| Author |
Message |
    
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4103
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 11:12 am: | 
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Can any of the Seton Hall gang give us an update on the Shu Fly? I haven't heard anything lately. Has it expanded it's hours and the number of runs it makes? Now that it's been around a couple of months are more students taking advantage of it? Will South Orange residents be allowed to ride it? |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 578
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 11:39 am: |
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The status of the SHU-Fly is doing very well. There has been a very big concentrated effort on campus to have students become familiar with this new convenience for them.
The intention was never to expand hours or number of runs - the piloted schedule of stops covers every aspect of student need that they reported.
Here is our schedule:
http://parking.shu.edu/docs/shuflyschedule.pdf
Yes, more students are taking advantage of it in large part due to the great advertising of the VLC and Parking Services.
If the Village feels that South Orange residents would benefit from the SHU-fly, they are always welcome to submit a proposal to the Division of Student Affairs. To my knowledge, they have not done so and/or followed up on any proposals.
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2584
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 2:16 pm: |
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JTA: Funny how when the students wanted a jitney from the town, SHU expected the residents to pay for the full cost. Now SHU has their own jitney and Sheena says if residents want to use it, let the village submit a proposal.
Sheena: Why can"t SHU just let residents who can take advantage of the jitney use it. This would be a nice way of giving back to the village residents. After all you were the one who said it should not have been a big deal for the village to add a couple of stops for SHU students. |
michael brant
Citizen
Username: Mbrant
Post Number: 103
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 2:33 pm: |
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SHU should offer it to the elderly in town for use to get to town or the supermarket. They should have a phone # an elderly person who registers for the service can call to schedule a pickup. It should be a free service. |
Pizzaz
Supporter
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 3193
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 2:40 pm: |
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I mentioned that to Sheena awhile ago. The seniors should have special privileges for use. I think Sheena's asking from a business perspective whether the town is engaged in a study of providing the service with a swipe card? The PA director did mention at a BoT meeting that they were studying. What is the status of such a review?
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michael brant
Citizen
Username: Mbrant
Post Number: 104
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 2:44 pm: |
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Well I think if SHU should offer these types of services on their own. They receive huge benefits to occupy such HUGE parcels of land in a small community. And what a nice thing to do to be able to help the elderly. |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2585
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 2:46 pm: |
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michael: Exactly.
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Pizzaz
Supporter
Username: Pizzaz
Post Number: 3194
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 2:49 pm: |
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We should make the community BIGGER and merge with the only sister village that matters - MAPLEWOOD! |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 164
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 3:43 pm: |
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Mark and All,
We had discussed this a long time ago, but just to clarify for anyone who is looking for some info...SHU didn't ask for free service. The Village included SHU in their proposal for the Jitney, so it quite obviously was a joint effort.
Also, how would SO residents be paying the full cost if students/fac/admin have to pay to ride just like everyone else? Since when could students ride the Jitney for free? This must be a deeply hidden secret. In the same way that the town pays for the residents, but then the residents pay per ride or for a pass. Students would do the same except there would actually be a stop at SHU.
Sheena is correct in saying it wouldn't be a big deal. I believe there were many route proposals put into place that pleased everyone. Either way, that is in the past, and SHU's Student Affairs supported Parking Services & the VLC and had decided to move forward with the SHUfly.
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mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2586
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 3:53 pm: |
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Kristen: Actually, SHU at one time specifically asked for free service. Then they made an offer to pay the cost of one driver and then rescinded that offer (PL me and I will give you the name of the person from SHU who had the dialogue with me).
SHU now has a jitney. So the question remains - Can residents use the jitney even if they have to buy a pass or something?
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BMO
Citizen
Username: Bmo
Post Number: 88
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 4:11 pm: |
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Michael Brant, Mark, et al... Thank you for the idea. I've discussed this with a few members of our committee and we've begun brainstorming on how we might start this as a program. I will look into this with the right adminstration and see if we cannot make some progress.
Look forward to a report.
Brian O'Malley
Village Liaisons Co-President |
mrosner
Citizen
Username: Mrosner
Post Number: 2587
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 4:16 pm: |
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BMO: Thanks,
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Wilhelm Smelt
Citizen
Username: Parkingsux
Post Number: 325
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 4:20 pm: |
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I hope it doesn't go the way of the PA study; or the water study; or performance appraisals; or the DRMC....... |
michael brant
Citizen
Username: Mbrant
Post Number: 110
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 4:23 pm: |
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Hello BMO you are quite welcome for the idea. I think it would be most affective if there was a way that seniors that were interested in the service signed up for it and were issued some sought of card.
Scenario #1-They could call lets say 24 hours in advance for a pickup with a designated time for the return. Example Mr. Jones calls to be taken to the supermarket to do some shopping and at the same time schedules a pickup.
Scenario #2- there is a schedule made as follows.
Monday-wed-Friday-Sunday the jitney will pick up all interested at their homes between 9 am and 9:30 am to go to Path Mark. The jitney will pick the same people up at Path Mark at a designated time and drop each person home.
Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday the jitney will pick up all people interested at 10:00 am to 10:30 am and go to the Livingston and short hills mall. Then the return could be 3:00. Just a thought |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1074
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 4:54 pm: |
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"...Mr. Jones calls to be taken to the supermarket..."
Really? Where? In South Orange? |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 165
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 5:05 pm: |
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Those who ride need a Seton Hall ID card, which can be swiped as they board and the cost is then taken off of their account. There are different types of IDs, such as student, faculty, and administrator (all of different color, or something to that degree) but they can all be used.
I would suggest having another type of card (for residents, senior citizens, whomever) where it looks a bit different, but still has the user's picture on it. Like Brian said, we can talk to the appropriate people and see what is possible. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 580
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 5:16 pm: |
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Mark - I think people at SHU would love to know that name and I think there's the "other" side of the story that shouldn't be mentioned on a public message board. But if you'd prefer to make SHU look bad, so be it.
I think if residents are interested in the SHUfly (which I think is great) - they should contact their BOT and ask them to merge with the SHUfly with a proposal because obviously, you need to know demand, etc. The same way the VLC sent out a survey that yielded thousands of remarks to find out where students needed to go the Village should do the same... It's not a question of "SHU should be doing this!! ahhh" it's more a question of SHU knowing what it is they can do, if they were to venture in a joint venture...
Thanks Pizzaz - and I agree.
For those of you who know me, I love the idea of students/residents/seniors/etc riding together. It's social and it clears up the huge parking clump in the downtown.
I think Kristen and Brian are doing a most fabulous job... keep up the work.
- Sheena
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Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4112
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 8:30 pm: |
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I'm glad to hear it's doing 'very well,' as I had heard from a VERY reliable source the readership wasn't what you expected. I also heard it was so low the college was looking for ways to increase it's readership. Allowing the residents of South Orange to utilize the shuttle would be a good way to increase readership. Michael, thanks for being another resident of South Orange who has suggested the elderly (and disabled) be allowed to utilize the SHUfly.
I would also like to see it even be available for our Middle School Student from the Tuxedo Park Area of South Orange (which, for those who don't know, is off South Orange Ave, behind the college) who normally hoof it to school. Considering one of the reasons for the SHUfly was the opinion of some of the SH students (Sheena and Kristen being two) is it's too far for the college students to walk to the Village, I would think they would agree it's a rougher walk for 10-14 year olds.
The closest grocery store though is on Valley Street. Not sure if the college still owns the apartments across from Pathmark. If they do, that would be perfect! The seniors could go shopping at the Pathmark. As you said Mark, I asked this months ago. And why is it when the college students want something from South Orange things are done one way; but when South Orange Residents ask for something from SHU, it's another?
Michael you will find a lot of us agree with you! Not only would allowing the elderly to use the shuttle, it would be nice if South Orange Residents were allowed to use the recreation facilities at SHU. The students use ours.
Pizzaz- I think you're idea of South Orange re joining with Maplewood to form one big happy family is a good one. That way we can toss some of our BOT. We could call our new community
"Southwood."
 |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1514
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 8:31 pm: |
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Ridership |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 582
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 10:48 pm: |
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Well the commute to Livingston is quite a long walk (especially to the Mall).
The purpose of the SHUfly was to add convenience for students reason being twofold 1) parking is rough on campus as well as in the downtown, with the shuttle it's easier to transport people in a quick and efficient manner 2) there has been many safety issues especially during the night time hours, this helped combat that problem to a certain extent.
Ridership increased especially with the Free NJTransit week that was being implemented.
Please remember, that the SHUfly is still being piloted this semester. It would be hard for SHU to make any type of commitment to anyone at this point.
I still assert that if there is a request from residents (for elderly for example) there should be a proposal submitted for review. SHU works rather quickly and the turn around has always been expedient. I don't doubt that if such a proposal was presented, discussions could be begin.
Again, I totally support the idea of the Village and SHU sharing resources. As you can see, the SHUfly has many stops.
Another thing to take into big consideration, is our SHUfly is operated by IDs (as Kristen mentioned) - so obviously there would need to be discussions about how residents would get these swipe cards, etc.
Let's hope that a joint effort can be implemented, but a proposal is necessary. I don't believe SHU has any knowledge about Village needs and this can only be provided by members of the parking authority or task force who completes this study. |
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 2932
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 10:54 pm: |
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Sheena good job your student body can be thankful that under your watch a great deal of progress has been made. |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 167
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 10:58 pm: |
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It is doing well...not "doing well". For the 3rd month of a huge project...it's clear that the students do and will use it. Of course we need to increase ridership, it's new and not everyone even knows about it. That's why we continue to advertise so that the SHU community knows about the SHUfly and we can integrate it into the norms of SHU life.
Yes, Ora Manor is still there and there is a SHUfly stop in that area for the Ora residents and for those wishing to go to Pathmark/A&P.
JTA...when again did I say it was too far to walk to the village? The walk from campus to Pathmark or Maplewood Village... or Scotland & Montrose... or Livingston Mall is just a little too far, but not to the village. I surely could do it if I had plenty of time, but not many of us have that luxury for hours worth of walking.
It is too far for ANYONE to walk to the village when the weather isn't too pleasant, or at night or when you're carrying luggage to visit your family for a holiday.
So, again, when did I say "it's too far for the college students to walk to the Village"?
The SHUfly was created for SHU because all attempts to work with the village produced challenges...I'm not blaming anyone here btw. Challenges were posed all around. But why fight time-consuming challenges and all of the rejected options when we can create our own transportation system? We did so, and in a timely manner. So now let's live in the present and at least pretend to be positive and not pessimistic.
The ideas to blend ridership in the past did not work out...so let's let some dust settle, let the SHUfly establish itself for a little more than 3 months, and then we can address this great idea.}
NB: I was typing as Sheena was posting...so I didn't know she posted...and there is some repetition here. Either way, I hope everyone understands the situation. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 583
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 11:04 pm: |
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Echo? I love you Kris! 
Lucy - let's chat soon, I miss ya! |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 168
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 11:08 pm: |
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Um Sheena, the beer smiley faces are cute, but I'm not 21, so is there a smiley face with kiddie cocktails? Dave? 
You know who I miss? Matt Foley. I feel a lack of motivational speaking on this board. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 584
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 11:10 pm: |
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Oh my gosh, I'm so inconsiderate.
Here's to you Kris:
Yeah... where is that handsome man...  |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 169
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 11:12 pm: |
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I loveeeeee apple juice!!!
Oh Sheena, you're so kind...but back off Foley. Thanks. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4113
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 12:05 am: |
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SO - I think when I used the spellcheck I just hit 'change' when 'ridership' came up. Wasn't paying close attention. Must be the brain damage. My fault. |
AntoninaKC
Citizen
Username: Antoninakc
Post Number: 176
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 12:09 am: |
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Ladies- Its amazing how you handle yourself in topics like this one |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 170
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 9:18 am: |
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Thanks AntoninaKC!!
JTA, please answer my question. When did I say that the village was too far for students, or anyone, to walk?
Isn't that slanderous? I don't appreciate that behavior, and last I checked, isn't that against the MOL rules? Dave?
The least you can do is back up your accusation, or appologize for be wrong. |
michael brant
Citizen
Username: Mbrant
Post Number: 115
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 11:29 am: |
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Sheena why does the village need to submit a proposal? Does that mean that SHU would want some sought of compensation. Doesn't the school do good deeds on their own. I do not understand why the town needs to get involved. That would just delay the entire thing. Why not just have the school start and finish this on their own? It would be a much smoother operation. And such a good deed to do for the elderly. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2381
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 11:51 am: |
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Kristen, I believe you mean libelous. |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 585
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 12:23 pm: |
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Michael,
I think you're missing the point...
In the "business world" - that's just how things are done. How is SHU suppose to know what village demand is if the "officials" don't submit a proposal... like an RFP?
There would need to be some understanding regarding what role the Jitney plays (if any) since all of our current SHUfly stops cover those areas as well, who in the village would sell the swipe cards (as we've mentioned SHU students pay 75 cents and swipe it from their IDs)... All these details, would need to be proposed from "somebody". And if you think the University should conduct a study of the village to see how we can help, I'd be happy to suggest that to our administration today... but I'm pretty sure they would be confused as well...
Again, the SHUfly is being "piloted" right now as well.
I think you're making this more complicated than it needs to be...
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Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2382
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 1:31 pm: |
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Michael, you seem to be looking for a free, on-demand shuttle for the elderly using SHU's shuttle. That's not the way it appears to work. It appears to follow a set schedule, with a set route. It's not on-demand transportation, and it doesn't pick students up at their doors. I think you'd be hard-pressed to justify SHU essentially creating a new service for town seniors. Shuttles like that are not cheap to operate - though in NYC I know they have some type of service like this run either by the city or the MTA.
Sheena, perhaps the school could (without dealing with the town) have another type of card, other than student, faculty, administrator (maybe, townie? ) that people could purchase from the school. That way the town (and all the associated red tape) is not involved, and SHU get a star in their do-gooder column... |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 171
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 1:35 pm: |
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No Rastro, I do mean slander. Either one still means that there is false information being spread. Slander tends to mean verbal, but it can be written.
The fact still stands that the information is false, unless JTA wants to back up her statement.
And what's the big deal with a proposal? Proposals are not just when someone is searching for financial contribution. A proposal is needed when any two bodies want to work together. You need to 'propose' the idea and the details.
Kristen |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2384
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 1:44 pm: |
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Not to pick nits, but my dictionary defines slander as explicitly being verbal ("a false and defamatory oral statement about a person"), wheras libel is defined (definition 2) as either oral or written ("a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression").
I think the point *some* people are trying to make is that rather than trying to work out something with the town (where too many constituencies end up ruining every simple idea), the school could work directly with residents. But I do agree that SHUfly should get it's bearings first. It's too early to ask for new service or passengers. |
Kristen Williamson
Citizen
Username: Kris219
Post Number: 172
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 1:59 pm: |
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OED is quite reputable...it doesn't specifically state that it is only for verbal statements... so it might be a good idea to let them know they're wrong.
"The utterance or dissemination of false statements or reports concerning a person, or malicious misrepresentation of his actions, in order to defame or injure him; calumny, defamation"
"To bring into discredit, disgrace, or disrepute"
"To speak or write evil of, to misrepresent or vilify..."
In tradition it might be verbal, but it does not exclude the written word. |
michael brant
Citizen
Username: Mbrant
Post Number: 116
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 2:17 pm: |
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Sheena I am not missing the point and I do not need a lesson on the "Business World" I am 52 years old and own a very substantial and successful business. And in my opinion we are not discussing a business this is a charitable service. I am sure Seton Hall understands what charity is they accept millions of dollars through charitable donations each year. It helps to pay tuition and run the university. From 1st grade to graduating college I had the privilege of attending private Catholic schools. And we always had committees that gave back or did a service for the communities. That is why I had this idea to help the elderly with your bus. The students should take the bull by the horn and make it a school project. That way it will get done. If you are going to wait for our town to do something then you will have to put coming soon signs in the bus windows. Start a committee and go to the Monsignor and pitch it to him. I am sure he will be open to such a nice thing to do for people of South Orange. You see Sheena sometimes we all forget about the people in our own community who need help. We are a community that is blessed to have many elderly citizens and they do need our help. Could you imagine if Seton Hall got the names of the elderly in our town and asked if they would like to be put on a list of people who need snow removal....for free. The students would supply this service for a smile and thank you in return. I always get vibes from residents that Seton Hall does not do enough for the town. And I always say " by Seton Hall do you mean the school powers or the students" and I always get the same response....the school powers. Well the thousands of students in my opinion are the powers that be. What a difference the thousands of students could make in a community like ours. My suggestions are as follows
for the elderly and physically unable:
1) snow removal
2) yard work
3) stopping in to spend time with them...a friend
4) go shopping for them
just a small beginning but a big help.
So you see Sheena everything is not business. |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 910
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 2:30 pm: |
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michael, those are excellent suggestions. But why should Seton Hall students be the ones to do this. I mean, yes, it would be nice. But why not bring this up as a town venture. If you think there are a lot of students that could be helping, there are many more regualar citizens that you should be harping on to help the elderly. Don't just single out SHU students. But, I'm sure if you need a friend, or someone to help you go shopping, Sheena or Kristen could find someone to help you out. |
michael brant
Citizen
Username: Mbrant
Post Number: 117
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 2:39 pm: |
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McCheese every time you open your mouth you sound more ignorant. |
Rastro
Citizen
Username: Rastro
Post Number: 2386
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 3:24 pm: |
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Yes, Kristen, I think that's what I'll do. I'll write to my dictionary publisher and tell them they're wrong. Maybe they'll send me a free dictionary, too. |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 911
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 3:30 pm: |
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Michael, thank you for showing us how mature you are.
No one is stopping you from helping the elderly. Why pick on SHU students for not doing enough, when you are doing nothing yourself.
I don't have much free time to do much community service, but then again I am not complaining about others not do enough. |
Jennifer Lackie
Citizen
Username: Jennifer_lackie
Post Number: 102
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 3:35 pm: |
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Michael Brant - as the community director of the VLC, I can assure you that several of the aforementioned ideas on your list are in the works. There are a lot of road blocks that we are working to overcome, but hopefully in the future we can get some of it off the ground.
Mayor McCheese - I suggested the idea of getting more community-wide involvement in some of MB's above ideas, but was told by a Village Hall admin that they didn't really have jurisdiction over such ventures and therefore couldn't help us start such a community-wide service program.
I'm all for the idea though! I don't have the resources at hand to build up such a program, but, I think we should get SHU students and non-SHU student residents of South Orange to come together and, for example, shovel the driveways/sidewalks of those in our neighborhoods who cannot. Any ideas on how to get this off the ground???
If you have suggestions about community service in the Village or are interested in hearing some of the great things we are currently doing downtown, feel free to email me at villageliaisons@shu.edu.
We don't go around boasting about what SHU does community service-wise because part one aspect of Catholicism (upon which our school is based if you hadn't realized) says that one should do good deeds without going around and boasting about them. Do service for the sake of service and don't do it for the attention.
However, if you are interested in the details or want to get involved send me an email, I'd love to talk with you! |
Sheena Collum SHU
Citizen
Username: Sheena_collum
Post Number: 586
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 3:39 pm: |
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Michael,
Are you aware of our Division of Volunteer Efforts? Our students do thousands of hours of community service both in the Village and surrounding communities. I also sit on the Center for Community Research and Engagement which is one of the newest initiatives of the University to have students perform volunteer field work in the town in correspondence with their studies which provides a win/win situation...
I helped orchestrate the "kids at heart" day program at the beginning of this year in collaboration with SHU 500 (one of our days of service). Almost all the BOT as well as members of Village Hall helped with this. We raised money for the Rescue Squad and for "Children Together" while providing a field day for the kids in South Orange.
I think the problem is that we (SHU) doesn't do a better job of advertising these programs and volunteer initiatives. Our community service director off of the VLC (a student) has initiated cumulatively hundreds and hundreds of hours of trash pick-up in the town as well as "seton stories" for the children in our community.
Our Student Government has helped several charitities including providing all gifts for the children at the Don Bosco Youth Center and we raised thousands for Hurricane Katrina victims.
Seton Hall students are molded into becoming "servant leaders for a global society" - they are highly committed to serving the community. Why else do you think students get on MOL and take suggestions from residents in order to how to improve things and work on joint ventures? We're trying our best to help and I apologize if our work is not good enough.
Every suggestion you have made is either currently being done or being addressed (such as the snow removal). They're all fantastic ideas and I wholeheartedly agree with you.
I never suggested that these aspects of service should be considered a businesses relationship. But as Rastro pointed out, the dynamics of having our bus go to individual homes, etc. is an entirely different story - it does deal with monetary issues, it deals with data analysis, etc. All these need to be provided by the town because SHU can't sit down and guess what it is that the elderly need. A lot of our administration does not even live in South Orange.
Are we almost on the same page? You say you have a very successful business - would you ever pursue something without proper information, paperwork, and proposals? When local groups come to you and ask for donations, do you give them thousands of dollars without seeing some sort of paperwork describing who they are and why they are asking for money/service? I guess this is why I must still be confused. |
Jennifer Lackie
Citizen
Username: Jennifer_lackie
Post Number: 103
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 3:43 pm: |
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Oh Sheena, I love how we think along the same lines sometime :-) |
Jennifer Lackie
Citizen
Username: Jennifer_lackie
Post Number: 104
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 3:44 pm: |
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And oh, about DOVE - they don't advertise because they don't want to advertise. See above. |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 3026
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 3:48 pm: |
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Michael - it is unreasonable to expect the University to provide a shuttle for senior citizens - for the same reason the town no longer supplies one (cost & insurance). It is also unreasonable to expect the students to manage this effort... especially when the administration would have the final word on offering a shuttle to seniors.
SHU offers a good deal to the town.. very few residents take the opportunities offered though. In addition, although they are not obliged to do so, SHU also pays a PILOT on their off campus properties. There's also the $1 million they committed to for SOPAC
Finally - many of the students participate in charitable causes, from fund-raising for hurricance victims to hammering nails at Habitat. I believe that the VLT spoke about students helping seniors at one point last year - an excellent idea IMO - Kristin? |
Stevef
Citizen
Username: Stevef
Post Number: 173
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 4:05 pm: |
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What have senior citizens ever done for us? They walk too slowly and crowd up the sidewalk with their little carts. They smell like medicine, wear weird scarves tied about their heads, have thinning hair, rarely buy a round, mumble a lot, clip out so many coupons if you ever get in checkout behind them you'll be done sooner by stealing the food, getting caught, serving 3 months in prison and then returning for your purchases. They drive over carpets, animals and curbs without as much as a "sorry", fail to signal, pay for gas in nickels, drive too slowly (even over carpets carelessly strewn in the streets by installers who are verly likely also senior citizens). They never give up seats on public transport for hardworking middle class people, go to bed too early, wake up too early, eat meals too early, tip poorly if at all, have "dietary requirements", sound like a bean bag because they're carrying so many pills in boxes, forget names and places. Seniors complain about being on fixed incomes yet don't even try to find work, get government checks and spend it all on silly things like food and medicine. What's the point in shuttling them to a college where they'll only give the evil eye to students wearing racy halter tops and blaring rap music while studying for finals in their communications classes, where no doubt they've alread learned the senior demographic is not a desireable one because of all the above? |
michael brant
Citizen
Username: Mbrant
Post Number: 118
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 4:08 pm: |
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Sheena I am so proud to hear that the students are doing so many good things for our community. I mean that sincerely.
My comment about the use of the bus was a suggestion and yes I still maintain it is not a business or should the town be involved.
What I do suggest is that if the bus is to be used by the community it should be done without the involvement of town government. I have found over the years that sometimes the simplest of ideas become the most difficult to expedite when too many people get involved. For example you say every suggestion I have mentioned is either being done or being addressed. such as snow removal. I am happy to hear that!
I agree that the school should do a better job of informing the public of the many things that are being done for the community.
Seton Hall has all the technology needed to not have to guess what the needs of the elderly are...your brains and hearts. And the students have both and I am sure they are large.
Forget the proposal. Take the business out of this and put the emotion back. You do not need the town to tell you that the elderly could use some help removing the snow.
20 students could go door to door and charge people like me and when an elderly person answers the door simply say....on us today complements Seton Hall! Holy Smoke could you only imagine the good will message this will send! See how easy that is. |
Lucy
Supporter
Username: Lucy
Post Number: 2948
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 10:43 pm: |
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Stevef thanks |
Lizziecat
Citizen
Username: Lizziecat
Post Number: 1079
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 1:30 pm: |
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Steve F:
Message from a senior citizen: F### you!! |
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