Summer Essentials For The Fellas

By Luciano Grullon

Well, once again it is that time of the year fellas. It’s time to put away the North Face, that favorite hoodie of yours that your girlfriend gave you before New Year’s, the comfortable scarves and yes even the timbs (although timbs, if used in conjunction with properly-coordinated attire, can be worn in any type of weather as a fashion statement). With the summer approaching quickly, it is important to continue dressing to impress. However, one ought to do so at reasonable costs- especially as a student. We’ll start from the bottom.

Foot Wear

When the sky is clear blue, the sun is out and the grass is as green as it could possibly be then that is a sign. It is a sign that it is either summer time or close to it. The beauty of the season is that it allows for us guys to diversify our portfolio of foot wear in a much broader manner than we would otherwise be able to do so during winter time or late fall due to the difference in temperature. Our feet can finally enjoy some nice air outside! It is necessary to have at least one pair of flip-flops of GOOD quality- the type that can be worn with either long pants or shorts at a casual event or at the boardwalk. Preferably, American Eagle’s Leather Flip Flop (either brown or black would be fine as both are colors that match well with mostly everything) which runs for $34.50. And of course, you will need the original white adidas whose popularity reached such height thanks to Run-DMC back in the day (priced no more than $49.99). They are good for when you are hanging out or getting ready to hit up a party with your friends. They are typically worn in conjunction with a nice pair of long jeans or any type of shorts (except jean shorts- these are never to be worn in public!). The maintenance of white sneakers will be worth the investment in the long-run. Also, one cannot forget the typical running shoes that can be used for any type of physical activity – from playing street basketball to rugby (such as the Men’s Puma priced at a heavy $124.99, found in Foot Locker). And last but not least, the slip-on dress shoe that has managed to make a comeback recently. It can be used with both jeans and dress pants in such a way that it can adapt to almost any setting and is also priced at $74.99 in FL. As you may have noticed, the prices are quite steep. But one must think of it as an investment and consider the amount of utility one will obtain from such footwear, products that when taken care of properly can potentially last a lifetime.

Shorts

In the typical beautiful summer beach-volleyball type weather where guys are occasionally delighted by the rare sighting of the “Girl From Ipanema”- known for being “tall, tan and young and lovely,” it is nearly impossible to not find a guy wearing shorts somewhere in the background. In today’s day and age one must have at least two sets of shorts: one for casual everyday use and another which can be worn everyday outside and inside the water. A place to consider that offers a vast selection of quality contemporary shorts is Old Navy. Their most expensive shorts are their Graphic Cargos for $29.50. On the other hand, there are the regular plain Cargos that will never go out of style and are just $20. The board shorts that have become so popular lately as they can be worn when inside and outside the water, are on average approximately $19.50 at Old Navy.

Shirts

Now that you have more than enough options for your feet as well as your lower body, it’s time to look at the upper body. After all, we can’t be walking around everywhere shirtless. First and foremost, it is important to state that every man should have at least one Express 1MX Shirt in the closet. It is the perfect dress shirt that is known for its slim, fitted contemporary look. Best of all: it can be used both in formal and casual settings effectively. Although they run for $50 or more on average, Express occasionally has sales where they are sold for around $20 instead. That is the time to stock up. As great as it is though, it is not the best shirt to wear during warm or hot weather. That is why the graphic tees and the polo were invented. Old Navy and American Eagle offer both types of shirts for $15-$20, a reasonable price for college students. The AE polos are some of the brightest out there. For $15 you can also buy a nice Muscle T to show off those guns as well as the tattoos when you are out in the sun.

Photos Courtesy of: American Eagle Outfitters, Express Fashion, Old Navy, Foot Locker

Earth Day Events in Lawrenceville

by Bailey Clark

Earth Day was celebrated on Saturday, April 19th at the newly renovated Lawrence Nature Center. The center, located at the South end of Drexel Avenue in Lawrenceville, featured guided nature tours through the Drexel Woods, free wildflower seeds, hands-on activities for children, and bluegrass music.
There were no Earth Day specials to be found at Willis Greenhouse, due to Earth Day’s coincidence with Secretaries Appreciation Week. “We used to plant pine trees and stuff on this day, but not when it falls on a holiday week,” said a Willis Greenhouse employee.

Rider University’s campus went green for Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22 with informational booths and giveaways sponsored by The Energy and Sustainability Steering Committee. Students had the opportunity to trade in their plastic bags for reusable ones, and their non-reusable recyclable water bottles for reusable ones. According to the EPA, over 380 billion non-biodegrable plastic bags are consumed in the US annually. Also, according to a 2001 report by the World Wildlife Fund, roughly 1.5 million tons of plastic are used in the bottling of water each year.

Spring Outings in Lawrence as Plentiful as April Showers

by Kaitlin Tambuscio

Spring has sprung, and one cannot help but notice the mood in the air is a little livelier, and a little more colorful. With the flowers blooming, the cool breeze blowing, the people of Lawrence are out and about, and surely looking for ways to enjoy the beautiful weather that Mother Earth has bestowed upon us.
There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, and so many possible day trips that residents of Lawrence can embark on, some that are even within walking distance!
Princeton, just a 5-minute drive up route 206, is a fabulous place to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon. On Sundays, parking is incredibly cheap, and even free in some garages, and meters do not run on Sundays, so feel free to stay as long as you wish, without worrying about racking up your parking bill.
Once you are in Princeton, the opportunities for spending time outdoors are endless. Princeton University campus is incredibly beautiful, with grassy areas, benches, and people lounging about everywhere, it is a perfect college setting, but the community is used to interacting with tourists and locals alike, so feel free to take a leisurely stroll around campus, and enjoy the scenery of what is rumored to be the most beautiful college campus in the United States.
Take the beautiful weather as an opportunity for a picnic, and hit Hoagie Haven, located down Nassau Street, for what locals swear are the best sandwiches the strip has to offer. Decent sized sandwiches are sold for a meager $3-$3.50, so you’ll leave your wallet and your appetite satisfied.
If you are looking for something a little “different,” yet still portable for picnics, check out Olives, located on Witherspoon Street. Prices are a little steeper than at Hoagie Haven, but the take out joint offers more options and has everything to hummus by the pound to Cuban sandwiches, to mashed potatoes to bagels. Usually, a lunch from Olives would not exceed $10.

While you are in Princeton, spend some time exploring the unique boutiques, which offer everything from high-end stationary at The Papery, to luxury handbags at Kate Spade, to t-shirts and Princeton gear at the Army Navy store.
Remember to bring your Yorkie or Cockapoo along for the adventure, and treat them to something special at Pawtisserie, located in Palmer square. A gorgeous day in Princeton is something man’s best friend would not want to miss, especially if you reward their good behavior with gourmet baked goods.
If you are looking for fun a little closer to home, Lawrence also has a lot to offer. Lawrence landmark, Terhune Orchards is always at the top of everyone’s To-Do list as soon as the warm weather hits… including the kids!

The Orchards runs a variety of free programs that would definitely entertain the younger set. This month’s offerings range from a pruning demonstration, Arbor Day Celebration, and Kite Day, a weekend long festival that families can enjoy together.

Are you a baseball fan, but find it costly and time consuming to venture into the Bronx or Queens for a Yankees or Mets game? Instead, enjoy a Trenton Thunder game, the AA minor league affiliate of the Yankees. Ticket prices do not exceed $10, and the Mercer County Waterfront Park is scenic, especially if you attend a game featuring Fireworks! Who knows, you might even catch a glimpse of injured Yankee stars. Robinson Cano spent a lot of time there last summer while recuperating from an injury, and since Alex Rodriguez is newly injured, you might be able to spot him in a slightly more intimate setting.

On your way home from a Thunder game, enjoy a cheap dinner that’s a throw back to the age of drive in movie theatres and sock hops, and be sure to hit Stewart’s on Route 1 (business south) in Lawrence for the classics. You can dine in your car as the eatery offers tray service, or eat on the picnic tables. The joint offers specials every week, but make sure you leave room for desert, nothing spells “SPRING” like a cold and creamy Stewart’s root beer float!

