Wednesday, February 29, 2012

UPDATE! "STOP THE STOMPING!"
- Support Cody Rodgers - Oklahoma Teen
Facebook against Gay-Bashing Hate Crimes!!

This isn't a story about Iselin, it's a story from Oklahoma.  But it really made me mad, so I figured I'd share it.  I'm hoping that people from around here will also support this kid, and others like him.  I think we're more open and accepting around here now-a-days... is that true, or not true?

Anyway...

A facebook page was started by an Oklahoma Teen, Cody Rodgers, who was beat up because he was  gay.  This is what he writes on the page, which you can find on facebook by clicking HERE:

HELP STOP THE STOMPING!
This page was created to spread out the awareness that gay-bashing, and hate-crimes are still to this day, violent, and laws need to change to protect everyone! This is my personal story!

It all started at a fair-well party thrown on a Saturday evening. A few friends, myself included, were upstairs, while the party was downstairs. Inappropriate derogatory terms began to be heard from downstairs, and the gentlemen using the slurs were asked to leave. At first they complied, but then one charged back into the apartment. At that point, tension was high, and the group as escorted to the parking lot by the tenant of the apartment, a 21 year old girl. At that point, things became violent, and she was assaulted, and I wasn't going to let her get hurt for taking up for me, being a gay man. So I stepped in front of her, and told him to keep his hands off of her. At that point, I was thrown to the ground, kicked, and beaten until I was unconscious. As I came to, I was being pulled towards the apartment, and that is where the "many time shared" photograph of me was taken. This is my story, and I hope nobody ever has to experience what I did. I would do it again in a heart-beat to save a women from a man's hands, but being assaulted and hospitalized, was uncalled for.

I, as an Oklahoman, believe that some type of law should be in place to classify types of crimes like this as more than a "simple-assault", rather a Hate Crime. In Oklahoma, race, color, religion, ethnicity, family status, and disabilities are all classified as a "Hate Crime", but not sexual orientation! That is what needs to change! ♥
 Head over to facebook to support this teen.  NO MORE HATE!

UPDATE... Here is a video of a news cast from the area, for those who may believe that Cody is faking it. In my opinion, I really don't think it was faked. I think sometimes it's just easier to blame the victim; haven't you seen this time and again? It's easier for weak people to blame the victim of a crime than it is to say "This has got to stop." But that's just wrong. It's time to stand up and say "THIS HAS GOT TO STOP."




Change.org has a petition up, which you can sign if you go HERE. It states:
"Oklahoma is one of nineteen states where members of the GLBT community are not a protected class of people. Beating a person for being gay is not considered a hate crime in this state it is merely an assault. If members of the glbt community were protected this act would be a felony. Cody Rogers knows all to well that we are not protected he was beaten this past week in Tulsa, Oklahoma because he is gay. Not just for Cody but for all of us this law should change."

Today is Rare Disease Day


From the Rare Disease Day website:
Rare Disease Day is an international advocacy day to bring widespread recognition of rare diseases as a global health challenge. The day is celebrated on the last day of February every year and this year will be observed February 29, 2012. Learn more about the History of Rare Disease Day, Past Successes or the Goals and Plans for this year.

...Rare Disease Day... has been established as a grassroots advocacy day and we encourage everyone to participate in some way.  ...To learn what’s happening around the world, go to the global Rare Disease Day website at rarediseaseday.org.

What is a Rare Disease? In the U.S., a rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 people. This definition comes from the Orphan Drug Act of 1983 and is slightly different from the definition used in Europe. There are nearly 7,000 rare diseases affecting nearly 30 million Americans. In other words, as many as one in ten Americans are suffering from a rare disease. Besides dealing with their specific medical problems, people with rare diseases struggle to get a proper diagnosis, find information, and get treatment. The rarity of their conditions makes medical research more difficult. For 2012, our focus is solidarity.

OH NO! Davy Jones passed away today...

RIP Davy Jones of the Monkees. My first rock and roll crush...

Today is Leap Year!

Or, should I say that this year is a leap year, and today is the Leap day?
ANYhow, I found good information about leaping on this video from Epiphio on Youtube:

I also found it on WWW.Timeanddate.com, which you can find HERE.

"A leap year consists of 366 days, as opposed to a common year, which has 365 days.

During Leap Years, we add a Leap Day, an extra – or intercalary – day on February 29. Nearly every 4 years is a Leap Year in our modern Gregorian Calendar.
 
The Earth's motion around the sun
Note:  The illustration is not to scale.

Why do we need Leap Years?

Leap Years are needed to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth's revolutions around the sun.
It takes the Earth approximately 365.242199 days (a tropical year) to circle once around the Sun.
However, the Gregorian calendar has only 365 days in a year, so if we didn't add a day on February 29 nearly every 4 years, we would lose almost six hours off our calendar every year. After only 100 years, our calendar would be off by approximately 24 days!"


There are a few interesting notes about Leap Year.  For one thing, people born on February 29 age slower, because they only have one birthday every four years.  Of course, I assume that most of them just get to choose another day to celebrate their birthday - probably March 1st, right?

And an old tradition, which I think seems to have started in Ireland, says that Leap Day is the one day of the year when a woman can propose marriage to a man.  This does NOT mean that the man must accept, though.  He can say no - although it seems that if he says no, supposedly he owes the girl a kiss and a new silk dress... lol! 

Because of the idea of men and women swapping roles on Leap day, some places hold a "Sadie Hawkins Dance."  Sadie Hawkins was apparently a girl in an old comic strip called "Li'l Abner", who would run after the men proposing to them.  I remember the Li'l Abner comic strip, but not well - but you can find more information HERE.  Sadie Hawkins Day is really in November, because that is when the cartoon's artist made it, but it works to celebrate it on Leap Year, too!


So you might want to think of today as a backwards, bonus Valentine's day...


The Quote of the Day

 Happy Leap Year!
“Today is an ephemeral ghost...

A strange amazing day that comes only once every four years. For the rest of the time it does not "exist."

In mundane terms, it marks a "leap" in time, when the calendar is adjusted to make up for extra seconds accumulated over the preceding three years due to the rotation of the earth. A day of temporal tune up!

But this day holds another secret—it contains one of those truly rare moments of delightful transience and light uncertainty that only exist on the razor edge of things, along a buzzing plane of quantum probability...

A day of unlocked potential.

Will you or won't you? Should you or shouldn't you?

Use this day to do something daring, extraordinary and unlike yourself. Take a chance and shape a different pattern in your personal cloud of probability!”
Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Golden Knights CONTINUE ON!

The St. Cecelia’s Golden Knights, a youth sports program, will be accepting registrations for the upcoming 2012 Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading Season. 

Although the St. Cecelia’s School will unfortunately be closing its doors to students in June, the Golden Knights are still standing, better than ever!

Entering its 50th year of providing athletics to the youth of our township, the Golden Knights look to continue a long tradition of success both on and off the field. With our 7 National Pop Warner Cheerleading titles, 10 Raritan Valley Football Conference Titles, numerous Basketball local championships and Recreation Cheerleading titles from State championships to being Crown World’s Best in Virginia Beach, we invite all to become part of our future.

Our success also continues off the mat and turf and into the classroom. In 2011, we had 6 National First Team Pop Warner Scholar Athletes, 11 Second Team and 2 Honorable Mention. And in 2012, the Golden Knights had 13 of the Raritan Valleys 25 Eastern Region Scholar Athletes.

We will be holding Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading registration dates over the next few months and look to continue the tradition of providing athletes of Woodbridge Township a top quality athletic program in which to become a part. Come out and be a part of a bright future!

Registration dates are:
Registration for football and cheer is in the St. Cecelia’s Gym (45 Wilus Way) starting this week. Tuesday: 3/6, 4/17, 5/8, 5/22 (6:30-8:00pm)
 Thursday: 3/1, 3/29, 4/26 (6:30-8:00pm)
Saturday: 4/21, 5/19 (12-3pm)

St. Cecelia’s Golden Knights…"We’re Here for the Kids!” 


glitter-graphics.com

St. Cecelia's to Close School

Did you read THIS ARTICLE on MyCentralJersey.com ... St. Cecelia's is closing the school... I'm not surprised, are you? According to the article, there are only 194 students enrolled.

Things change, that's just the way it is...

The Quote of the Day



Just because you're miserable 
doesn't mean you can't enjoy your life.  

~Annette Goodheart

Monday, February 27, 2012

2/28/12 is Free Pancake Day at IHOP!

Check their page, HERE! What's it all about? This is from their website:
National Pancake Day, Feb. 28, 2012
Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 2006, IHOP has raised nearly $8 million to support charities in the communities in which it operates. On February 28, 2012, guests from around the country are invited to celebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals(c) and other designated local charities.
IHOP will give guests one free short stack of its signature buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at more than 1,500 restaurants throughout the United States.  IHOP hopes to break a record by raising more than $2.7 million. 


The Quote of the Day


Just be ordinary and nothing special.  Eat your food, move your bowels, pass water, and when you're tired, go and lie down.  The ignorant will laugh at me, but the wise will understand.  

~Bruce Lee

Sunday, February 26, 2012

The Quote of the Day



The winds of grace are always blowing, 
but you have to raise the sail.  

~Ramakrishna


Saturday, February 25, 2012

Do you have a good chili recipe?




The Quote of the Day


There is a muscular energy in sunlight 
corresponding to the spiritual energy of wind.  

~Annie Dillard


Friday, February 24, 2012

My new page - SeeClickFix ^

See the page up there, one of the tabs? Just under the headline? Yeah, the SeeClickFix one? Yeah, I just put that up on the Iselin Times. I thought it might be interesting to have a forum for things that need to be fixed around Iselin. If you see something - a pot hole, a broken traffic light, or whatever - and you think it should be fixed, click on the map and report it. I'm not promising that I'll be able to fix it, but hey, I'll try!

Friday Night Music
Joan Osborne
and "Pearl Jam's" Jeremy Lin

Well, it's time for some music to start your weekend right! And since I'm still in a Joan Osborne kinda mood, I figure it's a good night for my favorite Joan song. This is a pretty recent video, and it's very similar to the way she performed it last night :)))



And, ok, I had to post this one too - for the Pearl Jam/Jeremy Lin fans out there...



Wind Alert Tonight

Local Weather Alert

Wind Advisory for Middlesex, NJ

From 5:00 PM EST, Fri., Feb 24, 2012 until 7:00 PM EST, Sat., Feb 25, 2012


Issued by The National Weather ServicePhiladelphia, PA

Fri, Feb 24, 2012, 2:29 PM EST

Updated Feb 24, 2012, 5:00pm EST
... WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST SATURDAY...
* WINDS... WEST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.
* TIMING... EAST WINDS WILL SHIFT TO THE WEST LATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EARLY THIS EVENING AS A COLD FRONT CROSSES THE REGION. THE STRONGEST WIND GUSTS ARE EXPECTED BETWEEN 600 PM AND 100 AM... AND WINDS COULD START TO DIMINISH A BIT TOWARD 400 AM. HOWEVER... WIND SPEEDS ARE THEN EXPECTED TO PICK UP AGAIN ON SATURDAY. HENCE THE ADVISORY HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH SATURDAY.
* IMPACTS... STRONG WIND GUSTS CAN KNOCK DOWN TREE LIMBS AND POSSIBLY SOME WEAKER TREES... AND ISOLATED POWER OUTAGES MAY OCCUR. THE WINDS WILL MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES ESPECIALLY ON BRIDGES AND OTHER ELEVATED ROADWAYS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
MOTORISTS SHOULD USE EXTRA CAUTION... ESPECIALLY THOSE IN HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. LIGHT-WEIGHT OUTDOOR OBJECTS SUCH AS PATIO FURNITURE AND GARBAGE CANS SHOULD BE SECURED.

A Great Show by Joan Osborne last night!


So... I went to the Joan Osborne show last night.  Beautiful!  The whole Music on Main thing in Woodbridge is a great opportunity for true music lovers in our neighborhood - it's a chance to see some seriously talented people perform, and it's such a small venue, it's like they are performing for you alone.  The show was beautiful, and Joan still has a great voice. 

Joan Osborne was always one of my favorite female artists.  Sure, the song "What if God was One of Us" was her big hit, but I had a few of her compact discs on heavy rotation for several years.  For a while there, it seemed like she disappeared.  Or maybe I did - I can't always keep up with what all of my favorite artists are doing on any year, and I stopped listening to her disc for a while.  I hear she's releasing a new disc soon, though, and I can't wait to listen.

I'm also looking forward to seeing another one of the Music on Main shows one of these days.  If you like music, you'll make a point to get there, too...

Thursday, February 23, 2012

JOAN OSBORNE TONIGHT!

I'm so excited to go see Joan Osborne tonight in Woodbridge... are you going? I heard tickets are still available...

Are you going to the IMS Winter Carnival?

Iselin Middle School Winter Carnival  Saturday 2/25/12
lots of rides - raffle baskets - cotton candy - 
come one -
come all! 
11:00 - 4:00 
and 
5:00 - 9:00. 
$5.00 per family $7.00 at the door - you can buy a bracelet for the rides. 
It's a lot of fun and their biggest fundraiser!
 

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Have a Happy!

 This is the last happiness poster in the series... I'm going to miss them...  I might pin them up on my Pinterest board to take a look at them when I feel sad!

People who have meaning and purpose in their lives are happier, feel more in control and get more out of what they do. They also experience less stress, anxiety and depression. But where do we find 'meaning and purpose'? It might be our religious faith, being a parent or doing a job that makes a difference. The answers vary for each of us but they all involve being connected to something bigger than ourselves.

Happy Mardi Gras!

From Wikipedia:
"MARDI GRAS refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.
Mardi gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday; in English the day is sometimes referred to as Shrove Tuesday, from the word shrive, meaning "confess."
Related popular practices are associated with celebrations before the fasting and religious obligations associated with the penitential season of Lent. Popular practices include wearing masks and costumes, overturning social conventions, dancing, sports competitions, parades, etc. "

I believe Mardi Gras is the secular celebration of a Christian holiday; I'm not sure if it is primarily Catholic or not.  It is big down in New Orleans, of course, where they have some interesting traditions referring to giving away beads... but I'm not going to get into all that. 

