Community Corner
Montclair Nonprofits Team Up To Launch ‘Bounce Festival’
A pair of Montclair nonprofits are teaming up to bring a "festival of optimism and resilience" to their hometown. See event info here.
MONTCLAIR, NJ — A pair of Montclair nonprofits are teaming up to bring a “festival of optimism and resilience” to their hometown.
The first annual Montclair Bounce Festival, a collaborative town-wide series of health and wellness events, will take place from May 31 to June 7. Through a series of events and workshops, organizers hope to “foster wellness and strengthen community connections” in the township.
The festival is a collaboration between Toni’s Kitchen, a food ministry of St. Luke’s Church with supportive services, and the YMCA of Montclair. Events are free, with donations supporting mental health programming at both organizations.
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According to a news release from Toni’s Kitchen and the YMCA of Montclair, events will include “Blue Plate Bounce,” an arts-infused outdoor community meal, readings and speaker panels featuring local and national thought-leaders, theater performances and family improv, and an all-ages dance party.
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May 30
MONTCLAIR BOUNCE Opening Cocktail Party: An evening reception to kick off the week-long festival and a sneak peek of BOUNCE@theSanctuary, an interactive space exploring the six dimensions of optimism and resilience in an immersive art experience designed by Rachael Grochowski of RHG Architecture + Design and a team of local artists. Thursday, May 30, 7:00-9:00 PM, St. Luke’s Church, 73 South Fullerton Ave. Featuring food by Tia Catering, specialty “bouncetails” and music by Passing Notes and jazz pianist, Eddie Bishai. Tickets: $125. All proceeds benefit Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA, the collaborators of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE. Information and tickets: www.montclairbounce.org. (full press release available)
May 31
Blue Plate BOUNCE Community Meal: As part of the MONTCLAIR BOUNCE, a Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA, an outdoor community meal on Church Street in downtown Montclair with music, art and conversation. Special guests include former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey and First Lady Mary Jo Codey, and Montclair town representatives. Featuring music by Miss Lucy and Walker Blue; BOUNCE’s Chance Encounters Ball Pit; the “Been There and Back” intergenerational advisors; MAMs Art Truck; the “Sixty-Second Novelist” and more. Friday, May 31, 5:30-7:30 PM. And those who bicycle over to the meal, can join Bike Walk Montclair’s Mobile Social Ride at 6:30, for a leisurely 30-minute jaunt around town. Free; dinner reservations suggested. Sponsorship tables available. Information and reservations: www.monclairbounce.org or hello@montclairbounce.org. (full press release available)
May 31
Having Love and Hope in a Time of Hate: An Interactive Conversation with Kevin Powell -- Activist, author of 13 books, including his autobiography The Education of Kevin Powell. Friday, May 31, 7:00 -8:30 PM, Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave. ###a name="_Hlk8467813">Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Free; registration required. Information:
May 31
Gathering of the Vibe: An Evening for Teens – A “teens for teens” event centered around the theme of self-care. Includes an art workshop facilitated by exhibiting artist Ben Jones, followed by live entertainment, tie dye t-shirts, photo contest in the galleries, meditative knitting in the galleries, food trucks, and more. Friday, May 31, 6:00-9:00 PM, Montclair Art Museum, 3 S. Mountain Ave., Montclair. Free. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairartmuseum.org.
June 1
“I Am Montclair” film viewing and panel discussion: Hosted by Cornerstone Montclair, viewing of the film and a post panel discussion from various Montclair community organizations that continue to make strides in creating a more inclusive community for people with disabilities. Saturday, June 1, 4:00-6:00 PM, Cornerstone Montclair, 198 Bellevue Ave., Upper Montclair. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: 973-219-3160.
June 1
Portrait Workshop: To generate a new suite of portraits to be displayed at Caldwell University and other venues. Part of Out in the Open, In It Together, an exhibit inspired by TED Prize-winning artist JR and organized by the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, Inc. Saturday, June 1, 1:00-2:00 PM and 2:00-3:00 PM, Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton, Montclair. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information and registration: rfolzenlogen@mhaessexmorris.org.
June 1
Makers & Givers: Laptop Upcycle – Demonstration and discussion, part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Saturday, June 1, 10:00 AM– 1:00 PM, United Way Building, 60 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Information: www.montclairbounce.org.
June 1
Resilience of Plants Walk: Learn about how plants thrive in diverse conditions and how they can teach us to do the same with herbalist Scott Massarsky. Saturday, June 1, 1:00–3:00 PM. Meet at 45 Church St. in front of Java Love. ###a name="_Hlk8470315">Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information:
June 1
Makers & Givers: Soap Making – Saturday, June 1, 2:00-4:00 PM, Toni’s Kitchen, 73 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Free and open to the first nine participants and others welcome to observe. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairbounce.org.
