Kate Winston 
The vibrant Montclair is filled with one-of-a-kind talent thanks to its lovely locals. For the month of August, The Montclair Girl is highlighting five of these amazing individuals. Keep reading to learn more about five Montclair locals who are doing awesome things this August + beyond.
Beverly Lacsina
Photo Credit: LinkedIn
Beverly, or “Bev” Lacsina is the owner and chef of both Walnut Street Kitchen and Walnut Street Bagel Co. She is also opening Bev’s Bar at 94 Bloomfield Avenue in Nutley in late August or early September. Bev is a tried and true local as she grew up in Clifton and now calls Nutley home. The talented chef and restaurant + bar owner has an aptitude for creating unique food and drinks all while fostering a sense of community by bringing people together. Prior to becoming a chef, Bev spent seven years studying wine and beverage while working front of house to get her foot in the door in the world of hospitality. Her latest project, Bev’s Bar, lends to this passion and love of creating uniquely crafted drinks.
Read More: 5 Montclair Locals to Watch This July
Brooke DeFranco + Ryan Caloo
Photo Credit: Brooke DeFranco
Brooke DeFranco and her fiancé Ryan Caloo are the faces behind the soon-to-come play cafe, Milk + Mayhem at 147 Valley Road in Montclair. The local couple is creating Milk + Mayhem with both adults and children in mind. The space will provide parents and caregivers an opportunity to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack while their children play in an engaging and developmentally fostering environment. As a local mom, Brooke is excited to bring her vision to fruition for the Montclair community.
Daniela Gallinger
Haley Rynn Ringo Photography
As many of us dog owners know, our dogs aren’t just pets, but a part of the family. Daniela Gallinger is the creator of Montclair Dog, a business with the mission to bring people and their pups together through community events. Montclair Dog partners with dog-friendly venues and spotlights local businesses that allow dogs to foster a more connected, dog-loving community, because dogs deserve a social life, too.
Jessica Murphy
Photo Credit: LinkedIn
Jessica Murphy is the Director of Communications at The Arc of Essex County. The Arc of Essex County promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing the services and care necessary for them to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Before her work at The Arc, Jessica served as the Executive Director of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation for almost nine years, where she helped launch and manage the nonprofit organization. Jessica has also authored many articles, including some on The Arc of Essex County’s website.
See More: This Hoboken Resident Makes Jewelry Out of Sea Glass From the Jersey Shore
Melissa Smith
Photo Credit: Matthew Mcclain
Melissa Smith is the creator of Local Dog, a fresh dog food company with the goal of getting as many dogs as possible eating healthy, fresh food and living their best and longest lives. Melissa got the idea for the company when her rescue dog, Roscoe, came with digestive issues and allergies, which led her to start home-cooking all his meals. She began researching dog nutrition, testing recipes, and cooking. After seeing Roscoe’s health transformation, the idea for Local Dog was born.
