Statement on the Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

Statement on the Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict

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Dear YMCA of Montclair Community,

The recent verdict finding Derek Chauvin guilty of the killing of George Floyd was an important moment in our country’s journey toward a more just future. For our nation, so deeply plagued by racism and intolerance, this moment is a step forward toward justice, toward combatting systemic racism, and toward accountability.

The YMCA of Montclair’s commitment to becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization calls us to stand against racism in all forms. It is our responsibility to work in collaboration with community partners and individuals to advance values of equity and inclusion, and to create brave spaces where people of diverse backgrounds find a common understanding and unity of purpose.

Today, we commend the strength of the jurors in Minneapolis, the presence of mind of 17-year-old Darnella Frazier who filmed George Floyd’s terrible demise, and the conviction of all those who testified for the prosecution in this trial. Tomorrow, we must continue our work for equity and justice for all.

Buddy Evans
President and CEO

Placek Family and Rao’s Homemade Offers 2 for 1 Match Opportunity for the YMCA of Montclair’s Playground Fund

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Montclair, NJ — The YMCA of Montclair announced in June of 2019 a fundraising campaign to build an imaginative and inclusive neighborhood playground behind the Y’s Geyer Family Branch at 159 Glenridge Ave in Montclair. Scheduled to break ground in the summer of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic put the project on hold. But the pandemic has made it more clear than ever how important it is for kids to be able to play and learn in the fresh air.

Today, the playground project is scheduled to break ground this summer with 75% of the fundraising goal met.

“The playground was designed in partnership with Montclair State University to provide a safe, fun, outdoor environment for all children, regardless of their abilities,” said Buddy Evans, YMCA of Montclair President and CEO. “We are excited to start but we need help reaching that financial finish line.”

With $50,000 left to raise, two passionate supporters of the Y have stepped up to close that gap and have set forth a community challenge to reach the playground’s fundraising goal.

David and Bridget Placek are active supporters of the arts and education in the Montclair community, serve on the Y’s 1891 Gala Committee, and support the Y’s scholarship fund for children and families. Their family has participated in numerous YMCA of Montclair programs for over seven years, and they have long been advocates for the Y in the community. When they heard about the planned playground at the Geyer Family Y, they said “count us in.” The Placek Family has generously pledged $25,000.

“Equity and inclusivity is our passion in all of the work we do so we are honored to support the Y in building this playground that thoughtfully serves all of our community’s children,” said Bridget Placek. “The Y has been a big part of our family’s life here in Montclair, and we look forward to seeing the joy this playground will bring to all the kids of the YMCA!”

Rao’s Homemade is no stranger to the Y’s Playground Fund, having donated $20,000 in November of 2020. Hearing that there was still a need, they suggested the community match to their additional $15,000 to help close the gap.

“We are committed to seeing this playground break ground,” said Risa Cretella, Executive Vice President, Group General Manager at Sovos Brands/Rao’s Homemade. “Supporting children and families in our community is important to Rao’s and we can’t wait to see the playground open and watch the children have fun outdoors after this difficult year.”

Rao’s and the Placek Family have challenged the community to raise $15,000 by May 31st. Each dollar contributed will be matched by Rao’s and by the Placeks. By meeting this community challenge, Rao’s, the Placeks, and members of our community will come together to finish the Playground Campaign.

The tax-deductible contribution will secure a playground that will benefit children who attend programs and camp at the Y and children who live in the area, where there is no walkable playground nearby.

If you are interested in donating, please visit https://www.montclairymca.org/giving/playground-appeal/or call 973-559-9285.

“This entire playground project has been funded by generous donors, both big and small, said Evans. “The Y is grateful to all who have made this playground a reality, helping our Y better serve families and our community.”

The Y plans to open the playground in the fall.

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.

ABOUT SOVOS BRANDS
Sovos Brands is a food company with a mission to acquire and build one-of-a-kind brands that bring today’s consumers delicious food for joyful living. Sovos Brands invests in brands that have exciting growth potential, combining industry expertise with fresh thinking to bring its products into more homes across America.

The brands in its portfolio include Rao’s, a line of premium pasta sauces, soups, frozen entrées and dry pasta; noosa, a producer of thick, velvety whole milk yoghurt; and Michael Angelo’s, a leading producer of authentic frozen Italian entrées.

SOVOS™, RAO’S®, RAO’S HOMEMADE®, NOOSA® and MICHAEL ANGELO’S® are trademarks of Sovos Brands. Find out more about Sovos Brands at www.sovosbrands.com, Rao’s Homemade at www.raos.com, noosa at www.noosayoghurt.com, and Michael Angelo’s at www.michaelangelos.com.

The YMCA of Montclair Receives Grant from Investors Foundation to Launch Senior Hour Health and Wellness Programming 

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The YMCA of Montclair Receives Grant from Investors Foundation to Launch Senior Hour Health and Wellness Programming 

The YMCA of Montclair recently received a $7,500 grant from Investors Foundation at its Park Street Branch on March 17, 2021. The grant will help further the Y’s mission of healthy living by serving seniors and vulnerable populations. 

The YMCA of Montclair’s Senior Hour program will exclusively serve up to 500 seniors and medically vulnerable populations at the Park Street YMCA.   

The Y will offer seniors and those in chronic disease programs for diabetes and high blood pressure, exclusive access to exercise equipment, group-ex classes such as chair yoga, and the swimming pool.  

“Our Y continues to maximize safety and minimizes risk so our senior members and chronic disease program participants can improve their physical health by exercising, but also their mental health by reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair. 

