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Seniors urge reinstatement of longtime coordinator after abrupt termination
Summary
Dozens of Montclair seniors packed the June 9 council meeting to demand explanation and reinstatement after the surprise firing of Michelle Dwit, the Mill/Lifelong senior‑program coordinator; speakers described programs that kept them socially engaged and urged Town Manager Steven Markx to investigate.
At the June 9 Montclair Township Council meeting, a large group of senior residents used the public‑comment period to demand that the township explain and reverse the abrupt termination of longtime Mill/Lifelong senior‑program coordinator Michelle Dwit. Speakers said the change was announced with no public notice and has disrupted classes, trips and online programming that seniors relied on for social connection.
“Michelle Dit saved my life,” said Maria Dyer, who described learning to use Zoom and attending daily classes during the pandemic that she said gave her a new social network. Other speakers recounted beading and art classes, monthly birthday parties, transportation to cultural events and exercise programs that they credit to Dwit’s leadership.
Advocates emphasized two themes: program continuity and transparency. “We were told she was let go without explanation,” said Joyce Booker, who asked Town Manager Steven Markx to review the decision and urged immediate reinstatement or a detailed explanation. Multiple speakers asked that the township publish the rationale, disclose whether the change was performance‑based or disciplinary, and outline a plan to maintain programs in the interim.
Deputy Mayor Anderson and other council members acknowledged the depth of the community reaction. Town staff said the township manager had only recently taken office and that personnel details could be limited; the manager has been asked for a formal response. No formal action or vote to reinstate Dwit took place at the meeting.
For residents, the loss is practical as well as emotional. Testimony described seniors who regained mobility, learned digital skills, and regained social networks through programs Dwit organized during the COVID pandemic and afterward. Speakers requested an internal review of how the decision was communicated, a meeting with the manager, and for council to consider placing the senior‑coordinator position under a reporting structure that ensures continuity of services.
What happens next: Council members said they would request follow‑up detail from the town manager. Residents said they will continue organized outreach to the mayor and council until they receive a fuller explanation or Dwit’s reinstatement.
Ending: The council took no formal personnel action at the meeting; public commenters asked that the township provide a written explanation and a timetable for when town officials will respond.
