My Block: Which Block Is The Best In Montclair?

Earlier this summer, Patch started a segment titled "My Block." The goal is to find out why you believe your block is the best in Montclair. In our inaugural segment, we heard about Inwood Avenue. Then Midland Avenue. Then Summit Avenue. Then High Street. Then Trinity Place. Then Oakwood Avenue. This week we are hearing from residents on Macopin Avenue -- a block bursting with children and friendships and annual activities.

Macopin runs from Valley Road to Park Street, but residents of Macopin like to call their neighborhood "Panama" as they say it also includes the streets of Nassau and Patton. The streets share a listserv so that neighbors can share information on everything from exercise classes to their favorite chiropractor.

Macopin is a block so tight-knit that, when asked, residents can tell you the exact number of kids on the street. On Macopin there are 19 high school students, six middle school students, 16 elementary school students, and three babies and nursery age children.

Angel Kenney, a mother of two who lives on Macopin, said the street holds an annual Halloween parade that will mark its 12th anniversary this October. Other annual events include block parties and an Easter egg hunt.

Our children declared a loyalty to Lawrence, "our" ice cream man, making the decision to support no other ice cream truck that comes to Macopin. When the kids were toddlers, the moms bemoaned the daily visits so Lawrence altered his route to come every other day, and times his visits to coincide with the bus routes so all ccan gather after school for ice cream.

Residents say that once one moves to Macopin they never want to leave. Instead, they'll add on to their home rather than go anywhere else.

Check out this video. If you think your block can beat Macopin Avenue, either comment or shoot me an email at Shelley@patch.com and we'll send a videographer out to your block so that you and your neighbors can make your case.