Iselin Times

Did you know today is WORLD HAPPINESS DAY?

2012-02-11T12:27:00.000-05:00

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 :)

2012-02-11T12:19:00.000-05:00

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

Bored Kids? How 'Bout an Art Project?

2012-02-11T12:14:00.001-05:00

The Quote of the Day

2012-02-11T12:12:00.000-05:00

I drive way too fast to worry about cholesterol.

~Author Unknown

New Bruce Springsteen Video!Music to start your WEEKEND!

2012-02-10T19:04:00.000-05:00

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?

2012-02-10T16:23:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-10T12:08:00.000-05:00

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

~Doug Larson

Iselin Turkey Update!

2012-02-09T13:10:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-09T12:05:00.000-05:00

He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.

~Arabic Proverb

This might be all the snow we get this year.

2012-02-08T18:00:00.000-05:00

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.

2012-02-08T12:44:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-08T10:29:00.001-05:00

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!

2012-02-08T10:26:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-08T10:22:00.000-05:00

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!

Hockey Fans

2012-02-08T10:19:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the guest post by Jo Levy

Our neighbors invited us over last night for a hockey dinner party. They moved here from Canada and apparently they are huge hockey fans. They got the NHL channel because it was included in some direct tv specials when they had their satellite TV installed. I have only been to one hockey game in my life and I did not think it would be fun, but while at the game I learned that the entertaining part of hockey is the fights that happen amongst the players. Our neighbors told us that hockey is huge in Canada. I cannot imagine that it would be as big as football or baseball is here, but our neighbors assured us that it is. They were really disappointed when they moved here to find out that hockey is not a big sport here. I really like our neighbors and my husband and I would like to start hanging out with them more. We agreed to go to some hockey games with them this season as long as they agree to go to some football games with us.

Congrats to all you Giants fans!

2012-02-05T21:58:00.001-05:00

GIANTS WIN! :)

21 - 17

Are you Ready for some Superbowl?

2012-02-05T15:10:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-02-05T11:45:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-02-05T09:01:00.000-05:00

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

2012-02-05T00:13:00.000-05:00

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.

Superbowl XLVI - Giants Vs. Patriots

2012-02-04T18:41:00.000-05:00

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...)

2012-02-04T14:56:00.000-05:00

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!

The Quote of the Day

2012-02-04T13:44:00.002-05:00

"Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed - Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.'"

-Deep Thought, Jack Handy

More beer quotes can be found HERE on the Opinionated Beer page!

A new Brew Club

2012-02-03T22:09:00.004-05:00

Brew Jersey Devils have started up!

Free Tax Preparation for Seniors

2012-02-03T17:04:00.001-05:00

The Quote of the Day

2012-02-03T09:19:00.000-05:00

When people say to me: "How do you do so many things?" I often answer them, without meaning to be cruel: "How do you do so little?" It seems to me that people have vast potential. Most people can do extraordinary things if they have the confidence or take the risks. Yet most people don't. They sit in front of the telly and treat life as if it goes on forever.

~Philip Adams

From Quotegarden.com

So, did the Groundhog see his shadow?

2012-02-02T07:34:00.000-05:00

I heard that Staten Island Chuck is predicting an early spring, and Punxsatawney Phil (did I spell that even close to correctly?) is predicting 6 more weeks of winter.Groundhogs in Iselin were polled, and they all agreed with Chuck. So there! It's official -- spring is coming!!!OK, maybe it will snow once or twice, but mostly? It's spring.Yay!

The Quote of the Day

2012-02-02T07:24:00.000-05:00

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

~Proverb

Happy Ground Hog Day!

2012-02-02T06:15:00.000-05:00

According to the Punxsatawney Website, which you can see HERE,

Today is Groundhog Day 2012! Phil will leave his burrow at 7:20 AM February 2nd at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. He will observe the weather conditions and look for his shadow he will then make his prediction for the remainder of winter.

According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2, he speaks to the Groundhog Club president in "Groundhogese"(a language only understood by the current president of the Inner Circle). His proclamation is then translated for the world.

The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, "For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May..."

Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler's Knob was made on February 2, 1887.

Wanna know more about Ground Hogs? Watch this video...

The Quote of the Day

2012-02-01T10:43:00.000-05:00

This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in

unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.

