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Ridgewood YMCA Names New CEO

Posted on March 2, 2023 Updated on June 17, 2025 by Beth Enright

RAMON HACHE APPOINTED NEW CEO OF RIDGEWOOD YMCA

March 2, 2023 – RIDGEWOOD, NJ

The Ridgewood YMCA’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ramon M. Hache Sr. as Chief Executive Officer.

Hache followed a long career in banking, finance and business development with several terms in elective office including Mayor and Councilman of Ridgewood, and Bergen County Commissioner. He was selected through a nationwide search led by the Ridgewood YMCA Board of Directors with support from the YMCA of the USA and New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. He succeeds Ernest Lamour, now CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. Hache has resigned as Bergen County Commissioner in order to focus on his new position with the Ridgewood YMCA and to avoid any conflicts with the organization’s policies regarding political activities. He will officially assume the role of CEO on March 6, 2023.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to be part of this Y’s tremendous legacy and eager to start this new chapter in my service to Northern New Jersey. I am excited to work in partnership with our talented staff and volunteers to help our community members belong, grow and thrive.” shares Hache.

“Among the many fine candidates for the position of Ridgewood Y CEO, Ramon’s accomplishments and history of advancing the community were unique, and we are confident about what our Y will become under his leadership” says Shannon Warren, Chair of the Ridgewood YMCA Board of Directors.

Through Hache’s leadership role in Feed the Front Lines, Ridgewood’s innovative food security program that has generated more than $4 million in grants, thousands of meals have been served to Bergen County residents in need while saving hundreds of restaurant jobs during the pandemic and beyond.

“Ramon’s contributions to the Bergen County Board of Commissioners have been impactful and appreciated,” says Thomas Sullivan, Chairman of the Bergen County Board of Commissioners. “His energy and passion will be missed, but they will be well-used in his new role and we wish him the best of luck.”

About the Ridgewood YMCA

Established in 1902, the Ridgewood YMCA is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Northern New Jersey and Port Murray area. We offer programs and community connections that positively impact lives through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, building spirit, mind and body for all. You can learn more about the organization at www.ridgewoodymca.org or by calling (201) 444-5600.

TEEN MIND & MUSCLE EVENT

Posted on March 2, 2023 Updated on May 23, 2024 by Beth Enright

Come learn about health & fitness for a teen’s mind, body and spirit as we kick off our newest teen fitness class, Teen Pilates!

Getting started on your wellness journey can be difficult, especially when you’re young. At our Teen Mind & Muscle event, teens will get to listen to fitness and wellness experts on best practices to take care of themselves.

March 29th | 3:45PM

Featuring:

Demo of new Teen Pilates class with Stacy Hughes
Wellness Talk with vitality coach, Rosemily Feliz
Fitness facts for teens with elite trainer, Travis Sample
Healthy Snacks

This event is free and open to all teens, no membership required.

Space is limited, save your spot today.

RIDGEWOOD Y RECEIVES A GENEROUS GIFT

Posted on February 22, 2023 Updated on June 17, 2025 by Beth Enright

Ridgewood, NJ – February 2023 – The Ridgewood YMCA, a vital community resource serving Northern New Jersey and Port Murray area, recently received a generous gift from Paul Simpson and Becky Simpson in support of all of the great work, programs and community leadership that the YMCA provides to the local communities and people. To honor the donation, the YMCA’s Mind & Body studio will now be named the Becky and Paul Simpson Health & Fitness Studio.

The Simpsons said, “It is our honor to support such an amazing organization that helps so many. The Y has played a critical role to both our community and family for many years.”

“We are delighted that the Simpsons chose us as the organization fitting of such an honor and this gift will help us continue to serve more youth and adults for many years to come in the Becky and Paul Simpson Health & Fitness Studio” said Shannon Warren, Chair of the Ridgewood YMCA Board of Directors. “Given the importance of health and wellness, even more magnified as we recover from the recent pandemic, Ridgewood YMCA is committed to offering programs to improve individual health and well-being.”

About the Ridgewood YMCA

Established in 1902, the Ridgewood YMCA is a 501(c)(3) organization that offers programs and community connections that positively impact lives through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, building spirit, mind and body for all. You can learn more about the organization at www.ridgewoodymca.org or by calling (201) 444-5600.

A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Posted on November 23, 2022 Updated on May 23, 2024 by Beth Enright

Dear Ridgewood Y Community,

As seasons change and we look towards the holidays, we would like to express our gratitude to all of our members, staff, volunteers and donors for your ongoing support. We would also like to make sure you are aware of the upcoming transitions at the Ridgewood Y.

As many of you know, Ernest (Ernie) Lamour’s time with us as the leader of the Ridgewood Y is coming to a close next month. He will be assuming the position of CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester at the beginning of the new year, and relocating with his family to upstate New York. Ernie joined the Ridgewood Y six years ago and was instrumental in transforming our programming, developing innovative and inclusive solutions to meet community needs, and pivoting our operations during an unprecedented pandemic. We are happy for Ernie and his next chapter, and are grateful for his years of leadership and many deep and lasting contributions to the Ridgewood Y. We wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.

Fortunately, the Ridgewood Y is blessed with a talented leadership team – and we are equally grateful that Chuck Benigno, our current Executive Vice President, will be assuming the role of interim CEO. Chuck has been a key partner to Ernie and the Board of Directors, and will maintain our strong focus on service to the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We are in good hands with Chuck and the leadership team, and the Board has already begun the search process to identify the best leader for our Y going forward.

The Ridgewood Y is a special place where everyone is welcome. From the playground laughter to the swimming pool buzz to the food distribution sites to the group classes, you experience a true sense of community. Way more than a gym or a swim facility, the Y provides an important source of social connection and sense of belonging.

Recently, our Y celebrated its 120 year anniversary. This is no small feat and is due in large part to countless volunteers, staff and leaders over the years who adapted and evolved the Y as necessary to best serve our community. We are equally committed to doing the same.

We thank you for your support. Your support helps your Y serve your community – and strong communities make a difference.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season,

The Ridgewood Y Board of Directors

7th GRADE INITIATIVE

Posted on September 2, 2022 Updated on May 23, 2024 by Beth Enright

7th Grade Initiative offers a complimentary Ridgewood YMCA membership to 7th graders! The initiative was conceived and implemented by the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance to support and encourage teens to maintain and/or adopt healthy lifestyles at an age when they are beginning to make their own choice regarding health and wellness.

At the Y, 7th graders enjoy access to our Y. Including our Strength & Conditioning Center, Bolger Fitness Center (after orientation), basketball gym, family swim times, group exercise classes, volunteer opportunities and more. The Y offers a safe place where teens will find opportunities to cultivate values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.

We invite all 7th graders in our service area to join the Ridgewood Y. Membership is valid through October 19, 2023 to new members or at time of renewal.

To qualify for the complimentary membership: Student must attend two “7th Grade Orientation” sessions before able to join. Please bring in a report card or class schedule to orientation as proof of 7th grade status.

Orientations are to be attended on Monday or Wednesday (counts as 1st orientation) AND Friday (2nd orientation). Registration through ReClique as a “non-member” there will be a $30 deposit to register for the classes, these dollars will be put towards the month of September, during the 8th grade year. NOT refundable.

WOMEN ON (THE) BOARD

Posted on May 25, 2022 Updated on May 23, 2024 by Beth Enright

The leadership of the Ridgewood YMCA abounds with remarkable, strong board members.

Meet the women who make up 50% of our current board and are re-envisioning how the Ridgewood Y represents and serves our communities.

CAMP BERNIE CHALLENGE GRANT

Posted on April 13, 2022 Updated on October 10, 2024 by Beth Enright

Ready for a challenge?

The Ridgewood YMCA is excited and grateful to announce a $100,000 challenge grant from The Bolger Foundation as we celebrate the camp’s 65 year anniversary.

Our challenge? Let’s raise the remaining $200,000 that is necessary to complete critical infrastructure repairs and upgrades throughout camp.

Camp Bernie is a haven where kids of all backgrounds, beliefs, incomes and orientations feel a sense of belonging. And when kids feel they belong, they are more willing to explore, discover and take risks to achieve anything.

Your support helps us keep this tradition alive for thousands of kids each year.

“The Bolger Foundation is proud to partner with the YMCA for the continued success of Camp Bernie and the renovations that will keep serving the community for the next 100 years.” – JT Bolger

RIDGEWOOD YMCA NEW COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND

Posted on March 29, 2022 Updated on June 17, 2025 by Beth Enright

Ridgewood YMCA unveils new community playground

Ridgewood, NJ — On March 28, 2022, the Ridgewood YMCA hosted a ribbon cutting event and reception to thank supporters and present the newly constructed community playground. This project was only possible through a generous donation from The Columbia Bank Foundation.

Mayor Susan Knudsen presented a certificate….

Councilwoman Pamela Perron and Councilman Paul Vagianos were in attendance, extending congratulations on the completion of the playground and its benefit to the community. Ridgewood YMCA Trustees and Board Members including Shannon Warren, Board Chair, and Brian Hughes, Trustee Chair, we on hand to share in the celebration. Julie Holland, Foundation Executive Director and Minoska Mateo, Community Development Manager from Columbia Bank joined Mr. Lamour in the official ribbon cutting, and children from the Ridgewood YMCA preschool and others were the first to enjoy the playground.

“We are pleased to complete this long-awaited playground at the Ridgewood Y,” says Ernest Lamour, President and CEO. “The pandemic underscored for us the importance of having ample space for children to play and learn in the fresh air. We are delighted to provide this wonderful space for all of our neighbors to enjoy.”

The playground provides a safe, fun, outdoor environment for children of diverse abilities and is open from dawn to dusk for the entire community.

SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Posted on March 2, 2022 Updated on May 23, 2024 by Beth Enright

YMCAs across the U.S. express solidarity and concern for the young people, families and communities who are directly impacted by the crisis currently unfolding in Ukraine.

The Ridgewood YMCA is collecting both monetary and in-kind donations to support our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who have been displaced by the recent military crisis. Please consider giving to this international YMCA initiative so that we can immediately support those in need.

DONATIONS ENCOURAGED:

*No Clothing Needed – with exception of new socks and underwear

STAY AND PLAY IS BACK!

Posted on July 5, 2021 Updated on May 23, 2024 by Beth Enright

We are happy to announce the return of our child watch program, Stay & Play!

Starting Monday, July 12th, YMCA members can drop the kids off at the Stay and Play center and get in their morning workout worry free. We offer a safe and fun place for children to play while you’re here.

Stay and Play will be available Monday – Friday, 8AM-12:15PM for children ages 2 months and up. Currently only available for full household members. No reservations needed at this time.

Any questions, please contact our Welcome Center at 201.444.5600 or Megan Nayden at [email protected]

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