Lappas’ campaign is remarkably similar to Mayor Steven Fulop’s “Stop the Drop” initiative, a program he launched in 2013 (now on hiatus due to Covid-19) to reduce litter and provide summer jobs for kids at the same time. Lappas had never heard of “Stop the Drop.” But Mayor Fulop is aware of Adopt-a-Block, according to Lappas, and likes it.
Jersey City People
Fatherhood and Mentoring Young Men of Color
Lewis Spears, founder of Kismet of Kings, reflects on fatherhood and his work mentoring young men of color.
Amy Albert is There for Kids in Crisis
For Women’s History Month, the Jersey City Times shines a spotlight on Amy Albert, founder and director of Haven Adolescent Community Respite Center, a drop-in locale where Albert and her staff of social workers, counselors and volunteers teach and mentor at-risk children. In a clapboard two-family house in Jersey City known as Haven Respite, founder […]
Building Bridges on Street Corners: Community Activist Pam Johnson Finds Her Calling
When Jersey City resident Pamela Johnson was in her 20’s, a spray of gunfire lodged three bullets in her stomach and torso. Undeterred, Johnson healed, put herself through college, earning bachelor and master’s degrees, and turned a page.
Machine Bosses and Typewriters: A Reporter’s Life Covering Jersey City
The streets were clean, there was one cop for every 300 people, and public transportation could get you anywhere you needed to go. “There was no sense of anybody being an outsider,” he said. “We considered the rest of the world, especially New Yorkers, to be creatures from a different galaxy.”
Anne Novado: New Queen of the Art Scene
The same could be said of Novado Gallery’s local impact. Like other Jersey City gallerists, Novado (along with business partner Steve Pearlman) wanted to create a dedicated space for art shows as opposed to a café or hair salon that also happened to exhibit art. Business owners and real estate developers often persuade artists to hang works in their spaces for “exposure,” adding much-needed decor to their ventures for free, This bartering was exactly what Anne didn’t want to see. After all, “does a lawyer set up a booth for free advice just for exposure?” she asks.
Jeffrey Trzeciak Appointed as Jersey City Library Director
“This marks an exciting new chapter for the Jersey City Free Public Library,” said Curt Harris, the library’s board president. “The case for Jeffrey’s candidacy [is] quite compelling because he is truly invested in social equity and diversity and inclusion issues in all areas rather than paying mere lip service.”