Where Plainfield turns for news.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Muhlenberg Tree Lighting pix are online.. 'Sunshine Boys' last performance at 3pm today..

PLAINFIELD



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I'll only be posting if there is any breaking Plainfield news. Otherwise, tinkering under the hood and chilling out -- see you on Monday. -- Dan.



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


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • THIS AFTERNOON - ACT IV Theater: Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys'. Lewis and Clark, a vaudeville team, brings back their act for a TV history of comedy, but their offstage dislike for each other stands in the way. Featuring award-winning John Boucher and Renato Biribin. At First Unitarian Society, 724 Park Avenue. Tickets: $15. Info/reservations: (908) 756-0750. Final performance: 3 PM Sun 11/30.

  • Food Donations Needed: Consider donating to your a local religious organization's feeding program or food pantry, or give to the COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF NJ: Accepts dry, refrigerated or frozen food. Distributes food to charities throughout the state. Location: 31 Evans Terminal Road, Hillside, N.J. Info: (908) 355-3663; or visit njfoodbank.org/.

  • FY2009 BUDGET: A three-year budget comparison document is online here.

  • Tomorrow - December 1. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.

  • Wednesday - December 3. 7 PM. LWV Forum on School Funding. Plainfield's school funding formula may be changing, and you can learn what this will mean for our District and our taxpayers. Gordon McInnes spent five years as Assistant Commissioner of Education with responsibility for the Abbot Schools. He is presently a lecturer at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton. McInnes will be joined by Plainfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Gallon. Sponsored by the Plainfield chapter of the League of Women Voters. At the new Emerson Community School, East 3rd Street and Emerson Avenue.

  • Wednesday - December 3. 7:30 PM. Plainfield Shade Tree Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Friday - December 5. 6 PM. Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Kids and parents join in the annual holiday tree lighting festivities, topped off by a visit from Santa. Refreshments. At City Hall, 515 Watchung Avenue. FREE.

  • Saturday - December 6. 10 AM - 1 PM. Holiday Bazaar. Crafts, gifts, jewelry, art, cards, decorations, books (some with author signings), cosmetics and services. Cake and pie raffle. Dessert items for sale -- by the piece or whole. (Orders taken for desserts to be delivered later.) Proceeds benefit the scholarship fund of the New Covenant Christian Academy (NCCA) -- last year the school offered 10 scholarships. At First Park Baptist Fellowship Hall, West 7th & Central (parking in the lot on Central Avenue, entry to the Fellowship Hall is directly off the lot). New Covenant Christian Academy (NCCA) is a private school housed at First Park Baptist.

  • Monday - December 8. 7:30 PM. City Council Agenda Session. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

HEADLINES


SUNDAY
Muhlenberg Tree Lighting: "Gallery of Courier Photos" -- 8 photos are now online. Nice.

Corzine: "Gov settles for $362K with ex-girlfriend's brother-in-law"
Health Care: "Five myths we must dispel to fix our health care system"
Pledge of Allegiance: "Minister who urged 'under God' be added dies at 97"

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Sale of Library's painting will benefit building.. Muhlenberg Tree Lighting pix..

PLAINFIELD



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I'll only be posting if there is any breaking Plainfield news. Otherwise, tinkering under the hood and chilling out -- see you on Monday. -- Dan.



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


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • TONIGHT AND TOMORROW - ACT IV Theater: Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys'. Lewis and Clark, a vaudeville team, brings back their act for a TV history of comedy, but their offstage dislike for each other stands in the way. Featuring award-winning John Boucher and Renato Biribin. At First Unitarian Society, 724 Park Avenue. Tickets: $15. Info/reservations: (908) 756-0750. Two remaining performances: 8 PM - Tonight, Sat 11/29; and 3 PM tomorrow, Sun 11/30.

  • Food Donations Needed: Consider donating to your a local religious organization's feeding program or food pantry, or give to the COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF NJ: Accepts dry, refrigerated or frozen food. Distributes food to charities throughout the state. Location: 31 Evans Terminal Road, Hillside, N.J. Info: (908) 355-3663; or visit njfoodbank.org/.

  • FY2009 BUDGET: A three-year budget comparison document is online here.

  • Monday - December 1. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.

  • Wednesday - December 3. 6:30 PM. LWV Forum on School Funding. Plainfield's school funding formula may be changing, and you can learn what this will mean for our District and our taxpayers. Gordon McInnes spent five years as Assistant Commissioner of Education with responsibility for the Abbot Schools. He is presently a lecturer at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton. McInnes will be joined by Plainfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Gallon. Sponsored by the Plainfield chapter of the League of Women Voters. At the new Emerson Community School, East 3rd Street and Emerson Avenue.

  • Wednesday - December 3. 7:30 PM. Plainfield Shade Tree Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Monday - December 8. 7:30 PM. City Council Agenda Session. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


HEADLINES



SATURDAY

Plainfield Public Library: "Library hopes painting will bring big bucks" -- To advance long-term improvements.
Muhlenberg Tree Lighting: Photo of last evening's event at the Snyder Nursing Schools is in the Courier's print edition, with notation that gallery is online. I can't find it -- let me know if you can.

Pension Payment Proposal: "Corzine posts video explalining his pension payment plan" -- Embedded in story.

Tina Turner: "Tina pulls out favorite hits for latest tour" -- Tickets still available for Monday, Madison Square Garden.



F
RIDAY

Budget Advisory Committee: Editorial, CN: "The truth hurts in Plainfield"
'Double-dipping': Editorial, Ledger: "No public jobs for pols"

Business: "The Bread Basket is a perfect fit for Plainfield" -- On Park Avenue, not Watchung.
PHS vs. Westfield: "104th Thanksgiving game" -- Plainfield Sports News | Courier | Ledger |
North Plainfield vs. South Plainfield: "Canucks take Tigers" -- Courier | Ledger |
Toll Increases: "Parkway, Turnpike tolls increase Monday"


THANKSGIVING DAY


Obama Transition: "Ex-Plainfielder Volcker to play the heavy, again" -- Carnegie Avenue rules!
Managing The Team: "How will Obama harness this powerful team?"
Noteworthy Transitions: "Looking back at some transitions" -- Jefferson to Clinton and more.
Iraq War: "Dem doves keep the faith as Obama tilts right"
Charlie Rangel: "Pelosi faces pressure to replace Rangel"
Israel: "Israel prepares to indict premier Olmert"
8-year-old Accused Murderer: "Grandmother says he did it, and why"



-- Dan Damon

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

City vehicle missing?.. Budget: Panel flunks city.. Track Club gets use of PHS.. Bernice: Sunshine Boys worth seeing.. Budget calendar update..

PLAINFIELD



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice notes the Act IV production of 'The Sunshine Boys' currently running at FUSP. Maria is excited about the improvements Dr. Gallon's walkthroughs are generating. Olddoc salutes the walled city of Carcassonne, used in the film 'Camelot'. PEPtalk posts the first ten 'I's of parental involvement. PPS News reports on new teachers' 'Breakfast with the Boss', with pix. Councilor Burney updates us on the state of the budget process.



2009 Budget: "Citizens budget panel flunks city" -- You can read, print or download the CBAC report here.
Tsunami Track Club: "Track club can use inside of PHS"
Red Cross: "Plainfield Red Cross continues turkey giveaway to those in need"

Neighborhood Stabilization Program: "Housing grants offer hope" -- Portion of $12.5M grants to be shared by Union County.
Jayson Williams Appeal: "NJ Supreme Court to hear appeal on racial slur ruling"


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


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Food Donations Needed: Consider donating to your a local religious organization's feeding program or food pantry, or give to the COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF NJ: Accepts dry, refrigerated or frozen food. Distributes food to charities throughout the state. Location: 31 Evans Terminal Road, Hillside, N.J. Info: (908) 355-3663; or visit njfoodbank.org/.

