The Weekend in Mid April

Our Backyard

New Store in Arts District

Densie and Carolyne

This weekend way pretty good, I must say. Friday was a nice day but quite cool for mid April. I check out one or two places downtown. One gallery had some pretty cool paintings that you have to see to believe. It was the 10th anniversary of 3rd Friday in Millville NJ. I think it went fine, the weather held out. Saturday, we did some gardening and replanting in the backyard. It was in need of a make over and this is what we did. It was nice having the day to ourselves to take care of business. We got done in time before it got dark and a powerful thunderstorm came crashing in. Man, it was drenching rain and wind. Thank goodness we do not live in North Carolina near Raleigh.
Well, President Obama FINALLY called out the House Republicans on the "brave" Paul Ryan plan that ends Medicare as we know it and gives generous tax cuts to those who already know how to avoid paying much in taxes. As As Paul Krugman states in the NY Times:

Now, Republicans claim that last year’s midterms gave them a mandate for the vision embodied in their budget. But last year the G.O.P. ran against what it called the “massive Medicare cuts” contained in the health reform law. How, then, can the election have provided a mandate for a plan that not only would preserve all of those cuts, but would go on, over time, to dismantle Medicare completely?

The Republcan Ryan Plan aint no joke

Its time for the President to just stand up and call the Republicans out. We can not stand wish-washy Democrats. Just STOP!!

Cumberland County in Trouble:Our Political Candidates

Good morning. I have not been writing about our political conditions here in Cumberland County New Jersey. I am now going to play catch-up. Then again this is no game. This is about the continued economic viability of Cumberland County and to Millville as well.
First off some good news. Millville celebrates 10 years of 3rd Friday's. This started with volunteers such as Liz Nicklus, Carl Johnson, Leslie Ficcalia, Mike Cagno and others who started the RRCA from scratch as volunteers. Now we have 2 anchors. The RRCA on one end and the Village on High on the other end. Maryann Cannon deserves full praise for getting this project started at an old gas station on High Street.
Ok, Lets enjoy this Friday
 Back to our politics... I see that Rev Dunkins is not running for Freeholder

but a woman named Carol Masso will be running. She seems to be an insider with the party. I know little about her. I wished that Jane Jennerone had dropped out instead since she has been embarrassing. She has been the bad cop for big Lou. I did notice that Mr. Magazzu is STILL running the party as this statement leads me to believe.

“Cumberland County residents have received the short end of the stick from the Trenton Republicans,” said Cumberland County Democratic Chairman Lou Magazzu, in a statement announcing his party’s county slate in the upcoming November elections.

So I guess Lou is not "gone" like I was told by a Democratic insider last month. I really did believe him too! The face that Jane is still on the ballot seems to confirm my opinion on this matter. Lou comes out and says this statement that the Democratic candidates will defend Cumberland County against attacks from the Christie Admin.

“The team of Whelan, Jannarone and Musso will be a firewall to protect us from any further attacks.”

Well, Mr Magazzu, your current candidates have not "protected" us here in Cumberland County that well. As you said yourself.

“The (Chris) Christie administration has unfairly targeted Cumberland County by planning to close the Upper Deerfield (motor vehicle) inspection station and already closing the Bridgeton inspection station, Vineland Developmental Center and the urban enterprise zones of Bridgeton, Vineland and Millville.

Our Assemblymen are not much better in protecting our economic interests.Assemblyman John Burzichelli has no ideawhy the Vineland Development Center is targeted for closing.

A member of the budget committee, the Third District assemblyman stated he doesn’t understand why the center is to be closed when relatives and advocates for those staying there have praise for it — and while many patients cannot speak for themselves.


“Something just doesn’t sit right with this,” said Burzichelli, the Democratic deputy speaker in the Assembly. “I’ve asked for follow-up information on this. This is a real important issue to many people in this county.
“I think there is going to be a need for a facility here.”

