The Book Tree, 6121 La Salle Ave., in Montclair Village, hosts acclaimed chef Linda Carucci, left, in conversation with food trend expert Kara Nielsen at 7 p.m. Nov. 10. Carucci recently published the second edition of her popular “Cooking School Secrets for Real World Cooks.” She is featured here with Book Tree owner David Hartsough. (Courtesy of Barbara Hardacre)

MONTCLARION: Nov 4, 2016

Growing old in Montclair can be hazardous to your health. In the wake of yet another accident involving a car into a storefront, (a 96-year-old man mistook the gas pedal for the brake) I’ve come to the conclusion that driving around here must be hell for the elderly. Can you imagine navigating the traffic, the hills, the bicyclists and the winding roads?

And the Oct. 21 accident didn’t just shake up the driver. It left Montclair merchant Jennifer Sandstrom to deal with a damaged storefront at Someone’s in the Kitchen, 6128 La Salle Ave. It couldn’t have come at a worse time, according to neighbor Andrea Faber.

“I have Hula next door and know how hard Jennifer works and how Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are so important to her business,” Faber says. “Her windows are so wonderful and to lose one of them for weeks at this time is a real hardship.”

It will take several weeks to repair the damaged wall, window and framework at Someone’s in the Kitchen, but the business, in its 11th year, remains open. Now, more than ever, it’s important to support this and other family owned local shops.

Book it: Speaking of shopping local — The Book Tree, 6121 La Salle Ave., is hosting two highly acclaimed chefs — just in time for holiday entertaining. Montclair’s Linda Carucci will be in conversation with food trend expert Kara Nielsen, also of Oakland, at 7 p.m. Nov. 10.

Carucci just published the second edition of her popular “Cooking School Secrets for Real World Cooks.” With tips on everything from brining turkeys to making the perfect risotto, the late chef Charlie Trotter called Carucci a “legendary cooking teacher who has ‘hit one out of the park’” with her new book. I’ll be there to introduce the event and I hope you join me. Carucci’s website is http://www.cookingschoolsecrets.com/.

Midlife momentum: Need a new outlook on life? Two local psychologists are offering a workshop for women in Montclair on Nov. 5. Jeri Mersky and Beate Lohser say older women sometimes experience a “purpose gap” after raising a family and winding down a career. They’ll help a small group explore paths to fulfillment. Here’s more information: http://jlmmc.com/registration-form/.

Tooth tips: Only a jack-o’-lantern likes a toothless smile. The rest of us need to protect our teeth during this season of sugary treats. Hills orthodontist Dr. Reginald Griggs has the top treats to avoid if you have fillings, braces or retainers: caramels, gummies, licorice, taffy, bubble gum, jelly beans and popcorn. Of course these are all my favorites, but at least he offers alternatives, like soft chocolates, peanut butter and other melt-in-your-mouth candies.Got news? You can reach Ginny Prior by email at ginnyprior@hotmail.com or on the web at http://www. ginnyprior.com.