The Montclair Pod

This week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh Torabi and Mike Schreiber ask what it takes to keep youth sports affordable in Montclair. Their reported package features Peter Daddabbo, who has spent 18 years helping run Montclair United Soccer Club; Michael-John Van Rhyn, who started Montclair Ultimate when his son couldn't find a middle school team; and the volunteers and donors who kept Clary Anderson Arena open. It's set against a national backdrop of rising costs and private equity money moving into clubs, facilities and game streaming.Next, it's closing weekend of the Montclair Film Festival. Farnoosh and Mike recap opening weekend at the Clairidge and the Bellevue, hear from festival photographer Kareem Wilder and Bellevue venue manager Will Kuhn, and preview what's still to come, including Ava DuVernay, Jesse Eisenberg's "The Debut" and closing-night film "Behemoth!" They also run through this weekend's games, from the Essex County cross country championships to Montclair State's Senior Day doubleheader.Also this week: a new "What the Hell" on the drop-off pileup around the new Pre-K on Chestnut Street, Kelly Clarkson's feud with a Brooklyn toy store and how the Pod decides when a bad customer experience is news, Mike's transformation into a zombie, Sam's Table chef Sam Stymest up for New Jersey Chef of the Year, and free water meter replacements for some Montclair households.In this episodeWhat does it take to keep youth sports affordable in Montclair? Montclair United, Clary Anderson Arena and Montclair UltimateKelly Clarkson, the $15,000 mechanical bird and when a bad customer experience is actually newsMike's zombie transformation at East Side MagsWhat the Hell: the Pre-K drop-off pileup on Chestnut StreetNews: this weekend's games, Sam Stymest's Chef of the Year nomination and free water meter replacementsMontclair Film Festival: opening weekend recap and closing weekend previewThis weekend's games (Oct. 23–25)Essex County Cross Country Championships (Super Essex Conference)MaxPreps: Montclair High School boys footballMaxPreps: Montclair High School boys soccerMaxPreps: MKA boys footballMaxPreps: MKA boys soccerMontclair State women's volleyball scheduleMontclair State men's soccer scheduleEssex News Daily: Essex County girls soccer tournamentEssex News Daily: Essex County boys soccer tournamentMontclair Local: MHS field hockey and the county tournamentNewsNJRHA Awards: Vote for the 2026 Chef of the Year (Sam Stymest, Sam's Table)Sam's TableTownship of Montclair: Water Meter Replacement NoticeSchedule your free meter replacement with MeterTek Utility Services: 833-505-5412 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.) or schedule onlineFollow us & Get in TouchWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletterFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreakSee something in Montclair that needs fixing? Email fixit@montclairpod.com with details and photos.Story ideas? hello@montclairpod.com

