Nice story ...

Children's hospital gets special delivery: U.F. resident donates over 150 gifts to cardiac unit - Examiner, 1/8/09.

UPDATED: Bomb threat empties Millstone school; parent angered - Asbury Park Press, 1/9/09:

"Once they (police) arrive, they are in charge," Donahue said.

It's a shame that some students didn't feel safe during the evacuation, but what can the school really do about that?

I agree with the comment below that bussing students to another township campus isn't to be considered adequately neutral ground. Wagner Farm Park may have been a better destination. Bring some soccer balls, let the kids run around a little.

And I'd just suggest that many families have selected Millstone primarily because nothing exciting ever happens here! Not the burglary/fire at Albivi's, not the Denver Nuggets star's car crash, and not the various acts of vandalism, some even at the middle school.

I'm glad they had a plan, I'm glad it kinda worked but, God help me, you won't catch my kids in that school. Jeff described how such threats are tracked down with modern telephony, so I haven't any doubt the perpetrator will be caught.

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My housekeeper mentioned this to me ... and I had noticed the neighborhood kids home, out playing, around lunchtime:

Millstone Middle School evacuated after bomb threat - Asbury Park Press, 01/08/09:

About 800 students in grades 5-8 are enrolled in the school, according to the state education department.

I mentioned this at my son's preschool during pick-up, and parents with children in the public school system were simply pleased that the parental notification system worked as promised. They received status updates on the telephone.

One ill-informed mother remarked, "You know, these are 14, 15, 16 year-olds, probably one of them didn't want to take a test this morning." No, these students are younger than that.

UPDATE: Students returned to school after evacuation sparked by bomb threat - Asbury Park Press, 1/8/09:

Students were bused to the Millstone Primary School while the middle school was searched then bused back when it was safe, she said.

I'm relieved no bombs detonated ... because me and the older boys have show tickets for a production there later this month!

OK, found the articles on the diocesan promotions ... especially Rich LaVerghetta who, yes, is an extraordinary preacher ...

Msgr. LaVerghetta noted as extraordinary preacher - The Monitor, 1/1/09:

Bishop Smith recognized Msgr. LaVerghetta as an “extraordinary priest.”

“Father Rich LaVerghetta has spent most of his adult years sanctifying God’s people through his preaching,” said Bishop Smith. “He’s an extraordinary preacher because he loves Jesus, he loves his Church, his people and he believes.

“Msgr. LaVerghetta is a believer and it comes through in everything he does,” said Bishop Smith. “He preaches the Word of God with fire and love. He’s a minister of God’s salvation through his ministry in the Sacraments. He has served in the Diocese of Trenton in so many ways, in different ministries at different times. Every place he has been, the same thing has happened – people have come to know and love Jesus Christ in a deeper and richer way.

All true. Exactly.

Yeah, the bishop said he could do it, sure enough:

Holy Innocents pastor tapped by gov for position on state Parole Board - Asbury Park Press, 12/30/08:

The Rev. Brian T. Butch, pastor of Holy Innocents Roman Catholic Church, is leaving his post at the church, having been tapped for a seat on the state Parole Board.

He's taking a leave from full-time active ministry. The board job has a $115,000 salary.

Butch was nominated by Gov. Jon S. Corzine. Consent by the state Senate is expected by mid-January.

My renewed one arrived ... but I just read this ... Oh, sugar!

The ID Chip You Don't Want in Your Passport - Bruce Schneier, Washington Post, 9/16/06.

The money quote:

But the researcher spent only two weeks trying; the security of your passport has to be strong enough to last 10 years. It is as ridiculous to think that passport security will remain secure for that long as it would be to think that you won't see another security update for Microsoft Windows in that time.

tags technorati : Schneier

Preface, Epiphany of the Lord:

Today you revealed in Christ your eternal plan of salvation
and showed him as the light of all peoples.
Now that his glory has shone among us
you have renewed humanity in his immortal image.

Epiphany Readings: Is. 60:1-6; Ps. 72; Eph. 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt. 2:1-12.

You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace
that was given to me for your benefit,
namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation.

It was not made known to people in other generations
as it has now been revealed
to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit:
that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body,
and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Prayer over the gifts and after Communion:

accept the offerings of your Church
not gold, frankincense and myrrh,
but the sacrifice and food they symbolize:
Jesus Christ, who is Lord for ever and ever.

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Father, guide us with your light.
Help us to recognize Christ in this eucharist
and welcome him with love,
for he is Lord for ever and ever.

Old Barney, 150^th anniversary ...