Where Plainfield turns for news.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Bernice: Council's busy December.. Mapp: Budget proposals (liked by Olddoc).. Storch: Other towns & budget issues.. Maria: Dr. Gallon calling..



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
News-you-might-have-missed-over-Thanksgiving --
Hub-Stine Field: "Plainfield track a gift to many" -- Dr. Margaret Lewis celebrates the reopening of Hub-Stine's walking/jogging track.

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post): Bernice outlines the Council's extra-busy December. Olddoc likes Councilor Mapp's budget proposal. Maria spots Dr. Gallon's recorded phone blast on District issues and news, a good move even tho its not available in Spanish yet. Councilor Mapp thoroughly outlines his budget proposals and tasks. Councilor Storch outlines what some other towns are doing about budget dilemmas. CBAC (budget advisory committee) looks for your questions and/or comments.

Also, three personal blogs by Plainfielders, each with a point of view: Rebecca Williams' Confessions of a Bathrobe Blogger, Renata Hernandez' PEPTalk: Revisited, and Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On.

Bank of America: "Letter to customers spells out credit-card fees, rates"
'Jersey Boy': "Warren native recalls summer escapes from the dark heart of the Garden State"
Interstate 80: "Pennsylvania's I-80 toll plan would end Turnpike dodge"



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WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Tomorrow - December 1. 7 - 10 PM. City Council: Budget Session. The Council will work on amendments to the proposed FY2010 budget, received from the Administration after the state's budget deadline. At City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue. Parking and entry at the rear of the building. Public welcome.

  • Thursday - December 3. 6 - 8 PM. Chamber of Commerce/SID: Holiday Season Security Seminar. The Chamber of Commerce and the SID are jointly sponsoring a security seminar for merchants, with a presentation by the Plainfield Police Division covering such topics as bad checks, shoplifting, thefts, break-ins and vandalism. In the Anne Louise Davis Meeting Room at the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street. Plrease RSVP to the Chamber (753-2296) or the SID (756-1088).

  • Thursday - December 3. 7 - 10 PM. City Council: Budget Session. The Council will work on amendments to the proposed FY2010 budget, received from the Administration after the state's budget deadline. At the new Senior Center, 400 East Front Street.

  • Friday - December 4. 6 PM. Annual Holiday Tree Lighting. Dress for the weather and come out for the annual tree lighting event at City Hall. Caroling, special guests, visit and pictures with Santa, 'A LIGHT MEAL' and hot chocolate provided by the Salvation Army. At City Hall, 515 Watchung Avenue (at 6th Street). FREE.

  • Friday - December 4. 6 PM. Drake House Tree Lighting. Celebrate the start of the holidays in the Drake House, newly reopened after major renovations. Holiday carols, prizes and refreshments in the upstairs ballroom, where Santa will drop in with a sack of toys for the kids. Besides the large tree in the ballroom, three trees will be on display in the period rooms, and the house will be dressed in holiday finery. The Drake House is at 602 West Front Street, at the foot of Plainfield Avenue.

  • Saturday - December 5. Noon - 3 PM. Holiday Horse & Wagon Ride and Gift Stocking Drawing. Bring the kids out for the Plainfield SID's 5th Annual holiday kickoff event. Goody bags for all riders, compliments of merchant members. There are two staging areas: West Front Street (near McDonald's) and Plainwood Square Park on South Avenue. A giant toy-filled stocking will be given away at 3:30 PM at Plainwood Square Park (entry forms at both staging locations). FREE.

  • Saturday - December 5. 5 - 7 PM. Exhibit: Swain's Annual Small Paintings Exhibit and Reception. Over thirty artists represented by Swain Galleries will exhibit at this annual event their small paintings available as holiday gifts. Light refreshments will be served. Gallery hours: Tues-Fri 9:30 - 5:30. Sat 9:30 - 4:00. Sundays (until Christmas) Noon - 4 PM.

  • Sunday - December 6. 1 - 6 PM. VWB House Tour: An Old-Fashioned Christmas. Don't miss the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District's 2009 holiday house tour, featuring seven historic homes decked out in Christmas finery. Stained glass, achitectural details and workmanship in styles from Queen Anne to Tudor to Arts & Crafts. Plus a Gingerbread Village and ornament collections. And a house-to-house Parlor Game Treasure Hunt with prizes. Tickets: Advance: $20/person, available at Swain Galleries, East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue or The Pillars, 922 Central Avenue. Online sales at anoldfashionedchristmas/. Day of tour: $25/person, at 935 Central Avenue. More info at the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District website here.

  • Monday - December 7. 7:30 PM. City Council Agenda Session. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue. (Parking and entry at rear of building.) Public may speak at end of meeting.

  • Wednesday - December 9. 7 - 10 PM. City Council: Budget Session. The Council will work on amendments to the proposed FY2010 budget, received from the Administration after the state's budget deadline. At the new Senior Center, 400 East Front Street.

  • Saturday - December 12. 1 - 3 PM. Plainfield Library: Publication Party & Book Signing. Got book lovers on your holiday gift list? This is the perfect place to check out more tha 20 local authors who will be offering their works for sale, and signing their latest books. Discover romance and murder in NJ. Or the history of NJ beers and minor league baseball. Explore NJ's history in photographs and writings. Info: Mary Ellen Rogan at (908) 757-1111 x132 or email me.rogan@plfdpl.info. In the Anne Louise Davis Meeting Room at the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street. FREE.

  • Saturday - December 12. 7 PM. Plainfield Symphony Holiday Pops Concert. Music Director Charles Prince leads the PSO in a medley of holiday carols as well as Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Victor Herbert's March of the Toys, and Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. Tickets: $25 at the door; $5 off with the presentation of two non-perishable food items (which will benefit Starfish, Plainfield's food pantry). Tickets may also be purchased online at www.plainfieldsymphony.org/. At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue (parking in lot on First Place or at Swain Galleries).

  • Sunday - December 13. 5:30 PM. Concerts: Yuletide by Candlelight. Under the leadership of music director Ron Thayer, the Crescent Singers present their annual gift of holiday music of all ages to the community. 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/.
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Sunday, November 29, 2009

Bernice: Council sets 8 meetings for December; About those solar panels.. Maria: time to gear up for the Schools budget process..



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Assault Charge: "Plainfield principal charges administrator with assault"
Organ Donation Network: "DQ's Donna Albanese chairs state organ donation board"
Pay-to-Play: "Analysis of ELEC data shows it alive and well in NJ"
School Cafeteria Workers: "Legislature could raise wages of cafeteria workers"
Symphony: "Plainfield Symphony in Holiday Pops concert"
Leaves: "When leaves fill up your lawn, just leave them" -- Courier editorializes about mow-and-leave mulching. Mother Naturels way, been doin' it for years.
Trees: "When trees fall next door, neighbors make the noise" | "NJ rules differ"

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post): Bernice finds the Council busy with 8 meetings in December; fills us in on solar panels sprouting around town. Maria gears up to follow the money -- the School budget money. CBAC (budget advisory committee) looks for your questions and/or comments.

Also, three personal blogs by Plainfielders, each with a point of view: Rebecca Williams' Confessions of a Bathrobe Blogger, Renata Hernandez' PEPTalk: Revisited, and Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On.

Crossroads Theater: "3 Mo' Divas at Crossroads" -- NYTimes review.
Dunellen: "Grant allows police to updgrade to live electronic fingerprinting"
North Plainfield: "Man charged with robbing three at Rt 22 motel" -- Guess which motel?
Rutgers-Newark: "Ethics institute guides future political, business leaders"
Tax Appeals: "After slew of appeals, South Orange must borrow to repay owners"
Telephone Pole Tax: "Tiny boro fights Verizon over taxes owed on phone poles" -- A fate awaiting Plainfield?


The Auditor: "Christie rails against Chamber train ride, more..."
Gay Marriage: "Catholic Bishops instruct letter to be read at masses" -- Ledger | Courier |
State Benefit Abuses: "On top of pension abuses, health care for life" -- Private organizations get state perks. Editorial, Ledger.
State Finances: "As budget woes grow, tough cuts are needed"


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WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Today - November 29. 4 PM. Lessons and Carols for Advent. The traditional festival of nine lessons and carols presented by the Grace Church Choir under the direction of organist and choirmaster Robert H. Gangewere, Jr. At Grace Episcopal Church, East 7th Street and Cleveland Avenue. Parking in municipal lot across from church.
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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Bernice profiles Park Hardware, a flourishing 'old school' business.. Maria finds a neighborhood solar hardware mystery..



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Salvation Army: "New director, Maj. Verna LaSalle, looking to make big impression"
Obituary: "Arnold Hamm, PHS '70, Stone Square Lodge" -- Services today, 9 AM, Calvary Baptist Church.

Swine Flu Clinic: "2,000 shots given at Cranford clinic" -- And Plainfield only 500? What's wrong with this picture?
Budget Year: "Shift in budgeting cycle aids Dunellen"

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post, leaving everyone in as I'm early today and some may not have posted yet): Bernice profiles Park Hardware, the local institution that flourishes doing business the 'old school' way. Maria finds a neighborhood solar hardware mystery. Piv. Jerry (post comments on Jerry's blog here). Bo on the 22nd. Plainfield Sports News details the Plainfield-Westfield Thanksgiving game, a tradition for more than 100 years. Councilor Mapp. Councilor Storch. Councilor Burney. Councilor McWilliams. CBAC (budget advisory committee) looks for your questions and/or comments.

