editor ’ s letter
When times are challenging — and this past year certainly qualifies as one of those times — weseek out the escapism , uplift and joy that entertainment and art can bring . Lucky for those of us in the Montclair area , there are more opportunities to enjoy creativity than there is time to do it .
The marquee event for October is the 10th anniversary Montclair Film Festival , back from its all-virtual ninth season with anexciting slate of new films , starting with the season opener , Wes Anderson ’ s The French Dispatch . In “ MFF X : Bigger , Bolder , and Still Beloved ,” Julia Martin reveals how the festival fulfilled its mission throughout COVID and where it ’ s going in the future — giving context to its triumphant return to in-person viewing .
The Montclair arts scene is celebrated for its fine artists , too , of course . In “ The Once and Future Art Colony ,” relative newcomerto-town Rebecca Russo explains what drew her here , while longtime resident Philemona Williamson shares what has kept her here .
We don ’ t want to define “ artistry ” too narrowly , though . The drive to create comes out in all kinds of ways , including apparel . In “ Just Sell It ,” you ’ ll meet Lucas Maher , owner of The Connect Clothing Store , who demonstrates how personal style can be expressed from the bottom up .
There ’ s more inventiveness and beauty to learn about in these pages — in cuisine , home design and even business models . If you want to feel inspired , just continue reading . ■
CONTENTS
FALL 2021
4 . BUZZWORTHY News and updates from around town
12 . 7THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT JOSE GERMAN-GOMEZ Montclair environmentalist gets food from gardens to tables of those in need
14 . THE COMFORTS OF HOME Renovated cottage is an oasis of calm as COVID descends
20 . MFF X : BIGGER , BOLDER , AND STILL BELOVED Montclair Film Festival returns for aspecial anniversary year
CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER
24 . JUST SELL IT The Connect Clothing Store brings style and community to Montclair
28 . THE ONCE AND FUTURE ART COLONY Alongtime resident and arecent arrival share why artists love Montclair
32 . TASTE OF ITALY , NORTH AND SOUTH Unassuming BYOB excels at pasta and gelato
MAGAZINE
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NEW JERSEY STATE EDITOR / USA TODAY NETWORK Hollis R . Towns
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handler @ northjersey . com | montclair @ northjersey . com
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ON THE COVER MONTCLAIR FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES TEN YEARS
ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN FLYNN
Please recycle this magazine .
2 FALL 2021 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE