News Release
For Release: Immediate
Contact: Frank Baraff 914-469-3775

Orange Seniors Hold Take Back Our Streets Block Party on Thomas Boulevard.
Saturday, September 5th Event Fights Drug Sales and Prostitution near Senior Citizen Housing

Following up on last month’s Night Out Against Crime, Orange seniors living on Thomas Boulevard organized a block party on Saturday to mobilize the community against crime in the Thomas Boulevard area. They also used the occasion to thank city officials who are working with them to clean up their neighborhood.

The event, attended by over 160 people, in front of 355 Thomas Boulevard was coordinated by Linda Jones-Bell, East Ward 1st Democratic District Leader and was conceived of by James Smith, President of the Orange Senior Citizens Tenant Association. Jones-Bell enlisted Washington Manor Tenant Association President and Commissioner, Lillie Davis, Housing Authority Executive Director, Walter McNeil and the management of 340 and 355 Thomas Boulevard to endorse the effort.

The concept was to bring the community together to focus on a serious common problem. Drug abuse exists not only in the streets, but a small minority of residents of the senior buildings are also drug abusers. The block party provided information on health and substance abuse, healing, music, and testimony from residents. Attendees were provided with lunch, cakes, and watermelon. Information and support on substance abuse, health and behavioral problems were provided by Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Physician Services Coordinator, Patricia Gillen RN, two representatives from Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS), and by the Orange Health and Wellness Alliance (OHWA). Former Housing Authority Commissioner Ellen Key came from Lakewood to attend the event. 

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. addressed the crowd.  He was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from Linda Jones-Bell for “honoring your promise to fight crime and bring accessible health care to the senior communities.” Police Director John Rappaport also received an award presented in his absence to Sergeant Todd Dankins. Sponsors of the event also included Center Meats, Bravo, CTown Supermarket, Sandwiches Unlimited, Shop Rite/Brookdale, Orange Fire Department, Councilwoman Lisa Perkins, Commissioner Cliff Ross, Jones Ice, and Culligan Water.

Quote from Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“I commend district leader Linda Jones-Bell and all others involved in coordinating this event. I am very humbled to be recognized by the residents for keeping my promises of bringing health care to senior communities and reducing crime. Although my administration and the police department have reduced crime by almost 10 percent, there is still work to be done. We need the help of our residents, strong local leaders and community policing to continue to make a difference.”

Quote from Linda Jones-Bell

“This Take Back Our Streets gathering is the first step of our community campaign to rid Thomas Boulevard of the drugs and prostitution that are blighting our neighborhood.”