With what I believe to be the most impotant factor in public access television, FUNDING !!
I found information on New Jersey's statewide public television. Below is a short history of the station. Along with that and myself being in the finance area, I thought it would be interesting to see the station's financial records. I think you will find these financial statements very interesting .
The History of NJN
"And away we go. This is WNJT-TV, the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority, Channel 52, Trenton." With those words on April 5, 1971, New Jersey's first and only statewide public television station went on the air. Since then, the network has grown to become one of the nation's top producers of local programming in the PBS system. This award-winning station embodies public television's mission to educate, inform and empower citizens by providing quality programming for all ages and serving as a valuable community resource.
In 1961, WNET-TV moved from Newark to New York City, leaving New Jersey without a television station of its own.
In 1968, the state Legislature established the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority and passed the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority Act. Voters approved a $7.5 million bond issue to construct four transmitters and a broadcast complex. The Act was signed into law on January 13, 1969 by Governor Richard J. Hughes.
By 1971, the network, known as New Jersey Public Television (NJPTV) was on the air with newscasts and instructional programming used by elementary, high school and college students.
In 1972, WNJS-TV, Channel 23, Camden, was added. A year later, WNJM-TV, Channel 50, Montclair and WNJB-TV, Channel 58, New Brunswick, were in operation, giving the network its full complement of four UHF stations serving the entire state with one signal.
1972 also saw the formation of The Friends of NJPTV, a group composed of New Jerseyans interested in helping the network with fundraising activities, and the first printing of Jerseyvision magazine, a precursor to the current NJN Guide. The network opened a Newark news bureau in 1973 and in 1980, a South Jersey bureau was established at Richard Stockton State College in Pomona.
The network officially changed its name to New Jersey Network (NJN) in 1981.
In 1984, NJN received its first Emmy Awards.
Throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, NJN continued its community outreach efforts with award-winning productions, including Battered Wives, Shattered Lives in 1985; Throwaway Pets in 1993; and Endangered Flight: The Birds of Siberia in 1995. It has produced many acclaimed public affairs specials.
In 1990, The Foundation for New Jersey Public Broadcasting was established to sponsor activities and raise funds to support NJN, replacing its predecessor, The Friends of NJPTV.
To enhance NJN's tradition of excellence, NJN Radio established its first station, WNJT, Trenton, 88.1 FM, in 1991. Since then, NJN Radio has grown to a network of seven transmitters covering all of New Jersey with programming produced by NJN, as well as national programming from such sources as National Public Radio and Public Radio International.
In July 1993, the network left the former bowling alley in Ewing Township it had called home for more than 20 years for new headquarters: a state-of-the-art broadcasting and production facility located at 25 South Stockton Street in Trenton.
Throughout the 1990s, NJN has remained one of the nation's top producers of local programming among public television stations and has continued to produce documentaries focusing on topics important to New Jerseyans. NJN News covers the politics, education, New Jersey Statehouse, health and medical affairs, environmental issues, youth violence, urban affairs, sports and business in the Garden State.
The network reached landmark agreements with The Television Food Network in 1995 and Atlantic Microsystems, Inc. in 1996, which will add to the network's support over the next 10 years. NJN also held two benefits in 1995 and 1996.
Since its inception in 1989, The Production Center at NJN, the network's media productions department, has seen a steady rise in activity. In 1996, the department attracted the national children's series, Bloopy's Buddies, to NJN studios.
Since 1971, NJN has informed and engaged New Jersey citizens with compelling portraits of the Garden State and ambitious community outreach efforts. By promoting positive change in the community with quality programming and partnerships with community groups and leaders, NJN continues to evolve as one of the country's leading public television stations.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR NJN TV.......
http://www.njn.net/about/NJPBAaudit2008.pdf
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
THE TIMOTHY SMITH NETWORK
THE TIMOTHY SMITH NETWORK
I came across this Community Technology Center located in Massachusetts and thought I would share what I think is our communities greatest resource, our children. The future of this country and our communities begin with the development of our youth. The Timothy Smith Network provides its services to 3,000 students monthly in an effort to better educate and develop the kids of the Greater Roxbury area, a good model to follow. Below is their story.
