nonprofit organization working for a community that is truly inclusive and racially integrated—free of segregation in housing patterns and community involvement. A2002 ANNUAL REPORT JANUARY 1, 2002—DECEMBER 31, 2002

of those subsequently receiving tours given has resulted in–using marketing parlance– Dear Neighbors: by community volunteers. With data still a positive “buzz” about our community incomplete, we know that about 12% of locally, statewide and nationally. Frankly, t is a pleasure to present to you the individuals receiving information will we’re hot! Annual Report of the South Orange/ purchase homes while the return in terms We also understand that our activities IMaplewood Community Coalition on of home sales is even higher– approximately cannot be successful if we view our commu- Race. The work described on these pages 20%-of those who took tours. This nity in a vacuum. There is strength in could not have been done without the time translates into real dollars in terms of tax numbers. We have participated in a number and investment of a large number of dedi- revenues–and increases in property values. of activities to promote and support other cated volunteers and supporters. ✦ Our pro-integrative second mortgage organizations wishing to join us in creating This is an organization of volunteers who program has been re-energized through a the communities of tomorrow, today. Toward attempt to live the vision of Dr. Martin fine-tuning and has resulted in an increase in this end, we co-sponsored a meeting hosted Luther King, Jr. (and many of those who applications and awarding of loans. by former Gov. Tom Kean exploring what a similarly sacrificed for equal justice) each day ✦ Our partnership with a regional fair statewide pro-integrative policy might look of the year–working for his vision of a housing council, MUSE, has resulted in a like. We were honored by the American “beloved community.” It is important to financial settlement with a Realtor found Psychological Association at their annual remember that we were founded in 1996 to have engaged in problematic behavior. conference in Chicago as one of two groups when a group of citizens from different races Proceeds of that settlement will fund recognized for exemplifying the principles of and backgrounds joined together to preserve continued oversight of compliance with valuing diversity. And, we partnered in pre- that element so rare in suburban communi- the Fair Housing Act. senting a national conference in Cleveland, ties and so valued here– our integration. Just ✦ Hundreds of residents participated in Ohio focusing on pro-integrative initiatives over six short years ago, residents expressed educational and philosophical discussions across the US–at which our work was exam- major concerns that our community was related to our mission through our forums, ined as a model for other communities. in an “irreversible downward spiral” due to, fairs, study circles, workshops and events. What a joy it was for us to announce to among other things, stagnant property ✦ Our Schools Committee significantly that group that our community had been values and a perception of white flight. The supplemented the efforts of the School chosen by Money Magazine as one of the Coalition developed several key goals includ- District in addressing academic achievement best places to live in the United States. We ing the promotion of strong and sustained issues–introducing a national expert into the have defied conventional wisdom–those robust demand by all racial groups for discussion and action plan. nay-sayers that opined that unique commu- housing in all areas of our community, more ✦ The work of the Marketing nities like ours couldn’t survive! 1996 seems inclusive involvement of underrepresented Committee continues to be extra-ordinary. so long ago. Indeed, with your support groups in the civic life of the community and This committee has had a major impact in and participation, we are thriving and will ongoing dialogue to promote understanding shaping the positive perceptions of our com- continue this important work! on race-related issues. Activities highlighted munity through placement of advertise- in this report during this past year evidence ments, and “pitches” resulting in articles in In community, our movement toward our goals. Successes NJ Savvy Living Magazine, NJ Monthly are almost too numerous to list. Here are Magazine, NY Times, Star Ledger, Victorian Robert A. Marchman but a few: Home Decorating, and This Old House CHAIRMAN ✦ 324 packets of information were sent Magazine, to name a few. We’ve also to prospective neighbors interested in learn- appeared on CNN and been heard about on Barbara Heisler Williams ing more about our two towns, with over 56 NPR nationwide. This work over the years EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

P.O. Box 1309 Maplewood NJ 07040 ✦ 973-761-6116 ✦ [email protected] ✦ www.twotowns.org Activities

ince its formation, the Coalition has ✦ Beyond the Whiteness of Whiteness— public libraries and Seton Hall University S promoted public discussion as a an author’s reading with Jane Lazarre to present the first-ever community wide primary tool for maintaining a healthy, ✦ Closing the Achievement Gap: book discussion in New Jersey—featuring integrated community. Clearly, all Challenges, Questions, Solutions featuring John Henry Days by Colson Whitehead. communities face numerous challenges Dr. Ron Ferguson The program included ten scheduled that require creative approaches to ✦ 3rd Annual Independence Eve events such as book discussions, the problem solving. Those that are successful Celebration of Vision author’s reading, and a community forum are using effective ways to help people ✦ Faith and Race: Vision and Harmony on Race, Media and Myth in Pop talk respectfully about important issues, with Rev. William Sinkford Culture. The book explores the lives of understand one another, and work two men, contrasting the Industrial Age, together