Weatherman Al Roker will appear at Bookends on January 10th
Ridgewood NJ Al Roker will appear at Bookends ,Thursday, January 10th @ 7:00pm
NBC TODAY Show Weatherman, Al Roker, will sign his new book: Never Going Back Books available Dec 31st.
Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change. Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.
While we try to insure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed. We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.
Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-445-0726
Post-Cliff Financial Plans for 2013
U.S.News & World Report LPBy Roger Wohlner | U.S.News & World Report LP
It’s 2013. The world did not end in December and our “leaders” in Washington seem to have averted the fiscal cliff, at least for now. Against this backdrop there are a number of financial planning opportunities for this new year.
Some opportunities born out of the bill passed by the House and the Senate:
–There will be increased opportunities for investors to do Roth conversions. This may or may not be a good idea for you and should be looked at carefully before going this route.
–The estate tax rate increases to 40 percent and the estate tax exemption remains at $5 million. This now allows for some certainty in estate planning which was lacking with the pending expiration of the old rates.
–The income tax rates on the highest earners will rise to 39.6 percent from 35 percent and the tax rates on dividends rise to 20 percent from 15 percent. Together these increases might influence your investing activities in terms of the types of investments held in taxable vs. tax deferred accounts and in the types of investment vehicles in your portfolio.
–Congress has also made permanent a fix to the Alternative Minimum Tax for the next ten years. Again this might make certain investments more desirable and others less so in your taxable portfolio.
Congress Budget Pact Would Crimp Not Crush U.S. Growth
By Rich Miller & Shobhana Chandra – Jan 2, 2013 1:21 AM ET
The U.S. economic expansion probably will be crimped without being halted by the budget deal that won approval by the House of Representatives last night after being forged by the Senate and White House.
The agreement permanently reinstates the income tax cuts for most workers that ended Dec. 31, continues expanded unemployment benefits and delays automatic spending cuts for two months. It would let a two percentage point payroll tax cut expire.
The elimination of the payroll tax cut, coupled with higher income taxes on the wealthy, will help clip growth in the first quarter to 1 percent, from 3.1 percent in 2012’s third quarter, the latest data available, according to economists at JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) and Bank of America Corp. The expansion will strengthen later in the year as the housing market
“It’s going to definitely present a headwind for the economy,” Michael Feroli, chief U.S. economist for JPMorgan Chase in New York, said. “We’re looking for a downdraft in growth in the first half of the year, with the economy coming back in the second.”
The package isn’t the grand bargain on deficit reduction that lawmakers wanted when they created the tax-and-spending deadlines over the past three years. Instead, it would avert most of the immediate pain and postpone Congress’ fiscal feud for two months — until a February fight over raising the $16.4 trillion debt limit.
PSE&G Heating Tips Control Energy Costs
December 31, 2012
(December 31, 2012 – Newark, NJ) – Cold weather has arrived, and heating systems are working hard. Don’t let the warm air escape from your home. With natural gas prices at historic lows, PSE&G’s residential customers are paying 39 percent less for gas than in Jan. 2009. But there are simple ways to lower your bill even more.
Some ways to stay warm and manage your heating bill this winter:
• Lower your thermostat by just one degree, which may reduce your heating bill by up to 3 percent. Save even more by lowering your thermostat 2 degrees during the day and 5 to 10 degrees at bedtime, if health conditions permit.
• Check for sufficient water levels in the sight glass for hot water and steam heating systems to ensure maximum efficiency. Clean or replace the furnace filter on hot air heating systems.
• Close dampers in fireplaces you don’t use.
• Wrap the outlet pipe with inexpensive flexible insulating tubing to reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach your shower. Set your hot water heater to no more than 120 degrees.
• Move furniture and drapes away from heating registers, radiators, and baseboard element covers. Open any register or baseboard dampers.
• Cover window air conditioners to reduce drafts. Install insulated or lined drapes on your windows.
• Use weather stripping or one-sided sticky tape to seal up cracks and prevent drafts in windows and doorframes. Caulk smaller gaps. Beneath doors, install draft guards available at hardware stores.
• Use a shrink film insulation kit on really drafty windows or make one yourself from plastic sheeting and double-faced tape.
• Seal wall switches and electrical outlets with small foam gaskets available from home improvement centers and hardware stores. Remove the cover plate, insert the gasket, and screw the cover plate back in place.
• If you have a door leading outside from your basement, hang a full-size sheet of plastic from the door frame to keep heat from escaping. Seal windows in the basement with plastic to create a barrier against the cold. (Make sure you allow enough air supply to keep your fuel-burning appliances safely.)
• Keep your garage door closed if the garage is attached to the house.
• If your budget permits, install (or have installed) a programmable thermostat that you can set to automatically lower room temperatures when rooms are not in use and also at bedtime if health conditions permit.
• Visit PSE&G’s Home Energy Toolkit at www.pseg.com/toolkit. You can calculate the energy efficiency of your home and find out how to save energy and money on appliances and heating systems.
Other PSE&G Programs and Services Available:
• High usage of natural gas during cold spells may result in higher-than-normal bills. Customers can take advantage of the utility’s Equal Payment Plan to manage the fluctuating cost. Residential customers can enroll by calling 1-888-275-PSEG (7734).
• Customers struggling to pay winter heating and electric bills may receive help from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), NJ SHARES or the TRUE Grant.
The LIHEAP program is based on family size and last month’s income and is geared to those who are lower income. Applications for LIHEAP are available at the PSE&G customer service centers listed on your bill. Information about LIHEAP can be found at www.pseg.com/help or by calling 800-510-3102 Monday through Saturday.
NJ SHARES (1-866-NJSHARES) and the TRUE Grant (1-855-465-8783) both help moderate income households that are not eligible for LIHEAP. To apply online or for more information, visit www.pseg.com/help.
For more energy saving tips, visit www.pseg.com/saveenergy.
TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR ANNUAL HARLEM WIZARDS GAME
Tickets are now on sale for the Harlem Wizards vs. Ridgewood All-Stars game on Friday, January 25. The event, sponsored by the Federated HSA, takes place in RHS Gym 1 at 7 p.m.
ORDER NOW!
Sells out every year!
First come, first served for ticket orders.
Harlem Wizards vs. Ridgewood All-Stars
January 25, 2013
7:00 PM
Ridgewood High School Gym 1
For more information and the order form, click here : https://tinyurl.com/bghtl5x
Little Crane Montessori School, school choice, alternate education
Ridgewood NJ, Little Crane Montessori School is a peaceful, lively, coeducational day school for children who seek to ignite the essential and lifetime joy of learning. It is a small-sized school, affiliated with the American Montessori Society (AMS) since 1998. The school follows a unique educational method developed by Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952).
We believe that the children of our school have the best opportunity to absorb sense, create, and experiment with a nurturing, multi-age classroom, and a highly qualified faculty.
We will guide our students to their goals of developing self-confidence, building a habit of concentration, fostering inner security and a sense of order.
The school is located on 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ (the third brown building from the corner of Franklin Ave. and Cottage Place). Although we are unaffiliated with the church, we are located inside the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood.
Senate-Passed Deal Means Higher Taxes on 77% of Households
By Richard Rubin – Jan 1, 2013 1:54 PM ET
The budget deal passed by the U.S. Senate today would raise taxes on 77.1 percent of U.S. households, mostly because of the expiration of a payroll tax cut, according to preliminary estimates from the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center in Washington.
More than 80 percent of households with incomes between $50,000 and $200,000 would pay higher taxes. Among the households facing higher taxes, the average increase would be $1,635, the policy center said. A 2 percent payroll tax cut, enacted during the economic slowdown, is being allowed to expire as of yesterday.
The heaviest new burdens in 2013, compared with 2012, would fall on top earners, who would face higher rates on income, capital gains, dividends and estates. The top 1 percent of taxpayers, or those with incomes over $506,210, would pay an average of $73,633 more in taxes.
Public safety is a primary concern for all families, a priority for government, and the key to sustaining quality of life for every taxpayer. All else follows. Public safety is also one of the largest, if not the largest expense of local government. There are a number of reasons for this, some of which are attributable to our State’s history.
More than one hundred years ago, New Jersey was hit by a fast-growing phenomenon known as “Boroughitis.” Prompted by the Borough Act of 1878, local incorporation became possible through a simple act of petitioning, allowing for home rule, a Mayor and 6 Councilmember form of government, and independent school systems. New Jersey went from having less than 20 boroughs to having hundreds and ultimately 566 municipalities in all. In Bergen County, 56 of our 70 municipalities are boroughs.
This was not necessarily bad. Travel was difficult, response time was lengthy, self-reliance and neighbor-helping-neighbor were critical to everyday life, more so in emergent situations. Incorporating locally meant services were more available, children were schooled closer to home and, hopefully, tax dollars were spent more frugally.
Over the last century, as New Jersey grew, so did local governments, services and costs. The evolution of individual municipalities remains clearly evident in our town-centered departments, the 603 school districts that exist throughout the state and our unique local identities. The expense of operating in these municipal silos, however, has become increasingly unsustainable for taxpayers and in many instances the perks of home rule less prominent as manpower and services are reduced to cut costs. Times and technology have changed and we must too.
The state mandated 2% budget cap has slowed local spending and promotes a change in municipal thinking. Today the key to maintaining local quality of life is through sharing services. Shared services allow municipalities to maintain their local identities while capitalizing on economies of scale in purchasing and contracts, producing cost-savings through shared service agreements and cooperatives. Many Bergen towns have entered into agreements for everything from road paving to municipal courts, helping to offset rising municipal costs. Savings are not the only potential advantage to cooperative efforts.. Services also improve with access to wider networks, broader skill sets and cutting edge technology that many municipal governments cannot independently afford.
Moving in this direction is not easy. The Borough of Demarest had been working to make this happen with its most critical service and largest budgetary line item, Public Safety. Over the last nine months and with a referendum reflecting wide public support, Demarest negotiated with the Bergen County Police Department to enter into such a Shared Services Agreement. The Agreement would allow Demarest officers to become part of the larger regional Bergen County Police Department. Every possible aspect of law enforcement and financial impact was examined. Savings and benefits to both parties are significant.
As with every major change, however, critics line up and politics plays a role. False statements are made and fear is instilled. Would the rest of the county be subsidizing Demarest patrols? Would the increased pension benefits for Demarest officers offset savings? Would it be cheaper to hire all new officers instead of current Demarest officers at parody salaries? Despite the answers; no, no and yes, the fact remained that local and county taxpayers would reap significant savings, and services would remain the same or better. Importantly, it would be not be a mandate, but rather a first small step toward a new and improved way of thinking being advanced throughout the State, but not in Bergen, due to intramural politics.
When the majority of my fellow Freeholders voted down this Shared Services Agreement on Friday, the result was the perpetuation of what has become the status quo for New Jersey: rising costs and cuts in service. As a result, the County will lose $2.7 million in revenue and the County Police will now hire at least eight of the twelve additional officers it needs to operate efficiently. The Borough of Demarest will do what it must to reign in costs, a plan described by the Mayor as police layoffs to maintain its current budget. So, who wins here? Not taxpayers. Unless elected officials are willing to change their thinking and support a step in this direction, taxpayers will keep paying too much for local government services.
Rep. Scott Garrett Statement on Fiscal Cliff Agreement
Jan 1, 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government-Sponsored Enterprises, issued the following statement regarding the agreement that has been reached in order to avoid the so-called ‘fiscal cliff’ scenario:
“Washington has a spending problem. No increase in tax rates will change that. Attempting to tax our way to prosperity while doing nothing to address our spending problems will not help out the average, middle class American. We need a total turnaround of the economy with private sector growth and more jobs. Today’s agreement falls far short of these needs.
“I remain committed to advocating for the most prudent policy solutions for all of my constituents. I will continue to fight for America’s children and grandchildren so they too can have the opportunities that you and I have had and are not burdened by a future of inherited debt, exorbitantly high taxes, and stagnant job creation.”
Unitarian Society of Ridgewood: Special benefit concert
Special benefit concert featuring past Music Award recipients.
Sun, January 20, 2013
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
The Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
Ridgewood NJ, During this 85th Anniversary year, a special benefit concert featuring past Music Award recipients will be held on Sunday, January 20 at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood.
For info call Debby Goodell at 201-447-2458 or visit www.ridgewoodchoral.org
Ridgewood’s Got Talent 2013 Auditions
Sat, January 12, 2013
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Porch Light Productions, 555 Broad St., Glen Rock, NJ
The Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the Annual “Ridgewood’s Got Talent”.
This event is for the community of Ridgewood. We are searching for students in grades K-12, who would like an opportunity to showcase their special talent, i.e. singing, dancing and playing an instrument.
There will be auditions for all who are interested followed by the semi-final round and concluding with a final round leading to the grand prize – performing on stage at the 2013 Downtown for the Holidays Tree Lighting Celebration on December 6, 2013.
The Chamber of Commerce would like to invite any performers from Ridgewood* to participate in our first round of auditions on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 9-12N at Porch Light Productions located at 555 Broad Street, Glen Rock, NJ
Semi Final round being held on Saturday, January 26, 2013 – 9:00am-11:00am at Porch Light Productions at 555 Broad Street, Glen Rock, NJ
Final Round being held on Saturday, February 9, 2012 – 9:00am-10:00am at Porch Light Productions at 555 Broad Street, Glen Rock, NJ.
Due to time constraints, each performance will be allotted a two minute time slot.
You will need to bring your own music and/or have your back ground music (CD if needed) prepared ahead of time and brought to Porch Light Productions the day before the first audition.
The day of time slots, are on a first come basis, and parents/teachers will be asked to wait in the lobby area until the child has finished there audition.
We ask that everyone be respectful of the person auditioning by remaining quiet and no phones.
The selection of judges will be from Porch Light Productions and From the Top Music Studio.
For applications call Joan Groome
Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce
201-445-2600 -info@ridgewoodchamber.com
27 Chestnut St. (lst floor)
Few DWI charges over New Year’s, North Jersey police say
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 Last updated: Tuesday January 1, 2013, 9:44 PM
BY MONSY ALVARADO
STAFF WRITER
The Record
North Jersey law enforcement rang in the New Year with just a few motorists in custody on charges of driving while intoxicated.
Most police departments in Bergen and Passaic counties reported no DWI arrests Tuesday.
The Palisades Interstate Parkway Police arrested a juvenile on drunken driving charges, Garfield and Saddle Brook also logged one arrest each, while Fair Lawn officers took two drivers into custody overnight.
“It’s hard to really say why,” said Garfield Lt. Tim Brutosky, referring to the low number of arrests in town. “People are having parties all over the place, I guess it’s a matter of fate. We are out there patrolling, but I guess everyone was lucky last night.”
Troopers from the state police barracks in Bloomfield, who patrol the Garden State Parkway from Woodbridge to Montvale, arrested three people on DWI charges during the night, said Trooper Ian Rosenberg.
Sgt. Adam Grossman, public information officer for the New Jersey State Police, said statewide figures on DWI arrests wouldn’t be tallied until after 6 a.m. today, the end of the holiday period. But he said more troopers were patrolling the highways and were on the lookout for drivers who may have been driving drunk.
Regarding Paul Aronsohn’s “Garrett needs to come on board and back Sandy aid” (Other Views, Dec. 20):
If you like pork,
buy it at the market
Regarding Paul Aronsohn’s “Garrett needs to come on board and back Sandy aid” (Other Views, Dec. 20):
Aronsohn’s attack on Rep. Scott Garrett, R-Wantage, for not supporting the Sandy aid bill omitted a few facts.
Garrett has properly insisted that the bill have accountability and oversight, and publicly stated he will support it once that is included. Looks like he was correct: The bill is pork-filled with earmarks that have little to do with helping New Jersey Sandy victims.
Among those earmarks: $23 million for tree plantings to help reduce flood effects, protect water sources, decrease soil erosion and improve wildlife habitat in forested areas touched by Sandy; $2 million to repair roof damage at Smithsonian buildings in Washington — the damage predates the storm; $4 million to repair sand berms and dunes at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida; and $41 million for cleanup and repairs at eight military bases along the storm’s path, including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The FBI is seeking $4 million to replace vehicles, laboratory and office equipment and furniture, and Customs and Border Protection wants $2.4 million to replace destroyed or damaged vehicles, including mobile X-ray machines.
Why does Aronsohn think it so horrible that there be accountability for ensuring our dollars actually reach New Jerseyans made needy by Sandy? Did he forget that Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., also agreed that accountability must be a factor in supporting such aid? Aronsohn seems to be saying, “We can’t wait and have to pass it first in order to see what’s in it.” Sound familiar?
My advice to those who like that approach: If you want pork, buy it at the supermarket and pay for it with your own money.
A NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM BERGEN COUNTY EXECUTIVE KATHLEEN A. DONOVAN
A New year is upon us.
We are leaving behind a year that had so many tough hurdles-the ongoing recession, Superstorm Sandy and its aftermath particularly for our neighbors in Moonachie and Little Ferry, and the horrible tragedy at the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut.
A new year will bring more hurdles for us to overcome, new courses to navigate — but more importantly, 2013 will bring new opportunities for us to succeed as individuals, communities and a nation.
Let’s embrace the year to come and invest in hope for a better world for all of us.
As the turning pages of the calendar proves, time is fleeting; let’s use it wisely: spend time with the people you love and take time to help those in need.
Let’s not put off until tomorrow, what we should do today. And when we come to turn the last page on the calendar 12 months from now, let’s hope we can point to a year filled with fewer regrets and more accomplishments.
I wish you and your family all a very Happy, Safe and Healthy New Year.
