Where Plainfield turns for news.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Bernice: Are ethics the 2010 issue?.. Olddoc: Plainfield's foreboding future.. Maria: A little 'satisfaction' for the Holidays..



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
(STORM): "Major snow storm could break 100-year record"
Chief Santiago: "Appeals court upholds dismissal of Chief's suit against City"
Girls Basketball: "Plainfield bests Scotch Plains, 42-35"
Speed Humps: "Police propose policy on speed humps, they should be last resort" -- Millburn.

Corruption: "Ridgefield mayor and another indicted in corruption sting"
Foreclosure Assistance: "How Buster Soaries' program works" -- Plainfield is a target city.
Gay Marriage: "Senate Republicans suggest strengthening civil union law"
South Plainfield: "BOE agrees to principals' raises"
State Police: "Questions of whether 911 hoax caused troopers to stop NYC teens"
State Revenues: "Monthly revenue hits budget expectations" -- Not out of woods yet, tho.
Witness Intimidation: "AG Milgram says Dems gut intimidation law"

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post): Bernice ponders whether ethics are THE 2010 issue. Olddoc looks into Plainfield's foreboding future...enlivened by a little snow. Maria suggests dealing with the gloom with a little 'satisfaction', courtesy of the RS. Piv grades Wenson-Maier's 2009 performance, characterized as 'Jennifer in Wonderland'. Councilor Burney lists three areas for budget focus. Councilor Mapp lists point-by-point steps to cut the budget. Councilor Storch outlines what some other towns are doing about budget dilemmas. CBAC (budget advisory committee) looks for your questions and/or comments -- citizens are chiming in, check it out and add your voice. Plainfield Sports News finds Cardinals winning their opener, Johnson leading Plainfield over Scotch Plains.

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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HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITIES: GIVING & GETTING

  • (OPPORTUNITY EXTENDED) DQ Drive for Daybreak Kids: Dairy Queen's Donna Albanese is spearheading a drive for 329 children of incarcerated parents. For its holiday party, Plainfield's Daybreak Community Center needs new or gently used toys, sports gear, clothing, shoes, books and bikes. Items may be dropped off at the Dairy Queen (1367 South Avenue) before 3 PM, Sunday, December 20. Donna reports the #1 request from kids is for bikes. Bike donations may be dropped off at her house no later than Sunday (8 Pitching Way, Scotch Plains, leave in drive if no one home), where her husband will make necessary repairs and deliver them. Those wishing to bake for the party should call Donna for dropoff information (the party for the kids is Monday, December 21, at Rose of Sharon Church, 825 West 7th Street, 6 - 9 PM). Info: (908) 755-5994.

  • Food Donations Needed: Consider donating to your 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/.

  • Today through Thursday - December 24. Together AsOne Adopt-a-Family Holiday Celebration. This network of Black Entrepreneurs Who Care has adopted two families from Plainfield Action Services, for whom they are gathering gifts to make a very special Christmas. Gifts or donations via PayPal are needed. For full details, check AsOne's website here. Info: (908) 755-8220 or email staff@asoneonline.com.

  • Today and tomorrow. All Day. BORDERS Gift Wrap Benefiting Plainfield Area Humane Society. Shop at Borders in Watchung Square Mall and have your book or other item gift-wrapped by volunteers from PAHS. Proceeds benefit the Rock Avenue facility.

  • (CANCELLED DUE TO STORM) Today - December 19. 7 PM. New Dems Holiday Potluck and Canned Food Drive. Mix and mingle with new friends and old and celebrate the winter holiday season! Bring a dish to share and one or two nonperishable food items for donation to Plainfield's local feeding programs. Food, fun, music -- maybe even carolling. At the home of Adrian and Amelia Mapp, 535 West 8th Street.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

  • (NOTE DOUBLE MEETING) Monday - December 21. 7:30 and 8 PM. City Council Agenda Session and Public Hearing on FY2010 Budget. The agenda session will set the January 1, 2010, reorganization meeting. Public may speak at end of the agenda session meeting. At 8 PM, the Council will conduct a Public Hearing on the FY2010 introduced budget, at which the public may speak. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue. (Parking and entry at rear of building.)

  • Tuesday - December 22 - (Final day for ticket purchase). NJ Nets Basketball Trip (Saturday - January 2). The Plainfield Youth Basketball Program hosts its annual Nets trip. See LeBron and Shaq and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Last day to purchase tickets: December 22. Bus departs PHS Kenyon Avenue lot at 11:30 AM sharp (game time: 1 PM). Tickets: $25/person, includes bus and ticket to game. Info: Lenny Cathcart, (908) 305-0668.

  • Thursday - December 24. Starting at Dusk and through the evening. Netherwood Heights Luminary Display. Residents of Netherwood Heights offer their annual luminaries display for the delight of the community. Glowing from candles within, the luminaries will grace homes and sidewalks on Berkeley Avenue, Ravine Road, Dixie Lane and Denmark Road. Start tour from East 7th and Belvidere or Leland and Berkeley. For more information, go to netherwoodheights.com/.

  • Thursday - December 24. 6:30 PM. Community Candlelight Peace Vigil. Peace activists and supporters from Plainfield and surrounding communities will gather for a witness to peace, with candles, signs and carols. On West 7th Street in front of the United Church of Christ, Congregational. West 7th Street and Madison Avenue (parking in Madison Avenue lot and on the street).
  • Thursday - December 24. 7 PM. A Service of Lessons and Carols. At United Church of Christ, Congregational. West 7th Street and Madison Avenue (parking in Madison Avenue lot and on the street).

  • Saturday - December 26. 1 - 5 PM. Community Kwanzaa Celebration. This celebration of family, community and culture will feature drumming, storytelling, poetry, an Afrikan market place and a Kwanzaa lighting ceremony. Includes a 'Karamu' catered Afrikan American Feast. Sponsored by Mayor Robinson-Briggs and the Division of Recreation. Info: (908) 753-3097. FREE.
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