~Theodore Roosevelt

A gorgeous evening

2012-01-31T18:14:00.000-05:00

Ok, so yeah, I played around with the colors of this sunset in photoshop... just a little... but it really was beautiful out! Today was sunny and warm, and January is over. How lovely is THAT? The Severe NJ Weather guy I read (you can find him HERE on Facebook) is confusing a lot of people because he's still calling for possible snow this weekend, basically Sunday.Hmmm... a LATE Sunday Night snowstorm would be a great way to end the Superbowl! I'd love to sleep in on Monday!We shall see what we shall see!

Iselin Library's Schedule for February

2012-01-31T10:56:00.000-05:00

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-31T06:27:00.000-05:00

Our country is not the only thing to which we owe our allegiance.
It is also owed to justice and to humanity.
Patriotism consists not in waving the flag,
but in striving that our country shall be righteous
as well as strong.

~James Bryce

Funeral Procession Video

2012-01-30T21:04:00.001-05:00

The video of the crowds lining Inman Avenue on Patch.com was beautiful, did you see it? If you didn't, you can see it HERE. It really highlighted what a beautiful turn out we had in town.

The video below, taken by Photographer Sara Schweitzer, shows the funeral procession itself. A slightly different perspective but just as touching.

Watching this video made me think about the person himself... a Hero, a Marine, a Corporal, a local citizen. But these are all somewhat abstract concepts. He was also someone's family, a friend, a son. And the fact is, there are a lot of people who will miss him.

I never had the honor of meeting Cpl. Kevin Reinhard, but my heart breaks for his family.

RIP Marine Corporal Reinhard:Photos from the Procession

2012-01-30T17:05:00.001-05:00

From all accounts, the funeral procession of Marine Corporal Reinhard was moving and tragic, yet inspiring....Our community really came together to support the Reinhard family.

Westboro Baptist Church, who may or may not have actually protested at this funeral, did not get the attention that they desired. In fact, rather than highlight whatever twisted cause they are trying to promote, I really think that they made more people turn out -- people who didn't want to see them mar this solemn occasion, yet who might not have been there otherwise.

Rest in peace, Corporal Reinhard. The thoughts and prayers of our entire community are with you and with your family.

These photos were taken by Photographer Sara Schweitzer of Iselin.

Are you going to the JFK High School Gift Auction? Get your Tickets Now!

2012-01-30T13:28:00.000-05:00

GIFT AUCTION

to benefit

John F. Kennedy Memorial High School

CLASS OF 2012 PROJECT GRADUATION

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Doors open at 3:00 p.m. — Auction begins at 5:00 p.m.

Auction Held in the School Gym

$10.00 Admission
Kitchen will be open!

TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

Get 'em while they last... this is the biggest event of the year,

and one of the best gift auctions ever!!!

ALSO AVAILABLE.... Super 50/50's for $5/ticket!!!

Ya gotta be in it to win it!

No one under 18 admitted

For additional information or to purchase tickets,

please call Maryalice Jacko at 732-925-4670
or JFK High School at 732-602-8650.

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

This nation will remain the land of the free
only so long as it is the home of the brave.

~Elmer Davis

RIP USMC Cpl. Kevin Reinhard

2012-01-29T10:01:00.002-05:00

From the Woodbridge Township web site:

Woodbridge Township lost a “Home Town Hero” killed in-the-line of duty in the service of his country.

USMC Cpl. Kevin Joseph Reinhard of Colonia died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan last week.

The wake for Cpl. Reinhard is scheduled for Sat., Jan. 28 and Sun., Jan. 29 from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. at Gosselin Funeral home in Edison. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Church in Clark at 9:45 A.M. on Mon., Jan. 30 followed by burial at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery on Inman Avenue in Colonia.

Residents wishing to honor Cpl. Reinhard are invited to line both sides of Inman Avenue as he is driven to his final resting place. The funeral procession will move along Inman Ave. beginning at approximately 11:15 A.M. on Mon., Jan. 30.

Please support our Hometown Hero and his family. Join us on Monday morning at 11:15 A.M. on both sides of Inman Avenue from the intersection of Jordan and Amherst Avenue to the cemetery. Let’s show our community pride and appreciation for Cpl. Reinhard’s service to our country.

By now, you've probably heard that the Westboro Baptist Church is planning on protesting the funeral. This group of people are often in the news for protesting at military funerals. The Woodbridge Patch did an informative story about them, which you can read HERE.