  • This weekend - ACT IV Theater: Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys'. Lewis and Clark, a vaudeville team, brings back their act for a TV history of comedy, but their offstage dislike for each other stands in the way. Featuring award-winning John Boucher and Renato Biribin. At First Unitarian Society, 724 Park Avenue. Tickets: $15. Info/reservations: (908) 756-0750. Three performances: 8 PM - Fri 11/28, Sat 11/29; and 3 PM Sun 11/30.

  • BUDGET CALENDAR: A three-year budget comparison document is online here.

  • Tomorrow - November 27. Thanksgiving Day.

  • Friday - November 28. 8 PM - 2 AM. West End Reunion '08. Dance the night away as Plainfield's most popular social happening celebrates an East-West Connection Blowout. Featuring the band Cosmic Heat and the Doris Spears Jazz Quintet, with DJ Kevin McAllister. At BUF Community Center Complex, West 7th and Central. Dress to impress, BYOB. Donation: $25/person. Info: Frank Coit (908) 722-3498 or (712) 314-1443, Lenny Cathcart (908) 305-0668, Milt Campbell (908) 732-6377, or Albert Mills (347) 892-8981.

  • Monday - December 1. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.

  • Wednesday - December 3. 6:30 PM. LWV Forum on School Funding. Plainfield's school funding formula is changing, and you can learn what this will mean for our District and our taxpayers. Gordon McInnes spent five years as Assistant Commissioner of Education with responsibility for the Abbot Schools. He is presently a lecturer at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton. McInnes will be joined by Plainfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Gallon. Sponsored by the Plainfield chapter of the League of Women Voters. At the new Emerson Community School, East 3rd Street and Emerson Avenue.

  • Wednesday - December 3. 7:30 PM. Plainfield Shade Tree Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Monday - December 8. 7:30 PM. City Council Agenda Session. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY


Development: "Hamilton attempts to rezone after developer reduces project's scale" -- Big tussle.
New Brunswick: "Elijah's Promise restores meal after donation influx" -- Gannett | Ledger |


STATE



Hospitals: "Financial outlook of state's hospitals is bleak" -- NJBiz | Ledger | Record | NJHA Release |
NJN: Fran Wood: "New Jersey can't afford to let NJN fade to black"
Rutgers: "Assembly panel wants update on reforms" -- Gannett | Ledger |
State Pension Funds--
Transportation Bonds: "Fewer NJ individuals bought bonds" -- After spending $200K on advertising.

Sheneman's Cartoon is here.

Margulies' Cartoon is here.


NATION / WORLD



Obama Transition --
Iraq: "U.S. staying silent on withdrawal pact until after its vote"
John McCain: "McCain defends campaign tactics" -- And praises selection of Napolitano for DHS.
Mortgages: "Fed aid spurs instant rush to refinance" -- Mortgage rates drop half percent.


OF INTEREST



Schools & Math: "Report: Poor districts lack qualified math teachers"
Toy Safety: "Group warns of holiday toy dangers" -- Water yo-yos and more.


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

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Dan & Bernice: Budget Advisory Committee.. Editorial praises Muhlenberg activists..settlement drags on.. Swain's celebrates 140th..

PLAINFIELD



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice reports on the Dudley House situation and also the CBAC report last night. Maria, a public school parent, reports with excitement on the new Pressman charter school. While we wait for Olddoc's thoughts on the Council meeting, he conducts a side tour on the Cathars. PSS News posts a link to the recent BOE resignation, which is not exactly news anymore.



Muhlenberg --
Swain Galleries: "Swain family celebrates 140 years in business" -- Including special sale this weekend.

Abbott Schools: Gordon MacInnes: "The Supreme Court's Abbott delusion" -- MacInnes is part of a Plainfield LWV roundtable on school funding December 3. Mark your calendar.
Bridgewater Commons, Woodbridge Mall: "Owner of 4 malls may file for bankruptcy" -- May have to sell assets in down market to meet creditor demand.
Solar Energy: "Supermarket counting on 1,666 solar panels to cut bills dramatically"


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


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Food Donations Needed: Consider donating to your a local religious organization's feeding program or food pantry, or give to the COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF NJ: Accepts dry, refrigerated or frozen food. Distributes food to charities throughout the state. Location: 31 Evans Terminal Road, Hillside, N.J. Info: (908) 355-3663; or visit njfoodbank.org/.

  • This weekend - ACT IV Theater: Neil Simon's 'The Sunshine Boys'. Lewis and Clark, a vaudeville team, brings back their act for a TV history of comedy, but their offstage dislike for each other stands in the way. Featuring award-winning John Boucher and Renato Biribin. At First Unitarian Society, 724 Park Avenue. Tickets: $15. Info/reservations: (908) 756-0750. Three performances: 8 PM - Fri 11/28, Sat 11/29; and 3 PM Sun 11/30.

  • BUDGET CALENDAR: A three-year budget comparison document is online here.

  • Today - November 25. 7:30 PM. Historic Preservation Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Thursday - November 27. Thanksgiving Day.

  • Friday - November 28. 8 PM - 2 AM. West End Reunion '08. Dance the night away as Plainfield's most popular social happening celebrates an East-West Connection Blowout. Featuring the band Cosmic Heat and the Doris Spears Jazz Quintet, with DJ Kevin McAllister. At BUF Community Center Complex, West 7th and Central. Dress to impress, BYOB. Donation: $25/person. Info: Frank Coit (908) 722-3498 or (712) 314-1443, Lenny Cathcart (908) 305-0668, Milt Campbell (908) 732-6377, or Albert Mills (347) 892-8981.

  • Monday - December 1. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.

  • Wednesday - December 3. 6:30 PM. LWV Forum on School Funding. Plainfield's school funding formula is changing, and you can learn what this will mean for our District and our taxpayers. Gordon McInnes spent five years as Assistant Commissioner of Education with responsibility for the Abbot Schools. He is presently a lecturer at the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton. McInnes will be joined by Plainfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Gallon. Sponsored by the Plainfield chapter of the League of Women Voters. At the new Emerson Community School, East 3rd Street and Emerson Avenue.

  • Wednesday - December 3. 7:30 PM. Plainfield Shade Tree Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Monday - December 8. 7:30 PM. City Council Agenda Session. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


CENTRAL JERSEY


Corruption: "Newark Council president's aide admits he took bribes"
Elizabeth: "Elizabeth nets 4 with $175K worth of pot" -- Elizabeth PD one-ups U.C. Prosecutor.
Liberty Science Center: "LSC seeks $2.5M in UEZ funds from Jersey City to stay open"
Morristown & Erie RR: "M&E project has drained millions"
New Brunswick: "Famed Elijah's Kitchen feeding program cuts back meal services"


STATE



BREAKING --
Pension Fund: "Official: State underestimated scope of crisis"

Economic Recovery Package: "Senate and Corzine act on 6 bills in package"
Sen. Menendez: "Menendez tapped to head Dems' Senate campaign committee"
Home Equity Fraud: "Identity thieves looted lines-of-credit"
Redevelopment: "Vote over Morristown's 'Hispanic removal' plan delayed"
State Pension Funds: "Funds director vows transparency"

Sheneman's Cartoon is here.

Margulies' Cartoon is here.


NATION / WORLD



Obama Transition --
Guantanamo: "US will release bin Laden's driver to Yemen"
Iraq War: "'Coalition of the willing' lists were surreptitiously altered by White House"


OF INTEREST



Health: "Study: What a cancer doctor might (or might not) tell you"
Veterans: "VA redefinition of service-related disability angers vets"

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