BEFORE I FORGET: CLICK BELOW TO LINK TO “CYBER MONDAY” WHERE YOU CAN FIND GOOD SHOPPING DEALS ONLINE.

Click here

Around this time of year there are a lot of holiday fairs. The big one in Cheshire is the Elim Park Christmas Fair. This year the event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6th. The highlight is the “Checks” given to the Police and Fire Department.

I will NOT be in attendance, I have a working meeting scheduled for that day.

Now look, I have NOTHING personal against Elim Park. I really like Ron Dischinger who is the CEO of Elim Park. He is the nicest man you will ever meet. But, I don’t get it with these non-profits, I really don’t.

If Elim Park wants to give money to certain departments, that is their business. BUT–the taxpayers need to know how ALL of this money is going to be spent. My question has always been-shouldn’t the assisted living part of Elim Park BE PAYING TAXES THAT WILL BENEFIT THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY???

The other “assisted living” facilities in this town are paying taxes on the part that is taxable.

WHAT IS GOING ON??

Any of you who know me or have been reading this blog, know I do not like this money being given out-and even so this year with the economy being what it is. I mean think about it, is ELIM PARK A NON PROFIT as it says it is? How can they be 501(c) (3) and have hundreds of thousands of dollars to “give away” to the Police and Fire Departments or any department for that matter? I know it seems I am picking on these two departments, but I am not. I would question this action no matter what department it was or what city or town it took place in.

Then I have people telling me Elim Park is cutting back on wait staff and the few that are there have to work a few hours more at night to make up for the shortage. DOES THIS MAKE SENSE!! What are you doing, robbing Peter to pay Paul??

I must hand it to Elim Park, that new pool and concert hall is nice. Too bad the town did not construct the pool the way Elim Park did it–WITH A PERMANENT ROOF!!

Now here is a link to the Elim Park site talking about how much it would cost to construct the concert hall and their pool. I believe this part of the website was from 2007 because they are still talking about raising money for the construction. They were asking people in Cheshire to help defray costs by donating.

For the first time in its 100-year history, Elim Park is embarking on a community-wide expansion and seeking support to make this vision a reality.

The entire project will require $6 million to complete. Elim Park’s Board of Directors has committed $2 million. We are looking to individuals within Elim Park and the greater Cheshire area to raise the $4 million balance.

WHAT?? THEN WHY DO THEY DONATE ALL THIS CASH TO THE POLICE AND FIRE EVERY YEAR? SHOULDN’T THEY HAVE PUT IT INTO THEIR OWN FACILITY??

Click here for Elim Park website

A few years ago, I asked the Town Government how these two departments, (well, the Police Department mostly), are spending this money.

All of a sudden I started seeing “requests” to  the Town Council for permission to spend certain amounts from the Elim Park Gift Account. Oh give me a break.

Does this Town Council or any Town Council that preceded the current one ever ask for a line by line expenditure of the gift account??

The Internal Revenue Service has a form that most not for profits have to fill out–it is called Form 990.

I did some research and came up with some interesting information i.e. like how many non profits there are in Cheshire alone. You will be surprised.

Now as far as their actual expenditures, most sites want you to pay for the information. I am going to provide you with links. You can decide how far you want to proceed. I don’t give out any credit card information on any website. I don’t care who it is. It is not for me.

I do have a link below that lists the assets and income and revenue of Elim Park Baptist Home in Cheshire, Ct.

To compare I also am providing a link to the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield, which is Connecticut’s SECOND LARGEST NURSING HOME.

Click here for Elim Park

Click here for Jewish Home for the Elderly, Fairfield

Here is a link entitled: “How to Read IRS Form 990.”

Click here

Here is a site entitled: “Cheshire 06410 Non Profit Organizations. Scroll down half way to see the list.

Click here

IN OTHER NEWS:

Last April, I ran a list of “employee grievances.” Some of them were really interesting. I did this to help our town employees. People have a right to know what is going on in their municipalities.

I want to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and equally. This is something a strongly believe in as most of you know.

I remember the dress down day issue with the Police Department. I agreed with the Chief on that issue. Boy you will probably not ever see that again.

We don’t have dress down in a paramilitary organization!! We wear our respective uniforms–complete uniforms, including our hats. I don’t see very many police officers wearing the official police hat–the one with the badge, NOT A BASEBALL CAP!! ALL POLICE OFFICERS SHOULD LOOK LIKE POLICE OFFICERS. I DON:T CARE WHAT DIVISION THEY ARE IN!!

NAIL THE CARPENTER PANTS AND THE YELLOW SHIRTS AND EVERYTHING ELSE. I LIKE THE OLD FASHIONED WAY. When you direct traffic–you wear a WHITE GLOVE. You will be seen. You don’t need the day glow colors.

I really believe in hands on policing–no tasers or tear gas. Give em the old knock in the head with the billy club!! But, unfortunately, because some people have sue-itis–this is what has happened!!

I am bringing this up again because my spouse had run into a town employee who told him that there are still several grievances outstanding!!

If you remember, I ran a list of the grievances from April, 2008 that I had gotten from the Town Managers office.  I wonder if there are new grievances on top of these, or if some of these from last April are still not solved??

Click below for the post I did on employee grievances last April.

Click here for Grievances from April 2008

Lastly:

Think you know your U.S. Geography?

Test your skills here

P.S. You will really have a hard time with this test if you are like me and CAN’T DRAW. I am so bad, I got Connecticut WRONG!!

I don’t know if any of you have been to the Southington, Ct. Stop and Shop recently, but they have the new SCAN-IT! program in effect there.

This new way of shopping allows the customer to pick up the scanner which is located in the front of each store entrance. The shopper has to scan their Stop and Shop card first, which lights up the scanner rack, identifying which SCAN IT! scanner to use.

The shopper then takes the scanner and some bags and begins shopping.

There is a video monitor located where the scanners are, which tells the shopper how to use this new feature. Of course when I was at the store, I REFUSED TO USE IT. My daughter who was with me told me she used it and it was fine, but I don’t trust new fangled technology until it has been proven for a few years down the road.

Apparently you have to agree to an random “audit” of your purchases if you choose to participate in this SCAN IT! program. That already tells me there must be glitches.  I don’t feel like being accused of something I didn’t do. I had enough experience with that already!!

According to the SCAN IT! brochure:

The SCAN IT! system will randomly select orders for review. These reviews ensure system accuracy and that all items have been properly scanned. Notification of cashier assistance will appear when the checkout barcode is scanned.

If selected, an associate will assist you. During an audit, the associate will help you check out quickly by re-scanning your items. By accepting the SCAN IT! terms and conditions, on your first trip you agree to allow STOP&SHOP to randomly audit your order.

You also agree to scan each and every item you intend to purchase.  For any item that will not scan, you agree to separate and identify those items and bring them to the attention of the associate at the checkout.

Honestly, to me, it just sounds like too much trouble. And you know there are going to be people who are going to try to pull a fast one.

The stores are short personnel as it is. I don’t know how they are going to attend to these customers on top of the customers who still can’t operate the self-checkout. Only time will tell I guess.

Now when I was at the Southington Stop and Shop this past Wednesday, there were store personnel standing by the Scanners answering questions. I did see several people using this system, but I don’t think it has fully caught on yet.

I asked if Cheshire would be getting the scanners, the answer lady told me Wallingford would be next.

Now, just when you think you might want to venture out and try this, the SCAN IT! brochure lists “Special Care Items” or as I like to refer to it: PROBLEM ITEMS!!

According to the SCAN IT! brochure there are several “Special Care Items.”

PRODUCE: Most produce items can be scanned after printing a label at the SCAN IT ! scales in the Produce Department.

(Editor’s note): Remember, modern humans still have the Cro-Magnon brain!

For items that are pre-packaged, like bags of apples or containers of cherry tomatoes, just scan the barcode on the product.

BAKERY: For baked goods, that are sold individually, like donuts and bagels, scan the SCAN IT! barcode on the appropriate sign in the Bakery Department.

BULK COFFEE & CANDY: Weigh your bulk coffee and candy during the checkout process.

