Archive through February 2, 2006 Log Out | Lost Password? | Topics | Search | Who's Online
Contact | Register | My Profile | SO home | MOL home

M-SO Message Board » South Orange Specific » Archive through June 20, 2006 » Archive through February 13, 2006 » Two-Way Communications Between Public & Government » Archive through February 2, 2006 « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris

Post Number: 254
Registered: 2-2003


Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 3:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The following announcement is posted in the South Orange website:
http://www.southorange.org/articles.asp?articleID=89
Details will also be published in the next "Gaslight", and the local press.

Two-way communications between public and government initiated in South Orange.

Got questions about neighborhood potholes, the Village budget or maybe your water service? Now you can get answers about local issues from the people who may be best informed – the South Orange Board of Trustees. The “Two-Way Communications Program Between the Public and the Board of Trustees”, a new initiative of the Board, will allow you to:

1. Attend one of three scheduled informal neighborhood meetings in 2006;

2. Have a one-on-one session with your elected representatives.

3. Send an e-mail to any Village trustee and/or the Village Administration.

4. Send a question to the Village website and have it answered during remonstrances in a public meeting.

5. Call during televised Board meetings for an instant trustee response.


1. Neighborhood/Trustee Meetings

Three Neighborhood Meetings will be held on February 8, April 19, and June 21 2006 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m., at the Baird Community Center, 5 Mead Street, in South Orange, where residents can discuss issues with the trustees in an informal setting. A fourth meeting with the civic organizations will be held in the fall. These meetings will not be simultaneously televised, however minutes will be taken, as required by law, along with audio and possibly video recording.

Six neighborhood zones have been designated. Residents from two zones (opposite ends of the Village) will be invited to each Neighborhood Meeting, however a resident may attend any or all of these meetings. The trustees hope to generate views from all geographic perspectives.

On Wednesday Feb. 8, 2006 residents from the following streets are invited:
Zone 1 - Allen, Blanchard, Brentwood, Brewer, Brookwood, Crest Drive, Crest Circle, Crestwood, Duffield, Foster, Glenview, Great Hills, Harding, Hill, Hoskier, Inwood, Jessica, Laurel, Longview, Manors at S. Mountain, Mountain, Overhill (west of Harding), Speir, Stonehill, Underhill, Vista, West S. Orange, (west of Harding), Whiteoak, Woods.
Zone 2: Academy, Arnold, Baldwin, Cameron, Centre South, College, Cottage, Coudert, Eder, Fairview, Fairview West, First, Fifth, Fourth, Fourth South, Gardner, Garfield, Hixon, Irvington, Kenneth, Kilburn, Kingman South, Lackawanna, Linsley, Massel, Mercer, Milligan, Milton, Montague, Prospect Place, Prospect Street, Radel, Reynolds, Riggs, Roland, Second, Seton Hall University, Seton Place, Sherman, Sinclair, Sloan, S. Orange (RR tracks east to Newark border), Stanley South, Summit, Third (east of RR tracks) Tichenor, Varsity, Village, Ward, Waverly, Wilder.


On Wednesday Apr. 19, 2006 residents from the following streets are invited:
Zone 3 - Beechspring Rd, Brookside Rd, Forest Rd, Franklin Pl, Franklin Ter, Glenside Rd, Harmon Rd, Hart Dr North, Hart Dr South, Highland Rd, Luddington Rd, Mayhew Ct, Mayhew Dr, Melrose Pl, Overhill Rd,(east of Harding Dr), Ravine Rd, Redmond Rd, Ridgewood Rd North, Tillou Rd, Twin Oak Rd, Village Green Court, Walnut Ct, Wyoming Av
Zone 4 - Centre St, Elm Ct, Fielding Ct, Finlay Pl, Hall Ct, Hamilton Rd, Hartford Ct, Hartford Rd, Holland Rd, Kenmore Av, Kingman Rd, Lackawanna Pl, Marion Av, Marshall Ct, Montrose Av. (east of Grove Rd), Mosswood Av, Park Pl, Patricia Ct, Self Pl, Stanley Rd, Stirling Av, University Ct, Warren Ct, Warwick Av.


On Wednesday Jun. 21, 2006 residents from the following streets are invited:
Zone 5 – Berkeley Av, Charlton Av, Clark Pl, Clark St, Comstock Pl, Connett Pl, Grove Rd, Grove Ter, Halsey Pl, Harrison Ct, Henderson Dr, Hillside Pl, Hillside Ter, Irving Av, Irving Ter, Keasby Rd, Mead St, Meadowbrook Ln, Meadowbrook Pl, Meeker St, Montrose Av (west of Grove Rd), Mountainhouse Rd, Page Ter, Ralston Av, Randolph Pl, Raymond Av, Raymond Ct, Scotland Rd, Taylor Pl, Thacher Ln, Turrell Av, Village Green Ct, Vose Av, Woodland Crest, Woodland Pl.
Zone 6 - Audley St, Briar Ct, Church St, Conway Ct, Cumberland Rd, Edgewood Ter, Harding Dr South, Hemlock Ter, Kingsland Ct, Kingsland Ter, Lenox Av, Lenox Pl, Lenox Ter, Mews Ln, Ridgewood Rd (south of S.Orange Av), Rynda Rd, S.Orange Av (from the RR tracks west to Harding Dr), Third St (west of RR tracks), Thornden St, Trenchard Pl, Walton Av, Wesley Ct, West End Rd, Western Dr North, Western Dr South, Winthrop Ter.


If your street, possibly due to an oversight, is not listed above, please come to any of the three meetings.


2. Trustee “Office Hours”

If you want to speak with a Village trustee on a one-to-one basis, come to the Baird Community Center, 5 Mead Street, in South Orange, at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of a Neighborhood/Trustee meeting (see schedule above). You will be able to discuss with him/her any of your concerns about the Village.


3. E-mail Communications

Beginning April 2006 residents will be able to send an e-mail to any trustee or the Village Administration, using e-mail addresses posted on the Village website (navigate to Government – Local Government and select the individual you wish to reach).


4. Communications Via Website

Beginning April 2006 the necessary technology will be installed that will enable you to post – once per week – questions on a maximum of two different issues, to a dedicated link in the Village’s website. You will be asked to record your name, address, personal telephone number, and personal e-mail. Your question/comment will be read and discussed, during the “remonstrances” segment of the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.


5. Telephone Calls Received During Trustees Meetings

Beginning April 2006 the necessary technology will be installed to enable telephone calls received during the Board’s regular meetings held on the 4th Monday of each month, during a fifteen-minute period announced by the Village President at the beginning of the meeting. After a trial period, depending on the use of the Program, the schedule may be expanded to every special and regular Board Meeting.

During the first 13 minutes of the calls’ reception period, a crawl (ticker) will run at the bottom of the TV screen broadcasting the BoT meeting, with the telephone number to call.

Callers will have a two-minute limit for one specific question or comment.

Callers will need to call from their personal telephone, allowing their name and number to be displayed in the receiver’s “caller ID display unit”. Anonymous calls will be rejected.

All telephone calls will be recorded and archived. Callers will give their name, address, and telephone number.

A member of the Administration staff will receive all incoming calls on a first-come-first-served basis between the times allotted by the President. He/she will write down the caller’s question/comment. If the use of the Program requires a second telephone line, a second employee will be assigned to receive calls.

The questions/comments called-in will be handed to the Village President during the remontsrances, who will read them aloud, and have the Board discuss them.


The “Two-Way Communications Program between the Public and the Board of Trustees” is initiated for the use of those residents who cannot easily attend the regular bi-monthly Monday meetings of the Board. It is hoped that the Villagers will take advantage of these new means to communicate with their elected officials.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro

Post Number: 2195
Registered: 5-2004


Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 4:13 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

WOW! Thank you! I obviously reserve judgment on how successful they will be, but these are definitely the kinds of initiatives many were hoping for when we voted.

I do hope that people take advantage of these opportunities. It's not like having BC alone in a locked room with a rubber hose, but perhaps some nagging questions can be answered.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13

Post Number: 3607
Registered: 1-2004


Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 4:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eric-
While this is great I have a feeling it won't continue after the first meeting. People are going to be asking a lot tougher questions then 'When is that pothole on my street going to be filled?'
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive

Post Number: 3225
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 4:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eric,

Good work!

Although, I must admit that "the necessary technology will be installed to enable telephone calls received" by April 2006 sure sounds funny. Why does it take 3 months to install a phone line (or obtain a cell phone)???
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Sitoyan
Citizen
Username: Sitoyan

Post Number: 131
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 5:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sh.t MHD! You'll always find reasons to be negative, bitchy, complaining. What's the matter with you?

This is a great initiative. I saw it in the news-wrecked yesterday and I couldn't believe it.

Great work Trustee DeVaris. Thank you.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13

Post Number: 3609
Registered: 1-2004


Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 5:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Sitoyan-
I too saw this in the SnoozeWrectched; but I have too have my doubts it's going to last. I sure hope more then one person brings a tape recorder and or a camcorder.

We have maybe two on the BOT who are looking out for the good of our community. They can try until the cows come home, unless changes are made to the membership of those on the BOT, nothing is going to change. We need more people like Eric to represent us. We had that chance a few months ago, but blew it. We have another chance coming up. Maybe this time something will change.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris

Post Number: 256
Registered: 2-2003


Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 7:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

`
The success of the program announced by the BoT is in the hands of the residents.

All the members of the BoT have consented to the extra effort for improved communications, by offering additional time out of their personal life to attend the Neighborhood Meetings. This was not part of their initial "job description".

Also they have agreed to use the Village's resources to provide for the technology necessary to communicate with those residents who, for whatever reason, can not attend the regular meetings.

It is now up to the Village residents to show that these extra means of communications are really needed, by using them judiciously.

The first of the three Neighborhood Meetings is scheduled for February 8, for the specific zones advertised above. I ask all the MOLers to please communicate with the residents of these streets in any way you can and tell them about their opportunity on Wednesday Feb. 8 to speak casually with their elected officials on any issue they wish. This is something positive that we all can do.

Thank you.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady

Post Number: 2922
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 7:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you Eric for posting this information off the Village Web site. I am sure it will reach residents here on MOL that do not necessarily read www.southorange.org.

I would like to commend you and ALL THE OTHER TRUSTEES for initiating and agreeing to this great leap into the 21st century.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave

Post Number: 8388
Registered: 4-1997


Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 11:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What did the OTHER trustees do? Did they spearhead it? No. Did they support it when Eric came up with the idea? No.

Not really sure why they have any good vibes coming their way. Unless, of course, they decide to actually GET ON BOARD WITH ERIC and decide government should be open.

Most importantly, SO Pillager of the Month Bill Calabrese deserves ZERO credit and has yet to explain his very odd business collaborations with Sayid and refusal to recuse himself from township business with the same.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave

Post Number: 8389
Registered: 4-1997


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 12:04 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

An explanation about the nepotism regarding former "Trustee" Mary (Gross) Theroux' appointment to the Parking Authority is also in order.

Also noted: How many lattes was former "Trustee" STEGLITZ downing at starbucks this morning?

Elect people you trust to Trustee, not self-serving bureaucrats. Break away from the machine, South Orange!!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro

Post Number: 2206
Registered: 5-2004


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 12:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well, someone else must have supported it, since it's happening. Or is Eric doing this on his own, with no other Trustees at these meetings?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave

Post Number: 8390
Registered: 4-1997


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 12:07 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eric shamed them into doing it, but you're right in the sense that others should have picked up the ball and run with it years ago. Calabrese is a lightweight, everyone knows it, and yet it took Eric to do the obvious.

It's time to start telling the truth around here. People need a wake up call.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro

Post Number: 2207
Registered: 5-2004


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 12:09 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Is that speculation? Just curious.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave

Post Number: 8391
Registered: 4-1997


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 12:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You tell me why it took until Eric's repeated requests to get simple communications lines opened up to elected officials.

Aren't you Steglitz?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive

Post Number: 3229
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 12:15 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)


Quote:

SO Pillager of the Month Bill Calabrese




Great idea for a new award, Dave!

However, Calabrese was Pillager of the Month in December with the revelation of his "relationship" with Sayid.

I nominate Theroux (and any Trustees that support her appointment to the Parking Authority) as Pillager of the Month for January
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum

Post Number: 562
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 12:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm sure Eric can confirm this but I believe Stacey spearheaded this initiative with him and he has said that at BOT meeting that they both were collaborating on more trustee communication.

I think it's fair to give credit where it's due.

Eric - South Orange adores you!!!

P.S. Whether or not the other trustees went down kicking and screaming, they obviously have now all agreed to it and that only shows that the minority can be affective.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady

Post Number: 2924
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 8:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Did they support it when Eric came up with the idea? No.

Dave, I don't want to get into an online fight with you, especially since you seem to think it's fine to out posters (See you comment re Rastro above. I however, as do you, post under my real nnme.)

Are you saying that Eric singlehandly put the 2 way communication into effect with alsolutey no agreement from the other board members? They didn't agree to do this and Eric ALONE caused thise to come into existence? He might very well of initiated it, with or without Stacey's help as Sheena mentions, but since when can a Trustee unilaterally change policy???

I just want to recognize that a majority of the the trustees agreed to this great leap forward.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg

Post Number: 303
Registered: 5-2004


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 9:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eric, thank you very much for posting the info. and for your role in making this happen!

Will this information be published in the next Gaslight? I ask b/c there are some of us who, in ultimate disgust during our most recent election, cancelled our subscription to the NW.

It'd be nice if there were a major effort to get this great news out to all residents so it has a chance to be well-received!

Thanks again!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Howard Levison
Citizen
Username: Levisonhw

Post Number: 89
Registered: 1-2004
Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 9:26 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

From my perspective, Eric came to a number of committee meetings - Technology and Cable TV to push the idea. He had dialog with the members on the concept and alternative methods to achieve his objective - open two way communications. The committee members and their Trustee representatives (Mark and Allan) agreed with the concept.

He then presented it to the Board which approved a prototype/trial. The success now is dependent on the community.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave

Post Number: 8393
Registered: 4-1997


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 9:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

None of this would have happened had Eric not won and people should understand this.

(Also please note: I have no real clue who Rastro is and it could be the village attorney, a local landowner, someone who is a landscaper, someone from another town or a professional boxer. I forgot the )

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy

Post Number: 2539
Registered: 5-2005


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 10:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dave how right you are!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady

Post Number: 2925
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 10:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Absolutely, Dave, we should all be appreciative of Eric's efforts in this. I know Mr.LL and I suggested this many moons ago to some sitting trustees and it never went anywhere. So it is really good news.

(BTW, with you access to all our ip addresses, I don't fully accept you defense.)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave

Post Number: 8396
Registered: 4-1997


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 10:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'd also need access to a person's ISP account information to know an identity and AOL or Yahoo! or Comcast or Verizon aren't very cooperative in that respect.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris

Post Number: 257
Registered: 2-2003


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 5:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wow! Too much speculation flying around on this thread. Here’s the poop.

After last May's elections I invited Trustees Jennings and Moore-Abrams to meet with me and, as the newly elected Trustees, prioritize an issue, any issue, to focus our energies on. Trustee Jennings and I met and we agreed that “open government” is our primary joint concern. We listed some basic ideas of improving communications and we presented them to the rest of the Board at a public meeting. The Board asked me, in public, to work with the three groups that would most likely get involved, i.e. the Trustees' Cable TV Committee and Technology Focus Group, and the Community Relations Committee.

I met with Trustee Rosen, chairperson of the Trustees' Cable TV Committee, and Trustee Rosner, chairperson of the Trustees' Technology Focus Group, and got their full support by working together the details on what Trustee Jennings and I had set forth as basics. I also met with members of the Community Relations Committee to reach out, though them, to the Neighborhood Associations.

Trustees Rosen, Rosner, and I presented our recommendations to the rest of the Trustees in a public meeting; the Board approved these recommendations and asked me to work with the Administration in implementing the Two-Way Communications Program. I met with the staff, namely the Information Technology Dept. and the Clerk's Office, and got their full cooperation in bringing the project at the point where it is today.

Obviously this project is not, and cannot be a one-person project. It requires the cooperation of the entire Board and the Village staff, and the participation of the public. So far the Board and Village staff have done their part on this. Now it’s the turn of the public to show that open government is indeed a priority for our Village.

Again I ask my neighbors on MOL to please go out there and advertise these Neighborhood meetings. Yes the announcement will be in the "Gaslight" and is already on the Village's website, but word of mouth is the best advertising. Inexpensive. Let's use it.

Thank you.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

LibraryLady(ncjanow)
Supporter
Username: Librarylady

Post Number: 2926
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Saturday, January 14, 2006 - 5:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you Eric!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro

Post Number: 2208
Registered: 5-2004


Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 12:56 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Actually, Dave should know that I am not Steglitz. And I did not take that as some attempt to out me. I'm sure with any kind of interest he could figure out who I am... (The Oracle of MOL seems to think he knows who I am, and Dave is at least as "all knowing")

But my question was not to cast doubt as to whether Eric was alone in supporting this measure. Just to question whether there was some explicit knowledge, or whether Dave was speculating. I don't get to watch as much of the BOT meetings as I'd like, and I assume Dave is able to watch more than I, so I was just asking...

Either way, I am glad that this program is in place. I hope that the general apathy of South Orange citizens is not reflected in this initiative, and that people do take advantage of the opportunity. There are so many questions (beyond the antagonistic ones that come to all our minds) that could be answered in these sessions. I hope we are all able to make it to at least one, and give our opinions to our representatives. And to remind those that don't remember that they are that. OUR representatives.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

The Oracle of MOL
Supporter
Username: Oracle_of_mol

Post Number: 187
Registered: 2-2005


Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 1:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Rastro: Whatever could have made you believe that I might possess knowledge of your identity? No matter. I've neither the time nor inclination to "out" MOLers... I mean really: if I've not yet unmasked my own disgraced ex-employee, Soda, there's little likelihood that you or any other mortals in your sadly self-involved, benighted little virtual world are "at risk".

That said, I suggest to the BOT that an investment in some major (non-chest-thumping) advertising on any and all local media should be in order to publicize these new initiatives...

Ironical that this laudible, much-needed effort to increase communications with the voting, tax-paying public will undoubtedly be solely trumpeted in "The Gaslight", that most laughably disposable public organ...

Specifically, aside from Recycling Schedules and listings of July 4th and First Night activities, I myself always found the publication most useful as a bottom-liner in the cage of Imhotep, my alchoholic, multilingual Yucatan parrot, who, after some seventy-five years of annoyingly potty-mouthed prattle, finally succumbed this past week, evidently of one too many vodka martinis.

Again (and not to quibble over whomever was most responsible for what appears to be a well-intentioned effort to build public awareness), please remember the absurdly low percentage of your fellow South Oranginians who take the trouble to vote in your pathetic little elections. That in and of itself should alert some bright young human to spend a few sheckles on a little well-placed promotion...

BTW, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Imhotep to either the Jersey Animal Coalition or Avian Alchoholics Anonymous.

Go in peace.

--The Oracle of MOL
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro

Post Number: 2212
Registered: 5-2004


Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 2:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Where ever could I have gotten the idea that you "possess knowledge of my identity?" Perhaps this choice quote:

Quote:

No matter: I hope that you also value such privacy, and would prefer not to be mistaken for some other poster, or even "outed" online. Despite the fact that you yourself are not unknown to me (or to The Brothers Ross), please trust that your own anonymity and online privacy are safe with us.


[emphasis mine]
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave

Post Number: 8398
Registered: 4-1997


Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 3:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

He was speaking as omniscient narrator, I think.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro

Post Number: 2214
Registered: 5-2004


Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

The Oracle of MOL
Supporter
Username: Oracle_of_mol

Post Number: 191
Registered: 2-2005


Posted on Sunday, January 15, 2006 - 9:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ahhhh... To be quoted!

"Here's to Imhotep.
And absent friends."

Go in peace.

--The Oracle of MOL
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum

Post Number: 563
Registered: 4-2005


Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 12:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

And.... back to the two-way communication.

Great job to Eric and all those who are supporting this new form of open government..

Whoo-hoo!!!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris

Post Number: 258
Registered: 2-2003


Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 10:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you all for your supportive and encouraging words.

I was notified by a sharp-eyed resident that I omitted - inadvertently I assure you - Valley Street from the above listing of the neighborhoods invited on February 8. Let me correct this here.

Valley Street is included in Zone 2 and invited to attend the neighborhood meeting of Wednesday February 8, 2006 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Baird Community Center, 5 Mead Street.

My apologies for the omission.


The listing will be corrected on the website.

Eric DeVaris
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady

Post Number: 2899
Registered: 9-2003
Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 10:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It is really a shame that this meeting is scheduled on the same date that SMPA is co-sponsoring a forum with Families of the Fallen for Change:
A Responsible Withdrawal from Iraq: How Can We Do It?

Wednesday, February 8th
7:00 to 10:30 pm
St. George's Church Fellowship Hall

Speakers include:

Rosemary Palmer and Paul Schroeder, the parents of Augie Schroeder and founders of Families of the Fallen for Change http://www.fofchange.com/.

Ray McGovern, former 27-year CIA analyst who briefed VP Bush weekly during the Reagan Administration

Paul Martin, political director of Peace Action, Washington DC.

Leading withdrawal proposals in Congress and by citizens groups will be presented and compared with the Bush Administration's "National Strategy for Victory." The potential impact on Iraq of the proposals will be assessed. Authors of the proposals will be invited and an invitation will also be extended to the Bush Administration to present its position.

Lots of time will be available for Q&A

Sponsored by South Mountain Peace Action and Families of the Fallen for Change.

Seating is limited, so reservations are highly recommended. Call the meeting co-sponsor, South Mountain Peace Action at: 973-763-9493 or email paul@beaboutpeace.com.

Eric - any chance you can change your date?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris

Post Number: 262
Registered: 2-2003


Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 8:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

SoOrLady,

This is not “my date”. It has been determined after a lot of back-and-forth among many people. Last Saturday Paul Surovell, the chair of the South Mountain Peace Action, sent to the Trustees an e-mail with the same request as yours: to see if possibly we could change the date of the Neighborhood Meetings. I post below my response to him, which also answers your question.

Dear Paul,

The dates for our Neighborhood Meetings were selected after a lot of juggling trying to determine when Trustees would be available, to avoid any conflict with dates of other events known to us at the time we selected the dates, and to coordinate with space availability at the Baird Community Center.

The SMPA event was first announced to us in your e-mail of last Saturday. By then the dates of the Neighborhood Meetings were already publicized in so many venues: a press release; an announcement at the last public Trustees’ meeting to the television viewers; a memo to the invited Neighborhood Associations; an announcement already published in the “News-Record”; already posted on the S.O. website, and to be announced in the “Gaslight” (a publication reaching all 5,000+ households in S.O., which is now at the printers, to be mailed by 1/20/06; its editor told me this morning that it is too late to make any changes).

After some e-consultation with some of the Trustees today, and much to our consternation, it is not possible to retract the announcement; the date of our Neighborhood Meeting will remain February 8. I am truly sorry - as I am sure are all of my colleague/trustees - that circumstances do not allow me to attend such an interesting event.

I met briefly Augie’s parents at his memorial service in August. As much as I would have liked to attend the forum, please present to them my deepest regrets for not being able to.

Thank you,

Eric

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Paul Surovell
Supporter
Username: Paulsurovell

Post Number: 472
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Monday, January 16, 2006 - 8:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Eric,

I understand your predicament. Thanks for trying.

I'll make sure South Mountain Peace Action gets the word out to the BOT earlier next time we hold an event, and I'll explain to Paul Schroeder and Rosemary Palmer the reason for your absence, and send them your regrets.

For the record, I think your Neighborhood Meeting program is a great idea and I wish you great success on February 8th.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Eric DeVaris
Citizen
Username: Eric_devaris

Post Number: 266
Registered: 2-2003


Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 5:17 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Reminder!

The first Neighborhood/Trustees Meeting will be held this coming Wednesday, February 8, 2006 at 7:30 p.m., at the Baird Community Center, 5 Mead Street.


PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD
TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE FOLLOWING STREETS:


Zone 1 - Allen, Blanchard, Brentwood, Brewer, Brookwood, Crest Drive, Crest Circle, Crestwood, Duffield, Foster, Glenview, Great Hills, Harding, Hill, Hoskier, Inwood, Jessica, Laurel, Longview, Manors at S. Mountain, Mountain, Overhill (west of Harding), Speir, Stonehill, Underhill, Vista, West S. Orange (west of Harding), Whiteoak, Woods.

Zone 2: Academy, Arnold, Baldwin, Cameron, Centre South, College, Cottage, Coudert, Eder, Fairview, Fairview West, First, Fifth, Fourth, Fourth South, Gardner, Garfield, Hixon, Irvington, Kenneth, Kilburn, Kingman South, Lackawanna, Linsley, Massel, Mercer, Milligan, Milton, Montague, Prospect Place, Prospect Street, Radel, Reynolds, Riggs, Roland, Second, Seton Hall University, Seton Place, Sherman, Sinclair, Sloan, S. Orange (RR tracks east to Newark border), Stanley South, Summit, Third (east of RR tracks) Tichenor, Valley, Varsity, Village, Ward, Waverly, Wilder.


Unfortunately there was a misprint in the “Highlighting South Orange” column of today’s “News Record” announcing the wrong date (2/9/06) for the event. Please ignore that announcement.
The date remains as originally scheduled: Wednesday February 8, at 7:30 p.m.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

joel dranove
Citizen
Username: Jdranove

Post Number: 4
Registered: 1-2006
Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 5:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Misprint?
jd
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dave
Supporter
Username: Dave

Post Number: 8527
Registered: 4-1997


Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 5:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

exactly
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive

Post Number: 3310
Registered: 5-2001


Posted on Thursday, February 2, 2006 - 5:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

...in the Noooz Rekerd? Kant bee!

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Credits Administration