Counting Union County’s Homeless

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 to call home since New Year’s.

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“New in Town” – Same Old, Same Old – 2 popcorns

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 city mouse-country mouse cliché.

Last successfully chanced by Diane Keaton in “Baby Boom” (1987), which had charm if not novelty, this poor woman’s version of the chestnut possesses neither. A smattering of witty lines and humorous snippets of otherwise overwrought characterizations occasionally mitigate the onslaught of unabashed, formulaic predictability. 

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Disabilities Awareness Day Promotes Caring & Sharing

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 from noon to 4 p.m. Billy Drew Entertainment will provide dancing music and juggler Chris Chiappini will entertain. There will be informational displays and free refreshments.

The event is made possible through the combined efforts of many volunteers from non-profit organizations, borough departments and community businesses.

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Tax Tip Of The Day: New Real Estate Deduction For Non-Itemizers

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. This property tax deduction is in addition to the standard deduction used by filers.

For more information, visit the IRS.gov web site at www.irs.gov.

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