Where Plainfield turns for news.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Bernice suggests changes for next Superintendent search; Review downtown business changes.. Maria: End of Gallon era; National PTA on school-parent communications; Commentary on PISA testing..


PLAINFIELD TODAY:
Schools:  "Embattled Gallon's term comes to an end"
Kwanzaa:  "Plainfield invites residents to Kwanzaa 2010"
Traffic Alert:  "New ramp linking I-78 and Parkway opens"
YMCA:  "Plainfield YMCA's basketball court receives makeover"

Kenilworth:  "Master plan calls for retro 1950s look to borough"
Newark:  "Murals by youths help revitalize, celebrate city"

Affordable Housing:  "Affordable housing reform heats up"
A&P:  "Shares of A&P plunge on reports of pending bankruptcy"
Christie Nominees:  "Backlog of Christie nominees await confirmation"
Congressional Earmarks:  "NJ worried about GOP ban on earmarks"
Hudson Rail Tunnel:  "Feds: Christie knew he would have to repay money"
Laid Off Rookie Cops:  "Christie signs bill easing transition to new police jobs"
Medical Marijuana:  "Senate Dems hope to force Christie to loosen rules"
State Debt:  "NJ indebtedness rose 4% in 2010"
NJ Supreme Court:  "Justice, Sweeney feud over constitutionality of temporary judge"
Teacher Tenure:  "Christie, Senate panel agree on need of tenure reform"

RECENT POSTS: Bernice reviews the Gallon saga and suggests some lessons learned for next go-round, plus a review of downtown business changes. Olddoc takes a weekend break for a visit with family. Maria on the end of the Gallon era, the National PTA on school-parent communications, and commentary on PISA testing.


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WHAT'S HAPPENING



  • HOLIDAY GIVING OPPORTUNITIES --
    • CHILDREN'S BOOKS: The Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority is collecting new or gently used children's books. The books will given out at a holiday party hosted by Daybreak Community Development Corporation. Your gift will make a child's holiday a little brighter -- and help support the PMUA's mission to recycle. Books may be left in the lobby of the PMUA offices at 127 Roosevelt Avenue (corner of East 2nd Street) between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday until December 17th. For more info, see here.

    • WINTER COATS: New or clean, gently used winter coats for children, teens and young adults are needed. You might check with your dry cleaner to see if they have unclaimed coats they are disposing of. Articles may be dropped off at the Dairy Queen, 1367 South Avenue Sundays before 1:00 PM through Friday, December 17th. For more info, see here.

  • Today - December 11. 10 AM - 3 PM. Gifted: A Holiday Bazaar. Featuring holiday crafts, small gifts, jewelry and homemade baked goods. Sponsored by the New  Covenant Christian Academy (proceeds will benefit the Academy). At First-Park Baptist Church Hall, Central Avenue at West 7th Street. Entry off the parking lot on Central Avenue.

  • Today - December 11. Noon - 3 PM. 6th Annual Horse and Wagon Rides. Bring the kids out for this ever-popular holiday event, sponsored by Plainfield merchants. Two staging areas: Downtown, West Front near McDonald's, and South Avenue, at Plainwood Square Park. Goody bags for all riders, compliments of the merchants. Santa will be available for photo opportunities with the kids (bring your own camera): Downtown, Noon to 1:15 PM, and South Avenue, 1:45 to 3:00 PM. Drawing for a giant toy-filled  Christmas Stocking at 3:30 PM at Plainwood Square Park (entry forms will be available at both staging locations). Sponsored by the Pllainfield SID. FREE.

  • Today - December 11. 1 - 3 PM. Christmas In The Park Toy Giveaway. Free toys, clothing, food, fun and hot chocolate. Sponsored by Cathedral International of Plainfield. All are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Unwrapped toys. First come, first served. At Hannah Atkins Park, West 3rd Street and Plainfield Avenue.

  • [NEW LISTING] Today - December 11. 6 PM. Church-n-The Hood: Lady Jam Speaks!. A special holiday evening of music, food, and inspiration for our youth, young adults and the young at heart. Rev. LaDana Clark (Lady Jam) will be joined by special guests and talented friends from New Jersey, New York and Delaware. The first 50 attendees 17 and older will receive a free copy of Lady Jam's new CD 'Bullies: Beware!' from the 'Stop the Hate & Start the Healing' campaign. Donation: $10/person, $5/under 12. At United Church of Christ-Congregational, 220 West 7th Street.

  • Tomorrow - December 12. 3:30 PM. Go Change The World: A Holiday Celebration in Dance, Song and Theatre. Shiloh Baptist Church Liturgical Dance Ministries presents an unforgettable Christmas celebration, with a guest appearance by Work of Art Dance Theatre. At Shiloh Baptist Church, 515 West 4th Street. Reservations are strongly suggested. Call Sharon (732) 247-6201, Cynthia (609) 529-3778 or the church office at (908) 754-3353. No charge, but a free will offering will be taken.

  • Tomorrow - December 12. 5:30 PM. Concert: Yuletide By Candlelight. The Crescent Singers present their annual gift of holiday music of all ages to the community. At Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue. (Parking in church lot, on street, or in Swain Galleries lot). FREE.

  • Monday - December 13. 7:30 PM. City Council Agenda Session. Public may speak at end of meeting. City Hall Library. 515 Watchung Avenue. Parking and entry at rear of building.

  • Tuesday - December 14. 7:30 PM. Historic Preservation Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited. Parking and entry at rear of building.

  • Wednesday - December 15. 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Red Cross Holiday Happy Hour. Holiday opportunity to meet with Red Cross staff, donors, volunteers and supporters for a friendly drink and some complimentary holiday hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Frank Pascale of Cafe Vivace. Cash bar. Please RSVP here so they can be sure to have enough on hand. At Cafe Vivace, 1370 South Avenue (parking in rear).

  • [DATE CHANGE] Wednesday - December 15. 7:30 PM. Plainfield Shade Tree Commission. City Hall Library. Public invited. Parking and entry at rear of building.

  • Thursday - December 16. 8 PM. Planning Board. City Hall Library. Public invited. Parking and entry at rear of building.

  • Monday - December 20. 8 PM. City Council Business Meeting. City Council Chambers/Courthouse. Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street. Public may speak on agenda items at beginning of meeting, on any item at end of meeting.

  • Wednesday - December 22. 7 PM. 8th Annual Candle Lighting Service. Harvest Family Covenant Partnership Ministry hosts its 8th annual candle lighting service, followed by a light supper. The ministry is a nonprofit comprised of area ministry and business leaders, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all people. At King's Temple Word & Worship Center, 1020 West 7th Street. Info: Sarah or Brenda, (908) 822-1515 or visit www.enjoyharvest.com/.

  • Thursday - December 23. 7 PM. Cable TV Advisory Board. City Hall Library. Public invited. Parking and entry at rear of building.

  • Saturday - December 25. Noon - 3 PM. Annual Community Christmas Dinner.  The First Unitarian Society of Plainfield continues its honored holiday tradition of a free home-cooked Christmas dinner for the hungry and lonely of the Plainfield community. (Note: They are accepting donations of new or clean gently used winter hats, scarves or gloves to be given away to the dinner guests.) Info: Cass at (732) 574-0059. At First Unitarian Society of Plainfield, 724 Park Avenue. (Parking in city lot across from church.)

  • Tuesday - December 28. 6 PM. PMUA: Rate Hike Hearing. The Plainfield Municipal Utilities Authority will consider a 61% rate hike for the 'shared services' portion of its services. At PMUA Headquarters, 127 Roosevelt Avenue (corner of East 2nd Street).

  • Thursday - December 30. 3 - 7 PM. Kwanzaa Celebration. At Washington Community School, 427 Darrow Avenue (parking in Spooner Avenue lot).
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