cityscape

Back to the Arena

There are times in ones life that change happen.  Whether it is the birth of a child or the death of a loved one, life will always continue but it is during these stressful times that we sometimes step away from all projects, work, friends and the such.  For those who have missed my blogs, I am still living and enjoying my life here in Paterson as I have done for the last 38 years.  Recently I made the decision that I could no longer help my community or the people in it by working in an administration that did not understand or did not want to see the urgencies of some of our issues.  It is for that reason that I walked away from almost four years in Trenton and have returned to my hometown of Paterson to re-introduce myself to my community and continue my advocacy for its residents.

With that being said, let me just say that Paterson "physically" has changed in the past few years with all this new construction going on, but behind the bricks and mortar are the same problems and fighting that has plagued this city for decades.  Our education system is once again under stress, our newly elected Commissioners are either dedicated to improving our educational system or hold a private political agenda with others who are only in politics for themselves.

Next Tuesday, Paterson again heads to the polls to elect Councilmembers who will hopefully work with the administration in an attempt to continue to push this city forward and not backward.  But again, amongst all the candidates, some are truly looking to do positive things for the city and others are just trying to get the "extra paycheck" for being a councilperson and pushing the political agenda of those who either want to move up in Paterson politics or position themselves to run against Mayor Torres.  Regardless of what the candidates reasons may be, it is the voter in the end that can truly make positive change happen.

If you believe in the historic Presidential primary and general election this year, then vote for the TRUE candidate and not the politician.  When you go to vote, ask yourself, once you vote some of these individuals into office, are YOU getting a cut of the part-time paycheck they will receive?

Scholarship Opportunities Available!

Scholarship Opportunities Available!

See attachment for more information.

Download Scholarship.pdf

My Son PatOnline Personality: Angel Villalongo

PatOnline Personality: Angel Villalongo
May 4th, 2008 ·

This month our featured personality is Angel Villalongo (He is the third Villalongo we have featured here) His name was submitted by his aunt and Godmother, Rosie Gonzalez. Here is what she had to say about Angel:

I just wanted to tell you a little about my Godson which is also my nephew, Angel Villalongo.

Not only is he a full time teacher at a private school but he is also in charge of the youth group at St. Agnes church in Paterson. He’s been involved with other youth groups as well. I’ve had to move out of Paterson and live now in Franklin, NJ Sussex County. My health is not well and Angel as busy as he is still finds time to come visit me, this should tell you how thoughtful he is. He was born and raised in Paterson. There is a lot more that I can say but for now I just think he would be great for your personality segment.

We looked up Angel’s Seton Hall website and here is how he describes himself:

What a person does on their free time further defines who they are on the whole. My hobbies and interests are an extension to who I am. I enjoy trying new things that might broaden my view of the world, better my understanding of people’s cultures, or different ways of having good nature fun.

One of the things I love to do is spend time at my church. Most Sunday’s during the year I spend teachings two classes. When I am not teaching I can be seen at my church cleaning the outdoor grounds or helping out in the mass. It’s an enriching experience that helps me to see that I am but a small speck in a big world. It helps me to see beyond “I” to the “we” of the humanity that I share in as well as the divine that I have within me.

What is always good to that I also enjoy doing when time permits, is volunteer. I love helping others in whatever way I can. I have volunteer at Special Olympics training, at reading to young children and other activities. It brings me much to give the helping hand or that friendship that is much needed in the lives of many people. I have been blessed and wish always to share those blessings.

We contacted Angel’s mother - Mrs. Anna Villalongo- and this what she had to say about Angel:

Let me say just a few more things; Angel started given back to others since I can remember, for example when he was around 7 years old he was with his two brothers and he ask his father “dad what is community service” it’s when you volunteer to help someone and don’t expect to received anything back because you want to do it not because you have to do it; Angel hasn’t stop since.

Angel’s activism should motivate and make other Patersonians proud.

Do you know someone that should be featured here? Then click here to submit their info!http://patersononline.net/potm/2008/05/04/patonline-personality-angel-villalongo/

Relay for Life of Paterson Saturday, May 17, 2008

Relay for Life of Paterson Saturday, May 17, 2008
3:00-9:00 PM
Pennington Park
McBride Avenue, Paterson

One Day – One Night – One Paterson – One Fight!

2:30 PM Registration Tent Opens
3:00 PM Cancer Survivors Ceremony
We will honor all cancer survivors present.
Each survivor is a beacon of hope for us all!
Followed by music, activities & walking the track
7:45 PM Luminaria Ceremony - Lighting the Path of Hope
Honor a cancer survivor or remember a loved one lost to cancer, with a donation to light a luminaria.

The Relay for Life represents our HOPE,
that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten,
those battling cancer will be supported,
and one-day cancer will be eliminated.

“A Walk-a-thon with a twist” - Participants come in teams (suggested size 8-15 people) to raise money & awareness to fight cancer. Teams are co-workers, organization members, friends, neighbors, families, etc…

Join the Fight! For more information or to register,
contact the American Cancer Society:
1-800-ACS-2345 or 201-343-2222
Miriam.confer@cancer.org www.cancer.org


Celebre. - Recuerde. - Pelea.
Sociedad Americana del Cáncer Relevo por la Vida

Relevo por la vida de Paterson
Pennington Park
McBride Avenue, Paterson
sabado, 17 de mayo
Ceremonia comienza
a las 3 p.m.

El evento Relevo por la Vida representa la esperanza de
que perdieron la lucha contra el cáncer nunca sean olvidados,
De que aqellos que se enfrentan al cancer reciban apoyo,
Y que un dia el cancer sea eliminado.

¡Unase a la lucha!
Para más información , llame al 201-343-2222
1.800.227.2345 www.cancer.org
Sociedad Americana del Cáncer
Esperanza.Progreso.Respuestas.
®© 2006, American Cancer Society, Inc.

Collaboration Meeting: May 8, 2008

Collaboration Meeting with the Parent Leadership Alliance, Community Advisory Committee,
and Multi-Ethnic Task Force

Date: May 8, 2008
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: John F. Kennedy High School Library
Topic:
Special Educators Recruitment Campaign
in Collaboration with
The Division of Community Services and
The Department of Human Resources

Facilitators:
Mr. Vincent Watkins, Watkins Group, Inc.,
Atlanta, Georgia;
Mr. William Freeman, New Jersey Department of Education, Trenton, New Jersey, and
Dr. Phoebe Gillespie, National Recruitment Center for Special Education, Washington, D.C.

For information please contact Dr. Joseph S. Fulmore, Sr. at the Division of Community Services at (973) 321-0842.

Reunión de Colaboración con la Alianza del Liderazgo de Padres, con el Comité Consultivo de la Comunidad, y con el Comité Multiétnico

Fecha: 8 Mayo, 2008
Horario: 5:00 p.m. hasta 8:00 p.m.
Lugar: Escuela Secundaria John F. Kennedy Biblioteca
Topico:

Campana para Reclutamiento de Educadores Especiales
En Colaboración con la Division de Servicios a la Comunidad
y el Departamento de Recursos Humanos

Facilitators:

Senor Vincent Watkins, Watkins Group, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia;
Senor William Freeman, Departamento de Educación de New Jersey,
Trenton, New Jersey
y el Dr. Phoebe Gillespie, Centro Nacional de Reclutamiento
para la Educación Especial, Washington, D.C.

Para mas información favor de comunicarse con el Dr. Joseph S. Fulmore, Sr.,
en la oficina de Servicios de la Comunidad al: (973) 321-0842.

Adela M. Coca Scholarship/Award

Download ADDSCB1.doc

Sociedad Cultural Borincana, Inc.
225 Market Street, #78, Paterson, NJ 07505
We are a 501 C (3) organization

May 2, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

On June 29, 2008, it will mark our 11th year anniversary of giving the Adela M. Coca Scholarship/Award and we are very proud of our accomplishment. This accomplishment could not have been done without the support and stead fast belief of individuals such as yourself. On behalf of the members of Sociedad Cultural Borincana, Inc, we would like to thank you for all your support. It is our hope to continue to provide our youth with your cooperation a scholarships ranging from $300 to $500.
Once again we are asking for your support and contribution to the positive development of our youth by either underwriting some areas of our event or a direct donation. Below are some of the suggested areas where we can use your support. I have listed several options for you in order to facilitate your decision. These are:

1. The Awards Food for $1,500. (Center page Ad, 5 tickets, hanging of Banner).
2. The Scholarship Journal for $700. (Back ad page in journal, special mention in our program and 3 tickets)
3. Purchase of ads. Ad form with different price ranges.
4. Purchase of tickets at $40.00
5. Any donation you wish to give.

We are appreciative of your support of this worthwhile endeavor. As in the past, we are confident of your commitment to our children and thank you for your support. Please note that your contribution may be tax deductible as we are a 501 © 3 organization.
If you have any questions, please call me at (862) 571-2661.
Sincerely,

José A. “Abawarukoel” Villalongo, Sr.
SCB President

The Greatest Revenge, to Live Well.

Today is a very special day, it is Yom Hashoah. The day of mourning for the six million Jews and the millions of others that died in the Holocaust. Though Yom Hashoah is today many towns including Clifton/Passaic mark the day with events on Sunday.

As the years since this dreadful event grows there seems to be an urgency by many to tell the story of the brutality and inhumanity that is truly beyond belief. With all the testimony, the pictures, the films and the graves, there are still those that want to deny the Holocaust. But let me tell you something my friends there is no such thing as a Holocaust denier. For those who pretend it never happened knows it did happen, but what they have a problem with is the fact that the Holocaust didn't finish the job and that there were people left to bear witness to the stain on humanity.

Being a second generation survivor I thankfully can't speak first hand of the horrors that my deceased father and his family went through, but I know they were more real than I can ever imagine and there were scars that never healed in all the millions of survivors. Many had broken bodies and all had broken hearts and fractured souls, But I don't want to dwell on the horrors because that was as clear as day. What I do want to pay homage to is the unbreakable human spirit that this generation had.

If there was ever a generation that had a right to give up it was this one. It defies logic. Even the noted psychologist Anna Freud has written about children of the concentration camps and somehow they were able to defy the odds and survive in relatively good mental health. Today we seem so used to the victimization syndrome, blaming everything on childhood, environment, poverty  and other factors as to why people behave in a negative way. Yet this generation of Holocaust survivors who were deprived of the basics were able to not only survive but thrive. They succeeded in making a life for themselves without self pity and were able to live and love and yes even to laugh. They became good parents and grand parents and if anything wanted to shelter my generation from the horrors that befell them. They never asked for pity but just ask that we remember (Zecher)  what happened and insure that it never happens again to Jew or non Jew.

They understood that the greatest revenge is to live well. It is easy to be a good person when good things happen in your life, but the true test of one's humanity is how they handle themselves when bad things happen, when life is unfair and when you become one of the victims of fate. The generation of Holocaust was able to pass that test. They not only hung on dearly to their lives and were able to survive, but they clung to their humanity and refused to become like the beasts that oppressed them. Perhaps that is the greatest thing to be learned from the Holocaust. Tonight I will light a candle in memory of all those who died and in honor of all those who survived like my father and taught humanity and me this most valuable lesson.

Peace

Steve

Paterson Habitat for Humanity is having a RAFFLE

Help support Paterson Habitat Lowe's Women Build!!

Paterson Habitat for Humanity is having a RAFFLE!
2 choice tickets to Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Concert!
**Please view our attached flyer for details**

We hope you will share this with your friends and family.
Raffle books are available at the Habitat office.
For more information:
Please contact Cate Leonard 973-595-6868 - Cate@patersonhabitat.org

Download RaffleTixSpringsteen.pdf

(PC CASA) Golf Outing

Dear Friend,

Passaic County Court Appointed Special Advocates (PC CASA) for children is a non-profit 501 (c )(3) organization that works to recruit, train and supervise volunteer citizens to advocate for the best interest of Passaic County’s children in foster care. CASA works to assign a volunteer to advocate for each child’s best interests in court, and to make sure that the child doesn’t “fall through the cracks” in our child welfare system. CASA volunteers are dedicated to working with everyone involved in the care of an abused/neglected child until a safe, permanent home is found.

Passaic County CASA relies solely on grant money, donations, and fundraising for all of its operating costs.

On Tuesday, May 20, 2008, CASA will be hosting a golf outing at The Meadows in Lincoln Park, NJ. The cost is $100 and includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner and gifts. For information contact John Murrin @ 973-839-5596

Thank you in advance for your anticipated support.

Sincerely,

John Murrin
President
Board of Trustees

PS. Sponsor a Hole! $100.00

Board of Trustees: John E. Murrin President, Catherine Fredericks Vice-President, Kathleen Grifone Secretary
Irv Gertner Treasurer, Mari Lou Parkinson Member At Large, Board Members: Fran Bardino, Christopher Carrero,
Robert Guarasci, Lawrence “Pat” Kramer, Dawn Norman, Anna Villalongo

Advisory Council: Joseph Duffy, Joseph Pellegrino, Andre Sayegh, Sheriff Jerry Speziale

Executive Director: Erica Fischer-Topp, Case Supervisor: Megan Hein

1330 Hamburg Turnpike, Wayne, NJ 07470 tel: 973-832-4002 fax: 973-706-8892
www.passaiccountycasa.org

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns Processed

Stimulus Payment Schedule for Tax Returns Processed by April 15


Economic stimulus payments will be issued according to the last two-digits of the main filer's Social Security number. For joint filers, the payments will go out based on the person listed first on the return. Payments will be made by either direct deposit or paper check, consistent with how people filed their 2007 tax return.

People who use direct deposit also will be among the first to receive the payments starting April 28. Direct deposits will be made daily and completed by the date listed below:

DIRECT DEPOSIT
Last two SSN digits:
Payments will be transmitted no later than:

00 through 20
May 2

21 through 75
May 9

76 through 99
May 16

Paper checks will also go out based on Social Security number. For Social Security numbers ending in 00 through 09, the paper checks will be mailed starting May 9 and will continue through May 16. A similar process will be repeated in the following weeks.

PAPER CHECK
Last two SSN digits:
Payments will be mailed no later than:

00 through 09
May 16

10 through 18
May 23

19 through 25
May 30

26 through 38
June 6

39 through 51
June 13

52 through 63
June 20

64 through 75
June 27

76 through 87
July 4

88 through 99
July 11

People who file a return after April 15 will receive their economic stimulus payment, but probably about two weeks later than the schedule shows. A return must be filed by October 15 in order to receive a stimulus payment this year. See the online calculator for an estimate of the amount you will receive.

A small percentage of tax returns will require additional time to process and to compute a stimulus payment amount. For these returns, stimulus payments may not be issued in accordance with the schedule above, even if the tax return was processed by April 15.

Nursing Program/free tuition

In case you know someone.... pass it on.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Nursing Program/free tuition

If you know of anyone between 18-28 years old, interested in the Nursing field, University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is offering FREE tuition, FREE books, a $250 monthly stipend, and guaranteed job placement as a nurse at Providence Hospital upon graduation (it's a 3 year program) with a starting salary of $40,000.

The program is recruiting new students now!! Please contact Ms. Beshon Smith (202) 266-5481 or email Bsmith@urbanalliance..org

SEND TO SOMEONE WHETHER THEY CAN USE OR NOT. THEY JUST MIGHT KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN!

