# The Montclair Pod

> Stories, issues, and buzz shaping our NJ town


## Posts

- [10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Montclair's 2025 Budget and Why They Matter.](https://montclairpod.com/2025budget-copy/): Montclair recently approved a $108 million municipal budget for 2025. While the word “budget” might make your eyes glaze over, stick with ... Read more
- [Montclair's New Complete Streets Director, on Building Safer, Smarter Streets in Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/lauratorchio/): Montclair’s new Complete Streets Director talks traffic, bikes, and her vision for a more connected town. As Montclair continues to grapple with ... Read more
- [Montclair's Non-Profit Network: Stories of Urgency, Impact and Community.](https://montclairpod.com/nonprofits101/): Montclair is a town known for its charm, culture, and civic pride, but behind the scenes, more than 200 nonprofits work tirelessly ... Read more
- [New Superintendent Talks Priorities, Budget, and Equity.](https://montclairpod.com/ruthbturnerjuly3/): On July 1, 2025, Ruth B. Turner officially stepped into her role as Superintendent of Montclair Public Schools. A seasoned educator and ... Read more
- [At Montclair Brewery, World Cup Dreams Brew Big](https://montclairpod.com/breweryfifa/): With just under a year until the world’s biggest soccer tournament kicks off on U.S. soil, one Montclair business is already gearing ... Read more
- [Montclair Real Estate Update: More Listings, Fewer Bids—What It Means for Buyers](https://montclairpod.com/karindianaqanda/): Photo Credit: NJMLS The Montclair housing market has been on fire for years — bidding wars, waived inspections, and homes flying off ... Read more
- [We Visited 5 Pizza Spots in Downtown Montclair. Here's the Dish.](https://montclairpod.com/bestpizza/): In this week’s episode of The Montclair Pod, we set out to taste-test five beloved pizza joints—all within a few blocks of ... Read more
- [Need Last Minute Father’s Day Ideas? Here’s Our Montclair Gift Guide](https://montclairpod.com/fathersday2025/): Photo Credit: Shutterstock Father’s Day is right around the corner, and there’s not much time left to look for a gift for ... Read more
- [Is Montclair Still a Seller's Market? A Closer Look at Real Estate Trends, Pricing and What's Next](https://montclairpod.com/sellersmarketcooling/): Photo Credit: NJMLS The Montclair housing market has been on fire for years — bidding wars, waived inspections, and homes flying off ... Read more
- [Why Some Montclair Families Are Switching to Private School](https://montclairpod.com/privateschoolparents/): Photo Credit: Shutterstock Some Montclair parents say the public school system fell short of supporting their children’s needs. In this week’s episode ... Read more
- [How Montclair Businesses Are Navigating Economic Pressure](https://montclairpod.com/tariffs/): Photo Credit: The Montclair Pod At Just Kidding Around, a beloved toy store downtown, co-owners Nessa Murphy and Chelsea Smith are trying ... Read more
- [In Conversation: New Township President Stephen D. Marks](https://montclairpod.com/stephenmarks/): Photo Credit: Montclair Township Stephen D. Marks took on the role of township manager on April 1, 2025.
- [A Visit to Montclair's Fried Chicken Oasis](https://montclairpod.com/a-trip-to-montclairs-fried-chicken-oasis/): If you listened to our season one finale, you know we embarked on a culinary adventure across town, exploring everything from hidden ... Read more
- [The Arts in Montclair, New Jersey: Voices of the Creators](https://montclairpod.com/the-arts-in-montclair-new-jersey-voices-of-the-creators/): The Montclair Pod’s exploration of what makes our town tick takes a deep dive into Montclair’s artistic soul, a vibrant scene that’s ... Read more
- [Artist Nanette Carter: A Montclair, NJ Homecoming Exhibition](https://montclairpod.com/artist-nanette-carter-a-montclair-nj-homecoming-exhibition/): Montclair native Nanette Carter, an internationally recognized African-American artist, is currently the subject of a major exhibition at the Montclair Art Museum ... Read more
- [Brick & Dough Owner Speaks Out On Mural Controversy](https://montclairpod.com/01-what-the-lackawanna-whats-really-happening-at-the-historic-terminal/): For nearly five years, a striking mural loomed over Brick and Dough’s side wall — a close-up of two older women’s faces, ... Read more
- [The NJ Governor Race: Who's Running and Why Montclair Should Care](https://montclairpod.com/01-what-the-lackawanna-whats-really-happening-at-the-historic-terminal-copy-5/): New Jersey’s 2025 governor’s race is already shaping up to be one of the most crowded — and consequential — in recent ... Read more
- [How Safe is Montclair...Actually?](https://montclairpod.com/howsafeismontclair/): Montclair is often seen as one of New Jersey’s more desirable places to live, but like any community, it isn’t immune to ... Read more
- [How to Buy a House in Montclair (in This Lifetime)](https://montclairpod.com/01-what-the-lackawanna-whats-really-happening-at-the-historic-terminal-copy-6/): If you think buying a home in Montclair is stressful, you’re not wrong. Some locals have compared the experience to “The Hunger ... Read more
- [Reviving Lackawanna Plaza: Montclair's Plans for Supermarket, Housing, and More](https://montclairpod.com/lackawanna-redevelopment/): After years of neglect, Montclair's Lackawanna Plaza is experiencing a resurgence, spearheaded by local developer Dave Placek and his firm, BDP Holdings.
- [Montclair’s Complete Streets Director Jacob Nieman on Making Streets Safer for Everyone](https://montclairpod.com/montclairs-complete-streets-director-jacob-nieman-on-making-streets-safer-for-everyone/): Jacob Nieman is guiding Montclair’s approach to streets, transit, and public spaces, from potholes and bike lanes to public transit and pedestrian-friendly corridors. He said prioritizing people over cars not only improves safety and air quality but also boosts local businesses and makes the town a more desirable place to live, work, and visit.
- [Montclair School Referendum Results Are Too Close to Call as Mail-In Ballots Remain](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-school-referendum-results-are-too-close-to-call-as-mail-in-ballots-remain/): Preliminary results released by Essex County election officials show razor thin margins on both ballot questions related to the Montclair Public Schools budget deficit. But the outcome remains uncertain because mail in and provisional ballots have not yet been fully counted.
- [Booker's Big Idea: No Federal Tax on Your First $75,000](https://montclairpod.com/cory-booker-keep-your-pay-act-montclair/): If you’ve been feeling the squeeze — property taxes, groceries, the basic cost of keeping a household running in Essex County — ... Read more
- [The 2026 Guide to Montclair, NJ: Real Estate, Schools & Everything That Makes This Town Worth It](https://montclairpod.com/2026-guide-to-montclair-nj/): If you’re thinking about moving to Montclair, NJ — or you already live here and just want to understand what’s going on ... Read more
- [The Future of Lackawanna: Small Business, Housing, and Historic Preservation](https://montclairpod.com/the-future-of-lackawanna-small-business-housing-and-historic-preservation/): Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair, currently buzzing with small businesses, restaurants, and community spaces, is poised for a bold transformation that will bring over 300 apartments, new eateries, local shops, and a long-awaited grocery store to fill the Pathmark-sized gap. Leading the effort is David Placek, managing partner of BDP Holdings LLC, the group that acquired the property in 2021.
- [Where Did the Money Go? Journalist Breaks Down Montclair’s School Budget Crisis](https://montclairpod.com/where-did-the-money-go-journalist-breaks-down-montclairs-school-budget-crisis/): Writer Andrew Rice dives into Montclair’s school budget crisis in his Substack My Montclair Education, unpacking how staffing, rising benefits, and structural spending pressures created the district’s deficit.
- [Homes Have 30 Seconds to Impress Buyers. Here’s How.](https://montclairpod.com/homes-have-30-seconds-to-impress-buyers-heres-how/): Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just curious how the school district might affect home values, we break down the key spring trends you need to know in the full episode below.
- [The Ultimate Guide to Montclair’s Annual Festivals](https://montclairpod.com/festivals/): Montclair, New Jersey, is widely recognized as the cultural hub of Essex County. Nowhere is this more evident than in its packed ... Read more
- [East Orange Teacher Reviews the New School Slushies — Here’s the Honest Take](https://montclairpod.com/east-orange-teacher-reviews-the-new-school-slushies-heres-the-honest-take/): Stefany from East Orange tried the new $2 school slushies and shared her honest review. 
- [Referendum Around the Corner: Superintendent Ruth B. Turner Shares What's at Stake](https://montclairpod.com/referendum-around-the-corner-superintendent-ruth-b-turner-shares-whats-at-stake/): Montclair Superintendent Ruth B. Turner sits down with the Montclair Pod to discuss the district’s budget challenges, the future of magnet programs, and what the March 10 referendum could mean for the community.
- [Inside Skinsplendid: A Pro-Aging Philosophy and the Art of "Sprinkle-Tox"](https://montclairpod.com/inside-skinsplendid-a-pro-aging-philosophy-and-the-art-of-sprinkle-tox/): This sponsored feature is part of a yearlong series called Farnoosh and Mike Get Healthy. If you’re a business owner and would like to ... Read more
- [Lawsuit Filed Challenging Montclair’s March 10 School Referendum](https://montclairpod.com/lawsuit-filed-challenging-montclairs-march-10-school-referendum/): A Montclair resident has filed a lawsuit in Essex County Superior Court seeking to stop the township’s upcoming March 10 special school election. The plaintiff argues that the district’s decision to hold a second special referendum this school year violates New Jersey law and that the ballot questions themselves are flawed.
- [Op-Ed: The Decision Ahead for Montclair’s Public Schools](https://montclairpod.com/op-ed-the-decision-ahead-for-montclairs-public-schools/): Editors’ Note: The following essay was submitted by Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner in advance of the March 10 special ... Read more
- [Montclair Native Lonnie Brandon Reflects on Race, Sports, and Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-native-lonnie-brandon-reflects-on-race-sports-and-montclair/): Lonnie Brandon reflects on his years at Montclair High School and the complicated realities he faced as a Black student athlete, offering a candid look at a chapter of local history that still resonates today.
