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An electric bike and scooter sharing program launched by Newark two years ago notched its millionth ride, city officials said Monday.

“Newarkers are riding them,” Mayor Ras J. Baraka said after taking a brief spin on one of the program’s black-and-teal colored e-scooters by Veo Micrmobility, following a press conference. “I saw a guy wearing a McDonald’s outfit riding.”

Providing an inexpensive, convenient, and environmentally friendly commute is one of the main purposes of the NewarkGo program, launched in July 2021 jointly by the city, Veo, and a second company, Bird Scooters, recognizable by their metal finish with aqua trim.

The program involves about 2,000 bikes and scooters between the two companies. Bird users pay $1 to unlock one of the vehicles using a phone app, plus another 15 cents per minute. Veo users pay $1 an hour. Both companies offer discounts for income-qualified users.

The scooters are visible around the city every day, leaning against walls, standing on sidewalks, and lying on patches of grass. The companies use GPS technology and pick-up vans to locate the bikes and scooters and replace them in 30 or so “docking stations” — parking lot-sized boxes painted on the pavement — throughout Newark’s five wards.

Veo’s 2023 rider survey found that 61% of its riders in Newark don’t own or have access to a car.

Officials say the city does not pay NewarkGo’s capital or operating costs, though it does share in the program’s revenues. A city spokesperson could not say Monday how much revenue the program generated.

Other New Jersey communities to adopt scooter and bike-sharing programs include Jersey City, Hoboken and Asbury Park, all rabidly developing urban areas looking for ways to relieve the congestion and parking shortages that accompany an influx of newcomers.

Thanks to that history, Baraka acknowledged when Newark launched its program that some viewed the bike or scooter rental fleets as a sign of gentrification. But he and others said the two-wheeled electric vehicles were by nature inclusive.

Jonathan Gordon, Newark’s interim sustainability officer, said GoNewark provides access to zero-emission vehicles to people who want to act locally to keep their air clean, slow climate change and preserve the planet but can’t afford a Tesla or even the lowest-priced electric car.

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NEWARK, NJ — The Archdiocese of Newark will honor the nation’s fallen soldiers with public Memorial Day Masses at several of its Catholic cemeteries for 2023.

The Masses will take place at seven archdiocesan cemeteries throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 29.

According to the archdiocese, the Memorial Day Masses are being held to “honor the memory of fallen heroes, acknowledge the service of veterans and active-duty military personnel, and include prayers for all those interred in archdiocesan cemeteries and mausoleums.”

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Active military personnel and veterans are encouraged to participate in the Memorial Day Masses by carrying wreaths or candles, serving as lectors or gift presenters, or reciting intercessions.

Masses will be held outdoors under large canopy tents, rain or shine, with seating provided. Gate of Heaven and Maryrest cemeteries will celebrate Memorial Day Mass inside their mausoleum chapels. Visit www.rcancem.org/memorial-day-mass for more information and location details.

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Mass locations and celebrants include:

The archdiocese also will celebrate the dedication of the new Chapel Mausoleum of the Resurrection at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

The new Chapel Mausoleum features marble crypts, glass cremation niches, a “two-story mosaic of the Resurrected Christ,” and 14 lifelike wooden statues of the Stations of the Cross, handcrafted nearly 200 years ago in Tyrol, Austria.

“Each name engraved on these sacred grounds represents a hero who served our nation with honor, a loving family member who supported them, and a story of courage that inspires us all,” Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries Andrew Schafer said.

“We are humbled to celebrate and remember their legacies, forever cherishing the sacrifices they made for our freedom,” Schafer said.

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NEWARK — There has been a new push to create a greener Newark by planting more trees.

The Biden administration has offered $1 billion in grants as part of its “Investing in America” plan which includes environmental projects like tree planting.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has offered $1.5 billion for urban forestry revitalization, tree planting, and other forestry and rehabilitation projects, said Nicole Miller, chairwoman of Newark Green Team.

Newark will be applying for any federal money and state money that is being offered. “We need it,” Miller said.

It’s hotter in Newark than in its neighboring towns because it has very little tree canopy, she said.

While public parks like Branch Brook Park, located in the North Ward of Newark is loaded with trees, Miller said urban centers where people live in residential areas, especially in the East Ward, have very few street trees.

So, the City of Newark’s Office of Sustainability, the Department of Water and Sewer, and various environmental groups are trying to remedy this situation by planting more trees and install green infrastructure, Miller said.

Heat without trees or green space can be deadly for both the older and younger populations in Newark, especially in the summer months, Miller said.

So, having a tree canopy where young people can go outside and play, and older people can rest outside comfortably without having to be cooped up inside with no air conditioning, is very essential for Newark, she said.

Trees are also great for people and their energy bills. “Having trees around protects the home with shade and prevents the home from getting too hot. We have opportunities to reduce our energy bills. They’re not using air conditioning as much and that saves our population money, Miller said.

The trees in a green space also mean cleaner air. Miller pointed out that there is a lot of industry in Newark and that also means a huge presence of trucks. While these are important for keeping the city’s economy moving, they also have ramifications for the health of its citizens.

“One in four young people in Newark have asthma and some of that is because we have very little filtration. Trees are the lungs of the earth and so we need those lungs in Newark to help our young people,” Miller said.

Planting more trees also creates more job opportunities. Workforce development is underway. People are needed to plant trees and plant green infrastructure. Miller said this is not just a plant-it-once-and-forget-about-it type of job. These trees need to be maintained for years to come so they are healthy and not a burden on residents.

“Our green infrastructure also provides storm water capture benefits so we don’t have too much flooding. We can help with some of the other toxic water issues that the city might be facing. So, green infrastructure and trees, in general, have a great part to play for the city in many different aspects,” Miller said.

Newark has several grant applications in place both at the federal and state level. But Miller said there are green infrastructure projects in the ground that are in place now, as well as training projects so that people can get green infrastructure certification training to put these projects in the ground.

Once the grant applications go through, hopefully by fall, Miller said the city of Newark will then know how much grant money they will receive.

Residents are invited to learn more about tree planting around the city.

Miller said The Newark Green Team is holding its 2nd Annual Green Fest Newark on June 10 in Military Park, 51 Park Place in Newark. Members will be on hand to answer any questions and help direct citizens to workforce development options so they can be prepared to take advantage of the many opportunities that await them.

The New Jersey Tree Foundation also has volunteer opportunities for people to plant trees. There are plenty of opportunities to plant during the spring and summer and fall planting volunteers are also needed.

An assortment of trees will be planted around the streets of Newark, Miller said. These include red bud, fruit, and flowering trees. But whatever the variety, she said these trees will be native and non-invasive.

While thousands are expected to be planted, she said the work has to be done in increments. So, the idea is to plant 50, 70, or maybe 200 trees at a time to rehabilitate the Newark tree canopy. This involves year-round employment and not seasonal work.

“The trees that we’re planting now are the right trees at the right places and they are not going to be pulling up the sidewalk. They are not going to be in the way of the power lines. We’re going to be working with our residents to make sure that they’re excited about the trees, that they’re helping to maintain them, and that they grow healthy,” Miller said.

jennifer.ursillo@townsquaremedia.com

The Moonperson is coming back to Broad Street.

The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards will broadcast Tuesday, Sept. 12, from the Prudential Center in Newark, the third time the arena has hosted the awards ceremony since 2019.

“All eyes of the entertainment industry will be focused on Newark, New Jersey, as the brightest stars come together to perform at a marquee showcase within our world-class venue,” said Jake Reynolds, president of the Prudential Center, in a statement.

“This event allows us the opportunity to celebrate all genres of music for fans throughout the world, as we do all year round. We appreciate the ability to continue our long-standing partnership with MTV and look forward to an amazing evening.”

