The GPA Thrift Store now has a NEW WEBSITE and a NEW LOCATION. Please check it out, www.gpathrift.org, for information, featured items for sale, and upcoming events.
Greystone Park Association (GPA)
Greystone Park Psychiatric Hosp
at Cottage 12
59 Koch Avenue
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
www.gpathrift.org
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
NJ Governor's Environmental Stance
From the New Jersey Environmental Federation.
Since elected, the governor has on multiple occasions publicly reaffirmed his environmental commitments to NJEF and the state including just saying:
No to:
Off-shore drilling
LNG facilities of any kind
The Delaware River Deepening, and
The Linden coal plant based on environmental justice and other concerns,
AND
Yes to:
Aggressive NJ-based development, both production and manufacturing, of clean renewables like wind [on and off shore] and solar,
Re-evaluating hundreds of miles of candidate Category 1 [c1] and other waters not previously approved to be upgraded to c1,
Additional pollution reductions including requiring clean diesel equipment at publicly funded construction sites,
Stopping the poisoning of Barnegat Bay from fertilizer and other pollutants,
Giving cumulative impact greater weight in DEP decision-making, and
Fixing cooling systems at both the Oyster Creek and Salem nuclear plants.
The Christie administration has also innovatively used various tools at its disposal at the state, regional and federal level to go after Exelon for radioactive tritium leaks at Oyster Creek, New York City garbage trucks on NJ streets, and a Pennsylvania coal plant.
The State Legislature and the Environment
In January, the Democratic-controlled "lame duck" legislature wrapped up an already very disappointing 2 year session with a double whammy. They passed 2 major anti-environmental bills at the last minute. One would severely delay and weaken one of Governor Corzine's few significant environmental achievements - updating the state's 2 decade old wastewater rules (6 other attempted updates over 20 years failed!). The other would extend the 2008 Permit Extension Act further undermining local decision-making and modern, science-based environmental and public health and safety protections.
After promising to support both and then neither, Governor Corzine in the end signed the permit extension bill, but vetoed the wastewater bill!
Kudos to Assembly Environment Chair McKeon and newly appointed EPA Region II Administrator Judith Enck for working hard to weaken both bills. Not to be deterred, the new legislature started to push the wastewater bill again in February. McKeon and Enck teamed up with the new NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Bob Martin to kill the bill.
Meanwhile, Assemblyman John Burzicelli, chair of the recently re-created Regulatory Oversight Committee, appears intent on weakening environmental protections despite assertions to the contrary. The bills he is pushing make it harder for New Jersey to go beyond weak federal standards, NJDEP to provide regulatory guidance without going through burdensome rule-making, and more.
There is some good news on the legislative front. The new Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono, one of the few environmental champs in the Legislature, has been critical of Burzicelli's efforts. McKeon joined by Assemblyman Chivukula (chair of the Assembly Utilities Committee) and Senator Bob Smith (chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee) are working together on a package of solar, wind and energy efficiency bills, as well as a measure to stop the pollution runoff entering Barnegat Bay.
Unfortunately, even these relatively modest efforts are far from a done deal, especially given the state's budget deficit and economic downturn. Even if the "millionaire's tax" is restored, as in our view it should be, it would only generate $650 million to $1 billion of the $10 billion budget shortfall, 1/3 of the state budget. It is not enough to reinstate the clean energy funds, school aid, and safety net programs for seniors.
Yet, there is much the state can do that will clean up the environment, create green jobs for an emerging economy, and save taxpayer dollars. The state house should work to attract green businesses, as well as have the power to "just say no" to backward thinking projects - such as new coal plants, sprawling McMansions, and garbage incinerator expansions. Regrettably, much needed environmental advances aren't even on the table while major attacks are.
