Following the resignation of former Princeton Fire Department Chief Pat McAvenia, Princeton Borough Council was expected to swear in new Chief Jamie Alkhateeb, the former deputy chief of Princeton Hook & Ladder, at its regular meeting last night after Town Topics went to press. Mr. Alkhateeb will fill out the remainder of Mr. McAvenia s two-year term expiring December 31, 2007. Mr. McAvenia, who declined comment on his September 29 resignation, is said to have left his post amid tension between Princeton s three companies, Hook & Ladder, Engine Company #1, and Mercer Engine Company #3.
Corner House, the non-profit agency for young adults and families, has hired Princeton native Jay Curtis as an outreach coordinator following a $60,000 state grant. Township Committee and Borough Council passed resolutions this spring that appropriated a combined $45,000 toward the salary of the new position, which is geared toward implementing programming for "at-risk youth." Mr. Curtis is scheduled to start the week of November 6.
November 15 marks the beginning of open enrollment for people with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. The only window for making changes is between November 15 and December 31, according the Susan Hoskins, executive director of the Princeton Senior Resource Center. Premiums, covered medications (the "formulary"), deductibles and the coverage gap have changed for many programs, she said, adding that some employers are now offering medical plans for retirees with or without prescription coverage. Ms. Hoskins said to not disregard items arriving in the mail providing information from Medicare, employer-sponsored programs and prescription plan providers. "While one is tempted to throw it all away, it is important to review your experience from this year and compare options for the coming year," she said. There are also fee changes coming for some people for their Medicare Part B (medical) coverage. PSRC will give a free presentation on these Medicare changes and ways to compare plans at the Suzanne Patterson Building on November 3 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The Suzanne Patterson Building is located behind Princeton Borough Hall on Stockton Street. For more information, call (609) 924-7108.