TO REMOVE AN ITEM:

Press the remove button and scan the tiem

The item will be removed from the scanner and the total will be adjusted.

PAY & GO

When finished shopping, proceed to the checkout lane.

Scan the “End of Order” barcode at the checkout area.

Place the SCAN IT! scanner in the return rack at checkout.

Scan your Stop&SHOP card at the checkout register and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your transaction.

Pay and Go!!

Editor’s Note: TOO COMPLICATED. I will just stick with the OLD way of shopping.

Here is a link to the SCAN IT! program and a short video explaining just how EASY it works!! HMM!!

Click here for SCAN IT! story and  video

That is all for now!!

Here are some interesting facts about “Black Friday” the official first shopping day of the holiday season.

Click here

Black Friday website listing all sorts of sales.

Click here

Target ads

Click here

And the big one–BlackFDay.com

Click here

I will be back posting in a few days. So enjoy your shopping.

In all the years I have been doing Undergroundtownhall and living in this town, I saw something in the paper on Monday I KNOW I would not have seen several years ago.

Now don’t get me wrong, it is nothing to be proud of and I am sure the faculty and staff at Dodd Middle School are upset over this incident to say the least–BUT the main point–IT GOT INTO THE PAPER!!

You know how for years I have been harping on openness and honesty in Cheshire and every municipality for that matter. Well, I think over the past few years, SOMEONE is starting to get the message. Especially after what happened on Sorghum Mill Drive.

I just happened late last night to log onto the Record-Journal website and lo and behold–there was a story about an incident at Dodd Middle School which resulted in a student being arrested.

Click here for story

This issue with openness and honesty brings to mind the speech I ran last Saturday on the 45th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination. I believe this speech was given in front of a newspaper editors convention. It is very moving and powerful. I will re-run in under “Featured Video.”

On Monday, my spouse wanted to make a few suggestions to the Plan and Zoning Commission regarding a proposal by this Carducci Associates to build three homes on Jarvis Street in a lot behind the old Greenshire, now Curtis School.

If you know this area, that hill is very steep. Also, there are many blind spots. Where the main entrance or driveway if you will, to this development is located is halfway down the hill behind the Curtis School.

My spouse (of course with me accompanying him), expressed some concerns about that hill, i.e., if a school bus had to stop and let children off, would they be seen by cars going down that hill, would there be a sidewalk for the children to walk on so they would not be in the street, and in the winter, how would the bus get up the hill.

Now one of the P & Z members noted that when it snows or ices, the police department uses Jarvis Street hill to determine whether or not school should be canceled or delayed.

But, my question is: what happens when it snows while school is in session and there ends up being early dismissal?

I remember several years ago, it started snowing unexpectedly around 10:30 a.m, one school day morning which resulted in early dismissal. By the time school was let out, there was already several inches of snow on the ground.

I remember being home that day and looking out my kitchen window to see a school bus stopped on Dundee Drive. I wondered why it wasn’t moving. It WAS STUCK because the bus could not make the slight incline up to the stop sign on that street.

I ended up going down there with my Rav4 and getting my kids off the bus. That street has only a slight incline as I noted above, you can imagine what would happen on that Jarvis Street hill– FORGET IT!!

This has to be taken into consideration. The area I live in is the epitome of blind spot!! I am grateful for that sign on the other side of Jarvis Street indicating a side street approaching (Lancaster Way), but as I said before, there really needs to be a worded sign stating “CAUTION: TRAFFIC ENTERING FROM RIGHT” or the sign that is there now needs to have a yellow flashing light because people ignore it.

We almost got clobbered Monday night coming out of there because the driver coming up the hill was speeding.

A few years ago, I did a show for Public Access on UTH TV called “Dangerous Intersections” I know some of you saw it. Believe me, I could have done a three part miniseries there are so many blind intersections in this town it is unbelievable!!

I really think the entire Jarvis Street area is DANGEROUS!!. There really needs to be more signage alerting drivers to entering traffic. I hope the Plan and Zoning Commissioners who have not walked that area where this housing development is being proposed, will get out and do so, preferably when it starts snowing or sleeting.

Water runoff from the driveway of this proposed housing development onto Jarvis Street was also discussed. The engineer representing the developer assured the P&Z that this would not happen.

HELLO!! Do you want to see a good example of runoff gone wild? Then take a drive on Rt. 68 towards Prospect when it is raining heavily or better yet, drive there after the snow starts melting and then refreezes at night. The run-off from peoples driveways onto Rt. 68 makes it TREACHEROUS!! And that is an understatement.

Lastly, I would like every member of the Cheshire Town Council to sit down and watch a meeting of the Cheshire Plan and Zoning Commission. THEY ALL WORK TOGETHER–THEY ALL ASK QUESTIONS. They vote bi-partisan most of the time. REFRESHING!!!

IN OTHER NEWS:

I did get a call on Monday from a friend asking me if I heard a rumor going around that Macy’s was not going to renew its lease at Meriden Square Mall. I had not heard that rumor, even though I know most Department stores are struggling.

I called Westfield and they DENIED that Macy’s is not going to renew their lease.  They told me it was just a rumor going around. But, what would they say, honestly?

I checked a few websites that deal with this issue and they are not reporting anything about this but it makes you wonder. I mean, Macy’s is one of the anchor stores at Meriden Square so it would not bode well if they left now would it.

I know Macy’s took over Filenes a few years ago. So if Macy’s took over Filene’s lease at Meriden Square, the question is: how long is their lease agreement with Westfield?

I have a link to a few sites that discuss this issue:

The Caldor Rainbow

Here is a 2007 article from The Consumerist:

Click here

I have to leave now to meet with a client but I did want to link you to an article on my other blog that I work on with a few other people: BOING BOING.

Click here

At 11 p.m. Sunday night, I received a call from the friend who is unemployed and she told me to tell my readers that you CAN get through to a live person to discuss your unemployment status if you call 1-877-Labor-11.

Many of you who know my husband works for the Labor Department, are calling me trying to get answers to this mess that Congress set up with this unemployment extension.

This is the original extension, not the newest extension to the extension. What a mess in plain English.

It is ridiculous to make people APPLY again after their original 26 weeks of benefits expired.
What is WRONG WITH CONGRESS? They don’t provide decent jobs, so your original 26 weeks expires and now you have to apply on line or over the phone and WAIT for your extension to be approved??

WTF!!!

And to make matters even worse–you can’t file 24 HOURS by phone or online anymore!!! GIVE PEOPLE A BREAK!! You have to “file” between Mondays and Fridays–6 a..m. to 7 p.m.!!

HOW CONVENIENT!!

You see Congress in its “wisdom” decided that people have to PROVE they worked 20 weeks to get the first extension after the initial 26 weeks of UC (unemployment compensation) runs out.

And believe me,  I know what many of you who have called or e-mailed are going through.

As I have told you before, when I work I make six figures. WHEN I DON’T I MAKE NOTHING!! Talk about tearing your hair out!!

I am the major breadwinner in my family. I have three kids in college NOW, with one in high school.

Phew!! It is really tough.

So I know all too well, as these people in Congress obviously don’t, what it is like to be without money.

Connecticut only asks for 13 weeks of prior work wages. That is one quarter. But with the Bungholios in Congress passing this 20 week rule, Connecticut has to abide by this. My husband says they are all scrambling down at the Labor Department, because many people have worked several different places and that has to be checked.

So guess what? You are out of luck. You have to WAIT until they check everything. It could take several weeks.

Luckily, the cornholios got smart and now with this latest extension, you just continue to file!! No checking!! THANK GOD!!

I will try to post updated information. You will just have to be patient. That is all I can say.

As far as calling this effed up Telebenefits Line–I hope you have several hours of free time on your hands, because that is how long it is taking for people to get through to speak to a customer service representative.

I suggest you call with your cell phone, put it on speaker, so you can drive around the area and apply for work at the same time.

That is if you don’t get disconnected. And I don’t mean getting disconnected within a few minutes after you call. I mean GETTING DISCONNECTED AFTER WAITING A FEW HOURS!!

