Where Plainfield turns for news.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Kensington Avenue: America is back!.. Bernice on PMUA survey.. Courier & Jerry on gangs.. Liyana concert..

PLAINFIELD

BREAKING: Just received an email that a helicopter landed at Hub Stine Field at 8:55 AM. This usually means a medevac emergency, someone seriously injured in an accident, an attack or a fire. More when I get details. -- Dan.



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice has some wise input on the PMUA survey most of us got yesterday, and a neat slide show. Olddoc takes a respite from pension deferral and Obama stimulus plans with some USSR pix. Check 'em out. PSN covers the Cardinals at Linden. Assemblyman Green posts his thoughts on gangs and the community after Thursday's symposium (more in the Courier).


Gangs: "Plainfielders gather to fight gang violence"

Disabled Zimbabwe Musicians: "Afro-fusion band Liyana delights Cedar Knolls students" -- Video here. This electrifying group (I heard them on WNYC) will perform Monday at NJPAC -- final appearance in their US tour.

Home Repair Scam: "Franklin Twp. man swindled of $40K" -- Courier | Ledger |
Penis Enlargement Lawsuit: "Court dismisses case" -- Says plaintiff failed to prove 'ascertainable loss'.
Tangled Webs: "Prosecutor asks AG to investigate Perth Amboy police director in discrimination case"
UPS Discrimination Case: "UPS ordered to pay man it discriminated against" -- Refused Rastafarian job with public contact.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • PLAINFIELD YOUTH BASKETBALL: ANNUAL NJ NETS TRIP. Ticket purchase DEADLINE is today, January 31. This year's game is against the CLEVELAND CAVALIERS, Sunday, March 22. Bus will depart PHS Kenyon Avenue parking lot at 4:30 PM SHARP (Game time is 6 PM.). Tickets: $28/person, includes bus and entry to game. Info and reservations: Lenny Cathcart, (908) 822-7249.

  • PMUA 2009 CALENDAR: Click here for a printable, color-coded copy of the 2009 calendar; also available for pickup at the Plainfield Public Library and City Hall.

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

  • Today - January 31. 2 PM. Black History Month Kickoff. Storytelling and dance program for youngsters. At the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street. FREE.

  • Monday - February 2. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.

  • Thursday - February 5. 7 PM. FOSH Meeting. The Friends of Sleepy Hollow meet to discuss issue of importance to residents and to plan activities for the community, among which a favorite is always the annual FOSH Yard Sale, which draws thousands of visitors to the Queen City. At the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue at 8th Street. Info: Pat Kavanaugh, (908) 561-6046.

  • Thursday - February 5. 7:30 PM SHARP. Seton Hall vs. St. John's Basketball Game. Free tickets. Great seats. Bus trip sponsored by the Division of Recreation. Leave from City Hall parking lot. Bus returns at Midnight. Info and ticket reservations: Recreation Division, (908) 753-3097.

  • Saturday - February 7. 7 PM - Midnight. Doo-Wop Hop: Benefiting The Plainfield Symphony. Celebrate the 89th season of New Jersey's oldest community orchestra at a fun evening featuring live '50s music from The Street Hearts. Buffet dinner with wine and beer, live and silent auctions. Tickets: $89/person. Reservations: Charles Weltner (908) 561-5660. PLUS: 50/50 Raffle. $100/ticket. Half of proceeds to ticket holder (need not be present to win) and half will go toward the 90th Anniversary celebration in the fall of 2009. 50/50 Info and purchases: Mary Burgwinkle, (908) 756-4688.

  • Saturday - February 14. 8 PM. The Plainfield Symphony: A Symphonic Valentine. Guest Conductor: Jason Tramm. Soloist: Allen Yueh. Puccini: Intermezzo from Manon Lascaut. Tchaikovsky: B Flat Major Piano Concerto. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherezade. At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Watchung Avenue at East 7th Street. $25/General seating. $15/Senior & Student. Info: (908) 561-5140 or email info@plainfieldsymphony.org. The Plainfield Symphony, New Jersey's oldest community symphony, was established in 1919.
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STATE
2009 Races: "Bramnick for Lt. Governor? Read on." -- Plainfield native in the spotlight.
Allstate Auto Insurance: "Allstate files for rate increase"
Gannett: "Gannett posts earnings loss" | "S&P may cut Gannett to junk status" -- Parent of Courier News and 5 other NJ papers. Also see Gannett Blog here.

