NEWARK - On Sunday afternoon August 22nd, a 2:30 P.M. "Prayer for the City" was held on Blum Street.

The Prayer was organized by Love From The Heart Ministry, Blum Street residents, three churches on the block, family members of RaJohn Powell, and friends.

The purpose of the gathering was to get several pastors, bishops, imams, apostles, and ministers together on the street to pray for the city of Newark.

RaJohn Powell was the 10th person killed this month, and the prayer was held right at the spot where he was murdered.

Children who came out to the Back to School giveaway at the North Ward Center’s Family Success Center on Wednesday walked away with backpacks covered in their favorite Disney characters, TV stars and superheroes.

Congregants of the Christ Church in Montclair and Agape Worship Center in Bloomfield helped donate book bags and school supplies for Newark families and children in need.

“We’re very grateful that we were able to do this,” said Vanessa Bohler, the director of the Family Success Center. “Last year we were only able to service 20 families but this year through the support of the churches we were able to service over 125 families.”

NEWARK - One of the more blighted blocks in the city of Newark got a breath of fresh air on Aug. 12. City officials and representatives from the Kresge Foundation cut the ribbon to the first "Lead Safe House" in the West Ward at 48 Norwood St.

The purpose of the home is to provide temporary housing for families while their homes are being abated for lead. Newark plans to add four more safe houses to accommodate all five wards in the city.

"I'm so grateful that you are all hear today to celebrate with us this accomplishment as we attack this very important health issue," said Department of Child and Family Well-Being Director Maria E. Vizcarrondo to the group of approximately 25 at the official opening of the house.

NEWARK - The Newark Public Library, with no budget cut relief in sight, will close all branches on Mondays and Tuesdays as of Aug. 16. The closure is to last for at least the remainder of 2010.

NPL Director Wilma Grey has been meanwhile preparing her staff and patrons for the permanent closure of two of library branches on Aug. 27. The First Avenue Branch, 282 First Ave, and the Madison Branch, 790 Clinton Ave., have been leased storefronts since the 1970s.

North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos, Jr., at the municipal council's Aug. 4 meeting, said that he and his colleagues will talk with Grey and other concerned stakeholders about keeping First Avenue and Madison branches open.