Nicki Minaj, Eminem and Snoop Dogg, Lizzo, Jack Harlow and Fergie, Anitta, Bad Bunny, J Balvin and Ryan Castro, Blackpink, Marshmello and Khalid, Maneskin and Panic! at the Disco performed at last year's ceremony.

Kane Brown performed remotely at the Ross Dock Picnic Area in Fort Lee, and LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj and Harlow were the hosts.

More:Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band rock Chris Rock and more celebs at Rome concert

Taylor Swift won Video of the Year for “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).”

“We’re thrilled to be returning to the Prudential Center in Newark for this year’s VMAs!” said Bruce Gillmer of Paramount, the owners of MTV. “Celebrating one of our biggest nights in music with the Garden State's incredible fans has been our goal since last year's highly successful event.”

More:Whitney Houston and Fort Lee featured in MTV VMAs at Prudential Center in Newark

The VMAs averaged 3.9 million viewers on MTV and it's related channels in 2022, according to Nielsen.

“The return of the VMAs to the Prudential Center testifies to New Jersey’s enduring standing as a premier venue for large-scale entertainment events,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement. “As the home of some of the most internationally renowned names in the music industry, New Jersey is proud to once again partner with Paramount to showcase an array of exciting performances to a global audience.

"By hosting this highly anticipated spectacle, our state and local economies will also benefit from the thousands of visitors who will shop, dine, and stay in our local communities."

The hosts and performers have not been announced yet.

Visit mtv.com for more information.

Subscribe to app.com for the latest on the New Jersey music scene.

Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com

Fanwood resident Kim Eckstrom was one of 29 local artists whose work was showcased at the brand-new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport.Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kim Eckstrom

Fanwood resident Kim Eckstrom was one of 29 local artists whose work was showcased at the brand-new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Fanwood resident Kim Eckstrom was one of 29 local artists whose work was showcased at the brand-new Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport.

By Charlie Cangialosi III

PublishedMay 23, 2023 at 1:52 PM

NEWARK, NJ - Fanwood resident Kim Eckstrom was one of 29 local artists whose work is being showcased at the brand-new Terminal A at Newark Liberty Airport. This display is part of the Port Authority's $2.7 billion redevelopment plan for the airport terminal.

"Somebody passed me a flyer of the Newark Airport looking for artwork from New Jersey artists for display at the new Terminal A, so I just applied and sent in my painting," Eckstrom told TAPintoSPF.

Eckstrom's painting is of the Gladstone Train Station, which the painting is named after. She said she was inspired to capture this moment on her canvas as she was looking for a plein air (outdoor) subject for inspiration.

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"The train that was neatly parked adjacent to the station with its iconic NJ Transit logo attracted me to the subject as well," said Eckstrom. "The sun was shining brightly, casting delicious shadows on the station. I knew I had to paint it"

The goal of this art program is to help create an artistic space that highlights the creativity, innovation, and diversity that best reflects to state of New Jersey. Of all the work from the 29 artists, only two murals were chosen to be put on permanent display. The Terminal A Art Advisory Council chose the other 27 murals to be complementary pieces to the permanent artworks, falling into submission categories such as digital, photography, and diptych.

After a six-month review process, Eckstrom's submission and others were chosen based on the quality of their work, the artists' roots to New Jersey, and their connection to the cities of Newark and Elizabeth. Eckstrom's watercolor mural, located at the central arrival/departure area on the first floor of Terminal A, will be on display for a one-year period.

"I'm very honored and proud of my efforts to represent the state of New Jersey," said Eckstrom. "When I paint I'm in a joyful place and at peace, in a zone where I'm still amazed to see the paints transform a blank piece of canvas into a kaleidoscope of color."

Eckstrom first started working on her art as a child and later attended art classes as an adult to hone her skills. Apart from being showcased at Newark Airport, Kim has been approached by the American Asian Society to use her painting for the organization's Asian American Heritage Celebration.

"Be true to yourself and paint from the heart," is Eckstrom's message to other artists. "If it comes from the heart, I think you'll always find it sincere and honest, and if you're true to yourself, it'll come out in your art."