NATION / WORLD

Iran: "Obama team looks for opening in Iran"
Executive Pay: "Missouri Senator proposes $400K limit - same as President's" -- Go ahead, explain you're worth more than the leader of the Free World.
GOP: "GOP picks first Black chairman, will change follow?"

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Friday, January 30, 2009

CNN's Plainfield story raises questions.. Bernice: Dornoch difficulties.. Olddoc & Maria: Burney a 'must-read'.. Humane Society a worthy cause..

PLAINFIELD



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice notes difficulties a Dornoch project faces in Rahway as she awaits the Mayor's update on the Plainfield project next week. Councilor Burney's post on budget matters draws 'must-read' comments from both Olddoc and Maria. PEPtalks' Renata gives a testimony to involvement...and what it just might do for 6,999 others. Dan scoops Plainfield Sports News: A certain person left their car keys behind at last night's meet at Montclair HS. My lips are sealed! Assemblyman Green updates us with his being on top of the Obama stimulus plan and the Corzine pension-deferral plan. So there!

Plainfield Area Humane Society: "A worthy cause, in a time of great need" -- Courier editorial.

Edison --
Health Care: "NJ physicians revive old tradition - house calls"
Hospitals: "St. Michael's cited for making 99-year-old stroke victim wait 6 hours"
Gangs: "20 arrested in drug ring" -- Bloods, including Elizabeth.
Guitar Thefts: "Guitar thefts baffle police" -- Roselle Park, Summit & Montclair.
USDA: "Feds promise better notice in killing birds"
'Valentines for Vets': "Kids' valentines buoy overseas troops"
Welfare Reform: "Study: Key is focus on addiction" -- Full report is here.

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


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • PLAINFIELD YOUTH BASKETBALL: ANNUAL NJ NETS TRIP. Ticket purchase DEADLINE is tomorrow, January 31. This year's game is against the CLEVELAND CAVALIERS, Sunday, March 22. Bus will depart PHS Kenyon Avenue parking lot at 4:30 PM SHARP (Game time is 6 PM.). Tickets: $28/person, includes bus and entry to game. Info and reservations: Lenny Cathcart, (908) 822-7249.

  • PMUA 2009 CALENDAR: Click here for a printable, color-coded copy of the 2009 calendar; also available for pickup at the Plainfield Public Library and City Hall.

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

  • Today - January 30. 6:30 PM. Rhyme 'n Riffin': Poetry and Jazz at PHS. Billed as an evening of thought-provoking poetry and soulful swinging jazz. At the PHS Cafeteria. Use the Kenyon Avenue parking lot. Tickets: $3/students, $5/adults. Info: (908) 731-4333.

  • Tomorrow - January 31. 2 PM. Black History Month Kickoff. Storytelling and dance program for youngsters. At the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street. FREE.

  • Monday - February 2. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.

  • Thursday - February 5. 7 PM. FOSH Meeting. The Friends of Sleepy Hollow meet to discuss issue of importance to residents and to plan activities for the community, among which a favorite is always the annual FOSH Yard Sale, which draws thousands of visitors to the Queen City. At the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue at 8th Street. Info: Pat Kavanaugh, (908) 561-6046.

  • Thursday - February 5. 7:30 PM SHARP. Seton Hall vs. St. John's Basketball Game. Free tickets. Great seats. Bus trip sponsored by the Division of Recreation. Leave from City Hall parking lot. Bus returns at Midnight. Info and ticket reservations: Recreation Division, (908) 753-3097.

  • Saturday - February 7. 7 PM - Midnight. Doo-Wop Hop: Benefiting The Plainfield Symphony. Celebrate the 89th season of New Jersey's oldest community orchestra at a fun evening featuring live '50s music from The Street Hearts. Buffet dinner with wine and beer, live and silent auctions. Tickets: $89/person. Reservations: Charles Weltner (908) 561-5660. PLUS: 50/50 Raffle. $100/ticket. Half of proceeds to ticket holder (need not be present to win) and half will go toward the 90th Anniversary celebration in the fall of 2009. 50/50 Info and purchases: Mary Burgwinkle, (908) 756-4688.

  • Saturday - February 14. 8 PM. The Plainfield Symphony: A Symphonic Valentine. Guest Conductor: Jason Tramm. Soloist: Allen Yueh. Puccini: Intermezzo from Manon Lascaut. Tchaikovsky: B Flat Major Piano Concerto. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherezade. At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Watchung Avenue at East 7th Street. $25/General seating. $15/Senior & Student. Info: (908) 561-5140 or email info@plainfieldsymphony.org. The Plainfield Symphony, New Jersey's oldest community symphony, was established in 1919.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


STATE
Chamber Train Ride: "Schmooze Cruise more subdued this year" -- PolitickerNJ | Ledger | Courier |
Agri-Business: "NJ fines tomato grower $900K for pesticide use" -- Grower was sued in NC for birth defects.
S-CHIP: "Menendez vows to protect NJ's child health care program"
Supremes: "Lawsuits against government must show 'palpably unreasonable' behavior"

NATION / WORLD

Obamas --
Banks: "U.S. eyes two-part bailout for banks"
Dems to GOP Candidates: "Are you with Obama or Rush?"



Image by Bernie Hou.
Starbucks: "Mark Di Ionno: Starbucks an expendable lifestyle fad?"

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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Mayor on Plainfield and Stimulus Plan.. Bernice: Mayoral candidates, Council calendar glitch.. Courier on take-home cars.. Humane Society in danger..

PLAINFIELD



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice gets mayoral candidates Mapp and Robinson-Briggs in a single shot and notes lack of Council calendar legal notice. Maria notes Evergreen PTO will discuss the changes having a 6th grade will bring. Olddoc is on a self-described 'bitching bend' today -- not to miss!.


Council & Take-Home City Cars: "Courier: Put public first in car squabble"
Plainfield Humane Society: "Animal shelter in danger of closing, looks for donations for repairs"
Plainfield Youth Basketball Trip: "Deadline nears for tickets to Nets-Cavaliers game"

Council Health Benefits: "Woodbridge proposes phasing out Council benefits"
Edison: "Bomb threat received at dinner honoring NAACP moments after Corzine leaves" -- Ledger | Courier |
Elizabeth: "Grant will provide housing for mentally disabled"
Immigrants & NJ Economy: "Immigrants play vital role" -- OpEd by two Rutgers profs.

Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr.: "What my eyes have seen"
Homeless: "Jersey's homeless counted across the state"
Hospitals: "St. Clare's to cut 180 jobs"
Postal Service: "USPS may cut delivery to five days"
Peanut Products: "FDA says toss all products from processor" -- FDA recall page here; search page here.
Winter Road Measures: "NJ picking up on 'brining' roads before snow falls" -- An old Midwestern trick.

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



WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • PLAINFIELD YOUTH BASKETBALL: ANNUAL NJ NETS TRIP. Ticket purchase DEADLINE is this Saturday, January 31. This year's game is against the CLEVELAND CAVALIERS, Sunday, March 22. Bus will depart PHS Kenyon Avenue parking lot at 4:30 PM SHARP (Game time is 6 PM.). Tickets: $28/person, includes bus and entry to game. Info and reservations: Lenny Cathcart, (908) 822-7249.

  • PMUA 2009 CALENDAR: Click here for a printable, color-coded copy of the 2009 calendar; also available for pickup at the Plainfield Public Library and City Hall.

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


  • Today - January 29. 6 - 8 PM. Gang and Youth Violence Prevention Symposium. Join with award-winning Plainfield author J.M. Benjamin and the Street Warriors of Newark in looking at the dynamic that entices youth to gravitate toward gangs and the gang lifestyle. Panel discussion will include reflections by former gang members and the law enforcement perspective. Sponsored by the Plainfield Public Schools. At the Jefferson School, 1200 Myrtle Avenue. Info: Rose Davis, (908) 731-4425 or rdavis@plainfield.nj.k12.us.

  • Today - January 29. 7 - 9 PM. Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples. Civil unions and the prospect of gay marriage bring a new era of rights and responsibilities. Same-sex couples still need to take extra precaution in legal matters to ensure their wishes can be enforced. Sponsored by Lambda Legal. At United Church of Christ - Congregational, West 7th Street and Madison Avenue (parking off Madison Avenue behind the church). Please RSVP to Christopher Bellis at (212) 809-8585 x214 or cbellis@lambdalegal.org. FREE.

  • Tomorrow - January 30. 6:30 PM. Rhyme 'n Riffin': Poetry and Jazz at PHS. Billed as an evening of thought-provoking poetry and soulful swinging jazz. At the PHS Cafeteria. Use the Kenyon Avenue parking lot. Tickets: $3/students, $5/adults. Info: (908) 731-4333.

  • Saturday - January 31. 2 PM. Black History Month Kickoff. Storytelling and dance program for youngsters. At the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street. FREE.

  • Monday - February 2. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.

  • Thursday - February 5. 7 PM. FOSH Meeting. The Friends of Sleepy Hollow meet to discuss issue of importance to residents and to plan activities for the community, among which a favorite is always the annual FOSH Yard Sale, which draws thousands of visitors to the Queen City. At the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue at 8th Street. Info: Pat Kavanaugh, (908) 561-6046.

  • Thursday - February 5. 7:30 PM SHARP. Seton Hall vs. St. John's Basketball Game. Free tickets. Great seats. Bus trip sponsored by the Division of Recreation. Leave from City Hall parking lot. Bus returns at Midnight. Info and ticket reservations: Recreation Division, (908) 753-3097.

  • Saturday - February 7. 7 PM - Midnight. Doo-Wop Hop: Benefiting The Plainfield Symphony. Celebrate the 89th season of New Jersey's oldest community orchestra at a fun evening featuring live '50s music from The Street Hearts. Buffet dinner with wine and beer, live and silent auctions. Tickets: $89/person. Reservations: Charles Weltner (908) 561-5660. PLUS: 50/50 Raffle. $100/ticket. Half of proceeds to ticket holder (need not be present to win) and half will go toward the 90th Anniversary celebration in the fall of 2009. 50/50 Info and purchases: Mary Burgwinkle, (908) 756-4688.

  • Saturday - February 14. 8 PM. The Plainfield Symphony: A Symphonic Valentine. Guest Conductor: Jason Tramm. Soloist: Allen Yueh. Puccini: Intermezzo from Manon Lascaut. Tchaikovsky: B Flat Major Piano Concerto. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherezade. At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Watchung Avenue at East 7th Street. $25/General seating. $15/Senior & Student. Info: (908) 561-5140 or email info@plainfieldsymphony.org. The Plainfield Symphony, New Jersey's oldest community symphony, was established in 1919.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


STATE
Chamber Train Trip: "GOP hopefuls rail against annual 'schmooze cruise' to Trenton"
Bogus Charity: "State moves to dissolve disputed 9/11 charity"
Turnpike Authority: "Turnpike Authority to cut 80 jobs, maintain hiring freeze"

NATION / WORLD

Stimulus Package: "House passes stimulus bill, on to the Senate" -- WashPost | Politico | -- $4.3B for NJ.
Afghanistan: "U.S. unlikely to seek more NATO assistance"
'Bad Bank': "FDIC may run 'bad bank' to remove toxic assets"
Faith-Based Outreach: "Obama said to pick pastor for faith-based program"
Gaza Incursion: "Israeli destruction of most pro-western Gazan institution stuns all"
GOP: "For the GOP, a case of misshapen identity"

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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Council calendar changes.. Bernice & Olddoc on deferred pension payments.. Letter: Burney on car policy.. QCA students learn CSI..

PLAINFIELD



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Be sure to check out fellow Plainfield bloggers: Bernice raises questions about pension deferments the Mayor is plumping for. Maria praises a school outreach effort. Olddoc shares an opinion on deferring pension payments, as well as good pix and feedback on Afghanistan. PEPtalk's Renata is feeling quite frustrated. PSN reports Lady Cardinals take Westfield, boys beat Irvington. Go!.


City Council --
Queen City Academy: "Junior Detectives: Students schooled in crime-scene investigation" -- Photos here.
Rape: "Plainfield man gets time served in Philipsburg gang rape"

Contracts: "Essex County seeks to eliminate binding arbitration" -- Wave of the future?
Cranford: "Resident replaces Geithner as head of NY Federal Reserve Bank"
Edison: "Choi's accomplishments: Streamline gov, control development, stabilize taxes"
Passport Photos: "Union County clerk Rajoppi offers free passport photos in February"
Tenants Foreclosure Rights: "State makes foreclosure rights available"

Peanut Butter Recall: "Processor knowingly sold tainted products"
Pope Benedict: "Lifting excommunication of 4 ultra-conservative bishops, Pope stirs anger of Catholics, Jews"

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


WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • PLAINFIELD YOUTH BASKETBALL: ANNUAL NJ NETS TRIP. Ticket purchase DEADLINE is this Saturday, January 31. This year's game is against the CLEVELAND CAVALIERS, Sunday, March 22. Bus will depart PHS Kenyon Avenue parking lot at 4:30 PM SHARP (Game time is 6 PM.). Tickets: $28/person, includes bus and entry to game. Info and reservations: Lenny Cathcart, (908) 822-7249.

  • PMUA 2009 CALENDAR: Click here for a printable, color-coded copy of the 2009 calendar; also available for pickup at the Plainfield Public Library and City Hall.

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

  • Today - January 28. 7:30 PM. Plainfield Shade Tree Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited.

  • Tomorrow - January 29. 6 - 8 PM. Gang and Youth Violence Prevention Symposium. Join with award-winning Plainfield author J.M. Benjamin and the Street Warriors of Newark in looking at the dynamic that entices youth to gravitate toward gangs and the gang lifestyle. Panel discussion will include reflections by former gang members and the law enforcement perspective. Sponsored by the Plainfield Public Schools. At the Jefferson School, 1200 Myrtle Avenue. Info: Rose Davis, (908) 731-4425 or rdavis@plainfield.nj.k12.us.

  • Tomorrow - January 29. 7 - 9 PM. Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples. Civil unions and the prospect of gay marriage bring a new era of rights and responsibilities. Same-sex couples still need to take extra precaution in legal matters to ensure their wishes can be enforced. Sponsored by Lambda Legal. At United Church of Christ - Congregational, West 7th Street and Madison Avenue (parking off Madison Avenue behind the church). Please RSVP to Christopher Bellis at (212) 809-8585 x214 or cbellis@lambdalegal.org. FREE.

  • Friday - January 30. 6:30 PM. Rhyme 'n Riffin': Poetry and Jazz at PHS. Billed as an evening of thought-provoking poetry and soulful swinging jazz. At the PHS Cafeteria. Use the Kenyon Avenue parking lot. Tickets: $3/students, $5/adults. Info: (908) 731-4333.

  • Saturday - January 31. 2 PM. Black History Month Kickoff. Storytelling and dance program for youngsters. At the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street. FREE.

  • Monday - February 2. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street.

  • Thursday - February 5. 7:30 PM SHARP. Seton Hall vs. St. John's Basketball Game. Free tickets. Great seats. Bus trip sponsored by the Division of Recreation. Leave from City Hall parking lot. Bus returns at Midnight. Info and ticket reservations: Recreation Division, (908) 753-3097.

  • Saturday - February 7. 7 PM - Midnight. Doo-Wop Hop: Benefiting The Plainfield Symphony. Celebrate the 89th season of New Jersey's oldest community orchestra at a fun evening featuring live '50s music from The Street Hearts. Buffet dinner with wine and beer, live and silent auctions. Tickets: $89/person. Reservations: Charles Weltner (908) 561-5660. PLUS: 50/50 Raffle. $100/ticket. Half of proceeds to ticket holder (need not be present to win) and half will go toward the 90th Anniversary celebration in the fall of 2009. 50/50 Info and purchases: Mary Burgwinkle, (908) 756-4688.

  • Saturday - February 14. 8 PM. The Plainfield Symphony: A Symphonic Valentine. Guest Conductor: Jason Tramm. Soloist: Allen Yueh. Puccini: Intermezzo from Manon Lascaut. Tchaikovsky: B Flat Major Piano Concerto. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherezade. At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Watchung Avenue at East 7th Street. $25/General seating. $15/Senior & Student. Info: (908) 561-5140 or email info@plainfieldsymphony.org. The Plainfield Symphony, New Jersey's oldest community symphony, was established in 1919.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.


STATE
2009 Governor's Race: "Corzine gears up" -- Ex-Ledger's
Pulitzer-winning Whelan to head opposition research.
AG's Office: "Attorney General notes big increase in crime prosecutions"
Car Emission Rules: "Kelly Heyboer: Bloggers weigh in on tailpipe wars"
Corruption: "Union chief gets jail for taking construction bribes" -- Goldman Sachs Tower in J.C.
Film Industry: "2008 not a blockbuster year for Jersey films" -- Lack of SAG contract hurt.
Supremes: "Court: Strikers deserve unemployment benefits under certain conditions"
Verizon: "Wireless gains, landlines fall sharply" -- Business is revolutionizing.


NATION / WORLD

Stimulus Package --
Afghanistan: "Gates testimony shows why it's no walk-in-the-park"
Transparency: "ACLU tests Obama pledge with request for secret Bush-era memos"

Obituary: "John Updike, lyrical writer of the ordinary" | "An Appraisal" -- Rabbit is now at rest.

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