THE BEST INVESTMENTYOU’LL EVER MAKEEverydaypresentsanopportunitytoinvestinthelifeyouwanttolivetomorrow. Inthis issue,weexplorehealthyaging,summeradventures, communityimpact,andthepeoplehelpingLakelandHills FamilyYMCAmembers thrive.H E A L T H . F AMIL Y . C OMMU N I T Y . F U T U R E.LAKELAND H BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTERJUNE2026
TTTHHHEEESSSUUUMMMMMMEEERRRWWWEEEBBBUUUIIILLLDDDMMMEEEMMMOOORRRIIIEEESSSTHE SUMMERWE BUILDMEMORIESAlex MartinezChief Executive Officer &PresidentSummer has a way of reminding us what matters most.It is the season of family vacations, camp adventures, community events, and longdays spent creating memories with the people we care about most. It is also a timeto pause and reflect on the investments we make in ourselves, our families, and ourcommunities.As you explore this issue, you'll find stories about healthy aging, summer camp,aquatics, community partnerships, and the people who make Lakeland Hills FamilyYMCA such a special place. While each story is unique, they are all connected by acommon theme: investing in what matters.Whether it's a child discovering confidence at camp, a member taking steps toward ahealthier future, a family building lifelong memories, or a local business supportingour mission, every investment we make has the power to create lasting impact.At Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, we are fortunate to witness those investments everyday. We see them in the friendships formed during group exercise classes, theconfidence gained through swim lessons, the achievements celebrated by campers,and the generosity of community partners who help us serve others.As summer unfolds, I encourage you to stay active, spend time with loved ones, trysomething new, and take advantage of the many opportunities available through theLakeland Hills Y.Thank you for being part of our community and for helping us create a place wherepeople of all ages can learn, grow, and thrive.We wish you a safe, healthy, and memorable summer.“The strongest communities aren't built by buildings.They're built by people showing up for one another.\"A LETTER FROM THE CEO
WHAT’S INTHIS ISSUEwww.lakelandhillsymca.comDrive for ChangeA look at our Golf Outing and PickleballTournament as opportunities for health,connection, sponsorship, and communityimpact.More Than a SponsorshipHow Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is buildingmeaningful partnerships that support ourmission while helping local businesses grow.Community Partner SpotlightA special section recognizing the sponsors andbusinesses that support our Y and strengthenour community.This Is Your YMCAWhy the Annual Meeting matters and how itcelebrates achievement, belonging,relationships, and the future of Lakeland HillsFamily YMCA.A Life Shaped by WaterMeet Tommy Riggins, our Aquatics Director, andlearn how his lifelong YMCA journey and passion forwater safety continues to strengthen our AquaticsDepartment.Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom andProgressA short reflection on the meaning of Juneteenth andthe importance of freedom, belonging, andcommunity.250 Years. 175 Years. Countless LivesChanged.As America celebrates 250 years and the YMCAcelebrates 175 years, we reflect on service, progress,and the communities we continue to build together.
THE BEST INVESTMENTYOU’LL EVER MAKEMost people spend years planning for retirement.We save money, contribute to retirement accounts, and dream about theexperiences we hope to enjoy later in life. We imagine traveling, spendingtime with family, pursuing hobbies, and having the freedom to enjoy themoments we've worked so hard to create.But there is another retirement plan that often gets overlooked.OUR HEALTH.After all, what good is having the time to do the things we love if our bodiesno longer allow us to enjoy them?In his book Outlive, physician Peter Attia explores the chronic diseases thatimpact millions of Americans as they age. While the science is complex, hisconclusion is remarkably simple: one of the most powerful investments wecan make in our future is exercise.Not because we're training for a marathon.Not because we're trying to achieve the perfect physique.\"I'm too old to start strength training.\"HEALTHY AGINGMYTHBUSTERSMYTH:Research shows adults can buildstrength, improve balance, and increasemobility at virtually any age. It's nevertoo late to benefit from movement.REALITY:MYTH:\"Walking isn't enough.\"REALITY:Walking is one of the most effectiveforms of exercise. Combined withstrength training and flexibility work, itcan significantly improve overall health.But because movement helps preserve the things that matter most—strength, mobility, energy, independence, and quality of life.Imagine two people reaching age 80.One is still traveling, walking comfortably, carrying groceries, climbingstairs, and playing with grandchildren.The other struggles with balance, mobility, and many of the daily activitiesthey once took for granted.The difference may not be measured in years.It may be measured in experiences.Research consistently shows that regular exercise helps improvecardiovascular health, maintain muscle mass, support cognitive function,reduce fall risk, and increase overall quality of life. It is one of the few thingsthat positively impacts nearly every system in the body.The good news is that it's never too late to start.Whether your goal is to improve strength, increase mobility, buildendurance, or simply feel better moving through daily life, every workout isa deposit into your future self.At Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, we see this every day. Members of all agesare choosing to invest in themselves through group exercise, personaltraining, swimming, strength training, walking programs, and wellnessinitiatives.The goal isn't simply to live longer.The goal is to continue doing the things you love for as long as possible.Because every workout, every walk, every swim, and every healthy choice isan investment in the life you want to live tomorrow.MYTH:\"Falls are a normal part of aging.\"REALITY:While fall risk increases with age,strength training, balance work, andregular physical activity candramatically reduce that risk.
\"The goal isn't simply to livelonger. The goal is to continuedoing the things you love.\"CAN YOU PASS THEFUTURE YOU TEST?CAN YOU:✓ Sit on the floor and stand back up withoutassistance?✓ Carry groceries up a flight of stairs?✓ Walk a mile comfortably?✓ Lift luggage into an overhead compartment?✓ Keep up with grandchildren at the playground?✓ Get out of a chair without using your hands?These aren't fitness tests.They're life tests.The choices we make today determine howmany of these moments we'll continue to enjoytomorrow.ASK YOURSELF:What am I doing today to help my future self?IMAGINE YOURSELF AT AGE 80.Peter Attia | OutliveYOUR FUTURE SELF IS COUNTING ON YOU
M R E T H A N A S U M M E RA child ar r ives at camp car rying a backpack.They leave car rying stor ies.Stor ies about the f r iend who became thei r shadowall summer . The counselor who believed in them.The challenge they didn't think they could do. Thegame they couldn't stop talking about at dinner .The laugh that made thei r stomach hur t.Summer camp is one of the few places left wherechildhood can still be childhood.Where kids run instead of scroll.Where muddy sneakers are a sign of a day wellspent.Where confidence grows quietly-one f r iendship,one adventure, one accomplishment at a time.A P L A C E T H E Y ’ L L N E V E R F O R G E TAt LakelandHills FamilyYMCA SummerCamp, everyday br ingssomethingnew.
One moment campers are racing across a fieldwith friends. The next they're exploring nature,creating art, learning new skills, cheering onteammates, discovering something unexpected,and building memories that will last long aftersummer ends.This year, families have more choices than everbefore.Our traditional YMCA camp remains the heart ofthe experience, providing a safe, supportiveenvironment where children can grow, learn, andthrive. We are also excited to continue offeringcamp experiences at Rockaway River CountryClub and Lake Valhalla Club, giving familiesadditional options and unique summerexperiences.One of the biggest changes this year is theaddition of one-week sessions, providing familieswith more flexibility while allowing children toexperience everything camp has to offer.Campers can also customize their summerthrough specialty experiences including, TripleThreat Basketball Camp, Sailing Camp, STEMAcademy, Esports, Travel Sports, and Stop MotionAnimation.But the real magic of camp isn' t foundon a schedule.I t 's found in conf idence.I t 's found in belonging.I t 's found in f r iendships.I t 's found in the moment a child discovers theyare capable of more than they ever imagined.Years f rom now, most campers won' t rememberevery act ivi ty they par t icipated in.They'll remember how camp made them feel.And that 's what makes camp unforget table.The best memor ies don't comef rom screens. They come f romshared exper iences, newf r iendships, and summeradventures.S U M M E R C A M PA T A G L A N C E? Lakeland Hills Family YMCA CampThe t raditional YMCA camp exper iencefilled with activities, swimming, games,f r iendships, and adventure.? Lake Valhalla Club CampA unique water f ront setting offer ingoutdoor exploration and summer fun.⛳ Rockaway River Count ry Club CampA beautiful count ry club setting wherecampers enjoy recreation, swimming, andunforgettable exper iences.N E W T H I S S U M M E R✓ One-Week Sessions✓ Greater Flexibility for Families✓ Expanded Specialty Camp Options✓ More Adventure✓ More Choice✓ More Summer FunS P E C I A L T Y C A M P S? Tr iple Threat Basketball⛵ Sailing? STEM Academy? Espor ts? Stop Motion Animation? Travel Spor ts
STRONG FOR THEMOMENTS THAT MATTERCelebrating Father’s DayFather's Day is a time to celebrate the dads, grandfathers, coaches, mentors, and fatherfigures who help shape our lives.When we think about strength, it's easy to think about muscles, athletic accomplishments, orfitness goals. But some of life's most meaningful moments require a different kind of strength.It's having the energy to play in the backyard.It's carrying a sleeping child from the car.It's coaching a team, taking a family hike, helping with a move, or keeping up with grandchildren.It's being present for the moments that matter.As we celebrate Father's Day, we're reminded that investing in our health isn't just about lookingbetter or reaching a fitness milestone. It's about creating more opportunities to do the things welove with the people we love.The ability to remain active, independent, and engaged doesn't happen by accident. It comesfrom making choices today that support a healthier tomorrow.At Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, we are fortunate to have a team of dedicated male personaltrainers who help members build strength, improve confidence, and live healthier lives every day.They understand that fitness isn't simply about exercise.It's about helping people become stronger for life's most important moments.This Father's Day, we're proud to recognize the men who help our members achieve their goals,overcome challenges, and invest in their future health.Because the greatest gift we can give our families may be the healthiest version of ourselves.\"The greatest gift we can giveour families is the healthiestversion of ourselves.\"
Bradley Booth, NASM-CPT,Physique Bodybuilding CoaSpecialistExperience: 16 YearsFocus: Individuals Who Want to B Bradley brings 20 years of experhelping individuals improve their and reach their goals. His trainin blends a mixture of approaches s adapt to what each client needs. motivation, education, andencouragement to help clients stfocused, build confidence, and kemoving forward.What he loves most: MEET OUR MAL Joe Illenye, BS ExerciseScience, MS Athletic CoaExperience: 16 YearsFocus: ALL POPULATIONSJoe brings 16 years of experience clients who are ready to work har make progress. His training style flexible and personalized, adaptin each client’s goals, preferences, amotivation style. He enjoys buildistrong relationships and takes pr helping clients gain confidence, scommitted, and see real results.What he loves most:Outside of personal training, Joe Rich Mutterperl, AFAAM-CPExperience: Training Since 2001Focus: Personalized TrainingRich has been training clients sinc and truly values the relationships builds along the way. He enjoys wwith clients over the long term, w training with him for nearly 20 ye feeling like family. His approach i and personalized, adjusting the trstyle and intensity to fit each clieneeds, personality, and goals.What he loves most:Outside of personal training, Rich spending time with his grandsons out, and being with friends and fa Matthew Kuglin, ACSM-CPT ExerciseExperience: FIRST YEAR TRAINERFocus: ANYONE WITH AN OPEN MIMatthew is in his first year of trai enjoys working with anyone who trying new things. His training sty intense, but his personality is laid supportive. He likes to push client hard while keeping workouts fun,approachable, and enjoyable.What he loves most:Outside of personal training, Matenjoys spending time with his dogexploring hobbies like golf, fishin skiing, snowboarding, playing bal Mike Tomaselli, CertifiedPersonal Trainer (CPT), NuCoaching, CPR/AED, CorrecExercise Specialist in Strenand ConditioningExperience: 10 YearsFocus: All Backgrounds and FitneLevelsMike enjoys helping clients push their limits, build confidence, andbecome stronger physically andmentally. His training style is balencouraging, and positive, with a on helping each client feel suppomotivated, and empowered. Luis Silva, NASM-CPTExperience: 8 YearsFocus: TEENS, ADULTS, ATHLETESLuis brings 8 years of experience with teens, adults, and athletes w ready to improve. His training st mix of hardcore and laid-back, don each client’s age, fitness leve comfort level. He takes time to liunderstand what makes tough dadifficult, and helps clients focus they can control so they can keeimproving.What he loves most:Outside of personal training, Luis
Healthy Summer HabitsHealthySummerHabitsMove Every DayExercise doesn't haveto happen in a gym.Walk the dog, swim,bike, garden, hike, orplay with your kids.Consistent movementis what matters most.Summer often brings a change of pace. Vacations, camps, celebrations, and longer days canmake it easy to drift away from healthy routines.The good news? Maintaining your health doesn't require perfection. Small, consistent habits oftenhave the biggest impact.Prioritize StrengthMaintaining musclemass is one of thebest ways to supportlong-term health,mobility, andindependence.Stay HydratedWarmer temperaturesmean your bodyneeds more water.Carry a water bottleand drink consistentlythroughout the day.Get OutsideFresh air, sunshine,and time in naturecan improve mood,reduce stress, andsupport overall wellbeing.Move Every DayHealth isn't onlyphysical. Strongrelationships contributeto happiness,resilience, andlongevity. Spend timewith family, friends, andyour community.Summer ChallengeChoose one healthy commit to it every da 30 days.Small steps today ca meaningful results to
Long before he became Aquatics Director at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, Tommy was a young swimmer on a YMCAswim team. What began as an introduction to the water quickly became a passion. He spent years training, competing,and eventually swimming at the national level. But while swimming became an important part of his life, it was thepeople around him who left the greatest impression.One person in particular stands out.As a young swimmer, Tommy was inspired by his coach, Jami. She taught him much more than strokes and racestrategy. She helped him develop a love for the water, an appreciation for water safety, and an understanding of thepowerful role a coach can play in a young person's life.\"Swimming gave me confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging,\" Tommy says. \"Coach Jami showed me thataquatics is about much more than swimming. It's about helping people grow, stay safe, and discover what they'recapable of.\"That passion eventually became a career.Tommy went on to hold leadership roles within YMCA aquatics departments, including Aquatics Coordinator and DeckSupervisor positions. Prior to joining Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, he also worked for a swim school organization wherehe advanced into a leadership role overseeing four locations and helping develop staff and programs.Today, Tommy brings that experience, enthusiasm, and passion to Lakeland Hills Family YMCA.TOMMY RIGGINS:A Life Shaped by WaterFOR TOMMYRIGGINS, THEYMCA HASALWAYS BEENPART OF THESTORY.Lifelong YMCA Journey fromSwimmer to Aquatics LeaderParents consistently praise Tommy's patience,communication, and proactive approach. Swim lessonfamilies appreciate his willingness to listen. Members inArthritis Water Exercise have enjoyed getting to know himand have welcomed him into their community. Youngswimmers respond to his positive energy andencouragement.His passion for water safety is particularly meaningful in aregion surrounded by lakes, pools, and opportunities toenjoy the water. Tommy understands that swimming ismuch more than recreation. It is a life-saving skill that canbuild confidence for a lifetime.Today, Tommy has the opportunity to inspire the nextgeneration of swimmers while helping families developthe skills, confidence, and safety awareness that shapedhis own journey.And based on the feedback from members, families, andstaff, it's clear he is doing exactly that.In less than a year, he has become a familiar andwelcome presence on the pool deck. Through strongcommunication, organization, and a commitment tocontinuous improvement, Tommy has helped strengthenan already successful aquatics program while supportingstaff development and enhancing the memberexperience.What stands out most isn't any one initiative.It's the relationships.Whether he's greeting members by name, supportinglifeguards and instructors, encouraging young swimmers,or answering a parent's question after swim lessons,Tommy makes it a priority to ensure people feel heard,valued, and connected.\"I'm so happy to be here at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA,\"Tommy shares. \"I've been surrounded by such greatpeople and welcomed with incredible warmth by bothstaff and members. There is a genuine sense ofcommunity here. Everyone wants to help one anothersucceed, and I feel fortunate to be part of it.\"
UNITED 250 YEARS OF OPPOGROWTH, AND COFrom the signing oft Independence in 1776 to th today, America's journey ha resilience, and the promis 1776AMERICA FOUNDEDThe signing ofthe DeclarationofIndependence marks thebeginning of a new narration.1844YMCA FOUNDEDThe YMCA begins with amission to strengthen body,mind, and spiritfor all.1885YMCA CAMPING BEGINSCamp provides life-changingexperiences and lifelongmemories for young people.
YMCA175 YEARS OF STRENGCOMMUNITIESince 1744, the YMCA has b where people of all ages c grow, and thrive. Togethe stronger communities ev 1900SSTRONGER TOGETHERAquatics, youth programs,and healthy living initiativesgrow nationwide.1960SCOMMUNITY IMPACT GROWThe YMCA expands its reach,addressing community needsand bringing people together.2026A LEGACY THAT CONTINUE2025 of America.175 years of YMCA impact.The best is yet to come.VOLUNTEERYCOMMUNITIESBUILD THEFUTURE.Thank you for bein
Honoring Each year on June 19
Member EngagementOpportunitiesFuture Business-to-BusinessNetworking Events LAKELAND HILLSFAMILY YMCAFOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT—FORHEALTHY LIVINGFOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYMore Tha “” Pickleball TournamentCommunity EventsDigital & PrintRecognitionTurkey TrotHealthy Kids DayAnnual Golf OutingSTRONGERTOGETHER.BETTERTOGETHER.STRONGER TOGETHER.BETTER TOGETHER.Business-to-BusinessNetworking EventsYEAR-ROUND SPONSOROPPORTUNITIES
This Is Wh A celebration of c W hen people hear t presentations, an Discover how theYMCA is serving thecommunity todayand preparing fortomorrow. Recognize theindividuals, volunteers,partners, andsupporters helpingmake a difference. Hear what is aheadand become part ofthe new chapter ofLakland Hills FamilyYMCA. ACHIEVEMENT RELAT
AA SSwweeNNIIGGHHTT CCOOMMMMNIGHT COMMSPECIAL PERFORMANCELLAAKKEELLAANNDD HHFFAAMMIILLYY YYMMCCLAKELAND HFAMILY YMCANNUAL MEETING & DE Connect. Celebrate. Join us for a special eve comes together to celeb share what’s ahead.LOOK AHEADHear about what’s ahead for oYMCA and the impact we willcontinue to make together.CONNECTBuild relationships with fellow mvolunteers and community partnIndulge in a dessert receptionfeaturing coffee and sweet treaBE INSPIREDEnjoy a special performance tha the arts and the power of commDATE:6:30 - 8:00PMLOCATION:100 Fanny RoadMountain Lakes, NJ 07046MAYOPERFORMINGARTSCENTERRSVP Today!Let us know you’re coming.Scan the QR code or visit:ENJOYWednesday, June 24TIME:The Mayo Performing Arts Compalakelandhillsymca.com/annualmeetingCome as you are and be something bigger.A sweet night.A strong communiA brighter future.EV MEMBERS AND COMFree
Thank FOR ALL YOUR SUINSURANCEJim GannonPackeyLoves the Y!GregPizzanoDr. LizNissimPsychological andEducational ConsultingPrecisionElectrolysis