City of Montclair Township

What is your age and where were you born?  I was born and grew up in the East 70’s of NYC long before it became fashionable to live there. (88 years long ago).

When did you move to Montclair and why?  My dad left me a little money when he died, and I wanted to live in a place where I could go outside without going anywhere so I moved to Montclair in 1977 on recommendation of a friend.

Are you currently employed?  If so, doing what?  If you had a career, what was it?  In 1972 I helped start and became a major shareholder in a carpenter contracting business working primarily in the offices in Rockefeller Center and for Holland America. Retired in 2000.

How are you currently engaged in the community?  I have been a member of the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee since 2003 and served officially and unofficially as recording secretary until 2016.

What organizations or clubs are you affiliated with or a member of?  Member of AARP and volunteer for various events. I belong to an organization called Sr. America which holds a pageant for ladies 60 and better. I have worked backstage in both the national and Virginia pageants since 2001.

Have you done any volunteer work? If so what type and with what organization?  I volunteer with Jazz House Kids at the Jazz Fest held in Nishuane Park every August and at their office helping to get out mailings. I am a Friend of Montclair Public Library and volunteer at both branches for various events.

What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned throughout your life?  I have learned that most people are really kind and generous if you allow them to be. That sounds so simple, but I get acts of kindness all the time.

What is your mantra or words you live by?  I try to pay back for all the good deeds I have received and pay forward for those yet to come.

What are your plans for future? How does Montclair fit into these plans?  I plan to live here in Montclair for the rest of my life. It is a great place where I am known and greeted by so many people every day. I am home.