Well, with all due respect, you might want to do your job and FIND OUT!!!
Meanwhile Jeff Van Drew is accused of tearing up petitions of a woman who DARED to run in the primary against him. Yo Jeff, why don't you and Mr Burzichelli go out and challenge the Christie Admin on why the Vineland Development Center is being closed, the UEZ is closing its local office, and why another DOT building is going to be shutdown.
Ok, Now that I have commented about the Democrats, its time for the Republicans. I see that Sam Fiocchi gets full endorsement from First District GOP nomination for STATE ASSEMBLY. Gee, did he not just get elected for Freeholder umm 4 months ago? I voted for Mr Fiocchi thinking that he would bring a balance and commonsense to the Lou-Dominated Freeholder Board. I was again mistaken. He just just used his Freeholder seat (barely warm) as a stepping stone. He did not impress my friend who was seeking leadership concerning the proposed closing of the County Library.
I do not know the Republican candidates for Freeholder except Joey Farabella who was a good Millville Cop. If anyone out there can educate me, I am willing to listen. Can anyone get rid of Lou and Jane? Can we get strong leadership so we are not the red-headed step child of the State of New Jersey?

Spring Equinox 2011

Fred Kramer's Creations at Amethyst Gallery 

Carolyne liked the one on the Left 

Pups at Ostara Yoga Class Sat March 19

It's time to celebrate Spring. Its been a long time coming and the mornings are still cold (I have to wear my red hat) but the grey cold presence of Winter is fading away. One St. Patrick's day, one of my co-workers retired. I have worked with her since I arrived at the Elmwood District back in 1992 way back in the Bill Clinton era. On 3rd Friday it was a nice 60-70 degrees outside and we ventured to the Amethyst Gallery which was a delight as usuall. We saw Fred and some other folks and it was a relaxing affair.

Shvasna at Ostara Yoga

Watching the Pussy Willows Bloom in Fortescue

Carolyne in Fortescue 3-19

Holly Treet in Bloom in Fortescue NJ

Sunset in Fortescue NJ Sat March 19th

Saturday was a cool day. I first went to Ostara Yoga and had a very good class. We then went to the Church of Vintage and hung out. I got the Wi-Fi for my iPhone and Carolyne and Kay looked at vintage dresses. Carolyne Kay and I went to the Toadfish for lunch and/or early dinner. We went to a fellow's house to talk and chill untill we got ready for the "Super Moon" that was to appear for the first time since March of 1983. I was sophomore at IUP back then. I know when I go back, the campus will have NONE of the dorms that were there.  Anyhow it was a fun day and evening and the gloious sunset as well.
Yesterday, we just did some errends and mellowed out a bit.  I have my first demo in Mays Landing tomorrow. I paid a visit to the Pet Smart there. Its  near the Hamilton Mall. Well, more about that later.
It's now time to take my stuff and go to work.

Saturday at Ostara Yoga

I still can not believe that Blogger does not have its own app for the iPhone. I looked but could not find it. It would be good it if did, then it would be alot easier to blog on the fly and not have to get up early to fit it in.
Temple and Villonova are out of the NCAA Tourniment so I really am not following it now. The US and allies finally bombed Kaddifi. I mean he will massicure his people if he takes over the entire county. He came out and said it as much.

The Rest of this Week

June and Jesus and their Coats!!

Last Walk with Sophie 1-20-11

Fresh Grocier 56th and Chestnut

Anything Unusual about this Man??

Midnight with Mike

3rd Friday with Isabelle

High Street Fri Jan 21st

Liz and Isabelle

Well after all the paraniod stuff I just wrote about. It was time to live out the rest of the week. Weds was a quiet fairly mild day. It was ok but I got a surprist from the bank. I then stayed overnigh in West Philly with Pat. Weds nigh we just ate and just crashed. Thursday I just got a call from my oldest customer. He said that Sophie did not need as many walks and my servicess would not be needed. It was a sad surprise for sure. I have walked this dog for over 8 years and I will miss Sophie. Next we went to Mikes and watched Piranha. It was fun and cheezy for sure. Richard Dreyfus was in the early part of the move. He gets cought up in a whirlpool caused by an underwater earthquake, all these prehistoric piranhas come from below and eat him up. This was one of the Jaws riffs the move took. We had white wine and I had 3 samosa's for dinner. After the movie Pat and I walked back to his place and the sleet and snow started to fall.  I woke up at 7:30am and saw that only a dusting had hit the ground. It was nice to be able to get up at 7:30am and make it to work by 8:30.

Friday was a decent day, get some work done and then drove the bus home. I stopped by Piking Tokyo and saw Ned and Linda eating. I then saw the Swift's and enjoyed good conversation. Next went to the Artist Consortum and saw Isabelle and Liz. When I got home, I saw the doggie surprise, the dogs have the some coat but different sizes. It was nice way to end the week and see folks I do not get to see that often. It was cool that the News of Cumberland County did a story about the Riverfront Condos right after I sent something to the BEN Column. It was gratifying for sure.

Related articles

• Piranha (2010) (cinemaroll.com)

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3rd Friday and The Day After

Yesterday was 3rd Friday but before that, I went to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. I work in the Office of Income Maintenance and it was fairly busy as usual. Phone calls, reports etc. One of the things I find myself doing is fixing paper jams on the Xerox copier that is near my desk. The part on the photo gets VERY HOT and paper gets stuck in this cartridge and 2 other places. A person will just leave it like that. I guess its under my job description as "other related duties". We would be crippled with out these copiers. We now can scan documents to the computer so I do need to file. Its kind of cool to be able to fix this problem since I can work and so can others without waiting for the office manager to stop by and fix it.
Well, after I earned my keep, I did errands like going  pick up some scrips for a friend and stop by another friend and get some items for the weekend.

When I got to Millville, I walked my dog Jesus and visited Bogart's Books in the Millville Arts District and saw some friends and a creepy dude who carries his pistol. It was getting pretty hot for the dog and I so I went home and did not get out for the rest of the evening. A band was setting up and folks were hanging out in front. Bogart's was the place to be on this 3rd Friday unlike last year when the Fithian House Gallery had nice gathering for its 3rd Friday. The band The Great Unknown played outside our hometo the enjoyment of all who were there. Today, I am going to deliver some Fithan House items that someone bought using a gift certificate she got last year and she found 2 items that she liked.

This morning I went to Bogarts with Jesus and he relaxed on the floor while the store was getting ready for a new day. I saw the book "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" displayed on the table I was sitting. Its part of a trilogy written by Stieg Larsson who died right as he finished his 3 books. I saw a woman on the train reading it and I might want to check it out. Anyone with a review of the book, please make a comment or go to my Facebook page and let me know what you think. Man, I dig technology but I am glad it was not around when I was in high school or college. I have mellowed out (a bit) and I do not fall in to traps like having embarrassing moments for employees to google me. Kids are being busted for sexting nowadays which some say is easier the photocopying your butt.
Well the New Jersey Motorsports Park continues to elicit hot rhetoric about the noise problem. Most are content to ignore the problem or just complain in the newspapers or on blogs. The person in the paper at least had a suggestion which is a start. The blogger also does explain his pointswith detail which is more then I can say for most pro or con! When I get time one day, I just need to go to a house nearby and videotape the sound myself, then visit the park and have a normal adult conversation about the status of the place and what the plans are for the future and how they are going to answer the critics. Failure is REALLY not an option for Millvile or myself. I do know some want failure and I really do not have anything to help those poor souls.
Well, time to get some stuff done before 3pm besides blogging.

