The Making of The Montclair Girl, Book Buzz & a Church Street Mystery

The Endless BOE Meeting, Toni's Kitchen Under Pressure & Is Montclair an “Interracial Wakanda?”

This week on The Montclair Pod, we go inside a Board of Ed meeting that ran past 1 a.m. — and somehow still ended with a discussion about how to make meetings more efficient. We also hear from outgoing student rep Wyatt Foster, who's heading to Brown in the fall and has plenty to say. Then we sit down with Anne Mernin, Executive Director of Toni's Kitchen, about what the SNAP cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill actually mean for families in Montclair. Plus: a viral Substack post has labeled us "interracial Wakanda," Pride Fest has a new new date, Eclectic Chic Boutique is closing, the Fieldstone tree story gets an update, and a Father's Day dinner at Sam's Table. Oh, and it's graduation day. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! In this episode: * The BOE meeting that would not end — executive session ran 2+ hours before the public meeting even started, and the whole thing wrapped past 1 a.m. * Student rep Wyatt Foster on the board, the budget crisis, district consolidation, and what he's taking to Brown * Anne Mernin of Toni's Kitchen on SNAP cuts, food insecurity in the suburbs, and what communities can actually do * The CBO projects up to 47,000 NJ residents could lose SNAP benefits in a given month — a number larger than Montclair and Glen Ridge combined * A public comment session on the district's use of the IHRA antisemitism definition drew a broad coalition of critics — including representatives from both CAIR and J Street * Tech updates from the district: internet upgraded to 10GB (free), e-rate-funded network switches, new security cameras, Chromebooks going cart-based in K–5, predictive text disabled, AI guidelines in the works, and a student-built data dashboard * Fieldstone trees update: the township responds, four trees confirmed removed, a new tree protection ordinance in the works * Eclectic Chic Boutique closing July 24 after eight years on Bloomfield Ave * Pride Fest has a new new date: October 11, National Coming Out Day, at Lackawanna Station * Stay Sassy Substack's Jersey suburb power rankings: Montclair = "interracial Wakanda." We'll take it. * Father's Day dinner recap at Sam's Table — Cape Verde tied Uruguay, the lobster pasta was great, and the burger got a very enthusiastic endorsement FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: * Toni's Kitchen [https://toniskitchen.org/] * MESH Montclair [https://www.wearemesh.org/] * Human Needs Food Pantry [https://www.humanneedsfoodpantry.org/] * Out Montclair / Pride Fest [https://outmontclair.org/montclair-pride/] * Eclectic Chic Boutique [https://theeclecticchicboutique.com/] * Sam's Table [https://www.samstablenj.com/] * Stay SaaSy: Jersey Suburbs Post [https://x.com/staysaasy/status/2068122843926192226] * June 17 BOE Meeting Agenda [https://www.montclair.k12.nj.us/board_of_education/agendas] * Our Fieldstone tree story [https://montclairpod.com/montclair-fieldstone-trees-sidewalk-ordinance/] * Our earlier Pride Fest coverage [https://montclairpod.com/montclair-pride-fest-2026-postponed-august-1/] FOLLOW US * Watch the show: YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@themontclairpod] * Join our weekly newsletter [https://montclairpod.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=5df4477ae0c43750cd4455b00&id=ea8bfef5d3] and stay in the know * Follow us on Instagram @themontclairpod [https://www.instagram.com/themontclairpod/] * Follow us on NewsBreak [https://www.newsbreak.com/m/the-montclair-pod-353766224] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Supper with the Super: Tax Hike, Juneteenth Mishap & the Stalled Forensic Audit. Plus: Jackie's Reopens & Java Love Celebrates 15

This week on The Montclair Pod [http://www.montclairpod.com], we're serving up a packed episode featuring school budget questions, local food news, community concerns, and a few major updates from around town. For the latest installment of Supper with the Super, we sat down with Montclair Schools Superintendent Ruth B. Turner at Turtle + the Wolf for an honest conversation about the issues residents are talking about most: the forensic audit, the Juneteenth lunch menu controversy, the search for a permanent business administrator, and the school tax increase that's moving forward despite voters rejecting Question 2. Plus, Mike accidentally becomes Montclair's unofficial tree correspondent after witnessing the removal of several large trees in the Fieldstone neighborhood—and hearing firsthand from residents who are upset about what happened. And because this is Montclair, we spend plenty of time talking about food. In this episode: * Why school taxes are rising despite voters rejecting Question 2 * The latest on the stalled forensic audit, business administrator search, and upcoming tech policies * Updates on special education, transportation changes, and the Juneteenth lunch menu controversy * The debate over tree removals in Fieldstone [https://montclairpod.com/montclair-fieldstone-trees-sidewalk-ordinance/] and Montclair's proposed tree preservation ordinance * New developments in the ICE detention cases involving pastry chef Leonardo Argoti Rubio and Montclair resident Alba * A look inside Montclair's food scene: Java Love's 15-year journey, the reopening of Jackie's, and Mike's review of Ani Ramen's new sushi menu * New features on The Montclair Pod website, including our community events calendar [https://montclairpod.com/events/] FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: * Turtle + The Wolf [https://turtleandthewolf.com/] * Java Love [https://javaloveroasters.com/] * Jackie's [https://www.jackiesgrilletteonline.com/] * Ani Ramen [https://www.aniramen.com/] Have a question for a future edition of Supper with the Super? Send us a DM [http://www.instagram.com/themontclairpod] or email us [hello@montclairpod.com]—we're collecting listener questions now for our next conversation with Ms. Turner in August. FOLLOW US •Watch the Show: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@themontclairpod]. •Join our weekly newsletter [https://montclairpod.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=5df4477ae0c43750cd4455b00&id=ea8bfef5d3] and stay in the know •Follow us on Instagram @themontclairpod [http://www.instagram.com/themontclairpod]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Clementina Opens Uptown & We're Obsessed. Plus: Sushi at Ani + Ultimate Frisbee in Montclair

We have a very food-forward episode this week. We dive into our unforgettable dinner at Clementina, the new Adriatic-inspired Italian restaurant on Valley Road, and explain why we think it's one of the most exciting openings Montclair has seen in years. We share the remarkable origin story of chef and co-owner Michele Rocchi, whose dream of opening his own restaurant was sparked by an unexpected conversation with a guest while working on a luxury cruise ship. We also share the news that sushi is coming to Ani Ramen. Mike spotted signage inside Ani Ramen announcing an upcoming sushi program and spoke with partner Kat Reyes about what's coming next. And we spend time with the players, parents, and coaches behind Montclair Ultimate Frisbee, one of the town's fastest-growing youth sports communities. Farnoosh visits a middle-school practice at Brookdale Park and explores how a small local program grew into a thriving community that now competes at high levels and has launched its first girls team. In What the Hell Is Going on with That…We discuss the terms surrounding the date change for Pride Fest 206 in Montclair, organized by Out Montclair. In local news, we discuss Montclair State University's selection to operate New Jersey's public television stations, replacing the outgoing NJ PBS management arrangement. We also review the Historic Preservation Commission awards, and the latest updates involving ICE detentions affecting members of the local community. Resources and Links * Clementina [https://clementinamontclair.com/] * Montclair Ultimate Frisbee [https://www.montclairultimate.org/] * 162 Union Street Listing [https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/162-Union-St-Montclair-NJ-07042/38681561_zpid/] * Montclair Historic Preservation Commission [https://www.montclairnjusa.org/Government/Advisory-Committee-Boards-and-Commissions/Historic-Preservation-Commission] * GoFundMe campaign supporting Alba and her family [https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-albas-family-legal-living-expenses] * GoFundMe campaign supporting Leonardo Argoti ("Chef Leo") and his legal defense fund [https://www.gofundme.com/f/yxpmj4-bring-montclair-pastry-chef-leo-home?attribution_id=sl:32eb065f-5b91-473c-a728-8600a4c95fb3&lang=en_US&ts=1780361669&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_te-amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Montclair’s Best Bacon Egg and Cheese, World Cup Preview and What’s Up with the Forensic Audit?

This week on The Montclair Pod, we tackle some of the biggest conversations happening in town—from breakfast sandwiches to PrideFest, the World Cup, school finances, and a local immigration case that has touched many residents. THE GREAT MONTCLAIR BACON, EGG & CHEESE TASTE TEST After asking listeners for recommendations, we embarked on a highly scientific (and cholesterol-heavy) tour of six local favorites: Dutch’s, Hot Bagels Abroad, Ray’s, Minia’s, Sunrise, and Jefferson’s. We sampled them side-by-side, debated the merits of rolls versus bagels, crowned favorites, and explored what each sandwich says about Montclair itself. PRIDEFEST POSTPONED Out Montclair has postponed PrideFest from June 13 to August 1, citing rising costs, declining sponsorship support, and public safety concerns related to the opening weekend of the FIFA World Cup in New Jersey. We discuss the challenges of producing large-scale community events and what the late change means for vendors, attendees, and the broader community. FORENSIC AUDIT UPDATE Montclair Public Schools continue moving forward with a forensic audit tied to the district's nearly $20 million budget deficit. Superintendent Ruth B. Turner tells us the district is reviewing proposals and interviewing firms, but details remain limited for now. We discuss what residents hope the audit will uncover and invite listeners to submit questions for our upcoming installment of "Supper with the Super." ODDFELLOWS ARRIVES IN MONTCLAIR Farnoosh visits the newly opened OddFellows Ice Cream downtown, talks with the co-owner about why they chose Montclair, and explores some of the shop's more adventurous flavors. The Brooklyn-born brand officially opened its doors last weekend and is already generating buzz. THE WORLD CUP IS COMING With the FIFA World Cup arriving in New Jersey, we explore what it means for Montclair. We spotlight Sam's Table's transformation into a World Cup Café and welcome Montclair resident Greg Kahn, founder of GK Digital Ventures, to discuss the business, tourism, and economic opportunities surrounding one of the largest sporting events in the world. We also talk about traffic, visitors, local businesses, and whether World Cup ticket prices may actually come down. JAVA LOVE PARTNERSHIP We're excited to announce a new collaboration with Java Love. Look for co-branded Montclair Pod stickers on iced beverage cups around town featuring a QR code to learn more about the show and enter to win a $50 Java Love gift card. We'll also be partnering on several fun community stories throughout the summer. THIS WEEK'S NEWS ROUNDUP MFEE Honors Outstanding Educators CVS Shoplifting Highlights Cost-of-Living Pressures A Local Family Caught in the Immigration Debate LINKS & RESOURCES * Sam's Table World Cup Café Reservations  [exploretock.com/sams-table/experience/606553/summer-soccer-pop-up-neighborhood-wine-bar] * GK Digital Ventures [https://gkdigitalventures.com/] * Weston Winners Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) [https://www.mfee.org/post/mfee-announces-winners-of-the-2026-judy-weston-awards] * GoFundMe for Alba  [https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-albas-family-legal-living-expenses] SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS * Email: hello@montclairpod.com [hello@montclairpod.com] FOLLOW THE MONTCLAIR POD * The Montclair Pod Website [https://montclairpod.com/] * Instagram @themontclairpod [https://www.instagram.com/themontclairpod/] * Join our Newsletter ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Montclair Football Hits Refresh with New Coach. Plus: A New Uptown Music Fest + Pricier Parking

This week on The Montclair Pod, we dive into a surprisingly emotional episode about football, parking and civic spirit. First: Montclair parking is officially getting more expensive. Meter rates are rising for the first time in eight years, evening enforcement hours are expanding until 10 p.m., and surge-style pricing is coming to parts of downtown Thursday through Saturday nights. Mike and Farnoosh unpack what’s changing, why residents are frustrated, and why the “after 7 p.m. is free” era is officially over. We also get into the failed valet parking ordinance, the mysterious Warman Street overnight parking vote, and Farnoosh’s own parking ticket saga involving ParkMobile, the wrong car, and an upcoming possible Zoom court appearance. Then: Montclair High School football enters a new era. New head coach Manj Singh — a Montclair native and member of the 1994 state championship team — joins the show to talk about restoring the spirit of Mountie football, building a new feeder system, creating a true home-field atmosphere at Woodman Field, and why sports matter far beyond wins and losses. Plus: * Freshman sports funding is officially saved after the Blue and White Club raised more than $176,000 * Farnoosh reports from freshman sports orientation night at MHS * A new Uptown music festival is coming to Bellevue Avenue this fall * Dan Campeas previews Farmhouse Fried Chicken, opening soon in Upper Montclair * A disturbing assault involving a 14-year-old bicyclist * Another attempted luxury car theft tied to a Bloomfield Avenue car wash * MFEE’s “Minute to Win It” fundraiser returns to Lackawanna Plaza Resources & Mentions * Montclair parking ordinance updates and council meeting coverage [https://d3n9y02raazwpg.cloudfront.net/montclairnj/0d0f7cce-3e7e-11f1-bb28-005056a89546-fb19c21b-5e25-4634-955b-6f6fb6884b5e-1778899795.pdf] * Contesting a parking ticket in Montclair: Township parking portal [https://www.montclairnjusa.org/Government/Departments/Parking-Utility/Parking-Fines-Tickets] * Montclair Blue and White Athletics Club fundraising information [https://montclairblueandwhite.org/] * MFEE “Minute to Win It” fundraiser: mfee.org [https://www.mfee.org/minute-to-win-it] * Montclair Police Detective Bureau: 973-509-4721 * Montclair Police non-emergency line: 973-744-1234 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.