Comments for Michael Swayze's Community Resources Blog

Comment on Emily’s Restaurant – An Eatery in Elizabeth, New Jersey Worth Visiting by Sheila Fredericks

Sheila Fredericks — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:14:01 +0000

I wish I could own a place like this here in Mendham. It would be a GOLD MINE…but of course it could never be this cheap because of the rents here! Maybe my next life!
I like the restaurant business!
Thanks for sharing!

Comment on 33,000 New Jerseyans Losing Unemployment in Need of Help by Chris Volker

Chris Volker — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:29:51 +0000

How come I don’t see any Boys & Girls Club slisted in Community Resources.? There are 24 in the State of NJ.

Our Club is the Boys & Girls Club of Vineland

Comment on Energy Assistance Tips by Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:42:23 +0000

This entire program is a joke for low income people who are not currently employed. We sent in our re-application three months ago after being on the program for two years and we were told that because one family member is not currently working, that that social security number would have to be sent to TRENTON for verification, under a NEW policy. It’s been three months, we are now kicked off the program because Trenton is SO slow getting back to our local agency! What is the point of these programs if by the time we finally get approved, it will be time to reapply again? The agency was not helpful and had no information; just said that they have to “wait” for however long it takes for verification from Trenton (which should take a state employee a few seconds to verify each SS number.) I was told that it could be weeks…or even months. Just in time to reapply in November. Meanwhile, can’t pay my electric bill. Meanwhile, we got a rejection notice until Trenton decides to get off their behind and possibly respond.

Comment on 33,000 New Jerseyans Losing Unemployment in Need of Help by Ed Madara

Ed Madara — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:04:03 +0000

For help in finding a no-cost jobseeker support groups, or for free help in learning how to start a job seekers support group, contact the NJ Self-Help Group Clearinghouse at 1-800-367-6274, more easily remembered as 1-800-FOR-M.A.S.H. (Mutual Aid Self-Help). There are over 6,750 community support groups meeting regularly throughout NJ (groups like Debtors Anonymous and many, many others).
If there’s no group in your area, consider joining with others to help start one! Contact the Clearinghouse to learn how.

“One of the most important capabilities of community self-help groups is that ordinary people can develop such groups in their local communities when none exist, and subsequently their group usually serves as an extraordinary resource to many in that area for several years. I still find it amazing that to start a group, a person doesn’t need a grant, an agency, or even an office – just the inspiration and a few other people who share their experience and hope. What significantly helps in providing such inspiration is a person’s knowledge of an existing national organization or a model group, which can provide them with basic information so they don’t have to ‘re-invent the wheel.’ ”
– E.J. Madara, “Mutual Aid Self-Help Group Developments” Community Psychologist, 39 (3), Summer, 2006, p. 21.

Comment on Morristown Food Pantry Seeks Client Services Coordinator by Morristown NJ

Morristown NJ — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:43:07 +0000

The Morristown food Pantry is a great place to volunteer. You can help make a difference.

Comment on Buy Stamps By Mail: Help Island Post Offices by shel

shel — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 21:20:03 +0000

The stamps we ordered arrived in less than a week and they sent really nice ones. We plan to buy stamps this way from now on. It takes a little more effort than doing it on line, but I am all for saving all those tiny island post offices in Maine

Comment on Going Green: Commuter Tax Benefits by Jason Hancock

Jason Hancock — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:00:09 +0000

Hi Michael,

Thank you for being an advocate for this benefit!!!!! We really appreciate your efforts!!!

Have a Great Day!!

Jason
Commuter Check
http://www.commutercheck.com
http://commutercheck.wordpress.com/
http://twitter.com/commutercheck

Comment on Jamfest 3 – June 20th – Jackson, New Jersey by Sheila Fredericks

Sheila Fredericks — Thu, 28 May 2009 08:31:05 +0000

I will have some tickets to this event….the tickets bought from the club will benefit the Fredericks Family…the others will not (from the Promoter Kurt)…also I hear there is a 50/50 that will also benefit us (the Fredericks Family).

Comment on Favorite Food Places by Ed Madara

Ed Madara — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:07:13 +0000

Dear Michael,

Just wanted to say thanks for your “New Jersey Community Resources” -
which reflects the fine work of a true info-maniac, who recognizes the value of connecting people in need with the resources they don’t know about, and too often fail to get connected with.

Best to you in your continued good works.

Take care, hope, and thanks,

- Ed

P.S. On the very western tip of Essex County in Livingston on the south side of Route 10 is another good Italian restaurant. It’s popular with the young family set, and my wife likes that there are lots of small children. You can eat out on the patio next to the flowers in the summer. Some of the Italian food is quite good (not as good or as well priced as your Italian place). But the bottomless orange flavored ice tea and chicken/cheese sandwiches served before 4pm are good.
What is nice for family fun is that, for free after eating, you can get a bag
of bocce balls from the bar, in temporary exchange for your driver’s
license, and go to either of the bocce courts for an hour or two of fun
(with often the females of the family sitting talking under the shade of one
of the pear trees next to the court). Of course you have to have at least one family member who knows the rules of how to play bocce!