Here in Iselin, it might not be as big of a Holiday, but hey - any excuse!  In my family, we call Mardi Gras "Fat Tuesday."  We have pancakes for dinner.  That's about the extent of it.  C'mon, it's a Tuesday, right?  How crazy can it get?  But... if you celebrate... Today is the day!  Enjoy today, because Lent starts tomorrow.  


glitter-graphics.com

Monday, February 20, 2012

Have a Happy Day!

No-one's perfect. But so often we compare our insides to other people's outsides. Dwelling on our flaws - what we're not rather than what we've got - makes it much harder to be happy. Learning to accept ourselves, warts and all, and being kinder to ourselves when things go wrong, increases our enjoyment of life, our resilience and our well-being. It also helps us accept others as they are.

A new ANTI BULLYING Video from MANNN: TCTW



MANNN is a group of five young men (Mike, Adam, Nick, Nolan, and Nicky) “trying to change the world”. In a nutshell, they do crazy things, put them on YouTube, and fundraise for some deserving charities in the process. Welcome to the MANNN Movement.

This is a really good anti-bullying video that the MANNN:TCTW kids made. At least some of these kids - maybe all of them - are Iselin people... The singer is Tara Kirk, and the rapper is "Young Willy."

Share this video! :) I know that they would really like to spread it around as much as possible!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Happy Saturday!


FrugalDad.com

I just found some good deals on Frugal Dad.com for Barnes and Noble.com  You can find  ereader specials -- all kinds of stuff.

Do you like to read as much as I do?  This site gave links to Barnes and Noble.com for clearance stuff, and a 10% off coupon for first time buyers.  I found some really good bargains, including a deal of the day - I guess that changes every day, so I won't bother telling you what it was today, but I was really excited!

Barnes and Noble has the Nook, and there were bargains available for the Nook as well as Hardcover books or Softcover books.
Like Frugal Dad says:
 "...you can... find great Barnes & Noble discounts both online and in store. Online at barnesandnoble.com, there is the persistent Deal of the Day, which offers everything from DVD packages, special releases, and hard-to-find titles, to bestselling books and Blu-rays. Even online is a section for staff picks, so if you never make it into a store, you can see what’s being talked about by fellow book lovers."  Frugal Dad continues, "(Barnes and Noble) continue to give competitive prices, excellent savings, and some amazing special offers. To get the best discounts from this ever-innovating bookstore, take a gander through our Barnes and Noble coupons and see what you can save."
So, like I said, you should really check it out.

Have you read any good books lately?  I just finished the first Hunger Games book, and I can't wait to start the next one!  If you haven't heard of it yet, you will be hearing about it soon... the first book is a movie that will be coming out soon.  It's not a book for everyone, though.  It's about some kids, in a surreal future, who are chosen to fight to the death.

If you are looking for a less futuristic book,  our book club just finished reading The Kitchen House, by Kathleen Grissom, which was a big hit.  Everyone in the book club agreed that it wasn't hard to read but it was hard to put down!  We had a really good conversation about it at the meeting.

Anyway, back to the link to the Frugal Dad site - if you want to get some great ereader specials on these books, take a look right now!

An Infographic about the new NEWS

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I'm not really a journalist. I don't have the same instincts, and I don't have the ability to "get the story no matter what." I'm also not always interested in the really NEWS stuff going on - the budget stuff, the legal stuff, the government stuff. Or, I may be interested, but I don't feel like I have the complete grasp of all the nuances and background information.

I never wanted to be a newspaper reporter or photographer. I wanted to write, and take photos, but on my own terms. So, with this blog, I have the freedom to do just that. I'm really lucky. I write what I like, for my own personal reasons. Something bothers me, I'll write about it. Mostly, I'm in my happy little world, and Iselin is a really good place for a happy little world.

The world is changing. Sure, it's pretty nice right here and right now, but there are plenty of injustices out there. And it isn't just reporters that have access to the "media" anymore... so, even though I'm not a reporter, I'm able to spread my own words to a potentially large audience.

This graphic was very interesting. It shows how the world of journalism, particularly photojournalism, is changing. And I have to say, I'm happy about the changes. I'm sure that not everyone is, though... and I'm REALLY glad I didn't try to be a reporter or photojournalist...

iphone journalism
Source: http://frugaldad.com

Friday, February 17, 2012

Pizza Time

Did you know Pizza Time has a web site? 
 Click HERE to find it...
And a Facebook page!

I just read on their Facebook page that they have a new catering menu.  That's a good idea, I'm going to keep it in mind.

But meanwhile... that pizza really looked good... and the web site says they are open until 11:00 PM on Fridays...

Yeah, you know I get paid for some ads I put on here, right?  But not this one.  This isn't an ad.  This is just me being hungry.

If it was an ad, I'd put the address and everything on here.  But it's not, so I'm going to leave that out.  Because if you are from Iselin, you probably already KNOW where Pizza Time is.  And if you don't, you can find it on the website, right?






glitter-graphics.com

Music to Start the Weekend

I had to put up some Joan Osborne, since I just ordered tickets to go see her in Woodbridge at the Music on Main Street show at 7:30 on Thursday, February 23rd at the United Methodis Church on Main Street. For more information, or to get tickets, click HERE...

Happy Friday!!!


Thursday, February 16, 2012

Happy Thursday!


2012 "Have-A-Heart" Food Drive
Celebrated at Robert Mascenik School 26

Our Mayor John E. McCormac today announced that the 2012 "Have-A-Heart" food drive collected more than 20,000 pounds of food and over $31,000 in cash donations to support the efforts of local food pantries in their work to aid needy families throughout Woodbridge Township. More than 100 Township corporations, businesses, retail outlets, schools and students, charitable groups and residents contributed to the food drive.

 "The 'Have-a-Heart' food drive is one of the most important programs that we as a community participate in each January and February. I am proud to be a part of the effort to extend the generosity of the holiday season and to replenish and restock Township food banks," Mayor McCormac said. "Hunger knows no season and no boundary. It's crucial that we work every day - not just during the holiday season - to collect food as we work to help provide the necessities of life to our neighbors and families who might otherwise go hungry."

This food drive was established in 1995. Peter Barcellona, Chairman of "We Feed Woodbridge", reported that more than 200 pounds of non-perishable food was collected and sorted for donation by the Third Grade students from Robert Mascenik School #26 of Iselin The student food drive program was coordinated by School #26 teachers Kristie Manente and Lora Bucior. Additionally, other schools have participated in Have-A-Heart food drives.

A student explains one of the food drive graphs to the Mayor.

School #26 Principal Sharon Strack noted that teachers and students turn food drive logistics into classroom curriculum exercises with students creating posters, flyers, graphs, and other learning aids that apply lesson plans and problem-solving methods to the project.  Students also coordinated the food collection, sorting,  packaging and delivering food to the food pantries.






Significant contributors to the township-wide food drive included the Colonia Business Community
Members of the Colonia Business Community were present.
and the Colonia Corner newspaper, which collected $9,000 and more than 1,500 pounds off food at the recent "Taste of Colonia" event.  Woodbridge Center Mall donated $3,000; Woodbridge ShopRite donated 3,000 pounds of food; Northfield Bank donated $2,500 and collected 225 pounds of food; BCB Community Bank, the Club at Woodbridge, and Bob's Discount Furniture each donated $1,000; Bessemer trust collected 1,300 pounds of food and $852; YMCA of Woodbridge collected 1,500 pounds of food; St. John Vianney School collected 1,000 pounds of food; the Central Jersey Boy Scout Council collected 1,500 pounds of food; and Strawberry's Pub collected 700 pounds of food.

Members of the Colonia Business Community presented a check for $9,000 to Peter Barcellona for We Feed Woodbridge
The food items will be distributed to needy Woodbridge Township families and individuals through the following food pantries, who were also represented at the event.  They include:
- Heavens Helper's Pantry, Woodbridge
- First Presbyterian Church, Iselin
- Trinity Episcopal Church, Woodbridge
- MetroPark Assembly of God, Iselin
- First Presbyterian Church, Woodbridge
- St. James Roman Catholic Church, Woodbridge
- First Presbyterian Church of Avenel
- First Congregational Church - Women of Faith - Woodbridge
- St. Cecelia Roman Catholic Church, Iselin
- Elijah's Bread Food Pantry, Woodbridge

Students received certificates for their participation in the food drive.
After the presentation, they (and the Mayor) had a great time with a question and answer session.  Questions ranged from "How long has this food drive been done?" to "What is it like being Mayor?", to "Have you met any famous people?" and "What is your favorite sports team?"  The third graders really seemed to enjoy themselves, and the Mayor was completely willing to talk to them on their level about both serious and silly things.  I'm sure it's something they'll remember for a long time to come.


The whole experience seemed to be very educational for the third graders.  They had the opportunity to learn everything from how important it is to be charitable, to what it's like to be the Mayor.  They created charts and graphs about the food they collected and they worked together... a great lesson learned, and a great job by the third graders and Robert Mascenik School 26!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Woodbridge Drop-A-Ton Challenge

 Winners and Losers.... 
Plus, a new Wellness Campaign Introduces 
“Moves Like Woodbridge ”… 
 Exciting, New Township-Wide Fitness Initiative for All Ages
 
Woodbridge - Mayor John E. McCormac, the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, and the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness, announced the winners of the Woodbridge “Drop-a-Ton” Weight Loss Challenge as part of a close-out program from the Aerobics Center at the Woodbridge Community Center . The “Drop-a-Ton” biggest “winners” were Laura Fyfe of Avenel and Tracey & Rick Mangual of Woodbridge . The winners were acknowledged for their weight loss success and dedication to a healthy and fit lifestyle. Prizes include a three-month free membership to the Woodbridge YMCA and a “Total Makeover” from Vito Mazza Salon & Spa.
 
Woodbridge Drop-a-Ton Winners Rick & Tracey Mangual, Laura Fyfe, and Shirley Genty.
 
According to mayor McCormac, “Drop-a-Ton” encouraged Woodbridge community members to engage in an active and healthy lifestyle and to develop a weight loss regimen that included fitness and exercise routines combined with healthy menu and diet. The three-month weight loss challenge was a huge success, with a total reported weight loss of nearly 1,500 pounds from 152 participants who “Liked” Drop-a-Ton on Facebook.  Woodbridge “Drop-a-Ton” is donating $1,500 to “We Feed Woodbridge” - one dollar representing every pound shed.
 
In closing out “Drop-A-Ton,” Mayor McCormac and the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign introduced the next Township-wide wellness campaign - “Moves Like Woodbridge”…a celebration of fitness inspired by the popular Maroon 5 song “Moves Like Jagger.”  “Moves Like Woodbridge” is an all-encompassing fitness campaign designed to encourage the entire community – school children to Senior residents - to engage in regular fitness routines and to guide participants to engage an exercise and wellness routine that fits their lifestyle.
 
Mayor McCormac and Councilman Gregg Ficarra promote the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign “Moves Like Woodbridge” with YMCA Zumba Instructor Lordes Rodriguez.
The first “Moves Like Woodbridge” event will take place at the Woodbridge Center Mall (Lower Level Sears Wing) on Thurs., Feb. 23 at 7:00 P.M. “Moves Like Woodbridge” will feature performances by Dance Force of Woodbridge High School and Showstoppers and exercise routines from the YMCA and The Club at Woodbridge , and much more!!! The main event will take place on Thurs., March 22 at 10:00 A.M. when the entire Township will stop what they’re doing and exercise for 3 minutes in an effort to get people excited about fitness.
 
Stay tuned to the Township web page and FaceBook for all the details on “Moves Like Woodbridge.”
 


Happy Hump Day!


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentines Day!

People with strong and broad social relationships are happier, healthier and live longer. Close relationships with family and friends provide love, meaning, support and increase our feelings of self worth. Broader networks bring a sense of belonging. So taking action to strengthen our relationships and build connections is essential for happiness.

You might not have a valentine today... but maybe you know someone else who doesn't, either?  PLENTY of people don't have a valentine!  Like a friend or neighbor, or an aunt or cousin... reach out!  Love isn't just romance!

Happy Valentine's Day!


The Inner Net

A spoken word poem... loved it!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Happy Monday!


Getting Ready for Kindergarten?

Registration for the September 2012 kindergarten class 
will take place in your local school 
on Tuesday, February 14 
(for children whose last names begin with letters A through K) 
and Wednesday, February 15, 2012 
(for children whose last names begin with L to Z). 
From 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
(If you are unable to register your child at these times, 
please call the school and make alternate arrangements.) 

In order for a child to be enrolled in kindergarten for September 2012, 
specific documentations and immunizations are required. 
You can find more info, including the Registration Packet, 
If any records are not immediately available, 
your child should be registered and the records produced as soon as possible. 


 Registration Requirements:  
Age:  Your child must be five years of age by October 31, 2012; however, a parent has the right to delay the child’s entrance into school for another year, if the parent doesn't think the child is ready. If you have questions or concerns please call the school principal.
Proof of residency must be presented when registering your child in Woodbridge Township (N.J.S.A.18A:38-1). Proof of residency includes: documentation that evidences property ownership, tenancy or residency in Woodbridge Township including, but not limited to a deed, lease, mortgage, or tax bill, or other documentation, which demonstrates personal attachment to a residence in Woodbridge Township.
A current utility bill (gas, electric, phone or water bill) with your name and address on the document.
An original birth certificate or passport. 
Specific Immunizations are required: the complete list is available on the School District Web Site. Medical records must be certified and translated if needed at time of registration.
Physical Exam:  Your child is required to have a physical examination upon entry into the school district. This exam must have been conducted no more than one year prior to entry.

For your information the Woodbridge Board of Health holds an immunization clinic the second Wednesday of the month for students who do not have health care insurance. For more information, please contact the Woodbridge Board of Health, 2 George Frederick Plaza, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, (732) 855-0600 ext. 5011/5012.
Please share this notice with any friend or neighbor who has a child who will be of school age.
For additional information, call your local school.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Did you know today is
WORLD HAPPINESS DAY?

I'm going to share a poster every day for the next few days... hope it can make you think about how to be happy!


Beautiful! Action for Happiness :)

I loved this video! Thanks to Sara for sharing it... hope you all have a happy day!

Bored Kids?
How 'Bout an Art Project?


The Quote of the Day


I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.  

~Author Unknown

Friday, February 10, 2012

New Bruce Springsteen Video!
Music to start your WEEKEND!

I read that alot of the locations were in Asbury Park. I knew it was Jersey! And ya know how much I love Asbury, right?

What does the weather look like for tomorrow?

I really like the blog over at Severe NJ Weather - you can find it HERE - which is where I got this cool map of their prediction for tomorrow's snowstorm:



RUNNN! RUN TO SHOP RITE!!! GET YOUR MILK AND EGGS AND BREAD!!! DON'T BE CAUGHT SHORT!!!

LOL :)

The Quote of the Day


Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.  

~Doug Larson

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Iselin Turkey Update!

Photo courtesy of Bridget Daniels


As you can see here, the Iselin Turkey has survived the holidays uneaten! He's a big one, too, isn't he? I hear that there seems to be a "Mrs. Turkey" as well, so perhaps we'll have a whole flock of turkeys this spring. I'm actually quite excited about that!

The Quote of the Day

He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything. 
~Arabic Proverb

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

This might be all the snow we get this year.



It's not a lot, but it was nice watching the flakes come down.  It will be even nicer to not need to shovel.


This flower blooming in my front yard is a snow drop, in case you didn't guess.

SNOW! Well, maybe. A little. Finally.

I hear it's supposed to snow today.  Not a whole lot - probably less than an inch, and mostly slush.  I've kinda missed the snow this year... well, a little.  I don't really mind too much.


You do realize that the lack of snow this year is all due to my friend Beth finally breaking down and buying a snowblower, right? 

JFK Open House for Parents

Did you get the Honeywell Alert?  Then you should already know that the John F. Kennedy Memorial High School Open House will be held on Wednesday, February 8th, at 6:30 p.m.  Yes, it's time to meet your children's teachers again!  All parents should first report to the auditorium for a brief meeting. Student's schedules will be distributed in homeroom. Also, report cards are now posted on the Genesis Parent portal.

Totsy - Online Shopping!

I love shopping on the internet. I just found "Totsy" and it has some really cute things... take a look, you might like it too!

The Quote of the Day


I am at the moment deaf in the ears, hoarse in the throat, red in the nose, green in the gills, damp in the eyes, twitchy in the joints and fractious in temper from a most intolerable and oppressive cold.  

~Charles Dickens
So, if you've wondered why I didn't post too much since the Giants win, there you go... that is my reason. Lots of colds going around right now, and I've got one too. It's better than the stomache bug, though! I hope you don't catch it!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Congrats to all you Giants fans!

GIANTS WIN! :)

21 - 17

Are you Ready for some Superbowl?



Someone I know found this photo on the internet and shared it on Facebook.  So I have no idea who I should give credit to for the photo... but WOW!!! What an idea! 

In the search for amazing food stadiums, I also found this video.  OMG...



The Big Game Snack Food Stadium - Watch More Funny Videos
Are you ready for the Superbowl? I personally enjoy the snacks and commercials the most.

Superbowl Sunday is *almost* a holiday in the USA, and THIS Superbowl is pretty much a holiday in NJ since the Giants are IN! According to Vegas, though, it seems like the Giants are the underdogs, with a lot of the insiders apparently voting on the Patriots. You can read the story HERE...on the Vegas Insider Website.

Me, personally... I always like to root for the underdog. Go Giants!

Don't Drink and Drive!

Be sure to note this tidbit of information, which was published on Wednesday's "Morning Briefings" by Jaffe Communications:
ON THE ROADS - State Police to New Jersey drivers: Get drunk at home. In gearing up for Sunday's Super Bowl, in what will be akin to a second Christmas for Giants fans in North Jersey, Troopers will be out in full force on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, the Record reports. Police - likely annoyed they are stuck working during the big game - will be taking out their anger on drunken drivers, speeders, texters and belligerent Patriots fans.

Get yer Cookies!

Girl Scout cookies... yum!  How about bringing some Girl Scout cookies to the Superbowl Party you are invited to?  Everyone loves them, after all!

There will be a Girl Scout Cookie sale at the Quick Check on Gill Lane from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM today.  They cost just $4.00 per box.

So stop by and grab some thin mints!!

A Tribute to Corporal Reinhard and Every Veteran

I didn't write the following; it was an email that I received today.  It was a beautiful tribute, so I've decided to post it.   Thank you to the author for sending it to me, and my thanks, added to hers, to Corporal Reinhard and each and every Veteran.



