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Obituary: Angelina Festa
Angelina “Angie” (Moschella) Festa, of Verona, formerly of Montclair, died on July 6, 2024. She was 91. Mrs. Festa was born and raised in Montclair before moving to Verona in 1973. She worked at J.J. Newberry for many years and, upon retirement, as a lunch aide at Forest...
Montclair High Student Talks Sports on with ‘Phield Pass’ Podcast
The name Asher Miller might someday be in the pantheon of sports broadcasters like Joe Buck, Bob Costas and Jim Nantz. The rising senior at Montclair High School is already honing his trade. He has been interviewing numerous people in various aspects of the sports industry on his “Phield Pass” podcast.
Motion Filed to Stop Investigation of Firefighters and Montclair CFO
Attorney Roosevelt Nesmith filed a motion for a protective order Thursday demanding that Montclair terminate investigations of two Montclair firefighters—Battalion Chief and Capt. Steven Marshalleck and Capt. Makkari Sampson. The filing also demands that Montclair terminate its investigations on Chief Financial Officer Padmaja Rao. According to the motion, the...
Obituary: George James King Sr.
George James King Sr., of Upper Montclair and Normandy Beach, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on July 4, 2024. He was 86. Mr. King was born in 1937 in Jersey City to Veronica and Martin King. He graduated from St. Peter’s Prep (1954), St. Peter’s College (1959) and Columbia University Business School (1970).
Then and Now: St. Cassian Church
In this edition of “Then and Now,” we look at the history of 187 Bellevue Avenue. The original St. Cassian Church was built around 1900 on Norwood Avenue between Bellevue Avenue and Lorraine Avenue. It was reportedly constructed to serve the religious needs of the Irish “help” in Upper Montclair. Now, they wouldn’t have to travel all the way to the larger Immaculate Conception R.C. Church on North Fullerton Avenue.
Ani Chakravarthy Finds The Right Notes
Musical inclination is normal in Ani Chakravarthy’s family. His father plays the Mridangam; his mom plays the saxophone and flute; his older brother is a composer and violinist and his younger brother is a singer. Like his family, Chakravarthy is no stranger to facing the music. In kindergarten, he...
Obituary: Elbert Lindsey Maxwell
Elbert Lindsey Maxwell, longtime pastor of Union Baptist Church in Montclair and chaplain to the Montclair Fire Department, died on June 29, 2024. He was 83. Pastor Maxwell was born to the late Letha Bell and William Maxwell in 1940 in Brunswick, Georgia. Affectionately known as “Sonny” or “Max” by...
Acorn General Store: Sustainability With Vintage Treasures
Acorn General Store, which opened on July 3 at 41 Church Street, greets visitors with vintage lettering hinting at the unique treasures inside. Owners Darya Mishina and Jacob Baccus have introduced vintage and sustainable shopping to Montclair, a community that values both. For Mishina, a New Jersey native, opening the store in Montclair marks a meaningful accomplishment.
Obituary: Nicole Michele Peaks
Nicole Michele Peaks (Damm) of Montclair, head librarian for the Third Circuit Court in Newark and a lifelong, passionate devotee of dance, died on June 29, 2024. She was surrounded by her family and in the embrace of her beloved son, Kevin. She was 49 and had been battling breast cancer.
How Community Gardens Grow Happier, Healthier People and Stronger Neighborhoods
The social value of community gardens is often overlooked. A local environmental action, they have a global impact that extends beyond cultivating plants. In my personal experience of creating, managing, and developing community gardens for over 12 years—The Northeast Earth Coalition—I have seen the transformation of the people and communities participating in the program.
2024 Montclair Fourth of July Parade (PHOTOS)
The Montclair Celebrates July 4th Committee promised this year’s Montclair Fourth of July Parade would be fantastic, and they didn’t disappoint!. The community gathered along the parade route to celebrate Independence Day and cheer on the community groups marching. The annual event, full of local pride, featured fun...
MontClairVoyant: Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New (Council)
Today, July 4, is Independence Day. Does that celebrate the 72-hour anniversary of Montclair’s July 1 independence from its rocky 2020-2024 Township Council?. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are grateful to have died 198 years before your strange question. DEAR MONTCLAIRVOYANT,. Amazing that both men passed on July 4,...
Wellness on the Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex
Essex County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs is celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month this July with “Wellness on the Waterfront.”. Enjoy free fitness and yoga classes and concerts outdoors at the Clipper Pavilion in front of the Orange Reservoir at the Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex.
Police Release Photos of Suspect in Connection with Theft of Montclair Pride Flag
The Montclair Police Department has released security camera photos of a suspect in connection with the Pride flag theft last month. On June 7, the community raised the Pride flag on the corner of Church Street and Bloomfield Avenue. On Friday, June 14, a member of Out Montclair, a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group, reported it missing.
Local Flavor Face-Off: Key Lime Pie
In this “Local Flavor Face-Off,” we’re focusing on Florida’s official state pie—Key Lime Pie! Its buttery graham cracker crust, chilled tangy, sweet and creamy key lime filling and whipped cream topping make it the perfect pie to enjoy in summer. Fun fact: The pie may...
Montclair Residents Clash Over Mosquito Control Spraying
UPDATE: The original article contained inaccuracies regarding comments made by Lisa Johnson, the Environmental and Code Coordinator for the Township of Montclair. These comments have since been clarified. In a battle between lawn signs, Montclair residents have fueled a contentious debate on lawn treatments aimed at mosquito control. As more...
Montclair Modern Aging Collective Formed to Support New Senior Center
As work on the first-ever Center for Modern Aging begins, activists are beginning outreach to Montclair’s diverse community to form the Montclair Modern Aging Collective (MMAC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of modern agers through collaborative efforts and innovative programs. The formation of MMAC comes nearly...
Obituary: Francis Vincent Shaw III
Francis “Frank” Vincent Shaw III, a retired lieutenant of the Montclair Police Department, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a nearly two-year battle against pancreatic cancer on June 23, 2024. He was 73. Mr. Shaw was a Jersey boy to his core. Born in Glen Ridge in...
Montclair High School Baseball Kept ‘Train’ Rolling Despite Injuries
The Montclair High School baseball team could have easily pulled up stakes and called it a season this past spring. The Mounties fell to 7-6-1 near the end of April while being hit with a rash of injuries. “We lost three straight games and frankly were playing poorly,” said Montclair...
Sankofa Cafe: Hot Coffee, Cool Drinks, and a Warm Vibe in the South End
Walking into Sankofa Cafe, Montclair’s newest coffee shop, is a comforting blend of community and culture. And that’s precisely what Sankofa, an Adinkra symbol, is meant to convey: learning from the past. Jessica Troupe, a longtime Montclair resident, opened the doors for a soft opening on the day...
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