Montclair, NJ, January 31, 2020 —The YMCA of Montclair is hosting a series of events in celebration of Black History Month that are free and open to the community.

All events will be held at the Park Street YMCA at 25 Park Street in Montclair. More events may be added, please check our website as we update the schedule at montclairymca.org.

The Missing Story: African American History in Montclair – Discussion led by Betty Holloway Thursday, February 20 at 10:00 am

Betty Holloway, YMCA member, Archivist, and Public Historian, in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Xi Omega Chapter, will lead a discussion on some of the contributions to black history in Montclair.  To attend the event, please RSVP at this link: https://bit.ly/31cbPbA

NEW! Dance & Rhythm with Elo and Irisha Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00 pm Park Street YMCA Gymnasium

Dance & Rhythm Celebration of the African Diaspora-Elo and Irisha will lead a tribute to the spirit of dance for the continent of Africa. Bring friends, dance, and find your joy.

In addition, we invite members and the community to join us for selected weekly dance and fit classes held through the month of February and year-round:

Afro-Fit Dance Mondays at 8:00 pm

Featuring Afrobeats, soca, dancehall, kompa, and Afro-Latin dance cultures married to a fitness workout. Class led by Jessica Elicin who specializes in Afro-Caribbean dance fitness that connects people to the culture, rhythm, and roots of the African Diaspora.

Afro-Caribbean Dance Sundays at 3:30 pm and Thursdays at 9:00 am

Immerse mind and body in the joy and vitality of rhythms rooted in traditional African-Caribbean dance with modern-day music. Class led by Julio Jean, a renowned master Haitian dance teacher, choreographer, and musician.

For individuals who are not current YMCA members please present a driver’s license or other government-issued I.D. to enter the facility. Minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

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The YMCA of Montclair was founded in 1891 and is a nonprofit organization that welcomes all people. The Y offers need-based financial assistance for programs and membership to residents of Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Glen Ridge, Montclair, and Verona. The Y also offers financial assistance for camp to residents of Bloomingdale, Haskell and West Milford. Members benefit from healthy lifestyle-related core programs, including aquatics, childcare, day camp, family activities, health and wellness, sports and teen programs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

YMCA of Montclair Hosts MLK Day of Service Breakfast with Guest Speaker Senator Nia H. Gill Esq. and Two Volunteer Events

 

Montclair, NJ January 13, 2020 — The YMCA of Montclair is hosting an MLK Day of Service Breakfast with guest speaker Senator Nia H. Gill Esq. on January 20, 2020. A light breakfast will be served from 8:30-10am. Senator Gill will address the group from 9:15-9:45am. Location: Park Street YMCA, 25 Park St., Montclair, NJ

This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Please click here to RSVP.

 

“Today we answer Dr. King’s call to serve by joining our members, neighbors, and local leaders to address challenges and strengthen our community,” said Buddy Evans, CEO/President of the YMCA of Montclair. “MLK Day is ‘a day on, not a day off’ and today we continue to connect people to their potential, purpose, and each other.”

In addition to the MLK Breakfast, the YMCA of Montclair is holding two events for those who wish to volunteer in the community:

 

Assemble Toiletry Care Kits For Those Experiencing Homelessness: Partnering with the Salvation Army, YMCA of Montclair volunteers will assemble travel toiletry kits to help give the gift of a fresh start to those experiencing homelessness. Location: Park Street YMCA, 25 Park St., Montclair, NJ 10am-12pm.

 

Sign Cards for Service Members: Partnering with Operation Gratitude, YMCA of Montclair volunteers will sign cards to be distributed to our service members. This is a family-friendly service project suitable for young children. Location: Geyer Family YMCA, 159 Glenridge Ave., Montclair, NJ 10am-2pm.

 

These volunteer events are open to the community. To sign up, please click here to RSVP.

 

For more information, please contact Corine Sawadogo, Volunteer Coordinator at csawadogo@montclairymca.org or 973-415-6122.

MONTCLAIR, NJ – Montclair YMCA Dolphins Swim Team turned in outstanding performances at two championship meets, held on Dec. 13-15, 2019.

