Archive for February, 2009

 By Gregg Semanick-New Jersey‘s IRS Spokesperson The IRS encourages taxpayers to do their homework when selecting a tax preparer.  Choose a tax preparer wisely; in the same manner you would select a doctor or lawyer.  Find out the fees before the return is prepared; check on the preparer’s credentials; and, before you sign your... »

RAHWAY – A quick-thinking boy saved the life of a woman having a stroke by calling 911 for help.   Jose Maldonado-Bravo, a third grader at Madison Elementary School in Rahway, was visiting his aunt on Election Day last year. He met Olympia Bratuto, who was not feeling well. The paramedics found determined that... »

PERTH AMBOY – City Councilman Ken Balut is conducting a petition drive to get his name on the ballot to challenge Gov. Jon Corzine in June’s Democratic primary election. Balut’s website, http://balut4governor.blogspot.com, invites volunteers to “Circulate a petition to put Ken Balut on the Democratic Primary Election ballot!” Balut says Corzine cannot be trusted... »

By Jim Whelan When people asked Scotch Plains head basketball coach Dan Doherty last year about how good his squad would be in the upcoming 2007-2008 season, with confidence the coach said “Yeah, we are going to be good.” Scotch Plains was.   With a senior-dominated team lead by the school’s all-time leading scorer Bryan... »

 By Gregg Semanick-New Jersey‘s IRS Spokesperson The Educator Expense Deduction allows teachers and other educators to deduct the cost of books, supplies, equipment and software used in the classroom based on their receipts.  Eligible educators include those who work at least 900 hours during a school year in an elementary or secondary school.  Worth... »

MIDDLESEX COUNTY – The nationwide economic meltdown has led to increased demand for all types of social services. At the same time, however, federal and state funding for these services is decreasing as a result of budget cuts. County officials and about 100 representatives from non-profit organizations met last week to share strategies for... »

PLAINFIELD – For uninsured Union County residents who are having trouble getting prescriptions filled, help will be available at the Union County One-Stop Career Center at 200 West 2nd Street in Plainfield on Feb. 13, from 8 to 11 a.m. The event is hosted by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. “If you... »

FORDS—The Fords Branch Library re-opened its doors Friday after the completion of interior renovations and the installation of new lighting.  As a result of the two-month renovation project –funded through a gift to the Woodbridge Public Library – the Fords Branch Library is more “reader-friendly” and easier to navigate than ever before. According to... »

By Michael P. Riccards On Feb. 12, 2009, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln will be marked by the nation.  Lincoln is by mostly all accounts considered the greatest of our presidents, having led the United States through the Civil War and begun the process of the emancipation of the slaves.... »

  Bringing a Piece of History to Students in Clark – Students in the third grade at F.K. Hehnly Elementary School in Clark were treated to a demonstration of history right in their classroom, compliments of the historic Miller-Cory House in Westfield. A costumed docent portraying “Mrs. Sabra Miller” visited the students and described... »

 By Gregg Semanick-New Jersey‘s IRS Spokesperson To ensure you do not miss out on any tax credits, deductions and benefits, the IRS encourages filers to consider e-filing their federal tax returns.  E-filing coupled with direct deposit of your refund into a bank account is a fast way to receive your refund in as little... »

UNION COUNTY—He sat on the brown steel folding chair getting a haircut, a trim that held with it the hope of finding a job. He didn’t move, his face expressionless. Never did he imagine he would ever be homeless. But Mike, who did not want to give his last name, has had no place... »

By Michael S. Goldberger, film critic  Too bad for Renée Zellweger. Plopped into a production company of virtual unknowns, aided only by co-star Harry Connick, Jr., she’s expected to make beguiling the seen-it-before triteness of director Jonas Elmer’s “New in Town.” Though she practically falls off her stiletto heels trying, there’s no saving this... »

CARTERET – “Caring and Sharing” will be the theme of the day as the Carteret Office for the Disabled presents the 25th annual Carteret Disabilities Awareness Day on Sunday, March 8 at St. Demetrius Hall, 681-691 Roosevelt Avenue. The informational social gathering, which is open to all community residents and their friends, will last... »

By Gregg Semanick-New Jersey’s IRS Spokesperson There is a new standard tax deduction for those who don’t qualify to itemize their tax deductions, but pay real estate taxes.  The deduction amount is equal to the amount of real estate taxes paid up to $500 for single filers or up to $1,000 for joint filers.... »

EDISON – A lawyer-supported fund that pays for legal aid for poor clients is nearly broke and threatens the future of New Jersey’s Legal Services programs, officials said last week. According to Melville D. Miller, Jr., president of Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ), revenue from the Interest On Lawyers Trust Accounts fund is... »

CLARK—Temple Beth O’r/Beth Torah will honor Clark Mayor Mayor Sal Bonaccorso on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the temple’s Grand Casino Nite. The annual event, which begins at 8 p.m., transforms the synagogue into an Atlantic City style-gaming operation, featuring blackjack, craps, and roulette. All games of chance will be played on regulation tables, manned... »

  Distinguished Scholars—Three seniors at Benedictine Academy in Elizabeth were named “Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars” for 2009. Each of the three has exhibited both outstanding academic and leadership qualities during their years at the academy. Honored were Steffanye Barragan of Newark, Ninoshka Celi of Elizabeth and Tatiana Charles of Union. In order to... »

STATE—Friday, Feb. 6 marks the sixth annual National Wear Red Day for Women, a public awareness day urging women (and men), businesses, towns, schools, buildings and landmarks to “go red” or “glow red” and bring attention to the No. 1 and No. 3 leading causes of death for women—heart disease and stroke.  National Wear... »

PERTH AMBOY – Cathedral International, located in Perth Amboy, will hold a Celebration of Purity on Sunday, Feb. 8.  Each year the historic church offers the True Love Waits program in both its Perth Amboy and Asbury Park locations. True Love Waits is a program that teaches biblical and practical principles for abstinence and... »