The Daily Newarker — Press Wire

For Immediate Release

MAYOR BOOKER CELEBRATES FAMILY SUCCESS CENTER AND RESIDENT COUNCIL

AT GEORGIA KING VILLAGE WITH WEST WARD RESIDENTS

Center provides a variety of services to support families;

including nutrition, parenting skills, and youth development programs

Newark, NJ – March 11, 2010 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, West Ward Council Member Ronald C. Rice, Newark Now President and CEO Edgar Izurieta, and other dignitaries joined residents to celebrate the achievements of the City of Newark’s Georgia King Family Success Center at 250 Georgia King Village (off of West Market Street) in Newark’s West Ward, today. Also in attendance was Council Member-at-Large Carlos M. Gonzalez.

“We are a manifestation of the daring dream and the heroic hope of our ancestors. This Center and its success are the result of the fortitude and persistence and hard work of a community that was determined to do and get things done that others might not,” said Mayor Booker. “It’s been quiet here for a long time, in terms of violence and shootings, for a year. Nobody would believe you would have this kind of safety and security for such a long time four years ago. But we knew this would happen. We are showing what we can do as a community. I am proud of how we have turned Georgia King Village into towers of light, showing the way to America.”

Since its opening on August 17, 2009, the Georgia King Family Success Center has played a major role in improving the public safety and quality of life of Newark residents. It has provided neighborhood youth with karate classes, development trips to Washington, D.C., and a range of positive activities. In turn, the community has seen no shootings since August 12, 2009, fewer open-air drug sales, and an increased number in drug addicts seeking detoxification intake.

The Georgia King Village Family Success Center has partnered with The Georgia King Village Resident Council, the West Ward Collective, and other community organizations to connect Newark residents to key services and resources, including Food Stamps, health insurance, employment assistance, financial education workshops, parenting workshops, and much more.

The Georgia King Center has achieved a remarkable record of success since its opening, and a list of them is attached. One of its major achievements has been the “GKV Goes to Washington” youth development excursions. In partnership with Council Member Rice, 18 local youth visited the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and met with U.S Representative Donald M. Payne in October 2009. In November, 2009, 14 winners of an essay contest also had the opportunity to visit with Representative Payne.

“As I stand here today, the first thing that pops in my mind is that phrase, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ But this is no ordinary village. This is Georgia King Village, a village that is setting a new standard for that phrase, how governments, organizations, companies, and residents can work together to maximize opportunities for our people,” Mr. Izurieta said. “I have to thank Mayor Booker and Council Member Rice for their support of this initiative. It takes all the residents and all their tools to build the village that is Georgia King Village.”

“From parenting workshops to information about vital social services, when people are gong through some of the toughest times in their lives it’s a wonderful thing when you can go to a place where you can receive the support and resources that can help you. To help make families whole again is a great goal and these family success centers are part of a movement which is not only helping to strengthen families in Newark but throughout New Jersey,” said Rev. Darlene Reynolds, who is Executive Director of The West Ward Collective.

“Our resident council just became a non-profit this past November and we’ve been actively trying to improve the quality of life for our residents. There’s a lot of young people to we need to reach and a lot of seniors who need our support. There’s a lot of work to do and through our partnership with the Family Success Center program we are strengthening our families and building a safer community. People are coming out of the darkness into the marvelous light, and doing things we have never seen being done before. Now is not the time to grumble, but the time to stick to the wheel and push,” said Georgia King Village Resident Council President Pamela A. Muhammad.

Launched in 2007, the City’s Family Success Centers provide a range of governmental and non-governmental services and support to promote safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency for families who voluntarily request assistance at the Center sites. These include Earned Income Tax Credit support, Career Readiness, Abbott Pre-School, Parenting Workshops, Anti-violence Workshops, Food Stamps, Health Insurance, and Nutrition Workshops.

“My heart is full today as a son of Georgia King Village. In the spirit of Rev. Horace P. Sharper who is the founder, innovator and visionary who started Georgia King Village and named it after his mother Georgia and in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this is a wonderful tribute to their memory. Georgia King Village is pregnant with possibilities as we continue move forward we have to seize this moment. In 2006, when we first tried to start a resident council here we faced and overcame many obstacles to get where we are today. I would like to thank Newark Now and all of our community partners for all of the support you have given to the residents of Georgia King Village which is on the rise,” said Council Member Rice.

For further information about any municipal service or program, contact the City of Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311, Mondays to Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

-NEWARK-

Contact: Newark Press Information Office - (973) 733-8004

pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival. In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission: to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cityofnewarknj

LIST OF GEORGIA KING VILLAGE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

August 2009-Oct 2009

• 106 Individuals were screened for (government and non government) benefits using the Single Stop Calculator
• 47 Individuals utilized our employment opportunity services (resume building, online job search, weekly local job leads) 22 of those who utilized this service were residents of Georgia King
• 35 Families were enrolled in Food Stamps on-site
• 14 Individuals were enrolled in Medicaid
• 50 Referrals for local food pantries were provided to 40 individuals
• 16 Safelink wireless phones were applied for through the Center

Center serviced a total of 150 Families this quarter where 65 of those Families were residents of Georgia King Village

November 2009- Jan 2010

• 183 Individuals were screened for (government and non government) benefits using the Single Stop Calculator
• 92 Individuals utilized our employment opportunity services (resume building, online job search, weekly local job leads) 39 of those who utilized this service were residents of Georgia King
• 48 Families were enrolled in Food Stamps on-site
• 21 Individuals were enrolled in Medicaid
• 110 Referrals for local food pantries were provided to 64 individuals

Center serviced a total of 264 Families this quarter where 123 of those Families were residents of Georgia King Village

August 2009 to January 2010

• 289 Individuals were screened for (government and non government) benefits using the Single Stop Calculator
• 139 Individuals utilized our employment opportunity services (resume building, online job search, weekly local job leads) 39 of those who utilized this service were residents of Georgia King
• 83 Families were enrolled in Food Stamps on-site
• 35 Individuals were enrolled in Medicaid
• 160 Referrals for local food pantries were provided to 104 different individuals
• 16 Safelink wireless phones were applied for through the Center

Center serviced a total of 414 Families this quarter where 188 of those Families were residents of Georgia King Village

Partnership with UMDNJ

GKV Family Success Center serviced a total of 414 Families from August 17, 2009 to January 31, 2010. There were 188 Families (45.4 percent) who were residents of Georgia King Village. There were 226 Families (54.6 percent) who used the FSC who were not residents at the GKV complex.

Newark Rx

Newark RX and Newark Health Plus programs are promoted to the community at every opportunity and individuals are signed to the programs. In addition to these efforts, a representative from the Heinz foundation will be making a presentation to the site staff next week. The representative also has arranged on-site sign-ups.

The City of Newark e-mail system is for business purposes only. This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. This communication may contain material protected by the attorney-client privilege. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original mail.

For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ANNOUNCE

FEDERAL GRANT TO ADDRESS POLLUTION AT RIVER BANK PARK FIELD HOUSE

Federal $100,000 Community Action for a Renewed Environment grant

will help Ironbound Community Corporation address pollution on Passaic Riverfront

Newark, NJ - March 11, 2010 – Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Stefan Pryor, East Ward Council Member Augusto Amador, Federal Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Judith Enck, and Ironbound Community Corporation Executive Director Joseph Della Fave announced today the award of a federal $100,000 grant to the Ironbound Community Corporation to identify and address pollution problems in the East Ward, during a press conference which was held at the River Bank Park Field House in Newark, today, at 2 p.m. River Bank Park is located between Raymond Boulevard and Market Street, and between Van Buren and Somme Streets. Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura was also in attendance, representing Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo.

In a statement, Mayor Booker said, “The City of Newark is committed to working with government agencies and community stakeholders to enhance our environmental, economic, and social well being. We are proud to have a partner in the Environmental Protection Agency for their recognition of the efforts of the Ironbound Community Corporation and City residents as they work to increase the quality of life for Newark residents.  Together, we are building a greener City that is becoming a national model for urban transformation.”

“The EPA is proud to partner with the Ironbound community to work in identifying and finding solutions to the environmental impacts affecting New Jersey’s largest city,” said Ms. Enck. “This CARE project will tap into local expertise to address environmental issues by finding consensus within the community and focusing on targeting actions that can ultimately bring some relief to people in the places they live, work, and raise families.”

Ironbound Community Corporation is a comprehensive social service provider located in the East Ward of Newark. The Ironbound, one of the most densely populated and diverse areas of the City, is home to more than 50,000 residents. In this area, 75 percent of those over the age of five speak a foreign language, typically Portuguese or Spanish. The wide variety of pollutants in the Ironbound – from both existing and former chemical plants, waste industries, and mobile sources like trucks, airplanes, and ships – require a comprehensive and innovative approach to decrease risks of exposure.

“I salute the Ironbound Community Corps for their long time leadership on environmental health issues,” said Newark Sustainability Officer Chelsea Albucher. “In addition to being the largest social service agency in the East Ward, ICC is one of the nation’s oldest environmental justice organizations. Through the grant announced today, ICC will empower residents and engage stakeholders in a process to better understand environmental issues and help design strategies to make Newark healthier and more vibrant. The City is pleased to partner on this important initiative and is grateful for EPA’s support.”

The non-profit Ironbound Community Corporation will use the funds to identify and address pollution problems in the East Ward, focusing on the cumulative impacts of multiple courses of pollution and finding ways to reduce posed risks.

“The Ironbound Community Corporation is proud to be a recipient of the prestigious EPA CARE grant,” said Mr. Della Fave. “The Ironbound CARE Cumulative Impacts Project will be an important step toward improving the environment and public health in the Ironbound.”

“This grant is going to be instrumental in improving the quality of life for Ironbound residents.  Not only is this instrumental to cleaning the air we breathe, but as a direct result of this grant we will be able to develop Newark’s waterfront as an attraction for all City residents.  I commend Mayor Booker, the City of Newark Office of Economic Development, and the Ironbound Community Corporation for this wonderful partnership,” said Council Member Amador.

For the CARE Project, ICC will bring together various stakeholders including residents, business and community group representatives, members of the academic and governmental sectors to help gather diverse sources of information about current and potential environmental problems. The CARE project will also take into account community experiences, socio-economic and public health data to better determine the community’s vulnerability to pollution exposure. The project will also investigate the cumulative impacts of these environmental burdens and work through a consensus process to prioritize issues that must be addressed moving forward. Ultimately, ICC and its CARE stakeholders will work with the public to draft strategies for reducing or mitigating impacts and secure commitments for action.

Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) is a competitive grant program that offers an innovative way for communities to organize and take action to reduce toxic pollution in its local environment.  Through CARE, a community creates partnerships that implement solutions to reduce exposure to toxic.  By providing financial and technical assistance, EPA helps CARE communities develop renewed environments and CARE has been providing financial assistance to communities annually since 2005 and expects to award nearly $2 million in 2010.