  Today as I stood on Inman Avenue awaiting Marine Corporal Reinhard's funeral procession. I was in awe of the amount of people who turned out to show support to the family and community and their Thanks to Corporal Reinhard . It was so moving.
  I looked across the street from where I was standing,to the line of people in front of Foodtown ,there I saw standing  older gentleman patiently awaiting the procession. As I looked at him a little closer I saw this older gentleman was standing so erect while holding his oxygen tank in his hand. It was cold, not bitter ,but cold and this wonderful man never faltered . He stood erect chest out with a sense of pride within himself to be an American. When the procession passed by him he stood erect and saluted Corporal Rienhard . I watched him and thought how proud I am to live in a country like ours. When he turned to walk away I saw his black jacket had U.S.Army on it.

I never got the chance to meet this man or thank him for his service to our country.  I can only hope he reads this some where and knows what a profound effect he had on us .

We all need to thank people like Corporal Reinhard and men like this gentleman for their sense of pride which allows us to live in a free country.

May we all salute Corporal Reinhard and each and ever veteran who has ever fought for our rights of free speech , liberty and justice for all.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Superbowl XLVI - Giants Vs. Patriots

Sometimes I can be so dense.... I was wondering why I had so many people on my blog because they searched on "Patriots logo" or "Patriots." I had a bunch of people here reading about when JFK Baseball team played at the Somerset Patriots, and I had no idea why. Duh... they must have been looking for the NEW ENGLAND Patriots!!! So here is the info about tomorrow's Superbowl, the (NJ) NY Giants against the NE Patriots.

Lots of info can be found HERE at the NFL website.

It's Superbowl XLVI - and the NFL Network is kicking off the pregame festivities at 9 AM ... the game itself is listed as 6:20 PM on NBC.

 Go Giants!

What can we do that's fun in Iselin???
(we are so bored...)

Yup, I can't tell you how many times I heard THAT from my kids when they were younger!  Luckily, as they got older they figured it out.  They never wanted to hear the TRUE answer to the question.  But, if you found this web post because you are bored, I'm going to tell you the true answer. 

And, at the end of my answer, there's a video that you should watch, because it's about some Iselin kids who also seem to know the answer. 

But, anyway, here is MY answer to the perennial question "What can we do??? We are SO BORED!"

First of all, BEFORE you can have fun, you need to work harder, every day.  If you had more work to do, you would enjoy your free time more, no matter what you were doing.  Get a job, or a second job. Study harder.  Study your school work every day, even if the teacher doesn't require it. Pick out something you want to learn - and read up on it.   Exercise - work out.  Do some laundry and clean up your room or the house...  someone in your life would really appreciate that!  And yes, you need to do work EVERY DAY, even if it's "boring."  Work will make your life better.  Work on something that will improve something... it can make the whole WORLD better.  That's the first thing that no one wants to hear:  Work is important, and it makes fun more fun.  You aren't really supposed to have nothing but fun 24 hours every day. 

Then, get used to some alone time.   Spend time with yourself, just thinking, just daydreaming.  Maybe even try meditation.  Turn off the TV.  Turn off the phone and the computer.  The second thing no one wants to hear is that you have to be alone with your thoughts sometimes, and learn to enjoy it.  Give peacefulness a chance.  Listen to yourself think, and realize that not every thought you have is true, or correct, or helpful.  Sometimes you just think silly and illogical things and you have to dismiss them from your mind.

And then, after you've spent some time with yourself, you need to spend some time thinking about other people.  Do something nice for someone else, and you'll feel better about everything.   It really is important.

Now, if you are really ready to have some fun, attitude is everything.  You don't need outside stimulants like alcohol or drugs in order to have fun.  Fun is a state of mind, not a state of inebriation.  A lot of times, people decide in advance "Oh, this is going to be so boring," or "Oh wow, this is going to be GREAT!"  and most of the time, they are right.  And that's not because they're so good at judging how much fun something is; it's because they've got their state of mind already set.  And it's even better if you can convince another person to have the right mindset, too, because then the two of you will reinforce each other.  You'll have fun even if you are just walking down the street, because you'll be laughing and joking and enjoying each other.

OK, now the big question... what can you do in Iselin that's fun?
Well, unfortunately, that's the one question you really do have to answer for yourself.  You can play games, you can run, you can start some kind of project - maybe cook some kind of huge meal or build something.  You can go out to eat, you can go shopping.  You can take the train to NYC.  You can ride bikes, you can play frisbee, you can make a video.  You can form your own Flashmob, including dance routines and music.  You can start a band or write a song.  You can search Youtube, you can go to movies.  You have to come up with the ideas.  If I want to have fun - and I do - I will paint or read or listen to music.  That might not be fun to you. 

So here's the video I mentioned. It's from MANNN:TCTW, and they've given themselves a challenge - a pie eating contest. Fun for me? No.  If I wanted to have fun, I would have baked the pie.   But they certainly seemed to enjoy themselves.




And if that interests you, apparently tonight you can watch the Mannn:TCTW guys on a livestream, at around 6 or 7, by clicking HERE. Their facebook is HERE, so pop over and say hi.

And go have some fun!