Where Plainfield turns for news.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Olddoc hopes Jerry will post his previous Schundler correspondence.. Maria: More questions on staff termination compensation..



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Obama Green Charter School: "Plainfield's newest charter to hold star-studded benefit dinner" -- Featuring music by George Clinton, Cornel West and Cory Booker as speakers.
Rock Musical: "M.PoWeR's production of Elton John's 'Aida' at YWCA this weekend"
Adult High School: "North Plainfield school faced with extinction" -- Serves Plainfield adults, too.
NJ Transit Fares: "Fare increases take effect Saturday"
PATH: "Most PATH riders use smartcard as modernization rolls on"

Budget Calendar Switch: "Perth Amboy switches to calendar year" -- One-time cash fix; long-term problem not solved.
J&J Fined: "J&J fined $81M for illegal promotion of drug"
Newark: "First black female Newark municipal judge dies" -- Golden Elizabeth Johnson.
School Budget Review: "Garwood forms committee to review budget" -- But joint meeting of Council, BOE will not be open to public. Is that legal?
Obituary: "Evelyn Cunningham, civil rights reporter covered the big stories" -- Called herself a 'liberal Republican'.

Gov. Christie: "Christie tells mayors to prepare for 2.5% cap on tax hikes"
Arts Day: "Arts advocates have low-keyed annual meeting in Trenton"
Campaign Finance: "Lautenberg pushes bill to toughen disclosure for corporate-funded ads"
Offshore Drilling: "Gulf oil spill should derail offshore drilling push" -- Editorial, Courier.
Parental Advice: "Middle school principal to parents: Kids are not ready for Facebook"
Perks: "Jersey City residents complaind about council members' free cars"
School Choice: "School choice advocates rally in Trenton" -- 40 of them.
Sen. Menendez: "Menendez working on major immigration bill"
Stimulus Money Job Scam?: "NJ comptroller questions $17M spent on youth jobs" -- Ledger | NJNewsrm |
Vote Fraud: "Seven voters face jail over fraud in Bergen County election" -- Were no longer residents when they voted; includes candidate's brother and a Paramus cop.

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post): Bernice updates the North Avenue demolition work's progress. Olddoc wants Jerry to publish any original communication with Commissioner Schundler on the Plainfield schools, plus other matters. Maria continues to probe staff termination compensation practices, and more.

PRIMARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN BLOGS
A contested Democratic primary for the Wards 2/3 seat this year has three candidates seeking the party line on the November ballot: incumbent Rashid Burney, New Democrat Rebecca Williams, and former Ward 3 councilor Don Davis. In addition, Jim Pivnichny is an uncontested candidate in the Republican primary. Their online presences are listed below--
  • DEMOCRATS
    • RASHID BURNEY (RDO): [coming May 1]
    • REBECCA WILLLIAMS (New Democrats): (BLOG) - (FACEBOOK)
  • REPUBLICAN
    • JIM PIVNICHNY: (BLOG)
You can only vote in the primary of the party in which you are registered (Democrat or Republican). Registered voters who have not declared a party affiliation may do so on Primary Day at their polling place and vote in the primary of their choice.
Don't miss these personal blogs by Plainfielders, each with a point of view: Rebecca Williams' Confessions of a Bathrobe Blogger; Renata Hernandez' PEPTalk: Revisited, her personal blog; Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On, has her Survivor: Heroes and Villains post up; and Dottie Gutenkauf's Dottie G Sez.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING


  • Today - April 30. 7 - 10 PM. 'Table Talk With POP' Fundraiser. POP, the People's Organization for Progress contributed greatly to the effort to save Muhlenberg Hospital -- incurring considerable expenses on behalf of the cause along the way, especially in appealing the closure decision. Now, Plainfielders have an opportunity to say 'Thank You' with this event for friends and supporters. Tickets: $12, donations accepted. At the Community Church of God, 417 West 6th Street (corner of New Street). For more information or to reserve tickets, call Steven Hatcher at (908) 731-1518 or Willa Cofield at (908) 753-0715.

