FOSH garage sale, house tour, other events make for big weekend

Stuff! Stuff you must have!

Plainfield's annual monster event is upon us -- the annual FOSH (Friend of Sleepy Hollow) Yard Sale is this weekend, Saturday AND Sunday. (The 'Maidens In May' house tour is Sunday -- see separate post.)

The FOSH event draws thousands of eager bargain-hunters to Plainfield each year. The sale is from 9 AM - 4 PM both days, offering some of the best 'stuff' in New Jersey. The best place to start is along Watchung Avenue -- just look for balloons. Maps of participating homes are available at each location.

In addition, a number of other yard sale opportunities with SPECIAL EMPHASES --

• Saturday - May 21 (Rain date: Sunday). 9 AM - 3 PM. Yard Sale Benefiting Animal Support Groups. This is the 5th annual multi-household yard sale to benefit a variety of groups and organizations supporting animals. Clothing, kitchen/household, antiques/collectibles, books, furniture and more. At 1326 Watchung Avenue.
  
  
• Saturday - May 21. 9 AM - 3 PM. Annual Grace Episcopal Church Yard Sale. This year's sale is in memory of longtime enthusiast/coordinator John Eklund,  who recently passed away. Bargains galore, including kid's clothes, kitchen wares, furniture and decorative accessories, electronics, toys, jewelry and books, CDs and DVDs. At Grace Episcopal Church, corner of East 7th Street and Cleveland Avenue (parking in public lot across from church).
  
  
• Saturday - May 21. 9 AM - 4 PM. [Plainfield Symphony] FOSH Garage Sale. All sales at this location benefit the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, which begins its 92nd season in September. At 900 Charlotte Road (corner of Watchung Avenue). Saturday only.
  
  
• Saturday - May 21. 9 AM - 4 PM. [Plainfield Garden Club] FOSH Garage Sale. Sales at this location will benefit programs of the Plainfield Garden Club, which maintains the Shakespeare Garden in Cedar Brook Park as well as other gardening and outreach activities in the community. At 1734 Sleepy Hollow Lane. Saturday only.

You won't want to miss these opportunities!

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-- Dan Damon [follow]

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Latest PMUA arrogancies detailed at FOSH forum tonight

Plainfielders can get an update on PMUA goings-on at tonight's FOSH forum, 'Let's Talk Trash', its second to discuss issues with the city's waste management agency (see Ledger item here).

Among the latest hijinks are the behavior of PMUA staff toward one of the FOSH event's organizers at this past weekend's Environmental Fair, the agency's 10th annual such event.

Pat Turner Kavanaugh reports that she went to the event hoping to find the agency's public information officer, who has failed to return multiple phone calls relating to tonight's forum.

After making the round of tents but failing to find the PIO, she ended up grabbing a cold hamburger at the food tent and notes she spotted a tent across Ninth Street, all by itself and went to investigate.

It turned out to be the Reliance Insurance Group's 'VIP Recognition Tent', and it offered a lot more than cold hamburgers to those considered VIP's.

The menu included fish, chicken, ribs and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, garden salad and carrot salad, crudités and shrimp cocktail ring, and peach cobbler for dessert.

Inquiring of a PMUA executive what the Environmental Fair cost the ratepayers, Kavanaugh says she was told, 'Nothing, it's all underwritten'.

Ratepayers may well wonder.

Knowing there is no such thing as a 'free lunch' always raises the specter that the fees vendors are paid are padded to absorb such largesse as sponsorships of this kind of event. Some even call it a 'corruption tax'.

Kavanaugh has more to share, including an accusation of 'racism' leveled against her by an executive.

Other items of interest include the ballooning of a professional services contract for 'OPRA legal matters' (complying with public records requests) from $15,000 to more than $32,000. There is also the matter of $450,000 set aside for 'employee training' and how it is being spent.

Philip Charles will also be on hand to update residents on the status of the DumpPMUA lawsuit against the PMUA, recently sent to mediation by the court.

PMUA officials, Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs, and member of the City Council have been invited to attend and participate.

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FOSH Forum on the PMUA
'Let's Talk Trash'

Tonight | 7:00 PM

YWCA
232 East Front at Church Street

Ledger: "Plainfield neighborhood group meets again to discuss trash woes"

-- Dan Damon

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Want some spare cash? Join the FOSH/VWB garage sales.

Who couldn't use a little spare change in these tight times?

Plainfielders have an opportunity right now to take advantage of one of the city's most popular events, FOSH's annual garage sale, which attracts thousands of browsers -- and buyers -- each May.

Last year, the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District held a yard sale on the same day. The experiment was deemed worth pursuing, and this year the VWB has joined forces with FOSH, which has a reputation with the annual sale (and marketing muscle), in a joint promotion of the event.