At the EEX Holiday Classic XXXIII, held at Rutgers University, 16 of the team’s swimmers qualified for a meet that has traditionally been one the most anticipated all year. More than 35 teams from the Tri-State area participated this year.

Many swimmers turned in individual best performances during this meet:
– Ela Habjan (14) of Montclair, attained a cut for the Speedo Winter Junior Championship and made finals in all her backstroke events, taking 2nd (100 back) and 6th (200 back), as well as qualifying for YMCA Short Course Nationals in the 500 free.
– Enzo Wood (16) of Glen Ridge made the YMCA Short Course Nationals cut for the first time in the 400IM event.
– Liam Hood (17) of Glen Ridge placed 14th for the 400 IM qualifying for the YMCA SC Nationals, and
– Connor Townson of Glen Ridge (15) placed 14th for the 200 breast and qualified for a YMCA SC Nationals in the 100 breast.
Howard Zhuang (14) of West Orange placed 4th and 9th in the 100/200 breaststroke. Lola Somerstein (10) of Montclair placed 4th in the 100 Back, 7th in the 2 Free, and 8th in the 50 Back. Kal Sobier (14) of Montclair finaled in both his best events finishing 13th in the 500 free and 200 free. Lucas Foung (12) of Montclair was 12th in the 100 Back, and 10th in the 200 Back, and Tate Faherty (12) of Bloomfield was 16th in the 200 back. Femi Oshodi (12) placed 6th in the 50 and 200 fly, and 7th in the 100 fly.

That same weekend 60 Dolphins were competing at Ocean County YMCA in the Winter Classic. There were multiple fantastic performances that included 63 top-8 finishes.

Two Dolphin Swimmers placed first: Aly Breikaa (13) of Bloomfield (100 fly) and Vasilios Salatas (14) of Montclair (200 back). The 13/14 boys 200 Medley relay made out of: Jasper Schnieders-Smith, Need Kojic, Ryan LoCicero & Aly Breikaa also took first place.

We had multiple second places awarded: Dom Ancey (15) of Belleville (100/200 back), Nead Kojic (14) of Montclair (100 breast), Ryan LoCicero (13) of Nutley (100 fly), Mizel McCeachin (16) of Montclair (100 fly) and Caitlyn Tagliareni (14) of Bloomfield (200 back/200 fly).

Some standout performances by the following swimmers who finished in the top third-fifth places were: Ali Breikaa (13) of Bloomfield (50/100/200 free), Nathan Espiritu (16) of Bloomfield (200 back), Lauren Espiritu (12) of Bloomfield (200 breast), Caleb Foung (16) of Montclair (200 breast/200 IM), Kazuri Lateef (13) of West Orange (100 fly), Ryan LoCicero (13) of Nutley (200 fly/100 back), Cristian Remache (15) of Nutley (200 back), Maia Nilsen (10) in the (200 IM), Omer Korkmaz (12) in the (200 back), Ella Parker (17) of Montclair (100/200 fly), Vasilios Salatas (14) of Montclair (100 back/200 IM), Mizel McCeachin (16) of Montclair (100/200 free), Salma Benchekroum (14) of Montclair (200 back), and Nead Kojic (14) of Montclair (200 breast/100 back/200 IM)

Honorable mention to all those who dropped time in every event they swam – Cooper Voss, Caitlyn Tagliareni, Sasha Steele, Vasilis Salatas, David Pedo, Sarah Miller, Oona McNamara, Ella Kirkland, Caitlin Foung, Carly Fazendin, Tyler Davis & Lucas Foung.

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. More than 200 athletes train with the team each year. They compete at all levels, based on their skill set.

For more information about the Montclair YMCA Dolphins swim team, contact head coach Paulo Madeira at pmadeira@montclairymca.org or 973-744-3400.

The YMCA of Montclair recently received a $2,000 grant from the Montclair Foundation. The grant provided funds to help replace the failing heating system in the lower lobby of the Park Street YMCA with a new air curtain system.

During the winter, the lobby is very cold, which is uncomfortable for the thousands of people who visit the YMCA to exercise at our fitness center and participate in our wide array of health and wellness programming. Additionally, the cold temperatures present a health risk for the staff members at the Welcome Center, situated just a few feet away from the doors leading to the outside.

