The YM-YWHA of North Jersey is proud to once again host the Pepsi Punt, Pass, and Kick - an NFL Youth Football Program

The YM-YWHA of North Jersey’s Sports Hall of Fame Scholarships Awarded

On Wednesday evening, July 2, Y members Kristen Conforti, Andrew Gayo and Aaron Ploshnick were awarded Sports Hall of Fame Scholarships by Hall of Fame chairman, Marty Rittenberg, for their athletic involvement and recognition at the Y and for their athletic and academic recognition at their respective high schools. All will be going on to college.

Kristen, the daughter of Lisa and Sal Conforti, has been active at the Y as a counselor, teen lounge attendant, birthday party supervisor and front desk receptionist. At Wayne Valley High School she played field hockey for four years, received the junior varsity Coach’s Award as a sophomore and received her varsity letter in her junior and senior years. Academically she placed in the upper 25% of her class which included her taking Advanced Placement courses.  She was active in the Student Dance Association and Math League. Outside of school she volunteered as a Safety Town counselor, participated in Brian’s Run, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and other town-wide programs.

Kristen will be attending Montclair State University and will major in Fashion Studies.

Andrew Gayo is the son of Beth and Antonio Gayo. Andrew has been active at the Y as a varsity basketball player and served for three years as a physical education assistant. At Wayne Hills High School, Andrew played varsity baseball receiving his letter as a senior. He was very active with the Wayne Hills TV Club, serving as a color commentator and then play by play announcer for Wayne Hills football games as well as for many other sports events. In addition he was sports editor for the school newspaper, statistician for the baseball team, member of various clubs and volunteer at charity events.

Academically, Andrew was in the top 30% of his class taking numerous Advanced Placement courses, and was inducted in the National Technical Honor Society. Andrew was Wayne Hills graphic co-ordinator, cameraman and technical director for school concerts and graduations. He was also technical director for the 2007 Memorial Day Parade in Wayne and cameraman for the Mayor David Waks Memorial Service.

Andrew has been accepted to the Roy H. Park School of Communications of Ithaca College.

Aaron Ploshnick, son of Jody and Ira Ploshnick, received numerous accolades as a varsity volleyball performer at Wayne Hills High School. He was recently named to the second team all-conference volleyball team and to the second team All-Passaic County volleyball team. Aaron also played basketball and tennis at Wayne Hills High School. At the Y he was captain of the basketball tem and captain of his Hoop Stars basketball league team. He also played softball in the Y adult softball league.

Academically, Aaron placed high in his graduating class, took Advanced Placement and Honors courses and was inducted into the Spanish National Honor Society. Aaron also participated in school productions having had lead roles. He participated on debating clubs, Foreign Affairs Club, member of Future Doctors Club, Quiz Bowl and Masque and Gavel Club. Outside of school, Aaron performed and sang with the Passaic County Repertory Company. He served as a volunteer at Eva’s Kitchen and St. Paul’s Homeless Shelter in Paterson serving food. He has also been very active at Temple Beth Tikvah.

Aaron will be attending Rutgers University.

Attached is a group picture including, l.-r.- Marty Rittenberg, Chairman of Sports Hall of Fame Committee who presented Scholarships, holding certificates are recipients Andrew Gayo, Kristen Conforti and Aaron Ploshnick and John Kerr, Director of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Walk for Steven Domalewski – June 1, 2008

The YM-YWHA of North Jersey would like to extend our thank-you to everyone that that assisted in any capacity to help make this year’s walk a success. We had a total of 216 walkers, our current tabulations are $15,360.00 in combined monetary and goods donated to benefit Steven and his family.   Everyone who came out to walk and support Steven and those who gave donations to support his recovery efforts have our heart felt thanks and sincere gratitude for a job well done. Thank you.

For those of you who wish to purchase T-shirts in honor of the Walk for Steven, we have over 300 shirts to sell at a minimum donation of $10.00. Please contact John Kerr at 973-595-0100 x279.

A Walk For Steven 2
June 1^st, 2008 Rifle Camp Park West Paterson, New Jersey. It is 75 degrees and sunny with a slight breeze. The prefect day to take a walk in the mountains, if you are able to walk. For 2 years Steven Domalewski has not been able to walk, that is why 216 supporters with the help of 40 volunteers walked on his behalf. To date; the Walk has raised a total of $15,700.00 in goods and monetary donations. Donation request letters have been submitted to the areas 11 major professional sports franchises in an effort to secure matching funds for this year and future walks. The Physical Education Department has nearly 300 commemorative shirts available for a minimum donation of $10.00. Please help us add to the already very generous total raised for our 2^nd annual Walk. The crowd that assembled on June 1^st was treated to a surprise announcement by former mayor and New Jersey State assemblyman Scott Rumana. Scott revealed that he was sponsoring a bill to ban aluminum bats in the State of New Jersey. The Walk was also attended by Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. and Current Mayor Chris Vergano; both addressed the crowd before the ribbon cutting ceremony, which was conducted by the YM-YWHA’s President, SuBonnie Kochman, and Executive Director, Steve Allen. A special guest in attendance for all the young walkers was “Truman” the mascot for Kidsville News. All participants were treated to a picture with Shrek and a commemorative key chain from Beesley Event Photographers. In addition to the pictures the walkers were energized for the second year in a row by the fruit infused water donated and served by Jim Pescatore of O Beverages. The Physical Education Department also wishes to thank the generous donations of several local companies that helped to keep all the walkers hydrated and nourished.

Sunrise Bagels, Costco, A&P,Stop and Shop, Sam’s Bagels, Starbucks Coffee, Trader Joe’s

A very pleasant addition to the walk this year was the presence of the equine therapists from “Wings of Dreams”. All of the therapists, who attended the walk work out of the Garrett Mountain Equestrian Center, located in the Garrett Mountain Reservation, West Paterson, NJ. Some of the funds raised have already been dedicated for the purchase of special saddles to aid in the administration of corrective posture therapy. Our walker’s generous donations will not only help Steven Domalewski with his equestrian therapy but, countless other children that the “Wings of Dreams” angels assist. I would like to thank everyone that donated, walked, volunteered, and or assisted in any way to make our 2^nd Walk a great event. I would horribly remiss if I did not mention a special thank you for the tireless efforts of my co-chairperson and Assistant Executive Director of the YM-YWHA, Joyce Fein. Together with Brian Barakat and Roxanne Wasserman, this triumvirate formed the most dedicated team any fund raising project could ask for. The three amigos have my sincere gratitude. We still have unfinished business. One day soon Steven will walk with us!

Submitted by,

John R. Kerr, Director HPER