June 2
Media Reverb: Feeling the News – A panel discussion featuring former CNN correspondent and novelist, Jessica Yellin; New York Times Health Behaviors reporter Jan Hoffman and Emmy and Peabody-Award-winning CBS News journalist, Jim Axelrod; and psychotherapist Kaity Rodriguez. Discussion will explore the effects of 24/7 access, difficult content and the challenges of staying up-to-date without getting down. Media Reverb is a signature program of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE, a Festival of Optimism and Resilience and collaboration between Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. FREE. Sunday, June 2, 1:30-3:00 PM. St. Luke’s Church, 73 S. Fullerton Ave. Information: www.montclairbounce.org. (full press release available)
June 2
Open Book/Open Mind: Robin – In conversation with Alan Sepinwall, the Montclair Public Library’s Open Book/Open Mind series welcomes David Itzkoff, author of Robin, a definitive biography of Robin Williams, one of America’s most beloved and misunderstood entertainers. Itzkoff, a culture reporter for The New York Times, writes frequently about film, television, and comedy. Sunday, June 2, 4:00-5:00 PM, Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave. Montclair. ###a name="_Hlk8469816">Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Free; registration required. Information:
June 2
TASK Party: Improvisation, Connection and Creativity – An open-ended, interactive concept developed by Brooklyn-based artist Oliver Herring AND organized by Munira Bootwala of Montclair Co-op. Open to all ages, free. Sunday, June 2, 4:00-7:00 PM, St. Luke’s Rectory, 73 South Fullerton, Montclair. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairbounce.org.
June 2
Montclair Family Improv: Licensed Clinical Social Worker Neal King leads families through multi-sensory improvisational experiences. Sunday, June 2, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, St. Luke’s Church, 73 S. Fullerton, Montclair. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairbounce.org.
June 4
Dance on the Lawn Community Celebration -- Led by Laura Marchese, Dance on the Lawn Managing Director and Master Teaching Artist, participants will experience the joy of creating movement with live accompaniment. Open to all ages of all abilities, come in sneakers, dressed to move. In partnership with Montclair Foundation. Tuesday, June 4, 4:00-4:45 PM, Van Vleck House & Gardens, 21 Van Vleck St., Montclair. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairbounce.org.
June 5
How to be Happy: Ancient Wisdom and New Research – Led by Patrick Maning, Seton Hall University Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, an interactive session exploring the timeless wisdom of the great religious transitions as well as recent research for the insights, practices and modes of self-understanding that promote happiness. Wednesday, June 5, 7:00-8:30 PM, Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Presented by the Montclair Public Library Adult School program. Free, registration required. Information and registration: www.adultschool.org.
June 5
IRL: A mini-conference for high schoolers and young adults featuring breakout sessions with experts and peers offering mental health tools, mindfulness practice and tips for life after graduation. Participating organizations and individuals include Shine the Light On founder Eli Brown; former MHS student and creator of “My College Transition,” Emery Bergmann; Fred Randall & Mindful Breath Foundation; Composure/Calm at the Speed of Sound; Minding your Mind; Remembering T.J.; Geomind; and A.I.R. Featuring music by Tennis Boy Will and a special parent session. Co-sponsored by Montclair Public Schools and MFEE, IRL is a signature program of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: a festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Wednesday, June 5, 6:00-9:00 PM. Renaissance at Rand, 176 N. Fullerton Ave. Free. Registration is recommended. Information: www.montclairbounce.org. (full press release available)
June 6
First Thursday at Montclair Art Museum: A free evening of art and dynamic programming with special BOUNCE activities including “Been There, Done That” advice table, docent-led tours of art by George Inness and more. Thursday, June 6, 5:00–9:00 PM, Montclair Art Museum, 3 S. Mountain Ave., Montclair. ###a name="_Hlk8471616">Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Presented by the Montclair Public Library Adult School program. Information:
June 6
“Beyond the Silence” – A film screening and Q&A with filmmaker Michael Barbee presented in partnership with Partners for Health and Montclair Film. “Beyond the Silence” is a feature-length suspense movie loosely based on the novel Clipped Wings They Do Fly by William Michael Barbee. The movie highlights the life of Billy Ray Michaels, who suffers from Multiple Personality Disorder, compounded with Schizophrenia, and finds himself on trial for a murder he does not remember committing. Thursday, June 6, 7:00–9:00 PM, Montclair Film, 505 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairfilm.org.
June 7
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: In partnership with Montclair Film and Partners for Health, a free outdoor screening and family activities. Friday, June 7, 8:00-10:00PM, Nishuane School, 32 Cedar Ave., Montclair. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairfilm.org.
