Where Plainfield turns for news.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Dottie, Dan & Hillary.. Muhlenberg meeting tonight, rally tomorrow.. No Council tonight.. Train station cleanup..

PLAINFIELD

Plainfield Today:
Plainfield Plaintalker: "No Council meeting tonight"
Crescent Times: "Train Station: Victory on Sight!" | "Master Plan 101"
Save Muhlenberg: "Rally: Tuesday, April 1st - 5 PM" | "Info: Buses to Trenton Rally"

Plainfield Trees: "Cornelian Cherry Dogwood" -- Another post in Greg Palermo's ongoing series on Plainfield's trees, with a tip 'o the hat to Plainfield's own Barbara Sandford.

Councilors are blogging: Councilor Cory Storch weighs in on the question of progress in Plainfield -- see (here) -- and Councilor Rashid Burney blogs (here).

Mayoral Security: "Security team pulls rare ruse"
Racial Identity: "Who Are We? New Dialogue on Mixed Race" -- Thanks to Obama.


Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Today - March 31. 6:30 PM. 'Save Muhlenberg' Planning Meeting. Under the leadership of POP. At duCret School of the Arts, 1030 Central Avenue. Residents, employees, and all impacted by or interested Muhlenberg are welcome. Info: Steven Hatcher, Plainfield POP chair, (908) 731-1518.

  • Tuesday - April 1. 5 - 7 PM. 'Save Muhlenberg' Rally. All are encouraged to come out and rally as Solaris Health Systems meets with what it styles 'community leaders' to discuss closing Muhlenberg. Gather at Park Avenue and Randolph Road.

  • Tuesday - April 1. 7:30 PM. (Rescheduled ) Historic Preservation Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Wednesday - April 2. 7 PM. Zoning Board of Adjustment. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Thursday - April 3. 8 PM. Planning Board. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Saturday - April 5. 8 PM. Plainfield Symphony: Hooray For Hollywood! A pops concert featuring some of Hollywood's best movie music - Gone With The Wind, Casablanca, Harry Potter, James Bond, and more. Guest soloist Gabriela Imreh. The Plainfield Symphony performs at Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Watchung Avenue at East 7th Street. $25/General seating. $15/Senior & Student. Info: (908) 561-5140.

  • Monday - April 7. 6:30 PM. 'Save Muhlenberg' Planning Meeting. Under the leadership of POP. At duCret School of the Arts, 1030 Central Avenue. Residents, employees, and all impacted by or interested Muhlenberg are welcome. Info: Steven Hatcher, Plainfield POP chair, (908) 731-1518.

  • Monday - April 7. 7:30 PM. City Council Agenda Session. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue.

  • Wednesday - April 9. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY


Duke Gardens: "Growing pains to close gardens at Duke Farms" -- But opening more.
Ellis Island: "Exhibit honors diplomats who secretly let scores flee the Holocaust"
Newark: "Building blocks for Newark's revival" -- Sage advice for any town.
Sharpe James Trial: "Choirboy lawyer flourishes in place with few angels" -- James' defense lawyer.


STATE


Dividing New Jersey: "An invisible boundary divides N.J."
Foreclosures: "Hundreds of homes enter foreclosure with no end in sight"

Sheneman's Cartoon is here.
Margulies' Cartoon is here
.


NATION / WORLD


2008 Campaigns --
Financial Markets:
Food Stamps: "Food Stamp Use at Record Pace as Jobs Vanish"
HUD: "HUD Secretary Expected to Quit Monday" -- Steering contracts to friends alleged.
Iraq: "Sadr Tells His Militia To Cease Hostilities"
Recession: "States Are Hit Hard by Economic Downturn" -- Including NJ.


OF INTEREST

Credit Cards: "That one late payment could cost you a bundle"

Jerseyans Round-the-World Race: "Plans to circle the globe in record time halted" -- SNAFU in India.
Web Archives: "Some of today's internet won't be gone tomorrow"
Obituary: "Dith Pran, inspiration for 'The Killing Fields'" -- NYTimes | Ledger | Video Interview |

BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Maison Mason open today.. Council filing coming up.. Muhlenberg rally Tuesday.. Rescue Squad inspires life's work..

PLAINFIELD



Plainfield Today:

Plainfield Plaintalker: "Council filing is April 7th"
Crescent Times: "Welcome to CAN's youngest resident!"

