C L I P S

Where Plainfield turns for news.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Halloween guidelines for Plainfield tonight.. Planning Bd drubs Finance Director.. Stender fundraiser flap.. Halloween Party at Washington School..

PLAINFIELD


PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice recounts a drubbing of Finance Director Peck at the Planning Board over the capital budget. Maria cites treats at Evergreen School. Tricks? Olddoc recalls the dating game (and some games) at UVa -- and a surprise from the long-distance telephone operator (remember those?). At PEPtalk, Renata reminds the powers that be that inclusion is a right, not a favor.


Halloween Party: "Rec Division Halloween party, haunted house move to Washington School"
Ex-Malibu Site: "Construction booming in Scotch Plains"

Jayson Williams Trial: "NJ Supremes seal racial slur by Prosecutor's staffer"

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


WHAT'S HAPPENING
  • BUDGET CALENDAR: A three-year budget comparison document is online here.

    • Mon Oct 20 | Fire Division and $1.66M error.
    • Thu Oct 23 - 7:30 PM, City Hall Library | Extra budget meeting: IT [Information Technology], Public Information, and Project Alert [Dudley House].
    • Fri Oct 31 | Citizens Budget Advisory Committee sends budget recommendations to council.
    • Fri Nov 7 | City Council sends budget changes to Council finance committee.
    • Mon Nov 10 | City Council discusses budget changes and recommendations (from CBAC) with self, and requests administration comment and implementation. CBAC presentation of recommendations to City Council.
    • Wed Nov 13 | Administration responds electronically to change recommendations.
    • Mon Nov 17 | Resolution for budget changes is finalized and brought forward.
    • Mon Nov 24 | Public hearing on FY2009 Budget.
    • Mon Dec 1 | FY2009 Budget adoption..

  • Today - October 31. 6 PM. Community Halloween Party & Haunted House. The Recreation Division's annual family party includes a haunted house, a costume contest, prizes, snacks and lots of fun for all. A safe and fun alternative for children ages 5 - 10. Parents MUST accompany children. At Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue (parking in Spooner Avenue lot). Info: (908) 753-3097.

  • Tomorrow - November 1. 9 AM - 2 PM (Rain or shine). Electronics Recycling. Items accepted include: Monitors, keyboards, CPUs, TVs, phones, VCRs, printers and more. (See full list, including conditions and exclusions here.) Sponsored by Union County. At Schering-Plough, Kenilworth. Pre-registration NOT required, but proof of Union County residence is. Info: (908) 654-9889.

  • Tomorrow - November 1. 5:30 PM Sharp bus departure. Community Basketball Trip: Nets vs. Golden State Warriors. Bus trip sponsored by the Recreation Division to the game at the Meadowlands. Bus departs City Hall parking lot at 5:30 PM sharp. Game starts at 7:30 PM, bus will return to City Hall parking lot at 11:00 PM. $40/person includes ticket, Nets giveaway and round-trip transportation. First come, first served. Contact the Recreation Division, City Hall Annex, 510 Watchung Avenue or (908) 753-3097.

  • Tuesday - November 4. 6 AM - 8 PM. General (Presidential) Election. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY

Stender Fundraiser Fracas -- The deal: County GOP chair says UCC previously turned him down, citing a policy that he says they are now ignoring.Stender/Lance Race: "Final 7th District faceoff most civil"

Green Brook/Elizabeth: "Police mum on Green Brook woman's murder" -- Ledger | Courier |
Piscataway: "North Jersey industrial giant Ingersoll-Rand moving in"
Somerset County: "Freeholder race goes for gusto as final bell nears"


STATE

Bonds: "Environmental Trust sells $128M in bonds for infrastructure projects"
Bryant Trial: "Trial wraps up with Bryant's last three witnesses"
DYFS: "Report: Gains, but still problems"
Mock Elections: "240,000 NJ schoolkids participate. Guess who won?"
Presidential Race: "Poll: Obama opens 18-point lead"
Verizon: "Verizon/Alltel merger passes DOJ muster"

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


NATION / WORLD

2008 Campaigns --
 Abuse of Office?: "AG Mukasey's private trips have cost taxpayers $155,000"
Bailout Bucks: "Bailout being spent in ways Congress never foresaw"
Bush: "The Lame Duck Strikes Back: Last Push to Deregulate" -- Bush loosens consumer protections.
Iraq: "Mayor Bush once hailed flees to U.S."
Mortgage Plan: "Mortgage plan may irk those it doesn't bail out"


OF INTEREST
Halloween --
 Bats: "Die-off of bats linked to new fungus" -- Bats are vital to agriculture, keeping down insect pests that destroy crops.

