Monty Mittleman, Neighbor

Monty Mittleman is an emerging poet, with his first chapbook, Recalibrations, published by Finishing Line Press in August, 2026. His work has been featured in Starboard Press’, First Light Journal, Fall 2026, winning Editor’s Choice & the A.A. Chida Award for Literary Excellence, Starboard Press’, First Light Journal Fall 2025 and Spring 2026; winning Honorable Mention for one poem and inspiring the journals cover art with another, Inkwell II (an anthology published by the Decatur Area Poets), Highland Park Poetry’s Winter Muses’ Gallery and winning Honorable Mention for a poem published in Highland Park Poetry’s 2026 anthology: Carnivals & Carousels/Musical Instruments/Sijo. Monty has an MPA from San Diego State University and a BS from Illinois State University. He is retired with the State of Illinois and is a licensed EMT. Updates to his work and events can be found on instagram: @montymittleman. His chapbook can be found on Amazon and at Finishing Line Press.