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3rd Friday

I wentured out last nite to the Millville 3rd Friday. I stopped by Bogarts, JB&Me, The Artist Consortium, Amithyst and the Oar House. Steve played at bogarts and I saw friends I have seen and not seen in awhile. It was a pleasent and a short nite out. It was alot different a year ago on 3rd Friday that's for sure. I have an early start to today. Its now 6:30am and I am going to Philly and back by 9:30 to do some stuff around the house for a guest who will determine our home's worth.

3rd Friday November 20 2009

3rd Friday came around this month. I was looking forward to getting home by 6-6:30 since I was driving to work instead of taking the 408 bus. I was driving to pick up used windows. . Went to Carl's book signing of his new book called Bar Exam at Bogarts Books. It was a festive event. Saw folks I used to see all the time who I have not seen in quite some time. I visited Isabelle and was told of a fun event at the Rainbow Lounge. It was here I was told of the latest Millville political goings on by another friend of mine. Of course the local papers did not cover them in deference to their boy Lou Magazzu who now with a win in this past election will I suppose, cash in and consolidate his hold on Cumberland County politics with deals and rewards for those who do his bidding. I am just fustrated that this kind of politics is coming closer to being the rule of the land in Millville, Vinland and Bridgeton. This will be investigated further in the future

Meanwhile, in more mundane news, Millville will be raising its real estate tax up by 9 cents per $100 assessed. The cost of health benefits will make up over 5 cents of the 9 cents. The Levoy Theatre renovation has begun! Great news it is for sure. I do hear that the political macinations are far from over. Well, its 6:19pm and I am having an early dinner.

Updates September 17

Well its almost third friday in Millville and I have have recovered from the vacation. The politics are heating up since October is right around the corner. The Levoy has one more step before renovations can begin. I will write more on this on annother post. The weather has cooled very nicly now. I will have driven in to work 3 times this week for Dr apts and the like. Carolyne and Steve made major changes to the gallery that I think folks will like. I must say its nice to change things up every so often. I hope folks will come out and see and buy what we have to offer. The weather promises to be a-ok as well. Well, the Phillies won and the best news is that Cole Hamels fanned 10 batters in a 4-2 win over the Nationals. Have a good night and stay tuned.

This Past Week

Well, I just had to mellow out after last week with its death panels for Grandma and paper shortages/system problems at work. I was one frustrated amigo for sure. 3rd Friday went pretty well. Bob White and others (including a former RRCA Board member) paid a visit. We had to take our sign that was on the corner of High and Pine Streets. (So did the Psychic as well). I will have to ask about the ordnance and when the sign can come up etc this week. Going to the dermatologist tomorrow at Penn in Philly. They are going to check on a small growth on my temple. Its barely noticeable but the doctor thought it should be checked out.I paid a visit to see 3 old friends in Baltimore for dinner. Steve cooked up some tasty chicken and homemade sherbet (not sure that is the correct word). This past Sunday we went to a park in Vineland (near the intersection of Lincoln and Chestnut Sts) and celebrated our neighbor's child's birthday. The beans and chicken were very tasty as well. Went to Carolyne's Yoga class with our dog June. Its very good for my tight muscles.
I am getting pretty good business in my dog walking and being my friend's agent. Its good to have extra spending money these days. Man, It was so HUMID, it was gross.
In the outside world, the Phillies are doing well They are up 7 games at this time. The Eagles signed Michael Vick and the uproar began. I mean he has a drink and THAT makes the (Phila Daily)News??
The state budget impasse continues on but at least I am gettting paid. Its still hot outside and I am very tired.

3rd Friday at the Fithian House Gallery. July 17th

Third Friday at the Fithian House Galleryfeatured a band from Philly called The Great Unknown. Carolyne and Elizabeth saw them at an event in Philly and Elizabeth came up with the idea of having them over for 3rd Friday. They were excellent and played until dark around 11pm. We had folks come for the first time which was cool. Please enjoy the photos and the sample video of band playing on our neighbor's driveway. More videos can be seen here.