Save Muhlenberg:

Plainfield Trees: "Cornelian Cherry Dogwood" -- Another post in Greg Palermo's ongoing series on Plainfield's trees, with a tip 'o the hat to Plainfield's own Barbara Sandford.

Councilors are blogging: Today, Councilor Cory Storch weighs in with a fresh post on the question of progress in Plainfield -- see (here) -- and Councilor Rashid Burney blogs (here).

Plainfield Rescue Squad: "Saving baby inspires path of Orlando Cabrera's life"
Planning: "Town takes holistic approach to redevelopment" -- And making room for 'rehabilitation'.

Traffic: "I-287 changes effective Sunday" -- Traffic patterns change at Durham Ave. exit.

Two-Party Politics: "A Republican’s Argument for Two-Party Rule"

Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Today - March 30. 1-4 PM. Reception: Plainfield Community Council of the United Way. Meet representatives of United Way partnering agencies and learn of plans to strengthen Plainfield's community life by supporting local programs and initiatives. Refreshments provided. At the home of Councilor Rashid Burney and his wife Wendy, 1127 Watchung Avenue. FREE, but please RSVP to Jeff Scheckner of United Way: (908) 353-7171 or email at jeff.scheckner@uwguc.org.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


REAL ESTATE SUNDAY


SMALL PICTURE
Bankruptcy: "Can an Owner Keep a House in Bankruptcy?"
Home Warranties: "Many find home warranties are often a bad deal"
New Jersey: "Why Dumps Are Gaining in Allure" -- Living over the landfill.
Outdoor Fireplaces: "A Little Warmth, at a Cost"
'w/RivVw': "Taking in the River View From Both Banks"
Sellers: "Bid for reality" -- With stiff competition, sellers are urged to aim low.
Sellers: "Homeowners Who Won’t Cut the Price"
Tub/Shower Renewal: "Tubs and Showers Made New Again"

BIG PICTURE
NJ Market: "New Jersey builders put up a good front"
Bush Stimulus Package: "A Word From the Naysayers" -- Effect on our area.

Foreclosures: "Swift Steps Help Avert Foreclosures in Baltimore"

'Foreclosure Mills': "The Foreclosure Machine"
Home Equity Loans: "Equity Loans as Next Round in Credit Crisis"
Pressure on GOP: "Homeowners’ Pleas Put G.O.P. Lawmakers in Bind"
TOOLS
Buy or Rent?: "Cost Comparison Tool" -- Enter your own values to calculate which is better, buying or renting. A really neat tool!
Ledger: "Home Finder", "Premier Estates" and "Real Estate" sections online.
Courier: "Real Estate" section online.
NYTimes: "This Week's Residential Sales Around the Region" -- Week of 3/30/2007.
Trulia: "Your Personal Real Estate Google"
Mortgages: "US Mortgage Payment Index"

CENTRAL JERSEY


Ferguson Congress Seat -- GOP winner faces Linda Stender.
Asbury Park: "A Film Festival That’s Unabashedly Jersey" -- 6th Annual Garden State Film Festival.
Elizabeth: "At Polish Dance Hall, The Music Never Fades" -- And there's the polka over the Twin City speakers.
Gabe Gluck: "How I (sort of) almost caught John List"
Sharpe James Trial: "In conflicting tales, judge to sift fact from fiction"
Rahway: "Merger is pastor's cross" -- Merging two Catholic parishes stresses everyone.
UC Prosecutor: "Father's new family" -- Romankow names a chaplain.


STATE


The Auditor -- For political junkies: "Sunday, March 30, 2008"

Lautenberg Senate Seat: Paul Mulshine: "Canned laughter from the GOP"
Corzine Accident: "Corzine and his saviors recall fight to cheat death"
9/11 Rescue Workers Foundation: "Foundation head arrested at benefit concert"
Casinos: "Bill would protect gaming in government shutdown"

Sheneman's Cartoon is here.
Margulies' Cartoon is here
.


NATION / WORLD


2008 Campaigns --
Iraq: "In This Shiite Battle, a Marked Shift From the Past" -- Read warily, I think the Times is behind the times here.
Market Oversight: "Long Fight Ahead for Treasury Blueprint" -- WashPost | NYTimes |
The Republican Party: "A Case of the Blues"


OF INTEREST

Mamools: "Dunellen woman's contest win turned sour" -- Magazine changes recipe, name of entry. Sara Maher's recipe is here.