for lasting solutions. SPECIAL PROGRAMS which literally killed John Henry, with In our two towns, our diverse citizenry the digital age, which is destroying the provides us with exceptional opportunities 2002 saw the growth of a partnership protagonist’s soul—and discovers they for growth. Simply stated, people of sponsoring one program and the birth of are not so very different. Star Ledger different racial or cultural backgrounds a partnership to start another. book critic Bette Spiro called the choice can view the same situation quite “bold and innovative.” differently, and solutions that seem TWO TOWNS STUDY CIRCLES obvious to one group just do not work The Adult School and the FOCUS ON for another. The Coalition has worked Community Coalition continued their THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP to encourage open dialogue within the partnership to present the Two Towns community about issues that many other Study Circles Program in our community. Across the country, communities are towns simply do not address–though Started in the Spring of 2001, Two Town focusing on one of the most vexing they exist there as well. Study Circles provide a simple way to problems in education: the academic At the forefront of our efforts have involve community members in dialogue achievement gap. In a nutshell white been our forums. These events have and action on important social and and Asian students score higher and take provided time for neighbors to learn and political issues. more advanced courses, on average, than think about issues before us in the context The Two Towns Study Circles Program do their black and Hispanic peers. The of race–our schools, our faith communi- brings diverse people together for dialogue Community Coalition has made a focus ties, the pro-integrative nature of our and action. While study circles can address on understanding and eliminating the work–and to talk about them candidly. many different issues, study circles in 2002 achievement gap a priority. In 2002, residents participated in the continued community discussions on race. Led by the Coalition’s Schools following discussions and activities: Nearly 100 participants to date have taken Committee, we invited Dr. Ronald Ferguson ✦ Making it More than A Dream— part in defining the issues and then finding of Harvard University to visit our 1st Annual MLK Celebration ways to address them. community and address administrators, ✦ Planning Ahead —a workshop for teachers, parents and other community members in a series of workshops held middle school parents TWO TOWNS: ONE BOOK ✦ Neighborhood Association workshop in May 2002. According to Dr. Ferguson, ✦ One Person Making A Difference — The Community Coalition joined “The achievement gap (singular) is a a conversation with Rev. Grace Jones with the Maplewood and South Orange misnomer. There are, in fact, many types

Members of the Schools Committee Neighbors engaged in forum discussions Executive Committee members prepare for Two Towns: Expense Summary of achievement gaps between and among success—enabling us to exceed our groups of students. These gaps reflect fundraising goal! A wave of the bid card Program Expenses differences in academic performance to the committee members, and the Operating Expenses between poor and non-poor, rural and Coalition Youth Connection, for their non-rural, and white and black students, fine work. to name only a few. Noticeable achievement gaps often mask the academic potential ON THE WEB 20% of certain groups of students. Thus, we should distinguish between academic The Coalition’s website has become achievement gaps and student potential a source of information for potential for academic achievement, and we should neighbors and current residents alike. 80% strive to address both issues.” Dr. Ferguson For current residents, www.twotowns.org noted that we need to improve our hosts an events calendar, the Artist’s cultivation techniques (i.e., our strategies Network Calendar, copies of Coalition for cultivating achievement) so that more newsletters and reports on current students have opportunities to maximize Coalition initiatives and successes. TOTAL $162,832 their potential. As a result of the Averaging over 600 hits per month, Coalition’s initiative, the School District prospective neighbors find information engaged Dr. Ferguson to work with our about our community and schools, and Income Summary teachers and administration in developing can request an information packet, Foundation such strategies. Additionally, in the spring PRISM application or schedule a neigh- of 2003, the Coalition will host a series of borhood tour. The site is regularly Fundraising study circles examining the achievement enhanced and updated. Links to our site Private Gift gap and exploring community approaches. are welcomed. Township of Maplewood Village of South Orange A CELEBRATION OF COMMITTEES COMMUNITY Committees comprised of volunteers 18% Amidst all of our serious work, we did handle most of the work of our many take time out to celebrate and have some initiatives. Over 175 community 21% fun. Auction 2002: A Celebration of volunteers served on one or more of the Community was held on October 5, 2002 following Coalition committees in 2002: at Congregation Beth El in South Orange. 22% Leading a stellar committee, co-chairs ✦ Promotions/Marketing ✦ Touring 26% Allison Teixiera and Margaret Prentice 13% gave us an opportunity to come together ✦ Finance and Development in celebration of the wonderful gift of ✦ Schools community shared between South Orange ✦ Financial Incentives and Maplewood, as well as raising funds ✦ Ordinance Review TOTAL $164,674 necessary to build on the success achieved ✦ Interfaith Outreach ✦ A copy of our audited financial statements will thus far. In addition to being a fabulous Monitoring/Evaluation/Research be available for inspection and evening, it was a wonderful financial ✦ Neighborhood Association/Civic Life on file with the Town Clerks in early spring.

