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Message from the Executive Director, Nancy Gagnier
Did you know that Maplewood and South Orange are first suburbs-older communities facing unique social, fiscal, and environmental challenges? We've been talking a lot about that here at the Coalition on Race over this last year-in fact, it was the focus of our community forum last spring. The special needs of towns like ours are now getting some of the attention they deserve at the state and national level. Building One America, an organization committed to stabilizing and revitalizing older suburbs, held an historic White House Forum on First Suburbs, Inclusion, Sustainability and Economic Growth last July. Assemblywoman Mila Jasey and Maplewood Mayor Vic DeLuca participated and shared the strategies used by the Coalition. Now, there's some momentum in NJ: Building One New Jersey is focused on bringing more resources to SOMA and other NJ first suburbs and seeks to promote inclusive communities. We attended their October briefing and will continue to contribute to the 'inclusion' part of the agenda: it's crucial for communities that have diverse populations to make intentional integration a priority. |
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Going Public: The 2011 Report to the Community
 On Wednesday October 19th, over 40 people spent the evening together in the lower level of the Main Maplewood Library as The South Orange/Maplewood Coalition on Race provided its annual Report to the Community. Coalition committees shared highlights from 2011 and plans for 2012 with residents. Executive Director Nancy Gagnier gave a presentation that reviewed integration and fair housing efforts in our towns from the 1960's to today. Help us to continue the dialogue by giving us your feedback on the Coalition on Race's 2011 Community Survey today. Read more....
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10th Annual Preschool Open House Brings Parents to CHS
Parents and their toddlers visited with over 20 preschools and early childhood education programs at the Columbia High School Cafeteria to learn about the different early childhood education programs offered in our community. This free event s sponsored by the Schools Committee to help parents choose the right school for their children. South Mountain Principal Tina Lehn provided parents with her advice about kindergarten readiness and the preschool experience. For more details, click here. | |
Celebrating Integration Annual Benefit Dinner a Great Success!
The SOPAC Loft was full on Saturday, October 1st as community supporters, local and state officials, and corporate sponsors gathered to celebrate the work of the Coalition and to honor Robert A. Marchman. Special guest speaker Marc H. Morial told the guests what a special and unique opportunity our towns have because of the pro-integrative work of the Coalition. Both Mr. Marchman and Mr. Morial called on our community to support the Coalition and to continue to lead the way in suburban integration. For more information, click here | |
Two Towns Sing-ins
It's hard to be stressed when you are singing. More than 20 Two Towns Sing-in participants can attest to that fact after gathering the past three weeks to sing new and familiar music under the direction of local professional conductors. The last gathering is November 15th, 7 PM at Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Rd., Maplewood and we would love for you to join us. | |
ECLAP Grant--Integration Through the Arts 
We did it again! For the sixth consecutive year, the Coalition on Race has been awarded a grant from the Essex County Local Arts Program (ECLAP). We are proud that our application received a 96.5% rating for the 2012 grant cycle! This funding will support the 2012 Integration through the Arts Program that includes a children's musical production and photography workshop. For more on this grant, click here. | |
Congratulations South Orange!
The secret's out-South Orange is a great place to live! Residents say "diversity is South Orange's most appealing quality" in the New York Times Real Estate Section. Click here to read the full article. | |
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Realtors' Advisory Develops Action Plans
After meeting with three realtor focus groups over the summer, the findings were presented to yet more local realtors this fall. Current plans include developing tours of district schools for realtors to help them best market the neighborhood based on the strengths of the local school and working to reinstate the student ambassador program. If you are a realtor and want to join the Advisory Group, call our office at 973-761-6116. | |
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Annual Appeal
We need your support! Help us continue our work on integration throughout the year by giving now. You can give now by clicking here for our donate page where you can make your contribution via credit card. Or you can mail a check to:
South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race
PO Box 1309
516 Prospect St.
Maplewood, NJ 07040 | |
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Volunteer Fair & Weekend of Service during Annual MLK Observance
 Calling all volunteers! Are you and your organization looking for more volunteers? Do you have a project you need people power for? Are you looking for donations of goods to serve those in need? Then join our efforts throughout the MLK weekend, January 14-16, 2012! Read more...
SAVE THE DATE: Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Observance Monday, January 16th, 3 pm Prospect Church, Prospect St., Maplewood | |
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