Linden Department of Parks and Recreation was presented the Excellence in Visual and Cultural Arts Award for “The Crafting Corner Playground Program” at the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) Annual Awards Dinner at Summit Family Aquatic Center in Summit, NJ. Ralph Dunhamn (Recreation Director), Angelo Monaco (Day Camp/Playground Coordinator), Valerie Graham (Craft Supervisor), Rooks Crawford (Recreation Leader) and Elected Officials were present on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 to accept this award.
Challenged with creating Arts and Crafts programming during a socially distant summer, the staff of the Linden Recreation Department, incorporated “The Crafting Corner” into their Virtual Summer Camp program.
Designed to appeal to children between the ages of 5 through 18, this program offered 50 different craft lessons that participants could complete in the safety of their own homes.
Marketed through the weekly newsletter, program information and weekly materials pick up forms were sent through the email feature of Community Pass. Families were invited to pick up pre- registered “Craft Kits” through contactless delivery at their local recreation center. Linden Recreation Staff created 50 instructional videos that demonstrated how to successfully complete the established crafts.
Eighty seven families picked up the craft kits required to complete the program which cost approximately $5,000 in supplies and staff hours. Families reached out for extra supplies at the end of the program to continue the crafting of their favorite projects.
The positive feedback from those who participated in Crafting Corner prompted the staff to extend the program into the Fall options for Senior Citizens programming.
The purpose of the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association’s Awards Program is to honor and identify dedicated leaders, employees, and volunteers in the field of Parks and Recreation, and to recognize the State’s outstanding Recreation and Park agencies for excellence in programming, publicity and facility design. The goal of the Awards Program is to focus State attention on the achievement of Park and Recreation agencies, to recognize the continuing efforts of staff and volunteers, and to acknowledge support extended by member agencies.
First 1,000 people will receive dairy, shelf-safe food and fresh produce on a first come, first served basis.
One food distribution per household, while supplies last.
Bring a cart for the walk-up.
Refrigerate any perishable items shortly after distribution.
Bring one (1) proof of NJ residency, such as a utility bill, driver’s license, ID card, etc.
Event will take place rain or shine.
Click here to view and/or download the event flyer in English and Spanish. With any questions, or for more information, please email the DHS Action Line or call them at 908 558 2288.
Calling all youth to join me and the CIC Staff for an all-important #YOUTHSYMPOSIUM because preparing our young people for the future world of work is essential. Register now the Youth Job Readiness Symposium on Thursday, June 17th by clicking here.
The County of Union ADA Public Forum which will be taking place via Zoom on Wednesday, June 9 at 2pm and 6:30pm, and on Thursday, June 10 at 10:30am. The meetings will cover a transition plan for retrofitting Union County buildings and parking lots, including the County Courthouse, the Administration Building, the Warinanco Sports Center, and the Trailside Museum and Science Center among others. Please see the links below to register.