This article originally appeared on nj.com on Feb. 12, 2009
Newark Mayor Cory Booker paid a visit today to Casa Israel Adult Medical Day Care Center to wish clients a Happy Valentine's Day.
The mayor was greeted by children from the North Ward Child Development Center, who held up a sign welcoming him.
After greeting clients, the mayor said he wanted to tell some jokes, against the advice of his father, Cary Sr., who traveled with his son to Casa Israel. The mayor then proceeded to tell two jokes, in Spanish and English, as his audience roared with laughter.
A group of preschoolers from the development center sang the mayor a song they had composed especially for him.
Booker's staff handed out a red rose to each of the clients at Casa Israel. The mayor also received presents in return.
Margareta Tosado gave Booker a card signed by all the clients at Casa Israel. Lula Bethea gave the mayor a Casa Israel T-shirt in a box made by Casa Israel clients and sang him a spiritual. Lionel Rodriguez presented the mayor with a mug from the center.
The mayor struck a serious chord when he told clients that Newark, like the rest of the country, was facing a serious economic crisis, but he said the city would get through it.
"We really appreciate the mayor's visit," said Bruce London, the director of Casa Israel. "He brightened the day for our clients. He represents the future for America. Our nation is changing and he's one of the leaders of that change. He's a real peoples' mayor and everyone here feels that way."
Founded in 2001 by the North Ward Center, Casa Israel provides quality care, including primary and preventative health care, therapeutic and recreational services to Medicaid clients and other eligible adults.
