News Release
For Release: August 10, 2010
Contact: Frank Baraff 914-469-3775

Orange Youths Participate in Summer Work Program

This summer 24 teens are participating in Mayor Eldridge Hawkins’ Employment & Training Program. The summer work program is a partnership with the United Water Company in conjunction with the City’s Department of Community Services, the Department of Public Works, and the Essex County Department of Development Training and Employment.

The teens are working for the City, with more than half working on a clean up and restoration at the Orange Reservoir on Cherry Lane in West Orange. The Reservoir at one time was used as one of the City’s sources for water. Today it sits as a continuous part of the South Mountain Reservation and is used as open space for passive recreation. The program was created last year to help Orange students prepare for the workforce.

The special project, partially funded by United Water, clears brush from areas to create a walking trail that people can use to enjoy the scenic beauty of the reservoir. Many of the teens are from the after school job readiness program. The workers put in a steady 8:30 am to 4pm day, clearing an average of 15-20 bags of garbage daily from the reservoir.

Last summer, in partnership with United Water, students painted and refurbished of all the city’s fire hydrants with the water company providing all the supplies and materials for the program. The company was also responsible for the conversion and modification of Metcalf Park baseball field next to their offices on Valley St and Beech St. in Orange.

Statement by Mayor Hawkins
“This program is about teamwork and about teens learning to work with others while developing employment experience. It is also an example of the public/private partnerships that I am creating to provide innovative programs in a time of extremely tight budgets. United Water has helped us expand and build upon our existing programs for teens.”

Statements by Participants
“In working for the city, I’ve learned a lot in dealing with different personalities. As a supervisor, I’m getting valuable on the job training in working with tools and people in order to create an awesome team atmosphere.  After college I would like to work in the community as a policeman in order to give back and set an example for my peers and the children who are coming behind me." Jamar Reid, 22, Criminal Justice Student at Kean University

“This helped my peers and myself learn how to work positively as well as gain leadership skills that helped us work together. This program should be around every summer if not year round.” Alex Querques, 18, recent Orange High School graduate and aspiring Fireman/Army Cadet

“I think this made me into a better person. I love working with my hands and the manual work is a lot of fun. As for the team work, one team… one sound.” Michael White, 16, junior at Orange High School and a member of the Orange High School Tornadoes football team where he is a linebacker and flanker.

Statement by Robert Galante, United Water Company
“We wanted to make sure that the city’s youth have an opportunity to earn as well as learn some valuable skills that can be later used in their everyday lives. I’m especially proud that we are able to do this again this year.”

Statement by Darrell Holcomb, Director of the Department of Community Services
“The purpose of this program is to help high school and college aged students to become aware of the opportunities that will benefit them”

The jobs pay at the minimum wage of $7.50/hour for 35 hours a week. For more information on this program and others, contact Orange Department of Employment and Training at (973)266-4045 or the Essex County Department of Economic Development Training and Employment at 50 South Clinton St. East Orange.