Local Leaders Distribute “Quilts For A Cause” To Veterans

CARTERET—On March 2, Mayor Daniel J. Reiman joined U.S. Congressman Albio Sires, and Carteret business owner Jean Lutz, to distribute patriotic quilts to military servicemen and servicewomen being treated at Walter Reed Military Hospital in Washington D.C.

The program, initiated in 2008 by Country Quilt ‘n’ Threads owner Lutz, has attracted a number of area volunteers who donate their time, skill, and materials towards the creation of quilts to be given to the hospitalized military. Twenty-five of the quilts have been distributed, and the program has produced a range of unique fabrics and “blocks,” which comprise some quilts, through donations. The quilts, while varying in design, all contain patriotic themes.

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League Of Women Voters Pays Tribute During Women’s History Month

During March, Women’s History Month, the League of Women Voters of the Union Area is paying tribute to the achievements of women past and present in the communities where our members live—Union, Cranford, Linden and surrounding towns.

We are proud to take note of contributions by League members and other women in our towns, throughout Union County and everywhere in the nation. Members of the League work the year around to register voters, provide non-partisan voting information and educate citizens about important issues of the day.

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Gourmet Brown Bagging That Won’t Break The Budget

Being budget-conscious doesn’t mean depriving yourself. Upscale brown-bag lunches with economic gourmet sandwich options. Keep it healthier and when possible, buy organic. Seasonal local produce assures freshness and supports your farming community, too. Choose no-nitrite, low sodium deli meats or grill hormone-, antibiotic-free chicken cutlets at home for salads and wraps. Select all-natural cheeses instead of highly processed brands. These ideas will no doubt inspire other creative combinations.

This roast beef, jarlsberg & arugula sandwich is big on flavor and won’t break the budget.

Roast Beef, Jarlsberg & Arugula on Sourdough

Serves 4

3 tablespoons Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese or Light version

1 tablespoon milk

8 slices sourdough or sourdough rye bread

8 thin slices roast beef

8 deli thin slices Jarlsberg or Jarlsberg Lite cheese

Arugula, watercress or other favorite green leaf lettuce

Cream Boursin with a touch of milk. Spread one tablespoon Boursin on 4 bread slices. Divide roast beef, cheese and arugula between other 4 bread slices. Top with bread spread with Boursin (spread on the inside).

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Nine Reasons To Not Procrastinate On Your Tax Return

Federal tax returns are due about one month from now. Have you sent yours in?

No? Well, the National Society of Accountants (NSA) has three words for you: “Git R Done!”

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reports that many people already have. In fact, the IRS said that as of February 27, 2009, it had received 56 million individual tax returns, a slight increase over the previous year. The average individual refund was $2,869, a 9 percent increase or $232 more than the same time last year.

So if you are one of the millions of taxpayers who still hasn’t filed, what are you waiting for?

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Tax Tip Of The Day: Keep Good Tax Records

By Gregg Semanick-New Jersey‘s IRS Spokesperson

You can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of your receipts and other records throughout the year. Good recordkeeping will help you remember the various transactions you made during the year, which in turn may make filing your return a less taxing experience. Remember, good recordkeeping will ensure you do not miss out on any tax deductions. Publication 552 will help you in knowing what records you need.

For more information on IRS tax tips, go to the IRS.gov web site at www.irs.gov.

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