*Photos by Carolyn Maxwell & Paul W. Wang • Click on photo to enlarge
By: Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – Police Officer Danny Gonzalez (VP of the Newly Formed Police Athletic League (PAL)) welcomed the citizens to the groundbreaking of this new community center. He recognized the other officers of the PAL and the PAL Board of Directors and the Trustees. He also thanked Brenda and Eddie Trujillo. He then introduced Fr. Michael Chendorain from the Perth Amboy Chaplain Corps who gave the invocation.
Part of his invocation included blessings for the children, their innocence, and the devotion of their parents. He also blessed our First Responders for their sacrifices and serving our children.
Danny Gonzalez spoke again remarking, “This new center will provide a safe place for children to learn, grow, and develop boxing skills. This will support our community and will have an impact on our city youth. I also want to give a special thank you to Kenny Ortiz (Director of Recreation) and to the Trujillo Family.”
Gonzalez then introduced Christopher Hill (Chairman of the National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc.) Hill mentioned, “There are 377 chapters of the Police Athletic League around the world. I live an hour away from Perth Amboy, and of all the new PAL’s that have been formed, Perth Amboy is one that has been the most prepared. PAL represents 2 million kids nationwide, and I want to welcome the Perth Amboy PAL to our family. You have a tremendous start with the collaboration of all these different agencies involved.”
The next person to speak was Detective Omar Rivera from the PAL. He mentioned, “Fourteen years ago, my son Adam was born. I want to thank all of these individuals on the Board and the Trustees, along with the Trujillo Family and my wife, Adriana. They all believe and supported me. I was hired by the Perth Amboy Police Department in 2013, and I wanted to be Juvenile Detective. It was important to have a boxing program which would teach the fundamentals of competition. The PAL will also help with after school tutoring and counseling. Kenny Ortiz helped out a lot. He is a nonprofit extraordinaire. It took six months to form a nonprofit organization, and we are the first PAL in the city. Boxing is a positive contact sport, and the kids will get an education, learn how to prevent violence, and to have a strong positive attitude. It will show them how to interact positively with the police. I want this program to grow after I am gone. Maybe the next boxing champion will come from our city. “Make the most of what you have, and inspire to make a difference.””
Gonzalez came back up to the podium to acknowledge Barry Rosengarten for all that he has done (who helped spotlight all the positive aspects of Perth Amboy for years). He also recognized Tashi Vazquez from the OECD (Office of Economic and Community Development) (who has helped our city youth throughout her career).
Eddie Trujillo came up to the podium to speak on behalf of Trujillo Foundation. “I want to thank God, my wife, Brenda, and my three children. We’ve done fundraising and have been involved in humanitarian causes for years. My kids know the value of giving to others. I came here in 1970 when I was 9 years old. I keep my money here in town. If it wasn’t for Kenny Ortiz helping me, I would not have a foundation. This foundation will help support local baseball teams and other programs. The Caribbean All-Star Teams, which recently won a championship – we paid for some of their travel expenses. So far, they’ve had 52 wins and 3 losses. One of their top members (from the past) was Alex Reyes who will help with the Foundation. We’ll also have scholarships for the kids.” He also recognized Brian Taylor who was in the audience (Who rocked this town when Perth Amboy won the State Basketball Championship in 1968). He then pointed to Councilman Joel Pabon who coached some of our youth baseball teams. “Sometimes giving of your time is more important than money.” He also recognized another coach that was in the audience: Police Officer Luis Martes. “Kenny Ortiz always said: “Kids have to earn to appreciate what they get.” I have yet to come across anyone else like Kenny Ortiz. Teaming up with the police is a blessing, and we can do a lot of sports programs in this building. We are also working with our senior citizens. I’m excited to see John Dyke here, because I know he was concerned about us building a high-rise at this location. This will be one of the nicest properties when we are done (with renovations). It will look and feel good, and I am proud of our people from the Supremo Supermarket Team. I also want to thank Barry Rosengarten who I look up to as a mentor. I and my sons have also gone to the Dominican Republic where we have distributed over 5,000 toys. I’m hoping to start going there again. I am going to make sure that we respect the neighborhood and make the city proud.”
Eddie Trujillo Jr. spoke next, “My family have been very fortunate, and we also give to other people. This is exciting, and we need all of your support. This will not be possible without the support of the city, the police department, and Kenny Ortiz. We want to help everyone, and we need your help.”
Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez spoke next. She thanked the Trujillo Family who have been her close friend, “They have always given back to the community, and to the Dominican Republic. They have big hearts. I’m glad to help them with their projects and their dedication to the city.”
Mayor Helmin Caba spoke next, “I want to recognize Brian Taylor, who helped bring a State Championship to the city, who played basketball at Princeton University and in the ABA with Doctor J (Julius Erving).”
Brian Taylor came up to deliver a few remarks. He thanked the mayor and his staff for inviting him to be here. “I am always excited to come back, and I grew up in the Delaney Homes where the new high school is being built on a good foundation.” He then mentioned his older brother Bruce Taylor who played for the San Francisco 49ers. “I learned to play basketball in the projects, and I am excited to work with Kenny Ortiz in a newly formed basketball league. I’m a miracle, because a very small percentage of athletes make it to the pros. Just to let you know, Doctor J played with me!”
Mayor Caba came back up to speak again, “The PAL will be a great enrichment program for all our youth. I want to thank all of the people who are on the Board of Trustees. The first way to find yourself is to lose yourself. Eddie and Brenda have served our community and the Dominican Republic. They gave away $50,000 in groceries during the pandemic. Their toy drive has made a positive impact. They’ve instilled those same values in their children to support those who are less fortunate. Boxing is a priority for the Perth Amboy PAL to develop all their skills. It is a good framework to work with and for each other. The police, fire departments and anyone involved in helping our community has my full support.”
Police Chief Larry Cattano spoke next. He thanked the Trujillo Family. “Anytime we called on them to help, they always answered our needs.” He thanked Mayor Caba for his leadership. “Our mission is to serve the community, the kids, and it is finally coming to fruition. This center will serve our future leaders.”
Fire Chief Ed Mullen spoke next, “We are here to support our police. There is also a center on Smith Street who supports our community. The kids are our future, and it seems anyone by the name of Eddie will do great things. I took boxing lessons from Rocky Denardo (the late retired veteran who taught boxing) and I still have that great boxing stance and will challenge any police officer to a boxing match (demonstrating his stance). “
After the benediction by Fr. Michael Chendorain, they proceeded with the groundbreaking ceremony