This is an interesting video about how another town blocked the Westboro Baptist Church protest of one of their fallen heroes:

I have nothing good to say about any group who would try to make a bereaved family feel worse than they do already. I know that one of the great things about the United States of America is the freedoms that we enjoy. The Marines - and all of our Service Men and Women - fight for our rights, including our freedom of speech. The Westboro Baptist Church is taking advantage of the rights that Cpl. Reinhard fought to preserve.

I'm certain that Woodbridge's response to that will be at LEAST as good as the town in the video.

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-28T11:53:00.000-05:00

Health is the greatest possession.

Contentment is the greatest treasure.

Confidence is the greatest friend.

Non-being is the greatest joy.

-- Lao Tzu

More weather

2012-01-28T11:51:00.001-05:00

We ended the day yesterday on a bright note, and today is quite lovely as well, isn't it?Enjoy your weekend!

Plan now for July's Flea Market!

2012-01-28T11:50:00.000-05:00

What are you doing in July? You could get a table at the Flea market, and get rid of some of your clutter, while benefitting a good cause!

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

Treat those who are good with goodness,

and also treat those who are not good with goodness.

Thus goodness is attained.

Be honest to those who are honest,

and be also honest to those who are not honest.

Thus honesty is attained.

-- Lao Tzu

Dark and Dismal and Rainy a little longer...

2012-01-27T12:02:00.000-05:00

It's been raining really hard this morning. When will we finally get snow? At this rate, I believe we might swing right into summer.

We should be clearing up this afternoon, though, and hopefully a nice weekend to look forward to.

Happy Friday!

Will you ZUMBA tonight?

2012-01-27T06:45:00.000-05:00

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT TO

Friday, January 27, 2012

7:00pm until 8:30pm

at the JFK HS Cafeteria

Come out and support the

John F Kennedy Memorial High School Color Guard

in our first annual Zumbathon fundraiser!

90 minutes of a party, Zumba style,

with awesome instuctors,

such as Alexis Roe from Station 55, Jackson, NJ,

and newly licensed/Guard Instructor, Sharon Kurack!

Cost: $7 - get there early, and
buy your tickets at the door!

Final Exams at JFK start Tomorrow

2012-01-26T09:58:00.000-05:00

Final exams for JFK High School students for the end of the first semester, starting Friday, January 27, 2012.

Block 1 and 2 Exams will be given on January 27, 2012
Block 3 and 4 Exams will be given on January 30, 2012
Make-Up Exams will be given on January 31, 2012

All 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students must take final exams. No one will be exempt from taking a final exam.
Exams count as 20% of the semester average.

Students who are absent from school during the final exam period will be permitted to take make-up examinations only if the absences are “excused” absences:

One Absence: The student must submit a note from parent/guardian citing the reason for absence from school. If the absence is considered “excused” under the provisions of the attendance policy, the student will be permitted to take a make-up final examination. Failure to submit an acceptable note on the date of return, or if the absence is judged as “unexcused”, will result in a forfeiture of the right to take a make-up exam and the student will receive an “F” for each of the final exams missed because of absence.

Two Absences: To be considered “excused” for two absences during the final exam period, the student will have to submit a note from a family physician on the date of return to school citing the exact nature of the illness, which resulted in absences from school. Failing to submit a doctor’s note, the student will forfeit the right to take make-up final exams and the student will receive an “F” for each of the final exams missed.

The make-up date for examinations is January 31, 2012. A student who fails to make up the examination on this date will receive an “F” for the final exam.

Good luck to all on finals!

Memorial Services for Marine Corporal Kevin Reinhard of Colonia

2012-01-25T23:25:00.000-05:00

I got this information from the Colonia Corner Facebook page, which you can find HERE:

"The wake for Marine Corporal Kevin Joseph Reinhard of Colonia is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 at Gosselin Funeral Home in Edison.

The funeral Mass is Monday at 9:45 a.m. at St. Agnes Church in Clark and the burial is immediately following that at St. Gertrude's Cemetery in Colonia on Inman Avenue.
There are plans to line both sides of Inman with flag waving people starting at the post office and continuing on to (St. Gertrude's) cemetery. Please inform everyone you know to try and come out to show support for Kevin (beginning at 11:15 on Monday morning)."

Please try to be there, if you are able.

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-25T11:59:00.000-05:00

Manifest plainness

embrace simplicity

reduce selfishness

have few desires

--Lao Tzu

Firefighter's Wake Service for Firefighter Bruce Turcotte

2012-01-24T11:58:00.000-05:00

Firefighter Wake Services in honor and memory of Firefighter Bruce Turcotte will be conducted by the Woodbridge Township Fire Officers Association at 7:30 PM this evening at Mitruska Funeral Home, 531 New Brunswick Avenue, Fords.

Mass and internment January 25th, approximately 10:30 AM. Procession proceeding from the Funeral home to Our Lady of Peach Church, 26 Maple Avenue, Fords.

Rest In Peace, Firefighter Turcotte.

2012-01-23T18:08:00.002-05:00

New Business coming to Iselin

2012-01-23T17:44:00.000-05:00

Vitech Systems Group Opens New Jersey Office Location
NEW YORK – January 23, 2012 – Vitech Systems Group, a leading provider of insurance, investment and benefit administration software, announced today that is has signed a multi-year lease for nearly 20,000 square feet of office space in Iselin, New Jersey. The new facility is being constructed to Vitech’s specifications and the firm expects to take occupancy in April of this year.

“We are so excited to be breaking ground on this new facility in New Jersey,” said Frank Vitiello, Vitech’s CEO, “This new office will give us the space and technical infrastructure we need to continue adding staff and data center capacity in support of our ongoing growth.”

Vitech’s new facility provides space for 100 employees, a state of the art data center and includes an on-site cafeteria and fitness center. The new office will support the firm’s growing workforce and expanding technical operations while allowing Vitech to more effectively access the vibrant local talent pool.

About Vitech Systems Group, Inc.
Vitech Systems Group, Inc. is a leading provider of insurance, benefits and financial administrationsoftware to commercial, public and third party administrators. Vitech is headquartered in New YorkCity and provides its clients with proprietary enterprise software, related implementation services,subject matter expertise and business processing support. For more information, please visit www.vitechinc.com.

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-23T13:15:00.000-05:00

Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free.

Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing.

This is the ultimate.

-- Zhuangzi

Happy Chinese New Year-The Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-23T06:40:00.000-05:00

This video was
really informative.
How will you be
celebrating
the Chinese
New Year?

I found a great website HERE, at Chinese Fortune Calendar.com. It had a lot of interesting info on Chinese Astrology, and it said this:

"Chinese New Year Day is the first day of the first lunar month of Chinese calendar year. The Chinese new year day is always between January 20 to February 20 of the Gregorian calendar each year.

The preparation to celebrate the Chinese New Year festival begins around 8th day of 12th lunar month. The last day of the Chinese New Year festival is on the 15th day of first lunar month. That means it required about three weeks to prepare the festival and 15 days to celebrate it.

Traditionally, a Chinese man works outside for living and his wife takes care everything inside home. A month is not long enough for a housewife to clean entire house, put new interior and exterior decoration, prepare new clothes and gifts for all family members, and food for many events. You can image that Chinese New Year festival combines Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year Day together."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

glitter-graphics.com

SUPERBOWL BOUND!

2012-01-22T22:46:00.003-05:00

glitter-graphics.com

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-22T09:31:00.000-05:00

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.

~William Blake

From Quotegarden.com

Funeral Arrangements for ex-Fire Chief Turcotte of Hopelawn

2012-01-21T13:48:00.000-05:00

The Colonia Corner has reported the following information, which you can find on their facebook page, HERE...

"Funeral Arrangements for Ex-Chief Bruce Turcotte of the Hopelawn (NJ) Engine Company #1, LODD 01-19-2012 are as follows:
Wake Services will be held on Monday, 1/23 from 1900 hours till 2100 hours and Tuesday, 1/24 from 1400-1600 hours and 1900 till 2100 hours with a Firefighter Wake Service to be held @ 1930 hours at the Mitruska Funeral Home, 531 New Brunswick Avenue, Fords, NJ, 08863 followed by a funeral mass on Wednesday morning, 01/25, at Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 26 Maple Avenue, Edison, NJ, 08837 at 1000 hours.

Visiting Fire Departments are asked to park their vehicles at the Fortunoff's wing of Woodbridge Center Mall, Route 9 South, Woodbridge, NJ, 07095 for shuttle service to the staging area at the St. Johns First Aid Squad building parking lot beginning at 0900 hours. Companies are asked to provide anticipated headcount, if possible, by RSVP to hecofficers@aol.com .

Lodging is available at the Hampton Inn Woodbridge, 370 Route 9 North, Woodbridge, NJ, 07095, (732) 855-6900. Mention "Hopelawn Fire" at time of reservation.

