Archive for June, 2011

TRENTON – Despite massive protests by unions, the state Assembly passed a controversial bill to reduce future costs by changing the pension and health care benefits offered to public workers. The vote was 46-32, with 14 Democrats joining 28 Republicans to vote for passage. »

TRENTON – The full Assembly voted for a Democratic-sponsored measure that would void the contract recently negotiated by the Christie administration to give control of the state’s public broadcasting to a New York broadcaster while leaving taxpayers on the hook for remaining costs. »

NEWARK – The Cleveland Cavaliers made former St. Patrick High School star Kyrie Irving the first pick in last night’s NBA draft. »

ELIZABETH — A Newark man pleaded guilty to his role in the 2008 murder of a Jersey City man in Elizabeth, said Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow announced. Jose Rodriguez, 35, will be sentenced to 21 years in prison. Rodriguez was charged in connection with the shooting death of Maron Washington, 31, on the... »

ELIZABETH -- An Elizabeth man was found guilty of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend at knifepoint, said Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow announced. »

UNION COUNTY -- The county’s two public swimming pools will soon be open to help residents beat the summer heat. »

WOODBRIDGE – Asm. Craig J. Coughlin announced the second annual “Bowl for Hunger” charity event, in partnership with the Raritan Bay Medical Center Foundation and Middlesex Water Company, at a press event Wednesday. The July 19 fundraiser will aid the community’s 32 food banks and soup kitchens. »

WASHINGTON, D.C. —The Internal Revenue Service announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2011 on Thursday. »

CARTERET -- Carteret has awarded a $2.2 million capital improvement contract to Cruz Contracting to complete sanitary sewer line upgrades, Mayor Dan Reiman announced this week. »

TRENTON – One hundred inmates assigned to Department of Corrections work crews are helping the state’s Department of Transportation keep state highways clean as part of the Clean Up NJ campaign. »

ELIZABETH – At the National Healthy Schools Forum in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation awarded Bronze and Silver Awards to 17 Elizabeth Public Schools for transforming their schools into healthier places for students and team members. »

As a high school counselor, I have been to more than my fair share of graduations. Each one pretty much follows the same format. Yet, because each graduating class really does have a ‘personality,’ the student and teacher vibe at the ceremony can conjure up lots of emotion. »

WESTFIELD – The Raritan Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is planning an open house at the chapter on June 28 and 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will also be a “Dine Out” fundraiser on Thursday, June 30, at several participating restaurants. »

STATE -- As summer begins, the Department of Health and Senior Services reminds residents to have fun in the sun while taking steps to avoid sunburn and heat-related illness. »

METUCHEN – The Forum Theatre Arts Center in Metuchen will host a screening of “Jews and Baseball, An American Love Story,” on Sunday, June 26 at 5 p.m. »

PERTH AMBOY – The Middlesex County Cancer Coalition will offer a free skin cancer screening and education event on Saturday, June 25, from 1-4 p.m. at Caledonia/Roessler/Duarte Park on the corer of High Street and Sadowski Parkway in Perth Amboy. »

WEST ORANGE—The Saint Barnabas Health Care System is hosting two veterans health care job fairs on Tuesday, July 12 and Thursday, July 14. The events are exclusively for veterans. »

EDISON -- Temple Emanu-El, located at 100 James Street in Edison, has announced a slate of community events for July. Unless otherwise noted, all take place at the temple. For more information, call 1-732-549-4442. »

SUMMIT--The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will offer over 20 classes for adults this summer. There will be full courses in painting, digital photography and jewelry making, among other subjects. »

Right now, I’m in a quandary as to what I want to write about. First of all, I must admit I actually had to check the spelling of the word “quandary.” I’m an avid reader and do know the meaning of the word, but for the life of me I just drew a blank.... »