Cyberbullying: "Cracking Down on the Cyberbully"
Pets: "Speaking Strictly Financially, Stick With the Hamster" -- The costs of petkeeping.
Public Speaking: "The Adroit Speaker Doesn’t Wing It"
School Auctions: "An Unlikely Obsession: School Auctions"
Yankee Stadium: "Memories enshrined" -- Long farewell to an American icon will begins.

BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Muhlenberg satisfaction study online.. Administrator's illness delays Maria's OPRA request.. Free ink cartridge recycling.. BOE Tuesday..

PLAINFIELD



Plainfield Today:
Plainfield Plaintalker: "BOE meets Tuesday"
Crescent Times: "OPRA request & City Administrator's health" | "Cedar Brook Park cleanup"
Save Muhlenberg --
Plainfield Trees: "Cornelian Cherry Dogwood" -- Another post in Greg Palermo's ongoing series on Plainfield's trees, with a tip 'o the hat to Plainfield's own Barbara Sandford.

Councilors are blogging: Today, Councilor Cory Storch weighs in with a fresh post on the question of progress in Plainfield -- see (here) -- and Councilor Rashid Burney blogs (here).

I-287: "I-287 changes effective Sunday" -- Traffic patterns change at Durham Ave. exit.


Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Today - March 29. Doors open 6:15 PM. Benefit Auction for Camp Discovery. Camp Discovery is an annual summer program -- 40 kids, 8 weeks -- at the United Church of Christ. Auction items include custom valances/pillows, a homemade pie a month for a year, a will by an attorney, auto service/repair gift certificate, formal gourmet dinner for 8, weekend at a Wildwood condo, many more. Camp Discovery also provides meaningful employment experience for Plainfield teens as Junior Camp Counselors. At: United Church of Christ, West 7th at Madison Avenue. Tickets: $5/advance, $10/door. Includes refreshments. Info: (908) 996-7359 or (908) 531-4979.

  • Today - March 29. 7:30 PM. Vocals 'N' Vibes Concert. The vocal group Mixed Company will perform doo-wop, barbershop, showtunes, light rock and jazz favorites. The World Jazz Quintet will also perform. At First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, 724 Park Avenue. $15/person, $10/seniors and students. Info: (908) 756-0750.

  • Tomorrow - March 30. 1-4 PM. Reception: Plainfield Community Council of the United Way. Meet representatives of United Way partnering agencies and learn of plans to strengthen Plainfield's community life by supporting local programs and initiatives. Refreshments provided. At the home of Councilor Rashid Burney and his wife Wendy, 1127 Watchung Avenue. FREE, but please RSVP to Jeff Scheckner of United Way: (908) 353-7171 or email at jeff.scheckner@uwguc.org.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY


Sharpe James Trial --

STATE


Bush in NJ: "Bush urges use of credit counseling program" -- Ledger | Gannett |
Budget: "At History Issues convention, activists lobby for arts, tourism"
Clean Elections: "ELEC: Experiment in 14th District proves costly"
Energy Master Plan: "Corzine energy plan counts on nuclear and natural sources"
Lautenberg Senate Seat: "Senate hopeful tallies GOP endorsements"

Sheneman's Cartoon is here.
Margulies' Cartoon is here
.


NATION / WORLD


2008 Campaigns --
Financial Markets: "Treasury Dept. Plan Would Give Fed Wide New Power"
Iraq: "President Calls Battles in Iraq a 'Defining Moment'"
White House: "White House Staffer Resigns Amid Probe" -- Misuse of funds.


OF INTEREST

Church Art: "As Catholic churches close, their art lives on"
Campaigning: Dick Cavett: "Candidate, Improve Your Appearance!" -- That's why we liked Ike?
Filene's Basement, Paramus: "First NJ 'Running of the Brides'"

BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |

Friday, March 28, 2008

DeFilippo indictment near?.. Gibson responds on McWilliams memorial.. Muhlenberg: Planning for Trenton rally.. Check out schools' social tonight..

PLAINFIELD

Plainfield Today:
Plainfield Plaintalker: "Council President Gibson Responds" -- re: McWilliams Memorial resolution.
Crescent Times: "Put Your Fears To Rest" -- Come out to schools' social tonight at PHS cafeteria.
Save Muhlenberg: "Planning Meeting and Trenton Rally"

Plainfield Trees: "Cornelian Cherry Dogwood" -- Another post in Greg Palermo's ongoing series on Plainfield's trees, with a tip 'o the hat to Plainfield's own Barbara Sandford.

