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Monday, September 26, 2011

Plainfield Weekend: Blackberry's.. new Children's Room.. Street Fair..


Library Board President Anne Robinson, Freeholder Linda Carter and resident
Martin Cox at the opening of the Plainfield Public Library's new Children's Library.
A rainy weekend didn't mean nothing was happening in the Plainfield area. Here are some of the events I checked out, along with some photos.

BLACKBERRY'S



Though its was rainy and blustery outside for Blackberry's premiere party,
inside the crowds were warm and dry and enjoying the show.
Blackberry's restaurant's makeover was the season premiere of Gordon Ramsay's Fox TV show Kitchen Nightmares. The program debuted Friday at 8:00 PM, and was watched by an eager crowd that packed the restaurant for a $35/person buffet of Shelly and Mary Withers' specialties. Though the room was darkened (as you can see from my snaps), I was able to see many old friends, catching up during the long breaks from the program for commercials.

You can watch the show whenever you wish on your computer (see the show's home page here), after it unlocks 8 days after the showing -- meaning this Saturday; and check out Blackberry's own website (here).

Congratulations and best of luck to Plainfield's homegrown TV stars!
THE LIBRARY'S NEW CHILDREN'S ROOM






As predicted, children (of all ages) thronged the public opening of the Plainfield Public Library's new Children's Library room on Saturday morning.

Kids were literally crawling all over the new room -- checking out the computers, watching DVDs in the new media corner, curling up in the tent set aside for middle schoolers, reading books and assembling giant jigsaw puzzles on the floor.

This is a wonderful addition to the Plainfield Public Library which, with upwards of 15,000 patrons, serves more Plainfield residents than any other agency, making it truly a gem in the crown of The Queen City. Check out the Library's services and happenings on its website (here).

Congratulations to Director Joe Da Rold, Board President Anne Robinson and all the Board, staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make it a success.

Bravo bravissimo!

OPEN GOVERNMENT ADVOCATES AT STREET FAIR


NJFOG volunteers worked the crowds at Dunellen's annual street fair.

Flag suspended in air called attention to the Fair from a half mile away.
Despite threatening skies earlier Sunday, NJFOG leaders and volunteers set up their tent at Dunellen's annual street fair and pitched the public on the tools available to make the conduct of public business by New Jersey's elected and appointed officials more open and transparent to residents and taxpayers.

NJFOG, the New Jersey Foundation for Open Government, of which I am a member, conducts workshops for those interested in honing their skills at exercising their rights to public records and open public meetings.

It also takes cases representing egregious abuses to the courts, many times winning victories that put a stop to high-handed and secretive abuses.

The group is ably led by attorney Walt Leuers and OPRA activist John Paff. Check out the group's website (here).
On another front, the Plainfield YMCA was forced to reschedule its 'Send A Kid To Camp' motorcycle ride and show to Sunday, October 9 on account of the weather. Mark your calendars for this great event and check back for news as the date approaches!
 

-- Dan Damon [follow]

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2 comments:

Rob said...

I DVR'd the Blackberry's episode...I can't wait to go back there..And to hear Gordon Ramsey give such glowing reviews of the Red Velvet Cake...which to me is my favorite, yet so often disappointing desert as so few people can master making it moist ( including myself )..I am going to have something to try !!

Anonymous said...

One of my favorite shows but after watching this episode, and with an owner with that kind of attitute, I don't give it much time before sinking down again. Seems the ownder has the same attitute as the Mayor with "it's my way or no way attitude" and just walks out on her staff when she doesn't get her way