editor ’ sletter
In this issue ofMontclair Magazine , wefeature an eye-catching project in an article with the subtitle “ Media professional Erika Bleiberg creates an art exhibit that ’ s peak Montclair .” What is “ peak Montclair ,” you ask ? Allow me to elaborate . The piece is about aproject called # journalismmatters — afoundational belief in this town — and describes how an area resident paints portraits of journalists ’ pets to honor the work their owners do . “ No strings attached — just arandom act of kindness in this challenging world ,” says Bleiberg .
Ilove this story , because to me , it highlights so much of what Montclair is about . Locals who don ’ t work in media are still likely to be informed and interested in the world around them . And unscientific but anecdotal evidence — Iwalk my dog afew times aday — suggests we ’ re atown that treasures its pets . Plus Bleiberg ’ s desire to thank professionals who do increasingly tough work is an example ofthe awareness residents have about the need to give back .
Maybe this is something Montclair residents do : They broaden each other ’ s horizons . Archie Gottesman , who spent her childhood here , has used her considerable marketing skills to co-found and operate JewBelong , anonprofit dedicated to Jewish inclusion and fighting antisemitism ( we cover her efforts in “ You Should Know that JewBelong ”). Her work is also seriously funny . How does she do it ? To find out , kindly open these pages and start reading . ■
contents
BUZZWORTHY p . 4
News and updates
NEIGHBORS p . 8
9things you should know about David Galef
CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER
ANEW HOME WITH OLD-WORLD CHARM p . 12
Designer Kate Mazza brings vintage beauty to an 18-year-old home
YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT JEWBELONG p . 18
Archie Gottesman ’ s national nonprofit markets the joys and challenges of Judaism
TOP DOCTORS & DENTISTS 2023 p . 24
Special advertising section
JOURNALISTS AND THEIR FOUR-LEGGED MUSES p . 39
Media professional Erika Bleiberg creates an art project that ’ s peak Montclair
MAGAZINE
BACK TO SCHOOL 2023
PUBLISHED BY North Jersey Media Group
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NEW JERSEY STATE EDITOR / USA TODAY NETWORK Hollis R . Towns
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ON THE COVER : ADAYBED IN THIS PRIMARY BEDROOM DESIGNED BY KATE MAZZA HAS ENOUGH ROOM FOR A FAMILY OF READERS . PHOTO COURTESY OF JACOB SNAVELY
2 BACK TOSCHOOL 2023 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE