NEWS from the
TOWNSHIP OF IRVINGTON

"It is the goal of this administration to investigate and implement any initiative that will improve life in Irvington, and to do so with all due care, commitment and concern."
MAYOR WAYNE SMITH

The Township of Irvington and the Irvington Public Schools have teamed up with a suburban church to implement a broad-based slate of community services.

The program combines governmental resources with those of the 40-person Social Action Committee of the 450-member, 99-year-old Unitarian Church in Summit. Projects that target a specific population are matched with members' professional backgrounds.

The group of 19 congregants that participated in a tutoring program at Chancellor Avenue School-an unofficial adoptee of the church-included 3 teachers. Before assuming her current position as the supervisor of child study teams at Passaic County Technical Institute, Candice Chaleff worked as a teacher's assistant and a teacher, among other positions in education. Stephanie Cannon taught elementary school in Cranford for 12 years; Elizabeth Mueller taught English and social studies for 12 years to middle- and high-school students.

Fifteen third graders were instructed weekly in reading and math from April to May 2007. The SAC expects to expand the program in the fall.

In another initiative, plans are being made for a computer specialist to teach classes at the 2-station Mayor Wayne Smith Computer Room at the Irvington Senior Citizens Community Center (The computers were donated by the Verizon Pioneers, the community service arm of the telecommunications giant).

"We're breaking down borders and building up bridges," the mayor said of the urban/suburban alliance, which was formed through his one-time business association with a church member. The partnership "fits in with my administration's quest to unite with other stakeholders who seek to undertake projects that empower the community, whether they be economically-, socially- or educationally-based," he continued. "We have pursued productive partnerships that have tackled some of our pressing challenges."

During a visit to the church on April 15, 2007, the mayor shared this philosophy with over 100 members, as the special guest during Sunday services and a luncheon that followed. "His presentation to our church was absolutely electrifying, and it truly energized our efforts," according to Gary Nissenbaum, head of the SAC and an attorney with offices in Union and Manhattan. As a result, he added, "the Irvington initiative has blossomed into something very special; with the mayor's leadership, we are now in overdrive. We are putting our commitment to social justice into action, as a tangible way to work toward the betterment of both our community and Irvington."

Nissenbaum was one of about 40 church members to join school students and staff for Spruce-up Day held last month at Chancellor Avenue School. Collectively, the group of about 100 people planted a dozen shrubs, 30 flowers and a tree, in addition to cleaning the grounds. These activities teach our children "new skills" and get them "involved in the upkeep of their own school building," James Washington, the school's principal, said. Nissenbaum recently conducted a stress reduction workshop for teachers at the school.

"We wanted to demonstrate to Chancellor Avenue families that our church cares about them," according to Brian Halpin, a technology project manager and a key coordinator of programs at the school. "We hope our effort with the tutoring program helps young children to believe in themselves and their abilities."

A resume writing workshop, the church's first project, was held over 4 sessions at the Irvington Public Library in October 2006. Attendees were also instructed on the access and usage of job placement Web sites, and they received leads for potential employment. The 15 participants also formed a job seekers support group.

In a related development, the church and the mayor's office have formed an employment networking service that aims to match job seekers from throughout the community with potential opportunities at the congregants' places of business or other affiliated organizations.

A parents' workshop is being scheduled for Chancellor Avenue School, and discussions are underway for a seminar on maternal health in collaboration with the Irvington Community Health Center.

For more information on the church's community activities, call Jacqueline Andrews, Irvington public information officer, at (973) 399-6688 or Nissenbaum at gdn@gdnlaw.com

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