The Timothy Smith Network (TSN) is a collaborative community computer technology centers working together to help the residents of Roxbury, Massachusetts and its surrounding neighborhoods (hereafter, Greater Roxbury) to build the technological skills, confidence and knowledge required to be successful in the information economy. The TSN provides broad-based support to its member centers designed to ensure that the technology programs and services available to Greater Roxbury residents are of a high and consistent quality and are responsive to resident needs. Each month, Timothy Smith (TS) Centers provide free or low-cost technology-related programs and services to nearly 3,000 students and address a broad range of economic, therapeutic, health, educational, training, human and social service needs of the community. The TSN seeks to provide a model for the development and implementation of coordinated community technology center planning and service delivery in densely populated low-income urban communities.The TS Centers were originally launched in 1997 through grants from the Timothy Smith Fund for “Old Roxbury”, a charitable trust managed by the City of Boston Trust Office. The Fund has authorized grants totaling $2,400,00 to community-based non-profit organizations in “Old Roxbury” for the creation of 40 computer-learning centers. Defined as the boundaries of Roxbury in 1858, “Old Roxbury,” includes the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, and a portion of the neighboring Jamaica Plain, Fenway-Kenmore, Dorchester and the South End. In addition to start-up funds for TS Centers, the Fund provides regular computer hardware and furnishing upgrades in the sites through 2019. The TSN was established in 2002 to coordinate the services and leverage the collective technical, financial and intellectual resources of the TS Centers to ensure that services and programs offered meet resident needs and are of high and consistent quality. The TSN supports TS Centers to deliver effective technology training and services by: identifying and developing collaborative program and funding opportunities; providing broad-based technical, financial and operational capacity building support to the centers; promoting cross-center cooperation and peer learning through joint trainings and workshops; facilitating the exchange of information among centers through its listserv and website; and developing performance and learning outcomes standards to ensure that all member centers are providing consistent technology programs and services.Since 2002, the TSN has established an impressive track record for managing large-scale grants and funds. The TSN was designated by the City of Boston Trust Office to administer an estimated $500,000 in annual hardware and furniture upgrades for the TS Centers on behalf of the Timothy Smith Fund beginning in 2003. Programmatically, the TSN has partnered with Kinetic City, Science Quest and the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research (MKI) to bring high-quality science after school programs to TS Centers for youth in grades 3 through 12. Through these partnerships, the TSN has provided high quality after school programming for the benefit of over 4800 Roxbury youth during the past two years.
http://www.timothysmithnetwork.org/TSN/centers-about.htm
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Community Radio - Fordham University
Reading thru the material this week in Community Media, I tried to think back when I first started to listen to community radio. Johnson stated in our readings that "community radio first appeared in San Francisco in the 1940's with the creation of the Pacifica Foundation's KPFA radio station. (Johnson. 5) My first recall of community radio was when I was in High School in the mid 70's.....There was no sports talk radio back then, like that have now 24 hours a day. But being from New Jersey I was about 30 minutes from Fordham University in the Bronx, New York. On Sunday nights when the wave lengths were with me, I could pick up their signal. I remember how much I enjoyed listening and I also remember the nights they used to have their on air fund raisers to collect money to keep the station up and going. It's funny because, I'm sure the college guys and that station are now part of the sports talk radio we hear today.
The below are some interesting facts about the station, their financial reports and a timeline that shows a history or the radio station. I was surprised to see the first broadcast was back in 1947. Enjoy the facts below:
About WFUV
The location, the people, the contact info.
Where we are:
WFUV, Fordham University, Bronx, NY 10458-9993 718 365-9815 fax Phone: 718 817-4550 main line 718 365-8111 membership Plus: 718 817-4535 WFUV Member Line Giveaways for 'FUV members Submit CDs to: WFUV Music Department at the address above - Call Wednesdays 5-7pm for feedback
Who we are:
WFUV is a non-commercial, listener-supported public radio station, licensed to Fordham University for 60 years. Serving nearly 350,000 listeners each week in the New York area and thousands more worldwide on the web, and a leader in contemporary music radio, WFUV offers an eclectic mix of rock, singer-songwriters, blues, world and other music, plus headlines from National Public Radio, local news and sports and Metro Traffic.
The Alternate Side: WFUV launched a music channel online and on HD at 90.7 FM in the New York City area, in December of 2008. It includes a blend of established and emerging NYC-based indie rock, electronica, world, dance and other musical hybrids. The Alternate Side is supported in part by The New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
More info:
E-Newsletter Signup - Weekly 'Direct from WFUV' notes
Write Us - Send a comment or question
FUV on Facebook - Our page, fans, groups
Staff Directory - Contact info for everybody
Maps and Directions - To Fordham's Rose Hill campus
Awards & Honors - Professional and student accomplishments
Job Opportunities - Check for openings
Privacy & Security - Information and technical policies
WFUV Timeline - Milestones of our first 60 years
Our licensee: Fordham University
WFUV's Statement of Goals
Governing and Advisory Bodies
Public Documents:
EEO Public File Report: Vacancies and Recruitment - July 1, 2007 - August 17, 2009 [PDF format]
EEO Public File
Application For FM Broadcast Station License
EEO General Policy
EEO Outreach Activities
Financials: 2003-4 2004-5 2005-6 2006-7 2007-8 (PDF format)
About WFUV:
WFUV Timeline: 1947-2007
Some highlights of WFUV's first 60 years on the air.
Take a Look Back:
1947The first broadcast (July 7) with Robert Henabury hosting a musical show; Vince Scully and Raymond Rahner are the first sports play by play announcers (Oct. 3); Formal Dedication (Oct. 26), with Arthur Godfrey as Master of Ceremonies and Cardinal Spellman presiding
1952Off the air for two months due to lack of funds
1953Charlie "Osgood" Wood's No Soap Opera program is billed in The Ram as "the soap opera to end all soap operas"
1954WFUV begins broadcasting in stereo
1955Neil Maffeo's Jazz Scene program broadcasts a concert by Dave Brubeck and Carmen McRae from Carnegie Hall. Dick Schwende (later known professionally as Dick Summer) lends a helping hand in the broadcast.
1962The station receives a $30,000 grant from an anonymous foundation; Sal Marchiano and Tom Moran announce the home basketball games over WFUV
1963The Time Capsule (later known as Group Harmony Review) debuts
1964Campus Caravan, hosted by Pete Fornatale, debuts
1966New transmitter increases power
1970Daily rock programming begins
1973The first Big Broadcast with Rich Conaty as host
1974Ceol na nGael debuts during fundraiser
1975One on One, New York's longest-running sports call-in show, debuts
1986A Thousand Welcomes with Kathleen Biggins debuts
1988City Folk debuts in November as three-hour show, 9 AM-Noon, between college rock and The Classical Concert; WFUV becomes public radio station, receiving support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; The World Café debuts with WFUV as one of its pilot stations
1991Afternoon show with Darren DeVivo begins in January
1993City Folk now heard from 6:30am-6:00pm; Ben Soper hosts new evening mix from 8:00-11:00pm; Corny O'Connell joins City Folk as afternoon host
1994Rita Houston joins City Folk in March as midday host; WFUV adds hourly NPR news headlines
1997City Folk Sunday Breakfast debuts
1998First City Folk Live disc of in-studio performances
1999Woody's Children comes to WFUV
2000WFUV begins streaming at wfuv.org; Dennis Elsas joins 90.7 as afternoon host
2001City Folk Morning with Claudia Marshall and Julianne Welby debuts; Pete Fornatale and Vin Scelsa come to WFUV from 4pm to midnight on Saturday
2005After 58 years squeezed into space on the third floor of Keating Hall, WFUV moves into new, state-of-the-art broadcast center on ground floor of Keating.
2006Antenna is moved to top of 30-story building at Montefiore Medical Center, resolving 13-year dispute with the New York Botanical Garden; WFUV begins first podcasts
2007WFUV is awarded $500,000 grant from the New York State Music Fund to develop a second program stream for younger listeners
Sites referenced:
http://www.wfuv.org/about/fordham/index.html
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Definition of Community
DEFINITION OF COMMUNITY
Submitted by: Joe Smolensky (CMT-220 Spring 2010) Section CE1-01
There are several descriptions unto what a community actually is. A close look at all those definitions however point out and capture certain points without which a community would not be existent (Andy, 3). A community is a body of people having common rights, privileges, or interests, or living in the same place under the same laws and regulations (Peter, 21). It could also be used to refer to a number of animals living in a common home or with some apparent association of interests (Peter, 23). Biologically, a community could be described as a collection of organisms that in one way or another interact within a common environment (Andy, 17).
The first definition of a community was put ahead by Aristotle who described it as a group of established men having shared values (Andy, 10). Through time, technology has brought about changes, so that people in the world can easily belong to a number of communities at the same time. These are communities of place, communities of memory in which case members share a history, cultural communities, and psychological communities, Peter explains.
In general, when addressing people, a community could be the society, a commonwealth or state, a body politic, the general public, or just people (Peter, 27).
There are various characteristics of a community. In a community, there is the aspect of place, otherwise describing a sense of locale or boundaries (Andy, 33). For a community to exist, it must be within an identifiable location such as a city, a place of work, a township or even a district (Peter, 51). A community is also characterized by the sense of sharing common perspectives. For people to be described as belonging to a
community, they must be sharing some values, needs, norms, suffering, religion, happiness, and interests together (Andy, 38). Experts have established that such factors have been shared for a long period of time, say centuries.
In a community, there is the aspect of joint actions, where special bonds bring the people together- friendship, families and even working environments (Peter, 49).
In all communities of the world, there exists community spirit, though variable from a region to another (Andy, 51). All communities hold some ideas about themselves, and always identify themselves by them. In all cases, the people have positive notions, they view their community as one with a great future and this always enables them to give great contribution to the community in whatever form (Andy, 55). All persons who identify themselves with a community always sacrifice to it in the welfare.
Another major attitude in people belonging to a community is loyalty (Peter, 80). The persons always have some goodwill for the general good and always abide by it. They have a good expression of optimism, in that they know right behind their minds the community holds good for them. The attitudes are portrayed in the individual behavior, coupled by their unity and therefore contributing to the common good.
In any community however, leadership is very important. All successful communities call for coordination by a person or a team that is unanimously recognized. Such leaders are expected to steer the community ahead in the right direction. They are persons of integrity, lead by example and operate within the set norms or community ethics. For a community to be bound together, it requires proper means of conflict
resolution incase need arises (Andy, 80). Once in a while, the members cross each others’ paths, which is a normal practice. The community leaders come in and solve such misunderstandings so that the people live in harmony.
References
Peter, B. Community: The Structure of Belonging: San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, Inc., 2008
Andy, S. Creating Community: Five Keys to Building a Small Group Culture. USA: Multnomah Publishers, 2004
Submitted by: Joe Smolensky (CMT-220 Spring 2010) Section CE1-01
There are several descriptions unto what a community actually is. A close look at all those definitions however point out and capture certain points without which a community would not be existent (Andy, 3). A community is a body of people having common rights, privileges, or interests, or living in the same place under the same laws and regulations (Peter, 21). It could also be used to refer to a number of animals living in a common home or with some apparent association of interests (Peter, 23). Biologically, a community could be described as a collection of organisms that in one way or another interact within a common environment (Andy, 17).
The first definition of a community was put ahead by Aristotle who described it as a group of established men having shared values (Andy, 10). Through time, technology has brought about changes, so that people in the world can easily belong to a number of communities at the same time. These are communities of place, communities of memory in which case members share a history, cultural communities, and psychological communities, Peter explains.
In general, when addressing people, a community could be the society, a commonwealth or state, a body politic, the general public, or just people (Peter, 27).
There are various characteristics of a community. In a community, there is the aspect of place, otherwise describing a sense of locale or boundaries (Andy, 33). For a community to exist, it must be within an identifiable location such as a city, a place of work, a township or even a district (Peter, 51). A community is also characterized by the sense of sharing common perspectives. For people to be described as belonging to a
community, they must be sharing some values, needs, norms, suffering, religion, happiness, and interests together (Andy, 38). Experts have established that such factors have been shared for a long period of time, say centuries.
In a community, there is the aspect of joint actions, where special bonds bring the people together- friendship, families and even working environments (Peter, 49).
In all communities of the world, there exists community spirit, though variable from a region to another (Andy, 51). All communities hold some ideas about themselves, and always identify themselves by them. In all cases, the people have positive notions, they view their community as one with a great future and this always enables them to give great contribution to the community in whatever form (Andy, 55). All persons who identify themselves with a community always sacrifice to it in the welfare.
Another major attitude in people belonging to a community is loyalty (Peter, 80). The persons always have some goodwill for the general good and always abide by it. They have a good expression of optimism, in that they know right behind their minds the community holds good for them. The attitudes are portrayed in the individual behavior, coupled by their unity and therefore contributing to the common good.
In any community however, leadership is very important. All successful communities call for coordination by a person or a team that is unanimously recognized. Such leaders are expected to steer the community ahead in the right direction. They are persons of integrity, lead by example and operate within the set norms or community ethics. For a community to be bound together, it requires proper means of conflict
resolution incase need arises (Andy, 80). Once in a while, the members cross each others’ paths, which is a normal practice. The community leaders come in and solve such misunderstandings so that the people live in harmony.
References
Peter, B. Community: The Structure of Belonging: San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, Inc., 2008
Andy, S. Creating Community: Five Keys to Building a Small Group Culture. USA: Multnomah Publishers, 2004
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Institute for the Study of Civic Values
Although established in Philadelphia I believe this Institute would be very benefical to all communities throughout the United States. This institute is invovled in many projects at one time and at this time in the United States economy in relation to the job market, I feel their PHILLY PROGRAM could be adopted in other states to help better prepare their unskilled workers and get them ready to enter the work force. See what makes this program work:
PhillyCorps is a project of the Institute for the Study of Civic Values that involves placing public assistance recipients in community service internships throughout Philadelphia linked to their current skills and long-range career goals. PhillyCorps helps people on welfare gain work experience now within the City's neighborhoods that strengthens their ability to secure full-time employment and meet long-range career goals in the future.
The Institute has been developing this program over a 10 year period. In 2002, we established an ongoing partnership with Arbor, E&T, that enables us to concentrate on building a citywide network of community service jobs, while Arbor handles case management, wraparound services, and job development. In our most recent program year in partnership with Arbor, 62% of the participants found unsubsidized jobs paying at least $7.00/hour. The wraparound services that Arbor, E&T provides enhances significantly the recipients' chances of finding good paying jobs consistent with their long-term goals.
How does PhillyCorps differ from workfare?
Evaluators of workfare programs report that participants often fail to show up for work and that their jobs often provide no skills training that can help them secure full time employment. PhillyCorps has overcome all of these obstacles. By concentrating on quality placement, case management, and on-the-job skills and work habits training, we have been able succeed where other programs have failed.
PhillyCorps provides:
Careful evaluation and placement. Each participant is evaluated for skills and aspirations. All agencies in our community service network commit to providing on-the-job training and considering interns for paid positions if available. We carefully match intern to placement slot.
Support for agencies and interns to ensure that the internship experience is a success. Case managers work with both site supervisors and interns to ensure that participants fulfill community service activities and work in positions which maximize their skills and interests.
Job readiness and career preparation training. Unlike standard job readiness models, PhillyCorps provides on-the-job training in office skills, including the use of computer software and the Internet, along with help in typing and data entry. We work with the Center for Literacy to provide workplace literacy training for interns who require this additional support.
