Parents Race to Save Montclair Sports. Plus: What’s Happening at The Corner Restaurant?

This week, we’re looking at what happens when the budget crisis hits the playing field. With freshman sports on the chopping block at Montclair High, we sit down with the parents leading the charge to save the program. We also hear from a graduating senior about his journey through the MHS athletic system and take a stunning trip back in time to the 1960s "Golden Age" of Montclair football.The Fight for Freshman Sports: The Blue & White ClubThe elimination of freshman sports at MHS isn't just about missing games; it’s about a loss of community and socialization. We speak with Kevin Price and Laura Quiros, leaders of the newly formed Montclair Athletics Blue & White Club. Learn more and donate at MontclairBlueWhite.org.Student Spotlight: Dylan Kaelin PanicoGraduating MHS senior Dylan Kaelin Panico (Football/Lacrosse) joins us to talk about his path from a nervous freshman to a collegiate athlete heading to NJIT. He provides a crucial "primary source" perspective on why those early high school years in the athletic department changed his life.Living History: The Raccoon Coat EraIn partnership with the Montclair History Center, we air a 2018 oral history from Brenda Smith Williams who shares memories of standout players, raccoon coats and more."What the Hell is Even Happening with That?": The CornerFarnoosh went undercover (well, she just had breakfast) at The Corner (Grove & Walnut) to get the latest intel on their much-anticipated expansion.Special Ed Town Hall (April 22 Recap)The Good News: IEP and 504 services are federally mandated and cannot be cut.The Reality: The Montclair Counseling Services (MCS) program is being eliminated due to budget constraints.Accountability: The district committed to fixing "unintelligible" numeric-coded progress reports for the 2026-27 school year.Analilia Mejia Sworn InOn April 20th, Analilia Mejia officially took her seat in Congress (NJ-11), filling the vacancy left by Mikie Sherrill. Amid chants of "Sí, se puede," she delivered a powerful floor speech invoking her roots as the daughter of factory workers and calling for a just economy. Read more at Morristowngreen.com. Mountainside Medical Center Wrongful Death LawsuitA family from East Orange has filed a $40 million wrongful death lawsuit against Mountainside Medical Center, alleging that a liver biopsy killed their 65-year-old loved one, Phyllis Burrell, a civil servant. More: NJ.comAlso in the showOddfellows Ice Cream: Coming to 450 Bloomfield Ave. Get ready for 500+ flavors, including Miso Cherry and Chorizo Salted Caramel.Oggi Gelato: Opening at 40 Church St. This creates a "Gelato War" with the longtime staple Benvenuti just steps away.Ju-Ichi Japanese: Expanding their Morristown success to 512 Bloomfield Ave with their signature 24-hour pork bone ramen broth.Montclair Literary Festival: (May 2-11). 60+ authors including Colm Tóibín and Joyce Carol Oates. Most events are free! Full Schedule Here.Walnut Street Fair: (Sunday, May 3, 11am-4pm). 250 vendors, food trucks, and Touch-a-Truck.Mike’s Gigs: Catch Bard at Cricket Hill Brewery on Friday night, or see Mike and Jamie sit in with Workingman's Jed on Saturday.Watch and subscribe to The Montclair Pod on YoutubeJoin our weekly newsletter and stay in the know Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.