: One Book Members of the Interfaith Outreach Committee Dr. Ron Ferguson Contributors

In 2002, the Coalition Bradley, Kenyon and Dorothy Burke, Frydman, Mary Gallagher and Dan and Patrick Dwyer, Marie Dybczak- began a leadership giving club Victoria Carter, Catherine Nguyen and O’Flaherty, Mattye and Bob Gandel, Somers, Liz Athos and Bill Figdor, to recognize those donors show- William Connolly, Andrea Cornell, Ada Robert and Jane Gilman, Monica Merel Patricia Garrison, Jim and Pat Giese, ing a significant committement Beth and Chuck Cutler, Robert and Sandi Goodman, Shawn Grain Ivan Franco, Gittardi Myrna and Paul to the success of the Coalition Dannhauser, Roslyn Diamond, Karen Carter, Diane and Jason Grant, Cynthia Heischuber, William and Virginia Duncan, Anna Fand, Lorraine Gibbons, Eller and Jonathan Greene, Drs. Hildebrand, George Hirsch, David and through generous gifts of Richard and Ellen Goldstein, Mary-Ella Gruenwald and Comandatore, Maria Claire Hogenauer, Nicholas Ingoglia, $1000 or more. The following Holst, Chris and Linda Hugues, John Webb and Keith Guerin, Richard and Amos Joel, Laurel Kearns, Robert and donors have earned the desig- and Linda James, Mila and Neil Jasey, Marlene Guess, Carolyn Hakim, Bill Caral Klein, Jonathan Kohn, Mark and nation “Coalition Builder”: Anselm LeBourne, Richard B. Liroff, and Jane Hanley, Edward and Dorothea Stacey Lawrence, James Rebhorn and Katherine and David Flaxman, Laura and Stuart Litwin, James and Hoffner, Molly Hunter, Curtis Johnson Rebecca Linn, Barbara Lipton, Elizabeth Joel Hahr and Angela Forero, Lindsay McHugh, Patti and David Jr., Arlene and Jay Kappraff, Rahman McMahon, Al and Marivic Meyer, Peg David and Nancy Grant, Don Nathan, Thea and Rick Okin, John and Sandra Karriem, Dominic Duggan Mittricker, Leonard and Gertrude and Ellen Greenfield, Robert and and Joanna Pearson, Sharon and Sean and Catherine Kelley, Barry Komisaruk, Morris, Keats Myer, Marion M. Nieder, Pidgeon, Pamela Erens and Jonathan Leroy and Sherri Lambert, Kathy and Henry and Carolyn Niemitz, Claire and Faye Marchman, Crystal and Ratner, Kathryn and James Reilly, Rick Gerry Leventhal, Patrick and Anne Aaron Nierenberg, Bernadette Parsons, Don Mullins, Nonie and Francis and Andrea Richardson, Sally McGrath Love, Craig and Kimberly MacKay, Syliva Pearl, Pauline Pinkston-Oden, Murphy, James Nathenson, Fred and Joan Richardson, Judy and Tony Paulina and Robert Marks, Mark Miller Julie and Ron Porter, Beulah Pritchett, and Susan Profeta, Ed and Nancy Rogers, David Brown and Mindy and Family, Anja Moen, Hugo and Ghillaine A. Reid, Harry and Patricia Stuart, Matthew and Lisa Schwartz, Rita Shiman, Douglas Simon, Linda Monformoso, John and Gloria Lancaster Robinson, Joanne Sockle and Winkler, one Anonymous gift. Joan Stewart, Ruby and Stanley Strauss, Oudine, Brad Parks, Andrea Sanford Arthur Rose, Allan Rosen, Kirk and John and Kathi Thonet, David Mairo and Jim Perry, Bernadette Pleasant, Beth Claudia Sohr, Marianne Stock, Jillian The trustees thank the following and Laura Van Dyke, Regena Warner, and Tony Prentice, Leo Rapp, Elizabeth and Andrew Stone, Philippe Dordai and generous individuals, organizations Barbara Heisler and Ben Williams, and Charles Reisen, Morris Reisen, Patricia Tine, Jules and Susan Titelbaum, Dione Williams, Meredith SueWillis, Harvey