Next time you find yourself with cabin fever and the sun is shining, slather on some SPF and get outside and explore all that the Lawrence area has to offer! With so many opportunities, I promise you won’t regret it.

To work on or off campus?

by Luciano Grullon

Just as college students are starting to think about the summer, they should also start thinking about their next semester and how they are going to pay for gas, food and the simple necessities of everyday life for a college student such as the 2:00 am run for cheap fast-food or the weekend’s stoplight-themed fraternity party. Students at The College of New Jersey tend to look for employment off-campus at locations such as the Quaker Bridge Mall, home to many well-known contemporary stores such as Express, American Eagle and Macy’s. But is it really worth it to try and find a job off-campus at a shopping center when you could be working on-campus within walking distance of your dormitory? That is the question we asked several TCNJ students in the following audio story. Enjoy.

Working on or off campus — which is better?

Dress Drive Benefits Lawrenceville Residents

by Kelli Plasket

Image details: Woman in dress served by picapp.com

Lawrenceville’s HomeFront, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “end homelessness in Central New Jersey by harnessing the caring, resources and expertise of the community,” celebrated its successful residents with a combination prom and graduation on Friday, February 29 at their Family Preservation Center, according to Anita Hanft, Director of Mission Advancment at HomeFront.

HomeFront offers housing, ranging from emergency to transitional to permanent, for the homeless families within its system. Adults are given the opportunity, under HomeFront, to receive extensive job training, get a GED or high school diploma, and get computer-certified, Hanft said in an interview before the ceremony, which is held in celebration of those who successfully complete programs under HomeFront.

The participants in HomeFront’s programs, Hanft said, never had the opportunity to go to a prom or graduation in their youth, so the organization is giving them that chance to celebrate. Hanft estimates that about twenty participants will be honored in the February ceremony.

Earlier in February, HomeFront held a formal dress drive to collect dresses in good condition to be worn by participants to the ceremony. They were especially in need of dresses in sizes 12, 14 and 16 that could be worn by older women, as most of their donations come from recent teenage prom-goers. Though the official formal dress collection ended on February 18, Hanft encourages anyone who has a dress no longer being used to continue to donate, as they reuse the dresses each year at various events.

“We use the dresses year after year,” she said. “They delight people over and over again.”

Deducting Charitable Contributions on your Tax Return Forms

by Kelli Plasket

Accompanying graphic

With April 15 quickly approaching, many Lawrenceville residents are hastily filling out their tax return forms, eager to finish the often tedious process. In the rush, however, people often make mistakes or overlook details when trying to deduct the charitable contributions they made throughout the year, mistakes that could otherwise add up to a significant tax deduction.

The Internal Revenue Service emphasizes the importance of keeping a careful record of all charitable contributions given during the year, no matter the amount of the individual donation. According to Publication 526 from the IRS, titled “Charitable Contributions,” a new requirement for 2007 returns is retaining a record of any cash contribution, in addition to all other types of donations. However, according to the IRS, tax payers should not attach written acknowledgements to an individual income tax return, but retain it to validate the contribution.

Susan Ward, Office Manager for Liberty Tax Services in Hamilton, said in a February phone interview that the IRS is getting stricter about having a record of all donations made. Ward said this includes cancelled checks, receipts, or any other form of written verification. Additionally, she advised that when individuals donate non-monetary items in good condition, especially furniture and other large items, to charities such as Goodwill, they should get the value appraised for their records before donating.

Determining what donations qualify as deductible charitable contributions can be a challenge, but the IRS has detailed information on this on the IRS Web site. For example, individuals can deduct on money or property given to religious organizations (churches, temples, etc.), nonprofit schools and hospitals, public recreation facilities, war veterans’ groups, government (if used for public purposes), disaster relief, and organizations such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Goodwill, United Way, Boy/Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, or any charitable organization listed in the IRS’s Publication 78.

However, if a donor receives a benefit in return for a donation, such as concert tickets, the fair market value of the benefit must be subtracted from the deduction. If the benefit is limited to providing the opportunity for the donor to also purchase an item of value, such as season tickets to a college football team’s home games, then the donor can deduct 80% of the original donation.

There are several Lawrenceville-based charities listed in Publication 78. These organizations include the Animal Rescue Coalition of NJ Inc., Bridge Academy Inc., The Lawrenceville School, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, Friends of the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library Inc, Friends of Lawrence High School Football Inc., Heart to Hearts Inc., HomeFront Inc., Lawrence Township Community Foundation Inc., Lawrence Township Education Foundation Inc., Lawrence Township Historical Society, Lawrence Township Meals on Wheels Inc., Mercer County Head Start, Prevention Education Inc., Princeton Area Community Foundation Inc., Special Olympics New Jersey Inc., United Way of Greater Mercer County Inc., and many more.

Individuals can also sometimes deduct un-reimbursed, out-of-pocket expenses, such as gas (deduct fourteen cents for each mile) and specialized uniforms, when serving one of these organizations as a volunteer, as well as some travel expenses for those representing an organization at a convention. Generally, nonprofit organizations that operate for religious, charitable, education, scientific, literary, and children/animal cruelty prevention purposes are qualified.

Taxpayers can also deduct some non-monetary donations, including clothes or household items in at least good, used condition, as well as some food donations. The IRS has guidelines for determining fair market value.

Ward said that a mistake Mercer county residents often make is trying to deduct on donations that are not deductible. For example, she said, donations made to political campaigns are not deductible, a significant one in this election year, nor are donations made to individuals, such as when organizations raise money to help an individual pay medical expenses.

According to the IRS, individuals also cannot deduct any money given toward civil leagues, political groups, social and sports clubs, labor unions, individuals, groups run for personal profit or to lobby for law changes, homeowner’s associations, tuition, dues or fees paid to lodges, fraternal orders, etc., or raffle, bingo, or lottery tickets. Value of time or services given to an organization or value of blood given to a blood bank also can’t be deducted, according to the IRS guidelines.

“The donations need to be made to an organization to benefit the greater good of society,” Ward said as a general rule of thumb in determining eligible deductions.

To deduct charitable contributions, taxpayers should fill out Form 1040, including the Schedule A attachment to itemize deductions. Any Lawrenceville resident in need of help with their tax forms can visit the local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, located on 44 South Clinton Avenue in Trenton. Businesses such as Liberty Tax Services also provide tax assistance. For more information on charitable deductions, click here to read IRS Publication 526.

Lawrence Township Police Department Receives Grant to fund Educational Programs

by Stephanie Pankiw

The Lawrence Township Police Department received a grant in the amount of $54,309 on December 20, 2007 from the state of New Jersey to set up educational programs in conjunction with the township’s Stationhouse Adjustment program. It is hoped that the Stationhouse Adjustment program will keep children out of the judicial system and stop the cycle of crime. The educational program will help to keep the juveniles on track by having them enrolled in the program that focuses on positive activities. At this time the police department is looking to work with PEI Kids, Chief Daniel Posluszny said.

The Stationhouse Adjustment program is a program available in all police departments in the state of New Jersey.The program enables a police department to handle minor offenses committed by local juveniles.

“The grant will allow us to use alternative means for handling juveniles in non-violent criminal acts, that may be better served staying out of the court system,” Chief Daniel Posluszny said.

Before the Stationhouse Adjustment Program, any juvenile charged with a crime would be sent to the County Prosecutor’s Office and the matter would be handled through the court system. This would mean that the juvenile would have a record, and after the juvenile dealt with the punishment, nothing would be done to try to prevent the juvenile from committing another crime. Handling the matter with the Stationhouse Adjustment program provides for immediate restitution and consequences as opposed to a lengthy court process which may not be completed for months after the crime has been committed.

The Stationhouse Adjustment program handles juvenile crimes locally. The other alternative would be for the matter to be handled through the Mercer County Court system. The program calls for both the juvenile charged and a parent or guardian to report to the station. The officer discusses the crime and punishments with the offender and asks for assurance from the parent or guardian that the offense won’t happen again. The most common punishments for the offenders are community service and restitution.

The crimes eligible for the Stationhouse Adjustment program are petty disorderly persons violations, disorderly persons offenses, and ordinance violations. However, victims always have the right to sign a complaint if they don’t agree with the crime being handled through the Stationhouse Adjustment program.

