News and Announcements

YMCA of Montclair Dolphins Take on the Best Swimmers in the Garden State as Long-Course Season Ends

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MONTCLAIR, N.J. — The YMCA of Montclair Dolphins swim team sprinted to the finish of the long-course season with the biggest squad since before the pandemic racing in the state's most competitive meets.

A total of 74 swimmers participated in the end-of-season championships in Olympic-sized pools in July, up 55% from the 48 Dolphins who raced last summer. That was the biggest squad the Dolphins had in those meets since 2019. The three meets were the New Jersey Gold Championship, the 13-and-over YMCA Championship meet, and the 12-and-under Bronze & Silver meet.

A pod of 11 Dolphins swam in the Gold Championships, featuring the fastest swimmers from across the Garden State in the culmination of competitive summer swimming.

Brenna Laracy (Montclair) was the Dolphins' highest finisher, coming in 10th in the 200-meter breaststroke for the 13-14-year-old girls and 15th in the 100-meter breaststroke.

Pictured in photo left to right: Ferrante, L - Cedar Grove; D'Amico, M - Cedar Grove; Birnbaum, N - Montclair; Quezada, E. - West Orange

Maeve D'Amico (Cedar Grove) finished 14th in the 50-meter freestyle event for the 10-and-under girls. Maeve took over a second off her entry time to move up the rankings in the event. She also qualified and competed in five other events.

Sawyer Beaubouef (Verona) had the top finish for the boys, coming in 15th in the 100-meter backstroke for 11-12-year-olds. Sawyer also came in 20h in the 200-meter backstroke. Sawyer put in a strong all-round showing, placing in the top 30 in two of the four other races he entered.

Daphne Razo (Glen Ridge) was another top-20 swimmer for the Dolphins, finishing in 16th place in the 200-meter freestyle for the 10-and-under girls.

The team had 16 qualifiers for the Gold, up from the 12 qualifiers last year.

The Dolphins also had 28 swimmers aged 13 and over compete in the YMCA Long Course championship meet hosted by Greater Monmouth. The top finishers were Jared Perez (Newark), who placed 7th in the 200-meter butterfly, Brenna Laracy, who placed 7th in the 50-meter breaststroke, and Holly Hukkanen (Nutley), who placed 10th in the 200-meter individual medley. Ryan Reis (Caldwell) also placed 12th in the 100-meter breaststroke.

"I'm also proud that we had 55 and then 36 of our youngest athletes compete in YMCA meets hosted by the Summit Y earlier in the summer," said Dolphins Head Coach Kyle Laracy.

"The program is set up for a bright future with such a healthy 10-and-under age group program. Our Dolphins posted some strong individual improvement in their long course meter times and encouraging placements across these top fields, and they will be rewarded for their dedication to training and competing through the summer as they continue to develop in the program."

Many swimmers cut big chunks from their best times after a summer of early-morning training in the open-air pools of Montclair and West Orange.

The Dolphins now take a well-earned short break before training starts for the fall-winter short-course season later in September.

Over the winter season, the swimmers race in 25-yard pools.

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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 THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM
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 age 6 through high school. Around 200 athletes train with the team each year. They compete at all levels, based on their skill set.

Article submitted by Simon Webb

 

YMCA of Montclair Welcomes New Board Members at May Annual Meeting 

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[Photo pictured left to right Joseph Barker and Marques Johnson]

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors. These accomplished individuals bring a wealth of experience and a shared passion for strengthening the community.  

“The YMCA of Montclair Board of Directors is fortunate to have leaders who contribute their diverse expertise and a shared commitment to our mission. Their unique strengths enable us to offer programs and services that positively impact our community and address its evolving needs,” said Marjorie Pierre-Merritt, Chief Volunteer Officer.  

The Board of Directors of the YMCA of Montclair welcomes: 

Joseph J. Barker is the Vice President, Head of Legal at Benchmark Education Company. Mr. Barker has extensive experience in the legal field, working for various companies such as Benchmark Education Company, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Bingham McCutchen LLP, and Balber Pickard Battistoni Maldonado & Van Der Tuin, PC. Mr. Barker also served as a judicial clerk in the United States District Court. Mr. Barker holds a J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law and a B.A. in History from Boston University. Mr. Barker is a Montclair resident. 

Marques S. Johnson is the Head of Music Publishing Business Development (Americas) at YouTube New York. Mr. Johnson is focused on providing cross-functional leadership to solve difficult corporate/business and negotiate complex transactions to stay ahead of trends in the constantly changing digital media landscape. Former Senior Counsel at Google/YouTube, Mr. Johnson holds a J.D. from Howard University School of Law and a B.A. in International Studies from Willamette University. Mr. Johnson is a Montclair resident. 

Buddy Evans, President and CEO said, “The YMCA of Montclair has a long-standing tradition of promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. With the addition of these distinguished new board members, the organization is poised to continue its legacy of service and innovation.” 

In addition to welcoming new board members, the YMCA of Montclair wants to thank departing board members Al Cristantiello and Michael Turgeon for their dedicated service to the YMCA of Montclair. 

For more information about the YMCA of Montclair and its programs, please visit www.montclairymca.org. 

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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.   

YMCA of Montclair Proudly Hosts the 41st Annual Montclair Run, honoring Betsy Smith

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REGISTER TODAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

YMCA of Montclair Proudly Hosts the 41st Annual Montclair Run, honoring Betsy Smith 

Kick off the summer by joining hundreds of runners, walkers, volunteers, and community partners for this family-friendly event on Sunday, June 2. 
 

Montclair, NJ - On Sunday, June 2, runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators from across Essex County and beyond will gather at the YMCA of Montclair for the 41st 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. 

This year, the run is honoring longtime YMCA of Montclair staff member, Betsy Smith who passed away in October 2023. Betsy proudly served the Y for 25 years at the Welcome Center, where she greeted members and staff with her famous Betsy smile. Betsy was the Y’s 4th of July Parade float ambassador, co-chaired the 2017 1891 Gala, and was a trailblazer and advocate for education inclusion. 

“Betsy came to our Y from the Montclair High School Transition Program. She was a powerful role model who paved the way for so many students with Down syndrome and other disabilities,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “We proudly continue her legacy at our Y and value our continuing partnership with the Transition Program. We are honoring Betsy at the run because Betsy surprised us last year by joyously running in the 2-Mile race. We ask this year's participants to wear pink or sparkles in Betsy's honor.”   

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 29 sponsors have stepped up to help fund community health programs, including the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, this year’s 2-Mile Fun/Walk sponsor. 

“Fleet Feet Montclair and the Fabbro family are blessed to be part of the YMCA race for 37 of its 41 years. Our dear friend Betsy Smith's life exemplified the best of the YMCA and Montclair community. Her very presence was a constant reminder to create space and support so that ALL people, ALL paces are valued and included,” said Dawn and John Fabbro, owners of Fleet Feet 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 June 1st 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 2 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. 

 

With Summer Around the Corner, Water Safety Should Be Top of Mind

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With Summer Around the Corner, Water Safety Should Be Top of Mind 

The YMCA of Montclair provides low-cost water safety lessons for school-age children, teens, and adults during Safety Around Water Week May 20-24.  

Montclair, N.J. (May 2, 2024) – The YMCA of Montclair wants to ensure that water safety is top of mind before jumping into summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. For National Water Safety Month this May, the YMCA of Montclair is encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.  

“As ‘America’s Swim Instructor,’ the YMCA of Montclair annually teaches more than 4,600 children valuable water safety and swimming skills,” said Tammy Como, Executive Director of Aquatics and Risk Management. “Now more than ever, it’s important to remind parents and caregivers that water safety needs to be top-of-mind as families start to return to their favorite summertime activities.”   

In observance of National Water Safety Month, the YMCA of Montclair will be hosting its Safety Around Water Week program from May 20 to May 24. This initiative offers a series of swim lessons tailored for school-age children (6-13 years old) as well as teens and adults (14 years old and above). Participants, including non-swimmers and beginners, will learn essential water safety skills while building confidence in and around water. 

To register for Safety Around Water classes, visit www.montclairymca.org/safety-around-water/. There is a nominal fee of $5 for the weeklong lessons. 

As part of National Water Safety Month, the YMCA of Montclair is encouraging parents and caregivers to play an active role in promoting water safety and providing five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.  

Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water. Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety – be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.  

Never swim alone or without a water watcher. When children swim, make sure they are actively supervised. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.  

Supervise your children whenever they are in or near water. Whether it is bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are always within arm’s reach.  

Do not engage in breath holding activities. Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous. 

Wear a life jacket. Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.  

Do not jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water. If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety.  

The Safety Around Water program has been funded by generous grants from the Rotary Club of Montclair, Step into Swim, Kiwanis Club of Montclair, and the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation.  

Pictured left to right: Anna Smith, Aquatics Director, YMCA of Montclair, Stuart Keil, of the Rotary Club of Montclair, and Tammy Como, Executive Director of Aquatics and Risk Management, YMCA of Montclair
Pictured left to right: Anna Smith, Aquatics Director, YMCA of Montclair, Stuart Keil, of the Rotary Club of Montclair, and Tammy Como, Executive Director of Aquatics and Risk Management, YMCA of Montclair
Pictured left to right: Anneke Demarest, Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Montclair and Deborah New, Kiwanis Club of Montclair
Pictured left to right: Anneke Demarest, Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Montclair and Deborah New, Kiwanis Club of Montclair

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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. 

2024 Annual Meeting

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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. Guest Speaker is Rev. Dr. A. Craig Dunn. We hope you will join us!

2023 IN REVIEW & A LOOK AHEAD TO 2024
Serving our community through the generosity of our donors

RECOGNIZING NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Growing our volunteer leadership 

HIGHLIGHTING COMMUNITY HEALTH & SENIOR PROGRAMS

DAWN MCFADDEN LEADERSHIP AWARD
Celebrating our full-time staff

BETSY SMITH STAFF RECOGNITION AWARD
Celebrating our part-time staff

RSVP HERE

Montclair Dolphins Sprint to the Finish of the Short-Course Season with Strong Results

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MONTCLAIR, N.J. (April 16, 2024) – The Montclair Dolphins YMCA swim team finished the short-course season with some outstanding results at state championships and regional competitions with many more swimmers qualifying to compete than in previous years in the action-packed February and March meet schedule.

A huge pod of 165 Dolphins raced in combined gold, silver and bronze championships in New Jersey, and the regional competition that marks the end of the season in Charlotte, North Carolina. That was up over 30% from the 126 Dolphins that competed last year.

“At the start of the season, our goal was to qualify more swimmers than ever for the NJ YMCA State Championships and Season Ending Sunkissed Championships” said Dolphins Coach Kyle Laracy. “Our team greatly exceeded my expectations and surpassed that goal. “

A squad of 17 Dolphins aged 11-16 traveled to the Sunkissed invitational event in Charlotte on March 21-24. This is a regional-level competition with fast qualifying times that Dolphins swimmers aspire to make each season. Sixteen teams from six states raced at the meet.

The highest placed finishers for the Dolphins were Brenna Laracy (Montclair), who came in 2nd in the girls 100-yard breaststroke for the under 13 girls, and Christian Olderog (West Orange), who placed 3rd in the 50-yard breaststroke for the under 13 boys. The girls 13-14 year-old medley relay placed 4th.

Photo Caption: Edith Wong (Verona), Alexa Tinapay (Cedar Grove), Brenna Laracy (Montclair), Magnolia Shimizu (Montclair) at 13 and over State Championships at Franklin and Marshall College, PA.

“The atmosphere at Sunkissed is electric and incredibly festive,” said Coach Kyle. “It is an especially fun meet for our team to end the season with, while our athletes were impressive in making and improving in so many of the top 16 finals swims at night.

Also in March, 16 Dolphins raced at the top in-state competition, the YMCA State Championships. The Dolphins had several finishers in the top 8 at this most competitive meet. Sawyer Beauboeuf (Verona) came 5th in the 200-yard backstroke for 12 and under boys, a great result after he seeded in 13th place. Toby Arbelaez (Montclair) finished 8th in the 50-yard fly for the 10 and under boys.

The Dolphins had more swimmers than last year at the event, when 10 Dolphins competed.

Photo Caption: Sawyer Beauboeuf (Verona) on the podium after placing 5th in the State Championships.

The Dolphins youngest swimmers put in a remarkable showing at the 8 and under State Championships in February. A squad of 28 swimmers took part, double the size of the team that competed in 2023. The Montclair YMCA finished 7th out of 23 teams. Sophia Landrove (Montclair) finished first in the state for the 50-yard freestyle for the 7 and under girls. The boys 7 and under freestyle relay team also won their event.

The young Dolphins placed 7th out of 23 teams.

“I truly hope that all of our youngest athletes and their families feel proud of their accomplishments this season,” said Coach Kyle. “When I think back to many of these swimmers’ first tryouts in July and then their first time trials in September, I’m struck by their growth in many ways, not only their swimming, but their demonstration of the Y’s values.”

 

Photo Caption: Dolphins 8 and under girls squad

At the Silver Championships in February , 27 Dolphins raced, up from 20 in 2023. At the Bronze Championships, some 67 swimmers raced and came home with 10 winners and a haul of 27 podium finishes.

Earlier in the season, the Dolphins were unbeaten in a series of dual meets with teams from other YMCA’s in New Jersey, such as Morristown, Wayne and Sussex.

“More important to the success of our swimmers in competitions was their individual improvements, which were tremendous on all fronts,” said Coach Kyle. “We ultimately want our swimmers to be great teammates, demonstrating respect and dedication. I’m proud of the exceptional community we are building with our team too.”

At the last dual meet in January, the Dolphins celebrated their graduating seniors. Congratulations to Sophie Beauboeuf (Verona), Tyna and Tyler Davis (Bloomfield), Kaya Gumusayak (Verona), Katie Song (Glen Ridge), Brianna Surichaqui (Belleville) and Zoe Troxler (Montclair).

“I’m so glad our senior swimmers stayed with the program and competed, trained, and coached with us this year. They brought a lot of wisdom to the team and were good models for our youngest swimmers. They are well rounded young adults. I’m excited to hear about their upcoming adventures.”

Montclair Dolphins thank the seniors for the hard work, commitment and invaluable contributions to the team over the years, and wishes them every success for the future.

The swimmers will soon start training for the long-course summer season, where they compete in 50-meter pools. Over the winter short course season, the swimmers race in 25-yard pools.

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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 THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM
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 age 6 through high school. Around 200 athletes train with the team each year. They compete at all levels, based on their skill set.

Article submitted by Simon Webb