When Foxes Rule the Henhouse – NJ Judges Rule to Keep Their Perks
Okay, I had to do a double take when reading my local paper recently. Apparently, two NJ judges ruled that NJ’s pension and benefits reforms don’t apply to…yeah, you guessed it…the state’s judges!
Seriously, are these folks living under a rock? Do they not get schooled on ethics? Moreover, do they not read their local newspapers? The rest of the world…both public and private…are starting to see their benefits either reduced or are required to contribute more to keep them.
What was laughable was the comment by Judge Paul Depascale of Hudson County. According to the article that ran in the 10/25 edition of the Asbury Park Press, he argued that:
The increased costs for benefits he would have to bear under the reforms would be an unconstitutional lowering of his pay. DePascale based his argument on a sentence in the constitution which declares that a judge’s salary cannot be diminished during his or her term.
Here is where the thinking is fundamentally flawed…benefits are part of your salary. In fact, as the owner of a subchapter S corporation in the state of NJ, I cannot deduct my healthcare premiums because they are considered “income.” I wonder if, as a state employee, the good Judge has to include his overall healthcare benefits as income…probably not.
The bottom line here is that the foxes are ruling the henhouse. Other state employees don’t have the option of ruling in their own favor when it comes to salary and benefit cuts, so why should judges? Ethically speaking, this smells rotten.
SIXTH ANNUAL ‘RUN WITH DENNIS’ SET FOR NOVEMBER 13TH
SIXTH ANNUAL ‘RUN WITH DENNIS’ SET FOR NOVEMBER 13TH
To Include First Annual One-Mile Youth Run
Proceeds to Benefit Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund
Red Bank & Holmdel, NJ — The sixth annual Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial 3.5-mile run and 2.0 mile walk is slated for Sunday, November 13, 2011 (rain or shine) at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ. Race registration begins at 7:45 AM, followed by an opening ceremony at 8:50 AM, and the start of the race is slated for 10:00 AM.
The Foundation is also very excited to introduce the first annual one-mile youth Run for Dennis for ages 8-15. Experienced 15-year-olds are invited to participate in the adult run.
All proceeds will benefit the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund, which sponsors programs for injured soldiers and scholarships for students attending Christian Brother’s Academy in Lincroft, NJ.
Participants can now also join in a run clinic to be held at RoadRunner Sports, 490 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ on Wednesday, October 26th from 6-8:00 PM. There will also be a race package pickup at RoadRunner Sports scheduled for November 9 from 5-8 PM. Participants will be able to pick up their bibs and shirts prior to the day of the race.
Funds raised by over 1,200 participants and generous corporate and individual sponsors in 2010 were donated to: The Fisher House Inc.; Underwater Warriors, Inc.; Troopers Assisting Troops; Specialist Brendan Marrocco; Thomas Jerome House; LCpl. Colin Pascik; WIA Hunt; Cpl. Rory Hamil; New Jersey’s Run For the Fallen; Gold Star Mom Florence McSween; Wife of Staff Sgt. Jeremy Katzenberger, killed in action June 14, 2011, and PFC Derek McConnell and his mother. In addition, boxes of supplies have been provided to troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Different sponsorship levels and registration information for this year’s event can be found at www.runwithdennis.org or by emailing runwithdennis@yahoo.com. Cash donations, as well as in-kind sponsorships for items such as water, beverages, fruit, printing, banners, etc. are needed. Sponsorships must be received by October 31 for print recognition.
This year’s sponsors include: Randy and Maureen MacDonald, Investors Savings Bank, Sons of Ireland, Timothy 6:17 Foundation, PricewaterhouseCoopers, The Dardin Fund, Howell Township PBA, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Tort Family.
About the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund:
The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor Lt. Zilinski’s memory and spirit for life. All proceeds raised on behalf of the fund are used to support programs that assist our wounded soldiers and their families, and to provide scholarships in Dennis’ name to his alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy. The Fund strives to improve the morale and welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families and provides scholarships that invest in the future of high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit of Lt. Zilinski.
For more information including sponsorship opportunities and race registration please visit: www.runwithdennis.org.
Additional donations may be sent to: Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, PO Box 35, Holmdel, NJ 07733.
Utopia Fashionista Anna Brodetsky Launches Fashion Blog for Examiner.co
Trend of the week: Retro!
Anna Brodetsky -Newark Fashion ExaminerPosted on: October 31, 2011
This week’s trend is all about the 60’s and 70’s. From midi skirts, to frilly button blouses to neutral camel and orange tones and prints, retro styles have been seen in store windows, racks and shelves everywhere. The colors complement the autumn weather and give an earthy feel that is laid back and stylish. Oranges, reds, browns, camels and tans are the base of these trends, yet brighter color patterns can also be found. The style is A-line skirts, wedge heels, floppy hats and lace up boots, and button up blouses. One important thing to note is that though the trend is back, it still needs to be updated and modernized. AKA, you probably can’t just throw on your mom’s throwback blazer over jeans and call it a day. Accessorize, cinch it with a belt, or add modern elements to the look to make it look like you’re in the now, and not stuck in a time warp.
Below are our top five pieces to help you master the retro trend.
The Midi Skirt
This midi skirt with contrast waistband from Asos is the perfect piece for winter, and comes in red or orange. Wear with wedge heels or slouchy boots to perfect the look. BUY: Online at asos.com
The Floppy Hat
This chic floppy hat from Nine West has a cool braided design and can be worn year-round for a retro accessory addition to almost any outfit. BUY: Macy’s Department stores, Ocean County Mall, Monmouth Mall and Freehold Mall
The Wedge Heel Bootie
This Eddie Bauer lace up wedge bootie in Olive hits the trend on the nose in every way. And they’re comfy, cute and relatively inexpensive. BUY: Eddie Bauer at the Grove in Shrewsbury, Bridgewater Mall, Rockaway
The Silk Blouse
This silk tie-neck blouse by Parker is truly retro, but is modernized for a current feel. BUY: Bergdorf Goodman online at bergdorfgoodman.com
The Flare Pant
This wouldn’t be a retro post without the inclusion of the flare pant! We like this one by Ella Moss. Stretchy with faux pockets and in a charcoal shade, they flatter every figure. BUY: Online at ellamoss.com
*To view this article on Examiner.com click here.
JOSEPH PRITCHARD JOINS PINNACLE TREATMENT CENTERS As Executive Director of NJ’s Endeavor House & VP of Residential Treatment Centers
Joseph L. Pritchard vice president of residential treatment centers and acting executive director of Endeavor House, Keyport, NJ.
Keyport, NJ & Pittsburgh, PA (October 20, 2011) — Pinnacle Treatment Centers, a NJ/PA provider of both drug free inpatient/outpatient treatment and medically-assisted treatment and counseling for drug addiction, names Joseph L. Pritchard vice president of residential treatment centers and acting executive director of Endeavor House, Keyport, NJ effective October 31.
Formerly vice president of Midwest operations for CRC Health Group, Inc., Mr. Pritchard was responsible for 21 clinics and residential treatment programs in 11 states representing over 16,000 patients, 900 employees and $110 million in revenue and $44 million in EBITDA.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Pinnacle Treatment Centers is comprised of eight medically assisted treatment clinics in Pennsylvania, five in New Jersey and one multi-site, drug-free inpatient/outpatient treatment facility in New Jersey. The company has achieved double-digit growth since its inception in 2006 and is on track to develop three additional outpatient clinics and acquire a residential center in the coming year.
“Joe’s extensive expertise in managing both drug-free and medically-assisted treatment centers and clinics, as well as his proven ability to work in a rapidly expanding healthcare organization make him an ideal addition to Pinnacle,” notes Ken Kessler, MD and CEO of Pinnacle Treatment Centers.
During his tenure at CRC Health Group, Mr. Pritchard worked to take multiple companies (through acquisition) and integrate them into one quality operating system, which ultimately led to a 28 percent year-over-year growth in revenue.
“Our two-fold model of providing comprehensive treatment solutions for addiction, combined with our aggressive strategic growth plan, will give Joe the perfect opportunity to put his skills to good use,” said Kessler.
About Pinnacle Treatment Centers
Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Treatment Centers began in 2006 with the acquisition of four treatment centers in Pittsburgh and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Early in 2008, Pinnacle added three more facilities in New Jersey. Early in 2011, Pinnacle added Endeavor House Residential Treatment Center and outpatient counseling facilities in New Jersey. Pinnacle is one of only a few organizations that offer both drug-free and medically-assisted treatment and counseling for drug addiction to more than 10,000 adults at their 17 facilities.
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Taking Your Eye Off the Ethics Ball – Learning from Ketchum’s Faux Pas
Ketchum PR recently landed itself in ethical hot water while trying to promote client ConAgra Foods. The key issue was an attempt to “fool” food bloggers by inviting them to a NY event hosted by chef George Duran (“Ultimate Cake Off” on TLC) by substituting freshly-made foods with ConAgra prepared foods. Anybody remember the famous Folgers commercial where consumers were duped into drinking instant coffee at a fancy restaurant?
While the tactic is far from new, it’s a different world. And, while it may be fun to fool consumers over a cup of coffee, attempting to pull the wool over the eyes of food bloggers is trickier and fraught with consequences. While Ketchum clearly got a black eye for the ethical lapse, a bigger lesson to be learned is how the tactic backfired on the client and its intended messaging.
What surprised me however is that it happened to Ketchum. It’s a firm that I have a very high regard for and that has set the standard for ethics in the public relations industry. After the Armstrong Williams debacle, the firm instituted a rigorous ethics training module it gives to all employees on an annualized basis, and CEO Ray Kotcher has been a strong advocate for ethics in our industry.
Clearly, someone took their eye off the ethics ball. The question is how? As far as I know, Ketchum has training in place and a good reporting procedure for perceived ethical lapses. This is a fairly large client and a program that was to last five days…the fact that no-one on the account team saw a red flag is surprising. Perhaps it’s not just the agency personnel who need the training, but clients as well. If that were the case, perhaps the client would have caught it before the lasagna hit the pan.