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Senior Zumba Gold

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, and the Department of Parks & Recreation are pleased to announce that registration is open for Spring classes of Senior Zumba Gold.

Click here to view and/or download the informational flyer for this program.

  • Who: For Linden senior residents. Participants should consult with a physician prior to participation.
  • What: Perfect for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity, with easy-to-follow Zumba choreography.
  • Where: John T. Gregorio Center, which is located at 330 Helen Street.
  • When: Fridays, April 21 through June 23, 2023 from 10am until 11am.
  • How: Free program. Registration deadline is April 14, 2023. Participants should consult with a physician prior to participation. To view full program description and register online, click here. In person registration is available 9am until 4pm at the JTG Center (330 Helen Street) or the Linden Multi-Purpose Center (1025 John Street). Online registration available 24/7. All first time registrants are required to call during business hours to have an account set up. For more information, email us here, or call 908-474-8600.

Safety and Security Training

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden, the Linden Police Department, and the Greater Linden & Roselle Clergy Coalition invite you to attend a safety and security training: Houses of Worship “Be Ready…Stay Ready.” Training provided by Lieutenant Vinnie Wegrzynek of the Linden Police Department. Masks required.

  • What: Safety and security training. Training provided by Lieutenant Vinnie Wegrzynek of the Linden Police Department.
  • Where: Morning Star Community Christian Center, which is located at 1009 Chandler Avenue.
  • When: Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 10am.
  • How: Masks required. For more information, please call (732) 619-3658.

Ariel Rivas Rosado Scholarship Fund

Linden Public Schools has created the Ariel Rivas Rosado Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will be awarded to a Linden High School graduate each year to honor Ariel’s memory.

Click here to view and/or download a flyer containing information for the first fundraiser. The School #4 PTO will be selling silicone wristbands bearing the inscription, “Dance Like No One is Watching.”

Mayor Armstead Appoints Youngest Member to Zoning Board in New Jersey History – Press Release

Linden, NJ. (Wednesday, February 22, 2023) – Mayor Derek Armstead appointed the youngest person ever in New Jersey’s history to its Zoning Board. In Linden, board appointments are made by the Mayor and approved by City Council. At last night’s City Council meeting, Linden’s City Council unanimously approved and welcomed Ms. Hagr Elweshahy to its ranks. 

Ms. Elweshahy’s appointment is Mayor Armstead’s latest example of empowering qualified youth to engage in important and critical leadership positions. “I take special note of exceptional people and will continue to do everything in my power to enable their inclusion in building Linden’s bright future” said Mayor Armstead. 

A lifelong Linden resident and current senior in Linden High School, Ms. Elweshahy is currently slated to graduate as the school’s 2023 valedictorian, and is the Commander of Linden’s ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps). She is also Linden High School’s Student Council President, former National Honor Society Officer and has developed and overseen a myriad of Linden High School programs, functions and fundraisers. “I am humbled and honored that Mayor Armstead recommended me for this appointment. I love my town, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to help Linden residents and businesses in this way. The Mayor has put a lot of faith in me, and I will not let him down.”

The Linden Zoning Board of Adjustment hears and decides on appeals regarding determinations made by the Zoning Official in the enforcement of the zoning code. “Of all boards and commissions, the Zoning Board is one of the most important ones as it pertains to the development of any municipality” said Mayor Armstead. When asked about appointing an eighteen-year old to the Zoning Board, the Mayor responded that “Ms. Elweshahy has proven herself time and time again, rising to any occasion and overcoming any challenge. I have no doubt that her contributions to the Zoning Board will be significant.”

Nieroda Family Assistance

On Sunday, February 19th, 2023, Justyna Nieroda and her two children, Sebastian 14 and Natalia 13 had their lives taken from us at the hands of Justyna’s husband, and the childrens’ father, Krzysztof. In tragedies of this magnitude, there are no words that can heal, nor explanations that can serve to make sense of them to the public. May this unfortunate time bring us together to help heal the family, friends and community. On behalf of the family we are asking for our community to donate any contribution they can towards the funeral and memorial expenses through GoFundMe. Please keep them in your prayers.

Grief Support Resources

In response to recent events here in our community, the Health Department wants to ensure awareness of local grief and loss support resources. In addition to private one-on-one mental health professional counseling, there are a variety of other free or low-cost resources available, including:

  • SAMHSA National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP – free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information (English/Spanish).
  • Griefshare Group, Cranford Alliance Church, 908-398-3860.
  • Journey Towards Wholeness Bereavement Seminar, First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, 908-251-5641, April 16 – June 4 (virtual).
  • WebHealing.com – a site with articles, videos, and memorials on grief, loss, and the healing process.
  • Imaginenj.org – grief and bereavement peer-support groups for ages 3 to 30.
  • EmotionsAnonymous.org – in-person and virtual 12-step peer-support meetings to help individual improve mental health and wellbeing.

Community Tragedy

It is with a terrible sadness in my heart that I inform you about another recent loss to our Linden community. At approximately 9:30am this morning, Linden Police Officers responded to reports of a shooting, at which two adults and a child were pronounced deceased on scene. A second child was transported to Newark University Hospital but was also was pronounced deceased. This loss will raise many emotions, concerns and questions for our Linden community, especially our youngest population. 

I have been in communication with Dr. Rocco Tomazic, Interim Superintendent of Linden Public School, and Atiya Perkins, Assistant Superintendent of Support. Our frontline responders have been extensively trained to respond to events such as this, and both the City and the Linden Public Schools crisis teams have been mobilized to respond to this tragic event. 

Useful information that can be used to provide guidance and assistance for your children and other loved ones can be found here, and also on the Linden Public School website. 

It is important to remember that we are all family in Linden. To say we are deeply saddened by this loss is a severe understatement. There simply are no words to describe the continued trauma, heartbreak and sorrow we are all experiencing. 

For additional information, or if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Linden Public Schools at (908) 486-2800 or the Mayor’s Office, at (908) 474-8493, or any of the other agencies listed. We will make every effort to help you and your children cope with this terrible loss. 

Coping With The Terrible Loss In Our Community

It is with deep regret both as your Mayor and a parent that I inform you about a recent loss to our Linden community. The recent death of our student at School No. 4 is  significantly impacting our entire Linden community. We expect a variety of reactions from this loss from our students, parents, staff and members of our community. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns and questions for our Linden community, especially our youngest population. 

I have been in constant communication with Dr. Rocco Tomazic, Interim Superintendent of Linden Public School, and Atiya Perkins, Assistant Superintendent of Support. Our frontline responders have been extensively trained to respond to events such as this, and both the City and the Linden Public Schools crisis teams have been mobilized to respond to this tragic event. 

Useful information that can be used to provide guidance and assistance for your children and other loved ones can be found here, and also on the Linden Public School website. 

It is important to remember that we are all family in Linden. To say we are deeply saddened by this loss is a severe understatement. There simply are no words to describe the trauma, heartbreak and sorrow that we are all experiencing. 

For additional information, or if you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Linden Public Schools at (908) 486-2800 or the Mayor’s Office, at (908) 474-8493, or any of the other agencies listed. We will make every effort to help you and your children cope with this terrible loss.