C L I P S: Latest home intrusion & illegal apartments.. $72M city budget.. Girl Scout meeting tonight.. Obama youth rally, Fire Prevention Fair tomorrow..

PLAINFIELD

"Home intrusion throws spotlight on Plainfield's illegal apartments -- again."

Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice has been saving and has seeds to share. Maria reminds all of the Girl Scout meeting this evening. Olddoc recalls the McCarthy era and emergency warning sirens in Plainfield. PEPtalk advises that the PEP board is setting its first team meeting. Is the Assemblyman cribbing someone else's notice for the Obama rally tomorrow at Warinanco Park? Judge for yourself.

FY2009 Budget: "Plainfield seeks to trim $72M budget"

Illegal Immigrants: "Bad times put brakes on illegal NJ immigrants"
Ledger: "Star-Ledger closer to avoiding ultimate crisis" -- Editor & Publisher | Ledger |
School Supers: "State asks superintendents to verify their credentials"
Short-selling NJ?: "Investors bet on New Jersey's creditworthiness"
Voter Registration: "Jersey voter registration sets record"

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

VOTER REGISTRATION: The Plainfield Alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Phi fraternity is conducting a voter registration drive on Wednesday and Thursdays from 5:00 - 8:45 PM at the Plainfield Public Library through October 9th. Members will provide voter registration forms and assistance for those not currently registered to vote. Info: Jerry Black, (908) 922-5898 or the Library's Bob Golon, (908) 757-1111 x132.
Today - October 3. 8 AM - 2 PM. First Union County Green Conference. A one-stop resource for businesses and local government officials to get the most from new 'green' products, services and funding opportunities. Workshops include: Green Grants, Alternative Energy & Conservation, LEED Certification, and Green Shared Services. At Kean University's Downs Hall. Registration: $25, includes breakfast and lunch. More information here, and registration form here (PDF).
Today - October 3. 7 PM. Girl Scout Information and Recruitment Evening. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character. Come learn how you and your daughter can get involved in an organization that helps girls become leaders, learn about themselves, and serve their community. Children welcome. Light refreshments will be served. At Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue (parking in Spooner Avenue lot). Information: Call Fatima Latif at (908) 232-3236 x1218. FREE.
Tomorrow - October 4. 9 AM - 3 PM. Annual Hispanic Health Fair. Sponsored by the Coalition of Hispanic Physicians. Screenings for: Vision; Pap and breast exams; HIV; Bone density; and Hypertension. Mini-lectures in Spanish by Coalition doctors. Refreshments, music, face painting, clown. At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue. All are welcome. FREE.
Tomorrow - October 4. 10 AM - Noon. New Democrats Fall Get-Together. New Democrats for Plainfield will gather to elect its leadership team, socialize and discuss the 2009 elections, which will include Mayor, 4th Ward Council seat, Democratic City Committee, and Assembly. A continental breakfast will be served. At duCret Art School, 1038 Central Avenue (park in the rear).
Tomorrow - October 4. 10 AM - 3 PM. Annual Fire Prevention Fair. Continuing a 20-year tradition, the Fire Division hosts its annual fair. The big hit with kids is always the 'smoke trailer', which teaches kids safety techniques through a smoke simulation. Information on preventing fire-related losses will be available. Fun, games, giveaways and a visit by Ronald McDonald also. On North Avenue at the Plainfield Train Station. FREE.
Tomorrow - October 4. 11 AM - 3 PM. Millions More Multicultural Health Fair. Sponsored by the Plainfield LOC of the Millions More Movement Ministry of Health. Health screenings, dental screenings, free health information. At the Respect For Life Cetner, 407 Watchung Avenue. All are welcome. FREE.
Tomorrow - October 4. 3 PM. Youth for Obama Rally. At Warinanco Park, on the Elizabeth/Roselle border.
Tomorrow - October 4. 5:30 PM. 'Light the Night' Leukemia/Lymphoma Walk. Ibby Caputo, Leukemia survivor and daughter of Plainfield attorney Steve Caputo, will address the thousands expected for the annual walk sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and lead the walk as 'Honored Hero'. At: Colonial Park in Franklin Township. Join Ibby, her family and friends in support of the work of LLS, or make a tax-deductible contribution online at www.teamibby.com/.
Tomorrow - October 4. 7 PM - Midnight. Plainfield Symphony's 'Fall Festival'. With a bountiful buffet, libations galore and marvelous music, the Symphony puts the fun in fundraiser at this gala event. At the historic home of Tom & Julie Shortridge, 996 Hillside Avenue. $75/person. To order tickets, call Brenda Anderson at (908) 757-5363 or email brendamaryanderson@hotmail.com.
Tomorrow - October 4. 8 PM. Powerful Women of Song: Melissa Ferrick. Acoustic guitarist Melissa Ferrick, whose albums 'Goodbye Youth' and 'In The Eyes of Strangers' have wowed her fans, performs at the Watchung Arts Center, 18 Sterling Road, Watchung. Tickets $21 ($19/WAC members). More info online here.
Sunday - October 5. 1 - 3 PM. FOSH: Annual Blessing of the Animals. Plainfield pets and their families and friends gather at Leland Avenue Park (the Cook School Pond) to schmooze and romp. Animals will be blessed at 2 PM. Every year finds interesting new pets -- what will it be this year? Come out and see. FREE.
Sunday - October 5. 1 - 3 PM. Book Signing: Union County Black Americans. Plainfield's own Ethel Washington signs her important Union County book. Also featured: Jews of Weequahic, Jews of Morris, and South Orange Revisited. At the Livingston Barnes & Noble, 112 Eisenhower Parkway. (973) 758-1317.

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CENTRAL JERSEY

Bikers: "Raritan Boro looks to curb bicyclists on sidewalks"
Suliga Trial: "Driver that killed Senator never hit brakes"

STATE

U.S. Senate Race: "Lautenberg, Zimmer blame each other for financial meltdown"
Wayne Bryant Trial: "Trial told about Dem Senators' slush fund" -- Top Dems had $40M to throw around.
Employment: "Job seekers face bleaker prospects"
Ground Zero: "New timetable stresses work on memorial"
Rutgers: "Sports-spending sentinel added" -- Ledger | Gannett |
UMDNJ: "Ethics officer hired to develop, enforce policies"
Wind Power: "NJ considers boosting its offshore wind program"

Sheneman's Cartoon is here.

Margulies' Cartoon is here.

NATION / WORLD

2008 Campaigns --

FactCheck: For a daily analysis of the latest spin from either campaign see the non-partisan FactCheck.org, a project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania.
Veep Debate --