expertise in strategy, human capital management, and technology. DeVonne is a resident of Montclair.

The Board of Directors is composed of up to 24 members who provide oversight, help guide the nonprofit’s strategic direction, set policy, and raise support for programs and scholarships.

“I humbly accept the gavel knowing that it will be impossible to fill the shoes of the outgoing chair Izumi Hara,” said Marjorie Pierre-Merritt, Chief Volunteer Officer. “When I joined the board I said, ‘let’s get to work’. The Y is a special organization that provides critical support to so many. I look forward to an impactful year and future for the Y.”

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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. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.

YMCA of Montclair Hosts the 39th Annual Montclair Run, A Retro Race

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Registration is open for this family-friendly event on Sunday, June 5 that includes a USATF certified 10K Grand Prix and a 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk. 

Montclair NJ — The YMCA of Montclair 39th Annual Montclair Run returns to its traditional Sunday in June on June 5 as a retro race.  

“We are looking forward to having another fun-themed race and can’t wait to welcome returning and new runners and walkers,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “We are so grateful for the support of our run sponsors who are committed to improving the health of those in our community who access programming at our Y. Together, we are helping to make a positive and lasting difference in their lives.” 

Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center returns as this year’s 10K Run presenting sponsor. “The Y’s mission of healthy living is a perfect complement to the mission of our hospital,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center. “Proceeds from the run fund chronic disease programming at the Y. We will be cheering on our Mountainside Medical Center running club who especially looks forward to participating each year.” 

Fette Ford KIA Infiniti of Clifton returns as this year’s 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk sponsor. “We enjoy being a part of this community event that gets individuals and families outside, moving, and for a good cause,” said John Fette, President of Fette Auto.” 

All runners must 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 5 from 6:30-7:30am for the 10K and 8:30-9:30am for the 2-Mile. 

Funds raised make it possible for the YMCA of Montclair to fulfill its mission to strengthen individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s chronic disease programs. The YMCA of Montclair 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 

Awards ceremony immediately follows each race. Retro wear is not required but encouraged. 

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

The Montclair Run is seeking volunteers to assist with the race. Volunteers help set up the race, hand out water, direct traffic and clean up. 

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, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org. 

The Y Helps Children in the Greater Montclair Community Learn to be Safe Around Water

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The YMCA of Montclair increases availability of water safety and swim lessons in underserved communities.


MONTCLAIR — As part of the Y’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water, the YMCA of Montclair will provide Safety Around Water, a swim instruction and water safety program to children ages 6-14 May 23-27, 2022.


According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages one to 14 years old. For communities of color, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average, according to a USA Swimming study.


“Educating children how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street,” said Tammy Como, Association Aquatics Director, YMCA of Montclair. “The Y teaches children of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives it builds confidence.”


In a typical year, the YMCA of Montclair teaches 10,000 children and adults in their swim programs — due to the COVID19 pandemic, this decreased to 2,863 in 2021. Children in the community are at risk due to the lack of opportunity for swim lessons caused by the pandemic. The Y wants to make every effort to reach those kids this year.
The Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. The YMCA of Montclair continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident, and secure in the water.


The Safety Around Water program has been funded by generous grants from the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation and the YMCA of the USA’s Strategic Initiatives.


For more information, contact Tammy Como, Association Aquatics Director at tcomo@montclairymca.org. To register for Safety Around Water classes, visit www.montclairymca.org. There is a nominal fee of $5 for the weeklong lesson.


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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, Montclair, Verona, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.