Councilors are blogging: Today, Councilor Cory Storch weighs in with a fresh post on the question of progress in Plainfield -- see (here) -- and Councilor Rashid Burney blogs (here).

Lead Paint Hazard: "Landlord to pay $648,000 for lead remediation"
Municipal Aid: "GOP senators target local aid outlays" -- 'Equitability' the new watchword; will Plainfield be negatively affected?
UC Jail: "County jail staffers indicted in smuggling scheme" -- Plainfielder involved.

North Jersey/South Jersey: "Where is the Line?" -- Where do YOU think it is?


Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Today - March 28. 7-11 PM. Acting Superintendent's Social Gathering. Sponsored by Parents Empowering Parents (PEP). At the PHS Cafeteria (Parking available in Kenyon Avenue lot), 950 Park Avenue. All are welcome.

  • Tomorrow - March 29. Doors open 6:15 PM. Benefit Auction for Camp Discovery. Camp Discovery is an annual summer program -- 40 kids, 8 weeks -- at the United Church of Christ. Auction items include custom valances/pillows, a homemade pie a month for a year, a will by an attorney, auto service/repair gift certificate, formal gourmet dinner for 8, weekend at a Wildwood condo, many more. Camp Discovery also provides meaningful employment experience for Plainfield teens as Junior Camp Counselors. At: United Church of Christ, West 7th at Madison Avenue. Tickets: $5/advance, $10/door. Includes refreshments. Info: (908) 996-7359 or (908) 531-4979.

  • Saturday - March 29. 7:30 PM. Vocals 'N' Vibes Concert. The vocal group Mixed Company will perform doo-wop, barbershop, showtunes, light rock and jazz favorites. The World Jazz Quintet will also perform. At First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, 724 Park Avenue. $15/person, $10/seniors and students. Info: (908) 756-0750.

  • Sunday - March 30. 1-4 PM. Reception: Plainfield Community Council of the United Way. Meet representatives of United Way partnering agencies and learn of plans to strengthen Plainfield's community life by supporting local programs and initiatives. Refreshments provided. At the home of Councilor Rashid Burney and his wife Wendy, 1127 Watchung Avenue. FREE, but please RSVP to Jeff Scheckner of United Way: (908) 353-7171 or email at jeff.scheckner@uwguc.org.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY


Franklin Twp.: "Town looks to toughen penalties for illegal housing"
Sharpe James Trial: "FBI agent: Real estate deals kept Riley afloat"
Rutgers: "Rutgers students protest Iraq war"
Somerset Co. Dems: "Ex-GOPer Graf seeks freeholder seat as Dem"
Union Twp. HS: "Student earns trip to study in Germany"


STATE


Lautenberg Senate Seat: "GOPer Unanue is a resident of the Big Apple" -- Sounds like an amateur being gunned down by pros.

Budget: "Small towns may get breather on state aid cuts" -- Ledger | NYTimes | Gannett |
Corruption: "Bar owner: Guttenberg mayor, wife got payoffs" -- Gift cards.
Legislature: "State duns indicted pols for unearned pay" -- Hackett, Steele.
Merck: "Merck asthma pill probed by FDA for link to suicide" -- Singulair.
Puerto Rico: "P.R. governor's indictment linked to Jersey" -- Ledger | WashPost |
Strip Searches: "Two counties sued over strip searches in non-indictable crimes" -- Estimate 7,000 plaintiffs.

Sheneman's Cartoon is here.
Margulies' Cartoon is here
.


NATION / WORLD


The Economy: "Candidates Differ on Whom Economic Aid Should Help"
The Fed: "Bailout Could Forever Alter Role of Central Bank" -- So the Fed looks out for Wall Street. Who looks out for Main Street?
Iraq: "Despite the Fighting in Basra, Bush Emphasizes Progress"
'Political' Prosecutions: "Court Orders Release of Ex-Governor From Prison"

Tibet: "Fallout From Tibet Is Test for China's Rulers"


BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |

Delay today

Household emergency - there will be a delay today. -- Dan

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Muhlenberg workers need solutions.. New super at tomorrow's social?.. Rail transfer station for Plainfield?.. Sandford Ave bridge update..

PLAINFIELD



Plainfield Today:
Plainfield Plaintalker: "Dr.Gallon may visit social on Friday"
Crescent Times: "Sandford Avenue bridge update"
Save Muhlenberg: "Solutions needed for Muhlenberg workers"

Plainfield Trees: "Cornelian Cherry Dogwood" -- Another post in Greg Palermo's ongoing series on Plainfield's trees, with a tip 'o the hat to Plainfield's own Barbara Sandford.

