Montclair Magazine Back To School 2016 | Page 50

HOME At Home by the High School This homeowner gives high marks to living across from MHS WRITTEN BY CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE-MARIE CARUSO W hen a Realtor friend recommended a home across from Montclair High School to Suzy Kass, the Adult School of Montclair executive director hesitated – but not for long. “ASM was housed in the high school, and I was living my life within a five-mile radius of the place,” she says. Already accustomed to being surrounded by teenagers, she observes that “My generation said ‘Don’t trust anybody over 30,’ but these kids are really generous, friendly and smart.” ASM has since relocated to the Montclair Public Library, and Kass has since resigned her position to become a realtor, but she is still glad she made the move. “I feel the electricity of when school starts in the fall, and the silence of winter when there’s a break,” she says. “I see outlets for the kids’ creative energy, and emerging styles.” It’s a sensibility that’s reflected in her home’s warm, eclectic décor. 48 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE BACK TO SCHOOL 2016