- [Montclair’s Plan for Taxes, Schools, and Redevelopment Projects](https://montclairpod.com/montclairs-plan-for-taxes-schools-and-redevelopment-projects/): Montclair Township Manager Stephen Marks breaks down the town’s budget priorities, explaining how municipal taxes, PILOT agreements, and redevelopment projects shape the township’s finances. He also clarifies common misconceptions about the roles of the municipality, schools, and county while outlining strategies to maintain fiscal stability.
- [Knitting for a Cause: Community Comes Together Through Craft](https://montclairpod.com/knitting-for-a-cause-community-comes-together-through-craft/): Join a community knitting night where hands-on creativity meets giving back. This charity-focused event brings people together to craft, connect, and support local causes.
- [How ICE Enforcement Is Affecting Immigrant Families in Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/how-ice-enforcement-is-affecting-immigrant-families-in-montclair/): As national scrutiny grows around U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Montclair residents are asking how their community is affected. Masiel Rodriguez-Vars of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence shares insight from decades supporting immigrant families and reflects on one family’s journey highlighted at the Montclair Film Festival. While Montclair hasn’t seen major raids, ICE’s presence continues to create daily fear and uncertainty.
- [ICE’s Impact on Montclair State Students and Families](https://montclairpod.com/understanding-ices-impact-on-montclair-state-students-and-families/): Students and families at Montclair State University are living with fear and uncertainty as immigration enforcement and ICE activity create heightened anxiety for mixed-status households and the broader campus community.
- [Curriculum, Cost, and Flexibility: What Montclair Families Want in Preschools](https://montclairpod.com/curriculum-cost-and-flexibility-what-montclair-families-want-in-preschools/): Montclair parents, with toddlers in tow, filled the Montclair Public Library for the Montclair Preschool Fair, all wrestling with the same big question: where will their children spend their days this fall?
- [Rethinking Education for the Future: A Conversation with the Founder of Forge Prep](https://montclairpod.com/rethinking-education-for-the-future-a-conversation-with-the-founder-of-forge-prep/): Anand Sanwal, a born-and-raised New Jersey native and founder of CB Insights, watched industries evolve at lightning speed—but noticed education was stuck in the past. Inspired by his children’s experiences, he created Forge Prep, a private school in Livingston, NJ, designed to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
- [2026 Montclair Real Estate Trends](https://montclairpod.com/2026-montclair-real-estate-trends/): Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just curious how the school district might affect home values, we break down the key spring trends you need to know in the full episode below.
- [Twelve Candidates, One Seat: The Fight for New Jersey’s 11th District](https://montclairpod.com/twelve-candidates-one-seat-the-fight-for-new-jerseys-11th-district/): Terrence McDonald discusses Governor Mikie Sherrill’s inauguration and the competitive Democratic primary to fill her open congressional seat in New Jersey’s 11th District.
- [SlushieGate Comes to Montclair Schools](https://montclairpod.com/slushiegate-comes-to-montclair-schools/): If you’re wondering how a frozen drink became the latest flashpoint in Montclair’s ongoing school debates, welcome to Slushiegate. Earlier this week, ... Read more
- [The People’s Lawyer Reflects: Matt Platkin on Power, Accountability, and What Comes After Office](https://montclairpod.com/the-peoples-lawyer-reflects-matt-platkin-on-power-accountability-and-what-comes-after-office/): Former New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin reflects on his tenure, highlighting efforts to reduce gun violence, fight corruption, and protect residents from federal funding cuts and technological harms. 
- [Montclair Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With a Weekend of Service, Worship, and Community](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-honors-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-with-a-weekend-of-service-worship-and-community/): Montclair will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a full slate of events spanning Saturday through Monday, bringing together faith institutions, schools, civic groups, and community organizations to honor Dr. King’s legacy through reflection, service, and togetherness.
- [Not a Verona Resident? You Can Still Join the Verona Pool in 2026](https://montclairpod.com/not-a-verona-resident-you-can-still-join-the-verona-pool-in-2026/): For the first time, Verona’s Community Pool is opening limited memberships to non-residents. With rising costs and changing community demographics, the pool is inviting 100 new members to help keep this beloved summer spot open and thriving.
- [Montclair’s Budget Reality Check: Inside the School District’s January Town Hall](https://montclairpod.com/montclairs-budget-reality-check-inside-the-districts-latest-town-hall/): On Tuesday evening, Montclair Public Schools convened a budget town hall at Glenfield Middle School, inviting the community to engage in what district leaders framed as a long-term conversation about fiscal stability, transparency, and hard choices ahead. The meeting focused on the planning process for the 2026–2027 school budget and included a detailed slide presentation to help residents better understand how school finances work. 
- [Education Scholar Richard Kahlenberg on Montclair’s Magnet Schools](https://montclairpod.com/education-scholar-richard-kahlenberg-on-montclairs-magnet-schools/): Education scholar Richard Kahlenberg discusses the future of Montclair’s magnet schools, highlighting the importance of integration, equity, and social mobility. He explains how thoughtful investments in busing, program design, and innovation can maintain high-quality, diverse schools even amid fiscal challenges.
- [NJ Students to Go Phone-Free During the School Day Under ‘Bell to Bell’ Policy](https://montclairpod.com/nj-students-to-go-phone-free-during-the-school-day-under-bell-to-bell-policy/): In the final weeks of Governor Phil Murphy's tenure, he signed bipartisan legislation requiring all school districts in New Jersey to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones, tablets, and smart watches in K-12 schools. This initiative will finally take effect in the 2026–2027 school year.
- [Montclair NAACP: 110 Years of Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Civil Rights in the Community](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-naacp-110-years-of-advancing-diversity-equity-and-civil-rights-in-the-community/): Founded in 1916, the Montclair NAACP has played a central role in the town’s fight for civil rights, from supporting school desegregation to shaping the magnet school system. Today, under Diane Tyree Anglin, the chapter continues advocating for equity and inclusion for Black and Brown residents in the community.
- [MFEE's Masiel Rodriquez-Vars on Equity, and the Future of Montclair’s Schools](https://montclairpod.com/mfees-masiel-rodriquez-vars-on-equity-and-the-future-of-montclairs-schools/): Explore how Montclair’s magnet schools promote equity, integration, and student growth, and how MFEE supports the community in bridging educational gaps for every child.
- [53 Years in Montclair Classrooms: Dan Gill on the District's Future](https://montclairpod.com/53-years-in-montclair-classrooms-dan-gill-on-the-districts-future/): Dan Gill, a Montclair teacher for 53 years, shares his insights on reimagining the future of education. From magnet schools to choice, testing, and curriculum design, he discusses how schools can better serve students and foster curiosity.
- [Montclair's Magnet Schools at a Crossroads](https://montclairpod.com/montclairs-magnet-schools-at-a-crossroads/): Montclair has long defined itself by its district-wide magnet school system—a model built on choice, diversity, and integration by design. For nearly fifty years, this system has been more than just an educational framework; it has been a central pillar of our town’s identity. It’s the reason many of us moved here and the reason many of us stay. But as we step into 2026, that pillar is under unprecedented strain. Can we still afford the system that defines us?
- [Inside The Bar Method Montclair: A Studio That Builds Strength and Community](https://montclairpod.com/inside-the-bar-method-montclair-a-studio-that-builds-strength-and-community/): Bar Method Montclair offers a full-body, low-impact workout that blends ballet, Pilates, and yoga. Small, controlled movements are designed to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and work for all fitness levels.
- [Montclair Board Approves New Ballot Questions for March Vote](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-board-approves-new-ballot-questions-for-march-vote/): Superintendent Ruth B. Turner shared the district’s path forward, including budget priorities and the upcoming special election.
- [The Journey to Montclair’s Magnet System: A Timeline Marked By Segregation, Activism and Choice](https://montclairpod.com/the-journey-to-montclairs-magnet-system-a-timeline-marked-by-segregation-activism-and-choice/): Montclair proudly defines itself through a district-wide magnet school system rooted in choice, diversity, and integration by design. In the wake of the district’s financial crisis, residents are starting to ask: Can we still afford our magnet system? 
- [DMC explains How "Christmas in Hollis" Became a Global Phenomenon](https://montclairpod.com/dmc-explains-how-christmas-in-hollis-became-a-global-phenomenon/): In the pantheon of holiday music, there are plenty of classics… featuring Rudolph, Frosty. even Santa himself. But the funkiest one of ... Read more
- [A Legendary Blend: Run-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels Brings Music and Meaning to Paper Plane Coffee](https://montclairpod.com/a-legendary-blend-run-dmcs-darryl-mcdaniels-brings-music-and-meaning-to-paper-plane-coffee/): The rhythmic scratching of a turntable might have been absent, but the energy inside Paper Plane Coffee Co. was undeniably hip hop Christmas this week. Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, the legendary co-founder of the seminal rap group Run-DMC and a true pioneer of the genre, touched down in Montclair for a special event that proved his mission of inspiration is far from over.
- [Montclair Native Mikie Sherrill Bucks Recent Tradition, to Be Sworn in as NJ Governor at NJPAC](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-native-mikie-sherrill-bucks-recent-tradition-to-be-sworn-in-as-nj-governor-at-njpac/): Montclair native Mikie Sherrill will be inaugurated as New Jersey’s governor on January 20 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The historic ceremony marks a milestone for the Montclair community as Sherrill takes office alongside Lieutenant Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell.
- [Bay Street Train Collision Injures 17; Service Restored](https://montclairpod.com/bay-street-train-collision-injures-17-service-restored/): A low-speed train collision west of Montclair's Bay Street Station left 17 people with non-life-threatening injuries Friday, December 19.  
- [The Season of Giving: How Montclair Helps](https://montclairpod.com/the-season-of-giving-how-montclair-helps/): In the heart of Montclair, a simple but powerful idea is changing lives: neighbors helping neighbors in moments of acute, often invisible ... Read more
- [Ask Our Agent, But Make It a Holiday Party](https://montclairpod.com/ask-our-agent-but-make-it-a-holiday-party/): When multiple interested buyers line up for a property, it can be tempting to focus only on the top dollar bid. But as Compass agent Karin Diana explains, a strong offer isn’t just the highest number.  It’s a well-constructed package that gives the seller confidence, minimizes risk, and aligns with their preferred timeline. Here’s how to think about offers the way a seasoned agent does.