Councilors are blogging: Today, Councilor Cory Storch weighs in with a fresh post on the question of progress in Plainfield -- see (here) -- and Councilor Rashid Burney blogs (here).

Development Difficulties: "Fabled Pennrose Properties hesitates on 'transit village'"
Networking Public Buildings: "Perth Amboy plans vast wireless network" -- And Plainfield?
Undersheriff Jerry Green, Jr.: "Sheriff's officers nab fugitive in forgery" -- Seems like if you enter the County Admin Bldg, they run a warrant check on you. I don't recall a notice they were doing that being posted.


Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • NOTE: New listings for Saturday (Camp Discovery) and Sunday (United Way Reception).

  • Tomorrow - March 28. 7-11 PM. Acting Superintendent's Social Gathering. Sponsored by Parents Empowering Parents (PEP). At the PHS Cafeteria (Parking available in Kenyon Avenue lot), 950 Park Avenue. All are welcome.

  • Saturday - March 29. Doors open 6:15 PM. Benefit Auction for Camp Discovery. Camp Discovery is an annual summer program -- 40 kids, 8 weeks -- at the United Church of Christ. Auction items include custom valances/pillows, a homemade pie a month for a year, a will by an attorney, auto service/repair gift certificate, formal gourmet dinner for 8, weekend at a Wildwood condo, many more. Camp Discovery also provides meaningful employment experience for Plainfield teens as Junior Camp Counselors. At: United Church of Christ, West 7th at Madison Avenue. Tickets: $5/advance, $10/door. Includes refreshments. Info: (908) 996-7359 or (908) 531-4979.

  • Saturday - March 29. 7:30 PM. Vocals 'N' Vibes Concert. The vocal group Mixed Company will perform doo-wop, barbershop, showtunes, light rock and jazz favorites. The World Jazz Quintet will also perform. At First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, 724 Park Avenue. $15/person, $10/seniors and students. Info: (908) 756-0750.

  • Sunday - March 30. 1-4 PM. Reception: Plainfield Community Council of the United Way. Meet representatives of United Way partnering agencies and learn of plans to strengthen Plainfield's community life by supporting local programs and initiatives. Refreshments provided. At the home of Councilor Rashid Burney and his wife Wendy, 1127 Watchung Avenue. FREE, but please RSVP to Jeff Scheckner of United Way: (908) 353-7171 or email at jeff.scheckner@uwguc.org.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY


Branch Brook Cherry Blossoms: "Activity blooms at cherry festival"
EWR: "Menendez questions airline worker screenings"
Linden: "Linden Democrat says ballot snub is payback" -- The melody is familiar...
NJ Peace Action, POP: "Protester Lewinson demands his choice of jails"
Sharpe James Trial --


STATE


Lautenberg Senate Seat: "Byrne son looks at taking on Lautenberg"
Corzine Recall: "Ex-Glen Ridge mayor calls for Corzine recall"
Budget: "'Long-term fund' lifts eyebrows in Trenton"
AG Milgram: Paul Mulshine: "Grandstanding AG gets it wrong on gossip site"
CWA & Katz: "National CWA supports foe of Katz"
Meadowlands Development: "Trump shells out for back taxes on EnCap"
Teen Drivers: "Corzine Urges Tougher Rules for Teen Drivers" -- Ledger | NYTimes | Gannett |
Women Prisoners: "ACLU says authority abused at prison"

Sheneman's Cartoon is here.
Margulies' Cartoon is here
.


NATION / WORLD


2008 Campaigns --
Bond Insurance: "Bond Insurer Says Its Risk Exceeded Legal Limits" -- Their website here.
Pakistan: "U.S. Steps Up Unilateral Strikes"


OF INTEREST

Obituary: "Richard Widmark; played both heavies and heroes" -- Video obit here.

Slavery Apology: "Florida Legislature Apologizes for State’s History of Slavery"

Sound Recording: "Researchers Play Tune Recorded Before Edison" -- And listen to it.
Tam Tams: "Glitch at Newark plant means Passover favorite won't be available"

BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

School taxes to go up.. Storch weighs in on 'progress'.. Clerk & Mayor honored.. Sheriff's sale surprises..