Crimes involving drugs, bias, sexual offenses, crimes involving serious injury, and third degree offenses may also be handled through the Stationhouse Adjustment Program if the County Prosecutor thinks it is appropriate.

If the juveniles have no record, it is believed that they will work harder to keep it that way. The Township of Lawrence hopes to add an educational program to the Stationhouse Adjustment program so that they can further educate the youth on the consequences of crime.

PEI Kids has a Juvenile Offenders Outreach Program (JOOP), one of the six intervention programs offered by PEI, which provides a twelve week course for juvenile offenders that offers an alternative to jail. The program was originally created for auto theft offenses. Since the program turned out such positive results and there was such a great demand, it expanded to include all juvenile offenses.

Participants in the program are exposed to positive influences in an encouraging environment. The program directors teach the juveniles different skills that can help them avoid conflict and other dangerous situations. The juveniles are also encouraged to finish high school and are pushed to remain in school or re-enroll if they have already dropped out.

According to the PEI Kids website, most participants in their program do not re-enter the criminal justice system. The recidivism rate for those who completed the program is more than twenty-five percent lower than those who were sentenced in the court system.

Chief Posluszny said he is very excited to begin working with PEI Kids in an effort to lower the chances of incarceration for at risk-kids. His hope is that with the help of the program, he won’t have to see the same faces walk into his police station more than once.

Spring Flooding Tips

By Stephanie Pankiw

Everyone knows that April showers bring May flowers. Now that April is here, Lawrence residents expect not only showers, but floods. Here’s what experts at the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that you do in the event of a serious flood:

1. Keep animals and children away from any areas contaminated by flood water.
   
2. Always wear protective gear (goggles and rubber boots and gloves) during clean up.
   
3. Get rid of everything contaminated with flood waters that cannot be cleaned.
   
4. Make sure that you take care of yourself first and seek medical help if you are sick or hurt.

The perfect gift for the one you love

by Luciano Grullon

In spring, it’s said, a young person’s fancy turns to love. Luciano Grullon interviewed local college students to get their ideas of the perfect gift for that special someone. How to select that special romantic gift

Pam Mount reflects on Election 2008

by Kaitlin Tambuscio

Like the rest of the nation, Lawrence is focused on what will be, no matter what the outcome, a historical presidential election. The Democratic nominee will either be African American or a female and if John McCain emerges victorious in November, he will be the second Catholic to hold office.

In Lawrence, this election has excited among the citizens and leadership of the town. According to Pam Mount, member of Lawrence’s town council, Lawrence is a predominately Democratic town and has voted Democratic in virtually all elections.

Leading up to the Feb. 5 Super Tuesday primary in New Jersey, Lawrence Mayor Mark Holmes and his fellow town council members worked to increase voter throughout the community. Last fall, Mount said that she went door-to-door with fellow council members encouraging unregistered citizens of Lawrence to register for the upcoming election.

According to Mount, “There was a big turn out [Super Tuesday], much bigger than usual. People were engaged.”
Part of this engaged body of voters came from the young people that reside in Lawrence. Mount said that a lot of the young people that showed up to vote were Rider University students. Throughout the nation, young votership is historically low, so Mount though it was nice to see this deviation from this trend in Lawrence.

Mount added that Mayor Mark Holmes’ announcement of his support for Democratic candidate Barack Obama was another unusual aspect of this election. According to Mount, generally, local leadership does not declare their allegiance to a candidate. This year, however, Mount and other council members, have not been shy about their political beliefs.

Pam and Gary Mount own the Lawrence landmark Terhune Orchards, and sometimes utilize the space to hold social gathers and fundraisers. This year, Mount hosted a fundraiser for the Hilary Clinton presidential campaign at the farm featuring former Secretary of State Madeline Albright. Mount says that Sen. Clinton is the most qualified candidate because she has had an inside look at politics and already has relationships with the big international players. She believes that, “politicians should come from real life” and that Clinton does.

The buzz about the nation and Lawrence will not cease when the Democratic and Republican nominees are announced. However, the 2008 Election will continue to consume the media until long after November.

Image credit: Lawrence Township Council website