C L I P S

Where Plainfield turns for news.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

New drink: The Dirty Pol.. Gibson: Budget volunteers failed.. Special Council meeting Monday.. Storch: Going Green.. Olddoc on 'naysaying'..

PLAINFIELD


PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice notes the special Council meeting Monday will focus on the budget, the BOE vacancy is now posted on the District website, and she is reviewing 2008. Olddoc takes exception to Councilor Burney on 'naysaying' and notes Gibson's letter to the Courier (see here). Councilor Burney notes the final meeting of the year is Monday and posts links to agenda. Councilor Storch points out ways for Plainfield to go Green (energy, not politicians), with a great chart.


Harold Gibson, Letter - CN: "Citizens panel failed in its budget task"

Familly Leave Act: "All NJ workers to get notice by Dec. 15"
Hospitals: "University Hospital seeks bailout to avoid meltdown" -- Politics to trump policy again?
Green Building Codes: "The Green Standard" -- Connecticut gets the jump on Jersey.
Recycling Business: "Recycling market wasting away in bad economy"

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WHAT'S HAPPENING
  • FY2009 BUDGET: A three-year budget comparison document is online here.

  • Today - December 14. 5 PM. Concert: Watoto Children's Choir. This renowned choir of Ugandan young people who have lost parents to AIDS will bring their special message of hope in the fight against AIDS/HIV in Africa. Sponsored by United Presbyterian Church and Nuevas Fronteras. At United Presbyterian Church, 525 West Front Street (parking and entrance in the rear). A freewill offering will be taken. Info: United Presbyterian Church, (908) 756-2666.

  • Today - December 14. 5:30 PM. Crescent Concerts: Yuletide by Candlelight. The Crescent Singers present their annual offering of holiday music and carols. At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Watchung Avenue at East 7th Street. Tickets: $20, $15/senior, $5/student. Info: (908) 756-2468 or www.crescentconcerts.org/.

  • Tomorrow - December 15. 7 PM. Special City Council Meeting. Final meeting of 2008 will feature budget presentation (revenues) by CA Dashield, appropration for January, authorizing estimated tax bills to be mailed. At City Hall Library, 515 Watchung Avenue (parking in lot behind City Hall).

  • Tomorrow - December 15. 7 PM. Charter School Informational. An opportunity for parents of children entering grade 6 or 7 in September 2009 to learn of and apply for the Pressman Charter School, Plainfield's newest. The school will emphasize high academics using music as an integral part of its curriculum approach. At the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue at West 8th Street. Info: (973) 635-6944 or visit the school's website here.

  • Tuesday - December 16. 6:30 PM. Citywide Block Association Meeting. At: United Presbyterian Church, 525 East Front Street (across from Richmond Towers, parking in rear).

  • Thursday - December 18. 6 PM. Plainfield United Way Community Council. The December meeting will review the holiday toy drive, health care initiatives, and the 1909 house tour. Light dinner will be served. At the UCPC Behavioral Health Care Center, 117 Roosevelt Avenue (next to the PMUA building). Info: Jeff Scheckner, (908) 353-7171 x138.

  • Thursday - December 18. 7 PM - 2 AM (Showtime 11 PM). Plainfield Fire Division Annual Holiday Party and Toy Drive. A must-do annual event, gathering toys for distribution to social service agencies AND having fun enjoying one of the holiday's great parties. ALY-US, featuring 'Supa' singing Follow Me. DJ 'D' from 88.7FM's Soulful Saturdays. At Los Faraones club, 111 East Front Street. Admission FREE with an unwrapped toy of $10 minimum value.

  • Thursday - December 18. 8 PM. Planning Board. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Saturday - December 20. 8 PM - Midnight. The Rhythm of Plainfield: A Dance Celebration. From salsa to Hip Hop, 50s to Reggae, Line Dancing to R&B, a night of dancing and fun. All proceeds benefit the Plainfield Area YMCA 'Strong Kids' scholarship program. Light refreshments. Guest of honor: Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs. $75/person. Tickets available at the YMCA or at the door. At the Plainfield Area YMCA, Watchung Avenue and 6th Street. Info: Addy Bonet, (908) 756-6060 x101 or abonet@plainfieldy.org.

  • Saturday - December 20. 3 - 11 PM. Holiday Spectacular Boutique. Vendors galore, gift baskets, wine tasting, live jazz. At: HeardOne Complex, 210 Church Street. Info: (908) 755-9770. FREE.

  • Sunday - December 21. 10 AM - 6 PM. Holiday Spectacular Boutique. Vendors galore, gift baskets, wine tasting, live jazz. At: HeardOne Complex, 210 Church Street. Info: (908) 755-9770. FREE.

  • Monday - December 22. 7 PM. Charter School Informational. An opportunity for parents of children entering grade 6 or 7 in September 2009 to learn of and apply for the Pressman Charter School, Plainfield's newest. The school will emphasize high academics using music as an integral part of its curriculum approach. At the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue at West 8th Street. Info: (973) 635-6944 or visit the school's website here.

  • Tuesday - December 23. 7:30 PM. Historic Preservation Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Saturday - December 27. 1 - 6 PM. Kwanzaa Celebration. Celebrate the year-end festival (from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1) of family, community and culture with crafts, vendors, dance & drumming, storytelling, poetry, foods and a special Kwanzaa program. Special guests: The Cherokee Nation of New Jersey. Sponsored by the Division of Recreation. At Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue (parking in the Spooner Avenue lot). FREE.
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CENTRAL JERSEY

Bridgewater Commons/Woodbridge Malls: "Mall owner still in debt talks"
Linden: "Councilman faces sexual harassment suit"
Rutgers: "Irked by AD's firing, Sen. Sweeney says McCormick should go"
Woodbridge: "Woodbridge's feats of clay" -- Exhibit celebrates town's terra cotta past.


STATE

Arts & Economy: "Arts groups tightening schedules and belts"
Medical Marijuana: "Medical marijuana gets first test in Senate tomorrow"
Mulshine on Chris Christie: "Shoo-in may put a foot in his mouth"
 National Guard Families: "On their own for the holidays, and digging deep"
Veterans: "Wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan, working their way back into the world"

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


NATION / WORLD

Obama Transition --
 Bush & Iraq: "Surprise visit today to place that defines his presidency"
Iraq: "Report spotlights Iraq rebuilding blunders" -- Cost to taxpayers: $100M+.
Mortgage Meltdown: "HUD pick foresaw mortgage crisis in 2004" -- A startling story.
Wall Street Scam: "Wall St. wizard Madoff always had skeptics" -- The ramifications may yet amaze us more.

OF INTEREST
Obituary: "Cardinal Avery Dulles, SJ" -- Some of his writings here. One of my spiritual mentors, his incisive mind and generosity of spirit will be greatly missed.
BOOK REVIEW LINKS: NY Times | Wash Post | Ledger | NY Rev Bks | London Rev Bks |

Posted by Dan at 10:00 AM