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About the YMCA of Montclair
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.  

About Investors Bank
Investors Bank, headquartered in Short Hills, New Jersey, is a full-service community bank that has been serving customers since 1926. With over $27 billion in assets and a network of more than 150 retail branches, Investors Bank delivers personalized services and products tailored to the needs of its customers. Investors Bank’s services include complete deposit, loan and cash management products for consumers and businesses. Investors Bank. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. 

About the Investors Foundation
Investors Bank created the Investors Foundation in 2005 to support the communities Investors Bank serves. Investors Foundation supports initiatives in the arts, youth development, health and human services, education and affordable housing.  The Investors Foundation works to improve the lives of its neighbors and communities across the bank’s footprint.  For more information, please visit https://www.myinvestorsbank.com/Community/Investors-Foundation
  

Photo shown left to right: Samantha Selody, Investors Bank Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager; Buddy Evans, YMCA of Montclair President and CEO; Alicia Robinson, Investors Bank Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager; Anneke Demarest, YMCA of Montclair Chief Development Officer; José Lastra, YMCA of Montclair Chief Financial Officer 

 

YMCA of Montclair in Partnership with Bloomfield College Will Launch eSports League and Tournaments 

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YMCA of Montclair in Partnership with Bloomfield College Will Launch eSports League and Tournaments 

 

Registration for the Spring league opens March 10; open to middle and high school students.
MONTCLAIR, NJ – The YMCA of Montclair in partnership with Bloomfield College is excited to announce a pilot program offering eSports league and tournaments for middle and high school students. eSports is a video game competition for individuals and teams. Gamers in the Y’s pilot program will enjoy gameplay and league competition in Rocket League. Additional games will be added at a later date.
“The YMCA is excited to launch this pilot program as we continue to identify programs for youth and teens that promote personal growth and leadership as well as friendships,” said Buddy Evans, President and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair.  “Our eSports program is moderated, promotes online safety and equity of access.”
“eSports provide an educational opportunity by developing STEM skills that can help with a future career path,” said Dr. Marcheta P. Evans. “Our very own eSport team, the Bloomfield Bears, was launched in 2019 along with our eSports center.”
Bloomfield College is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), the governing body for Esports.
Registration opens March 10 through April 1. The cost is $125 per child. YMCA of Montclair membership is required. Financial assistance is available. The season will begin on April 5 and last 8 weeks (7 games + playoffs). Middle School students will practice Mondays 6-7pm and play matches Wednesday 6-7pm. High School students will practice Tuesday 6-7pm and play matches Thursday 6-7pm. Players can sign up and play with friends or will be assigned to a group in their age range. This is an in-person program. For more information and to register, visit https://www.montclairymca.org/esports. All level players are welcome.
All students will have a temperature and health screen before entering the college and must maintain social distancing. Masks required.
ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR

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.

About Monoclonal Antibodies

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Bonjour, I have received many questions regarding monoclonal antibodies, and Mountainside’s ability to provide this life-saving treatment at the hospital.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the United States, investigational treatment to help lessen the effects of the virus continues to be sought after. One of those treatments is the use of monoclonal antibodies, also referred to as mAbs. The use of mAbs has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The use of mAbs is still considered to be in an investigational state, but the results thus far are promising. This treatment shows promise for adults who are considered to be at high risk of hospitalization if they are infected with COVID-19.

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules that mimic the immune system’s ability to respond to an illness. There are currently two different monoclonal antibodies available at Mountainside Medical Center: Bamblanivimab which is designed to block the virus from attaching to human cells to prevent further infection; and Casirivimab + Imdevimab, which neutralize and bind to receptors on the virus to decrease its ability to cause further infection.

If I tested positive for COVID-19, do I need this treatment?

To receive this treatment, you must first have a positive COID-19 test and be at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 illness or hospitalization. This includes those with a BMI greater than 35; individuals with certain chronic conditions or are immunosuppressed; individuals 65 years or older; those who are 55 years or older with certain chronic conditions, and those 12 to 17 years with high BMI or certain chronic medical conditions. If you feel you may be a candidate for treatment, I advise you to speak with your primary care physician to make the decision that is best for you.

How is Mountainside providing the drug?

The hospital is accepting referrals from community providers to administer monoclonal antibody therapy to qualified candidates. If you need a primary care provider to speak to visit www.mountainsidehosp.com/virtualcare and schedule a virtual care appointment with a Mountainside Medical Group physician for more information.

Thank you for the opportunity to answer your questions. I invite you to continue sending questions regarding your health interests here.

Thank you, and stay well, Valérie Allusson, M.D.

Brave Space Community Dialogue February 25

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The YMCA of Montclair is hosting a Brave Space Community Dialogue on Thursday, February 25, 2021, from 7-8:15pm.

This space will amplify the voices of communities of color to address and ease issues of fear, hesitation, and access around the COVID-19 vaccine and health equity. We will create a community of care, transparency, trust, and information.

Panelists will include:

  • Dr. Art Calise, MD, Emergency Department Director, Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center
  • Dr. Zaza Cohen, MD, Intensive Care Unit Director, Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center
  • Dr. Valérie Allusson, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center
  • Wesley Tahsir-Rodriguez, MPH, Chief Operating Officer at Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center

The discussion will be led by YMCA of Montclair’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Chair Dr. Laura Quiros, Ph.D., LMSW.

The event is free, and all are welcome—register on Zoom at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwocO-ppzkrE9eSgjKlNmadjjQ4BF0fRdRw.

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO HERE.