“We would like to extend our deepest thanks to The Montclair Foundation,” said Ann-Margaret Gutierrez, Vice-President of Operations of the YMCA of Montclair. “More than 14,000 members and area residents of all ages and abilities walk through our doors. The air curtain makes a big difference in their comfort and health at our facility.”

The Montclair Foundation was established to support not-for-profit organizations that meet health, educational, cultural, social service and quality of life needs in the greater Montclair community. It offers concerned citizens a way to assure the continuing vitality of Montclair and serves as a permanent conduit for charitable giving.

(Pictured Staff Member Bill , who sits at the Lower Lobby Welcome Center, enjoying the air curtain)

(Montclair, NJ 2019)— This year, the YMCA of Montclair is celebrating Welcoming Week September 13-22. Created by YMCA of the USA’s national partner Welcoming America, Welcoming Week celebrates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. It’s a chance for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born residents—to get to know one another and celebrate what unites us as a community.

“At the YMCA of Montclair, we believe our community is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome, can connect, find common ground and celebrate our shared values,” said Buddy Evans, CEO & President. “We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which is demonstrating that in places large and small, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities.”

During Welcoming Week, the YMCA of Montclair will host two free events open to all:

Global Arts & Crafts at the Geyer Family YMCA, 159 Glenridge Ave., Montclair on Tuesday, September 17 from 6:30-8pm. Staff will lead children in making calabash bowls, beads and rainsticks.

Global Dance & Movement at the Park Street YMCA 25 Park St., Montclair on Thursday, September 19 from 7-7:45pm and 8-8:45pm. Come dance with us to African and Latin rhythms.

[Global Eats has been cancelled. We did not get the required number of attendees to hold the event. However, we invite you to attend our Family FUN Night on September 28.]
The YMCA of Montclair will end the week by sharing a special meal. The community is invited to attend a Welcoming Week Global Eats Dinner on Saturday, September 21, 6-9pm at the Geyer Family YMCA. The event is organized by The United Tastes of America. “The United Tastes of America builds belonging and integration for refugees and asylum seekers through shared food, social enterprise and community connections,” said Melina Macall, Co-Founder of The United Tastes of America. “Our shared meals, prepared by our skilled female cooks, reaffirm our families’ rich cultural heritage and competence, building a path to greater social integration.”

Proceeds from the event directly help resettled refugee families. The cost is $58 per person (includes service charge). Please purchase tickets by visiting this url:

https://www.theunitedtastesofamerica.org/events-1/global-eats-dinner-with-montclair-ymca

Babysitting is available for ages 6 months to 6 years. Please register for babysitting by contacting the Geyer Family YMCA at 973-783-7640. The cost is $15 per child.

“These events are part of a powerful and growing movement in our country and around the world, demonstrating that communities want to be welcoming,” said Rachel Peric, Executive Director of Welcoming America. “Welcoming Week is a reminder of the resilient and inclusive spirit of American communities. Thousands of local leaders nationwide are bringing their communities together to bridge divides and build stronger local economies where everyone belongs.”

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About the YMCA of Montclair

The YMCA of Montclair was founded in 1891 and is a nonprofit organization that welcomes all people. The Y offers need based financial assistance for programs and membership and school aged childcare to residents of Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Glen Ridge, Montclair and Verona. The Y also offers financial assistance for camp to residents of Bloomingdale, Haskell and West Milford. Members benefit from healthy lifestyle-related core programs, including aquatics, childcare, day camp, family activities, health and wellness, sports and teen programs. www.montclairymca.org

About United Tastes of America

Our mission is to integrate refugees and asylum seekers through food, social enterprise and community connections. We are dedicated to bridging differences and fostering inclusion. www.theunitedtastesofamerica.org

About Welcoming America

Welcoming America is leading a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by making everyone who lives there feel like they belong. Welcoming America believes that all people, including immigrants, are valued contributors and vital to the success of both our communities and our shared future. www.welcomingamerica.org.

The YMCA of Montclair is pleased to announce Investors Bank as this year’s corporate honoree for the YMCA 1891 Gala fundraiser being held at Mayfair Farms in West Orange on October 4, 2019. The Gala’s individual honorees are Maryellen Stadtlander and Sharon Egan.

Investors Bank has provided support to the YMCA for nearly ten years, improving facilities for teens and older adults as well as recently providing funding for the construction of a universal playground at the Geyer Family YMCA. Investors Bank has been a sponsor of the Gala since 2011 and is this year’s Event Sponsor.

Founded in 1926, Investors is the largest bank headquartered in New Jersey, with more than $26 billion in assets and over 145 retail branches in the New York metropolitan area.

“Investors Bank is committed to creating a legacy by connecting people of all ages who make the YMCA of Montclair a regular part of their lives,” said Investors Bank CEO Kevin Cummings. “We recognize the vital role the organization plays in the community it serves, and it is our honor to support such a worthy cause.”

Lifelong friends Maryellen Stadtlander and Sharon Egan will also be honored. Maryellen and Sharon have been members of the 1891 Gala Committee for eight years, raising thousands of dollars to provide scholarships for individuals and families. These monies have helped children and adults access school aged childcare, summer camp, membership, swim lessons and chronic disease wellness programs.

Both Maryellen and Sharon credit the YMCA of Montclair as an important part of their lives since they were kids. Sharon remembers when the Y lounge was “the place to be,” and cherishes the many friendships formed there with people both young and old. Later, as co-owner and proprietor of Egan and Sons, Sharon came to rely on the YMCA’s childcare programs to keep her own children safe, engaged, and happy while she worked. Sharon’s philanthropic efforts expand beyond the YMCA of Montclair to several causes, including Lamplight for Haiti and Montclair’s Jazz House Kids. Sharon lives in Montclair with her dog, Charlie.

Maryellen’s connection to the YMCA goes back to 1966, when her mother enrolled her and sister, Susie, in the swimming program. “My mother looked upon swimming not just as recreation, but as a lifesaving skill,” Stadtlander recalls. Maryellen felt a sense of security at the YMCA and relished the opportunity to interact with people of all backgrounds in “a unique communal experience in a small town.” When she became a mom, all three of her sons also learned to swim at the Y.

In the late 1980s, when the childcare center at St. Luke’s church closed, Maryellen and other board members helped relocate it to the newly renovated wing at the YMCA, where it continued to supply high-quality, affordable childcare to the community. Maryellen currently works in the finance office at Egan and Sons. She also operates Mary’s Happy Camper, a mobile coffee service. Maryellen lives in West Orange with her wife, Susan Wyatt.

“Investors Bank, Maryellen Stadtlander and Sharon Egan have had an outsized impact on the YMCA of Montclair’s ability to provide life-changing assistance to individuals and families,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. “They and the dedicated Gala committee members help us extend our mission of strengthening mind, body and spirit for those in need in our community.”

The Gala will also remember former YMCA of Montclair Board Member Ted Kiesewetter who passed away on May 24, 2019. Ted supported the Y through substantial financial support and his service on the Y’s Board including his role as Board Chair and Finance Committee member from 2006 – 2013. Ted was passionate about ensuring the Y’s future in the community so that the Y would continue to deliver quality programs for years to come.

The emcee for this year’s YMCA Gala is Luke Parker-Bowles, president at Story Mining and Supply Co and part of the creative department at Working Title Films. Luke Parker-Bowles also directs Bellevue Enterprises, which is transforming the landmark Bellevue movie theater in Upper Montclair. The DJ is Montclair’s own Prince Hakim. The Gala is co-chaired by David Placek and Liz Ruvo.

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

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The YMCA of Montclair was founded in 1891 and is a nonprofit organization that welcomes all people. The Y offers need based financial assistance for programs and membership and school aged childcare to residents of Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Glen Ridge, Montclair and Verona. The Y also offers financial assistance for camp to residents of Bloomingdale, Haskell and West Milford. Members benefit from healthy lifestyle-related core programs, including aquatics, childcare, day camp, family activities, health and wellness, sports and teen programs.