For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK TO COLLECT OLD CHRISTMAS TREES

STARTING ON JANUARY 9, 2012, THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should be recycled;

Remove electrical displays to protect them from weather damage

Newark, NJ R11; December 22, 2011 R11; Mayor Cory A. Booker, Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services Director Tharien Karim Arnold, and Fire Director Fateen A. Ziyad reminded Newark residents today that the City will commence picking up discarded Christmas trees starting on Monday, January 9, 2012 through Friday, February 3, 2012. Residents discarding trees should also remove their holiday electrical displays. 

It’s that time of year again when we have to wrap up the December holiday season with the start of a New Year. Proper disposal of old Christmas Trees and storage of electrical decorations will not only support our city’s recycling programs but prevent unnecessary tragedies that can result from a fire,R21; Mayor Booker said. I urge all residents to be good neighbors by discarding old trees and maintaining their property.

Between 2005 and 2009, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 13 deaths, 27 injuries, and $16.7 million in direct property damage annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Director Ziyad said that residents should R20;Dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home, in the garage, or placed outside against the home. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays, to prevent hazards, and make them last longer. Electrical displays should also be inspected for frayed wiring and damaged bulbs.R21;

The Division of Recycling is requesting that all residents make an appointment for tree pick-up, by calling (973) 733-6685, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Residents should take advantage of these pick-ups to have their trees removed so they can have a fresh start in the New Year, Director Arnold said.

For more information on trash and recycling pick-ups, please contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

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Contact:          Newark 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 nationR17;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

For Immediate Release

MAYOR BOOKER, FIRE DIRECTOR ZIYAD, AND FIRE CHIEF CENTANNI PROMOTE FOUR NEW BATTALION CHIEFS AND 13 FIRE CAPTAINS, AND SWEAR IN 25 RECRUITS AS FIREFIGHTERS AT CITY HALL CEREMONY

Fire Department swears in 25 recruits from its 40^th training academy class;

Class includes three Millburn firefighters and one Maplewood firefighter

Newark, NJ  December 21, 2011 Mayor Cory A. Booker, Newark Municipal Council Members, Fire Director Fateen A. Ziyad, and Fire Chief John G. Centanni promoted four new Battalion Chiefs, 13 Fire Captains, and swore in 25 new firefighters from the 40^th Recruit Class to their duties at a City Hall Municipal Council Chamber ceremony yesterday afternoon. Deputy City Clerk Ken Louis administered the oath of office to the promotees and recruits.

You are a Newark Firefighter. That means something,R21; said Mayor Booker, addressing the new Firefighters. You represent a tradition that goes back to previous centuries, of men who ran into fires and saved lives. You protect and secure the City of Newark. You stand for the highest values, and exemplify them in action. Your lives are about purpose. I celebrate your ascendancy into the community of courage and give you my thanks.

Three firefighters from Millburn and one from Maplewood also graduated from the DepartmentR17;s Fire Academy, the first class to go through the Newark academy in 10 years. For a decade, Newark fire recruits have attended other fire academies in Essex, Bergen, and Morris counties. The names of the new chiefs, captains, and firefighters are on an attached list. The Newark Fire Department Pipe and Drum Band performed during the ceremony.

It is an honor and a privilege to welcome our new firefighters, said Municipal Council President Donald M. Payne, Jr., speaking for his colleagues. R20;The human character and instinct is to run away from fire R11; yours is to run toward it. To help others, you go in harmR17;s way. I respect what you have chosen as a vocation and admire your brains and dedication to the community, and thank you on behalf of a grateful municipality for what you do. Also in attendance were Council Members-at-Large Mildred Crump and Carlos M. Gonzalez, and East Ward Council Member Augusto Amador.

Today is a wonderful day for the Newark Fire Department and NewarkR17;s citizens,R21; said Director Ziyad. We will have the ability to provide residents with more firefighters and better service. I want to thank the Mayor, the Council, our Business Administrator, and Senator Lautenberg for their tireless efforts to maintain a high quality of safety in this great City called Newark. Director Ziyad noted that the money for the recruit class came from a $7.5 million federal grant to hire 75 more firefighters, awarded earlier this year. The funding will enable the Department to run two additional classes of recruits through the academy, one in February and one in May.

This is a very good moment for the Newark Fire Department,R21; said Chief Centanni. It’s great to have new blood, new energy, new ideas in our department. ItR17;s also a good moment to recognize officers who have been promoted for the hard work they’ve been doing.

Millburn Fire Chief Michael Robertson spoke on behalf of his township, thanking the Newark Fire Department for training the three Millburn recruits. R20;This is a humble honor for us to be part of this class. Our firefighters got the best training any facility in the state could provide. The City of Newark has our gratitude.R21;

Awards were given out to the top Newark recruits and to the recruits from Maplewood and Millburn for their achievements. The recruits also presented a plaque to their instructors, which will be displayed on the academy wall. A list of award recipients is given below.

I feel like a million bucks,R21; said an elated Firefighter Hector Folch, after taking his oath. R20;This is one of the best feelings of my life. The training was phenomenal. The best part was the partnership we created as a team. The mayorR17;s speech was very motivating.

Keton Dooley, another new Firefighter, was also excited by the training. R20;The best part was working as a team on the 110-foot ladder and going through simulated fires,R21; he said. R20;The experience was great. I learned to be aggressive in putting out fires and that preserving life is the number one priority. We became more cohesive as the training went on.R21;

Since 2006, the Newark Fire Department has opened new and renovated fire stations, and added new vehicles to its inventory. In 2008, the Department graduated the 39th Recruit Class of 18 recruits from the Fire Academy. In October 2009, the Newark Fire Department unveiled its new 41-foot-long Hazmat and Heavy Rescue truck which will provide firefighters with a wide array of state-of-the-art equipment, including a 9,000-pound winch, a 9,000-watt light tower, a Robotic Search Camera to investigate disasters areas difficult to access, and extrication tools for car crashes.           

Over the past four years the Fire Department has also purchased three new fire engines; two ladder trucks, and several support and utility units, reducing the average age of its vehicles to close to 50 percent. The Department also saw a restructuring that led to a 67 percent reduction in overtime, as well as the creation of the regionR17;s first Urban Search and Rescue Unit, as well as the employment of new technology, such as voice-amplified face pieces, a new CASCADE rehabilitation and tank filling apparatus, and a state-of-the-art Voice Alert System.

The Newark Fire Department also has a number of specialized units, including an Arson Unit, a Hazardous Materials Unit, a Fireboat, a Confined Space Rescue Team, a Foam Tanker, and a Cascade Unit, which responds to emergency scenes to fill air bottles. In addition, the Department is one of only nine in the State of New Jersey whose Metro Strike Team has a Collapse Unit, to deal with collapsed buildings. Most of the DepartmentR17;s specialized units are assigned for regional response, to assist neighboring communities that lack such equipment and training.

For more information about any City of Newark policy or program, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

Contact:         Newark Press Information Office R11; (973) 733-8004

PressOffice@ci.newark.nj.us

–          NEWARK

 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 nationR17;s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major commuter and freight rail lines, 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. Its population showed growth in the most recent census. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The rate of production of affordable housing has doubled, and new businesses are moving in. 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 FIRE PROMOTEES

Battalion Fire Chief

Alfonse Carlucci

Kevin Flanagan

Sylvester Lee

Jerry Rohrbach

Fire Captain

Carmine Capriglione

Michael Litterio

Steven Anderson

Manuel Jorge

Kelvin Smith

Salvador Bidot

Francisco Torres

Marcus Johnson

Jose Garcia

James Lyones

Ramon Rivera

Anthony Duca

Jose Robles

Graduate Firefighters

Willie Bradley

Carlos Cabrera

Carlos Colon

Joseph Conte

Keton Dooley

Moises DeJesus

Hector Folch

Leonardo Garcia

Rajahn Hassan

Vladimir Jaco

Jeremy Larena

Michael Lozada

Eusebio Moreira

Giuseppe Maiorano

Anthony Oliveira

Daniel Pereira

Edwin Paulo

Angelo Rizzitello

Jairo Soto

Eric Sharo

Husain Tyler

Wilson Vasquez

Donald Volkert

Kurtis Waller

Kyam Wyatt

Marlon Adams (Millburn)

Sean Slavin (Millburn)

Augustin Muresan (Millburn)

James Richardella (Maplewood)

RECRUIT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Director’s Award

(Excellence in Academics)

Wilson Vasquez

 ChiefR17;s Award

(Excellence in Operations Training)

Rajahn Hassan

Fire Academy Special Operations Award

(Excellence in Leadership)

Joseph Conte

Achievement in Training Award

James Richardella

Marlon Adams

Sean Slavin

Augustin Muresan

MAYOR BOOKER CUTS RIBBON TO CELEBRATE THE OPENING OF BARTLETT DAIRY’S NEW DISTRIBUTION FACILITY IN NEWARK’S SOUTH WARD

One of the largest fresh milk distributors in the tri-state area and a leading provide

in custom distribution solutions brings 400 plus jobs to the City of Newark;

                        Bartlett has signed a first‐source hiring agreement under which it will give priority to Newark residents for all openings

Newark, NJ – December 20, 2011 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Newark Municipal Council, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Brick City Development Corporation Chairman Adam Zipkin and Brick City Development Corporation CEO Lyneir Richardson joined Bartlett Dairy Vice President for Business Development George Miningam and JP Morgan Chase Bank Senior Vice President Sanford Wald for a ribbon cutting ceremony today to celebrate the opening of Bartlett Distribution Services, LLC’s new distribution facility located at 802-814 Bergen Street in Newark’s South Ward. Bartlett Distribution Services, LLC is an affiliate of Bartlett Dairy.

“Despite these challenging economic times, Newark is continuing to attract businesses due to our attractive proximity to transportation and Bartlett Dairy’s move to Newark caps our City’s ‘groundbreaking year.’ In 2011, we have seen a dazzling array of groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings that testify to the desirability and strength of Newark as a center for business and development. We have broken ground on our first new hotel in 39 years, welcomed Damascus Bakeries and Panasonic to Newark and now Bartlett Dairy is bringing more jobs and opportunities to our residents. I also want to thank Starbucks for being a tremendous partner and forgive me for milking this moment, but this accomplishment is utterly incredible.”

The South Ward Industrial Park was one of the Newark Economic Downtown Core entities that the City was able to reclaim after negotiations and litigation. After working hard to reclaim these properties that rightfully belong to the City of Newark, the administration began focusing on how to best utilize these sites for the optimal benefit of the citizens of Newark.

“My commitment as Deputy Mayor for Economic Development is to bring opportunity to the citizens of Newark, and it is only with partners such as Bartlett Dairy that the City of Newark will be able to accomplish that goal. Bartlett Dairy is not only investing in the South Ward and our community as a whole, but through our first source agreement Bartlett has committed to offering Newark residents the first opportunity for new jobs. With over 400 jobs ultimately expected at this facility, Bartlett Dairy will be a partner and an economic engine for our City in the years to come,” said Deputy Mayor Zipkin.

Brick City Development Corporation identified the property and finalized the City’s sale of a 105,000 square‐foot South Ward Industrial Park site to Bartlett Dairy. In addition BCDC negotiated the sales contract including the commitment for hiring and donations.

• ·         In Phase 1, Bartlett relocated its Clifton Facility and 175 jobs to the Southward Industrial Park. Bartlett anticipates at least 60‐80 replacement hires and openings in the first two years.

• ·         In Phase 2, Bartlett will add another 200 jobs through growth and expansion. As part of the agreement, Bartlett signed a first source hiring agreement under which Bartlett give priority to Newark residents for all job openings.

“Here at BCDC, we focus on taking projects from the pipeline through to the finish line with job creation as one of our top priorities. We worked very closely on this transaction with Bartlett Dairy, a minority-owned company, to make this deal become a reality. We provided technical and financial assistance to the company and are proud of the community service that Bartlett Dairy has already begun to do in the South Ward,” said BCDC CEO Richardson.

Through BCDC’s negotiation at closing, Bartlett also contributed $10,000 to the Jackie Robinson Little League, $5,000 to the Bergen Street Merchants Association, and $10,000 to the South Ward Pop Warner. JP Morgan Chase Bank provided the financing for Bartlett Dairy’s relocation to Newark.

“JP Morgan Chase is delighted to participate in this ribbon cutting ceremony. Bartlett Dairy is a valued client of Chase and we are excited to be able to support this project. This new facility will allow Bartlett Dairy to expand and grow their business and create additional jobs. We wish the entire Malave family, the employees of Bartlett Dairy, and the City of Newark the best of luck on this and future opportunities,” said JP Morgan Chase Bank Senior Vice President Sanford Wald.

Bartlett Dairy was founded in 1963 as a home delivery and retail milk route operating in the borough of Queens. The perishable foods firm was formed by Chairman Thomas Malave, Sr., and is managed by Thomas’ sons.  Bartlett Dairy distributes dairy products and other perishable food items to retail and food service customers in the northeastern U.S.  The company is one of the largest fresh milk distributors in the tri-state area; and a leading provider in custom distribution solutions;  other items supplied by Bartlett Dairy (and its affiliates)  include pastries, cakes, juices, frozen fruit, fresh bread, soups, and paper products. Bartlett Dairy (and its affiliates) serves customers such as Starbucks, Barnes & Noble bookstores, schools, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and grocery stores that span Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. Bartlett Dairy (and its affiliates) is the fifth-largest minority‐owned company in the metropolitan region according to Crain’s magazine.

“I share a passion with the Malave family in giving back to the communities that support our business values and philosophy. I am excited about the opportunities in Newark and look forward to partnering with a great city and its great people with an even greater future,” said Mr. Miningham.

“As a Newark resident I am thrilled at the arrival of Bartlett Distribution into my community. I truly feel like part of the Bartlett family already and look forward to many years working for the company,” said Lizzie Robinson, a Bartlett worker.

“I love working at Bartlett and the Newark facility is beautiful,” said Newark resident Anthony Vasques.

The Booker administration has made economic development and the creation of jobs a high priority. These innovative efforts have included the launching of the Brick City Development Corporation, the City’s economic development catalyst.

Since 2006, the executives of major companies such as Pitney Bowes, Standard Chartered Bank, Audible.com, Mimeo.com, CGC Genetics, Panasonic, Marriott, Manischewitz, and others have chosen Newark as home for new corporate headquarters and major operations centers. They’ve been joined by entrepreneurs, including dozens of companies that received start-up capital or other assistance from Brick City Development Corporation (BCDC), such as Dental Kidz, Loft47, and The Sixth Boro.

Economic development has also benefited from the 2007 opening of the Prudential Center, which brought New Jersey Devils hockey, New Jersey Nets basketball, and New York Liberty WNBA basketball to the City’s downtown. It also spurred the development of numerous downtown restaurants and bars as well as the construction of a new Marriott Hotel adjacent to the arena.

Economic development has also taken place in all of Newark’s neighborhoods, with projects like the redevelopment of the Newark Screens multi-plex movie theater in the City’s Central Ward, by a group headed by Newark native and NBA basketball star Shaquille O’Neal.

For more information about any City of Newark program or policy, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

CONTACT:   Press Information Office – (973) 733-8004.

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

Bartlett Dairy: Vice President for Business Development George Miningham – (347) 865-3963

                       E-mail: GeorgeMiningham@bartlettny.com

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

About Brick City Development Corporation

Brick City Development Corporation (BCDC) is the primary economic development catalyst for Newark, New Jersey, organized to retain, attract and grow businesses, enhance small and minority business capacity, and spur real estate development within the city.

