Do you know there are six minor league teams in New Jersey? They include: the New Jersey Jackals in Montclair, Newark Bears, Somerset Patriots, Lakewood BlueClaws, Trenton Thunder, and the Camden Riversharks. You could add nearby Staten Island Yankees. Links to these team’s official websites can be found on New Jersey Community Resources’ New Jersey page.

While listing minor league teams it made sense to list all area professional sports teams. Of course, you probably have been to their websites on your own but having them listed together made sense, at least it did to me. A direct link to these teams can be found also on the New Jersey page. The list covers all pro sports: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and hockey. Philadelphia teams are included as some South Jersey readers are fans of teams across the river, just as New York teams are included for North Jersey fans. You may notice I’ve included two women’s professional soccer teams – Blue Sky Soccer , holding their matches in Piscataway and the Philadelphia Independence.

Have fun watching your favorite teams.

You can go his website to download the program. It works great, btw. Or you can find it on the CNET download site. Additional information is available in a Wikipedia article.

I don’t know how I would keep my website’s 1800 links up-to-date if it weren’t for Tilman’s free program. Thank you, Tilman.

Pass it forward.

Near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania we came upon a number of what seemed to be handmade road signs advertising handmade pottery and fresh produce. On the return trip back to New Jersey we decided to take this turnoff. We followed the signs, turning onto Route 134 in Gettysburg. To be more precise we took a left onto Taneytown Road. A mile or so down the road we came to our destination, a local pottery shop and community market known as The Lion Potter. The shop is owned by David and Junko Young, an incredible couple.

If you spend enough time at The Lion Potter you will know this is a special place. I can’t explain the place as well as a local news article did so I’ll suggest you read the piece found in the local Emmitsburg News-Journal. We bought a small pitcher and unpasteurized goat’s milk. We will be visiting their shop at 855 Taneytown Road, Gettysburg, PA. on a future trip.

We got a postcard from David and Junko the other day. They are having their 7th annual spring cleaning sale on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 & 22, 2011. Their inventory of plates, bowls, mugs, vases, etc. will be priced at 50% off. Go visit them. Take the turnoff for a road less traveled.

Congress has continued the $230 monthly pre-tax commuter transit benefit allowance through Dec. 31, 2011.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the pre-tax payroll deduction limit for transit was increased to $230 per month on March 1, 2009, while maintaining the existing $230 limit for parking expenses.

Through commuter tax benefits, employees save on income taxes when they use pre-tax salary toward their mass transit commute and/or qualifying parking benefit. Employers also save on payroll taxes for each participating employee by lowering payroll costs. To find out how you can participate, visit www.njtransit.com/taxbenefits.

The extension of the commuter tax benefit was part of the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010 passed by Congress on December 16, 2010.

Ecoman and the Skeptic are two professors from Philadelphia University’s Engineering and Design Institute. They are: Rob Fleming, an architect (Ecoman) and Chris Pastore, an engineer (Skeptic). Their show is informative, funny, and covers a wide range of topics dealing with sustainability.

You can check it out by visiting www.philau.edu/ecomanandtheskeptic . Or you could visit the iTunes Store and download any of their three dozen shows via podcast. Another method is to go to The Voice America’s Green Talk Radio Network website and listen to Ecoman and The Skeptic live. Their show usually airs from September through April during the school year. I’m behind in my listening but I’m catching up by way of the podcasts.

If you want to learn more about what sustainability is all about this is a show to turn to. Me, I’m lucky I have a daughter and son-in-law who are in the field. BTW, if anyone is thinking about getting a degree in sustainable design go visit Sustainable Design blog belonging to Philadelphia University.

According to state and federal traffic statistics, about 25% of New Jersey auto related fatalities involve pedestrians which is nearly double the national average. Press articles issued in conjunction with the new law also indicate that pedestrians will also be held to stricter standards for improper behavior – jaywalking, crossing on the red, etc. It is expected that education and enforcement initiatives will become more aggressive in the weeks and months ahead.

Additional information available online include: March 31 Attorney General press release, and Pedestrian Safety regulations issued by the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

Another new law that hasn’t received too much publicity is the “Move Over Law” which took effect January, 2009. The following is taken from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website. It reads as follows:

“MOVE OVER FOR STATIONARY EMERGENCY AND OTHER SERVICE VEHICLES
As of January 27, 2009, New Jersey’s “Move Over” law requires that all motorists approaching a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or other emergency service vehicle that is displaying a flashing, blinking or alternating red, blue, amber or yellow light or, any configuration of lights containing one of these colors, must change lanes, safety and traffic conditions permitting, into a lane not adjacent to the authorized vehicle. If a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, the motorist must reduce the speed of his/her vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed that is lower than the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop, if necessary. Motorists who violate this law face a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500. (C.39:4-92.2 and 39:3-84.6)”

It’s time we slow down, follow sensible driving and pedestrian rules, and stop from killing each other on the road.

In 2008, 24 million claimed over $49 billion in EITC credit. The 2009 tax year marks a new year with the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) which created many new tax policies. Several tax credits have been increased including EITC and the CTC.

Two new credits will put more money in the hands of low-income families including the Making Work Pay Credit and the New American Opportunity Credit which helps low income workers pay for college. With new and existing tax opportunities many more people will quality for benefits than in previous years. To find out more information on EITC visit EITC Central.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are IRS sponsored programs that offer low-income working families (joint income under $49,000) free tax preparation. VITA sites are located across the country and are available so that low-income individuals do not have to pay for tax preparation or purchase products such as Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). RALs are high-interest loans designed to give tax filers a “quick refund.” RAL interest rates have been reported up to 500% and can ultimately cost the tax filer hundreds if not thousands of dollars. To help protect your clients from these predatory practices encourage them to have their taxes prepared for free at a local VITA site. To find the closest VITA site call: 1-800-906-9887 or visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html. New Jersey residents can also access tax assistance sites at the 2-1-1 website to get a list of free tax preparation sites.

With all of the credits available for working families it is critical to promote tax assistance. Over the next several months it is vital to inform your clients about these tax credits and free tax assistance. By visiting the National Tax Credit Outreach Campaign website you will be able to print or order free flyers, posters, handouts, and access to an outreach strategy guide.

Source: Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network

Veterans and family members can register online by going to
http://gigofund.org/exposignup.html and filling out the registration form. For additional information contact Alex Manis at the G.I. Go Veterans Transition Center of Newark, 973-802-1614 (phone) or 732-377-8032 (fax).

Information recently received from the Devils reveal that the Devils will be offering discounted tickets in cooperation with New Jersey SHARES Night. Lower level seats, usual costing $79 will be offered at $65. Mezzanine/balcony seats are $35, regularly $56. Tickets will make a great holiday gift AND help New Jersey’s vulnerable families stay warm this winter. To purchase tickets call Tom Stocky at 973-757-6250 by using the promotion code: njSHARES012910.

This information was reprinted with permission from NJ SHARES. For authentication see their
Discounted NJ Devils Tickets page. You can also download the Devils printable order form. Make sure you contact Devils Group Sales at 973-757-6250 and use the promotion code “njSHARES012910″. See you at the game.

A Veteran Career/Education/Service Expo, hosted by the state of New Jersey and The G.I. Go Fund, will be held on Sunday, August 16th from 9am – 5pm and Monday, August 17th from 8am – 11:50am at the Atlantic City Convention Center, 1 Convention Boulevard, Atlantic City.

The state is hosting the job fair for the almost 3000 New Jersey National Guard members (August 16) and for all other veterans (August 17). All employers, veteran organizations, college/trade schools, social service providers, and other organizations or agencies that benefit veterans are invited to attend. There is no charges or fees.

An exhibitor registration form is available online or by printing the form on the G.I. Go Fund website. It can be faxed to them at 732-377-8032 or via email to Alex Manis at manis@gigofund.org. For more information call their Veterans Transition Center at 973-802-1614.

To assist returning Guard members, other online resources include:
NJ Civil Service Commission Job Announcements, a listing of other job fairs, plus the location listing for employment service offices at the state’s One Stop Career Centers. Feel free to add your comments or other available resources.