I’m fortunate enough to call Melanie Deysher a great friend and have known her since our boys (seniors now) were in kindergarten. My first experience was helping her teach “Grow Lab” at Nishuane. I was very taken by her commitment to this program, allowing kids the experience of planting, growing and even making smoothies from the fruits of their labor. She took this program to new heights, with a school garden and tireless devotion to seeing it thrive.
Over the years, as our kids got older, her dedication to each cause or effort she was passionate about, was met with that same nurturing spirit and non-stop care. She is a champion for fairness and speaks up for those who need help finding their voice. Like those plants in that garden, she works tirelessly to ensure all kids have every opportunity to grow and thrive in this community. She is literally not afraid to get her hands dirty and roll up her sleeves. She most definitely has my vote.
Vicky Roncero
Montclair
Montclair Local’s Opinion section is an open forum for civil discussion in which we invite readers to discuss town matters, articles published in Montclair, or previously published letters. Views expressed and published in this section are solely those of the writers, and do not represent the views of Montclair Local.
Letters to the editor: To submit a letter to the editor, email letters@montclairlocal.news, or mail “Letters to the Editor,” 309 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ, 07042 (email is preferred). Submissions must include the name, address and phone number of the writer for verification. Only the writer’s name and town of residence will be published. Montclair Local does not publish anonymous opinion pieces.
Letters must be no more than 500 words in length, and must be received by 5 p.m. Monday to be eligible for potential publication in that week’s Thursday print issue. Letters may be edited by Montclair Local for grammar and style. While our goal is to publish most letters we receive, Montclair Local reserves the right to decline publication of a letter for any reason, including but not limited to concerns about unproven or defamatory statements, inappropriate language, topic matter far afield of the particular interests of Montclair residents, or available space.
Town Square: Montclair Local also accepts longer-form opinion essays from residents aiming to generate discussion on topics specific to the community, under our “Town Square” banner. “Town Square” essays should be no more than 750 words in length, and topics should be submitted to letters@montclairlocal.news at leas