FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newark, NJ – February 3, 2011 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Newark Municipal Council, Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Margarita Muñiz, Municipal Council President Donald M. Payne, Jr., Acting Director of the Department of Child and Family Well-Being L’Tanya Williamson, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Director of Wellness Barbara Mintz, MS, RD, Newark YMCA COO Michael Bright, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations Director Jonathan Pearson, members of the Let’s Move! Newark Council and other community partners joined with Newark municipal employees for a press conference to launch the “Newark Beth Challenge” today, in the City Hall First Floor Rotunda. City Hall is located at 920 Broad Street.
“This is going to be a lot of fun and the mantra has to be no excuses,” said Mayor Booker, who added that obesity has become a national epidemic. “We in City government have to be the change that we want to see in the community. The issue is real. This is a crisis in our nation and city. Over 50 percent of our children are either overweight, obese, or grossly obese. This is eating at the potential of our City. We must be healthy for not only our fellow adults, but our children. Children may not listen to their elders, but they never fail to imitate them. We have to pull together as a community and a family to get this right.”
At the “Newark Beth Challenge” weigh-in, Mayor Booker registered at 279.6 pounds, 11 down from his Christmas 2010 high of 290 pounds. The Mayor has set a goal of losing 30 pounds by his birthday, which is April 27 and is also challenging others to join him in losing weight and leading a healthier lifestyle through his Facebook and Twitter accounts, where he reports his personal weight-loss progress on a daily basis.
“Many of you have weighed in, registered and made the commitment to live healthier lifestyles,” said Deputy Mayor Muñiz, “We as adults, as leaders, mentors and caregivers, as fathers, mothers and family members, take on the responsibility to give our children a bright future and longer life spans, and we do so by setting the example, and taking the ‘Newark Beth Challenge’ individually and with accountability.”
“I have 12-year-old triplets and health issues of my own – diabetes and high blood pressure, and I want to walk my daughter down the aisle one day. So this program is personally important to me. It is important to our community, our families, our lives, and ourselves. It shows that our community can come together on things that really matter and are positive for this community,” said Council President Payne.
The “Newark Beth Challenge” is a successful weight loss program and contest designed by NBIMC that is now being offered to municipal employees to reduce their weight, improve their health and help then to achieve healthy changes in their lifestyle. The three-part, 12-week Weight Loss and Fitness Challenge includes education and fitness training, under the supervision of a registered dietitian/certified personal trainer from NBIMC. So far, more than 200 Newark employees have signed up, forming 19 teams to lose weight. The drive to register municipal employees and create teams was spearheaded by Nikeysha Neal of the Department of Child and Family Well-Being, who coordinated the process.
“Our staff has done a phenomenal job promoting the challenge as well as recruiting individuals and teams. The number responding to our call shows a true commitment to their desire to live a healthier lifestyle. We are hopeful everyone will continue making healthy choices beyond the challenge,” said Director Williamson.
“We are giving all municipal workers the education and resources needed to make healthier life decisions. With improved health, they will be able to accomplish their life and work goals even more effectively, and set an example for all New Jersey residents,” said Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Executive Director Dr. John A. Brennan in a statement.
“We are delighted to see that Mayor Booker and all of City Hall have taken good health to heart,” said Ms. Mintz. “They are setting a healthy example for the entire community.”
Municipal employees who sign up with the “Newark Beth Challenge” will benefit from one-on-one professional guidance on healthy food options and fitness, private weigh-ins and consultations, and a free 12-week gym membership at the Colosseum Gym and the Newark YMCA.
“At the YMCA, healthy living is at the heart of our mission and we improve lives every day,” said Newark YMCA Chief Operating Officer Michael Bright. “We have seniors working out to stay in shape, and youth learning to swim or dribble a basketball for the first time in their lives. We are trying to change the environment for youth today. And all of you, taking part in this program, can be at the YMCA every day, receiving support, guidance, and resources to achieve your health and fitness goals.”
“I want to thank Mayor Booker for his great leadership in the City. I am a son of Newark with deep roots in the City, growing up on Garside Street, so this is a proud day for me and our 4,700 employees. Many of them will take the challenge, too. Horizon has been here 78 years in Newark and we are proud to be part of the Newark Beth Challenge.” Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield partners with the YMCA on an anti-childhood obesity program that reaches out to more than 20,000 youth statewide,” said Mr. Pearson
“I am so proud to be a part of Mayor Booker’s and First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative to create a healthy America. I have struggled with weight loss most of my adult life, often times lacking motivation and always making excuses for myself, until the mother of a veteran asked me to lose weight so that I can continue helping other veterans, as I did with her son. That was all of the motivation that I needed. Since that day seven months ago I have lost 70 pounds as a commitment to our troops and the veterans that have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan. Always remember: no excuses, stop sucking it in and start sucking it up and let’s move,” said Jack Fanous, Executive Director, The G.I. GO Veterans Transition Center of Newark, who spoke at the ceremony.
At the ceremony, Mayor Booker recognized the teams that have been formed to lose weight. Some 19 teams have already been formed in various offices around the City, and a group of Police Officers, inspired by the event, formed another team on the spot.
“We called ourselves the ‘D’Elite Team,’” said Irene Fryer Alton, a Senior Analyst with the Department of Child and Family Well-Being’s Personnel Services Unit. “It means, ‘Delete Unnecessary Weight for a Healthier, Happier, Life.”
The team of four workers from the division is committed to “losing as much weight as we can, maintaining the weight loss, and living much healthier lives for the rest of the year,” she said. So far the group has changed its eating habits, discarding red meats in favor of fruits, vegetables, chicken, and fish, and has begun a regular Saturday morning team workout at the YMCA at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, working with their personal trainers.
“This is one of the most fantastic and innovative programs the City has done,” Ms. Fryer Alton added. “We need morale boosters, and we need to lose weight and to live longer.”
The classes and exercise programs will be held outside of working hours. Participants will also be given information about family diet and exercise plans. A contest for the largest percentage of weight loss will be included. Contestants can enter as individuals and/or teams.
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. These have included such programs as the “Super Healthy Summer,” the annual Newark Bicycle Tour, and public festivals like this year’s Festival de la Familia Latina, which focused on good health practices and nutritious eating. The City has also provided economic grants and loans to stores that sell fresh food, through the Brick City Development Corporation’s Fresh Foods Program and Small Grocer Initiative. The “Let’s Move! Newark” campaign will promote healthy lifestyles, nutritious eating, and efforts to help obese people regain control of their health.
For more information about any City of Newark policy or program, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.
On Tuesday January 25 at 9 p.m. ET, President Obama will deliver his 2011 State of the Union Address, which will be streamed live on YouTube on http://youtube.com/askobama . This year, you can do more than just watch the speech: you can also submit your questions for the President for an exclusive YouTube Interview that will take place just two days later, on January 27.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newark, NJ – January 25, 2011 - Police Director Garry F. McCarthy will welcome Newark business executives and managers into the first-ever Newark Police Business Academy at a breakfast at The Newark Club, at One Newark Center (1085 Raymond Boulevard), on Wednesday, January 26, at 8:30 a.m.
The evening classes will commence on Wednesday, February 9, at the Police-Fire Command Center, located at 311 Washington Street, and will continue for 13 weeks. Students taking the class will gain a glimpse into the operations and organization of the Police Department and training received by Newark Police Officers that will include firearms instruction, courtesy of the Department’s state-of-the-art Firearms Training Simulator, and patrol techniques. Through this training, the business leaders will get a better understanding of and greater appreciation for what it takes to become a Newark Police Officer and a better understanding of the decision-making process involved in combating crime.
Program participants will learn how to prevent criminal activity and how to detect and report crime. They will also have classes on business-related issues as shoplifting, employee theft, forgery and credit card fraud, identity theft, workplace violence, and workplace sexual harassment. The class is a direct result of the Newark Police Department’s new Community Relations strategy, which is designed to engage the community more closely in eradicating crime in the City.
WHO: Police Director Garry F. McCarthy and representatives from 50 Newark businesses.
WHAT: Will welcome City business executives and managers into the City’s first-ever Newark Business Police Academy.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 26
8:30 a.m.
WHERE: The Newark Club
One Newark Center
1085 Raymond Boulevard
Newark
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newark, NJ – January 20, 2011 - Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Newark Municipal Council and Director of Neighborhood and Recreational Services James Souder reminded residents today about the City of Newark’s snow removal ordinances, as four to eight inches of snow is expected to again impact the region late tonight and into tomorrow afternoon. The highest snowfall rates are possible during the Friday morning commute, and the snow should end by early Friday afternoon. Very cold air will follow this storm system Friday night through the weekend, bringing Newark the coldest air of this winter season, which will create icy conditions.
During snowstorms, the City mobilizes personnel and vehicles to spread salt and plow roads as conditions dictate. The first priority for salting is hills, bridges, and major arteries that lead in and out of the City’s borders. Residents should not shovel snow back onto streets after they have been plowed. This becomes a safety hazard and an additional cost to the City because the road has to be re-plowed. The City of Newark will be enforcing all parking and street sweeping regulations and requests the cooperation of all residents to help the snow cleanup effort.
“Our residents must to do their part and be good neighbors when snow falls, by taking action to ensure the safety of their homes, their sidewalks and their neighborhoods,” Mayor Booker said, “I urge everyone to abide by our ordinances. When you shovel snow, please keep it out of the street.”
To report streets that need plowing and salting, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311, which is open Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours may be extended at the Call Center as conditions dictate.
As a “Good Neighbor” you can assist the City and your neighbors in weathering the snowstorm, by abiding by the following laws:
* Park vehicles in your driveway, so that the plows can get through to remove snow and ice.
* If possible, share your driveway with neighbors or secure vehicles on off-street lots.
* Clear snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of your storefront or home.
* Do not throw snow into the street. Place the snow on your lawn, on the side of your home or in the rear of the property.
* Remove snow and ice from hydrants and/or drains near your home.
* If you must venture out, take public transportation or car pool where possible.
* Be aware of alternate side of the street parking signs and parking restrictions when road is snow covered.
“When shoveling your sidewalks or removing snow from your vehicles or lots, residents should push the snow toward the curb and not into the street. If we all act as good neighbors and good citizens, Newark can avoid the hazards and dangers snow creates,” said Director Souder.
Home and property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from all private residential and commercial property, including areas in and around driveways, sidewalks, and walkways. The City of Newark does not provide snow removal services to private property – residential or commercial.
* Streets must be cleared from curb to curb. Residents and business owners are encouraged to remove snow in a two-foot circumference around fire hydrants located in front of their residences or businesses. Clearing the streets of snow may require several passes of the snow plows.
* If you have no sidewalk, pile snow on the left side of the driveway (stand facing the residence). If there is a sidewalk in front of the residence, pile snow to the left of the driveway behind the shovel (stand facing the residence).
* After the street is plowed, the front of the residence should remain clear of obstructions for parking.
There are two Snow Removal ordinances: 29:17-3. Keeping Traffic Lanes Clear; Manner of Clearing Access of Parking Places: “No person shall place, or cause to be placed, any snow or ice upon the traffic lanes of the roadway of any streets. In the event that it is necessary to clear the roadway of snow and ice in front of any property for the purpose of providing parking space or to give access to such property, then such snow or ice shall be property piled in the roadway in front of such property at no greater distance than six (6) feet from the curb line and in such manner that the gutter way shall be unobstructed. (R.O. 1966 22:17-3)
The second ordinance is 29:17-4. Dumping in Roadway from Private Property: It shall be unlawful for any person to remove snow or ice from any private property and place the same onto the sidewalk or roadway of any street (R.O. 1966 22:17-4)
Violators of either ordinance can receive tickets ranging anywhere from $100 to $1,000 from any uniformed Newark enforcement agency, including Police, Fire, Housing Code Enforcement, Sanitation and the Newark Parking Authority. All violations will be ticketed and subject to action in the Newark Municipal Court. Residents, business owners, and landlords are reminded that anyone who shovels snow into City streets will face Municipal Court action and fines.
For further information, or to report streets that need salting or plowing, contact the City of Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To get our hearts started in the new year, two exhilarating dance shows this weekend may work as well as CPR.
Grupo Corpo, visiting Ann Arbor, is Brazil's pre-eminent modern dance company, displaying amazing physical skills and Latin fire.
Then for something completely different, Shen Yun Performing Arts arrives at the Detroit Opera House with stories from ancient China, glammed up in gorgeous costumes, 3-D backdrops and a live orchestra.
If you've suddenly started going to the gym this month and need a mental image to use as motivation, buy a ticket to Grupo Corpo for Friday or Saturday at Power Center in Ann Arbor.
These 19 dancers from Brazil have bods the gods might envy. The performers are toned, rippling and as springy as gymnasts, exuding Latin heat.
As if to underscore the point, the troupe's name translates to "body group."
(However, in Portuguese, the language of Brazil, "corpo" can also mean a body of work, a corps de ballet or a corporation, an ambiguity the company founders liked.) The dancers put those physiques to stunning use on stage, thrilling audiences and critics alike.
Wrote a New York Times reviewer about their visit to the Brooklyn Academy of Music: "The troupe is remarkable for the disciplined, uniform precision of its spectacular dancing."
Although the company's chief choreographer, Rodrigo Pederneiras, insists his inspiration comes from neither Europe nor North America, the company's technique is grounded in European ballet.
"Our dancers must have strong ballet technique — it is the first thing to see when we hire," says Pederneiras.
But he uses that technique in the service of a distinctly Latin style of modern dance.
"I spend many years of looking and studying many styles of (Latin) popular dance," says Pederneiras.
"They vary by country and many different regions. But they all have one point in common — all movements start on the hips."
That hip movement develops into sometimes sinuous, sometimes stomping, sometimes airborne choreography that variously hints at mambo, samba, folk and tribal dance but ultimately becomes its own art form.
The Ann Arbor programs include Pederneiras' "Parabelo," from 1997, a dance inspired by the folk art of a poverty-stricken region of northern Brazil.
"Even though the people are very poor, their art is fantastic, full of happiness and color," he says.
He adds the dance is intended to express that color and joy.
A newer piece, 2009's "Ima," fills out the program. It is more abstract, with a theme he calls "magneto," about attraction and repulsion.
The piece features solos, duets and ensembles in succession, contrasting emptiness with fullness, union with dispersion.
Grupo Corpo was founded in 1975 as a family enterprise.
Pederneiras' parents moved out of their family home in Belo Horizonte, a Brazilian state capital, so it could house the fledgling company.
"My brothers and friends were young people who studied dance (Rodrigo had danced in Argentina with Oscar Araiz's celebrated troupe), and we wanted to make dance our profession here in Belo Horizonte, which had no professional company," he says.
His older brother Paulo is artistic director, while other siblings and friends have danced, designed sets or done other behind-the-scenes work for the troupe.
At first, the troupe based its dances on the music of Brazilian pop composers, but later branched out to European classical music.
As the company's reputation has grown, it has commissioned scores from Brazilian musicians.
Now, widely considered Brazil's most celebrated dance troupe, Grupo Corpo takes its unique dance perspective to the world.
Barbara Hoover is a Metro Detroit freelance writer.
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110120/ENT05/101200321/Dance-from-Brazil-&-China
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newark, NJ – January 14, 2011 – City of Newark Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Margarita Muñiz, members of the Newark Municipal Council, Brick City SERVES Chief Service Officer Nichelle Holder, PSE&G Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Vaughn McKoy, La Casa de Don Pedro Executive Director Raymond Ocasio, representatives from the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG) and the Rutgers University Energy Service Corps will hold a ceremony to launch “MLK 25 Days of Service,” to honor the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday as a national holiday on Monday, January 17, 2011, at 9 a.m. at the headquarters of PSE&G at 80 Park Plaza, in Newark.
“MLK 25 Days of Service” is part of a national initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s commitment to service and his challenge, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?” With this in mind, the City of Newark, Brick City SERVES, PSE&G, La Casa de Don Pedro, New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG) and the Rutgers University Energy Service Corps will be leading a city-wide volunteer effort to provide free, basic, home weatherization to 100 Newark families during a 25-day period. PSE&G is a major sponsor of this initiative.
At the ceremony, volunteers will be issued with equipment, given training, and sent off to weatherize houses. Teams will visit homes in all five wards of Newark to perform basic weatherization at no cost. Volunteers will seal cracks around windows and doors, change old light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs, and distribute energy-efficient materials.
For more information about volunteer opportunities with the City of Newark’s “MLK 25 Days of Service” volunteer initiative please contact Brick City Serves at (973) 733-4674 or brickcityserves@gmail.com
WHO: City of Newark Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Margarita Muñiz, members of the Newark Municipal Council, Brick City SERVES Chief Service Officer Nichelle Holder, PSE&G Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Vaughn McKoy, La Casa de Don Pedro Executive Director Raymond Ocasio, representatives from NJ Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG) and the Rutgers University Energy Service Corps.
WHAT: Will launch “MLK 25 Days of Service,” a city-wide volunteer effort to honor the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday as a national holiday.
WHEN: Monday, January 17
9 a.m.
WHERE: PSE&G
80 Park Plaza (At the intersection of Raymond Boulevard and Broad Street)
Newark
Press Information Office – (973) 733-8004
E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us
PSE&G Press Office: Bonnie Sheppard – (973) 430-7734
E-mail: bonnie.sheppard@pseg.com
by Joao Vianna
New York, December 30 2010. Vejatv.com in partnership with the Brasilians, the oldest Brazilan/English language newspapers in the United States interviewed tthe to ex-congresswoan and present president of the PMBD Woman in Brazil, Maria Elvira in an iconic New York Hotel, the Intercontinental.
Brought you by Vejatv.com |
In this short, yet in depth visit on a snowy Manhattan day, film director Ivy Goulart had an informal and pleasant talk with Maria Elvira about her intriguing political history, sharing with her interesting episodes from her political career and experience in the inner workings of the State and Federal Government of Brazil.
Maria Elvira also recounted segments of her career as an educator and talked about her personal hobbies.
Maria Elvira Salles Ferreira, daughter of Newton Paiva Ferreira and educator Maria Antonieta de Salles Ferreira, from Minas Gerais was born in Belo Horizonte.
Training:
Teaching in Education and Human Sciences - area of Arts and Communications - with a postgraduate degree in corporate communications and government.. She began his business career in his family organization, established almost 70 years and was director of the Colegio Anchieta for 12 years, and with his brothers founded the Instituto Cultural Newton Paiva Ferreira – the organization runs the Centro Universitário Newton Paiva Ferreira, Belo Horizonte with fifteen thousand students and more than 30 years of existence.
Presides at Newton Paiva Foundation for Cultural and Social Development, was its founder and creator. The Foundation aims to encourage the democratization of the artistic-cultural environment , contributing to the development of Minas Gerais,
Director Emeritus of the Commercial Association of Mines, which she joined in 1985 was the first woman in the organization. Currently chairing the Business Council of Tourism ACMinas, where she was elected member of she Tourism Council of the State of Minas Gerais and the State Tourism Forum.
In 2001, she became president emeritus of the PMDB Women of Minas Gerais, was elected vice president of the National Women PMDB, is a member of the National Directory and president of the PMDB directory municipal de Belo Horizonte.
Author of the Law 9797 of 06/05/1999, which requires the SUS - Unified health System for the use of plastic surgery reconstructive breast cancer and mutilated by the law that created the Education Award Darcy Ribeiro in Congress.
Chapter and International Relations of Brazil Women's Forum of Mercosur, having held until July 2005 the Presidency of international organization, founded by her and a group of women in 1995, Argentina. held in Rio de Janeiro in July 2004, the X-Meeting International Women's Forum of Mercosur, with great repercussion in the Mercosur.. The organization aims to promote integration across sectors and socio / economic, educational, cultural ties between member countries. Projects and proposals are carried through the Mercosur group REM - Women's Specialized Meeting of MERCOSUR, of which the organization is anadvisor (international)
On August 27, 2003, Maria Elvira was sworn in Brasilia, by the President of the Republic as a member of the National Council of Women's Rights, and participated in the first group of Collegiate CNDM, started by President Sarney, 22 years ago .
Maria Elvira Mines develops the project "Santa's Village" which exposes his private collection collected over 25 years, she sheld for over six years dreaming of presenting his collection to the people of Minas Gerais through exhibitions at Christmas time, thousands of people gracing the beautiful show titled "The Village of Santa Claus" held always in partnership with Centro Universitário Newton Paiva, where they collect tons of food to distribute to needy families and institutions of the state of Minas Gerais.
. * Awarded with the titles of honorary citizenship in more than 60 municipalities in Minas Gerais, for services provided to communities, received dozens of badges, medals, commendations and honors that are exposed in his office in Newton Paiva Foundation and in his private office.
Convened by her party which she has been affiliated for 20 years. was a candidate for Mayor of Belo Horizonte and vice governor of Minas Gerais, is enthusiastic about the causes mining, never refused to participate in the political and ethical discussion of his State of Minas Gerais.
The video of she exclusive interview can be seen on the website Vejatv.com ( www.vejatv.com ) or the channel on YouTube ( www.youtube.com / vejatvbroadcast )
Major facts for Maria Elvira you can access the website: http://www.mariaelvira.com.br
by João Vianna
New York, 20 of December of 2010 - The organizers of the Havana Film Festival had an event today to honor the sponsors of the Havana Film Festival, and for those people that helped to bring Cuban films, Latin and Brazilian films to the cinemas of New York.
The director of the festival Fernandes Landmarks, awarded the recipients with a trophy in recognition to the work carried through during the year of 2010.
The awards went to Edilberto Mendes, publisher of the periodical " The Brazilians," Edilton Saints of the Brazilianpress periodical, the director Ivy Goulart as the director of the year, Francisco of the Chagas of the Sunshine Entertainment Group, João Vianna and Ana Cristina Natividade of the Vejatv.com, and many others.
The event was held in the Giovanna' s Restaurant, also an award winner. During the ceremonies, the director Fernandes Landmarks spoke of the importance of the sponsors in an event such as this, and that the year of 2010, the event was a true success. He said that the Havana Film Festival has become an important part of the cinematographic art form in the United States.
It is important to remember that in the beginning of the Havana Film Festival it was composed of only 6 directors from Cuba with "Cuban passports, " who entered the United States to show support of the festival.
The festival is now in its 11th year and has grown geometrically. The organizers promise many new films for the coming year.
The team from the America Legal program of Vejatv.com was in the audience to record the event and interviewed each of the honorees.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newark, NJ – December 10, 2010 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Municipal Council, and other dignitaries will join municipal employees and residents from every ward to welcome the holiday season with the City of Newark’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, in the City Hall First Floor Rotunda, at 920 Broad Street, on Monday, December 13, 2010, at 4:30 p.m.
Performing at the ceremony will be the Newark Boys Apprentice Chorus School, the Newark Pre-School Page Academy Choir, and the Newark Boys Chorus. Refreshments will be donated by The Salvation Army and the G.I. Go Newark Veterans Transition Center.
WHO: Mayor Cory A. Booker; representatives from the Salvation Army and the G.I. Go Newark Veterans Transition Center; Municipal Council members; the Newark Boys Chorus; the Newark Boys Apprentice Chorus School; and the Newark Pre-School Page Academy Choir.
WHAT: Will light the City of Newark’s official Holiday Tree.
WHEN: Monday, December 13, 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: City Hall, 920 Broad Street, Newark
Press Information Office – (973) 733-8004.
E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us
FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE
Newark, NJ – On Dec. 11, 2011 from 12pm-4pm at the JFK Recreation Center at 211 West Kinney Street, Newark, N.J., Newark Now and the Bass Foundation continue the “Brighter Holidays” tradition of distributing thousands of new toys, over 2,300 kids coats, and clothing for children ages 18 mos. to 14 years.
This year, Terrence Williams of the NJ Nets will be in attendance to greet the families. “We have worked tirelessly since taking office to bring together private and public partners to help empower Newark’s residents with the tools they need to raise healthy and strong families. This event manifests our commitment and support of our residents who are most vulnerable and in need of support. ((We will share in the warmth of this special holiday season, while helping to build a stronger, prouder, and better Newark)),” Mayor Cory A. Booker said.
In 2003; Newark Now created Brighter Holidays to ensure that the holiday spirit is widely shared throughout the City of Newark. To learn more about Brighter Holidays and ways to donate to the campaign, call 973-733-3460 or visit http://newarknow.org/brighter_holidays.html
Dec. 11 Community Toy and Coat Give-Away Details:
Who: Newark Now and the Bass Foundation Present “Brighter Holidays” Community Toy and Coat Give-Away; NJ Nets Terrence Williams will be in attendance at 3pm.
When: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 12pm – 4pm
Where: John F. Kennedy Recreation Center, 211 West Kinney Street, Newark, N.J., 07102. The entrance to the center is on Howard Street
To pre-register for the give-away on Dec. 11, Newark residency is required. To pre-register, call:
• Family Success Center at Georgia King, 250 West Market, 973-621-2241
• Family Success Center at Bradley Court, 48 Munn Ave, 973-991-1290
• Financial Empowerment Center (FEC), 103 Bloomfield Ave, 973-624-3733
Through pre-registration for Brighter Holidays events, families are exposed to how easy it is to access resources at Newark Now's Financial Empowerment Center (FEC) and Family Success Centers. The FEC and Family Success Centers are one-stop centers that offer screening and enrollment for food charge cards and vouchers, free or discounted prescription medicine, child care assistances, tax credits, health care, family counseling, as well as free tax preparation that can help families obtain the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Brighter Holidays 2010 Sponsors
For the Brighter Holidays initiative, Newark Now has partnered with dozens of community organizations, companies and Mayor Cory A. Booker and his Administration. This year, the Bass Foundation has generously provided the majority of toys. Burlington Coat Factory has partnered with Newark Now’s Brighter Holidays Campaign for a second consecutive year by donating over 2,300 new kids coats for those participating children. In addition, Newark Now’s Brighter Holidays sponsors include: The Lefkowitz Family Foundation, The Prudential Foundation, The Gerson Family Foundation, S&C Kushner Family Foundation, The Eisenstein Family Foundation, One Real Estate Development, The New Jersey Nets, College Hunks Hauling Junk, Sims Metal Management, McKinsey and Company, NJ Nets Player Terrence Williams, The Rieder Family Foundation, Edison Properties Charitable Trust of Newark, Cardolite Corporation, The Kaplan Family Foundation, Lemcor, Standard Chartered, Brick City Coffee Company, and The Reuter and Ambler Family Foundation. McDonald’s of Newark will be supplying children with snacks as they arrive to the December 11th toy, warm coat, and warm clothing give-away. Several Newark based companies hosted toy, warm coat, and/or food drives for the Brighter Holidays Campaign as well (Advance Realty Foundation, The Prudential Center, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The NJ Nets, Seton Hall University Athletics, Gibbons P.C., Standard Chartered, and Audible.com).
This year, Newark Now has partnered with College Hunks Hauling Junk to offer an additional way to donate to Brighter Holidays. Newark Now Brighter Holidays will receive 20% of your junk removal bill when you call 1-800-Junk-USA or go to http://www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com/ and mention Newark Now's code MBA 1805.
About Newark Now Brighter Holidays
Since the holiday season of 2003, Newark Now's Brighter Holidays has reached thousands of challenged families in Newark every year and provided them with food, toys, clothing, free benefits screening and enrollment for important social services. For more information about Brighter Holidays call 973-733-3460 or visit http://newarknow.org/brighter_holidays.html
About Newark Now
Newark Now is an intermediary organization committed to increasing the quality of life for Newarkers. Newark Now was founded in 2003 by Cory Booker to provide Newark residents with skills, tools, and support to transform their neighborhoods. Newark Now helps Newarkers become aware of useful resources and services, helps connect them to those resources and services, helps government and non-governmental entities improve collaboration and coordination in the delivery of their services, and helps grassroots organizations build their capacity to lead community improvement efforts. For more information about Newark Now please call 973-733-3460 or visit www.newarknow.org .
For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us