“This EPA grant will be instrumental in identifying and implementing environmental solutions across Newark,” stated Ana Baptista, member of the Environmental Commission.  “The best experts will collect data, identify cumulative impacts, and prioritize actions and recommendations.  The Environmental Commission is looking forward to applying these findings throughout our City to improve the quality of life and environmental conditions for our residents.”

The City of Newark has received three EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grants in the amount of $200,000 each. Following the City’s stimulus philosophy of putting funds directly to work, and not exacerbating municipal budget issues by adding staff, the budgets of each grant is 100 percent dedicated to the cleanup activities and related public involvement that is required under the State’s Brownfields cleanup program.

“Under the Booker Administration, the City is committed to making Newark a sustainable community to live, work, and play,” said Deputy Mayor Pryor. “We are working together with residents, community organizations, businesses and local, state, and federal agencies to make Newark a greener, greater city.”

The City is currently finalizing the remedial action work plans for these sites. Once the remedial action work plans are approved by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, in accordance with federal, state and local procurement rules, the work plans will be integrated into Request for Proposals, and clean up services will be procured via a competitive process. The anticipated time frame varies per site, but all cleanups are estimated to be under 12 months paving the way for redevelopment in short order.

Hazardous substances grant funds will be used to clean up the NSC Plating and Polishing Company at 242 South 12th Street. The site is a former plating and polishing facility that is contaminated with cadmium, nickel, and zinc. This site is currently blighting the Fairmont Neighborhood of the West Ward. This project is part of the City’s West Ward Initiative that is layering community development tools to reclaim abandoned properties and bring them back into productive use.

Grant funds also will be used to clean up the International Metallurgical Services site in the East Ward at 190-202 Blanchard Street. The 1.6-acre site is a former ethanol production facility and metal recovery operation that is contaminated with beryllium and other metals. After the cleanup project is completed, the site is expected to be part of the Morris Companies Blanchard Street development of a 600 to 700,000 square foot distribution center. This development is expected to create 350 temporary construction jobs; more than 300 permanent jobs, and generate almost $1 million in annual tax revenue.

Petroleum grant funds will be used to clean up a former gas station at 1037 Bergen Street in the South Ward that is contaminated with petroleum products. This property is expected to be redeveloped as a retail space that is expected to create up to 20 jobs. This is an example of stimulus supporting the vitality of our main streets, as this grant will help bring life back to an empty stretch of Bergen Street, a commercial corridor that is the lifeline of a residential neighborhood.

“Going Green” has been a major priority for the Booker Administration since it took office in 2006. The City has made major efforts to ensure that residents can enjoy energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly homes. Newark is connecting residents to weatherization programs that can reduce utility bills, connecting businesses to retrofit programs and supporting job-training programs so that residents are prepared to participate in the clean energy economy. In addition, the City has moved ahead on the largest rehabilitation and renovation project on City parks in decades, opening the largest such municipally-owned facility, Nat Turner Park, in 2008. In March 2009, the City swore in its first-ever Environmental Commission.

For more information about the CARE grant, visit EPA’s Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/CARE Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/eparegion2.

For more information about all City of Newark programs and policies, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:        Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004

E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us


Environmental Protection Agency - (212) 637-3664

                Elias Rodriguez

E-mail: Rodriguez.elias@epa.gov

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival.  In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission:  to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cityofnewarknj

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEWARK’S GREEN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The City of Newark has numerous green initiatives underway to enhance quality of life, public health and support economic development.  The City has made significant progress in greening municipal operations and in “greening” the City at large.  For Newark, green is about the economy, the environment and social equity.  Here are some highlights: 

GREENING THE CITY

·       Newark’s first Sustainability Officer was hired in August 2008, and first Environmental Commission sworn in March 2009.  A package of proposed green ordinances is being developed. 

·       Sustainability is being folded into our master plan, design guidelines, economic development strategy, and funding for development of our Sustainability Action Plan recently secured. 

·       Green Space: With more than $40 million dollars committed, the City is in the midst of the largest open space expansion and rehabilitation in over a century, and has already doubled City park land.

·       Gardens & Trees: The City’s Adopt a Lot program encourages community gardens and the City has planted about 1,000 trees a year with help from our residents and businesses.

·       Green Building: Through our property disposition and tax incentives, the City encourages green building and has hundreds of energy star affordable housing units in the pipeline as well as LEED qualified residential development, such as Richardson Lofts and Lincoln Park townhouses.  The City is also greening its new capital construction including the new police precinct.   Also, in partnership with NJHMFA and NJ BPU we have held two green building workshops.  

·       Riverfront: like many older industrial cities our river and riverfront is polluted and inaccessible.   We are building Newark’s first riverfront park designed with community input and creating a plan for our entire stretch our riverfront.

·       Stormwater: Drafted enhanced stormwater regulations.


·       Brownfields: Drawing down over $4 million of federal and state funding for brownfields assessment and cleanup to bring underutilized property back into productive use. 

SAVING ENERGY SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT

·     Climate Prosperity Initiative:  Recognizing the potential to realize savings through energy efficiency, the City has developed a collaborative energy initiative to address the municipal, residential and commercial sectors.  We are connecting residents to weatherization programs that can reduce utility bills, connecting businesses to retrofit programs and supporting job-training programs so that residents are prepared to participate in the clean energy economy. 

·       Our homes pollute more than our cars and buildings are a significant source of a city’s carbon footprint.  This year alone, we expect to weatherize 1,000 homes (450 PSE&G and 550 La Casa); retrofit 60 businesses and non-profits and address at least 5 municipal buildings.

·    Engaging residents and youth through workshops, fairs and activities such as energy efficient light bulb distribution – more than 10,000 Energy Star bulbs were distributed this past year!

·    Like many Port communities, our community suffers from air quality issues that result from transportation-related pollution.  We are working with local stakeholders and the Port Authority to mitigate air quality impacts.  Initial steps include getting over 600 of the most polluting trucks off the road, phasing out polluting ship fuel and electrifying cargo-handling equipment. 

·     We are also promoting clean power choice and renewable energy.  The City has three geothermal schools; and two sizeable solar installations, one on a building supply center and another on a municipal garage. 

·     City is field-testing a fleet of 100 percent electric MINI E vehicles with no tail pipe emissions!

GREEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

·       Greening existing businesses by helping them be sustainable through energy conservation, hiring locally, and participating in community initiatives such as tree planting. 

·       Attracting new green business such as Innovation Fuels, a biodiesel producer, and three new solar companies. 

GREEN JOBS

·       The City has developed a Green Jobs Network with NewarkWORKS to stimulate collaboration and coordination across organizations to provide residents with quality training, in areas such as weatherization, brownfields remediation, landscaping, solar installation and other green career path jobs.

·       Green Jobs for All – our network of local organizations have programs for youth, ex-offenders, career transition and white-collar workers. 

·    Laborers launched Local 55 in Newark, which is providing union jobs for weatherization workers. Clean & Green provides ex-offenders with immediate attachment to meaningful work reclaiming vacant lots.  EPA funded brownfields job training is ready to launch. NewarkWorks supported solar job training and trainees are currently installing solar on a city leased municipal garage.  

ACCESS TO FRESH FOODS

·       Fresh Foods:  To address the fresh food deserts common in inner city areas, we have a three pronged strategy – forgiveable loans for small grocers who expand availability of produce, meat and dairy; attracting supermarkets to underserved areas; and bringing farmstands with locally and regionally grown produce into our Family Success Centers throughout the City.

·    Supporting local urban agriculture initiatives and community gardens.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

·       Newark is a Model Lead Safe City and is working to reduce the high levels of lead poisoning incidence in our community. 

·       The City is also addressing other environmentally related illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease that disproportionately affect low income and inner city communities. 

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION & INVOLVEMENT

·       Numerous workshops and green events have been held, such as Newark’s Green Future Summit; the Green Fair at JFK Recreation Center; the Youth Leaders Earth Day Forum, and the Green Workshop for Faith Based Organizations

·       The Newark Public School system has formed a team that has prioritized environmental education, recycling and energy.

·       With assistance from the Sustainability Officer, NPS is scoping a Green Big Picture alternative school; pursuing signing up 12 schools for the State’s Energy Education program; and developing RFP for solar installations on up to 15 buildings.




Going green is not something that can be done in a vacuum or by any one office or program.  Going green requires broad participation – hence our slogan:  City of Newark – Go Green With Us!

The City of Newark e-mail system is for business purposes only. This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. This communication may contain material protected by the attorney-client privilege. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original mail.

CUSTOM BICYCLES HANDMADE IN NEWARK
Folk Engineers Fulfill Their Dreams by Building Dream Bicycles

Newark, New Jersey – March 11, 2010 – Folk Engineered proudly announces New Jersey’s only custom handmade bicycle manufacturing service. Each Folk Engineered bicycle is designed and fabricated in-house, one at a time. Husband and wife framebuilders, Marie Pasquariello and Ryan Reedell, aspire to build the perfect bike for every person in their workshop in Newark.

Newark, once the bicycle capitol of the world, is a breeding ground for new talent and innovation. Folk Engineered helps to bring the cycling tradition back by resurrecting an ancient trade. Custom framebuilders offer something different than bike shops and department stores. Each bike is built for a specific rider and with extreme attention to detail. “Building custom handmade bicycles is a scientific art form,” Pasquariello says. “It is geometry, physics, chemistry, visual thinking, and sculpture.”

Each bicycle is drafted specific to the rider’s body, biking style, and aesthetic desires. Reedell explains, “A bike is a machine that’s designed to work with the human body. The better the fit, the better the experience.” Using the highest quality steel materials, each tube is carefully mitered, assembled using a fixture, brazed, and sanded until smooth. The finished frame and fork are inspected and aligned within a 0.02″ tolerance. Folk Engineered builds all breeds of bicycles, including city, touring, road, track or somewhere in between.

Pasquariello and Reedell love bicycles. Their first date was a 1500 mile bike tour, they rode a tandem during their wedding, and their cat is named “bottom bracket” (a bicycle component). Combined, they have accumulated over 6,000 miles of bicycle touring, a certificate for completing the United Bicycle Institute’s chromoly framebuilding course, 2 years of academic and sculptural bicycle studies at Rutgers University, 8 years of volunteer and professional bicycle mechanics, 1.5 years of machining experience, and 7 years of participation in bicycle collectives, including the New Brunswick Bicycle Library and the Brick City Bike Collective. Over the past two years, the couple has worked to transform their bicycling passion into a livelihood.

About Folk Engineered: We are Newark-based framebuilders that work with the needs of the rider and the concepts of physics to create dream bicycles. Catering to all disciplines of cycling and cyclists, we offer personalized services of the highest quality. We engineer bicycles for people. For more information, please visit www.folkengineered.com.

Bookmark this category
BODY{ background-color : #CCCCCC; font-family: “Trebuchet MS”, Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size : 12px; color: #000000; }li { list-style:disc; } a{color : #665947; line-height:20px;} a:hover { color: #20587F; text-decoration: underline} a:active {text-decoration: underline} .normal {color:#111111; font-size: 12px;} .heading, p.heading {color:#993399; font-color:#993399; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;} .bigheading {color:#993399;font-size: 28px; font-style: bold; font-weight: bold;} .footer {font-size: 9px;} .link {font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none;}

Newark Today, our live monthly call-in show with Mayor Cory Booker, hosted by Andrew Meyer.      This week on the WBGO Journal Friday, March 12, 2010 – Hosted By Doug Doyle SLED HOCKEY IN NEW JERSEY Eugene Sonn reports on the South Jersey Wings of Steel. One former member of the team is competing in the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver. COMMENTARY: SUPPORTING 100 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE A recent experience reminded commentator Mildred Antenor about the importance of staying connected to our oldest citizens. THERE’S MORE TO NEW JERSEY THAN THE SOPRANOS! Andrew Meyer talks with historian Marc Mappen about his new collection of stories documenting the Garden State’s rich past: There’s More To New Jersey Than The Sopranos. REVIEW: NEXT FALL Michael Bourne reviews the new Broadway play, Next Fall.       Last week on the WBGO Journal Friday, March 05, 2010 – Hosted By Andrew Meyer POLICING THE NEWARK PD BREAKTHROUGH IN COURAGE A NEW ONE FROM THE FUGS REVIEW: THE MIRACLE WORKER       Also from the WBGO News Room PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD REQUIRE NJ PUBLIC WORKERS TO LIVE IN THE STATE LOBBYIST SPENDING IN NEW JERSEY RISES TO A RECORD CHRISTIE SAYS HE’S BOUND BY AGREEMENT CORZINE MADE WITH STATE WORKERS    | WBGO| WBGO News | WBGO Journal | WBGO Journal Arcives | News On-Demand |

Art Shop is on the ground floor of Gallery Aferro in the main gallery, and offers seasonally curated artist multiples and one of kind items from around the world. Here are some new items, some Newark-centric.

"EWR"

A portion of proceeds from sales of this Necklace go to the Susan G. Komen fund for women, to support breast cancer research.

The selections of record bowls is always changing. All genres are represented, and “musical requests” can be made to artshop@aferro.org

"Panther Mix" signed

Sold out, now restocked!

"Newark Rings"

"NJ"

And finally, the onesie:

"Heart and Tools"

is in this case, 73 Market Street, between Washington and University. Please join us this Saturday 3/13 for the spring opening reception  for three new exhibitions, “Tek’tanic,” curated by Evonne M. Davis, “The Identity Project” by ‘08 Aferro Studio Resident Beatrice Coron, and “Nothing to See/Hear” by ‘08 Aferro Studio Resident Ryan Schroeder.

From 7-10, have a glass of wine, check out the waterfall cascading down the front platform of the gallery, built by Kai Vierstra or rearrange the city built by Lisa di Donato. Lisa Elmaleh’s wet plate images are made in a mobile car-trunk darkroom on long trips on back roads throughout the US. Stephen Mishol’s exquisite large scale prints depict the “Jersey Barrier.”

Beatrice Coron has recently given several papercutting workshops in the Essex county area, and her public art can be seen currently in NYC subway cars.  She has filled the Liminal Space with large tyvek sheets from floor to ceiling, cut into thousands of tiny figures depicting a dense, busy world inspired in part by contemporary literature, but recognizable and engaging to even the youngest of visitors.  This is a great show to take kids to!

Ryan Schroeder spent much of his residency working with experimental casein and beeswax sculptures, but his culminating exhibition in the Project Room is all new work. Come to discover what he brought back from his most recent residency in Virginia.

Contact: info@aferro.org

Bookmark this category

For Immediate Release

2010 MAYOR’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT FOR YOUTH AGED 18 AND UNDER WILL TAKE IT TO THE HOOP FROM MARCH 29 TO APRIL 3

Deadline to register is March 12; Youth teams will compete on regulation size basketball court

Newark, NJ – March 9, 2010 - Mayor Cory A. Booker and Neighborhood and Recreational Services Director Melvin L. Waldrop announced today that the City of Newark is opening registration for youth aged 18 and under for the 2010 Mayor’s Basketball Tournament, which will be held from March 29 to April 3, 2010 at the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center, which is located at 211 West Kinney Street, with the entrance on Howard Street. Games will start at 9 a.m. and continue until the schedule is complete.

“This annual basketball tournament is the kind of action we want all of Newark’s youth to enjoy,” Mayor Booker said. “I commend our dedicated recreation team for organizing this event which is one of several programs we are offering to engage our youth in wholesome activities which will promote their health and well-being.  I encourage all of our residents to support our youth as they take it to the hoop and manifest their excellence on the courts of the JFK Recreation Center.”

The deadline to register for the tournament is March 12, 2010. There will be no exceptions. Organizations and groups can only enter one team per group. Eight teams in each age category will be the maximum limit.  The tournament is timed to coincide with the spring recess from Newark Public Schools.

“The Mayor’s Basketball Tournament gives our youth a positive, wholesome activity during their spring break that helps them build strong minds, strong bodies, and teaches them valuable life lessons about competition and sportsmanship. I congratulate the entire Recreation team on developing and operating this program,” said Director Waldrop.

“I look forward to the Mayor’s Basketball Tournament each year. I’ve been involved with the tournament since 1999 and each year the excitement grows. I enjoy watching the teams compete against each other. I’m looking forward to this year’s tournament,” said Tia D. Montigue, the Program Coordinator for the Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs.

The tournament is played on the JFK Recreation Center’s regulation-size basketball court and will consist of eight teams in each of the following five categories:

·       Males 12 & under


·       Males aged 13-14


·       Males aged 15-18


·       Females aged 13-14


·       Females aged 15-18

Last year more than 50 teams participated and a similar number is expected this year. First-place and second-place teams will receive trophies.

The winners of the 2009 tournament were as follows: Males 12 & under: Tri City Warriors; Males aged 13-14: Next Level; Males aged 15-18: Hard Rock; Females aged 13-14: Campus 9; Females aged 15-18: Campus.

“I’ve been in this program as a coach since 1996, and this program is great for the kids especially during the week they are out of school. The tournament goes on all day, so it gives kids somewhere to go that keeps them out of negative activities. The kids get to compete on teams, renew friendly rivalries from school, and have the opportunity to play with or against their old friends and new ones,” said Shawn McCray, coach of the Zoo Crew, a South Ward-based group, which provides teams that compete in all three male age categories. Last year, the Zoo Crew’s 15-18 squad reached the semi-finals. “Different neighborhoods play against each other. Some kids are there from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., just to watch the games and cheer on the players,” he added.

“Last year’s Mayor’s tournament gave our players a chance to show what they learned on the court by allowing them to perform in front of 200 or 300 people. My players learned a lot throughout the year. They learned about the game, and they learned discipline. For example, you can’t argue with the referee,” said LaFrance Varnado, coach of the Rotunda Center’s 12-and-Under team. Last year, the Rotunda team made it to the semi-finals.

“The best part of last year’s tournament was learning to do free throws,” said Jalil Moore, an eight-year-old Rotunda player and McKinley Elementary School student. He is returning for his second year with the Rotunda squad. “I was kind of nervous playing in the semi-finals last year, but I’m less nervous now,” he said. He added that the program is helping him build his mind and body.

The Tournament is sponsored by the Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services’ Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs. For more information, contact Tia D. Montigue, Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs, at (973) 733-6456.

The John F. Kennedy Recreation and Aquatic Center is the City’s largest such facility, offering Newark residents of all ages a wide variety of daily recreation, exercise, and swimming programs. The facility features a multi-purpose exercise room, a regulation size basketball court, a state-of-the-art weight room and the only indoor/outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool in the State equipped with a retractable roof. The John F. Kennedy Recreation and Aquatic Center has hosted numerous events, including the 2002 U.S. Youth Games Swimming competition, professional wrestling matches, a variety of exercise classes, amateur boxing bouts, basketball tournaments and other community functions.

For more information about all Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs or any other City of Newark program or policy, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:        Newark Press Information Office  - (973) 733-8004

pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival.  In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission:  to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cityofnewarknj

The City of Newark e-mail system is for business purposes only. This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. This communication may contain material protected by the attorney-client privilege. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original mail.

Bookmark this category

For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK OFFERS FREE DANCE CLASSES FOR ALL AGES;

BALLROOM, SALSA, HIP HOP, MODERN JAZZ, AND SWING ALL BEING TAUGHT

Classes taking place at four recreation centers now through June

Newark, NJ – March 9, 2010 - Mayor Cory A. Booker and Director of Neighborhood and Recreational Services Melvin L. Waldrop announced today that the City of Newark is offering an array of FREE dance classes at four Recreation Centers, giving Newark residents an opportunity to learn a variety of steps: salsa, waltz, foxtrot, wing, hip-hop, modern jazz, ballet, and more. Separate classes are being offered to ages 7-17, and ages 18 and up. The list below gives the dates and locations of the classes.

The dance classes are going on now through the month of June, and are being taught by professional dance instructors.

“These classes will provide our youth and adults with a wholesome activity that will exercise their bodies and minds,” Mayor Booker said.  “I urge all residents to take advantage of these free dance classes in addition to other programs offered by the City of Newark’s Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs. Through these programs, we are enriching the lives of families and helping to build a stronger, safer, prouder City.”

“Dancing is a social connection and form of exercise that can be enjoyed in many ways at any age,” Director Waldrop said. “I commend our Recreation staff on offering our residents classes in so many popular steps and styles, which also speak to the diversity that is the great strength of Newark and its residents. I hope many of our residents take advantage of these classes.”

The Salsa classes are taught by Ivette Ramirez, who has been teaching Salsa for the last six years in Newark and throughout New Jersey. “I love working with Newark residents. It’s something good for the community. It keeps kids active in something that they will be able to use in one way or another in the future, adults are really into it and keeps seniors active. It’s a great form of exercise. When you do the steps the way they’re supposed to be done, you work every muscle.”

“I teach them the basic steps as well as footwork for partner work, along with styling for men and women (how to move the hands and body). It is easy to learn as long as they’re committed. The students come out of the class more comfortable and are often excited, waiting for the next session to start. I often get repeat students in my classes,” she added. Her Salsa classes will be held at the Rotunda Recreation Center at 75 Clifton Avenue and at the Ironbound Recreation Center at 226 Rome Street.

Ms. Ramirez has been dancing Salsa all of her life, but she began taking lessons in 1999 with members of her dance troupe in high school. After graduating from high school, she continued dancing with the group “Fantasy Salseritas” and continued taking lessons with Smiling David of Broadway Dance. In 2004, Ms. Ramirez became Smiling David’s assistant and a member of his dance company Pzazz. Since then she has been teaching classes and performing in many different venues. She teaches both shines and partner work to both sexes, with styling for both men and women.

“Dancing is how I live. If I can’t dance I’m not happy. Teaching kids, teens, and adults what I love only makes me happier. The joy I feel as a teacher when watching my students dance socially or even when performing is indescribable. Salsa dancing is my high for life,” Ms. Ramirez added.

The classes are sponsored by the Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services’ Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs.

Under the Booker administration, each of the City’s recreation centers has had a comprehensive rehabilitation. After millions of dollars of capital investment, every city Recreation facility and pool has been successfully upgraded and is now open for expanded programs and community use. In addition, City programming at recreation centers has been thoroughly enriched. Residents can now access a full catalogue of recreation and cultural programs and services.

For more information on the class, contact the Division of Recreation and Cultural Affairs at (973) 733-6499 or the Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:        Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004

                E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival.  In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission:  to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cityofnewarknj

DANCE CLASSES, TIMES, AND LOCATIONS

Ballroom-Waltz, Foxtrot & Swing         7-17            March 15, 22 & 29       Mondays: 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm (youth)              Ironbound

                                                Adults          May 3,10,17 & 24        Mondays: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (Adult)     

Ballroom-Waltz, Foxtrot & Swing                 7-17            April 9, 16, 23, & 30   Fridays: 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm (Youth)              Rotunda

                                                Adults          June 4, 11, 18, & 25    Fridays: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (Adult)

Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha                   7-17            April 5, 12, 19 & 26    Mondays: 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm (Youth)              Ironbound

                                                Adults          June 7,14, 21 & 28      Mondays: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (Adult)

Hip Hop                                 7-17            Now – April 29          Tuesday & Thursday: 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm   St. Peter’s

                                                7-17            Now – April 28          Wednesdays: 5:00 pm – 6:00pm

Modern Jazz/Ballet (combined)           7-17            Now to April 28 Mondays & Wednesday: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm  St. Peter’s

Salsa, Mambo, Cha Cha                   7-17            March 12,19             Fridays: 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm (Youth)              Rotunda

                                                Adults          May 7,14,21 & 28        Fridays: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm (Adult)

LIST OF PARTICIPATING RECREATION CENTERS

East Ward

Ironbound Recreational Facility

226 Rome Street

Gym: (973) 733-3707

North Ward

Rotunda Center

Clifton and Seventh Avenues

(973) 733-3677

South Ward

St. Peter’s Center

378 Lyons Ave.

(973) 733-8006

Central Ward

Hayes West Center

179 Boyd Street

(973) 733-3959

JFK Center

211 West Kinney St.

Gym: (973) 733-5483

(Entrance on Howard Street)

The City of Newark e-mail system is for business purposes only. This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. This communication may contain material protected by the attorney-client privilege. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original mail.

Bookmark this category

For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK OFFERS FREE CPR RE-CERTIFICATION TO RESIDENTS

AT IRONBOUND AQUATIC CENTER, MARCH 13 AND APRIL 17

Students must be Newark residents and already hold valid Lifeguard Certification;

Annual class is offered by Newark’s Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs

Newark, NJ – March 4, 2010 - Mayor Cory A. Booker and Neighborhood and Recreational Services Director Melvin L Waldrop announced today that the City of Newark is offering a “CPR Re-Certification class for the Professional Rescuer” on Saturday, March 13, 2010, and Saturday, April 17, 2010, at the Ironbound Aquatic Center located at 226 Rome Street. This class is only open to Newark residents aged 16 years and older.

The FREE class is an initiative sponsored by the Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services’ Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs. American Red Cross-certified lifeguard instructors will teach the class which is only open to Newark residents who have a valid American Red Cross Lifeguard certification card, and needs to renew the CPR and First Aid certifications. Lifeguards must renew these certifications annually. Both classes will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I urge residents who hold valid Lifeguard Certification to take advantage of these free CPR classes which will enable them to refresh their lifesaving skills and renew this important certification,” said Mayor Booker. “I congratulate the Recreation team on developing this important initiative which is helping to make our City stronger, safer and prouder.”

Space is limited, but future sessions are planned.  If an applicant is not accepted into one these sessions their name will be placed on a waiting list for future sessions. Students must present a valid photo ID, proof of Newark residency, and current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification when they sign up.

“Lifeguards who work in Newark swimming pools, summer camps, or hotels may be called upon to provide CPR at a moment’s notice,” Director Waldrop said. “Keeping yourself current in this skill today may help you save a life tomorrow.”

The health and well-being of Newark’s residents is a priority for the Booker Administration. At his Fourth Annual State of the City Address on February 9, 2010, the Mayor announced that he will serve as National Co-Chair of First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to fight childhood obesity. 

Since 2006, each of the City’s recreation centers has had a comprehensive rehabilitation. After millions of dollars of capital investment, every city Recreation facility and pool has been successfully upgraded and is now open for expanded programs and community use. In addition, City programming at recreation centers has been thoroughly enriched. Residents can now access a full catalogue of recreation and cultural programs and services.

The Ironbound Recreation and Aquatic Center offers Newark residents of all ages a wide variety of daily recreation, exercise, and swimming programs. The facility features a multi-purpose exercise room, an NBA-regulation size basketball court, a state-of-the-art weight room and an indoor swimming and diving pool, providing residents with access to year-round aquatic classes and recreational programs. It also has the City’s only municipally-operated ice and roller skating rink, which is also practice rink and home to the East Side High School Red Raiders Boys’ Ice Hockey Team. In the 2009-2010 season, the team earned the Red Raiders their first appearance in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s State Hockey Playoff since 1985. The team was eliminated in the first round by the defending champion Ramsey High School team, finishing their year with an impressive 8-5-2 record.

Under the administration of Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Center’s outdoor soccer and baseball fields were rehabilitated, enabling the Center to provide a home to a wide array of youth and adult soccer, baseball, and softball leagues. The Center also offers a variety of exercise classes, amateur boxing bouts, basketball tournaments, and other community functions. In 2009, Mayor Booker launched the City’s annual “Super Summer” program of events and activities at the Ironbound Center’s baseball and soccer fields.

For more information on the class, contact the Senior Administrative Analyst Angela Moore at the Division of Recreation and Cultural Affairs at (973) 733-6499 or the Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:        Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004

                E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival.  In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission:  to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cityofnewarknj

The City of Newark e-mail system is for business purposes only. This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. This communication may contain material protected by the attorney-client privilege. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original mail.

Bookmark this category

For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK TO OFFER TWO-WEEK LIFEGUARD TRAINING CLASS

TO RESIDENTS AGED 16 YEARS AND OLDER

Students will have to pay $50 for manual, CPR face shield, and certification card

Newark, NJ – March 9, 2010 - Mayor Cory A. Booker and Director of Neighborhood and Recreational Services Melvin L. Waldrop announced today that the City of Newark is offering a two-week Lifeguard Training class, beginning on March 29, 2010, continuing through April 10, 2010, at the Ironbound Aquatic Center located at 226 Rome Street.  This class is only open to Newark residents aged 16 years and older.

The class is sponsored by the Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services’ Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs. American Red Cross-certified Lifeguard Instructors will teach the class. There is a $50 initial cost due on the first day of class for the manual, American Red Cross Lifeguard certification card, and CPR face shield. The classes will take place on March 29, 30, 31, and April 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, and April 9, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., for two weeks.

“Residents who attain these lifelong skills will gain the unique opportunity to safeguard the lives of others,” Mayor Booker said. “I urge all of our residents to get involved with this program, and learn these valuable skills because you may save a life. I thank all of our residents who take this class for their commitment to making our City stronger, safer, and prouder.”

Space is limited in the class to 10.  If an applicant is not accepted into one these sessions, their name will be placed on a waiting list for future sessions. Students must present a valid photo ID and proof of Newark residency when they sign up.

“Lifeguards are needed at swimming pools, beaches, and camps all across North Jersey,” said Director Waldrop. “For teenagers and college students, working as a summer lifeguard can be a way to help pay for school and tuition expenses, while performing valuable and life-saving community service at the same time.”

While no jobs are guaranteed for persons who take the class, the Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs and other agencies that require lifeguards often hire graduates from classes like this one during the summer season.

“I think it’s wonderful that the City of Newark is offering such a program, as it’s a good skill to know. You learn how to save people from drowning and cardiac arrest,” said Maria Pasquariello, a Central Ward resident who took an earlier class. “I teach children how to build 16-foot canoes and 14-foot skiffs, and because we spend time in the water after building the boats, it’s great that I can be ready to save the kids in case something happens. It’s a great part-time summer job, too.  I 100 percent recommend this class.” Ms. Pasquariello teaches boat-building in her job as an instructor with Project USE, a Newark-based non-profit that works with City youth, offering experience-based education, including science, and camping programs. Project USE also offers an ex-offender re-entry program for juveniles.

Creating a healthier Newark is a priority for the Booker administration. At his Fourth Annual State of the City Address on February 9, 2010, the Mayor announced that he will serve as National Co-Chair of First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to fight childhood obesity. 

Since 2006, each of the City’s recreation centers has had a comprehensive rehabilitation. After millions of dollars of capital investment, every City recreation facility and pool has been successfully upgraded and is now open for expanded programs and community use. In addition, City programming at recreation centers has been thoroughly enriched. Residents can now access a full catalogue of recreation and cultural programs and services.

The Ironbound Recreation and Aquatic Center offers Newark residents of all ages a wide variety of daily recreation, exercise, and swimming programs. The facility features a multi-purpose exercise room, an NBA-regulation size basketball court, a state-of-the-art weight room and an indoor swimming and diving pool, providing residents with access to year-round aquatic classes and recreational programs. It also has the City’s only municipally-operated ice and roller skating rink, which is also practice rink and home to the East Side High School Red Raiders Boys’ Ice Hockey Team. In the 2009-2010 season, the team earned the Red Raiders their first appearance in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association’s State Hockey Playoff since 1985. The team was eliminated in the first round by the defending champion Ramsey High School squad, finishing their year with an impressive 8-5-2 record.

Under the administration of Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Center’s outdoor soccer and baseball fields were rehabilitated, enabling the Center to provide a home to a wide array of youth and adult soccer, baseball, and softball leagues. The Center also offers a variety of exercise classes, amateur boxing bouts, basketball tournaments, and other community functions. In 2009, Mayor Booker launched the City’s annual “Super Summer” program of events and activities at the Ironbound Center’s baseball and soccer fields.

For more information on the class, contact the Senior Administrative Analyst Angela Moore at the Division of Recreation and Cultural Affairs at (973) 733-6499. For information about any City of Newark program or policy, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact:        Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004

                E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival.  In population, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the northeast. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The production of affordable housing has doubled, businesses are returning and crime is going down. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission:  to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cityofnewarknj

The City of Newark e-mail system is for business purposes only. This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. This communication may contain material protected by the attorney-client privilege. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this e-mail in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original mail.