Is Oakwood Avenue the Best Block in Montclair?

Just a few weeks ago, 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 came Midland Avenue. Then Summit Avenue. Then High Street. And last week we heard about Trinity Place.

This week we are hearing from residents on Oakwood Avenue — an aesthetically beautiful block full of families and fun.

Oakwood Avenue runs from Valley Road to Norwood Avenue and is one of the many "woods" streets in that area: there's also Inwood, Glenwood, and Fernwood. Indeed, for years a social group called "Ladies of the Woods" has been hosting cocktail parties, potlucks, and various other social events for the women of the Woods.

Jessica Henry, who has two children, has lived on Oakwood for nine years and said it's special not only for the community atmosphere but also for the lovely gardens that line both sides of the block.

"We have a lot of master gardeners in this area who have really inspired me," she said.

One neighbor, Gale Eberhardt, runs The Perennial Gardeners with Alex Franges. The business teaches a garden design class at Montclair's adult school each spring and, indeed, Eberhardt's garden in the front of her home on Oakwood is overflowing with colorful flowers and shrubs.

Residents along Oakwood also enjoy the block's proximity to the Upper Montclair shopping area. Kings, for example, is right at the end of the street.

Check out this video. If you think your block can beat Oakwood 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.