This week, we’re looking at what happens when the budget crisis hits the playing field. With freshman sports on the chopping block at Montclair High, we sit down with the parents leading the charge to save the program. We also hear from a graduating senior about his journey through the MHS athletic system and take a stunning trip back in time to the 1960s “Golden Age” of Montclair football.
Plus: We issue a massive correction on a local landmark, crown a review contest winner, and break down the latest news from the Special Ed Town Hall and the halls of Congress.
The Fight for Freshman Sports: The Blue & White Club
The elimination of freshman sports at MHS isn’t just about missing games; it’s about a loss of community and socialization. We speak with Kevin Price and Laura Quiros, leaders of the newly formed Montclair Athletics Blue & White Club.
- The Mission: Raising $176,000 by June 1st to reinstate the athletic budget and save 13 coaching positions.
- The Why: We discuss the psychological impact of isolation on incoming freshmen and the “equity” challenge of supporting all sports, not just the high-profile ones.
- Donate: Learn more and contribute at MontclairBlueWhite.org.
Student Spotlight: Dylan Kaelin Panico
Graduating MHS senior Dylan Kaelin Panico (Football/Lacrosse) joins us to talk about his path from a nervous freshman to a collegiate athlete heading to NJIT. He provides a crucial “primary source” perspective on why those early high school years in the athletic department changed his life.
Living History: The Raccoon Coat Era
In partnership with the Montclair History Center, we air a 2018 oral history from Brenda Smith Williams. She brings 1960s Montclair to life:
- The Thanksgiving tradition of yellow mums and blue ribbons.
- The legend of coach Clary Anderson and standout players like Aubrey Lewis and the Haynes brothers.
- What’s a Raccoon Coat? Mike does a deep dive into the 1920s-turned-50s status symbol that dominated the bleachers.
“What the Hell is Even Happening with That?”: The Corner
Farnoosh went undercover (well, she just had breakfast) at The Corner (Grove & Walnut) to get the latest intel on their much-anticipated expansion.
In The News
Special Ed Town Hall (April 22 Recap. Full recording here)
Superintendent Ruth Turner and the Pupil Services team addressed a crowded room of families.
- The Good News: IEP and 504 services are federally mandated and cannot be cut.
- The Reality: The Montclair Counseling Services (MCS) program is being eliminated due to budget constraints.
- Accountability: The district committed to fixing “unintelligible” numeric-coded progress reports for the 2026-27 school year.
Analilia Mejia Sworn In
On April 20th, Analilia Mejia officially took her seat in Congress (NJ-11), filling the vacancy left by Mikie Sherrill. Amid chants of “Sí, se puede,” she delivered a powerful floor speech invoking her roots as the daughter of factory workers and calling for a just economy. Read more at Morristowngreen.com.
Mountainside Medical Center Wrongful Death Lawsuit
A family from East Orange has filed a $40 million wrongful death lawsuit against Mountainside Medical Center, alleging that a liver biopsy killed their 65-year-old loved one, Phyllis Burrell, a civil servant. More at NJ.com
Food News: A Gelato Showdown
- Oddfellows Ice Cream: Coming to 450 Bloomfield Ave. Get ready for 500+ flavors, including Miso Cherry and Chorizo Salted Caramel.
- Oggi Gelato: Opening at 40 Church St. This creates a “Gelato War” with the longtime staple Benvenuti just steps away.
- Ju-Ichi Japanese: Expanding their Morristown success to 512 Bloomfield Ave with their signature 24-hour pork bone ramen broth.
One Big Thing, Links & More
- Montclair Literary Festival: (May 2-11). 60+ authors including Colm Tóibín and Joyce Carol Oates. Most events are free! Full Schedule Here.
- Walnut Street Fair: (Sunday, May 3, 11am-4pm). 250 vendors, food trucks, and Touch-a-Truck.
- Mike’s Gigs: Catch Bard at Cricket Hill Brewery on Friday night, or see Mike and Jamie sit in with Workingman’s Jed on Saturday.
- Watch and subscribe to The Montclair Pod on Youtube
- Join our weekly newsletter and stay in the know