City of Montclair Township

What is your age and where were you born?  I was born in 75 years ago in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

When did you move to Montclair and why?  I moved to Montclair in July of 1986 from the Upper West Side of NYC. We moved as a way to avoid the costs of living in the city and it allowed me to be at home with my son. We asked a friend originally from Clifton where we could find an integrated town with sidewalks. She recommended Montclair.

Are you currently employed?  If so, doing what?  If you had a career, what was it?  I am a retired social worker, having worked in the field for 51 years in different cities and in different roles.  Most recently I was on the Child Study Team in the Montclair Public Schools.

How are you currently engaged in the community?  When my son was in young, I was much involved in volunteering in the public schools and made many wonderful friends during that time.  I do less volunteering now and enjoy having the time to keep up these friendships.  My most fun comes from driving cross country for extended periods visiting friends and relatives.  However, I particularly enjoy learning a broader and more detailed history of our country while meeting a variety of people with a variety of perspectives. I also enjoy spending time catching up on all the books and movies I’ve missed.

What organizations or clubs are you affiliated with or a member of?  I am a member of the Montclair Women’s Club and the Montclair Historical Society and have just become a co-president of the Montclair Women’s Club.

Have you done any volunteer work? If so what type and with what organization? I was PTA co-president at Nishuane School and then PTA Council co-president.  As co-presidents Valerie Sweatt and I arranged for a state grant to support weekly Sunrise Seminars on Race at the high school, open to the public.  With the support of Dr. Jeanne Pryor, former assistant to the superintendent of Montclair schools, I organized an afterschool homework support program, in conjunction with Montclair University students, at several community sites around town.

What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned throughout your life?   Be kind. Don’t assume.  Try to look at life through other people’s eyes as well as your own.  Your relationships with others are your true wealth and legacy.  But also take good care of your needs and dreams.

What is your mantra or words you live by?  I love the quote from Bryan Stevenson, “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”

What are your plans for future? How does Montclair fit into these plans?   I’m beginning to think about moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico to be near to my beloved son. I will miss my friends here so much but plan to give them a place to visit and will drive back to visit them.