Also, three personal blogs by Plainfielders, each with a point of view: Rebecca Williams' Confessions of a Bathrobe Blogger, Renata Hernandez' PEPTalk: Revisited, and Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On.


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WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Tomorrow - November 29. 4 PM. Lessons and Carols for Advent. The traditional festival of nine lessons and carols presented by the Grace Church Choir under the direction of organist and choirmaster Robert H. Gangewere, Jr. At Grace Episcopal Church, East Front Street and Cleveland Avenue. Parking in municipal lot across from church.
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Friday, November 27, 2009

Bernice: FUSP's Thanksgiving dinner.. Maria: Who's to blame for Plainfield as 'epicenter' of county's charter schools?..



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
105th Thanksgiving Day Game: "Westfield bests Plainfield" -- Courier | Ledger |
Obituary: "Arnold Hamm, PHS '70, Stone Square Lodge" -- Viewing at Calvary Baptist, today, 6-9; Services Saturday, 9 AM.

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post): Bernice covers FUSP's annual Thanksgiving dinner for the community. Maria asks who is to blame for Plainfield being the 'epicenter' of Union County charter schools. CBAC (budget advisory committee) is looking for your questions and comments.

Also, three personal blogs by Plainfielders, each with a point of view: Rebecca Williams' Confessions of a Bathrobe Blogger, Renata Hernandez' PEPTalk: Revisited, and Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On.

Christie Transition [full Ledger coverage here] --
ACORN: "Have the media 'falsely framed' ACORN?" -- from Editor & Publisher magazine.
Gay Marriage: "Sweeney's first act angers same-sex proponents within his own party"
State Finances --
U.S. Economy: "Economy, banks expected to perform poorly for years"


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WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Sunday - November 29. 4 PM. Lessons and Carols for Advent. The traditional festival of nine lessons and carols presented by the Grace Church Choir under the direction of organist and choirmaster Robert H. Gangewere, Jr. At Grace Episcopal Church, East Front Street and Cleveland Avenue. Parking in municipal lot across from church.
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Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thanksgiving.. Bernice: Mayor's cabinet's pay.. Olddoc: Taxpayers and Connolly's PMUA tab?.. Storch: How other towns handle budgets..



PLAINFIELD TODAY
LVA: "Packed house at launch of literacy students' magazine"
PMUA: "Utility mulls options in light of Connolly's 900M debt" -- Courier | Ledger |
Plainfield Symphony: "PSO to perform Holiday Pops family concert"
Plainfield PBA: "Police union distributes baskets to needy" -- A photo gallery.
Queen City Academy: "Kids embrace the game of chess" -- Photo gallery here.
Obituary: "Arnold Hamm, PHS '70, Stone Square Lodge" -- Viewing at Calvary Baptist, Friday, 6-9; Services Saturday, 9 AM.

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post): Bernice takes up the matter of the Mayor's cabinet's pay, and invites all to give thanks. Olddoc notes news that taxpayers may have to pick up Connolly's PMUA debt. Maria wishes all a Happy Thanksgiving. Bo on the 22nds, in light of Plainfield's budget mess, asks it voters don't feel cheated. Councilor Mapp wishes all a Happy Thanksgiving. Councilor Storch notes what some other towns are doing about the 'budget dilemma'. CBAC (budget advisory committee) invites your comments.

Also, three personal blogs by Plainfielders, each with a point of view: Rebecca Williams' Confessions of a Bathrobe Blogger, Renata Hernandez' PEPTalk: Revisited, and Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On.

Cranford Crossing: "Debate continues over what are proper tenants at troubled complex"
Schools Consolidation: "Proposal to consolidate 6 Somerset county districts is in limbo"

Sen. Bob Menendez: "Menendez' focus is 'jobs, not Dobbs'"
State Budget --
Taxes: "Poll: Voters support merging school districts, local governments to cut taxes"


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WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • Today - November 26. Thanksgiving Day.

  • Sunday - November 29. 4 PM. Lessons and Carols for Advent. The traditional festival of nine lessons and carols presented by the Grace Church Choir under the direction of organist and choirmaster Robert H. Gangewere, Jr. At Grace Episcopal Church, East Front Street and Cleveland Avenue. Parking in municipal lot across from church.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

Not getting your own CLIPS email daily? Click here to get started.