The system is set up to cue 25 calls. After that–it disconnects!! So, if this does happen to you–first call Gov. Rell’s office and complain-then call the Labor Department Commissioners office in Wethersfield.

You will find that a miraculous thing will happen. You will no longer get the message-”the system is backed up, call back later–GOODBYE!” The line will be cleared out. I found that out when I called for someone.

After I bitched to the Governor’s office in my laid back manner (ahem) and then threatened to go up to Wethersfield, my friend said she called back the Telebenefits Line and miraculously, the “call back later” message was GONE!!

They bring people right to the brink-then pull back. Amazing.

DON”T BOTHER GOING TO ANY LABOR DEPARTMENT OFFICE–DO NOT GO DOWN THERE–THEY CANNOT ANSWER AND WILL NOT ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS. YOU HAVE TO CALL SORRY TO SAY.

And then we are supposed to bail out these losers from the auto industry!!  NOT WITHOUT CONCESSIONS.

This country is in trouble and so is this town (Cheshire).

You won’t see it right away. But come 2009–get ready for a BIG TIME tax increase people!! Where do you think this revenue is going to come from?? THIN AIR???

This town government better start acting like George Foreman and KNOCK OUT THE FAT!!

And speaking of concessions–the City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Police Bargaining Union just agreed to a ZERO-yes-ZERO PERCENT wage increase over the NEXT TWO YEARS!!

Also noticeable in the Bridgeport Police Union deal–”TAKE HOME VEHICLES ARE TO BE ELIMINATED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE POLICE CHIEF!!!!!”

Click here for Bpt Police Zero Wage Increase Story

YOU WILL HAVE TO SCROLL HALFWAY DOWN THE PAGE TO READ THE  STORY

It was either that or several police officers losing their jobs. I hope the United Auto Workers get wind of this because that is what they need to do.

I believe most people would rather work with no wage increase-than face losing their jobs believe me.

I am sorry but that is why this teachers contract is out of touch with the 4.4 percent increase every year for three years. You never know how things will go. I remember Bridgeport used to be at the top–financially-when I was a girl and lived there. No problems–now look what has happened–and they have a bigger tax revenue base than Cheshire will ever have!!

If you don’t belt tighten now–you will pay a few years down the road. Because you know what–it is the AFTERSHOCK that does more damage than the original shock.

And in this town, I know what will happen. If taxes go up “too high” most of these people that moved here for the school system, WILL PACK UP AND LEAVE!!

I saw it happen in Bridgeport years ago. People packed up en mass and went to Trumbull, Monroe, Easton, Shelton (Huntington).

They won’t stay here. And the people who have resided here all of their lives and who have made a commitment to this town–will be left holding the bag!!

In other news:

My spouse who was filling up his car, had run into our Police Chief getting coffee at the CITGO gas station last Friday morning . In fact, a few weeks ago, my spouse, who had to fax a document, ran into the Chief getting coffee at One Stop Convenience.

I have a question-does the CPD have a COFFEE MAKER??? GET ONE FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!

My spouse was informed that some of the police cars will begin being outfitted with cameras.

I am providing a link to SAFETY VISION.

I don’t know which company the town will use, but I hope it wasn’t this company–I thought the audio and visual quality was inferior.

Click here

I am hoping ALL of the cars will be outfitted with cameras because you know what will happen. If someone questions an incident, that will be the officer and the cruiser that “conveniently” did not have the camera installed.

Either go all the way or don’t do it at all!! And don’t give me they don’t have the money. Use your sugar daddy Elim Park!!

And speaking of Elim Park, their holiday fair  I believe is coming up in early December.

The Police and Fire Department will be getting their “checks.” This really burns my @@@ in plain English. I believe Elim Park should be paying taxes to the town of Cheshire–not handing out money to specific departments.

The town would benefit more.

Here is the link to Elim Park Place

Click on Christmas Festival. THE CHECKS will be handed out at 11:30 a.m.

Now I am going so I can throw my tantrum against this stupid  town, state and ever stupider ( I know that isn’t a word) Federal Government.