Since elected, the governor has on multiple occasions publicly reaffirmed his environmental commitments to NJEF and the state including just saying:
No to:
Off-shore drilling
LNG facilities of any kind
The Delaware River Deepening, and
The Linden coal plant based on environmental justice and other concerns,
AND
Yes to:
Aggressive NJ-based development, both production and manufacturing, of clean renewables like wind [on and off shore] and solar,
Re-evaluating hundreds of miles of candidate Category 1 [c1] and other waters not previously approved to be upgraded to c1,
Additional pollution reductions including requiring clean diesel equipment at publicly funded construction sites,
Stopping the poisoning of Barnegat Bay from fertilizer and other pollutants,
Giving cumulative impact greater weight in DEP decision-making, and
Fixing cooling systems at both the Oyster Creek and Salem nuclear plants.
The Christie administration has also innovatively used various tools at its disposal at the state, regional and federal level to go after Exelon for radioactive tritium leaks at Oyster Creek, New York City garbage trucks on NJ streets, and a Pennsylvania coal plant.
The State Legislature and the Environment
In January, the Democratic-controlled "lame duck" legislature wrapped up an already very disappointing 2 year session with a double whammy. They passed 2 major anti-environmental bills at the last minute. One would severely delay and weaken one of Governor Corzine's few significant environmental achievements - updating the state's 2 decade old wastewater rules (6 other attempted updates over 20 years failed!). The other would extend the 2008 Permit Extension Act further undermining local decision-making and modern, science-based environmental and public health and safety protections.
After promising to support both and then neither, Governor Corzine in the end signed the permit extension bill, but vetoed the wastewater bill!
Kudos to Assembly Environment Chair McKeon and newly appointed EPA Region II Administrator Judith Enck for working hard to weaken both bills. Not to be deterred, the new legislature started to push the wastewater bill again in February. McKeon and Enck teamed up with the new NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Bob Martin to kill the bill.
Meanwhile, Assemblyman John Burzicelli, chair of the recently re-created Regulatory Oversight Committee, appears intent on weakening environmental protections despite assertions to the contrary. The bills he is pushing make it harder for New Jersey to go beyond weak federal standards, NJDEP to provide regulatory guidance without going through burdensome rule-making, and more.
There is some good news on the legislative front. The new Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono, one of the few environmental champs in the Legislature, has been critical of Burzicelli's efforts. McKeon joined by Assemblyman Chivukula (chair of the Assembly Utilities Committee) and Senator Bob Smith (chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee) are working together on a package of solar, wind and energy efficiency bills, as well as a measure to stop the pollution runoff entering Barnegat Bay.
Unfortunately, even these relatively modest efforts are far from a done deal, especially given the state's budget deficit and economic downturn. Even if the "millionaire's tax" is restored, as in our view it should be, it would only generate $650 million to $1 billion of the $10 billion budget shortfall, 1/3 of the state budget. It is not enough to reinstate the clean energy funds, school aid, and safety net programs for seniors.
Yet, there is much the state can do that will clean up the environment, create green jobs for an emerging economy, and save taxpayer dollars. The state house should work to attract green businesses, as well as have the power to "just say no" to backward thinking projects - such as new coal plants, sprawling McMansions, and garbage incinerator expansions. Regrettably, much needed environmental advances aren't even on the table while major attacks are.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
NJ Libraries Eliminated From State Budget
NJ Libraries Eliminated From State Budget
Gov. Christie's budget calls for a 74% decrease in funding for statewide library services. This cut includes the elimination of all statewide library programs and services. This will affect all types of libraries in New Jersey. Once state funding is eliminated, NJ will lose $4.5 million in federal funding. What does this mean to NJ residents? Once state and federal funding are lost the impact will be felt by all residents:
Access to electronic databases such as RefUSA and EBSCO will cease
Statewide interlibrary loan and delivery of library materials will cease
Put back one dollar for each NJ citizen and the 74% cuts to libraries would be restored!
Libraries will lose 50% of state aid at a time when demand for services is increasing dramatically
More than half of public libraries will lose access to the Internet
Many libraries will lose email service
Many libraries will lose their websites or access to them
The Talking Book and Braille Center (known as the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) will close
Group contracts which bring down the cost of other electronic resources purchased by libraries will cease
At the same time the state is eliminating funding for library programs. Assemblyman John DiMaio has introduced A2555 which eliminates the minimum local funding requirement for municipal public libraries.
This assault on libraries must be stopped! Here is what you need to know:
160,242 people enter a NJ library every day
The $10 million in library programs cut from the Governor's budget represent little more than $1 per capita in state funds.
Library programs have been flat funded for 20 years so it is hard to believe these small programs have caused the state's current fiscal crisis.
Local library funding targeted in A2555 typically represents less than 3% of local property taxes.
What can you do?
Become a Library Champion. Join the Facebook group Save NJ Libraries and check for updates on our efforts.
Call or send a message to the Governor (609) 292-6000, your State Senator and Assembly representatives opposing the elimination of funding for library programs and A2555.
Assembly and Governor contacts: http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/home/
When you become a Library Champion we promise that we will only use your email address to contact you on issues affecting library service. Please join us in preserving library service in New Jersey.
New Jersey Libraries - Busier Than Ever
According to the latest data your public library is a very busy place.
48,531,094 annual visits to public library
59,800,386 items checked out- up 4 million from last year
8,405,278 questions asked
3,686,779 programs attended
144,105 NJ children read 1,992,427 books during summer reading last year.
68% of the American Public have a library card
83% of New Jersey residents say funding public libraries is a good investment (source: 2007 Potomac Public Opinion Survey)
71% of New Jersey residents believe a public library is an essential service for the community- not a cultural amenity. (source: 2007 Potomac Public Opinion survey)
Gov. Christie's budget calls for a 74% decrease in funding for statewide library services. This cut includes the elimination of all statewide library programs and services. This will affect all types of libraries in New Jersey. Once state funding is eliminated, NJ will lose $4.5 million in federal funding. What does this mean to NJ residents? Once state and federal funding are lost the impact will be felt by all residents:
Access to electronic databases such as RefUSA and EBSCO will cease
Statewide interlibrary loan and delivery of library materials will cease
Put back one dollar for each NJ citizen and the 74% cuts to libraries would be restored!
Libraries will lose 50% of state aid at a time when demand for services is increasing dramatically
More than half of public libraries will lose access to the Internet
Many libraries will lose email service
Many libraries will lose their websites or access to them
The Talking Book and Braille Center (known as the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) will close
Group contracts which bring down the cost of other electronic resources purchased by libraries will cease
At the same time the state is eliminating funding for library programs. Assemblyman John DiMaio has introduced A2555 which eliminates the minimum local funding requirement for municipal public libraries.
This assault on libraries must be stopped! Here is what you need to know:
160,242 people enter a NJ library every day
The $10 million in library programs cut from the Governor's budget represent little more than $1 per capita in state funds.
Library programs have been flat funded for 20 years so it is hard to believe these small programs have caused the state's current fiscal crisis.
Local library funding targeted in A2555 typically represents less than 3% of local property taxes.
What can you do?
Become a Library Champion. Join the Facebook group Save NJ Libraries and check for updates on our efforts.
Call or send a message to the Governor (609) 292-6000, your State Senator and Assembly representatives opposing the elimination of funding for library programs and A2555.
Assembly and Governor contacts: http://capwiz.com/ala/nj/home/
When you become a Library Champion we promise that we will only use your email address to contact you on issues affecting library service. Please join us in preserving library service in New Jersey.
New Jersey Libraries - Busier Than Ever
According to the latest data your public library is a very busy place.
48,531,094 annual visits to public library
59,800,386 items checked out- up 4 million from last year
8,405,278 questions asked
3,686,779 programs attended
144,105 NJ children read 1,992,427 books during summer reading last year.
68% of the American Public have a library card
83% of New Jersey residents say funding public libraries is a good investment (source: 2007 Potomac Public Opinion Survey)
71% of New Jersey residents believe a public library is an essential service for the community- not a cultural amenity. (source: 2007 Potomac Public Opinion survey)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
New Jersey Transit Rate Hike Hearings - Morristown
Take Action!
Where are the hearings? Morristown will be at:
MORRISTOWN
Morristown Town Hall - Senior Community Center (3rd Fl.)