Further information regarding the wake and funeral can be obtained by contacting Captain Joseph Heintjes, Public Information Officer, at joe.heintjes5@gmail.com .
Our Prayers are with you."

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-21T09:27:00.000-05:00

Winter is the time for comfort,

for good food and warmth,

for the touch of a friendly hand

and for a talk beside the fire:

it is the time for home.

~Edith Sitwell

From Quotegarden.com

JFK Report Cards - the Honeywell Alert

2012-01-21T09:07:00.000-05:00

This is the Honeywell Instant Alert message I received from JFK High School yesterday:

"First semester report cards will only be available through the Genesis Parent Access Portal. They will not be mailed home. If you have not registered for Parent Access, please visit the school's website or contact the Guidance Department at 732-602-8669."

Wow! I didn't expect that! However, if you haven't been on the Parent Access Portal before, I guess you will be now, huh?Really, it's a smart idea on the schools part. I am sure that they have been told by the "powers that be" in the State of NJ that they must find more ways of cutting back, but legally, they are required to follow certain practices - which are expensive - and they can't cut any of THOSE. They can't cut back on safety, and they can't cut back on the education itself, so they are left with finding other ways of eliminating expense. What's left?

So, if you are a parent of a JFK High School Student, and you haven't signed up for the Genesis Parent Access already, you need to go to the JFK website HERE, and scroll down the page until you find this:

Please click on the link below for the survey/questionnaire that parents need to fill out to register for the Parent Access.http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WTSD-ParentAccessRegistration

You'll fill out the survey and you'll get instructions for how to log in. It might take a few days to get your password and stuff, but then, once you have it, you can check your child's grades obsessively twice a day if you feel like it.Yeah, your kid should love that.

SNOW!

2012-01-21T08:06:00.001-05:00

Winter Weather Advisory for Middlesex, NJ

until 2:00 PM EST, Sat., Jan 21, 2012

Issued by The National Weather Service
Philadelphia, PA

Sat, Jan 21, 2012, 6:57 AM EST

... WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM EST THIS AFTERNOON...
* HAZARD TYPES... SNOW... SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN.
* ACCUMULATIONS... SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 3 TO 5 INCHES... ALONG WITH UP TO A TENTH OF AN INCH OF ICE.
* TIMING... SNOW WILL FALL MODERATE AT TIMES THROUGH ABOUT 9 AM BEFORE MIXING WITH SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN. PRECIPITATION WILL BE TAPERING OFF DURING MIDDAY OR EARLY THIS AFTERNOON BUT TEMPERATURES MAY NOT RISE ABOVE FREEZING. A HARD FREEZE WILL FOLLOW TONIGHT.
* AS OF 630 AM... MANY REPORTS OF 2 TO 3 INCHES IN THIS AREA ALREADY.
* IMPACTS... WIDESPREAD SLIPPERY DRIVING AND WALKING... ESPECIALLY ON UNTREATED ROADWAYS AND SIDEWALKS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW... SLEET... OR FREEZING RAIN WILL CAUSE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES... AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

... But you knew that already, didn't you?

Here's to the Public Servants.

2012-01-20T18:10:00.001-05:00

It's Friday Night, and time for a toast.

Let's remember all of the public servants tonight.

The guys and girls who serve our country, and protect us,

often putting their own safety in jeopardy.

A toast to all the Servicemen and Women

in the Armed Forces, Army, Navy, Airforce, Marine, and Coast Guard.

A toast to the Firemen and Women... Police... EMT's...

and other Emergency Services people, serving at home.

And a toast, as well, to the many men and women doing their part

to keep the USA safe and thriving....

teachers... road crews... plow drivers... garbage men...

the middle class that built our country in the first place.

A toast, and a thank you for everything you do.

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-20T09:22:00.000-05:00

Someday is not a day of the week.

~Author Unknown

From Quotegarden.com

Menlo Park Terrace Fire - Video Clip from News 12 NJ

2012-01-19T22:29:00.000-05:00

RIP to the two victims, Fire Fighter Bruce Turcotte and the resident of the house.

Love Music!

2012-01-19T19:52:00.000-05:00

I know Riffy's isn't in Iselin, but close enough! I was pretty interested when I saw this.

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-19T10:32:00.000-05:00

Winter is the season in which people try to keep the house as warm as it was in the summer, when they complained about the heat.

~Author Unknown

From Quotegarden.com

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard,

just keep putting off doing it.