- [How Honest Feedback Is Quietly Shaping Montclair’s Small Businesses](https://montclairpod.com/how-honest-feedback-is-quietly-shaping-montclairs-small-businesses/): Montclair is challenging the culture of impulsive online reviews by embracing thoughtful, constructive feedback. This piece highlights how residents and business owners are using the TwoCents app to build stronger, more supportive local relationships.
- [Inside the Role of a School District Business Administrator](https://montclairpod.com/inside-the-role-of-a-school-district-business-administrator/): In the middle of Montclair’s ongoing school budget turmoil, one role continues to sit at the center of both the confusion and the blame: the Business Administrator, or BA. To help the community understand what this job actually entails, what power it does and does not have, and how a district like ours could fall more than $20 million into the red, we spoke with someone who knows the role intimately. We sit down with Stephen Frost, the Business Administrator for the Tenafly Public Schools and a Montclair resident.
- [Kush Connection: Jake Kushner on Montclair Cannabis, NJ Laws, and Business Opportunities](https://montclairpod.com/kush-connection-jake-kushner-on-montclair-cannabis-nj-laws-and-business-opportunities/): As Montclair heads toward its pivotal December 9 special election on school funding, concerns about how the district’s multimillion-dollar deficit could impact home values are top of mind for many residents. To unpack the risks and realities, The Montclair Pod spoke with longtime resident and real estate attorney Jen Metzger, who works closely with buyers, sellers, and agents across northern New Jersey.
- [Montclair’s Mindful Approach to Feedback](https://montclairpod.com/montclairs-mindful-approach-to-feedback/): Montclair is challenging the culture of impulsive online reviews by embracing thoughtful, constructive feedback. This piece highlights how residents and business owners are using the TwoCents app to build stronger, more supportive local relationships.
- [Winning a Bidding War: The Offer Terms That Matter More Than Price](https://montclairpod.com/winning-a-bidding-war-the-offer-terms-that-matter-more-than-price/): When multiple interested buyers line up for a property, it can be tempting to focus only on the top dollar bid. But as Compass agent Karin Diana explains, a strong offer isn’t just the highest number.  It’s a well-constructed package that gives the seller confidence, minimizes risk, and aligns with their preferred timeline. Here’s how to think about offers the way a seasoned agent does.
- [New Cannabis Grow Facility Thrives on Pine Street](https://montclairpod.com/new-cannabis-grow-facility-thrives-on-pine-street/): Pine Street is quickly becoming a hub for green innovation with the success of its new cannabis grow facility. Focused on quality cultivation and sustainable production, the operation is helping shape the future of the region’s cannabis industry while contributing to local growth and opportunity.
- [Cannabis in Montclair: The History and The Future](https://montclairpod.com/cannabis-in-montclair-the-history-and-the-future/): Cannabis in Montclair: The History and The Future explores Montclair’s unique role in New Jersey’s cannabis story, from hosting the state’s first licensed medical dispensary to navigating today’s “cannabis desert” with no open recreational shops. 
- [Spiral Bound Brings Montclair Creativity to Lincoln Center](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-composer-spiral-bound-lincoln-center/): Montclair composer and theatre creator Miranda Ferriss Jones brings her evolving musical work Spiral Bound to the Lincoln Center Atrium on December 6, created from the rediscovered poetry of sculptor Richard Edelman.
- [Judge Halts Montclair’s December 9 School Funding Vote, Says Ballot Questions Were Too Confusing](https://montclairpod.com/judge-halts-montclairs-december-9-school-funding-vote-says-ballot-questions-were-too-confusing/): Montclair’s upcoming school funding referendum will not move forward as planned. A Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday that the two questions the district planned to put before voters on December 9 were written in a way that made them too difficult for the average voter to interpret.
- [Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Qahwah House](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-and-mike-eat-food-qahwah-house/): THIS FUN, NEW RESTAURANT SERIES IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWOCENTS, AN APP THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO ANY BUSINESS YOU VISIT IN NEW JERSEY – ... Read more
- [How to Come Out a Winner in the Montclair Bidding Wars](https://montclairpod.com/how-to-come-out-a-winner-in-the-montclair-bidding-wars/): In this week’s Ask Our Agent, Compass agent Karin Diana says Montclair buyers often lose because they ignore the numbers. With some homes selling 50–70% over asking, winning offers mean trusting the data, following the “highest and best” rule, and stretching beyond your comfort zone.
- [Your Spring 2026 Montclair Home Buying Guide](https://montclairpod.com/your-spring-2026-montclair-home-buying-guide/): Real estate broker Karin Diana shares why home staging matters more than ever — and how small updates can make your listing stand out online and in person.
- [Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Jalwa - Modern Indian Dining](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-and-mike-eat-food-jalwa-modern-indian-dining/): THIS FUN, NEW RESTAURANT SERIES IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWOCENTS, AN APP THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO ANY BUSINESS YOU VISIT IN NEW JERSEY – ... Read more
- [The Montclair Pod Interviews Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill (Full Transcript)](https://montclairpod.com/the-montclair-pod-interviews-governor-elect-mikie-sherrill-full-transcript/): Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill recently sat down with the hosts of The Montclair Pod. The discussion offers insight into her perspective on the local school deficit, her policy vision for the state, and her thoughts on the national political landscape. This interview took place on Monday, November 17, which was before the recent developments relating to the Montclair school district's financial situation became public knowledge. Read on for the full transcript and podcast episode.
- [Staging Your Home to Sell Quickly: What Buyers Notice First](https://montclairpod.com/ask-our-agent-how-curb-appeal-and-screen-appeal-sell-homes/): Real estate broker Karin Diana shares why home staging matters more than ever — and how small updates can make your listing stand out online and in person.
- [What Happens After December 9th? Superintendent Ruth B. Turner on the Future of Montclair's School Fiscal Crisis](https://montclairpod.com/what-happens-after-december-9th-superintendent-ruth-b-turner-on-the-future-of-montclairs-school-fiscal-crisis/): Montclair Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner discusses what’s at stake in the December 9 special election, how our votes would impact the district's future, and the possible role of a state fiscal monitor, as well as what sustainable reform might look like. Additionally, will we ever receive a thorough forensic audit?
- [Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Bao Dumplings & Bao Tea](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-and-mike-eat-food-bao-dumplings-bao-tea/): THIS FUN, NEW RESTAURANT SERIES IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWOCENTS, AN APP THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO ANY BUSINESS YOU VISIT IN NEW JERSEY – ... Read more
- [Montclair School Board Election Results: Kerri McMahon, Sean Long, and Yvonne Bouknight Win Amid $19.6M Budget Debate](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-school-board-election-results-kerri-mcmahon-sean-long-and-yvonne-bouknight-win-amid-19-6m-budget-debate/): Montclair has quietly become a hub for film and commercial shoots. From small photo shoots to big-budget films, the town offers a unique combination of charm, accessibility, and a welcoming community. Homeowners can turn their spaces into a side hustle—but it requires planning, flexibility, and a good understanding of the process.
- [FBI Raid in Upper Montclair: What We Know So Far](https://montclairpod.com/fbi-raid-in-upper-montclair-what-we-know-so-far/): Montclair has quietly become a hub for film and commercial shoots. From small photo shoots to big-budget films, the town offers a unique combination of charm, accessibility, and a welcoming community. Homeowners can turn their spaces into a side hustle—but it requires planning, flexibility, and a good understanding of the process.
- ["Ask Our Agent": Biggest Adjustments to Suburban Living?](https://montclairpod.com/ask-our-agent-biggest-adjustments-to-suburban-living/): Real estate agent Karin Diana shares insights on what city buyers should expect when moving to Montclair, from lifestyle adjustments to tips on easing into suburban living.
- [Mikie Sherrill Wins New Jersey Governor Race: Key Takeaways & What’s Next for State Policy](https://montclairpod.com/mikie-sherrill-wins-new-jersey-governor-race-key-takeaways-whats-next-for-state-policy/): Democrat Mikie Sherrill secured a decisive victory in the New Jersey governor race, flipping key counties and signaling a shift in state politics. Her win raises questions about upcoming policy priorities, including school funding, utility rates, and budget management. The Montclair Pod sits down with Terrence McDonald of the New Jersey Monitor for more.
- [Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: La Fontaine](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-and-mike-eat-food-la-fontaine/): THIS FUN, NEW RESTAURANT SERIES IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWOCENTS, AN APP THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO ANY BUSINESS YOU VISIT IN NEW JERSEY – ... Read more
- [Want to Rent Your Home to Hollywood? Here’s How Much You Can Really Make](https://montclairpod.com/want-to-rent-your-home-to-hollywood-heres-how-much-you-can-really-make/): Montclair has quietly become a hub for film and commercial shoots. From small photo shoots to big-budget films, the town offers a unique combination of charm, accessibility, and a welcoming community. Homeowners can turn their spaces into a side hustle—but it requires planning, flexibility, and a good understanding of the process.
- [Montclair Real Estate Outlook: Fundamentals Remain Strong Amid School Budget Crisis](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-real-estate-outlook-fundamentals-remain-strong-amid-school-budget-crisis/): As Montclair heads toward its pivotal December 9 special election on school funding, concerns about how the district’s multimillion-dollar deficit could impact home values are top of mind for many residents. To unpack the risks and realities, The Montclair Pod spoke with longtime resident and real estate attorney Jen Metzger, who works closely with buyers, sellers, and agents across northern New Jersey.
- [Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Ray's Luncheonette](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-and-mike-eat-food-rays-luncheonette/): THIS FUN, NEW RESTAURANT SERIES IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWOCENTS, AN APP THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO ANY BUSINESS YOU VISIT IN NEW JERSEY – ... Read more
- ["We Need a Forensic Audit...Yesterday." Essex County Commissioner on School Debt](https://montclairpod.com/we-need-a-forensic-audit-yesterday-essex-county-commissioner-on-school-debt/): In an exclusive conversation with The Montclair Pod, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, a proud Montclair High School alum, shares his perspective on the town’s budget crisis, lessons from neighboring districts, and how state politics may shape Montclair’s future. Gill reflects on Montclair’s legacy of integration and educational equity, weighs in on the December 9 referendum, and makes the case for accountability in district finances.
- [The Montclair Story Salon: Creativity, Connection, and Community](https://montclairpod.com/the-montclair-story-salon-creativity-connection-and-community/): “My mother, my late mother, was an artist, a painter, a sculptor, and I can’t do any of that. So I feel ... Read more
- [Op Ed: Why I’m Voting ‘No’ and Still Believe in Montclair’s Schools](https://montclairpod.com/op-ed-why-im-voting-no-and-still-believe-in-montclairs-schools/): Editor’s Note: This is the first of what we hope will be many op-ed contributions to The Montclair Pod. This installment comes ... Read more
- [At the Montclair Film Festival: Discussing “BRENDA.” A Local Immigrant’s Story of Survival](https://montclairpod.com/at-the-montclair-film-festival-discussing-brenda-a-local-immigrants-story-of-survival/): During the Montclair Film Festival, The Montclair Pod took the stage for a powerful live conversation with the filmmakers and subject behind BRENDA, a short documentary shot almost entirely in Montclair. BRENDA tells the story of a Honduran mother’s harrowing journey to the United States as she sought asylum and fought to reunite with her four children. 
- [Dating After Divorce, Open Relationships & Finding Love in Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/dating-after-divorce-open-relationships-finding-love-in-montclair/): Montclair is nothing if not opinionated about schools, taxes, pizza, and, as we learned on this week’s episode of The Montclair Pod, dating. We invited relationship expert (and proud local) Junie Moon to help map how mid-life love actually works here: online and off, traditional and not, public and very, very private. What emerged was a grounded, hopeful field guide tailor-made for our town.
- [Farnoosh & Mike Eat Food: La Couronne at Watchung Plaza](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-mike-eat-food-la-couronne-at-watchung-plaza/): THIS FUN, NEW RESTAURANT SERIES IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWOCENTS, AN APP THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO ANY BUSINESS YOU VISIT IN NEW ... Read more
- [Save Montclair Schools Makes Its Case for a Yes/Yes Vote on Dec. 9](https://montclairpod.com/save-montclair-schools-makes-its-case-for-a-yes-yes-vote-on-dec-9/): Parents in Montclair are staring down a choice with no easy answers and very real consequences for classrooms, staff, and tax bills. ... Read more
- [Meet the Montclair Board of Education Candidates: Chrissy Thomas](https://montclairpod.com/meet-the-montclair-board-of-education-candidates-chrissy-thomas/): Montclair Board of Education candidate Chrissy Thomas has entered the race as a write-in. It’s a late twist in an already fluid ... Read more
- [Farnoosh & Mike Eat Food: Libelula, Off Bloomfield Avenue](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-mike-eat-food-libelula-off-bloomfield-avenue/): THIS FUN, NEW RESTAURANT SERIES IS PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TWOCENTS, AN APP THAT ALLOWS YOU TO GIVE HONEST FEEDBACK DIRECTLY TO ANY BUSINESS YOU VISIT IN NEW ... Read more
- [What Would a State Monitor Mean for Montclair Schools?](https://montclairpod.com/what-would-a-state-monitor-mean-for-montclair-schools/): Montclair’s school district is staring down a December 9 special election with two tax questions designed to close a $19.6 million gap, and the alternative that keeps popping up in conversations is a state-appointed fiscal monitor. Here’s a plain-English guide to what a monitor is, how one gets assigned, what powers they have, what it has looked like in nearby districts, and what it could mean here in Montclair. 
- [Town Manager Stephen Marks on Safety, Seniors & Balancing the Schools Budget](https://montclairpod.com/town-manager-stephen-marks-on-safety-seniors-digging-schools-out-of-a-20m-hole/): Montclair’s town manager, Stephen Marks, isn’t sugarcoating the year he’s walked into. Six months in, he's juggling a lot: fallout from a $19.6 million school deficit, street-safety upgrades, self-funded upgrades to the Clary Anderson rink, and a 36.5% spike in employee health insurance premiums. 
- [Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: The Splendid Rooftop at The MC Hotel](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-and-mike-eat-food-the-splendid-rooftop-at-the-mc-hotel/): 📍 MC Hotel, 690 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair🎧 Hear the full episode of Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food in NJ, You’d never know ... Read more
- [This Montclair Grocery Store Has the Lowest Prices. And It Might Shock You.](https://montclairpod.com/this-montclair-grocery-store-has-the-lowest-prices-and-it-might-shock-you/): We all have our grocery store loyalties in Montclair. Some swear by Kings for produce, others stick with Acme for convenience, and ... Read more
- ["Ask Our Agent": The Hidden Costs to Home Ownership in Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/ask-our-agent-the-hidden-costs-to-home-ownership-in-montclair/): Ask Our Agent with Compass Real Estate Agent Karin Diana, Founder of The Home Collective Grab Diana’s free worksheet that lays out ... Read more
- [What’s at Stake in Montclair’s December 9 School Election](https://montclairpod.com/whats-at-stake-in-montclairs-december-9-school-election/): On Tuesday night, Montclair’s Board of Education set in motion what may be the most consequential local vote in years. By approving a special election for December 9, the Board handed the community a stark choice: raise taxes to preserve staff and programs, or reject the measures and brace for deep cuts that could alter the fabric of the town’s public schools. The clearest picture of those futures comes from Superintendent Ruth B. Turner’s presentation. It details what would happen if the ballot questions fail.
- [Montclair Board of Education Votes to Hold December 9 Special Election on School Deficit](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-board-of-education-votes-to-hold-december-9-special-election-on-school-deficit/): Montclair residents will soon decide how to address the school district’s mounting financial crisis. On Tuesday evening, the Montclair Board of Education voted unanimously to hold a special election on December 9, allowing voters to decide whether to approve a tax levy to close the district’s multimillion-dollar budget gap or accept state aid, along with the accompanying state oversight.
- [Inside the Montclair Cooperative School’s Unique Approach to Middle School](https://montclairpod.com/inside-montclair-cooperative-schools-unique-approach-to-middle-school/): At the Montclair Cooperative School, an independent, progressive day school serving children from preschool through eighth grade, those years are viewed as an exceptional opportunity for growth — both academically and personally.
- [Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Sushi Koshi at Watchung Plaza](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-and-mike-eat-food-sushi-koshi-at-watchung-plaza/): If you’ve ever wandered through Watchung Plaza around dinner time, you’ve probably seen the line forming outside Sushi Koshi. Tucked into the corner across from the century-old hardware store, this little spot hums with energy, the kind that feels more East Village than suburban Montclair.
- [Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Oso Felipe, a New-ish Mexican Dining Spot Near Walnut Street](https://montclairpod.com/farnoosh-and-mike-eat-food-oso-felipe/): Montclair’s new Mexican spot on Erie Street is a standout. From perfectly salted tortilla chips and smooth guac to a smoky-spicy watermelon salad.
- [Montclair’s $20M School Deficit Explained. What's This Going to Cost Us?](https://montclairpod.com/montclairs-20m-school-deficit-explained/): Montclair’s growing school budget crisis took center stage Friday night at a town hall meeting inside Buzz Aldrin Middle School. Superintendent Ruth B. Turner and Interim Business Administrator Dana Sullivan laid out sobering numbers, while parents, students, and community leaders pressed for answers and braced for difficult choices ahead. The meeting grew emotional when a Montclair High School senior described teammates sitting on the floor of overcrowded buses to games, asking whether athletics would face cuts. Turner replied she could not make promises, later calling it “heartbreaking” that students feel responsible.
- ["Ask Our Agent": Love It or List It? Montclair Style](https://montclairpod.com/love-it-or-list-montclair-style/): Ask Our Agent with Compass Real Estate Agent Karin Diana, Founder of The Home Collective Grab Diana’s free worksheet that lays out ... Read more
- [Montclair Film Fest Goes Big: Bellevue Reopening with the Sound of Music, Spike & Colbert, and a Clooney Opener](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-film-fest-goes-big-bellevue-reopening-with-the-sound-of-music-spike-colbert-and-a-clooney-opener/): Montclair Film Festival isn’t just back—it’s leveling up. With the long-awaited reopening of the historic Bellevue Cinema and a slate that ranges from prestige awards hopefuls to buzzy panels (hi, Spike Lee and Stephen Colbert), Artistic Director Tom Hall says this year’s 10-day cine-celebration (October 17–26, 2025) is built for movie lovers who want to take a chance—and maybe line up for the next screening right after.
- [Montclair Schools Face $19.6M Deficit: Loan and/or Tax Hike on the Horizon](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-schools-face-19-6m-deficit-loan-and-or-tax-hike-on-the-horizon/): About 100 community members, including parents, town council members, and students, gathered in the Buzz Aldrin Middle School auditorium Friday night, with another 200 watching on Zoom, to hear Superintendent Ruth B. Turner and Interim Business Administrator Dana Sullivan confront a sobering reality: Montclair Public Schools’ deficit is deeper than anyone had realized. The meeting began with some clarification. After further review, the total school district deficit, including the current $7 million budget shortfall for the 2025-2026 school year, totals $19.6 million.
- [How Montclair Teens Can Navigate the New College Admissions Landscape](https://montclairpod.com/how-montclair-teens-can-navigate-the-new-college-admissions-landscape/): As college admissions deadlines creep earlier each year, the pressure on high school students—and their families—has never felt more intense. To understand ... Read more
- [Ask Our Agent: Should Families Still Move to Montclair Amid the $18M School Deficit?](https://montclairpod.com/ask-our-agent-should-families-still-move-to-montclair-amid-the-18m-school-deficit/): Ask Our Agent with Karin Diana, Founder of The Home Collective Montclair families are reeling from news of an $18 million budget ... Read more
- [Montclair Schools at a Crossroads: $18M Shortfall, BOE Ballots, and What Families Need Now](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-schools-at-a-crossroads-18m-shortfall-boe-ballots-and-what-families-need-now/): From the Board of Education race and smartphone battles in middle school, to real estate decisions and college application stress, our latest podcast episode paints a vivid portrait of how education in Montclair shapes nearly every part of local life. Learn about why Superintendent Ruth B. Turner says the budget crisis is about incompetence, not fraud, and what parents are demanding: a forensic audit, transparency, and accountability. 
- [Meet the Candidates: Montclair Board of Education: Milton Horowitz, Sean Long and Kerri McMahon](https://montclairpod.com/meet-the-candidates-montclair-board-of-education-milton-horowitz-sean-long-and-kerri-mcmahon/): Learn about Milton Horowitz, Sean Long, and Kerri McMahon, who are running for the Board of Education this fall.   
- [Meet the Candidates: Montclair Board of Education: Yvonne Bouknight and Brian Fleischer](https://montclairpod.com/meet-the-candidates-montclair-board-of-education-yvonne-bouknight-and-brian-fleischer/): Learn about Yvonne Bouknight and Brian Fleischer, who are running for the Board of Education this fall.   
- [Montclair Schools' Budget Deficit: It's Worse Than We Thought. A New Interview with Superintendent Ruth B. Turner](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-schools-budget-deficit-its-worse-than-we-thought/): In a frank and revealing interview on The Montclair Pod, Montclair's new schools superintendent, Ruth B. Turner, announced that the district’s financial deficit has swelled to approximately $18 million. The startling figure combines inherited debts with a newly discovered $4 to $5 million shortfall in the current budget. The Township of Montclair has declined to provide any more financial support. The interview, coming just two-and-a-half months into her tenure, casts a harsh light on the deep-seated fiscal and procedural issues plaguing a district that has struggled for years with leadership instability.
- [Things to Do, See and Experience in August: MedievalFest, End of Summer Escapes, and an $11 Million School Surprise](https://montclairpod.com/aug2025summerfun/): August in Montclair is a little quieter, but not on The Montclair Pod. In this season finale, co-hosts Farnoosh Torabi and Michael ... Read more
- [How to Go Green in Montclair: Solar Power, Sustainable Kids' Style, and the Hive Next Door](https://montclairpod.com/sustainability/): Lacey Triplett Thistle is a Montclair mom and founder of Middle Child, a digital consignment boutique offering new and gently used clothing ... Read more
- [Montclair Art: From Frames to Fine Art, Dance Icons, Tiny Galleries and More](https://montclairpod.com/artseason2/): Montclair is a town renowned for its culture, boasting a celebrated film festival, historic theaters, and a vibrant community of creators. In ... Read more
- [Montclair's Rise in Homelessness and the Role of MESH](https://montclairpod.com/meshunhoused/): Photo Credit: MESH Montclair is facing a growing unhoused population that’s putting pressure on residents, businesses, and local leaders alike. At the ... Read more
- [How Eighty-Six'd Magazine Is Building a Monthly Portrait of Montclair, One Issue at a Time](https://montclairpod.com/eighty-sixd-magazine-montclair-profile/): Since February 2025, 86'd Magazine has been finding Montclair's most overlooked artists, chefs and craftspeople and putting them in print, one issue a month.
- [5 Montclair Stories You Might Have Missed This Week: Essex Pool Reopens, a $2,500 Venmo Scam and the End of a School Tuition Perk](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-news-roundup-july-13-2026/): It has been another eventful week in town. Here is what you need to know, from a reopened municipal pool to a phone-grab scam near a downtown parking deck and the end of a long-standing tuition perk for school staff.
- [Inside Weird New Jersey, the Magazine That Keeps Finding NJ's Strangest Stories](https://montclairpod.com/weird-new-jersey-montclair-mark-sceurman/): Weird New Jersey founder Mark Sceurman has spent 32 years chasing New Jersey's strangest stories, including a few that never left Montclair: a poet the police department couldn't figure out, a scream nobody's ever traced at Mills Reservation, and the ruins of an asylum most residents drive past without knowing its history.
- [Inside the YMCA of Montclair: A Century-Old Park Street Institution Gets a New Chapter](https://montclairpod.com/ymca-of-montclair-park-street-100-years/): The YMCA of Montclair's Park Street branch turns 100 this year, and a new reformer Pilates studio is already outpacing demand. A look at the members, trainers and century of history behind one of town's most-used buildings.
- [Who Controls Montclair's Banners? A Guide to the Town's Overlapping Systems](https://montclairpod.com/bloomfield-avenue-banner-montclair/): Everyone assumed the banner over Bloomfield Avenue was a township thing. It isn't. One family runs it, almost entirely on its own, and this summer that setup slipped in a way not many people caught. 
- [How Montclair's MC Hotel Became a Home Base for the World Cup, One Team at a Time](https://montclairpod.com/mc-hotel-montclair-world-cup-final-mc-hotel/): Spain's national team checked into Montclair's MC Hotel this week ahead of Sunday's World Cup final. It's the fourth team staying at the Bloomfield Avenue hotel. Owner Jeff Sica talks security lockdowns, a five-mile run in 98-degree heat and why he thinks New Jersey never got its due.
- [Montclair Now Has Two World Cup Final Watch Parties This Sunday](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-world-cup-final-watch-party-wellmont-arts-plaza/): Montclair just got a second World Cup final watch party, and it's happening almost across the street from the one already scheduled at Lackawanna Plaza. Here's what's at Wellmont Arts Plaza this Sunday, and what the overlap says about the town's World Cup planning.
- [Weird NJ: Strange Creature Encounter in Blackwood, 1976](https://montclairpod.com/weird-nj-strange-creature-encounter-in-blackwood-1976/): This a guest contribution to The Montclair Pod from Weird NJ’s recent issue. We received a call at the Weird NJ office ... Read more
- [Uptown Sound's Summer Stage Brings Free Friday Night Concerts to Upper Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/uptown-sound-summer-stage-montclair/): Uptown Montclair gets its first weekly outdoor concert series this Friday. Uptown Sound Summer Stage brings free live music to the St. James Church lawn every Friday night through the summer, building toward the first annual Uptown Sound Music Festival on September 26.
- [Montclair Public Schools Just Shut Down Student Gmail. Here's What Families Need to Know](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-schools-email-migration-microsoft-365/): Montclair Public Schools is moving every student account to a new domain and shutting down Gmail on July 13. Here's what parents need to know about the login, the password reset and the files that need to move before then.
- [What’s Happening in Montclair This Weekend: World Cup Finals, a Morning Lecture and More](https://montclairpod.com/things-to-do-montclair-this-weekend-july-17-19/): The World Cup is down to its final matches, and Lackawanna Station is going all the way to the end. But there's plenty happening beyond soccer this weekend, July 17 through 19: a free morning talk with a Newark entrepreneur, a summer hike through the South Mountain Reservation, a backyard BBQ at Montclair Brewery and live jazz to close out Sunday. Here's what's worth your time.
- [The Best Bars in Montclair, NJ, and Why There Aren't More of Them](https://montclairpod.com/best-bars-in-montclair-nj/): Montclair has roughly 13 liquor licenses for a town of 41,000 people. Here's where that scarcity actually pays off, from Bar Franco's negronis to the town's only rooftop. 
- [$8.1 Million: Inside Montclair's Quietest Record-Breaking Home Sale](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-159-gates-avenue-record-home-sale/): Montclair just quietly broke its own home sale record. No bidding war, no open house line, just a private deal at $8.1 million for a Tudor manor on Gates Avenue that the Kushner family once called home. We talked to the kid who grew up there.
- [The Montclair Math: A Brit's Take on Why Local Homes Always Sell Over Asking](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-math-homes-sell-over-asking/): Montclair buyers know the asking price is rarely the final price. A viral reel by New Jersey creator Ollie McAteer coined the term "Montclair Math" to explain why homes routinely sell well over asking—and why buyers should budget for a number no listing ever shows.
- [Here's what Maplewood and South Orange Are Doing For the World Cup](https://montclairpod.com/heres-what-maplewood-and-south-orange-are-doing-for-the-world-cup/): Two national teams stayed in Montclair. A media center full of international press worked a few miles away. So why did the loudest World Cup energy this summer come from Maplewood and South Orange? Here's how both towns planned it right.
- [5 Montclair Stories You Might Have Missed This Week: School Tax Relief, New E-Bike Rules and a Mission Street Drug Bust](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-news-roundup-july-1-8-2026/):  This week in Montclair: the township borrows to soften a looming tax hit, a new statewide e-bike law kicks in, police break up a drug ring near Mission Street, a familiar principal lands a new district role, and Bastille Day weekend gets a new home in Verona.
- [Montclair's Bastille Day Weekend Moves to Kip's Castle for the First Time](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-bastille-day-weekend-2026/): Montclair's celebration of Bastille Day, France's national holiday marking the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison, is moving to Kip's Castle this year, and it is no longer just one night. For the first time in its 18-year history, L'Alliance New York's annual celebration has grown into a full weekend, running Friday, July 10, through Saturday, July 11, with a French shopping day and a film screening joining the calendar.
- ['Where Are the People?': Montclair Brewery's Owner on a World Cup That's Passing Us By](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-brewery-owner-world-cup-tourism-leo-sawadogo/): Montclair Brewery owner Leo Sawadogo expected the FIFA World Cup to bring thousands of visitors through town. Instead, he says the crowds never came, leaving Montclair with a missed opportunity despite the tournament taking place just miles away.
- [What's Happening in Montclair This Weekend: Bastille Day, a Dance Festival and More](https://montclairpod.com/things-to-do-montclair-this-weekend-july-10-12/): July 10 Montclair celebrates Bastille Day, and there's a lot happening around it in and just outside town. The anchor event is Friday night at Kip's Castle. Beyond that, the International Food & Dance Festival takes over Lackawanna Station on Sunday, a community cafecito kicks off Friday morning at Libélula, and there's a fitness class series and live jazz to round out the weekend. Here's what's worth your time July 10 through 12.
- [Meet the British Guy Living in New Jersey, and Learn Why He's Obsessed With Us](https://montclairpod.com/british-guy-living-in-new-jersey-ollie-mcateer/): British expat Ollie McAteer has built a loyal following by celebrating New Jersey's towns, food, and communities one reel at a time. In a conversation on The Montclair Pod, he shares how a New Year's resolution turned him into an unlikely ambassador for the Garden State—and why his videos are now influencing everything from tourism to homebuyers moving to Montclair.
- [Montclair School District Tech Updates: New Cameras, Faster Internet and Changes Coming to Every Classroom](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-school-district-tech-updates-2026/): Montclair Public Schools is rolling out faster internet, new security cameras, Microsoft 365, AI initiatives, and classroom technology changes for the 2026–27 school year.
- [The World Cup Came to New Jersey. Montclair Didn’t Own It.](https://montclairpod.com/the-world-cup-came-to-new-jersey-montclair-didnt-own-it/): In January, months before the first whistle, a small group gathered to imagine what the World Cup might mean for Montclair. The ... Read more
- [Renaissance Is Closing, and Its Principal Is Getting a New Title Nobody Had Before.](https://montclairpod.com/maria-francisco-montclair-schools-new-role-2026/): Renaissance at Rand is closing, but its principal isn't leaving. Here's why Montclair created a new district-wide leadership role during a budget crisis and what it means.
- [Is $4 Million the New $3 Million? Montclair Housing Market Shows Signs of a New Era](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-home-prices-4-million-sales/): Multiple $4 million home sales, bidding wars topping $1 million over asking and soaring prices are reshaping Montclair's housing market. Here's what's driving the trend and what it means for buyers.
- [New Jersey's E-Bike Law Takes Effect July 19. Here's What Montclair Riders Need to Know](https://montclairpod.com/new-jersey-e-bike-law-montclair/): New Jersey’s new e-bike law takes effect July 19.  Riders will have to meet different registration, licensing and insurance requirements depending on ... Read more
- [Church Street Without Cars? It's Happening This Summer.](https://montclairpod.com/church-street-montclair-car-free-summer-2026/): Church Street is going car-free on select weekends this summer as Montclair launches a pedestrian plaza pilot. Here's how it works, why now, and what to expect. 
- [Saturdays in the Park: A Chance Encounter Defies the Odds at Brookdale](https://montclairpod.com/brookdale-park-montclair-saturdays-in-the-park/): Brookdale Park is more than a place to walk. From chance encounters to hidden history, discover the stories behind one of Montclair's most beloved parks.
- [Freedom Isn't Free & Neither is Parking: Your Complete Guide to Independence Day in and Around Montclair, New Jersey](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-july-4th-2026-parade-fireworks-guide/): Parade route, parking tips, nine Essex County fireworks shows and a free World Cup watch party at Lackawanna Station — everything Montclair needs for July 4th weekend 2026. 
- [Montclair's Safety Net: Food and Housing Resources for Anyone Who Needs Them](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-food-housing-resources/): Montclair residents facing food insecurity, housing instability or a financial emergency have more resources available than many realize. From Toni's Kitchen and Human Needs Food Pantry to emergency shelters, affordable housing organizations and the state's 211 hotline, here's where to find help in Montclair. 
- [Is Special Education Really 'Eating Montclair Schools Alive?' What Out-of-District Placements Actually Cost Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/out-of-district-placement-montclair-schools/): A single out-of-district placement can cost Montclair schools more than $70,000 a year. Here's how placement decisions are made, what they cost taxpayers, why the numbers remain controversial and what rights families have when they disagree with the district.
- [He Had a Front-Row Seat to Montclair's School Budget Crisis. Here's What He Learned.](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-student-representative-board-wyatt-foster/): Recent high school graduate Wyatt Foster attended his first Montclair Board of Education meeting because his robotics team needed supporters in the room. Four years later, he's leaving as the board's elected student representative. Before heading to Brown University, Foster reflects on Montclair's budget crisis, the state's school funding system, what worries him about the district's future and why more students should pay attention to local government.
- [What’s Happening in Montclair This Weekend: Montclair Flea, a 90s Dance Party and More](https://montclairpod.com/things-to-do-montclair-this-weekend-june-27-28/): The Montclair Flea is back at Lackawanna Station this weekend, and it's bringing some World Cup energy with it. Beyond that, there's a jazz fusion show at Montclair Brewery, an all-90s dance party at Porta and an archery competition at Brookdale Park. Here's what's worth your time June 26 through 28.
- [Montclair Has Resources, Values and Need All in the Same Place. Toni's Kitchen Is Counting On That.](https://montclairpod.com/tonis-kitchen-montclair-snap-cuts-anne-mernin/): Federal SNAP cuts are expected to affect thousands of New Jersey residents, and Toni's Kitchen Executive Director Anne Mernin says the impact is already being felt locally. In an interview with The Montclair Pod, she explains who food insecurity affects, how Toni's Kitchen serves the community and what Montclair residents can do to help.
- [The Complete (& Only Mildly Infuriating) Guide to Commuting to NYC from Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-nj-nyc-commuter-guide/): If you are considering a move to Montclair or just moved here, easy access to NYC is probably a big part of ... Read more
- [Lackawanna Station Is Montclair's Free World Cup Destination This Summer](https://montclairpod.com/summer-of-soccer-montclair-lackawanna-station/): Montclair has its own front-row seat to the World Cup. Lackawanna Station has been running a free, 39-day World Cup festival called Summer of Soccer since June 11, with live broadcasts of 88 matches running through July 19.
- [World Cup at MetLife: The Transit Mess Continues, the Weekend Has Plenty to Do, and Erling Haaland Comes Monday](https://montclairpod.com/world-cup-2026-nynj-recap-june-19/): This is the Montclair Pod's running recap of World Cup matches at New York New Jersey Stadium — eight games, 12 miles from Montclair, running through the Final on July 19. We update after each match with what happened, how the region handled it, and what's coming next. France beat Senegal 3-1 Tuesday at MetLife, with Mbappe breaking France's all-time scoring record.
- [5 Montclair News Stories You May Have Missed This Week](https://montclairpod.com/5-montclair-news-stories-you-may-have-missed-this-week/): A Montclair institution moved and got a new name, the township cut down century-old trees in Fieldstone neighborhood, the public library landed the largest state investment in its history, school bus eligibility tightened for fall, and a beloved local pastry chef came home after nearly two weeks in federal immigration detention. Here is what you need to know.
- [What's Happening in Montclair This Weekend: Soccer, Dancing, Jaguars and More](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-events-this-weekend/): There's no shortage of things to do in Montclair this weekend, and we want to make sure you know about all of it. From World Cup watch parties at Lackawanna Station to a Caribbean dance workout on Valley Road, the town is alive this June 20-21.
- [Supper with The Super Vol. 3: The Stalled Forensic Audit, the Tax Increase, $400k in Lunch Debt & More](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-forensic-audit-supper-with-the-super/): Ruth Turner hadn’t had anything fried in five months. She mentioned this almost apologetically, scanning the menu at Turtle + the Wolf ... Read more
- [A Taste of Home: Jackie's Opens Its New Doors in Uptown Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/a-taste-of-home-jackies-grillette-opens-its-new-doors-in-uptown-montclair/): Twenty years ago, a family started a restaurant in Montclair. Today, that restaurant has grown up — and it’s moved into a ... Read more
- [Montclair Cuts Down 100-Year-Old Trees in the Fieldstone Neighborhood. Residents Want Answers.](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-fieldstone-trees-sidewalk-ordinance/): Montclair cut down 100-year-old trees in the Fieldstone neighborhood after a sidewalk crackdown skipped required arborist review. Residents say no one asked an expert before workers came and cut the roots. Here's what happened.
- [In Montclair, the Coffee Is Almost Beside the Point](https://montclairpod.com/in-montclair-the-coffee-is-almost-beside-the-point/): Fifteen years ago, Jodie Thorz Dawson and Kristine Petrik bought a barn full of roasting equipment in the Catskills, mostly on a ... Read more
- [World Cup at MetLife: Brazil-Morocco Ends in a Draw, Transit Gets a Passing Grade... Barely. France-Senegal Up Tuesday.](https://montclairpod.com/world-cup-2026-nynj-match-recap-june-15/): Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1 at MetLife Saturday. Transit was rocky. Tuesday's France-Senegal match overlaps with rush hour — here's what NJ commuters need to know.
- [Montclair vs. Maplewood, South Orange, Glen Ridge, Hoboken and Westfield: A Data-Driven Comparison](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-nj-vs-other-nyc-suburbs/): If you're narrowing a shortlist of NYC suburbs, you've probably already run every combination of these towns through Google. This piece cuts through the real estate copy and the forum noise.
- [5 Montclair Stories You Might Have Missed This Week June 6](https://montclairpod.com/5-montclair-stories-you-might-have-missed-this-week-06-11-2026/): A new restaurant opened on Valley Road, a local university landed one of the biggest public media contracts in New Jersey history, a school lunch menu sparked a community reckoning, a nearby restaurant reinvented itself for the World Cup and a fire spread through a boutique that has been part of Upper Montclair for more than a decade. 
- [Clementina Montclair Is Serving Pasta Found Nowhere Else In The U.S. We Ate There And You Should Too](https://montclairpod.com/clementina-montclair-restaurant-review/): Chef Michele Rocchi spent 20 years in Michelin three-star kitchens. Now he's cooking in Upper Montclair, serving pasta made by a process found nowhere else in the U.S. Farnoosh and Mike went on a Saturday night and haven't stopped talking about it since.
- [Montclair Pride Fest Delays - Again - to October 11 ](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-pride-fest-2026-postponed-august-1/): Montclair Pride Fest has been postponed from June 13 to a planned August 1 date at Lackawanna Station. Here’s why organizers delayed the event and what vendors should know.
- [Montclair State University Is Taking Over NJ PBS. Here Is What That Means for New Jersey.](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-state-university-is-taking-over-nj-pbs-here-is-what-that-means-for-new-jersey/): On July 1, Montclair State University becomes the new programming and management operator of NJ PBS, the state's four public television broadcast licenses. The university beat out three other bidders in an open bidding process run by the state.
- [No Refs, No Problem: Montclair is All In On Ultimate Frisbee](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-ultimate-frisbee-program/): Montclair Ultimate Frisbee started with just seven middle schoolers in 2018. Today, it includes multiple youth teams, summer camps, national tournament appearances and a new girls team that recently earned the Spirit of the Game Award at the state championships. We joined the middle school team for practice one afternoon to learn more about the genesis of the sport here in Montclair and the many ways it delivers a unique experience for its players. 
- [Montclair Has Opinions About Bacon, Egg and Cheeses. We Tried Six of Them... And We Did it For You](https://montclairpod.com/best-bacon-egg-and-cheese-montclair/): Ask Montclair where to find the best bacon egg and cheese and you will get into a debate. Farnoosh and Mike asked Montclair on Instagram: where do you go? The recommendations came in, they narrowed the field to six spots, and sat down with one sandwich from each.
- [5 Questions About the World Cup in New Jersey that You're too Embarrassed to Ask Out Loud](https://montclairpod.com/5-embarassing-world-cup-questions/):  The World Cup begins Thursday, and the tournament's championship match will be played just 12 miles from Montclair at MetLife Stadium. Between the 1.2 million visitors to the region, the traffic, the international media, the watch parties and the economic impact, this isn't just a Meadowlands story. It's a Montclair story, too. Here's the recap.
- [Your Complete Guide to the World Cup in New Jersey, 2026](https://montclairpod.com/complete-guide-to-the-world-cup-in-new-jersey-2026/): Your Complete Guide to the World Cup in New Jersey — Montclair Pod The last time the FIFA World Cup was held ... Read more
- [More Homes Hit the Market in Montclair, But Buyers Are Still Paying 34% Over Asking](https://montclairpod.com/more-homes-hit-the-market-in-montclair-but-buyers-are-still-paying-34-over-asking/): Montclair’s housing market may be showing signs of easing, but competition remains fierce. According to Compass’ May 2026 market report, the number ... Read more
- [An Insider’s Guide to the World Cup in Jersey](https://montclairpod.com/insiders-guide-to-the-world-cup-new-jersey/): The largest sporting event in human history starts June 11, and it's not in some far-off city. MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including the Final. Read on for insights into what this means for Montclair.
- [The Million-Dollar Permit Behind Montclair's Dining Scene](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-liquor-licenses-explained/): Montclair has nearly 300 restaurants but only 13 liquor licenses. Here's why a decades-old New Jersey law still shapes where you can order a drink.
- [Sam’s Table Is Turning Into a World Cup Café All Summer and Honestly It Makes Sense](https://montclairpod.com/sams-table-is-turning-into-a-world-cup-cafe-all-summer-and-honestly-it-makes-sense/): Photo Credit: Sam’s Table One of Montclair’s newest restaurants is leaning fully into international soccer season. Starting June 11, Sam’s Table at ... Read more
- [What Are Your Kids Doing After 3 p.m.? The Montclair Parent's Guide to After-School Activities for 2026-27](https://montclairpod.com/after-school-activities-kids-montclair-nj-2026-27/): The school district cut dozens of clubs. The 2026–27 budget slashed co-curricular funding by 60%. And somehow your kid still needs something ... Read more
- [There Is a New Fried Chicken Restaurant Coming to Montclair and We Need to Talk About It](https://montclairpod.com/there-is-a-new-fried-chicken-restaurant-coming-to-montclair-and-we-need-to-talk-about-it/): Dan Campeas and Dayanna Ordonez know Upper Montclair well enough to understand one simple fact: this neighborhood really likes fried chicken. So ... Read more
- [OddFellows Brings Wild Ice Cream Flavors to Downtown Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/oddfellows-brings-wild-ice-cream-flavors-to-downtown-montclair/): There is a new ice cream shop opening on Bloomfield Avenue just in time for the first real stretch of summer weather. ... Read more
- [Coach Manj Singh Returns Home to Rebuild Montclair Football](https://montclairpod.com/manj-singh-montclair-high-school-football-coach-2026/): As a young kid growing up in Montclair, Manj Singh was in the stands at Woodman Field watching local legends like Quintus ... Read more
- [Montclair Parking Rates Are Going Up for the First Time in 8 Years. Deep Breath.](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-parking-rates-are-going-up-for-the-first-time-in-8-years-deep-breath/): If you’ve parked in Montclair long enough, you probably operate under one sacred assumption: after 7 p.m., the meter stops mattering. Montclair ... Read more
- [A Music Festival Is Coming to Upper Montclair This Fall. It's About Time.](https://montclairpod.com/a-music-festival-is-coming-to-upper-montclair-this-fall-its-about-time/): A few days before appearing on The Montclair Pod, Dan Campeas floated an idea on social media: What if Upper Montclair had ... Read more
- [Outdoor Dining in Montclair: Our 5 Go-To Spots for Summer Nights](https://montclairpod.com/best-outdoor-dining-montclair-nj/): If you want to eat outside in Montclair this summer, the options are better than most people realize, and more varied than ... Read more
- [8 Montclair Restaurants We Trust When We’re Actually Hungry](https://montclairpod.com/8-montclair-restaurants-with-the-best-portions-that-wont-leave-you-hungry/): Montclair has over 200 restaurants, and the dining scene here is genuinely one of the best in New Jersey. With that kind of variety, though, comes a familiar frustration: you can have a perfectly good meal and still drive home thinking about a second dinner. But some places have held the line, and those are the ones worth knowing about. 
- [5 Montclair Stories You Might Have Missed This Week](https://montclairpod.com/5-montclair-stories-you-might-have-missed-this-week/): It’s been a busy week in Montclair, with Memorial Day plans moving indoors, parking getting more expensive, freshman sports earning a last-minute ... Read more
- [Montclair Wants More Trains. A New Survey Shows Just How Much](https://montclairpod.com/nj-transit-montclair-survey-results/): Over 2,300 residents across Montclair, Bloomfield and Glen Ridge responded to the township's NJ Transit survey, and the message is consistent across all three towns: the current system isn't working, and residents want more service, especially on weekends.
- [Possessed by Coffee Is the Haunted Coffee Truck Montclair Didn't Know It Needed](https://montclairpod.com/possessed-by-coffee-montclair-coffee-truck/): Pull up to Possessed by Coffee on a weekday morning and you’ll find a pumpkin spice orange truck parked outside Montclair High ... Read more
- [Freshman Sports Saved: Montclair Rallies to Preserve a Tradition](https://montclairpod.com/freshman-sports-saved-montclair-rallies-to-preserve-a-tradition/): The Montclair Blue and White Athletic Club announced it had surpassed its initial fundraising goal to preserve freshman sports for the 2026–2027 school year, a program that had been on the chopping block amid the district’s ongoing budget crisis.
- [Stephen Colbert's Late Show Is Over. For Montclair, It Feels Personal](https://montclairpod.com/stephen-colbert-late-show-cancelled-montclair/): For more than two decades, Stephen Colbert has lived in Montclair, driven past the same coffee shops, walked the same parks and sent his kids to the same schools as everyone else in town. That's not how most people think of a late night host. But in Montclair, it's just how things are.
- [The Lemonade Stand That Sparked a Town-Wide Yard Sale — and Some Unexpected Confusion in Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-yard-sale-may-2026/): Update: This event has been postponed due to weather and will now take place on Saturday, May 31, 2026. It started with a ... Read more
- [Need Memorial Day Weekend Plans? Consider This](https://montclairpod.com/need-memorial-day-weekend-plans-consider-this/): Memorial Day weekend in Montclair is one of the better long weekends to stay local. The shore crowds thin out the town, outdoor spaces open up and the restaurants are full without being impossible. Here's a roundup of activities and events happening  May 23 through 26. Note: We have done our best to confirm hours and availability for the weekend, but schedules can vary on holidays. It's worth a quick check before heading out.
- [You Can Look Up Who First Lived in Your Montclair House. Here's How](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-home-history-research/): Every house in Montclair has a paper trail. Pull the right city directory off the shelf at the Montclair History Center’s Clark ... Read more
- [What Montclair's Two Zip Codes Are Really Telling You](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-zip-code-history/): Your ZIP code is a piece of postal logistics. It tells a mail carrier which post office handles your block. The system ... Read more
- [Glenfield Middle Schoolers Launch Their Own Podcast — and Guess Who Inspired it?](https://montclairpod.com/glenfield-middle-school-podcast/): Four eighth-graders at Glenfield Middle School are producing, hosting and writing original theme music for a brand-new student podcast. Before they recorded ... Read more
- [Inside the Montclair History Center: The Segregated Y, the Ghost and the Directory That Knows Your House](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-history-center/): Somewhere in a research library on Orange Road, your house has a record. Not your house exactly, but the lot it sits ... Read more
- [NJ Transit Weekend Service? Montclair Residents Say: Yes, Please.](https://montclairpod.com/nj-transit-weekend-service-montclair-residents-say-yes-please-like-yesterday/): A newly released township survey on NJ Transit weekend rail service makes one thing abundantly clear: Montclair residents want more trains, shorter waits, and a transit system that better reflects how people actually live in town. The survey, which gathered resident feedback on weekend rail service and broader transportation habits, found strong support for expanded NJ Transit service into and out of Montclair — particularly on weekends, when many riders say current schedules are too infrequent and unreliable.
- [The Complete Guide to Summer Camps Within 5 Miles of Montclair, NJ](https://montclairpod.com/summer-camps-near-montclair-2026/): Picking a summer camp in or near Montclair is a big decision — and a costly one. The good news: the options inside a roughly five-mile radius are unusually deep, from a $50/day municipal camp in Glen Ridge to flexible drop-in days at Steve & Kate's, to specialty programs at the Montclair Art Museum, Montclair Film, MKA, and the Yogi Berra Museum at Montclair State University.
- [Montclair This Week: Sports Fundraising Milestone, Porchfest Returns, NJ Transit Frustrations & More](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-this-week-sports-fundraising-milestone-porchfest-returns-nj-transit-frustrations-more/): From a major fundraising push to save freshman sports to Porchfest taking over front lawns across town this weekend, here’s what’s happening ... Read more
- [The Drummer Next Door: Kevin March on Rock 'n' Roll, School of Rock & Why Montclair Is a Creative Island](https://montclairpod.com/kevin-march-school-of-rock-montclair-gbv/): He was a New York musician with New York contacts — drummer for Guided by Voices, veteran of the Dambuilders and Shudder to Think, he's toured, played on film scores and is generally considered one of the great indie drummers. Suburban New Jersey was not obviously the next chapter. 
- [Montclair’s Mystery Snow Piles Are Gone. But Questions Remain.](https://montclairpod.com/montclairs-mystery-snow-piles-are-gone-but-questions-remain/): Back in February, after Montclair was hit with nearly 19 inches of snow, the township faced a logistical problem: where to put ... Read more
- [Montclair School Board Approves 2026–27 Budget, Announces Fewer Layoffs Than Expected](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-school-board-approves-2026-27-budget-announces-fewer-layoffs-than-expected/): Last night, the Montclair Board of Education approved the district’s $179 million budget for the 2026–2027 school year, finalizing a spending plan ... Read more
- [When Everybody in Town Came Out: Brenda Smith Williams on Growing Up a Montclair Sports Fan](https://montclairpod.com/brenda-smith-williams-on-growing-up-a-montclair-sports-fan/): A lifelong Montclair resident recalls the football games, the pep rallies, the raccoon coats, and the spirit that defined her youth in ... Read more
- [Parents Race to Save Montclair Sports by June 1](https://montclairpod.com/parents-race-to-save-montclair-sports-by-june-1/): Montclair Public Schools is in the middle of a severe budget crisis, and athletics is one of the casualties. As part of a $257,000 cut to sports, clubs, and extracurricular programs for the 2026-27 school year, the district is eliminating freshman sports entirely and slashing the athletic department budget by $176,000 — cuts that affect coaching positions, away game travel, and security staffing at home events across virtually every sport at Montclair High School. A newly formed parent-led nonprofit, the Montclair Athletics Blue and White Club, is trying to stop it
- [Rewriting the Rules of Local News: Inside The Local Girl’s Growth Story](https://montclairpod.com/rewriting-the-rules-of-local-news-inside-the-local-girls-growth-story/): Photo Credit: Jennifer Tripucka/The Local Girl Media In an era defined by the steady erosion of local newsrooms, Jennifer Tripucka is building ... Read more
- [From Dealing in Waikiki to the Montclair PTA: Nikki Mammano's Breaking Good](https://montclairpod.com/nikki-mammano-breaking-good/): The Montclair Pod sat down with the local author whose story of addiction, survival, and reinvention is unlike anything you’ve heard at ... Read more
- [Watchung Booksellers Awarded Top Indie Bookstore Across America](https://montclairpod.com/watchung-booksellers-awarded-top-indie-bookstore-across-america/): It’s hard for me to talk about Montclair without talking about Watchung Booksellers. When my family moved here in 2020, I was ... Read more
- [Supper with the Super: Ruth Turner on the Budget, the Audit & Why She Feels Burden — Not Power](https://montclairpod.com/supper-with-the-super-mesob/): For the second installment of our Supper with the Super series, Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner chose Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue. Over a communal platter, we spent more than an hour talking about the budget, trust, the forensic audit, and what Montclair students will actually experience differently in September. 
- [The Oldest Restaurants in Montclair (& Why They're Still Great!)](https://montclairpod.com/the-oldest-restaurants-in-montclair-nj/): Montclair has over 200 restaurants and a reputation, well-earned, as one of the premier dining towns in New Jersey. New places open ... Read more
- [Raising Kids, Caring for Parents, and Finding Yourself in Between](https://montclairpod.com/raising-kids-caring-for-parents-and-finding-yourself-in-between/): Navigating the “sandwich generation” means raising children while caring for aging parents—a balancing act filled with stress, guilt, and constant decision-making. Psychotherapist Maris Pasquale Doran shares strategies for managing the emotional load, from mindfulness and nervous system regulation to finding community and support.
- [Meet Jersey Girl Thrift: The Clothing Swap That's Turning Montclair's Closets Into Community](https://montclairpod.com/jersey-girl-thrift-clothing-swap/): The most recent Jersey Girl Thrift event at Lackawanna Plaza sold out. Completely. And if you missed it, you weren’t alone — ... Read more
- [Spring Has Sprung: Your Guide to Shopping Small in Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/spring-shopping-guide-montclair-nj/): The closet doesn’t lie. One morning it’s January layers, and the next, you’re standing there with no idea how to dress for ... Read more
- [The Essentials of Estate Planning for Montclair Families](https://montclairpod.com/the-essentials-of-estate-planning-for-montclair-families/): Estate planning is no longer just about what happens after you die. Lawyer Laurie Hauptman emphasizes that the most important documents are often the ones that protect you and your family while you are still alive.
- [Aging in Montclair: Community, Connection, and What It Means to Grow Older Today](https://montclairpod.com/aging-in-montclair-community-connection-and-what-it-means-to-grow-older-today/): As Aging in Montclair highlights, many older residents face loneliness and isolation, making community connection essential as they age. Through social engagement and advocacy, the group helps adults over 60 stay active, heard, and connected, giving them a renewed sense of purpose in Montclair.
- [Sen. Andy Kim on Aging, Caregiving Costs, and How Families Are Feeling the Toll](https://montclairpod.com/sen-andy-kim-on-aging-caregiving-costs-and-how-families-are-feeling-the-toll/): This conversation highlights how caregiving for aging loved ones is becoming a widespread financial and emotional burden, particularly as long-term care costs rise faster than wages and insurance coverage. It also underscores growing gaps in the U.S. system, where families are often left navigating complex medical, financial, and legal decisions with limited support from Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance.
- [Montclair Council Approves 30-Year PILOT for Lackawanna Plaza](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-council-approves-30-year-pilot-for-lackawanna-plaza/): Montclair’s town council has officially approved a 30-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for the redevelopment of Lackawanna Plaza, marking a major milestone for one of the town’s most closely watched projects.
- [What Is Lymphatic Drainage? Inside a Growing Wellness Trend in Montclair](https://montclairpod.com/what-is-lymphatic-drainage-inside-a-growing-wellness-trend-in-montclair/): Mend Lymphatic Wellness Center is a wellness studio founded by Rena Ambrose. Mend specializes in manual lymphatic drainage, a gentle therapy designed to help the lymphatic system move fluid more efficiently.
- [Montclair Schools Approve $158.9M Budget: Cuts, Additions, a Major Building Shift and What It Means for Your Tax Bill](https://montclairpod.com/montclair-schools-approve-budget-2026-2027/): The Montclair Board of Education has approved a preliminary $158.9 million operating budget for the 2026–2027 school year, a plan built under ... Read more
- [The Latest with the Superintendent: Renaissance, the Magnet System & State Funding](https://montclairpod.com/the-latest-with-the-superintendent-a-reinvestment-at-renaissance-school-protecting-the-magnet-system-and-a-state-funding-boost/): Superintendent Ruth B. Turner opened up over a meal at Italiana by ZOD, sharing candid insights on everything from district leadership and school funding to her favorite ’90s rap artists. Between the flavorful dishes and frank conversation, the community got a rare glimpse into both her professional priorities and personal side.
- [NPR's David Folkenflik’s Fight for Safer Streets](https://montclairpod.com/nprs-david-folkenfliks-fight-for-safer-streets/): Montclair resident David Folkenflik has long warned about dangerous intersections in town, citing risky driving patterns that endanger both motorists and pedestrians. Following his advocacy and the adoption of Vision Zero, Montclair has upgraded key intersections, making streets safer while highlighting the need for ongoing civic attention and accountability.
- [Navigating Montclair, NJ Safely: Biking, Walking, and Transit](https://montclairpod.com/navigating-montclair-nj-safely-biking-walking-and-transit/): Montclair, New Jersey, is advancing street safety and accessibility through long-term planning, community engagement, and innovative programs like Vision Zero, expanded cycling infrastructure, and the Bike Bus. By promoting walking, biking, rolling, and public transit alongside accommodating drivers, the township seeks to reduce traffic injuries, lower emissions, ease congestion, and build a healthier, more connected community.

## Pages

- [Events](https://montclairpod.com/events/)
- [Build a Profitable Podcast Application](https://montclairpod.com/build-a-profitable-podcast-app/): Build a Profitable Podcast 4-Month group mentorship program to help YOU turn your podcast into a meaningful income stream AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS ... Read more
- [Build a Profitable Podcast](https://montclairpod.com/build-a-profitable-podcast/): Build a Profitable Podcast 4-Month group mentorship program to help YOU turn your podcast into a meaningful income stream AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS ... Read more
- [Mentorship](https://montclairpod.com/mentorship/): BUILD A PROFITABLE POD You don’t need another course.You need a clear revenue strategy, expert mentorship, and real accountability to turn your ... Read more
- [Editorial Policy](https://montclairpod.com/ai-editorial-policy/): Our Commitment to Authentic Storytelling at The Montclair Pod At The Montclair Pod, our passion lies in bringing you engaging and informative ... Read more
- [Partnerships](https://montclairpod.com/partnerships/): Partnerships At The Montclair Pod, we love building creative, meaningful partnerships with the brands, organizations, and people who make Montclair move. Contact ... Read more
- [Guides](https://montclairpod.com/guides/): Montclair Shop Small Guide Discover Montclair’s independent shops with our curated guide by category. From fashion and gifts to books, home goods, ... Read more
- [Listen](https://montclairpod.com/listen/): Latest Episodes 1 2 Next »
- [About](https://montclairpod.com/about/): About Us The Montclair Pod is an award-winning podcast that offers a weekly deep dive into the stories, issues, and buzz shaping ... Read more
- [Home](https://montclairpod.com/): More Posts 1 2 3 … 22 Next » About The Montclair Pod The Montclair Pod is an award-winning podcast offering a ... Read more
- [Terms of Service](https://montclairpod.com/terms-of-service/): Last updated: May 2025 Please read these Terms of Service (“Terms”) carefully before using The Montclair Pod website (the “Service”) operated by ... Read more
- [Privacy Policy](https://montclairpod.com/privacy-policy/): Last updated: May 2025 The Montclair Pod (“us”, “we”, or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. ... Read more
- [Contact](https://montclairpod.com/contact/): Contact We’d love to hear from you! Have questions, feedback, or just want to say hello? We’re here! Fill out the form ... Read more
- [Read](https://montclairpod.com/blog/)

## Optional

- [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/montclairpod.com/mcp)

[comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)