National Day of Prayer

Paterson unites in Prayer
National Day of Prayer
May 1, 2008
Paterson City Hall - 12:00 noon

Download paterson_unites_in_prayer.doc

The Return

I have voluntarily stepped away from this site during the school board elections because I wanted the Paterson voters to reached their decisions based on the campaign issues rather than on any advantage I might receive by being featured here.  I am glad to be back and will again take up the pen to challenge the sword and get into other people's business.  Hopefully  I will be able to find things of some value to say about the urban scene in the great city of Paterson and receive comments that further inform my views. 

What On Earth Are We Doing?

   So I was going to post yesterday and then decided no to. You see yesterday was "Earth Day" and I love the earth and apparently so does everyone else. If you were on Google yesterday you even saw that Google's name was basked in green leaves. If you could judge the state of the earth on earth day you would think the earth is in fine shape. One would believe that the earth was inhabited by a bunch of tree hugging environmentalists who would never dare harm it. Every company would seem so environmentally conscious that they never could be accused of profiting over pollution or waste and that they are doing their utmost to insure that the earth stays in fine shape for eternity.

  But unfortunately we all know that is not the case. The earth day parties are over and perhaps all the paper plates and plastic cups that were used are soon headed for the landfill. The same companies that celebrated yesterday, today might be planning on building on green space or perhaps trying to sell us something that to us might be disposable but might lie in a landfill for an eternity. So the question is are we ever going to get serious about saving the earth. Yes every time a little green space is saved it makes the newspaper like Liberty State Park in Jersey City . http://www.nj.com/starledger/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1208925391191470.xml&coll=1

  But how much of our green space disappears quietly and as we drive down our roads and highways we say to ourselves "remember when?"  We can not afford to lose one inch of green space. The funny thing is we all say we are environmentally conscious. We all celebrate on earth day and we all think we are making so much progress. Are we?  Isn't it interesting how today a day after "Earth Day" a rally needed to be held to keep the State Parks open? 

http://blog.pennlive.com/lvbreakingnews/2008/04/crowd_marches_on_nj_statehouse.html

What do you think the earth would answer that if it could talk? You think it would give a thumbs up to the way we treat it? If it could talk would we even bother listening? For I think we all know what it would say. I sometimes think we almost expect the earth to talk and give us a warning that something is wrong. We talk about global warming and the first day below freezing we joke about global warming and call it a myth. We think the earth is just fine and dandy or else it would be giving us a warning or something, Some of us even mock those "tree huggers" who say the sky is falling.

Well an interesting thing happened with my bathroom towel rack yesterday on Earth Day. I always put a lot of towels on the rack and have been doing it for years. But suddenly yesterday the thing just broke. No warning no signals, it just fell off the wall scattering the towels all over the place. My wife said she told me so. Yes she did and after more than ten years she was right. I am sure if I heeded her warning the towel rack would still be here, but it looked fine to me holding all those towels. There was no way for me to know. I mean I have been doing this for years. The towel rack could have lasted forever, if I had treated it right and known its limitations. Let's all try to treat the earth right. Let's show it the respect it deserves 365 days a year and let's leave it in better shape than we found it. For what will we do if one day it acts like my towel racK? Make every day Earth Day. It's the only planet we got.

I am attaching two other links about the environment that were just in today's paper. This shows there is still so much more work that needs to be done.

http://www.northjersey.com/environment/environmentnews/Fecal_matter_fouls_.html

http://www.northjersey.com/news/nation/Arctic_may_hold_clues_to_warming.html

Steve

Youth Age 13 to 18 Join Paterson Youth Council

We’re looking for Paterson’s finest, young leaders who have opinions that need to be heard! Is this YOU?
 Meet once a month and discuss issues that
affect young people in Paterson
 Research, write and present legislation
to the City Council and School Board
Get together… Be heard… Make a difference!
Application deadline is June 16, 2008

Download revised_pyc_application_pdf.pdf

Call Frank Cinque at 973-413-1655 for details