PLAINFIELD



Plainfield Today:
Plainfield Plaintalker: "BOE approves budget tab" | "Muslim holidays sought for school calendar"
Crescent Times: "Questions on the $19K sewer lien ad" | "Straightforward question to our readers"
Save Muhlenberg: "Letters and news"

Plainfield Trees: "Cornelian Cherry Dogwood" -- Another post in Greg Palermo's ongoing series on Plainfield's trees, with a tip 'o the hat to Plainfield's own Barbara Sandford.

Councilors are blogging: Today, Councilor Cory Storch weighs in with a fresh post on the question of progress in Plainfield -- see (here) -- and Councilor Rashid Burney blogs (here).

School Taxes: "Plainfield school tax hike likely" -- Courier got story online after email went out.
Letter: Pat Ballard Fox: "Movie theaters anchor city's businesses and bring in more"
Cops & Immigrants: "AG tries to clarify when police can check immigration status"
Women Honored: "Clerk Wyatt and Mayor to be honored"

Policing: "Court: Joe Santiago must leave post in 30 days" -- Trenton's police director.


Got a tip? Question? Click here to send PT an email.


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • NOTE: New listings for Saturday (Camp Discovery) and Sunday (United Way Reception).

  • Today - March 26. 7:30 PM. Plainfield Shade Tree Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Friday - March 28. 7-11 PM. Acting Superintendent's Social Gathering. Sponsored by Parents Empowering Parents (PEP). At the PHS Cafeteria (Parking available in Kenyon Avenue lot), 950 Park Avenue. All are welcome.

  • Saturday - March 29. Doors open 6:15 PM. Benefit Auction for Camp Discovery. Camp Discovery is an annual summer program -- 40 kids, 8 weeks -- at the United Church of Christ. Auction items include custom valances/pillows, a homemade pie a month for a year, a will by an attorney, auto service/repair gift certificate, formal gourmet dinner for 8, weekend at a Wildwood condo, many more. Camp Discovery also provides meaningful employment experience for Plainfield teens as Junior Camp Counselors. At: United Church of Christ, West 7th at Madison Avenue. Tickets: $5/advance, $10/door. Includes refreshments. Info: (908) 996-7359 or (908) 531-4979.

  • Saturday - March 29. 7:30 PM. Vocals 'N' Vibes Concert. The vocal group Mixed Company will perform doo-wop, barbershop, showtunes, light rock and jazz favorites. The World Jazz Quintet will also perform. At First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, 724 Park Avenue. $15/person, $10/seniors and students. Info: (908) 756-0750.

  • Sunday - March 30. 1-4 PM. Reception: Plainfield Community Council of the United Way. Meet representatives of United Way partnering agencies and learn of plans to strengthen Plainfield's community life by supporting local programs and initiatives. Refreshments provided. At the home of Councilor Rashid Burney and his wife Wendy, 1127 Watchung Avenue. FREE, but please RSVP to Jeff Scheckner of United Way: (908) 353-7171 or email at jeff.scheckner@uwguc.org.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY


Branch Brook Cherry Trees: "Cherry tree center blossoms anew"
'Donnie D' Sex Harassment Trial: "Ruling benefits sex harassment plaintiff"
Corruption: "Ex-Pike worker indicted" -- And Essex County Utilities Authority commissioner.
Newark: "More street cams to give police expanded view"
Sharpe James Trial: "Riley tax returns take the spotlight"


STATE


Affordable Housing: "Corzine insists housing effort won't harm environmental laws"
Budget: "A bleaker outlook for state revenues"
Bush in NJ: "Bush to visit credit counseling agency in Freehold on Friday"
GOP: "Unanue, GOP hopeful for U.S. Senate was booted from Goya post"
National Guard: "Movement grows to bring Guard home from Iraq"
Taxes: "Lawmakers call for cities, towns to impose their own taxes"


Sheneman's Cartoon is here.
Margulies' Cartoon is here
.


NATION / WORLD


2008 Campaigns --
Detroit: "Text message shows mayor fired deputy chief, then looked for excuse"
Housing Market: "Another steep drop in housing prices reported"
The Markets: "Banks Balk at Paying for Clear Channel Deal" -- The problem is not THIS deal, but what it implies about credit generally.


OF INTEREST

Exhibit: "The world's view of New Jersey" -- South Orange's Pierro Gallery website here.
Conservatism: "Righting the Right" -- E.J. Dionne on two conservative authors' prescriptions.
Global Warming: "Warming Blamed for Collapse of Huge Antarctic Ice Chunk"
Hoopsters: "Experts say early commitments are risky business"
Parenting: "How to Handle 'Challenging' Children"

BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |