Where Plainfield turns for news.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Nat gives aid to Storch, ridicules Jerry in ShotSpotter debate.. Jerry rambles in.. Olddoc: Commenters shed light on Dems.. Maria: Park Ave peninsula a 'go'.. Bernice: Saturday concert's venue change..


Gunshot Detection Tech:  "Residents organize town hall to discuss gunfire-detection proposal"
H.E.R.I.T.A.G..E. Choir:  "Event organizers announce headliners, venue change" -- This Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM.
Historic Preservation:  "Plainfield moving forward with new historic designations"
Leonardo Murder:  "Lack of video footage a key hurdle in investigation"
Schools --
Stolen Car:  "Two charged in theft of stolen car" -- Incident that happened about time of Leonardo shooting.

Budgets:  "State flags Perth Amboy's intent to use sale of property to offset taxes" -- One-time gimmick.
Lawsuit Settlement:  "Madison BOE in settlement totalling $1.3M over employee lawsuit" -- Flushed into the open by OPRA request.
Middlesex Boro:  "Boro GOP, Dems assess council president's decision to bolt party"
Newark --
Environment:  "Worries Christie administration is rewriting rules without public input" -- From NJ Spotlight.
NJN:  "Lawmakers still unsure on NJN's fate after 11-hours of testimony"
Property Taxes:  "Asm Joe Cryan proposes bill to allow tax hikes over 2 percent cap"
Rutgers Suicide:  "RU freshman commits suicide after broadcast of sex encounter" -- Ledger | Courier | -- Secretly taped by fellow students; statement of RU president is here.
State Finances:  "Report: NJ among states in poorest fiscal health"

Beer Here:  "New Ledger column promises to tell readers what's swell and what's swill"
Obituary:  "Tony Curtis, from Dickensian Bronx childhood to Hollywood fame"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice notes venue change for the H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Choir Guinness challenge. Olddoc finds commenters shed light on Dem 'flavors', though Jerry's post raises more questions than answers. Maria puts the joy of word the Park Ave peninsula is getting under way next to her sadness over Plainfield politics. Councilor Storch has measured thoughts on the ShotSpotter technology. Jerry has a rambling post called '9/29 Thoughts'. Nat's Dumbed Down America, takes on Jerry, gives Storch aid and comfort on ShotSpotter, and Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On, has her Survivor: Nicaragua blog party post up.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING


  • CALL FOR ENTRIES (Deadline tomorrow, October 1). 5th ANNUAL LIBRARY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST. 'East Side, West Side, All Around the Town' is the theme for this year's Plainfield Public Library photography contest. Professional and amateur photographers of all ages are invited to enter up to five (5) photographs of contemporary images of Plainfield. Entries will make up an exhibit which will open in October with a reception and awards presentation. All entries become a part of the Library's extensive photographic record of Plainfield life. Entry forms are available at the Library or online at the Library website (here). The contest is jointly sponsored each year by the Library and the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library. Info: (908) 757-1111 x136.

  • Through October. During regular hours. Annual Library Book Sale. Book sale coordinator Mary Ellen Rogan announces the Plainfield Public Library's largest book sale ever -- with over 6,000 books on all subjects. In these times of severe budget pressures, proceeds of the sale will be more important than ever  in supporting Library programs -- including Children's Services, Adult Literacy and Local History. Open to the public at no charge. In the pool area on the lower level at the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street.

  • [NOTE LOCATION, HOURS CHANGE] Saturday - October 2. 9 AM - 6 PM. 10 AM - 4 PM. H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Choir Guinness Challenge Rally. Donovan Soumas' famed Gospel choir is trying to break two Guinness world records: largest Gospel choir and most persons signing song at same time. Billed as 'A Rally for Peace in our Communities', is sponsored by the City of Plainfield among other. Registration: $10. Flyer says 'no singing or signing experience necessary'. Location CHANGED to City Hall Plaza from Cedar Brook Park. Rain or shine.

  • Saturday - October 2. 10 AM - 3 PM. Fire Prevention Fair. The Plainfield Fire Division's annual fire prevention and education event, with games and giveaways. At the North Avenue Plaza, between Watchung Avenue and Gavett Place. Info: (908) 753-3448. FREE.

  • Saturday - October 2. 1 - 4 PM. Cathedral International's Fall Fest. Music, dance, food and fun -- including special guests, storytelling, games and vendors. At MLK Plaza at the YWCA, East Front and Church Streets. Info: (732) 826-5293 x1900. FREE.

  • Sunday - October 3. 1:30 PM. FOSH Celebration of Animals. One of Plainfield pet lovers' favorite events, featuring treats and blessings for all kinds of pets from local religious and spiritual traditions, plus coffee and cake for the pets' human friends. Sponsored by Friends of Sleepy Hollow. At Leland Avenue Park, adjacent to Cook School. FREE.

  • Sunday - October 3. 2 - 4 PM. Exhibit: Plainfield is Hot! Plainfield Fire Division History & Heroes. Opening of a new exhibit with photos, artifacts and a video on Plainfield's dedicated 'always ready' firefighters. Special treat: Visit of a restored 1923 American-LaFrance fire engine owned by a Plainfield resident. Exhibit runs Sundays through Nov. 30. At the Drake House, East Front Street and Plainfield Avenue. Info: (908) 755-5831.

  • Sunday - October 3.  4 PM. Town Hall Meeting on ShotSpotter Technology Proposal. Led by residents of the West End Heights neighborhood, this is a community-wide town hall meeting to present questions and concerns about the Administration's proposal to bond for a gunshot-spotting technology. Residents have been concerned that not enough information has been made available and have questions about the purpose, cost-effectiveness and impact of the proposal on Plainfield's neighborhoods. Council members and the Mayor have been invited. At Clinton School, West 4th Street and Clinton Avenue (parking off Clinton Avenue).

  • CALENDAR DOWN TEMPORARILY. My main computer crashed, am working on backup machine. Guess where the calendar is? Guess who forgot to back it up? Am rebuilding. You can email me items at dandamon at comcast dot net. Thanks. -- Dan.
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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Bernice & Maria on Leonardo murder.. Maria: ShotSpotter town hall flyer.. Bernice: HPC outreach to precede any new HDs.. Bernice & Olddoc shoutout to Spivey..


Murder --
North Plainfield:  "Pair charged in armed robbery at Regency Village"
Public Records:  "Legislators' goal: More secretive government" -- Editorial, Courier.
School Hirings:  "Board bans hiring of employees' relatives"
Union County:  "Suit filed against county for spokesman's e-mail correspondence"
UMDNJ:  "Christie names Dr. Kevin Barry chairman of UMDNJ"

Gov. Christie:  "Christie targets teacher tenure during speech" -- Ledger | Courier | NJSpotlight | PolNJ |
Census Report:  "Report: NJ property taxes rose, income fell" -- Confirming your suspicions.
Congress:  "Bill hopes to revive theft-of-honest-services law clipped by Supreme Court"
Corruption:  "Vas' lawyers call no witnesses in corruption trial"
High School Sports:  "NJSIAA 'abuse' detailed in state report"
NJ Turnpike:  "Turnpike to receive up to $2B in stimulus bonds"

Spivey on Beer:  "Oktoberfest Overdrive"

RECENT POSTS: Berniceon the murder of Isidro Leonardo, notes HPC will do outreach before designating new HDs, gives a shoutout to Spivey on birdwatching. Olddoc also gives a shoutout to Spivey and ponders if ancient Israelites drank beer. Maria reacts to the Leonardo murder, posts ShotSpotter Town Hall flyer.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING


  • CALL FOR ENTRIES (Deadline tomorrow, October 1). 5th ANNUAL LIBRARY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST. 'East Side, West Side, All Around the Town' is the theme for this year's Plainfield Public Library photography contest. Professional and amateur photographers of all ages are invited to enter up to five (5) photographs of contemporary images of Plainfield. Entries will make up an exhibit which will open in October with a reception and awards presentation. All entries become a part of the Library's extensive photographic record of Plainfield life. Entry forms are available at the Library or online at the Library website (here). The contest is jointly sponsored each year by the Library and the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library. Info: (908) 757-1111 x136.

  • Through October. During regular hours. Annual Library Book Sale. Book sale coordinator Mary Ellen Rogan announces the Plainfield Public Library's largest book sale ever -- with over 6,000 books on all subjects. In these times of severe budget pressures, proceeds of the sale will be more important than ever  in supporting Library programs -- including Children's Services, Adult Literacy and Local History. Open to the public at no charge. In the pool area on the lower level at the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street.

  • [NOTE LOCATION CHANGE] Saturday - October 2. 9 AM - 6 PM. H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Choir Guinness Challenge Rally. Donovan Soumas' famed Gospel choir is trying to break two Guinness world records: largest Gospel choir and most persons signing song at same time. Billed as 'A Rally for Peace in our Communities', is sponsored by the City of Plainfield among other. Registration: $10. Flyer says 'no singing or signing experience necessary'. Location CHANGED to City Hall Plaza from Cedar Brook Park. Rain or shine.

  • CALENDAR DOWN TEMPORARILY. My main computer crashed, am working on backup machine. Guess where the calendar is? Guess who forgot to back it up? Will rebuild ASAP. You can email me items at dandamon at comcast dot net. Thanks. -- Dan.
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Olddoc: Persistent audit findings unaddressed by Council.. Bernice: Could new historic districts bring new prestige?.. Renata reminds all H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Choir Guinness challenge is four days away (at new location)..


Drake House:  "Plainfield's Drake House hosts exhibit on Fire Division history"
Drugs:  "Plainfield drug bust yields 3 arrests, 27 charges"
Murder:  "Plainfield DJ charged in fatal shooting at party" -- Courier | Ledger |
Spivey Blog:  "Birdwatching in Green Brook Park"

'The Amazing Race', Union County contestants: "Cranford: Jonathan Schwartz" | "Rahway: Katie Seamon"
Fresh Direct:  "Online grocer to add 29 towns in Essex, Union counties" -- Hmmm.....
Newark:  "More than 2,000 employees may get layoff notices"
Shared Services:  "Fanwood sees savings by sending emergency dispatch to county"
Union County --
Gov. Christie --
Corruption --
DEP:   "No agreement on DEP's new Office of Dispute Resolution" -- NJ Spotlight.
Hudson River Tunnel:  "Lautenberg says Christie refuses to let NJT, US meet on tunnel"
Legislature:  "Committee approves bill allowing towns to wait 10 years to update development plans"
NJN:  "Poll: 58% want aid for public TV in NJ"
Property Taxes:  "Legislature looks at ways to cut property taxes"

Coyotes:  "Mysteries that howl and hunt" -- What is a coyote, anyway?
Education:  "4,100 students prove 'small is better' rule wrong"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice asks if new historic districts could bring new prestige. Olddoc posts some thoughts on reader comments, including persistent audit findings unaddressed by City Council. Maria has requested a discussion by Council, mayor on CFO status. At Renata's new blog Standing In The Gap, a reminder the H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Choir Guinness challenge is four days away.

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WHAT'S HAPPENING


  • Today - September 28. 7:30 PM. Historic Preservation Commission. Discussion will include proposed new historic district(s) -- see Plainfield Today story here, and Courier story here.

  • CALL FOR ENTRIES (Deadline October 1). 5th ANNUAL LIBRARY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST. 'East Side, West Side, All Around the Town' is the theme for this year's Plainfield Public Library photography contest. Professional and amateur photographers of all ages are invited to enter up to five (5) photographs of contemporary images of Plainfield. Entries will make up an exhibit which will open in October with a reception and awards presentation. All entries become a part of the Library's extensive photographic record of Plainfield life. Entry forms are available at the Library or online at the Library website (here). The contest is jointly sponsored each year by the Library and the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library. Info: (908) 757-1111 x136.

  • Through September. During regular hours. Annual Library Book Sale. Book sale coordinator Mary Ellen Rogan announces the Plainfield Public Library's largest book sale ever -- with over 6,000 books on all subjects. In these times of severe budget pressures, proceeds of the sale will be more important than ever  in supporting Library programs -- including Children's Services, Adult Literacy and Local History. Open to the public at no charge. In the pool area on the lower level at the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street.

  • [NOTE LOCATION CHANGE] Saturday - October 2. 9 AM - 6 PM. H.E.R.I.T.A.G.E. Choir Guinness Challenge Rally. Donovan Soumas' famed Gospel choir is trying to break two Guinness world records: largest Gospel choir and most persons signing song at same time. Billed as 'A Rally for Peace in our Communities', is sponsored by the City of Plainfield among other. Registration: $10. Flyer says 'no singing or signing experience necessary'. Location CHANGED to City Hall Plaza from Cedar Brook Park. Rain or shine.

  • CALENDAR DOWN TEMPORARILY. My main computer crashed, am working on backup machine. Guess where the calendar is? Guess who forgot to back it up? Will rebuild ASAP. You can email me items at dandamon at comcast dot net. Thanks. -- Dan.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

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Monday, September 27, 2010

Storch on ShotSpotter proposal.. Dr. E=MC² challenges Cathedral International's Bishop Hilliard.. Bernice: Issues with Cretella's PNC Bank proposal.. Maria wants CFO status update.. Olddoc reports from/on Oz..


PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Historic Districts:  "Plainfield outlines proposed historic districts" -- See maps here.
Courier 'microsites':  "Plainfield, Somerville-Branchburg 'microsites' launched" -- Courier link has been provided, includes links to new sites. View the Plainfield microsite, for which Mark Spivey is the editor, here.
Murder:  "Facebook dispute sparked Plainfield DJ's fatal shooting of teen at party"

Newark Schools Grant --

Legislature:  "NJ Senator pushes law allowing residents to carry handguns"
Politics:  "Middlesex County Dems use count resources to make political ad"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice notes problems with Cretella proposal for PNC bank development. Olddoc reports on issues facing OZ (us). Maria asks the Council and Mayor to publicly update the CFO status. Councilor Storch weighs in on the ShotSpotter proposals pros and cons. Plainfield Sports News follow QCBL 10U and 12U in fall playoffs; notes Wolves lose on late touchdown. BOE member Renata Hernandez blogs anew at new blog Standing In The Gap, several posts on Booker's $100M grant plus a quote from MLK. Dr. E=MC², issues a challenge to Cathedral International's Bishop Donald Hilliard. Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On, has her weekend pix (which I missed) and TAR's season premiere blog party.


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WHAT'S HAPPENING



  • CALENDAR DOWN TEMPORARILY. My main computer crashed, am working on backup machine. Guess where the calendar is? Guess who forgot to back it up? Will rebuild ASAP. You can email me items at dandamon at comcast dot net. Thanks. -- Dan.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

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

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Maria: What makes a CFO?.. Olddoc: Contact info for a forensic audit.. Bernice on bikes, biking and development.. PSN: Cardinals get first win; Boys Soccer in draw with SPFHS..


PLAINFIELD TODAY:
  • "Sign Justice"
Joe Black Ballfield:  "Plainfield ballfield named for native son, major leaguer" -- Online photo gallery here.
Murder:  "Plainfield DJ charged with murder after shooting at party" -- Courier | Ledger |
Jail Escape:  "Nothing funny about this police blunder" -- Column by Jay Jefferson Cooke.
Historic Photo:  "The Marsh Mansion, West 8th Street" -- Site of last night's Symphony party.

Berkeley Heights:  "Sewer, public works workers agree to pay freeze"
Roselle:  "Government looks like bad reality TV in Roselle" -- Nominated by Kevin Manahan as one of NJ's 'worst-run towns'.
Newark Schools Grant --

The Auditor:  "Christie's praise may not be what Sen. Sweeney needs"
Nonpartisan Elections:  "Municipalities consider cost-cutting move to November elections"
Real Estate:  "As NJ sales slump, rentals on increase"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice on bikes and development, is looking for bike stories. Olddoc provides contact infro for those interested in a forensic audit of the City. Maria asks: What makes a CFO? Plainfield Sports News PHS Boys Soccer plays Scotch Plains to a draw, Cardinals get first win over Somerville.


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WHAT'S HAPPENING



  • CALENDAR DOWN TEMPORARILY. My main computer crashed, am working on backup machine. Guess where the calendar is? Guess who forgot to back it up? Will rebuild ASAP. You can email me items at dandamon at comcast dot net. Thanks. -- Dan.
Got an event to publicize? Click here and send me the details.

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

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Maria: How much do legal services cost Plainfield?.. McWilliams: P-PAL looking for mentees for Youth Exposure program..


PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Faith Bricks & Mortar:  "Plainfield marks start of 4th Ward rehab project"
Plainfield Symphony:  "Jamie Bernstein talks about 20th-century music tonight" -- With orchestral illustrations.
Pension Payments:  "Central Jersey towns react to pension jump" -- Plainfield's payment will jump to $7.26M.
M&E Railway:  "DOT worker, accomplice accused of scamming state out of $700K" -- NJNewsrm | Ledger | -- Three cheers for GF!
Railway Museum:  "NJ's nearly 200-year rail history to be gathered for museum" -- Touching a real Plainfield nerve!
Traffic Alert:  "Route 28 to be resurfaced, Westfield to Cranford"

Charity Event:  "Woodbridge brew put gives back through annual beer festival" -- Charity event is today.
Corruption:  "Clerk testifies against ex-Perth Amboy mayor Vas in corruption case"
Hudson Tunnel Project:  "Dem Assemblyman: Did DOT commissioner violate ethics in tunnel project?"
Newark --

Rutgers:  "Students protest out-of-state tuition for undocumented students"
Seton Hall:  "Athletic Director Joe Quinlan stepping down"
Xanadu Project:  "Feds subpoena NJ Senate Dems for Xanadu documents"

RECENT POSTS: Maria wonders how much legal services cost the city, and shows how OPRA can answer the question. Councilor McWilliams publicizes P-PAL's call for mentees for its Youth Exposure program. Jackie Schnoop's The (TV) Show Must Go On, looks at the new teams for TAR, expect her weekend pix later today.


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

WHAT'S HAPPENING



  • CALL FOR ENTRIES (Deadline October 1). 5th ANNUAL LIBRARY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST. 'East Side, West Side, All Around the Town' is the theme for this year's Plainfield Public Library photography contest. Professional and amateur photographers of all ages are invited to enter up to five (5) photographs of contemporary images of Plainfield. Entries will make up an exhibit which will open in October with a reception and awards presentation. All entries become a part of the Library's extensive photographic record of Plainfield life. Entry forms are available at the Library or online at the Library website (here). The contest is jointly sponsored each year by the Library and the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library. Info: (908) 757-1111 x136.

  • Through September. During regular hours. Annual Library Book Sale. Book sale coordinator Mary Ellen Rogan announces the Plainfield Public Library's largest book sale ever -- with over 6,000 books on all subjects. In these times of severe budget pressures, proceeds of the sale will be more important than ever  in supporting Library programs -- including Children's Services, Adult Literacy and Local History. Open to the public at no charge. In the pool area on the lower level at the Plainfield Public Library, Park Avenue and 8th Street.

  • Today - September 25. 9 AM - 1 PM. Annual Fall Fishing Derby. The annual fishing event, with a prize for Biggest Fish. The Lake will be stocked with Channel Catfish and Small Mouth Bass. Sponsored by the Division of Recreation. At Cedar Brook Park Lake. Info: (908) 753-3097. RAIN DATE: October 2.

  • Today - September 25. 9 AM. Plainfield Y-to-Y Bike Ride. This motorcycle fun ride sponsored by the Plainfield YMCA will help send local kids to summer camp. The ride departs the Plainfield Y for YMCA Camp Mason in Hardwick, where participants will share a (provided) lunch. Registration: $25/biker, $15/passenger. Proceeds benefit the Plainfield YMCA Summer Day Camp scholarships. Info: (908) 756-6060 or email pnelson@plainfieldy.org. RAIN DATE: October 9.s

  • Today - September 25. 10 AM. Dedication of Joe Black Baseball Field at Hub Stine. Join with Board of Ed, city officials and members of Joe Black's family for the dedication of the baseball field at the Hub Stine complex in memory of Black, the first African American to pitch in a World Series game. At the Hub Stine Complex, Randolph Road, across from Muhlenberg. More info on the District's website here. FREE.

  • Today - September 25. 7 PM. Plainfield Symphony 91st Season Kickoff: Master Class with Jamie Bernstein. This is going to be a real treat -- Lenny Bernstein's daughter Jamie will lead this interactive lecture/performance looking at how three American composers borrowed (and stole?) from others both to pay homage to them and to show off their own uniqueness. Composers Lenny Bernstein, Aaron Copland and Charles Ives are the subjects. Don't miss this unique opportunity. Tickets: $45 reserved seating, $25 general admission. Info: (908) 561-5140 or  www.plainfieldsymphony.org/ (tickets can be purchased online). At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue (parking in lot on First Place or at Swain Galleries).

    Martinis & More, Symphony After-Party. Attendees are invited at 9:00 PM to the after-party at the home of Craig Bowman and John Stewart, where Jamie Bernstein will be a special guest. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and desserts. $50/person, payable at the door. At 308 West 8th Street (parking at Higgins Home for Funerals, 8th & Madison).
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