This week on The Montclair Pod, Farnoosh Torabi and Mike Schreiber revisit the Pod's first candidate forum, co-hosted with MPACT, featuring the six candidates running for three open seats on the Montclair Board of Education in the Nov. 3, 2026, election. They play two exchanges: how each candidate voted in the March school referendum, and what academic success should look like for Montclair students. Then they talk through what surprised them. Farnoosh also owns up to a Google Form mishap with the councilor-at-large candidates.Next, longtime friend Allison Fishman Task, a Montclair career coach and former TV cook, joins the show. Her videos went viral after she described what she says she reported about Cornell fraternities as a freshman more than 30 years ago. They come as Cornell University faces a new lawsuit and a reopened criminal investigation. Content note: this conversation involves allegations of sexual assault.Also this week: a new "What the Hell" on why the YMCA stairs in downtown Montclair were closed for months, NJ Transit's five-week Midtown Direct diversion to Hoboken, a proposed protected bike lane on Glenridge Avenue, the Montclair Township newsletter you probably didn't know existed, and Darryl "DMC" McDaniels of Run-DMC headlining a Montclair Helps fundraiser. Farnoosh recaps her yard sale, which Mike missed.Board of Education candidate forumThe Montclair Pod: Montclair Board of Education Election 2026: Meet the CandidatesYouTube: The full MPACT x Montclair Pod candidate forumMPACT: Montclair BOE governance reportThe Montclair Pod: Is Our Board of Ed Working? With MPACT's Dan HafetzCouncilor-at-large raceThe Montclair Pod: Mariana Horta: Seven Questions for Montclair's Councilor-at-Large CandidatesThe Montclair Pod: Antoinette "Toni" Martin: Seven Questions for Montclair's Councilor-at-Large CandidatesThe Montclair Pod: Kyle Porro: Seven Questions for Montclair's Councilor-at-Large CandidatesTownship of Montclair: 2026 General Election (Municipal Vacancy: Councilor-at-Large)Allison Fishman Task on CornellThe Montclair Pod: A Cornell Alumna Spoke About What She Saw. Now She Wants Parents to Talk About Consent.Instagram: Allison Fishman Task's first video about CornellInstagram: Allison Fishman Task's follow-up videoInstagram: @allisontaskcoachAllisonTask.com: About AllisonIBTimes UK: Cornell Alum Says She Reported Disturbing Fraternity 'Spy Room' 30 Years AgoRAINN: National Sexual Assault Hotline, 800-656-HOPEWhat the Hell resourcesSee something in Montclair that needs fixing? Email fixit@montclairpod.com with details and photos.YouTube: The Bloodhound Gang theme from PBS's 3-2-1 ContactNewsThe Montclair Pod: Portal Bridge Work Sends Montclair Commuters to Hoboken for Five WeeksNJ Transit: Portal cutover schedules and ticket guidanceThe Montclair Pod: Glenridge Avenue Cycle Track Design Goes Before Residents Oct. 28Township of Montclair: Glenridge Avenue Cycle Track Community Meeting, Oct. 28NJDEP: Essex-Hudson GreenwayThe Montclair Pod: Montclair Has a Township Newsletter. Who Knew?Township of Montclair: October 2026 Township Newsletter (PDF)Everbridge: Sign up for the Montclair Township newsletter and alertsThe Montclair Pod: 11 Big Takeaways From Montclair's New Jitney ReportEventsThe Montclair Pod: Clean-Life Living in Montclair Puts DMC on Stage for Montclair HelpsZeffy: Tickets for Clean-Life LIVING, Saturday, Oct. 24Montclair HelpsThe Montclair Pod: Montclair's School District Referendum Is Now a Documentary (screening Oct. 21 at Just Jake's

Six candidates. Three open seats on Montclair’s Board of Education. Who’s asking for your vote—and what do they hope to accomplish?In this bonus episode, The Montclair Pod partners with MPACT, Montclair Partnership for Accountability, Clarity and Trust, to host a forum featuring all six candidates: Andrew W. Gideon, Ayelet Haran, David Moon, Corey Pierson, Richard Reynics and George Simpson. Whether you have children in the district or not, school board decisions help shape our schools, our spending and the future of Montclair. This conversation offers a chance to get beyond the lawn signs before Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.

A nor’easter pushed Uptown Sound back a week, and it still drew a huge crowd. Mike and Farnoosh recap the festival and talk with organizers Dan Campeas and Dayana Ordonez. Plus, filmmaker Craig Schattner on his school-funding documentary Referendum, a What the Hell on the parking ticket cameras headed to Montclair, a shakeup in the Board of Ed race, Church Street comings and goings, and more.In this episodeUptown Sound recap and a conversation with organizers Dan Campeas and Dayana OrdonezCraig Shattner on his documentary Referendum, with a screening at Just Jake’s on Oct. 21What the Hell: parking ticket cameras are coming to MontclairNews: a Board of Ed candidate withdraws, pink paint on Maple Avenue, and Chip City closes as Oggi Gelato opens on Church StreetEvents: Emily Ladau at the Montclair Art MuseumWhat the Hell resourcesMontclair Local: Belleville Has Them. Montclair Is Next: Parking Ticket Cameras Expand in N.J.PIX11: SafetySticks popping up in towns across NJMorristown Green: Cameras catch alleged camera vandal in Morristown SafetyStick pilotCBS New York: Assemblyman says NJ red light camera program brought no improvements6ABC: End is near for red light cameras in New JerseyNew Jersey Legislature: S3218, the School Zone Automated Speed Enforcement and Safety ActNewsMontclair Local: Brandie Bookhart withdraws from the Board of Education race [LINK TK]The Hoboken Girl: Chip City Cookies Is Closing All Locations, Including Hoboken + MontclairThe Montclair Girl: New Gelateria Coming to Montclair at Former Oasis Clothing Boutique SpaceEventsMontclair Art Museum: Book Talk: Demystifying Disability with Emily Ladau, Monday, Oct. 19Tickets and books for the Emily Ladau event at The Montclair Art Museum

This week on The Montclair Pod, a chance encounter with Gov, Mikie Sherril, Montclair Film's Tom Hall previews the 2026 festival, and public tickets go on sale today. Plus: religious signs at a Bloomfield preschool, the lieutenant governor's resignation, a shuttle bus report, and the end(?) of the swim school saga.WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODEWe're Signal Awards finalists! Vote for us for Best Local News Podcast and Best Local News Episode by Oct. 15. Be sure to confirm your vote in Signal's email.What the Hell Is Going On With That? Foundations Prep parents push back on religious and political signs posted by Brookdale Christian Church, their landlord.Montclair Film Festival preview: Tom Hall on "Wild Horse Nine," Colbert's conversation with Eisenberg, Giamatti and Moore, why "Referendum" didn't make the cut, and his advice for getting tickets. (tickets)Montclair's jitney: What the township's interim report says about routes, fares and cost. (our 11 takeaways)Swim school denied: The Planning Board votes down SwimQuest on Valley Road. (full story)Lt. Gov. Caldwell resigns: What the investigation found, and how Gov. Sherrill fills the seat. (full story)Sabor Montclair: MFEE's takeout fundraiser, Saturday, Oct. 10. (reserve a meal)One Big Thing: The Fire Prevention Block Party at Nishuane Park runs 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday. Then Uptown Sound takes over Anderson Park, 2–8 p.m. (The Pod is a media partner of Uptown Sound.)Resources & LinksFrom our archive, Montclair Film: Our 2025 festival preview · Last year's episode with Tom Hall · The Arts in Montclair: Voices of the CreatorsFrom our archive, MFEE: Our past episodes with MFEE Executive Director Masiel Rodriquez-Vars: [LINK] / [LINK]Montclair Film's full 2026 programTownship shuttle bus reportFoundations Prep: Who We AreQuestions or tips? hello@montclairpod.comFollow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletterFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreak

This week, Supper with the Super is basically doing double duty as What the Hell Is Going On With That? — Montclair Schools Edition.We sit down with Montclair Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ruth B. Turner for a candid conversation about the first weeks of the new school year — and some of the biggest questions parents, students and taxpayers are asking right now.We get into the district’s financial picture, the latest on the forensic audit, concerns around IEPs and special education services, the new cell phone rules, changes in classroom technology, freshman sports — and the middle school dress code controversy, where Dr. Turner shares an important update about what happens next.We also talk about what feels different inside the district compared with this time last year, what still keeps the superintendent up at night, and what Montclair families should be watching as the school year unfolds.Then, in town news: another ICE enforcement action in Montclair, a potentially significant change involving the Municipal Building property, and we remember a Montclair-born Grammy and Tony Award-winning musician.Resources + Links MentionedMontclair Township: Current Road Closures & Traffic Impacts — because getting across town lately requires snacks and a contingency plan.Toros Restaurant — where we recorded this edition of Supper with the Super.