Regional Job Development. PhillyCorps benefits from the Job Development services of Arbor, E&T
Links to formal social service networks referrals to government and private programs in order reduce barriers to long-term self-sufficiency. PhillyCorps stresses lifelong learning by helping participants develop short and long range goals, and supporting them in juggling work, family and training
A strong and qualified workforce makes for a better and stronger community.
PhillyCorps is a project of the Institute for the Study of Civic Values that involves placing public assistance recipients in community service internships throughout Philadelphia linked to their current skills and long-range career goals. PhillyCorps helps people on welfare gain work experience now within the City's neighborhoods that strengthens their ability to secure full-time employment and meet long-range career goals in the future.
The Institute has been developing this program over a 10 year period. In 2002, we established an ongoing partnership with Arbor, E&T, that enables us to concentrate on building a citywide network of community service jobs, while Arbor handles case management, wraparound services, and job development. In our most recent program year in partnership with Arbor, 62% of the participants found unsubsidized jobs paying at least $7.00/hour. The wraparound services that Arbor, E&T provides enhances significantly the recipients' chances of finding good paying jobs consistent with their long-term goals.
How does PhillyCorps differ from workfare?
Evaluators of workfare programs report that participants often fail to show up for work and that their jobs often provide no skills training that can help them secure full time employment. PhillyCorps has overcome all of these obstacles. By concentrating on quality placement, case management, and on-the-job skills and work habits training, we have been able succeed where other programs have failed.
PhillyCorps provides:
Careful evaluation and placement. Each participant is evaluated for skills and aspirations. All agencies in our community service network commit to providing on-the-job training and considering interns for paid positions if available. We carefully match intern to placement slot.
Support for agencies and interns to ensure that the internship experience is a success. Case managers work with both site supervisors and interns to ensure that participants fulfill community service activities and work in positions which maximize their skills and interests.
Job readiness and career preparation training. Unlike standard job readiness models, PhillyCorps provides on-the-job training in office skills, including the use of computer software and the Internet, along with help in typing and data entry. We work with the Center for Literacy to provide workplace literacy training for interns who require this additional support.
Regional Job Development. PhillyCorps benefits from the Job Development services of Arbor, E&T
Links to formal social service networks referrals to government and private programs in order reduce barriers to long-term self-sufficiency. PhillyCorps stresses lifelong learning by helping participants develop short and long range goals, and supporting them in juggling work, family and training
A strong and qualified workforce makes for a better and stronger community.
An overview of my community
Community Profile- Mahwah, NJ
This is a community profile of Mahwah, New Jersey. The profile highlights on the name of the community, its geographical location, community neighborhood and community demographics. Information about this community is retrieved from reputable sources including publications and relevant websites.
Mahwah is the largest township community in Bergen County within New York metro region occupying 25.93 square miles. Mahwah got its name from the beauty of the surroundings. The name means beautiful green meeting point (Bischoff and Kahn, 1979). This township which is on latitude 41.088 N and longitude -74.144 W is endowed with beautiful mountains, gently slanting hills and magnificent slopes in a nice and appealing innate environment. The built environment is equally appealing with the streets of Mahwah being wide and lined with trees. It has attractive homes and urban developments an indicator of the deliberate superb planning by the local planning. This township neighbors Allendale, Oakland, Saddle River, Franklin Lakes, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Waldwick, Glen Rock and Midland Park townships (Lurie and Mappen, 2004).
According to Bischoff and Kahn (1979), the original inhabitants of Mahwah were the Indians. This has changed gradually with more diverse people settling in the township. The population of Mahwah consists of Italians, the Irish, Germans, Polish, English, and Russian, Black Americans and Dutch inhabitants. Italians are the majority and have outnumbered the original Indians. The population of Mahwah in the 2000 census was 24, 062 (Lurie and Mappen, 2004).
Suitability of Mahwah in hosting a couple of recreational events is unrivalled. It is the largest township in Bergen County and coupled with an enabling environment hosts a plethora of sporting activities notably golf. Mahwah is home for an excellent private 18-hole championship golf course with a country club. It also has a spectacular county golf course in a sprawling green environment. A large section of land has been set aside by the Bergen County Park commission for sporting activities like horseback riding, mountaineering, camping, and archery, golfing and skiing. In Mahwah there is also the Darlington County Park which is dedicated to recreational activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and long tennis. There are also community baseball fields, tennis courts, and several playgrounds in Mahwah which attests to a well-planned frivolous plan (Lurie and Mappen, 2004).
