City of Montclair Township

What is your age and where were you born?  I am 74 years old and I was born in Brooklyn, NY.

When did you move to Montclair and why?  I moved to Montclair in 1997.  I was commuting to NYC from Monmouth County for 25 years. After selling my house, I moved to Montclair to shorten my commute. It was a no-brainer.

Are you currently employed?  If so, doing what?  If you had a career, what was it?  I retired but I am a student at Montclair State University and on schedule to receive a history degree this May. Prior to retirement, I worked in the N.Y. apparel industry in all aspects of garment manufacturing and sales. I also have a N.J. Real Estate license for the past twelve years.

How are you currently engaged in the community?  Attending MSU keeps me pretty busy, but I'm a member of the Montclair Museum and enjoy the wonderful programs they offer. I have taken a variety of courses offered by the Montclair Adult School, I also like to visit as many of Montclair's great restaurants as I can. I wrote a paper for school titled "Montclair, the Unofficial Restaurant Capital of New Jersey."

What organizations or clubs are you affiliated with or a member of?  I am a member of the Commonwealth Club in Upper Montclair.

Have you done any volunteer work? If so what type and with what organization?  I volunteered at Tony's Kitchen for several years. Now, I am a volunteer for the New York City Parks Department 'Auxiliary Mounted Patrol Unit,' that works with Parks officers patrolling parks in every borough on horseback. Quite exciting.

What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned throughout your life?   It's important not to judge people by how they look, or how they dress, but by what kind of person he or she is. Montclair is a diverse community and people of all races and faiths learn to get along. That's an important lesson I've taught my children to live by. 

What is your mantra or words you live by?  Stay active, eat healthy, enjoy living every day, and get a good night's sleep.

What are your plans for future? How does Montclair fit into these plans?  I have loved living in Montclair. It has so much to offer, however, my future plans are taking me to the mountains of North Carolina, where I hope to fill my days with lots of outdoor activities.