June 7
Rock & Roll Dance Party: All ages, all members of the community welcome. Featuring music by DJ PaP, refreshments, hands on art activities for ages 6-12, create your own guitar project, nail art, photo booth and slime. Free and childcare for ages six and under provided. Friday, June 7, 6:00-8:00 PM, Montclair YMCA, 25 Park St., Montclair. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairymca.org.
May 31 – June 7
Bounce@theSanctuary: As part of the MONTCLAIR BOUNCE, a Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA, Bounce@theSanctuary is an interactive art installation designed by Rachael Grochowski of RHG Architecture + Design and a team of local artists exploring the six dimensions of optimism and resilience through 11 experiences. May 31-June 7, St. Luke’s Church, 73 South Fullerton Ave. Information: www.montclairbounce.org.
May 20 – June 30
Out in the Open, In It Together: Portrait Exhibit – An Inside Out Project Group Action exhibit of 22 larger than life-sized portraits, part of the global participatory art project created by TED Prize-winning artist JR. May 20–June 30, Montclair Public Library, 50 S. Fullerton Ave., Montclair. Presented by Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris, Inc. and part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairlibary.org.
May 31 – June 7
Praying as a Way of Hoping: Learn and pray for 10 minutes twice daily with clergy members from various community congregations, during the MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. May 31–June 7, on the lawn of First Congregational Church, 40 S. Fullerton Ave., at 12 noon and 7:00 pm. Supported by the Montclair Interfaith Clergy Association representing the diversity of religious expression. Information: Rev. David Shaw, 973-744-7424 or dshaw@unioncong.org.
May 31 – June 7
Happy Flags! -- Schools, faith communities, and senior residences will be the site of gardens filled with flags made by young students and scouts, decorated with symbols and/or words that represent things, people, places or experiences that make them feel happy. Part of MONTCLAIR BOUNCE: A Festival of Optimism and Resilience from Toni’s Kitchen and the Montclair YMCA. Information: www.montclairbounce.org
View this post on InstagramLearn more. Volunteer. Become a sponsor. Share. Sign up for information. Submit an event idea. Take part. Join in. This is a week of collaboration and community to celebrate the spaces and places and people that make us happy, give us hope, or help us to become more resilient. This is you. This is us. This is Montclair. . #connectwithcommunity #optimism #montclairbounce #festivalofoptimismandresilience #hope #montclair #montclairnj #toniskitchen #ymcamontclair #thingstodoinmontclair #actwithempathy #confrontyourfears #learnsomethingnew #careforyourself #practicealtruism #mindfulness #mentalhealthawareness
A post shared by Montclair Bounce (@montclair.bounce) on Mar 27, 2019 at 8:13am PDT
View this post on InstagramYOU'RE INVITED! We're kicking off Montclair Bounce: A Festival of Optimism + Resilience with cocktails, food by @TiasFoodofLove, and a sneak peek of Bounce@theSanctuary! This immersive art installation & experience explores six dimensions of #optimism and #resilience and is designed and curated by @rhgrochowski of @rhgdesign in collaboration with other local artists. All proceeds from the evening benefit @tonis.kitchen and the @montclairymca. Tickets are available NOW! We promise you don’t want to miss this! #MontclairBounce #artinstallation #montclair #montclairnj #connect #empathy #confrontfear #learn #selfcare #altruism #toniskitchen #ymcamontclair #thingstodoinmontclair #actwithempathy #confrontyourfears #learnsomethingnew #careforyourself #practicealtruism
A post shared by Montclair Bounce (@montclair.bounce) on May 17, 2019 at 7:21am PDT
View this post on InstagramIs the news getting you down? #MontclairBOUNCE presents: Media Reverb: Feeling the News -- A Panel Discussion with Journalists Jim Axelrod and Jessica Yellin and Psychotherapist Kaity Rodriguez. Whether it’s the content, the constancy or both, 24/7 news access in our home (or on our phones or wrists) can be rattling, making it hard to stay grounded, much less optimistic. Senior CBS National Correspondent Jim Axelrod, former CNN Chief White House Correspondent and novelist Jessica Yellin, and psychotherapist Kaity Rodriguez will share perspectives and insights in covering and experiencing the news. Saturday June 2, 1:30 PM The Assembly Hall of St. Luke’s Church. 73 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair. Check out the Bounce website and Facebook page to find out more about all the festival events! • #toniskitchen #montclairymca #bounce #bounceback #montclair #montclairbounce #connect #empathy #confrontfear #learn #selfcare #altruism #toniskitchen #ymcamontclair #thingstodoinmontclair #confrontyourfears #learnsomethingnew #careforyourself #altruism #mindfulness #mentalhealthawareness #empathy
A post shared by Montclair Bounce (@montclair.bounce) on May 14, 2019 at 10:34am PDT
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