and Thelma Reisman, Don and Leo and Sylvia Tzeses, Raymond and and foundations for their financial Zachary and Trish Yamba, Andy Nancy Richardson, Laura S. Rogers, Phyllis VanDyke, Anita Warrington, gifts and vote of support for our Bernstein and Ethel Sidney Bernstein, Steven and Cecilia Rosenberg, Barbara William and Florence Weisz, Larrie work. If your name should appear Morrow Memorial Church. Rosengarten, Peter and Ruth Simmons, West Stalks, Maureen Whelan, below, and doesn’t, please accept Donors $50–$99: Troy and Clare Sirois, Burt and Alice Solomon, Christine White, Barbara Williams, our apologies and do let us know. Vananza Rhodes, Michele Davis, Daniel David and Barbara Stoller, Bradley Aster Yilma and Paul Domingue, Jr., Donations to the Community Cohen, David and Mary Ellen Connerty, Takahashi, Ivan and Thomasina Susan and Fritz Ziegler, Susan Vercheak Coalition are tax deductible to the Lawrence Neher and Deborah Prinz, Thornton, Peter Katz and Claudia and Bennet Zurofsky, Dennis G. Percher fullest extent of the law. Moira and Kevin Driscoll, Neville Wagner, Carrie Washington, Susan and Barbara J. Laub, Julia Burch and Evans, Sanford and Zella Felzenberg, Wilson, Eleanor and John Winslow, Aixa Cintron, Richard Kantor and ✦ Christine Hildebrand, Karen Hughes, Doris Anne Younger, Allan Zelnick, Pauline Barrett, 4 Anonymous gifts. Benefactors $500+ : Pat Morrissy Daniel and Elaine Katz, Arlean Bijian Fan and Jerry Clifford, Joseph Gifts up to $25: Ernest and Donna and Jean Campbell, Al and Dot Kuehn, Lambert, Alan Levin, Marty and Judy Gluck and Mary Babiarz, Kent Fairfield D’Amato, Marilyn and Stephen Mohr, Natalie Monroe Thigpen, Anonymous. Levine, Carolyn and Tom McGee, and Catherine Cassidy, Suzanne Nutt Joseph Noble, Victor Suarez, Laurie Patrons $250–$499: David and Miriam Miller, William Connolly and and Stephen Yablon, Kathleen Reynolds Salka and Bruce Kutosh, Topf’s Nancy Webster, Buena and Robert Catherine Nguyen, Lazbart and Franka and Tom Feagans, Frame Shop of Maplewood Pharmacy, Henrietta Chilstrom, Gary Berger and Ulysses Oseni, John and Marilyn Russell, South Orange, 4 Anonymous gifts. Granet, Rebecca and Peter Greene, Dietz, Harvey and Eva Samo, Andrew Arnold and Hattie Segal, Joel and Contributors $25–$49: Perry Fine, Jill and Robb Kushner, Eula Alexander, and A. Elliott Smyth Berndt, Samuel Elizabeth Sobo, Roslyn and Andrew Michael Paris and Amy Higer, David Walter Blumberg, Sharon and Arnee Convissor, Gary Roth and Anne Lopes, Tre wick, Kenneth and Yolande Ullman, Laua Whitmire and Gregory Cohen, Roger Dennis, Joseph and Margaret V. Prentice and John Dyson. Wasserman, Leah and Stanley Weiss, Benson, Ian and Daniel Chesir-Teran, Marina Hernandez-Ford, Gail and Sponsors $100–$249: Phylis Mary Gerarde Sims, Ute and Roy B. John Kaufman, Seymour Lehrhoff, Michael Jaffe, Lawrence Alexander and Peterman, David Bressen, Margery and Tellini, Lloyd and Odell Washington, Stuart and Talya Rothenberg, Jerry and Katherine Kenny, Arthur Klimowicz, Fred Cohen, McTague Family, James Sol and Sylvia Amato, Denise Are, Helaine Warshaw, Michael and Nancie Merritt, Darryl and Sigrid and Joan Lee, Stephen and Beverly Mills Edward and Barbara Becker, Beatrice Elizabeth Aaron, Jane Brown, Donald L. Novak, Irwin and Blossom Primer, Alan and family, Mark and Risa Olinsky, Cole and Richard Berggren, Edward DeMarco, Ellen and Raymond Fellers, Seebol, Burt Kimmelman and Diane George and Laura Robinson, Laura and Ellen Bikales, Kenneth Bingham, Lisa Russell-Charles, William A. Stoever, Simmons, Jack Tiner, John and Robin Morris Siena, Morris and Ronnie Stern, Richard and Nancy Bohn, Karen Yako Yafet, Edward and Angela Griefen, Davenport, Harris and Shoshana David, Joe Manning and Christropher Reggio, Herrera and Mark Braverman, Jules Neil Laurent, Andrew Rogers, Ruth Sylvia Sattler, Gregg Ostroff, Erving Andrew Harris and Judy Jablon, Valyrie Bromberg, James Bryant, James and Ross and Harry Rutten, Robert Arlein Katz, 5 Anonymous gifts. Laedlein, Dale Shuster, Harold and Carol Buchanan, Wendy Budin, Robin and Vicki Herzfeld-Arlein, Charles Foundations: Cornwall Center at Elaine Braff, Carmen Corrales, C. Burns Saunders, Marjorie and Richard Lascari and Marc Beshar, Richard and Rutgers University, Deutsche Bank Damon Griffin, Mary Kinniery, Burt Cariello, Margaret Crater, Thomas Sandra Adinaro, Bernard M. Altschuler, Americas Foundation, Geraldine R. and Mada Liebman, Harlan and Robin Chaves, Rachelle and Jeff Christie, Paul and Janice Arcidiacono, Janeann Dodge Foundation, Jewish Community Mellk, Dennis Stern and Barbara Irving and Helen Cohen, Treasure and Bean-Folkes, David Berry, Janice Faye Fund of Metrowest, JP Morgan Chase Palmer, Kenneth Pettis, James and Rich Cohen, Peter and Janet Copeland, Blue, Ilse and Stephan Blythe, Joe and Foundation, Martin Luther King, Jr. Deborah Purdon, Jeff and Ilene Craig and Khadijah Sharif-Drinkard, Rita Bonin, Leander Brown, Denise Commemorative Commission, NJ State Gruenwald, Josette and Vincent David Dubrow, Edward and Jeanne Brown-Allen, Tara Brown-Favors, Vivian Council for the Arts, Readers Digest Abruzzini, Ken and Marsha Bain, Pat Duffy, Nadaline Dworkin, Florence Carroll, Martin and Barbara Cotler, Foundation, Unitarian Church in Bell, Rowland Bennett, Leslie Alan and Eatman, Fred and Marjorie Eiseman, Rick D’Addario, Margaret Dennison, Summit Social Action Committee Fund. Leslie Sue Blatt, Joel and Estelle Bloom, Ron Cohen and Sheila Fisher, Catkin Michael and Judi Fisher Druck, Mark Rick and Rita Boyer, Kris and John and SW Flowers, Gideon and Jacquie and Kimberly Dumont, Anne Wessel ✦

Board of Trustees Adrienne Bolden Mary Kinniery Rev. Terry Richardson✯ Coalition Staff David Bressen Anselm LeBourne George B. Robinson Robert A. Marchman, CHAIRMAN Hon. Victor DeLuca, Ex officio Burt Liebman✧ Mark Rosner, Ex officio Barbara Heisler Williams, ✯ ✧ ✧ Carol Barry-Austin, VICE CHAIR Karen Duncan Geraldine Mehu-Moore Mitchell Silver EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Wayne Eastman, VICE CHAIR Katherine Flaxman Nonie Murphy Stephen Steglitz, Ex officio ✧ ✧ Nancy H. Richardson, Crystal Mullins, VICE CHAIR Nancy Grant Boe Meyerson Arthur Taylor, Ex officio ✯ ✯ PROGRAM DIRECTOR (through 12/31/02) C. Damon Griffin James Nathenson Natalie Thigpen Edward Stuart , VICE CHAIR Jeff Gruenwald Dr. Phylis Peterman Dr. Dawn Williams Audrey Rowe, ✯ Meredith Sue Willis, VICE CHAIR Cecil House✧ Ken Pettis Rita Woodard PROGRAM DIRECTOR (beginning 1/1/03) Dr. Diane Hughes Margaret Prentice ✯ TERM THROUGH 12/31/02 NancySu-zan Brown, ✯ Celia King, Ex officio Fred R. Profeta, Jr., Ex officio ✧ TERM BEGINNING 1/1/03 PROGRAM ASSISTANT✧