There are five elementary schools in Mahwah: Betsy Ross School; George Washington; Lenape Meadows; Kilmer School and Ramapo Ridge Middle School. It also has Mahwah High School and a beautiful contemporary college known as Ramapo College. Transport and communication is well taken care of with excellent commuting channels. One is easily connected to New York from this township through a commuter train or by several bus routes (Lurie and Mappen, 2004).
Mahwah is a good community which is habitable. The host of sporting activities makes it popular with tourists. Mahwah is a must see not only for sports fans but also anyone who is fascinated by mountainous green scenery.
References
Bischoff H. and Kahn M. (1979). From pioneer settlement to suburb: a history of Mahwah, New Jersey, 1700-1976. London, UK: A.S. Barnes
Lurie M. and Mappen M. (2004). Encyclopedia of New Jersey. Rutgers University Press. New Brunswick, New Jersey
This is a community profile of Mahwah, New Jersey. The profile highlights on the name of the community, its geographical location, community neighborhood and community demographics. Information about this community is retrieved from reputable sources including publications and relevant websites.
Mahwah is the largest township community in Bergen County within New York metro region occupying 25.93 square miles. Mahwah got its name from the beauty of the surroundings. The name means beautiful green meeting point (Bischoff and Kahn, 1979). This township which is on latitude 41.088 N and longitude -74.144 W is endowed with beautiful mountains, gently slanting hills and magnificent slopes in a nice and appealing innate environment. The built environment is equally appealing with the streets of Mahwah being wide and lined with trees. It has attractive homes and urban developments an indicator of the deliberate superb planning by the local planning. This township neighbors Allendale, Oakland, Saddle River, Franklin Lakes, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Waldwick, Glen Rock and Midland Park townships (Lurie and Mappen, 2004).
According to Bischoff and Kahn (1979), the original inhabitants of Mahwah were the Indians. This has changed gradually with more diverse people settling in the township. The population of Mahwah consists of Italians, the Irish, Germans, Polish, English, and Russian, Black Americans and Dutch inhabitants. Italians are the majority and have outnumbered the original Indians. The population of Mahwah in the 2000 census was 24, 062 (Lurie and Mappen, 2004).
Suitability of Mahwah in hosting a couple of recreational events is unrivalled. It is the largest township in Bergen County and coupled with an enabling environment hosts a plethora of sporting activities notably golf. Mahwah is home for an excellent private 18-hole championship golf course with a country club. It also has a spectacular county golf course in a sprawling green environment. A large section of land has been set aside by the Bergen County Park commission for sporting activities like horseback riding, mountaineering, camping, and archery, golfing and skiing. In Mahwah there is also the Darlington County Park which is dedicated to recreational activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and long tennis. There are also community baseball fields, tennis courts, and several playgrounds in Mahwah which attests to a well-planned frivolous plan (Lurie and Mappen, 2004).
There are five elementary schools in Mahwah: Betsy Ross School; George Washington; Lenape Meadows; Kilmer School and Ramapo Ridge Middle School. It also has Mahwah High School and a beautiful contemporary college known as Ramapo College. Transport and communication is well taken care of with excellent commuting channels. One is easily connected to New York from this township through a commuter train or by several bus routes (Lurie and Mappen, 2004).
Mahwah is a good community which is habitable. The host of sporting activities makes it popular with tourists. Mahwah is a must see not only for sports fans but also anyone who is fascinated by mountainous green scenery.
References
Bischoff H. and Kahn M. (1979). From pioneer settlement to suburb: a history of Mahwah, New Jersey, 1700-1976. London, UK: A.S. Barnes
Lurie M. and Mappen M. (2004). Encyclopedia of New Jersey. Rutgers University Press. New Brunswick, New Jersey
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
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