200 South Street, Morristown, NJ
on March 26, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
March 25, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Paterson, Newark, Trenton, Manalapan
March 26, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Secaucus, Morristown, Camden, Long Branch, New York City
March 27, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Hackensack, Atlantic City, East Brunsick.
Attend a hearing: Get details on hearing times and places.
Speak out online: Comment on NJ Transit's plan (Use the Online Comment Form link).
We hope that you can join us at the hearings! State decision makers need to hear that this unfair plan will cause financial pain and make it harder to get around the state. We understand that taking time out from your day to speak at a hearing is a big commitment. Transit officials and politicians recognize this too, which is why attending hearings can make a big difference. Just ask New Yorkers-their transit agency just canceled a slew of planned service cuts after thousands of people spoke out.
Especially heinous are the cuts that will eradicate almost all NJ Transit Morris County buses. These buses provide the only transportation that some people are able to afford to get to college, work, social service agencies, food banks, abused women's shelters, the Morristown Hospital and their doctors. Please protest these service cuts.
If you can't make it, you can comment on NJ Transit's website until Monday, March 29.
Please help us send a message by attending a hearing or by speaking out online!
Thank you!
Where are the hearings? Morristown will be at:
MORRISTOWN
Morristown Town Hall - Senior Community Center (3rd Fl.)
200 South Street, Morristown, NJ
on March 26, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
March 25, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Paterson, Newark, Trenton, Manalapan
March 26, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Secaucus, Morristown, Camden, Long Branch, New York City
March 27, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Hackensack, Atlantic City, East Brunsick.
Attend a hearing: Get details on hearing times and places.
Speak out online: Comment on NJ Transit's plan (Use the Online Comment Form link).
We hope that you can join us at the hearings! State decision makers need to hear that this unfair plan will cause financial pain and make it harder to get around the state. We understand that taking time out from your day to speak at a hearing is a big commitment. Transit officials and politicians recognize this too, which is why attending hearings can make a big difference. Just ask New Yorkers-their transit agency just canceled a slew of planned service cuts after thousands of people spoke out.
Especially heinous are the cuts that will eradicate almost all NJ Transit Morris County buses. These buses provide the only transportation that some people are able to afford to get to college, work, social service agencies, food banks, abused women's shelters, the Morristown Hospital and their doctors. Please protest these service cuts.
If you can't make it, you can comment on NJ Transit's website until Monday, March 29.
Please help us send a message by attending a hearing or by speaking out online!
Thank you!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Frelinghuysen Arboretum - Garden Art Swap and Lecture
Program: Garden Art Swap and Lecture
Date: Sunday, April 25
Time: Noon – 4 pm
Location: Haggerty Education Center
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
53 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $3.00
Garden Art Swap and Lecture
Everyone has some kind of unwanted decorative garden object and the Garden Art Swap is the place for them. Objects can include decorative containers, pottery, garden signs, statues, etc. And yes, pink flamingoes but nothing over 40 pounds, please! Swap items will be accepted from Noon - 1 pm at which time you will be given Trading Points.
At 1 pm, Pegi Ballister-Howells, author and radio host, will give a talk on “Four Seasons of Color”. From 2 pm - 4 pm you can exchange your Trading Points for others’ gently used treasures.
To learn about other events at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, please visit their web site at www.arboretumfriends.org.
Horticulture Education Programs or http://www.MorrisParks.Net
Date: Sunday, April 25
Time: Noon – 4 pm
Location: Haggerty Education Center
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
53 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown, NJ
Cost: $3.00
Garden Art Swap and Lecture
Everyone has some kind of unwanted decorative garden object and the Garden Art Swap is the place for them. Objects can include decorative containers, pottery, garden signs, statues, etc. And yes, pink flamingoes but nothing over 40 pounds, please! Swap items will be accepted from Noon - 1 pm at which time you will be given Trading Points.
At 1 pm, Pegi Ballister-Howells, author and radio host, will give a talk on “Four Seasons of Color”. From 2 pm - 4 pm you can exchange your Trading Points for others’ gently used treasures.
To learn about other events at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum, please visit their web site at www.arboretumfriends.org.
Horticulture Education Programs or http://www.MorrisParks.Net
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Morris County Local buses Discontinued!
The following Morris County Local buses operated by private carriers will be discontinued as of May 1, 2010:
-- MCM 1: Morristown to the Willowbrook Mall
-- MCM 2: Morristown to County College of Morris
-- MCM 3: Morristown, Morris Township to the Livingston, Short Hills malls
-- MCM 4: Dover to Honeywell campus, Morris Twp.
-- MCM 5: Morristown to Rockaway Townsquare mall
-- MCM 7: Milton to K-mart Plaza on Route 10, Victory Gardens
Three Morris/Warren Minibuses — 966, 973, 967 — will also be discontinued.
This is absolutely unfair to seniors and workers in the Morristown area. I am wondering if this is blowback from NJ Transit to Christie for the NJ Transit cuts. As usual, seniors and the working poor suffer. Here is the bus schedule and areas covered for these buses.
-- MCM 1: Morristown to the Willowbrook Mall
-- MCM 2: Morristown to County College of Morris
-- MCM 3: Morristown, Morris Township to the Livingston, Short Hills malls
-- MCM 4: Dover to Honeywell campus, Morris Twp.
-- MCM 5: Morristown to Rockaway Townsquare mall
-- MCM 7: Milton to K-mart Plaza on Route 10, Victory Gardens
Three Morris/Warren Minibuses — 966, 973, 967 — will also be discontinued.
This is absolutely unfair to seniors and workers in the Morristown area. I am wondering if this is blowback from NJ Transit to Christie for the NJ Transit cuts. As usual, seniors and the working poor suffer. Here is the bus schedule and areas covered for these buses.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Morris Habitat plans to send shelter kits to Haiti
The Morris Habitat ReStore is leading a campaign to collect at least $2,500 from local residents to pay for 10 emergency shelter kits for the people in Haiti affected by the devastating earthquake that struck on January 12. You can contribute now by clicking the “Pay Now” button to send a secure online credit card donation via PayPal.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
March Concerts at the Morris County Library
Concerts take place at the Morris County Library Saturday, March 6th and 13th:
Serenata Trio (flute, guitar and violin), Saturday, Mar. 6th, 3PM, play a program of Italian composers, Fera Italia
Sospiro Winds, string ensemble, peform March 13th, Saturday, 3PM.
Serenata Trio (flute, guitar and violin), Saturday, Mar. 6th, 3PM, play a program of Italian composers, Fera Italia
Sospiro Winds, string ensemble, peform March 13th, Saturday, 3PM.
Free Morris County Libary Movies - February and March
Friday Films, 2PM
films are free and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis [public meeting room]
February: Black History Month
Amistad 1998, R, 2hrs, 35m
Lady Sings the Blues 1972, R, 2hrs, 24m
Cry the Beloved Country 1995, PG-13, 1hr 51m
Ali, 2001, R, 2hr 37m
March: Irish Films
The Boxer 1997, R, 1hr, 54m
Veronica Guerin 1972, R, 1hr, 38m
Far and Away 1995, PG-13, 2hrs 20m
Good Will Hunting, 2001, R, 2hrs 2m
films are free and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis [public meeting room]
February: Black History Month
Amistad 1998, R, 2hrs, 35m
Lady Sings the Blues 1972, R, 2hrs, 24m
Cry the Beloved Country 1995, PG-13, 1hr 51m
Ali, 2001, R, 2hr 37m
March: Irish Films
The Boxer 1997, R, 1hr, 54m
Veronica Guerin 1972, R, 1hr, 38m
Far and Away 1995, PG-13, 2hrs 20m
Good Will Hunting, 2001, R, 2hrs 2m
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Morris County Library - Walk and Talk
Greystone Then and Now
Tuesday January 26 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
presented by Preserve Greystone
Geri Silk facilitator
Interactive Gallery tour based on the photography on display in the library's second floor gallery, followed by audience participatory discussion.
Tuesday January 26 at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
presented by Preserve Greystone
Geri Silk facilitator
Interactive Gallery tour based on the photography on display in the library's second floor gallery, followed by audience participatory discussion.
Monday, January 11, 2010
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