  • Sunday - May 2. 1 - 4 PM. Gallery Talk: Contemporary Women Artists. New Jersey artist and educator (she teaches at du Cret) Joan Arbeiter presents an illustrated talk. The day marks the closing of two exhibitions, one of portraits of currently active women artists, and another of assemblages playfully tracing Arbeiter's coming of age in the 1940s and 50s. The Drake House is at 602 West Front Street, at the foot of Plainfield Avenue. Info: (908) 755-5831 or the Museum's website drakehousemuseum.tripod.com/.

  • Monday - May 3. 7:30 PM. City Council Agenda Session. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue. (Parking and entry at rear of building.) Agenda should be found online at www.plainfield.com/Agendas.htm. Public may speak at end of meeting.

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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Maria: No basis for Gallon aides' $80K severance payments?.. Olddoc: $250,000 Senior Center question needs answer..



PLAINFIELD TODAY:

Board of Ed --

(Photo: Star-Ledger)
School Lunches: "School meal programs on state's cutting board"
Union County College: "UCC names new president" -- Margaret McMenamin, currently at Brookdale College.
Jim Ventantonio: "Somerset business group names 'Outstanding Citizen'" -- Ventantonio represents Plainfield in the Muhlenberg closure appeal.
Verizon FiOS: "FiOS adds access to YouTube videos"

Cranford: "Boundaries of SID expanded during special meeting"
Linden: "Bribe betrays Bunk bailout" -- Political hijinks in Linden Dem primary.
Newark: "Firefighters train in simulated terrorist attack"
Roselle: "Candidates run on platform of stabilizing taxes, reducing waste" -- Taking on the county Dem machine.
Somerset County: "13 of 19 unions agree to wage freeze to avoid layoffs"
Vas Corruption Trial: "Vas trial postponed" -- Ledger | Courier |

Gov. Christie: "'My sights not set on White House,' says governor"
Alcotest: "Study questions results of tests used by NJ cops"
Dems: "NJ Dems criticize Christie policy capping nonprofit execs' pay"
Libraries: "Library cuts are far too extreme" -- Letter, Courier, Robert Kucharski, Bound Brook.
Roads: "Bad roads cost each NJ driver $596"
Schools: "Obama adviser points out NJ schools' success up to arrival of budget cuts"
NJ Supremes: "High court will hear recall case against Sen. Menendez" | "Christie stays out of fight"
Teachers Union: "NJEA sues challenging health benefit conrtibutions"
UMDNJ: "Rutgers, NJIT discuss dismantling of UMDNJ"

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post): Bernice posts the obit for Joseph Yates, owner of house that became an apartment building. Olddoc finds a $250,000 question by the Council needs an answer and issues a malware alert. Maria can find no basis for 'severance payment' Gallon aides received, invites others to double-check. Bo on the 22nd posts an editorial on healthcare reform.

PRIMARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN BLOGS
A contested Democratic primary for the Wards 2/3 seat this year has three candidates seeking the party line on the November ballot: incumbent Rashid Burney, New Democrat Rebecca Williams, and former Ward 3 councilor Don Davis. In addition, Jim Pivnichny is an uncontested candidate in the Republican primary. Their online presences are listed below--
  • DEMOCRATS
    • RASHID BURNEY (RDO): [coming May 1]
    • REBECCA WILLLIAMS (New Democrats): (BLOG) - (FACEBOOK)
  • REPUBLICAN
    • JIM PIVNICHNY: (BLOG)
You can only vote in the primary of the party in which you are registered (Democrat or Republican). Registered voters who have not declared a party affiliation may do so on Primary Day at their polling place and vote in the primary of their choice.
Don't miss these personal blogs by Plainfielders, each with a point of view: Rebecca Williams' Confessions of a Bathrobe Blogger; Renata Hernandez' PEPTalk: Revisited, her personal blog; Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On; and Dottie Gutenkauf's Dottie G Sez.