~Olin Miller

From Quotegarden.com

STOP the SOPA/PROTECT IP BILL

2012-01-18T00:30:00.000-05:00

If the Protect IP bill passes, it will fundamentally change the internet. Please watch this video, and if you are against this bill, contact your Congressman - the easiest way to do it is to go HERE... And keep in mind that most congressmen who are voting on this bill have no understanding of the internet because they admit that they don't use it. So PLEASE... contact your Congressmen and let them know that YOU OPPOSE this bill.

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-17T09:31:00.000-05:00

I like the word "indolence."

It makes my laziness seem classy.

~Bern Williams

From Quotegarden.com

Martin Luther King, Jr. - Bio Video

2012-01-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

The Quote of the Day Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

2012-01-16T09:47:00.000-05:00

We have learned

to fly the air like birds

and swim the sea like fish,

but we have not learned

the simple art

of living together

as brothers.

Our abundance

has brought us

neither peace of mind

nor serenity of spirit.

~Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength to Love, 1963

From Quotegarden.com

Sunday Blues

2012-01-15T11:21:00.001-05:00

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-15T09:49:00.000-05:00

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness;

only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate;

only love can do that."

-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

How will you Commemorate the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday?

2012-01-14T20:55:00.000-05:00

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-14T09:11:00.000-05:00

If you want to make your dreams come true,

the first thing you have to do is wake up.

~J.M. Power

What are you doing tomorrow night?

2012-01-13T20:48:00.000-05:00

You KNOW how much I love Asbury Park, right? And now, this new club is opening, and I can tell you that it is going to be the BEST PLACE EVER... promise! And I heard Nicole Atkins last spring, and she is really good. So... what are you doing tomorrow night? Because I highly recommend that you see this show. :)

And here, for a taste of Nicole Atkins' music, is our Friday Night Music video selection. ENJOY!

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-13T15:13:00.000-05:00

Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresea, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.

~Life's Little Instruction Book, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

From Quotegarden.com

Happy Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T06:46:00.001-05:00

Do you suffer from friggatrishtkaidekaphobia? Is it painful?

Because today is Friday the 13th, and according to the Wikipedia article, "An estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States suffer from fear of this day. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed." On the other hand, not everyone is afraid of Friday the 13th; some cultures are more afraid of Tuesday the 13th.

Oh yeah, that's it! I'm afraid of Friday the 13th, and that's why I can't go to work today; I guess I'll just have to stay in bed all day! Why does it seem that my boss won't be too understanding of that excuse?

Friday the 13th happens too frequently to avoid it. The wikipedia article said that Friday the 13th occurs between one and three times ever year, and this is one of the lucky years with three. The next Friday the 13th occurs in April, and then again in July.

So, if you are afraid of Friday the 13th, here are some other superstitions you might want to consider:
You can break a bad luck spell by turning seven times in a clockwise circle
Garlic protects from evil spirits and vampires
Entering a frog into the house brings good luck
Crossing your fingers helps to avoid bad luck and helps a wish come true
Clothes worn inside out will bring good luck
Sleeping on un-ironed sheets (Do you ever iron YOUR sheets?)

Stephen Colbert: Presidential Candidate?

2012-01-12T22:42:00.000-05:00

I love watching Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on Comedy Central every night. I'm definitely tuning in tonight, are you?

Because in an article on the Washington Post, which you can read here,

"Stephen Colbert transfers super PAC to Jon Stewart, teases entry to Republican primary in South Carolina."

HMMM. Can Stephen Colbert run for president? And... if he runs... can he win? And... if he wins... can he lead? Can he do any worse - or any better - than any of these other people?

Politico.com said that Stephen Colbert's announcement was: “I am proud to announce that I am forming an exploratory committee to lay the groundwork for my possible candidacy for president of the United States of America of South Carolina,” Colbert said during the Thursday evening show, several hours before airtime on Comedy Central."

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-12T11:56:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for all the complaining I hear about our government because it means we have freedom of speech.

~Nancie J. Carmody

From Quotegarden.com

Iselin Library Activities

2012-01-10T17:18:00.000-05:00

Registration begins for Preschool Pajama Storytime @ the Iselin Library on January 12, 2012 for kids ages 3-5 from 7:00-7:30pm. Please call 732-726-7073 X7220 or stop by the Iselin Library to register!

Have-A-Heart Food Drive - Official Kick Off

2012-01-10T07:28:00.000-05:00

Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac announces the kick-off the 2012 Valentines Day ”Have-a-Heart” food drive by issuing a challenge to Township businesses, corporate offices, food service industry, and residents to donate 214 pounds of non-perishable food or contribute $214 to Township food pantries. The 30-day challenge ends on Valentine’s Day ~ Feb. 14, 2012. Joining Mayor McCormac at the announcement were (l-r): Peter Barcellona, Chairman, “We Feed Woodbridge” Food Bank Committee, Tim Lockwood, Manager, Wegmans of Woodbridge and Bill Caulfield, Manager, ShopRite of Woodbridge .

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-10T06:45:00.000-05:00

"Walk and pick things up as you go. Nothing too heavy, nothing too light. Weigh each item against your soul and if it measures up, take it with you. If it makes you weary or it loses its significance, leave it behind for someone else to find.

Keep only that which you need."

--"I Wrote This For You.Me"

Vintage Iselin Video

2012-01-09T18:52:00.000-05:00

I think I've seen this before... have you? I apologize for posting again if it's a repeat! But it's really good video, and I thought you'd like to see it.

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-07T06:29:00.000-05:00

Success will never be a big step in the future,

success is a small step taken just now.

~Jonatan Mårtensson

Happy Friday Music!!!!!

2012-01-06T18:00:00.001-05:00

Watch this! Seriously!!!

Have-a-Heart Food Drive Kick Off

2012-01-06T17:52:00.000-05:00

On MONDAY, JAN. 9, 2012 at 12:30 P.M., in the 2nd Floor Atrium of the Woodbridge Community Center, Mayor John E. McCormac will kick-off the 2012 Valentines Day ”Have-a-Heart” food drive by issuing a challenge to Township businesses, corporate offices, food service industry, and residents to donate 214 pounds of non-perishable food or contribute $214 to Township food pantries.

The 30-day challenge ends on Valentine’s Day ~ Feb. 14, 2012. Leading Township food store owners/managers, businesses, and Township-based corporations will participate in the “Have-a-Heart” challenge, along with members of the Woodbridge Township “We Feed” Committee.

WILL YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE? Do you have a heart to help the hungry?

Sunrise, sunset

2012-01-06T17:08:00.000-05:00

It was a beautiful sunset, to go with a beautiful sunrise!

Moving Again

2012-01-06T16:34:00.000-05:00

Moving Again

Guest written by our friend Mason Abbott

When we found out we were moving my first thought was that we were going to be so far away from family. My second thought was how much it was going to cost to hire movers and look into new Internet Packages Deals but that went away when I thought about how tough it was going to be to spend any kind of time with my family from now on. My mom was going to be a plane ride away which was something I’d never had to deal with before! I love my mother and she’s my best friend, too, so talking to her every day on the phone was already a given. Before we moved though she was only about 30 minutes away by car and now she’s going to be about 8 hours – that’s just not feasible for me and my family. I really miss mom but I’m trying to adjust and remember that this move isn’t just for me it’s for my whole family and it’s best for the lot of us.

Happy New Day!

2012-01-06T07:36:00.000-05:00

Are you tired of seeing pictures of sunrises and sunsets on here? I love to take photos of the sky. On the other hand, I'm pretty tired of seeing the sun rise - I much prefer sleeping in.

But here we are, another new day. We should celebrate a new day as much as we celebrate a new year.

And I definitely would celebrate it, if only it didn't start so early.

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-06T06:26:00.000-05:00

There is no moment like the present.

The man who will not execute his resolutions

when they are fresh upon him

can have no hope from them afterwards:

they will be dissipated, lost, and perish

in the hurry and scurry of the world,

or sunk in the slough of indolence.

~Maria Edgeworth

Breakfast Buffet on Sunday!

2012-01-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendar now
for a BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER on Sunday!
Sunday - 8:00am until 11:00am
at the Woodbridge Elks Lodge
Benefitting the JFK Marching Mustangs

JFK Marching Mustangs and The Woodbridge Elks Lodge will host an all you can eat breakfast buffet which includes pancakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, porkroll, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, biscuits, coffee, tea, and juice.

Along with breakfast, there will be a bake sale, tricky tray raffle, and gift table.

All proceeds benefit the JFK Memorial High School Marching Mustangs of Iselin, New Jersey. Bring the family and come enjoy breakfast and take a chance on winning great prizes.

Tickets may be purchased from band members and they will be sold at the door on the morning of the event. