Whoa ... SNOW!

(Oct. 19) Almost two weeks earlier than last year's surprise blizzard, snow started falling Thursday, Oct. 15, in northwestern New Jersey. Luckily, not as much came as in the 2008 storm and we didn't lose power. But it was really cold for several days.

However, now we're prepared. Our home generator is installed and ready to go, battery-powered LED lights are in crucial areas, the pantry is stocked and we're ready to withstand being stuck here in case of blocked roads and/or power outages. The generator will power all the necessary home services, even our office phone and computer. So, we can stay connected.

That means anyone interested in joining Recorder Community Newspapers' list of bloggers can find out all about this free offer no matter what the weather. Local individuals and groups are invited to write a blog right on their newspaper's Web site for our online readers. They even may add pictures and videos if they wish for real time communication.

The process is very simple and I will be happy to help. Just e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com or call me at (908) 832-7420 and I will outline the procedure.

Wondering ...

(Oct. 6) I'm wondering, and so are Recorder Community Newspapers' bloggers, what online readers think about our bloggers' postings: Do they read them (all or some)? Is the news helpful, entertaining, interesting? Do they wish others were available? Or, are there too many? What subjects are they interested in?

If you are reading this, you are an online reader. Please respond in the "comments" section below.

Recorder Newspapers is offering community groups and individuals the opportunity to have their blog appear right on the newspaper's Web site. The connection process is simple and there is no charge. To find out how to become a Recorder blogger, e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com or call me at (908) 832-7420.

Fall leaves

(Sept. 25) Fall arrived quietly this week and some leaves already are turning their beautiful autumn hues. The season is a peaceful one with pleasant temperate days and cooler nights. Soon, however, we'll all be busy raking up piles of leaves in anticipation of winter's snow.

In the meantime, there are loads of harvest events scheduled in the area as well as school and sports activities for all ages. Read about them in our newspapers and online blogs.

Recorder Community Newpapers invites those interested to share their news right here on our Web site. This free multi-media service is easy to implement. Just e-mail me at panderson@recordernewspapers.com or telephone me at (908) 832-7420 and I will be happy to assist with the process.

School's back in session

(Sept. 9, 2009) Because Labor Day was so late this year (Sept. 7, the latest possible), school started on many different days in this area. Some kids went back to school as early as Aug. 25, while others start today.

How nice it is that the weather has cooled down for their return to the classroom, making it so much easier for students to settle down for their lessons and sports programs.

Also, activities suspended for the summer break are resuming. What a perfect time to think about sharing your group's news with online readers of Recorder Community Newspapers by blogging right on their Web site.

Anyone interested in initiating a free blog should call me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com and I will be happy to assist with the simple process.

You can talk back

(Aug. 28, 2009) Blogging is an interactive communication tool. You can communicate to any of Recorder Newspapers' bloggers by going down to "comments" and typing your response in the available window as directed.

Blogging also is real time, so groups can post their latest news or changes in plans caused by the weather or other conditions. Be sure to check often for their postings.

Anyone interested in writing a blog to appear on Recorder Newspapers' Web site should contact Pat Anderson at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers.com for help with accessing this free service.

Oldtime summer

(Aug. 11, 2009) For the first time this summer, yesterday we turned on our air conditioners. The 90+ degree weather reminded me of summers long ago - hot, hot, hot. I guess we should be careful what we wish for. When this summer's days were cool and rainy, we hoped for sunny weather, and we got it and then some.
It's the perfect time to stay indoors in air-conditioned rooms and blog your news. Recorder Community Newspapers invites you to share your blogs on the newspapers' Web site for our online readers. Please contact me to find out how to take advantage of this free offer. Call my home office at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. I will be happy to help you with this very easy process.

Back home ... in the rain again

(Aug. 4, 2009) We're back home from a spectacular vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina ... sun every day on a glorious beach. What a great break from the continuous rain here in northern New Jersey.

Our home was deluged by the "Niagara Falls" storm early Sunday afternoon ... four inches of rain fell in less than a half hour. Although our basement floor and walls are water-tight, water rushed in through the edges of a basement window, flooding the whole level. What a nightmare! With help from our daughter and her family the water is all swept up via an industrial-size wet-vacuum and fans and dehumidifiers are completing the job.

We needed Monday to recuperate from aching backs, arms and legs.

Today, I'm ready to help with the Recorder blogging. Anyone interested in sharing a blog on the Recorder Community Newspapers Web site is invited to phone me at (908) 832-7420 or e-mail panderson@recordernewspapers.com. Blogging is an easy, real time, multi-media way to share your news. The sign-up process is very simple and there is no fee.