« Email Dan your tip or question. » | « Follow Dan on Twitter. »

WHAT'S HAPPENING


  • Friday - April 30. 7 - 10 PM. 'Table Talk With POP' Fundraiser. POP, the People's Organization for Progress contributed greatly to the effort to save Muhlenberg Hospital -- incurring considerable expenses on behalf of the cause along the way, especially in appealing the closure decision. Now, Plainfielders have an opportunity to say 'Thank You' with this event for friends and supporters. Tickets: $12, donations accepted. At the Community Church of God, 417 West 6th Street (corner of New Street). For more information or to reserve tickets, call Steven Hatcher at (908) 731-1518 or Willa Cofield at (908) 753-0715.

  • Sunday - May 2. 1 - 4 PM. Gallery Talk: Contemporary Women Artists. New Jersey artist and educator (she teaches at du Cret) Joan Arbeiter presents an illustrated talk. The day marks the closing of two exhibitions, one of portraits of currently active women artists, and another of assemblages playfully tracing Arbeiter's coming of age in the 1940s and 50s. The Drake House is at 602 West Front Street, at the foot of Plainfield Avenue. Info: (908) 755-5831 or the Museum's website drakehousemuseum.tripod.com/.

  • Monday - May 3. 7:30 PM. City Council Agenda Session. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue. (Parking and entry at rear of building.) Agenda should be found online at www.plainfield.com/Agendas.htm. Public may speak at end of meeting.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Maria: Public invited to new BOE's retreat?.. Renata gives up blogging.. Rebecca announces Library Park cleanup.. Bernice on outsourcing..



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
PHS Walkout: "Students walk out to protest Christie budget cuts"
School Budget: "Little time for towns to make changes to defeated budgets" -- 3 weeks from today.

Conflict of Interest: "Ethics complaint filed against OBMUA treasurer" -- Son works for agency's accountants.
Metuchen: "Route 27 bridge closing a nightmare for drivers, residents"
Newark: "Police director files defamation suit against 3 candidates" -- Dirty tricks mailings?
North Plainfield: "Odor leads to evacuation of East End School" -- They have an evacuation plan with an offsite location. Does Plainfield?
Shared Services: "Three Union County towns discuss merging 911s"
Trinitas Hospital: "Trinitas wants court to decide if hospitals can refuse life support"
Union County: "Citizens Forum, 4/22/2010" -- Video roundtable on Union County from CountyWatchers.

Christie: "Christie for president?" -- The Great Mentioner lives.
Christie v. Teachers --
Air Quality: "NJ still flunks for air pollution, despite improvements"
Auto Inspections: "Halt to vehicle inspections would end hassle for motorists"
Biometric Scanning in Schools: "Scanning fingertips in lunchroom challenged by parents"
Drinking Water: "DEP director refuses tougher standards for 'perchlorates' in water"
Merck: "Merck will close three NJ locations"
Unemployment Fund: "Lawmakers work to fix $1.7B deficit, avoid 52% tax hike for businesses"

Beer: "Allagash White: This week's beer is simply perfect" -- Mark Spivey's perfect job: drink beer and write about it (and other stuff).

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post): Bernice sleuths some (sly?) outsourcing moves and notes concerning the Yates House. Olddoc posts the state's regs concerning executive sessions by elected bodies and reasons allowed for same. Maria on the PHS students walkout (and Christie spokesman's statement), and asks whether public will be allowed at new BOE's retreat. Plainfield Sports News finds Harrisburg defeating Revolution. PPS News (Schools) has not had a post since April 1, whazzup with that?

PRIMARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN BLOGS
A contested Democratic primary for the Wards 2/3 seat this year has three candidates seeking the party line on the November ballot: incumbent Rashid Burney, New Democrat Rebecca Williams, and former Ward 3 councilor Don Davis. In addition, Jim Pivnichny is an uncontested candidate in the Republican primary. Their online presences are listed below--
  • DEMOCRATS
    • RASHID BURNEY (RDO): [coming May 1]
    • REBECCA WILLLIAMS (New Democrats): (BLOG) - (FACEBOOK)
  • REPUBLICAN
    • JIM PIVNICHNY: (BLOG)
You can only vote in the primary of the party in which you are registered (Democrat or Republican). Registered voters who have not declared a party affiliation may do so on Primary Day at their polling place and vote in the primary of their choice.
Don't miss these personal blogs by Plainfielders, each with a point of view: Rebecca Williams' Confessions of a Bathrobe Blogger, announces a Library Park cleanup for May 8; Renata Hernandez' PEPTalk: Revisited, is turning her blogging keyboard over to daughter Milani Anaise during her BOE term; Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On; and Dottie Gutenkauf's Dottie G Sez, mmm.

« Email Dan your tip or question. » | « Follow Dan on Twitter. »

WHAT'S HAPPENING


  • Today - April 28. 7:30 PM. Plainfield Shade Tree Commission. City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room. 515 Watchung Avenue (parking in lot at rear of building). Public invited.

  • Friday - April 30. 7 - 10 PM. 'Table Talk With POP' Fundraiser. POP, the People's Organization for Progress contributed greatly to the effort to save Muhlenberg Hospital -- incurring considerable expenses on behalf of the cause along the way, especially in appealing the closure decision. Now, Plainfielders have an opportunity to say 'Thank You' with this event for friends and supporters. Tickets: $12, donations accepted. At the Community Church of God, 417 West 6th Street (corner of New Street). For more information or to reserve tickets, call Steven Hatcher at (908) 731-1518 or Willa Cofield at (908) 753-0715.

  • Sunday - May 2. 1 - 4 PM. Gallery Talk: Contemporary Women Artists. New Jersey artist and educator (she teaches at du Cret) Joan Arbeiter presents an illustrated talk. The day marks the closing of two exhibitions, one of portraits of currently active women artists, and another of assemblages playfully tracing Arbeiter's coming of age in the 1940s and 50s. The Drake House is at 602 West Front Street, at the foot of Plainfield Avenue. Info: (908) 755-5831 or the Museum's website drakehousemuseum.tripod.com/.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

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

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Maria: BOE spent money on policy manual update, what's the progress?.. Jerry on Christie and Supremes.. Bernice: Official BOE results..



PLAINFIELD TODAY:
City Council Races: "Dems square off in Plainfield council primary"
Connolly: "Connolly faces federal probe" -- Door to financial investigation opened.
Rescue Squad: "Plainfield Rescue Squad launches intense fundraiser"
Route 22 Work: "Work progresses on Rt 22/Park Ave/Bonnie Burn project"
Schools --
Obituary: "Constance Carmen-Collins, 30-year Muhlenberg nurse"

Budget Failure: "DCA raises Trenton's tax rate 22% after Council fails to adopt budget"
Newark: "Group with ties to Booker allegedly violated pay-to-play restrictions"
North Plainfield: "Councilman's research on genocide has global reach" -- Wins publication in peer-reviewed scholarly journal.
Perth Amboy: "City gets $6M in stimulus funding for senior housing"
Solar Power Grids: "Middlesex County to study grids before stimulus funds run out"

Auto Inspections: "NJ studies end to inspections, limiting emissions testing" -- This would be a good thing?
Alternate HS Exams: "Low pass rates on NJ's alternate high school exams"
Legislature: "Schundler warns legislators of voter wrath after school budget defeat"


PowerPoint: "We have met the enemy and he is PowerPoint" -- How not to understand the Afghan war...'PowerPoint makes us stupid' says Gen. James Mattis. My sentiments exactly.