BCDC initiates and executes economic development activities to produce and sustain economic growth, generate jobs and create wealth for the citizens of Newark. Our team serves as advocates within the City’s municipal structure and provides a hands-on client management approach.  For more information on Brick City Development Corporation, please visit our website at www.bcdcnewark.org. 

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 commuter and freight rail lines, 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. Its population showed growth in the most recent census. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The rate of production of affordable housing has doubled, and new businesses are moving in. 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

Public Schedule for Mayor Cory A. Booker for Tuesday, December 20, 2011

8:30 a.m.

Mayor Booker will discuss the expansion of the MindUP program at Oliver Street School.

The MindUP program is an initiative of The Hawn Foundation, which incorporates basic brain science with education, teaching students to use their brains more effectively and creatively. Mayor Booker will be joined by second through fifth graders who are participating in the program.

Oliver Street School

104 Oliver Street

Newark

11 a.m.

Mayor Booker will attend the Kars4Kids Foundation children’s coat giveaway at the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center.

Kars4Kids will give out new children’s coats, hand warmers, and sweaters to Newark families in need from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

John F. Kennedy Recreation Center

211 West Kinney Street

(Entrance on Howard Street)

Newark

1 p.m.

Mayor Booker will cut the ribbon to celebrate Bartlett Dairy’s new 105,000 square-foot facility.

Bartlett Dairy is the largest fresh milk distributor for Farmland Dairies and serves customers such as Starbucks and Barnes & Noble bookstores. The relocation of Bartlett Dairy from Clifton, NJ, will bring 400 plus jobs to the City of Newark.

802-814 Bergen Street

Newark

3:30 p.m.

Mayor Booker will deliver remarks at the graduation/promotion ceremony for 25 new Newark firefighters, 13 new Fire Captains, and four Battalion Chiefs.

Municipal Council Chamber

City Hall

920 Broad Street

Newark

4:30 p.m.

Mayor Booker will light the City of Newark’s Menorah.

The Mayor will join with the City of Newark’s Jewish community to observe the eight-day festival of Hanukkah.

City Hall First Floor Rotunda

920 Broad Street

Newark

Newark Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004 or Esmeralda Diaz Cameron at (201) 396-2556. E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

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

MAYOR BOOKER AND NEWARK JEWISH COMMUNITY LEADERS

TO MARK HANUKKAH WITH ANNUAL MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY

AT CITY HALL, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, AT 4:30 P.M.

Newark Boys Chorus School Apprentice Chorus will perform at ceremony honoring City’s Jewish heritage

Newark, NJ – December 19, 2011 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Newark Municipal Council, Deputy Mayor for Economic and Housing Development Adam Zipkin, The Berger Organization President and CEO Miles Berger, members of the Newark Jewish community, and the Newark Boys Chorus School Apprentice Chorus will observe Hanukkah, the Jewish eight-day Festival of Lights, by lighting the City’s menorah inside the First Floor Rotunda at City Hall, at 920 Broad Street, Newark, on Tuesday, December 20, at 4:30 p.m.

The menorah lighting will be preceded by a program in the City Hall Rotunda, which will include musical performances by the Newark Boys Chorus School Apprentice Chorus. The program will also honor Newark’s Jewish heritage and continuing contributions to the City.

WHO:             Mayor Cory A. Booker, the Newark Municipal Council, Deputy Mayor for Economic and Housing Development Adam Zipkin, The Berger Organization President and CEO Miles Berger, members of the Newark Jewish community, and the Newark Boys Chorus School Apprentice Chorus performers.

WHAT:           Will hold the City’s Annual Menorah-Lighting to mark Hanukkah, the Jewish eight-day Festival of Lights.

WHEN:           Tuesday, December 20

                        4:30 p.m.

WHERE:        City Hall

                        First Floor Rotunda

                        920 Broad Street, Newark

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

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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