Montclair, NJ — On September 14, 2021, the YMCA of Montclair hosted a ribbon cutting event and reception to thank supporters and present the new Rainbow Playground at the Geyer Family Y to the community.  Young music students from Montclair Early Music led by Julienne Pape, President and Founder delighted those present with a performance prior to the official ribbon cutting.

Councilwoman Lori Price Abrams presented a Township of Montclair Proclamation extending congratulations on the completion of the playground and its benefit to the community.

YMCA of Montclair Chief Volunteer Officer Izumi Hara joined supporters Risa Cretella, Executive Vice President of Rao’s Homemade and David and Bridget Placek in cutting the big red ribbon at the playground’s entrance.

The playground was originally scheduled to break ground in the summer of 2020 but was delayed by COVID-19. “We are pleased to complete this long-awaited playground at the Geyer Family Y,” says Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “The pandemic underscored for us the importance of having ample space for children to play and learn in the fresh air. I’m so glad to have this playground ready for the start of the school year.”

The playground, designed in partnership with Montclair State University, will provide a safe, fun, outdoor environment for children of diverse abilities.

This project was only possible thanks to many donations from the community, including a challenge grant from two lead supporters, Rao’s Homemade and The Placek Family. “As a member of the Montclair community for 3 years, Rao’s Homemade is committed to supporting initiatives that make this wonderful town an even better place for its residents to live.  Rao’s is delighted to have helped bring to life the YMCA of Montclair’s vision for this community playground,” said Risa Cretella, Executive Vice President, Rao’s Homemade.

“Our family is very excited about the opening of the playground at the Geyer Family Y,” said Dave and Bridget Placek. “We know that so many families in the community will benefit from having this colorful new playground in their backyards, and look forward to seeing it be used for many years to come.”

Other lead supporters include: The Geyer Family, Izumi Hara and David Koschik, Rose Cali, Susann and Jim Connors, Investors Foundation and The Provident Bank Foundation. “I am incredibly grateful to all of the supporters who made this playground possible,” said Buddy Evans.

Parents at the Learning Enrichment Community, the remote school program held at the Geyer Family Y for the 2020-21 School year, also came together to support the playground in honor of the Y staff working with their children. A bench in the playground is dedicated to the staff for their efforts during the pandemic.

Due to supply chain issues in procuring turf floor, the playground will open for play in October.

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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.

Registration is open for this family-friendly event on Saturday, October 9 that includes a USATF certified 10K Grand Prix and a 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk.

Montclair NJ — On October 9, the YMCA of Montclair will host the 38th Annual Montclair Run. Historically, the Montclair Run occurs on the second Sunday of June but in 2020 and 2021 the Montclair Run was postponed due to the COVID pandemic. With the availability of the COVID vaccine, the Montclair Run was reimagined as a fall event that included a costume caper theme.

“We are so excited to bring back the Montclair Run to our community,” said Buddy Evans, President & CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “The event is a great way for individuals, families, and runners of all abilities to support an active lifestyle while giving back to the community. We can’t wait to see everyone there!”

Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center returns as this year’s 10K Run presenting sponsor. “The hospital is happy to continue an active partnership with the YMCA,” said Tim O’Brien, CEO of Mountainside Medical Center. “The Y is a great place for people to proactively improve their health, a perfect complement to the mission of our hospital.”

Fette Ford KIA Infiniti of Clifton returns as this year’s 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk sponsor. “We are thrilled to be a part of this great community event,” said John Fette, President of Fette Auto. “We look forward to seeing individuals and families out in the fresh air, enjoying the run/walk and each other. It’s all for a good cause.”

All runners must register online by October 4 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 Saturday, October 9 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 following each race. Awards will also be given for best costumes. Costumes are 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 for 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 YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce that beginning September 17, Alex Boutov will assume the role of Director of Competitive Swimming, leading all aspects of the Dolphins Swim Team.

“We are excited to have Coach Boutov join our team. The recruitment process took some time, but we wanted to make sure we hired the best person to guide our swim team to achieve an even greater level of excellence,” said Buddy Evans, President & CEO.

Alex comes from Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics in New York where he served as an Assistant Coach working with the National Team, Senior Team, and several others. He is the founder of Alex Aquatics offering data-based swimming technique improvement sessions. He will be using that technology to assist in developing swimmers and will offer private lessons.

“I am very excited that Alex is joining our Y family to lead our successful team of dedicated swimmers,” said Tammy Como, Association Aquatics Director. “We know Alex will provide technical expertise and experience that will bring our already highly skilled swimmers to the next level.”

Alex is a graduate of St. Petersburg State University (Russia), where he swam competitively and earned a Bachelor of Science in industrial psychology. He later achieved a Master of Science in computer science from Northern Illinois University.

Alex had a career in software development before discovering his love for coaching competitive swimming. He coached youth swimming in Virginia and Illinois for two decades. In Illinois, Alex was named Swimming Coach of the Year, led Masters Swimming State Champs, and won a Masters Swimming State record in the 1500 free. Alex has an American Swimming Coaches Association Level IV certification.

“I like to work individually with parents and children so that they can reach their greatest potential,” said Alex Boutov. “I apply this philosophy to my coaching staff as well. Building a strong coaching team is important for the sustainability of the program and success of the swimmers.”

Alex now lives in NYC and is looking forward to becoming a part of the MYM Dolphin community. Please join us in welcoming Coach Boutov to the YMCA of Montclair!

MONTCLAIR — The YMCA of Montclair welcomes two new members to its board of directors, recently elected in June to three-year terms.

“Our board serves a key role providing governance and oversight for the organization, said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “We are fortunate to have two leaders in their fields who will help expand our reach and engagement to better serve all in our community.”

The Board of Directors of the YMCA of Montclair welcomes:

• Risa Cretella, the Executive Vice President, Group General Manager of Sovos Brands which includes the beloved Rao’s Homemade brand. Prior to joining Sovos Brands, Ms. Cretella was at Pinnacle Foods, most recently as the SVP of Marketing for Frozen Leadership Brands, which included Birds Eye. She also was a founding member of Pinnacle’s “WISE” (Women Inspiring Success & Empowerment), a development & mentoring program for women. Ms. Cretella received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and a Master in Business Administration from Kent State University. She is a resident of Caldwell.

• Lisa Indovino, the GTM Partner Sales & Strategy Lead (Americas) at Anaplan. Prior to her current position, Ms. Indovino was the SVP Digital Data Solutions at Innodata leading sales, solution consulting and delivery for this AI and ML data technology solutions services firm. She excels at leading high-performance teams, developing and executing strategic partnerships, improving customer retention, and operational efficiencies. Ms. Indovino received a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College and is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business Executive Education program. Ms. Indovino has served on many boards including CASA, the Montclair Art Museum and the American Red Cross. She is a resident of Little Falls.

The YMCA of Montclair’s board is comprised of business, nonprofit, and community leaders who bring a wealth of experience, diverse skills, and perspective to our organization, along with a deep passion for making a difference in the communities 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. 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.

Dear Members and Friends,

We are excited to share with you updates on Park Street YMCA access and openings. We appreciate your support and patience as we have carefully reopened the Park Street Y in accordance with the CDC and New Jersey public health guidelines. The greater Montclair community has made this possible by putting safety first.

As you will see, we are sequencing these changes so that we have time to implement and update our staff and members.

STARTING JUNE 28

• Reservations for LAP LANES will be removed and swimmers will no longer have to register on MotionVibe. The pool schedule will be revised.
• STEAM & SAUNA rooms will reopen in both men’s and women’s locker rooms.
• MONDAY – FRIDAY HOURS will be 5am through 8pm with no afternoon closure. Cleaning will be adjusted to meet member flow. Saturday hours remain 7am-2pm.

STARTING JULY 4

SUNDAY HOURS will return beginning with holiday hours on Sunday, July 4th, 7am-11am.

STARTING JULY 5

A new GYMNASIUM schedule will roll out – Basketball and Family Gym is back!

STARTING JULY 11

Regular SUNDAY HOURS resume 7am-2pm. We will announce our updated group exercise schedule soon.

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• On June 14, we transitioned back to wipes in the silver stands for members to use before and after working out on the equipment. Y staff will continue to clean the equipment with towels.
• Track, boxing area, and courts remain closed at this time.
• The stretching area in the ladies locker room will not reopen as a stretching area, it will be repurposed to better serve our members, details to follow.
• Our mask policy remains in place.

We look forward to seeing you all at the Y!

With thanks,

Lisa Kievit
Executive Director
Park Street YMCA