Glocally Newark

Bears Stadium.

Bears Stadium has been the center of discussion more than once on Glocally (and around town for that matter). People just didn’t know what to make of the venue that made so much sense but lacked a few important components – crowds…Newarkers….crowds…The Stadium has had mixed reviews over the years because of how they treated the locals. It’s not exactly polite small talk, but it’s true.

So it seems that they’re looking to turn it around. The Management has changed recently, and so has the tone.

Thomas Cetnar, Co-Owner, Newark Bears

They went out of their way to state that the Stadium was built by Newarkers, that a number of events for locals have taken place here (including job expos), and that more is still to come. The most recent outreach was the addition of the Red Cross local offices to the Stadium grounds. Tommy Cetnar, Co-Owner, grew up in Newark and wants the Stadium to re-establish a connection with the community. Additional good news: the Newark Bears signed a few new players to the team, including one from NJIT. Cetnar cited Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson’s efforts in philanthropy and volunteerism as inspiration for his new collaboration with the Red Cross.

"When other people run out, they run in." Mayor Booker referred to the U.S. Soldiers, the Red Cross, and our local Firefighters and Police Officers.

This unexpected yet sensible alliance with the Red Cross could be a way to do it. You can’t talk about the Red Cross without talking about one of their current relief efforts – Haiti. And since Newark has the largest Haitian population in New Jersey, and few organizations can mobilize the donations and resources people are offering as efficiently as the Red Cross…having a permanent base in the City could do wonders for what will be a long-term assistance effort.

From the Northern New Jersey Red Cross

The Red Cross is already offering CPR and other training classes especially for Newark residents. The space will be staffed by Red Cross workers and volunteers, and will serve two functions: an office location and a training site for emergency, preparedness, and life-saving classes, such as CPR/First Aid, Babysitting, and Water Safety. The Red Cross will conduct training programs in the stadium, in the offices during games, and using the field when no events are scheduled. If you’re interested in getting involved, visit the Red Cross of Northern New Jersey online.

D/C Fateen Ziyad, Newark Fire Department

The room where the news was delivered was filled with people who run towards the danger when the rest run from it. The Police of course. The Red Cross, the Head of the Fire Department. Looking to recruit. The Red Cross is recruiting volunteers of course, but the Fire Department is looking for new hires: Newark residents, between 18-35, men and women, H.S. Diploma, valid drivers license. 973.733.7446 if you’re interested.

The team at Bears Stadium inherited quite a perception problem. And no one can deny the efforts the new Management have made since their recent takeover. But do they have what it takes to revive the place?