Plainfield observers (click on name to go to post): Bernice posts the official BOE election results, plus upcoming meetings. Olddoc has a potpourri -- the upcoming primary races, a inspiring letter by a friend's grandson to his school principal, and reminiscences of his patronage of the arts. Maria points out the money spent for a policy manual update, and wonders where it stands. Jerry poss a story from the Philly Inquirer on Christie and the NJ Supreme Court (post comments on Jerry's blog here). Plainfield Sports News finds SkyBlue FC in a road win.

PRIMARY ELECTION CAMPAIGN BLOGS
A contested Democratic primary for the Wards 2/3 seat this year has three candidates seeking the party line on the November ballot: incumbent Rashid Burney, New Democrat Rebecca Williams, and former Ward 3 councilor Don Davis. In addition, Jim Pivnichny is an uncontested candidate in the Republican primary. Their online presences are listed below--
  • DEMOCRATS
    • RASHID BURNEY (RDO): [coming May 1]
    • REBECCA WILLLIAMS (New Democrats): (BLOG) - (FACEBOOK)
  • REPUBLICAN
    • JIM PIVNICHNY: (BLOG)
You can only vote in the primary of the party in which you are registered (Democrat or Republican). Registered voters who have not declared a party affiliation may do so on Primary Day at their polling place and vote in the primary of their choice.
Don't miss these personal blogs by Plainfielders, each with a point of view: Rebecca Williams' Confessions of a Bathrobe Blogger; Renata Hernandez' PEPTalk: Revisited; Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On; and Dottie Gutenkauf's Dottie G Sez.

« Email Dan your tip or question. » | « Follow Dan on Twitter. »

WHAT'S HAPPENING


  • Today - April 27. 6:30 PM. Board of Ed: Special Meeting on Personnel, Legal matters. At the Board of Ed Administration Building (Jefferson School), 1200 Myrtle Avenue. The Board will meet in closed (executive) session; there may or may not be an announcement at the conclusion of the meeting. See agenda here (PDF).

  • Today - April 27. 6:30 - 9:30 PM. History Grant Workshop. Union County-based nonprofits involved in presenting history-related projects that teach or promote a better understanding of Union County or New Jersey history are invited to take part in the workshop. Staff will present an overview of the grants program and a step-by-step approach to preparing the budget and narrative. Applications and guidelines will be available. Grants run from 9/1/2010 to 8/31/2011 and are available in amounts up to $5,000 for Special Projects and $7,500 for General Operating Support. At the Union County Annex, 300 North Avenue East, Westfield. Info: (908) 436-2912 or email culturalinfo@ucnj.org. FREE, but please confirm attendance in advance to ensure sufficient handouts.

  • Today - April 27. 7:30 PM. Historic Preservation Commission. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue (parking in lot at rear of building). Public invited.

  • Tomorrow - April 28. 7:30 PM. Plainfield Shade Tree Commission. City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room. 515 Watchung Avenue (parking in lot at rear of building). Public invited.

  • Friday - April 30. 7 - 10 PM. 'Table Talk With POP' Fundraiser. POP, the People's Organization for Progress contributed greatly to the effort to save Muhlenberg Hospital -- incurring considerable expenses on behalf of the cause along the way, especially in appealing the closure decision. Now, Plainfielders have an opportunity to say 'Thank You' with this event for friends and supporters. Tickets: $12, donations accepted. At the Community Church of God, 417 West 6th Street (corner of New Street). For more information or to reserve tickets, call Steven Hatcher at (908) 731-1518 or Willa Cofield at (908) 753-0715.

  • Sunday - May 2. 1 - 4 PM. Gallery Talk: Contemporary Women Artists. New Jersey artist and educator (she teaches at du Cret) Joan Arbeiter presents an illustrated talk. The day marks the closing of two exhibitions, one of portraits of currently active women artists, and another of assemblages playfully tracing Arbeiter's coming of age in the 1940s and 50s. The Drake House is at 602 West Front Street, at the foot of Plainfield Avenue. Info: (908) 755-5831 or the Museum's website drakehousemuseum.tripod.com/.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

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