You can still register to participate (download the form here -- PDF) by submitting your application and fee to FOSH, which is handling the details. (Note the fee is $5 more for submitting after May 1st.)

Besides the fun of having stuff you are ready to part with discovered as 'treasures' by shopping visitors, you will want to mark your calendar for the 'Maidens in May' house tour being offered the same day by the United Way's Plainfield Community Council. The house tour benefits the Plainfield Rescue Squad and the Tri-County Chapter of the Red Cross.

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• FOSH: "FOSH website" | "Garage Sale application" (PDF)
• VWB: "Van Wyck Brooks blog" | "Yard Sale & House Tour"
• United Way: "Maidens in May House Tour"

-- Dan Damon

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A Sunday twofer: FOSH sale, Drake House event

It's going to be a gorgeous day.

Don't spend it all on the yard.

Check out the FOSH Fall Garage Sale (by popular demand), with about 60 homes. Set your sights on Watchung, Leland and Woodland Avenues and proceed from there.

There is also a special-interest multi-household yard sale at 1326 Watchung Avenue benefiting the Homeless Animal Lifeline. Pet lovers, you know what to do!

From Noon to 5, you can check out the Drake House, where Alicia Washington will be protraying Abolitionist Sojourner Truth, and pick up a guide to the other 24 sites open today, which is the final day of the annual 'Four Centuries in a Weekend' sponsored by the Union County Commission on Cultural and Heritage Affairs.

-- Dan Damon

Slideshow: FOSH, VWB, Lifeline Yard Sales

Earlybirds, as usual, drove hosts crazy for several Plainfield organizations' annual garage sale events yesterday.

Though the official starting time was 9:00 AM, several hosts told me they had earlybirds at 7:00 AM, while they were getting their first cup of java and figuring how they were going to arrange their wares.

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FOSH's annual sale is truly the biggest, with over a hundred homes participating. The Van Wyck Brooks Historic District is planning to use the proceeds of donated items at one of its participating homes to bolster their funds for an expected court battle (yet again!) over the proposed Abbott Nursing Home expansion. The Homeless Animal Lifeline organization got a nice boost with several hundred dollars raised at a multi-home yard sale on Watchung Avenue.

Attendance was brisk in the morning at almost all the venues, though by the time I got out around noon it had clouded over and crowds were thinning somewhat. Even so, at 3:30 PM I still got caught in traffic jams on several streets as gawkers hit the brakes to pull over and load up on 'necessities'.

Thanks again to all who participated in drawing a big crowd to the Queen City!

A gorgeous day for FOSH, VWB, Animal Lifeline garage sales

FOSH's Garage Sale is a major Plainfield event.

It's a gorgeous day for a garage sale -- or a hundred-plus garage sales!

With over a hundred homes and thousands of attendees, the FOSH (Friends of Sleepy Hollow) garage sale is the grandaddy of them all. Cleverly marketed by FOSH over the years with lots of paid publicity, and with all the paperwork centralized to make it easier for homeowner participation, the event draws the largest crowd of visitors to Plainfield of any annual event except the July 4th Parade.

The success of the FOSH garage sale has led others to hitch their wagon to 'the star'.

The Van Wyck Brooks Historic District will host a district-wide garage sale, same hours as FOSH tomorrow as will a multi-family sale on Watchung Avenue in support of homeless animals.

Several nonprofits use the sales to raise funds for their worthy causes, and you may want to consider starting your day's shopping at one of the following --

• FOSH: The Plainfield Symphony will benefit from sales at 900 Charlotte Road
• FOSH: The Plainfield Humane Society benefits from sales at 1443 Evergreen Avenue
• VWB: The Van Wyck Brooks Historic District benefits from sales at 935 Madison Avenue
• Homeless Animal Lifeline: This nonprofit benefits from sales at 1326 Watchung Avenue

The sales run from 9 AM - 4 PM (2PM for the Homeless Animal Lifeline), and maps for the locations of the FOSH and VWB participants are available at each location.

[A special note on the VWB: This group has won a significant battle against expansion of the Abbott Nursing Home in its district, which leaves it facing legal bills once again, since the nursing home owners have appealed the decision. Proceeds will help greatly to preserve the district's character and integrity.]

You know what to do...

Shop! Like Plainfield depended on it!

And you can even find FREE stuff!

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-- Dan Damon

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FOSH, VWB garage sales tomorrow

FOSH's Garage Sale is a major Plainfield event.

Looks like the weather gods will favor Plainfield's huge garage sale day tomorrow.