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

Posted by Dan at 8:34 AM

Thursday, October 30, 2008

(Real) foreclosure help on way?.. News from the Courier ain't good.. Bernice whacks the Needler.. Halloween safety measures..

PLAINFIELD


PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice gives the Needler in the Haystack a whack in the cam. Olddoc continues his delightful Virginia reminiscence -- you won't want to miss the ABC discount he got. The Assemblyman reports on Tuesday's foreclosure forum. Councilor Burney finds a house with an Obama sign...and a Confederate flag! In Plainfield?

Crime: The Ledger story on the poodle kidnapping is in print edition, not online...yet.
Halloween: "Halloween safety measures" -- From Councilor Burney's blog; tonight is Mischief Night.
Mt. Olive Baptist Church: "Dr. Gallon to speak at annual Sunday School Day"
[Muhlenberg] Letter, CN: Debbie Grek: "No super-pol came to Muhlenberg's rescue"
JFK Hospital: "Mysterious package that cause JFK evacuation under investigation"

Free Preschool: "Budget troubles endanger free preschool"
Election Day: "Teens help at polls around the state" -- But not in Union County?

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


WHAT'S HAPPENING
  • BUDGET CALENDAR: A three-year budget comparison document is online here.

    • Mon Oct 20 | Fire Division and $1.66M error.
    • Thu Oct 23 - 7:30 PM, City Hall Library | Extra budget meeting: IT [Information Technology], Public Information, and Project Alert [Dudley House].
    • Fri Oct 31 | Citizens Budget Advisory Committee sends budget recommendations to council.
    • Fri Nov 7 | City Council sends budget changes to Council finance committee.
    • Mon Nov 10 | City Council discusses budget changes and recommendations (from CBAC) with self, and requests administration comment and implementation. CBAC presentation of recommendations to City Council.
    • Wed Nov 13 | Administration responds electronically to change recommendations.
    • Mon Nov 17 | Resolution for budget changes is finalized and brought forward.
    • Mon Nov 24 | Public hearing on FY2009 Budget.
    • Mon Dec 1 | FY2009 Budget adoption..

  • Today - October 30. 7 PM. Obama 'Weekend to Victory' Rally and Get-Together. City Council candidates Annie McWilliams, Adrian Mapp and Bill Reid will host a 'Weekend to Victory' Obama rally at McWillliams' home. Attendees will be able to get a limited edition of the 'Plainfield for Obama' T-shirt for a $20 donation. At: 1341 Prospect Avenue (between Woodland and Hillside). All are welcome.

  • Tomorrow - October 31. 6 PM. Community Halloween Party & Haunted House. The Recreation Division's annual family party includes a haunted house, a costume contest, prizes, snacks and lots of fun for all. A safe and fun alternative for children ages 5 - 10. Parents MUST accompany children. At Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue (parking in Spooner Avenue lot). Info: (908) 753-3097.

  • Saturday - November 1. 9 AM - 2 PM (Rain or shine). Electronics Recycling. Items accepted include: Monitors, keyboards, CPUs, TVs, phones, VCRs, printers and more. (See full list, including conditions and exclusions here.) Sponsored by Union County. At Schering-Plough, Kenilworth. Pre-registration NOT required, but proof of Union County residence is. Info: (908) 654-9889.

  • Saturday - November 1. 5:30 PM Sharp bus departure. Community Basketball Trip: Nets vs. Golden State Warriors. Bus trip sponsored by the Recreation Division to the game at the Meadowlands. Bus departs City Hall parking lot at 5:30 PM sharp. Game starts at 7:30 PM, bus will return to City Hall parking lot at 11:00 PM. $40/person includes ticket, Nets giveaway and round-trip transportation. First come, first served. Contact the Recreation Division, City Hall Annex, 510 Watchung Avenue or (908) 753-3097.

  • Tuesday - November 4. 6 AM - 8 PM. General (Presidential) Election. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY

Green Brook/Elizabeth: "Cops retrace movements of slain 'role model'" -- Ledger | Courier |
High School Football: "Talks lead Scotch Plains-Fanwood to reschedule Shabazz game"
Irvington: "Newly installed as police director, Joe Santiago wants to wean town off troopers"
Newark Bears: "Bears file for bankruptcy protection"
Pru Center: "Devils, in dispute, refuse to pay first year's rent" -- Is the honeymoon over?


STATE

Presidential Race: "Obama widens NJ lead to 18%"
Lautenberg/Zimmer Race: "Candidates clash over just about everything"

Atlantic City: "MGM folds plan to build $5B resort"
Anti-Semitism?: "Skater, students sue rink over refusal because of Israeli citizenship"
Montclair 'N' Word Cartoon: "Student paper apologizes" -- Sort of; they actually blame their cartoon service. Sheez!

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


NATION / WORLD

2008 Campaigns --
 Wall Street Antics --
OF INTEREST

Tina Fey: "Tina returns to her not-so-live Thursday job" -- Maybe time to check out '30 Rock'.
College Costs: "Tuition, fees, and debt soar for students"
Synagogue Revival: "At home in Hoboken" -- An urban congregation is revived.
Women & Health Insurance: "Women pay a penalty. Why?"
BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |

Posted by Dan at 9:10 AM

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Robinson-Briggs' Dudley House flim-flam?.. Maria: Why are audit recommendations not corrected?.. Bernice: Spycams ready.. Jerry seeks UEZ changes..

PLAINFIELD


PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice notes that the new spycams at 7th & Park are ready for the big turn-on. Maria, following up on the auditor's findings, asks why some auditor recommendations were never corrected from one year to the next. I love olddoc! Today he regales us about succeeding in college (and reveals he heard FDR make a famous speech), his favorite comics page and the famous NY subway fold for newspaper-reading. At PEPtalk, Renata ponders getting our PRIDE back. Plainfield Sports News continues its weekly interviews with Coach Robinson, post-Elizabeth. The Assemblyman's page carries news of a bill to update the state's UEZ program -- you will want to read it, as Plainfield is affected.


Dudley House: "Plainfield explores funding options for Dudley House"

Absentee Voting: "Union County Clerk orders double normal ballots" -- You can still vote absentee, see here.
Youth Hotline: "DCF opens hotline for young to discuss problems at home, school, or in community"
Snow: "Snowfall snarls traffic, cuts power to 62,000 homes" -- We got pelted, but nothing lasting.

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


WHAT'S HAPPENING
  • BUDGET CALENDAR: A three-year budget comparison document is online here.

    • Mon Oct 20 | Fire Division and $1.66M error.
    • Thu Oct 23 - 7:30 PM, City Hall Library | Extra budget meeting: IT [Information Technology], Public Information, and Project Alert [Dudley House].
    • Fri Oct 31 | Citizens Budget Advisory Committee sends budget recommendations to council.
    • Fri Nov 7 | City Council sends budget changes to Council finance committee.
    • Mon Nov 10 | City Council discusses budget changes and recommendations (from CBAC) with self, and requests administration comment and implementation. CBAC presentation of recommendations to City Council.
    • Wed Nov 13 | Administration responds electronically to change recommendations.
    • Mon Nov 17 | Resolution for budget changes is finalized and brought forward.
    • Mon Nov 24 | Public hearing on FY2009 Budget.
    • Mon Dec 1 | FY2009 Budget adoption..

  • Today - October 29. 8 - 8:30 PM. TV: Obama And Fellow Americans On The Economy. A taped discussion of the current economic situation with Obama and families around the country, ending with live coverage of an Obama rally in Florida (more here). On NBC (4), CBS (2), Fox (5), Univision, BET, MSNBC and TV One. And yes, the media buy -- which was made WEEKS AGO, BEFORE THE WORLD SERIES, WHICH DID NOT CONTEMPLATE BEING RAINED OUT -- will pre-empt the beginning of the continuation of Game Five, which is being picked up in the 6th inning, where it was previously rained out.

  • Tomorrow - October 30. 7 PM. Obama 'Weekend to Victory' Rally and Get-Together. City Council candidates Annie McWilliams, Adrian Mapp and Bill Reid will host a 'Weekend to Victory' Obama rally at McWillliams' home. Attendees will be able to get a limited edition of the 'Plainfield for Obama' T-shirt for a $20 donation. At: 1341 Prospect Avenue (between Woodland and Hillside). All are welcome.

  • Friday - October 31. 6 PM. Community Halloween Party & Haunted House. The Recreation Division's annual family party includes a haunted house, a costume contest, prizes, snacks and lots of fun for all. A safe and fun alternative for children ages 5 - 10. Parents MUST accompany children. At Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue (parking in Spooner Avenue lot). Info: (908) 753-3097.

  • Saturday - November 1. 9 AM - 2 PM (Rain or shine). Electronics Recycling. Items accepted include: Monitors, keyboards, CPUs, TVs, phones, VCRs, printers and more. (See full list, including conditions and exclusions here.) Sponsored by Union County. At Schering-Plough, Kenilworth. Pre-registration NOT required, but proof of Union County residence is. Info: (908) 654-9889.

  • Saturday - November 1. 5:30 PM Sharp bus departure. Community Basketball Trip: Nets vs. Golden State Warriors. Bus trip sponsored by the Recreation Division to the game at the Meadowlands. Bus departs City Hall parking lot at 5:30 PM sharp. Game starts at 7:30 PM, bus will return to City Hall parking lot at 11:00 PM. $40/person includes ticket, Nets giveaway and round-trip transportation. First come, first served. Contact the Recreation Division, City Hall Annex, 510 Watchung Avenue or (908) 753-3097.

  • Tuesday - November 4. 6 AM - 8 PM. General (Presidential) Election. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY

Hillside: "Ex-cop convicted of helping drug ring launder money"
Kenilworth: "Hopefuls zero in on taxes"
Newark: "Booker cries foul over high school football snubs"
Newark: "Booker wants to restructure Newark City Hall"
Somerset County: "Somerset County turns 'blue'" -- For first time ever, Dems outnumber GOP.
Union: "Town hall nepotism at issue in elections"
Union County Nepotism: "Institutional Nepotism" -- With a link to Sunday's Ledger story on Union Twp. nepotism that never got put online (see here [PDF]).


STATE

Lautenberg/Zimmer Race: "PACs continue to push cash at Senate race"

Bonding: "State schedules $1.6B transportation bond for next month"
GOP: "The rise of a political novice" -- John Crowley. John who? Read on.
Legislature: "Bill to expedite traffic changes by towns is passed" -- Cutting some red tape.
New Jersey Transit: "NJT, caught in AIG downgrade fallout, faces $150M default"
South Mountain Deer Hunt: "Kelly Heyboer: Bloggers chime in on South Mountain Deer Hunt"

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


NATION / WORLD

2008 Campaigns --


(Click to enlarge.)
Market Meltdown: "Are credit cards the next collapse?" -- McClatchy | NYTimes |
Detroit: "The unwisdom of bailing out GM and Chrysler"
Iraq: "Iraq revises draft troop deal, U.S. likely to reject changes"
Sen. Stevens Case: "Minority leader McConnell joins McCain, Obama in asking for resignation"


OF INTEREST


Photo: AP.
Iraq's Public Art: "Iraq's blast walls become public canvas"
Transfusions: "Study: Infection risks rise in certain transfusions"
Obituary: "E. Roger Muir, created and produced 'Howdy Doody Show'"
BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |

Posted by Dan at 10:56 AM

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Jerry, Sharon on foreclosure tonight.. Halloween disappearing from the schools?.. Burney: Dudley House surprise.. McWilliams: More audit findings..

PLAINFIELD


PLAINFIELD TODAY:


Chart: 239 properties foreclosed in Plainfield in May 2008 alone.
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice finds the District has (largely) abandoned Halloween. Spooky? Olddoc has been busy: a sermon on honor, budget advice, commentary on hospital crowding, and some gorgeous Fall foliage. PEPtalk summarizes a fine PEP meeting last night. At Plainfield Sports News, Augustine catches up with the Ironmen and the XSL. Councilor Burney reveals a Dudley House surprise. And candidate Annie McWilliams continues her hard look at the audit findings on the Robinson-Briggs' administration's finance and accounting practices.


Foreclosure Forum: "Foreclosure forum set for tonight"

Flu Shots: "Seniors can get flu shots at Runnells Hospital today and tomorrow"
Voting: "State vows it's ready for huge turnout"


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


WHAT'S HAPPENING
  • BUDGET CALENDAR: A three-year budget comparison document is online here.

    • Mon Oct 20 | Fire Division and $1.66M error.
    • Thu Oct 23 - 7:30 PM, City Hall Library | Extra budget meeting: IT [Information Technology], Public Information, and Project Alert [Dudley House].
    • Fri Oct 31 | Citizens Budget Advisory Committee sends budget recommendations to council.
    • Fri Nov 7 | City Council sends budget changes to Council finance committee.
    • Mon Nov 10 | City Council discusses budget changes and recommendations (from CBAC) with self, and requests administration comment and implementation. CBAC presentation of recommendations to City Council.
    • Wed Nov 13 | Administration responds electronically to change recommendations.
    • Mon Nov 17 | Resolution for budget changes is finalized and brought forward.
    • Mon Nov 24 | Public hearing on FY2009 Budget.
    • Mon Dec 1 | FY2009 Budget adoption..

  • Today - October 28. 7:30 PM. Foreclosure Forum Featuring 'Buster'Soaries. Soaries will keynote the forum, billed as the first of a statewide series on the foreclosure crisis. Realtors, clergy and block association leaders have been invited. At: Queen City Academy auditorium, West 7th and Grant Avenue. All are welcome.

  • Today - October 28. 3 - 9 PM. FOSH Pre-Halloween Dine Out. Take a break from fixing dinner, call a few friends and put together a table. Meet new neighbors and old friends, and check out one of Plainfield's favorite dining spots -- The Queen City Diner. Brian will donate a portion of the evening's receipts to FOSH in support of its PHS Scholarships, Netherwood Station beautification and the Leland Avenue Park. Brian Schoenberger's Queen City Diner (http://www.queencitydiner.com/) is at 1324 South Avenue. Putting a group together? Give Brian a heads up at (908) 756-7900.

  • Today - October 28. 7:30 PM. Historic Preservation Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Friday - October 31. 6 PM. Community Halloween Party & Haunted House. The Recreation Division's annual family party includes a haunted house, a costume contest, prizes, snacks and lots of fun for all. A safe and fun alternative for children ages 5 - 10. Parents MUST accompany children. At Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue (parking in Spooner Avenue lot). Info: (908) 753-3097.

  • Saturday - November 1. 9 AM - 2 PM (Rain or shine). Electronics Recycling. Items accepted include: Monitors, keyboards, CPUs, TVs, phones, VCRs, printers and more. (See full list, including conditions and exclusions here.) Sponsored by Union County. At Schering-Plough, Kenilworth. Pre-registration NOT required, but proof of Union County residence is. Info: (908) 654-9889.

  • Saturday - November 1. 5:30 PM Sharp bus departure. Community Basketball Trip: Nets vs. Golden State Warriors. Bus trip sponsored by the Recreation Division to the game at the Meadowlands. Bus departs City Hall parking lot at 5:30 PM sharp. Game starts at 7:30 PM, bus will return to City Hall parking lot at 11:00 PM. $40/person includes ticket, Nets giveaway and round-trip transportation. First come, first served. Contact the Recreation Division, City Hall Annex, 510 Watchung Avenue or (908) 753-3097.

  • Tuesday - November 4. 6 AM - 8 PM. General (Presidential) Election. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY

HS Football at Shabazz: "Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Cranford refuse to play in Newark"
Middlesex County: "Middlesex tries new board to attract 'green' firms" -- A 'Green' Enterprise Zone?
Newark Website: "Firm says city is 'scapegoating' for website flop"
South Plainfield: "Council to consider beekeeping ordinance"


STATE

Lautenberg/Zimmer Senate Race: "Candidates differ on bailout"

Corzine/Katz Emails: "CWA says emails may have been illegal"
Legislature: "Business gets its tax wish, legislators pass on two other items"
 Dem Slush Fund: "GOP request for records criticized"
'Distressed Cities' Aid: "Accountability and 'sunset' measure advances"
Homelessness: "Bill for homeless trust fund advances" -- 2nd item.
UMDNJ: "Three subpoenas mark (yet) another probe"
Valley Bancorp: "Valley eager for Treasury money"

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


NATION / WORLD

2008 Campaigns --
 Bush: "Time short, Bush pushes EPA to relax power-plant rule"
Economics: John Farmer: "Supply-siders exposed as snake-oil salesmen"
Markets Meltdown: "Central banks slash rates, attempting to head off currency crisis"
Stevens Trial: "Stevens found guilty on all 7 counts" | "Verdict may hurt his Senate race"


OF INTEREST
The Bomb: "Seven Manhattan Project participants speak out"

Women's Health: "Estrogen linked to joint disease risk"
BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |

Posted by Dan at 8:57 AM

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