Aug. 28, 2008 - South Asian Film Festival Planned

Festival Dates and Venue

You don't need to be South Asian to enjoy this festival.  I attended last year's New Jersey Independent South Asian Cine Festival (NJISACF) held at the Franklin Township Public Library.  For those who missed it, the international films were great! 

The dates and venue for the NJISACF 2008 have been announced. The dates are September 19th to 21st, 2008. On the 19th, there will be a gala opening event, while the film screenings will be held on September 20th and 21st at the Rutgers Busch Campus Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey.

At this year's free festival presents 13 feature films, 6 docu-features and 14 short films with a broad range of themes like identity, sexuality, politics and religion are scheduled. Here is a sample of what you can expect to see.

For more information contact: Asian American Film and Theater Project, PO Box 136, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, 08852, USA  Telephone: 732.310.0236   E-Mail: saktis@njisacf.org

Jul. 23, 2008 - What gives?...This ain't Kansas

Somerset was under a tornado warning today 

I had just walked into the house, after noticing heavy overcast clouds had buit-up.  The TV was on and all of a sudden there was an alert to switch to community cable channel 8.  There, I heard that Somerset and Middlesex Counties were under a tornado warning, due to heavy area thunderstorms.  I knew the many lightening strikes were close to my home because times between flashes of light and thunder were extremely close. Next, a computerized voice came over the TV and provided details of what times the storm would pass specific areas.  There were also instructions for what to do during a tornado warning. (see below)

During a Tornado

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!

If you are in:	Then:
A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building)	Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.
A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home	Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.
The outside with no shelter	Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

The warning seemed to have passed without damage or much wind. There wasn't even a heavy downpour of rain, so far. But, this experience got me thinking...what is the difference between a watch and a warning?  Should you open houe windows during a tornado?  The American Red Cross published an article on tornado preparedness. The University of Milwaukee has issued more information and debuncked a few myths.   And no,spend the time getting to a sfe place in your home, rather than attempting to open windows. 

As a kid, I don't ever recall haviing to worry about tornado alerts while growing up in suburban New York.  My, how times have changed!  Almost one year ago, one touched down in Brooklyn.  It doesn't matter if you are in Kansas or not.  Take care of your self, out there.

You can track local weather here

Jul. 20, 2008 - 2007 Homestead Rebates

Filing Dealine is only weeks away

The State of New Jersey Homestead Rebates have been mailed to homeowners.  If you haven’t received your application, you should shortly. The state suggests calling the Homestead Rebate Hotline if you haven’t received this application by July 23.  Call the Homestead Rebate Hotline at 1-888-238-1233 or e-mail for assistance. When sending an e-mail, make sure you provide the name(s) of the owner(s) and the location of the property which was your principal residence on October 1, 2007.

Applications are not being sent to homeowners who were identified by the Division of Taxation as having New Jersey gross income for 2007 that exceeded the income limit of $150,000, as they are not eligible for 2007.

For those under 65 and not disabled, you will receive either 20% of the first $10,000 of property taxes paid (if your income is below $100,000), 10% of your total property taxes paid (if your income is between $100,000 and $150,000), or nothing.

• Tenant: If you were a tenant on October 1, 2007, file a Form TR-1040, tenant homestead rebate application, contained in the 2007 resident income tax return booklet. More information for tenants.

• Homeowner: If you were a homeowner on October 1, 2007, a 2007 homestead rebate application will be mailed to you. Homeowners do not file Form TR-1040, doing so will delay the payment of your homestead rebate. More information for homeowners.

If you were neither a homeowner nor a tenant on October 1, 2007, you are not eligible for a 2007 homestead rebate, even if you owned a home or rented a qualified dwelling for part of the year.

Go to: 2007 Homestead Rebate Program for more information.

Jul. 16, 2008 - Franklin Township "Best Place to Live"

CNN/Money ranks town #5 in the country

Franklin Township's location, availablity of nearby high tech jobs, open spaces, affordable home prices, historical significance and local schools accounts for the #5 spot of 100 Best Places to Live 2008.

It's high ranking comes to no surprise to me.  You can read why I love living right here in Franklin Township in my reply to "Charmqueen's" question posted on Trulia Voices. Read more about Franklin Township here

Yeaaaaa Franklin!

Jul. 14, 2008 - IndyMac, Freddy Mac and Fannie Mae

What does all of this mean?

Despite last week's failure of the IndymacBank, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) Chairman Sheila Bair said on Monday, "the overwhelming majority" of U.S. banks are "safe and sound." What this means to the general public is that savings only up to $100.000 is insured against bank failure per account.  It would be prudent to place any excess into an account with another bank or finanicial institution. There have been hints in the media that more banks might fail over the next three years, due to credit losses and tight capital markets.

Regarding Freddy and Fannie...Fannie Mae is short for Federal National Mortgage Association and Freddie Mac is short for Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Both are shareholder-owned companies mandated by the US Congress to provide funding to the U.S. housing market.  If they were to collapse, mortgages would be harder to get and much more expensive.  US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the government's primary focus is in supporting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in their current form. 

Peter Kedzior , a Chicago REALTOR and fellow Blogger on ActiveRain, helps to put this all into perspective in his posting, Fannie and Freddy Scare.

Jul. 4, 2008 - Town Hall Meeting

Representative Rush Holt coming to Somerset

Franklin Township kicks off a series of 9 townhall meetings in central New Jersey, including two call in sessions with Congressman Rush Holt. This is an excellent opportunity to voice concerns to your local congressional representative.

Monday, July 7 from 7-8:30 p.m. – Franklin Township (Municipal Building Council Chambers, 475 De Mott Lane, Somerset)

Tuesday, July 8 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. - Telephone Town Hall (Dial 1-866-447-5149 and when prompted enter the pin 13864)

The complete schedule of meetings can be found on the congressman's website.  See you there!

Wishing you a Happy and Safe

July 4th Weekend

Jun. 21, 2008 - HUD to reach out to 675,000

Marketing FHA mortgages to the masses 

In a move to market the benefits of FHA mortgage loans to those with good credit and those homeowners who have already faced or are experiencing the first reset of their adjustable rate mortgages, 675,000 letters will hit mailboxes soon. For more information regarding the stimulus package signed earlier this year by President Bush click here.

Below is the text of HUD's letter:

Dear Homeowner,

Do you need help with your mortgage?

Your area is experiencing a disturbing home foreclosure rate that has accelerated in recent months.

News reports cite the damaging effects of “sub prime loans” as a major factor in the unsettled market. By focusing on education and safe mortgage alternatives, though, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is working diligently to address this unacceptable foreclosure trend.

Over the past few months, FHA has worked with mortgage loan servicers to identify solutions for the crisis facing current homeowners. Your current mortgage does not have to be FHA insured for you to benefit from our help. If you are facing financial difficulties due to a recent or imminent mortgage reset, or other housing-related difficulty, I urge you to contact us at 1-800-CALL-FHA or to visit www.fha.gov. There you will have the opportunity to learn about foreclosure prevention, legal rights, and credit counseling, among other topics.

Many homeowners may also be able to take advantage of our recently announced FHASecure program. This new program allows eligible homeowners to refinance into a secure, fixed-rate FHA loan even if they are in default.

Additionally, a new partnership between mortgage companies and non-profit housing counselors called HOPE NOW is available to you. Their mission is simple: reach out to homeowners who may be having difficulty paying their mortgages. For more information or to see if your mortgage company is a member of this caring coalition please go to www.hopenow.com.

Again, please contact us at 1-800-CALL-FHA (800-225-5342) or go to www.fha.gov. As part of the federal government, the Federal Housing Administration wants to help you protect and preserve the American dream — your home.

Sincerely,

Brian D. Montgomery
Assistant Secretary for Housing -
Federal Housing Commissioner

Jun. 15, 2008 - Property flipping rule suspended

The White House suspends policy

A Bush administration foreclosure policy, put in place in 2003, deterring the flipping of real estate in less than 90 days is being temporarily suspended. The Bush administration’s revised policy is hoped to speed the housing recovery.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) suspension will last for one year; allowing real estate marketed and sold by property disposition firms on behalf of lenders to immediately resell a purchased foreclosed property.

Nationwide, 261,255 homes received at least one foreclosure-related filing in May, up 48 percent from the same month last year and up 7 percent from April, foreclosure listing company RealtyTrac Inc. said Friday.

Read the entire article here.  

May. 29, 2008 - Local students advance to world finals

Three Sampson G. Smith teams compete 

For the fourth consecutive year, teams of students from Franklin Township’s Sampson G. Smith School will participate in the Odyssey of the Mind competiton World Finals, which will be held Saturday to Tuesday at the University of Maryland.  Odyssey of the Mind is an international educational program that provides creative, problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college.

The school had both a fifth-grade and sixth-grade team take first place in the balsa structure problem.  A sixth-grade team had the challenge of building a drivable vehicle using a non-lead battery, spending no more than $145. They used plywood, the handlebar from a broken scooter and wheels from a Tonka car. and ran it with 6-volt Alkaline batteries.

The sixth graders also built a structure that weighed in at under 18 grams, was less than 8 inches high and held 625 pounds. The team is currently holding more weight than any other team in the United States and has received the Ranatra Fusca award for using all recyclable material in their structure.

A schedule of events is available and you may watch the World Finals broadcast online. Learn more about this competition.

Congratulations to the kids of our Sampson G. Smith School.

Source: myCentralJersey.com

May. 20, 2008 - Don't forget to vote...again

NJ Primary on June 3rd

Didn't we just vote in New Jersey primaries last February?  Yes we did.  However, that was only for presidential candidates.  The primary for all other elected offices is June 3rd. New Jersey moved its presidential primary to Feb. 5 this year to try to give the state more say in choosing presidential candidates.  I guess that decision didn't make much of a difference.

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg is being challenged by U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews and Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello for the Democratic party's U.S. Senate nomination.  The Republicans candidates seeking the nomination are former U.S. Rep. Dick Zimmer, former gubernatorial candidate Murray Sabrin and state Sen. Joe Pennacchio.

It is too late to register for the June 3rd primary but not for November's general elections.  If already registered, you may choose to vote by absentee ballot.  You may apply in person or by an authorized messenger, if you're sick or confined, at the Somerville county clerk's office up to 3 p.m. Monday, June 2nd.  The absentee ballot must be received by the county Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3rd.

For more information, visit http://www.njelections.org/index.html or call 609-292-3760.

Apr. 23, 2008 - Proposal submitted for Franklin Township new charter school

Apr. 15, 2008 - The Somerset Slim Down

Second year's challange underway

The free challenge is sponsored by Somerset Medical Center's Sports Performance and Rehabilitation Center, the Somerset Patriots, the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Somerset County Park Commission, the Somerset County Business Partnership and the Mayor's Wellness Campaign.

Those who lose 10 pounds or more will be eligible to win a variety of prizes, including a spa getaway, courtesy of Somerset Medical Center's Sleep for Life, and an exercise bike valued at $500, sponsored by Reps Fitness Supply in Somerville.

Additional information about Somerset Slim Down and a complete list of weigh-in locations and upcoming events are available by visiting somersetmedicalcenter.com or calling (908) 203-6236.

Apr. 11, 2008 - School Board Elections

Elections to be held April 15th

Your sample ballot was mailed earlier this week with some errors concerning polling places.  New ballots are to be mailed by Saturday, April 12, 2008.  In the meanrtime, here is a link to the correct locations: http://www.franklintwpnj.org/polling-locations-school-election.html

Next year's budget was approved and calls for a tax rate increase of 3 cents per $100 of assessed value. That means school taxes will increase about $125 a year for the average township homeowner.  Board members unanimously approved the $136.4 million budget, which includes major increases in spending for staff training, special-education instruction and support services, energy costs, health benefits and charter school tuition.

A PowerPoint presentaion of the approved 2008-2009 budget is available online at: http://www.franklinboe.org/boardofed/budget_present_08.pdf

CIVILIAN ABSENTEE BALLOT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS                                            Print and complete the form below to apply for a Civilian Absentee Ballot.

Mail to:  Brett A. Radi, Clerk Of Somerset County, 20 Grove Street, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville NJ 08876-1262

Mail requests for an absentee ballot must be postmarked no later than seven (7) days prior to the election for which they are being requested. Registered voters may apply in person for an absentee ballot up until 3 p.m. the day before the election. For further information about absentee ballots, call the Somerset County Clerk's Office at (908) 231-7006. For information about voter registration, call the Somerset County Board of Elections at (908) 231-7084.

Apr. 8, 2008 - Walgreens offers free prints

Free photos on April 9th

Here’s the link to the printable coupon. Take it in to any participating Walgreens store this Wednesday, April 9th along with your roll of film or disposable camera, and there is no charge for one set of 4X6 prints and negatives.

The one-hour photo service may be slow on this day, due to high volumes of processing. I would plan on dropping off your film and expecting to get it later in the day. Also, it might be a great time to take advantage of some additional deals that Walgreens is offering, including:

• 200-speed 35 mm film (24 exp) for 99 cents with coupon
• Size D and C batteries (4-pack) for 99 cents with coupon
• Scotch Tape (3-pack) for 99 cents with coupon
• Wal-itin 24-Hour Allergy Relief (30 ct.) FREE after Rebate!

You might also want to look at other FREE After Rebate products from this month’s Easy Saver Rebate Catalog, including: Aquafresh Extreme Whitening Toothpaste, Colgate 3600 Clean Manual Toothbrush, SoyJoy bar, Just For Men Haircolor, Tums Quickpack, and jane Be Pure Mineral Blush. (Offer expires April 26, 2008

Two nearby locations are: 920 Hamilton St.  (732) 545-9118‎                                                            3125 State Route 27  (732) 398-3808‎

Here are a few more online money saving links: http://www.moneysavingmom.com/, http://Bradsdeals.com, http://Retailmenot.com, http://Currentcodes.com, http://Thedailygreen.com, http://Couponcabin.com

Mar. 22, 2008 - Private Mortgage Insurance short on money

PMI must raise cash

Private mortgage insurer PMI Group Inc. acknowledged it will need to raise "significant additional capital" in order to continue writing new business after posting a $1 billion net loss in the fourth quarter -- much of it through its ownership stake in troubled bond insurer FGIC Corp.  Although PMIs own mortgage insurance operations generated a $236 million net loss in the final quarter of 2007, it was the company's 42 percent stake in FGIC that put the biggest dent in the company's bottom line, accounting for $776.1 million of the net loss for the quarter. PMI's net loss for the full year was $915.3 million.

Source: Inman News

Mar. 19, 2008 - Somerset youth get to party, play and learn

Safe Night program scheduled for Friday, April 5th 

“2008 marks the ninth year that the county has been holding a ‘Safe Night’ program, which brings youth together to openly discuss important and relevant topics such as resolving conflicts peacefully, managing emotions and preventing violence in a fun-filled, safe environment,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Rick Fontana.

Somerset County's youth program is open to students in grades seven through 12.  The evening is planned by their peers and adults in a safe environment..  This year’s “Safe Night’ program is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Franklin Middle School, located at 415 Francis St., Somerset.  This year’s theme is “Mardi Gras,” and students are invited to wear a mask and beads.   The registration deadline is March 28, and seating is limited to the first 200 registrants.There is a $5.00 admission fee which includes refreshments and door prizes. 

For tickets and more information about the “Safe Night” program, call Sarah Murchison of the Somerset County Department of Human Services at 908-704-6307 or e-mail her at: murchis@co.somerset.nj.us.  Click here for a brochure and registration form.

Feb. 26, 2008 - Avoiding identity theft

Know how to fight back

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in conjunction with the National Association of Realtors (NAR), wants to help you to deter, detect and defend against identity theft.

Identity thieves can only take advantage of you give them information or they obtain information about you.  Each year, millions of Americans have their identity stolen. Get the information you need to protect yourself against identity theft. This video can help you to minimize the risk of becoming a victim and reduce the emotional stress that often comes with identity theft.

Feb. 21, 2008 - Don't fall victim

Consumer Fraud Alert

As a CENTURY 21 Sales Associate, I find this fraud to be especially disturbing.  There is a rental scam involving the unauthorized use of the CENTURY 21® brand name, website and email address.

The scammer uses online classified ad services such as Craigslist.org to post bogus offers. The victim is told that the renter is “travelling”, “vacationing abroad” or “relocating”. The victim is required to pay a deposit via Western Union in exchange for the “keys” to the property.

In an effort to instill confidence in this transaction, the scammer fraudulently claims to have listed the apartment with a local CENTURY 21® office and arranges for a fraudulent email notification posing as a CENTURY 21® representative (and using CENTURY 21® logos) to be sent to the victim.

The scammer disappears once the deposit is received, leaving the prospective tenant defrauded.

For more information and tips to avoid such frauds, read more at: CENTURY21.com 

Click here to find a CENTURY 21 office or agent.  You may also search by map.

Feb. 19, 2008 - Realogy takes a giant step into web 2.0

Deals penned with Zillow.com, Cyberhomes.com, AOL and Homescape.com

In an announcement made earlier today Realogy Corporation, parent company of CENTURY 21®, Coldwell Banker®, ERA® and Sotheby’s International Realty® and Company-owned brokerages operated by its subsidiary, NRT LLC, will now post their 700,000 collective property listings daily via Cyberhomes.com, AOL Real Estate and Homescape.com. This deal also expands the exclusive posting of ERA listings to Zillow.com to the other franchises under Realogy's umbrella.  The deal squarely places Realogy ahead of the pack with web 2.0 positioning.

Today's press release builds upon marketing agreements that have, for nearly one year, loaded CENTURY 21®, Coldwell Banker® and ERA® brand property listings onto Google.com, Yahoo.com, Trulia.com search engine, OpenHouse.com and HGTV's Frontdoor.com; making it easier than ever for buyers to find the home of their dreams, while providing sellers with outstanding marketing exposure.

Google.com, Zillow.com and Trulia.com rank among the top real estate portals on the web.  

Richard A. Smith, vice chairman and president of Realogy Corporation.said, "More than 58 percent of all Internet searches on "real estate" and related terms are conducted on Google and its search partner sites*, while over 375 million unique global users conduct searches on Google.com each month." according to comScore, December 2006.

After my recent posting, Chillied on Zillow - Accuracy of local data is problematic, Drew Meyers from zillow replied, "Over time, as we get more updated home facts from agents and owners (over a million people have updated their home facts so far), our zestimate accuracy should improve."  It will be quite interesting to see how their "zestimates" for Franklin Township homes and the surrounding areas improve.

Feb. 13, 2008 - Bush signs stimulus package

Effects on the housing market

In a press release, earlier today, the White House released a fact sheet detailing housing benefits of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, signed into law by Prseident George W. Bush.  The press release also emphasizes other programs put into place to help some homeowners struggling to pay mortgage loans.

Yesterday, the new Project Lifeline initiative was announced, which will help more Americans keep their homes by giving HOPE NOW servicers a new tool to reach out to seriously delinquent homeowners. Project Lifeline offers, where appropriate, to "pause" the foreclosure process for 30 days while other longer-term solutions are explored. All HOPE NOW servicers are contacting subprime borrowers 120 days before their interest rate resets. The nationwide hotline is (888-995-HOPE).

In August, the President and his Administration launched a new initiative at the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) called FHASecure. FHASecure expands the FHA's ability to offer refinancing by giving it the flexibility to work with homeowners who have good credit histories but cannot afford their current payments.

In December, President Bush signed the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which will help Americans avoid foreclosure by protecting families from higher taxes when they refinance their home mortgages. This Act created a three-year window for homeowners to refinance their mortgage and pay no Federal taxes on any debt forgiveness they receive.(more)

The biggest winners in the rescue plan could likely be Americans with more expensive homes who will be able to refinance their mortgages at cheaper fixed rates. The stimulus package temporarily raises the limit on Federal Housing Administration loans and also raise the cap on loans that mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can buy to a maximum of $729,750.  However, this mazimum limit applies only to "high cost" areas and is not a nation-wide standard. (more)