With over a hundred homes and thousands of attendees, the FOSH (Friends of Sleepy Hollow) garage sale is the grandaddy of them all. Cleverly marketed by FOSH over the years with lots of paid publicity, and with all the paperwork centralized to make it easier for homeowner participation, the event draws the largest crowd of visitors to Plainfield of any annual event except the July 4th Parade.

The success of the FOSH garage sale has led others to hitch their wagon to 'the star'.

The Van Wyck Brooks Historic District will host a district-wide garage sale, same hours as FOSH tomorrow as will a multi-family sale on Watchung Avenue in support of homeless animals.

Several nonprofits use the sales to raise funds for their worthy causes, and you may want to consider starting your day's shopping at one of the following --

• FOSH: The Plainfield Symphony will benefit from sales at 900 Charlotte Road
• FOSH: The Plainfield Humane Society benefits from sales at 1443 Evergreen Avenue
• VWB: The Van Wyck Brooks Historic District benefits from sales at 935 Madison Avenue
• Homeless Animal Lifeline: This nonprofit benefits from sales at 1326 Watchung Avenue

The sales run from 9 AM - 4 PM (2PM for the Homeless Animal Lifeline), and maps for the locations of the FOSH and VWB participants are available at each location.

[A special note on the VWB: This group has won a significant battle against expansion of the Abbott Nursing Home in its district, which leaves it facing legal bills once again, since the nursing home owners have appealed the decision. Proceeds will help greatly to preserve the district's character and integrity.]

You know what to do...

Shop! Like Plainfield depended on it!

And you can even find FREE stuff!

---

-- Dan Damon

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FOSH Nosh at Sweet Lew's Sunday

Lew displays a sample of his art.

Plainfielders dig Danish and other sweets on Sunday mornings -- whether out picking up the papers, or grabbing a bite before or after church, or taking a treat home for later in the day.

This Sunday you can nosh with FOSH for the community.

FOSH (The Friends of Sleepy Hollow) will host another of its 'taste of Plainfield' events -- this time at Sweet Lew's Bakery Shoppe on South Avenue.

Lew will have on hand a selection of breakfast treats ranging from Danish with a variety of fillings, crumb cake, various coffee cake rings and other treats.

And there will be cases filled with other goodies ranging from cookies to cakes to breads.

With a cup of coffee from the coffee bar, and a chance to chat with old friends and new acquaintances, why not put this treat on your to-do list?

A portion of the proceeds will benefit FOSH's community programs, which include a scholarship for a graduating PHS senior and support for the Leland Avenue Park.

For more information, visit the FOSH website here.

Sweet Lew's Bakery Shoppe

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FOSH Nosh

Sunday, October 7
8 AM - Noon

Sweet Lew's Bakery Shoppe
1348 South Avenue
Plainfield
(908) 222-1001

-- Dan Damon

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FOSH 'Taste of Plainfield' tonight - at Vivace!

FOSH (The Friends of Sleepy Hollow), Plainfield's largest neighborhood organization, will be hosting its 5th 'Taste of Plainfield' event tonight at Cafe Vivace on South Avenue.

These dine-out experiences, sampling Plainfield food venues, have become enormously popular and tonight will be no exception.

Vivace, in its few short years, has become a popular dining experience -- dependably great food, amply portioned and moderately priced -- and a watering-hole of sorts for Plainfield's political crowd. (Check it out on Council nights after the meeting and you'll see what I mean.)

Tony, the bartender who is remembered as the glue that held Lily Greenleaves together, presides as chief mixologist at Vivace and has drawn much of his following to South Avenue. Tony does it all -- you want a bleeding-edge flavored vodka drink? Got it. Or a retro Sidecar? Pink Squirrel? Manhattan? No problemo!

So come on out this evening -- I guarantee you'll have a good time and enjoy great company!

And do good at the same time -- a portion of the proceeds goes to FOSH in support of its programs for the community, which include the annual FOSH scholarship for a graduating PHS senior and support for Leland Avenue Park enhancements.

Just show up between 5:30 PM and 9:00 PM and dine. Meet old friends, make new acquaintances. Just be sure to fill out the FOSH Dinner Form (copies will be on hand) to ensure FOSH gets credit for your participation. Reservations are recommended for parties of 6 or more -- call Cafe Vivace at (908) 753-4500.

For more information, check out the FOSH website.

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5th FOSH 'Taste of Plainfield'
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
5:30 - 9:00 PM

Cafe Vivace
1370 South Avenue
Plainfield
(908) 753-4500

Proceeds benefit FOSH community programs.

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-- Dan Damon

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NNO continues: Ward 2 Challenge events tonight

FOSH has made special efforts to maintain the historic
Netherwood Station's appearance as a gateway to the Queen City.

Plainfield's week of National Night Out activities continues this evening with the Ward 2 Challenge events.

Under the leadership of the Friends of Sleepy Hollow (FOSH) and the Crescent Area Neighbors group, Second Ward residents are invited to plant flowers at the historic Netherwood Train Station, help paint the fieldhouse bathrooms at Seidler Field or work with youngsters on a poster-making activity.

Participants who register are also invited to an after-party at the YMCA, Watchung Avenue at East 6th Street, where there will be refreshments and opportunities to use the YMCA's new fitness facilities.

This year's NNO steering committee has encouraged each ward to engage in a challenge effort to increase community participation, develop networking contacts and encourage the development of new block associations and neighborhood watches.

Judges will be monitoring the activities (anonymously), and awards will be made at the citywide National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 7.

-- Dan Damon

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Garage sale heaven this weekend

Garage sale addicts, rev your engines!

You can literally shop 'til you drop in Plainfield this Sunday, May 20, between 9 AM and 4 PM.

The grandaddy of all local garage sales, FOSH's monster event with over a hundred participants, turns 14 this year. Happy birthday! While there is no specific starting point, you can do no better than hit the trail along Watchung Avenue, heading south from Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church (at East 7th Street and Watchung Avenue). Look for balloons. Maps are available at each location.

With the FOSH sale such a big success, it isn't hard to see why others would take advantage of the buzz.

Those interested in supporting pet-related causes will certainly want to check out the multi-yard sale at 1326 Watchung Avenue (to 3 PM). Proceeds of this particular sale will benefit the Homeless Animal Lifeline (HAL).

The Van Wyck Brooks Historic District will also hold a district-wide garage sale during the same hours as FOSH. A good starting point for the VWB sales is 912 Central Avenue, where all the items are donated by VWB residents, with the proceeds of this particular site to be devoted to district-wide activities.

Collectors with an interest in Black Americana will want to make a note to cruise by the 1000-block of Plainfield Avenue as well as Beechwood Court (on Randolph Road, between Field and Plainfield Avenues).

If you're an architecture buff (who isn't, with Plainfield's wealth of styles?), you'll check out the Walking Tour of the VWB Historic District between 2 and 4 PM. Sponsored by the Historical Society of Plainfield, the tour starts at The Pillars of Plainfield B&B, 922 Central Avenue, where tickets will be on sale at 1 PM.

With thousands of visitors expected for the shopping extravaganza, you can bet Realtors^® will be taking advantage by having Open Houses. So, if you're addicted to open houses, there will be an opportunity to get another 'fix'. Just look for balloons and tent signs, which will abound. Some very fine examples of historic, vintage and classic homes are on the market now. Why not check them out?

What to do when you're shopped out and footsore? Relax in the comfort of the stately Gothic nave of Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church and catch the 3 PM closing performance of the Crescent Concerts 2006-07 Silver Anniversary season. The excellent Crescent Singers will entertain with an ensemble concert. You may also get a treat and hear Gilbert Adams' new 4-manual organ in the classic French tradition. Tickets at the door -- be sure to plan on arriving early, 2:30 would be good, leaving time for parking and getting settled in.

I only have one question: Why hasn't the New York Times discovered this phenomenon?

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• 9 AM - 4PM. 14th Annual FOSH Garage Sale. Sponsored by the Friends of Sleepy Hollow. Last year's sale had one hundred locations. One of Plainfield's best-attended annual events.
  
  
• 9 AM - 4PM. Van Wyck Brooks Garage Sale. Sponsor: Van Wyck Brooks Historic District. Start at 912 Central Avenue.
  
  
• 9 AM - 3 PM. 2nd Annual Multi-Yard Sale Benefitting Homeless Animal Lifeline. For more info, visit www.halrescue.org. Location: 1326 Watchung Avenue.
  
  
• 2 - 4 PM. Architectural Walking Tour of the VWB Historic District. Sponsor: Historical Society of Plainfield. Starting at: The Pillars B&B, 922 Central Avenue. $5 Individual/$10 Family. Tickets on sale at 1 PM.
  
  
• 3 PM. Crescent Concerts: Crescent Singers 'Ensemble!'. Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church. $20/$15 at the door.

-- Dan Damon

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Eat for FOSH tonight

Dine

out tonight.


Queen City Diner

will donate to support




FOSH

community outreach programs.

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Where: Queen City Diner, 1324 South Avenue
When: Today, 3 PM - 9 PM
What to do:

1. Print out coupon at the FOSH website.
2. Organize a table of friends.
   
3. Make reservation at (908) 756-7900.
4. Remember it's BYOB.
   
5. Go. Eat. Enjoy.

Those using Internet Explorer will not get the full graphic effect of this post. More's the pity.

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