This week on The Montclair Pod, we dig into how the school district quietly updated the middle school dress code — and the very loud debate it's kicked off among parents, students, and now the Board of Ed. We hear from the 8th grader at Glenfield Middle School who started a petition over it. We also check back in on freshman sports: the community raised enough to bring them back this year, but is this a one-time rescue or an ongoing bill? Plus: your library card can save you money around town this month, two festivals close out September, a leadership shakeup at the BID, and Stephen Colbert's unexpected next act.WHAT'S IN THIS EPISODEDress code showdown: The middle schools updated their clothing policy, and it's led to a real fight over what counts as "appropriate length" and who decides. We read the policy, hear from parents on both sides of the debate, and sit down with Glenfield 8th grader Phoebe Chaffin, who started a petition calling on the district to reconsider it. (Montclair Pod: "An Eighth Grader Challenged Montclair's Middle School Dress Code. Now the District Is Taking Another Look" · see the community reaction on our Instagram)Freshman sports, the sequel: Blue & White Club co-founder Laura Quiros joins us to talk about what the community's fundraising push accomplished, what's still needed toward the club's $350K annual goal, and the bigger question — was this a one-time emergency save, or is Montclair signed up to keep funding freshman sports going forward? (more on the fundraising effort)Downtown leadership change: Montclair Center BID executive director Cesar Claro has stepped down, citing health reasons. (full story)Your library card just got more valuable: The Montclair Public Library's "Library Card Local Perks" program runs through September 30th — see the full list of participating businesses.Uptown Sound needs you: The inaugural Uptown Sound Music Festival hits Anderson Park on Saturday, September 26th, and organizers are still looking for volunteers (they'll feed you). Sign up here.Montclair Dance Festival returns: The second annual festival takes over the Wellmont Arts Plaza on Sunday, September 27th, with 35+ dance companies and schools performing. Get details and tickets.Stephen Colbert's next act: Turns out it's software. The Hollywood Reporter says Colbert's writers'-room startup, Scripto, just closed a $5 million seed round with backers including J.J. Abrams and Mark Cuban. (read the story)Saturday is the Upper Montclair Sidewalk Sale featuring local businesses and music Learn more.Follow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletterFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreak

This week, we sit down with comedian and Trump impersonator J-L. Cauvin — who also happens to be a full-time eviction prevention attorney and once ran for Congress in this district — to talk about his viral impression, why he never left the law, and what it was like campaigning against Anna Lilia Mejia. Plus: a Church Street development finally gets a tax-break green light, Montclair's water lines show a stark lead divide by ward, and we remember 9/11 and Gloria Steinem.In this episode:Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11 — Farnoosh and Mike share where they were that day, plus details on the Essex Remembers ceremony at Eagle Rock Reservation (8 a.m.)Remembering Gloria Steinem, who passed away last week at 93 — including Farnoosh's near-encounter with her on an Amtrak trainThe viral story of a Dallas-to-Newark flight diverted to Baltimore after a passenger was duct-taped to his seat; he's since lost his job and faces assault chargesJ.L. Cauvin — the Bloomfield-based comedian behind one of the internet's most popular Trump impersonations — on how his impression started in 2014, his day job as an eviction prevention attorney in the Bronx, and his 2025 run for Congress in the seat now held by Anna Lilia MejiaA commercial real estate update: the Township Council voted 5–1 to transfer a 30-year PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement for the long-stalled 59–65 Church Street development to new owner Dobco Group, with a facade deadline of October 31New reporting shows a stark ward-by-ward divide in lead service lines — about 10% in the third ward and 9.5% in the fourth, versus 5–7% in wards one and twoA public meeting is set for September 30 on a potential Montclair shuttle bus systemThe Montclair Public Library wants resident input on how to spend its $36.7 million state award for the South Fullerton and Bellevue Avenue branch renovationsThe townwide yard sale is set for September 20 — permits requiredMounties football notches its first win of the season, 18-8 over Bloomfield, under new head coach Manj SinghResources & LinksMatt Kadosh's reporting on the Church Street PILOT transfer — Montclair Local [https://montclairlocal.news/2026/08/montclair-advances-tax-break-transfer-for-long-stalled-church-street-project/]Corey McDonald's reporting on lead service lines by ward — Montclair Local NJ's 2021 lead service line replacement law Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Anderson's shuttle bus committee Instagram post — InstagramMontclair Public Library capital surveyTownwide yard sale sign-up & permit info [add link]Edward Kenzick's recap of the Mounties' first win — Montclair Local J.L. Cauvin on Instagram/YouTube Essex Remembers 9/11 ceremony details — Essex CountyQuestions or tips? hello@montclairpod.comFollow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletterFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreak

It's the first day of school, and we're digging into Montclair's new cell phone and Chromebook rules with Screen Aware Montclair co-founder Jordan Goldberg, breaking down the massive Meta settlement, and introducing you to Beltley — the brand-new "town" that popped up overnight in a field between Nutley and Belleville, whose founder has some choice words for Montclair. Plus: a loaded magazine (no gun) found at a West Orange movie theater, a new Italian steakhouse coming to town, a rough night for Mounties football, a Tupac tribute event, and a very special tease for next week's show.In this episode:First day of school for Montclair public schools; private schools are staggered, with MKA starting September 9 and Lacordaire on September 11WTH: police cleared a West Orange AMC theater mid-screening after finding a loaded gun magazine, plus a breakdown of how NJ's concealed carry "sensitive places" law (still tied up in the full Third Circuit) applies to movie theatersJordan Goldberg of Screen Aware Montclair on the district's "off-and-away" cell phone policy, a wild story about predictive text getting quietly turned on in a fourth-grade classroom, and how Montclair's rules stack up against South Orange-Maplewood's stricter, AI-blocking banMeta's $17.1 billion multistate settlement over addictive app design for kids — New Jersey's roughly $50–75 million-a-year cut, and why some say it barely dents Meta's ~$201 billion in 2025 revenueIntroducing Beltley: the micronation John "Cozz" Cozzarelli of Cozz Coffee declared in a field between Nutley and Belleville, plus his collab with comedian Chris Gethard, "Lord Let Me Die in Essex County"Three candidates — Mariana Horta, Kyle Porro, and Antoinette "Toni" Martin — have filed for Montclair's open at-large town council seat, up for a November voteDe Novo owner Demetri Malki is opening an Italian steakhouse, Cassaforte, in the old Chase Bank building on Bloomfield Avenue, targeting spring 2027Mounties football fell 42-7 to Ridgewood in the season opener, but showed real fight against a team playing its entire season on the road due to stadium issuesA preview of "2Pac Revisited," a full day of programming September 12 — including a Michael Eric Dyson panel — marking 30 years since Tupac Shakur's deathA tease for next week: Farnoosh and Mike say they landed an interview with President Trump — stay tuned, because it's not quite what it seemsResources & LinksScreen Aware MontclairNJ's "bell-to-bell" cell phone law (S-3695/A-4882) signed by Gov. Murphy — NJSBANJDOE updated bell-to-bell guidance (PDF)South Orange-Maplewood's tech policy goals — Village Green NJMeta's $17.1B child-safety settlement — NPRNY AG announcement on the Meta settlement coalition (incl. NJ)North Jersey man declares the town of Beltley — NJ 101.5Cozz declares new town in the Nutley-Belleville gap — News 12 NJCozz Coffee"Lord Let Me Die in Essex County" — Cozz & Chris Gethard (YouTube)NJ's sensitive-places gun law heads back to the full Third Circuit — NJ MonitorWho's running for Montclair's open town council seat — PatchDe Novo owner plans new Italian steakhouse Cassaforte — Montclair GirlMontclair Mounties football schedule — MaxPreps2Pac RevisitedQuestions or tips? hello@montclairpod.comFollow usWatch the show: YouTube ChannelJoin our weekly newsletterFollow us on Instagram @themontclairpodFollow us on NewsBreak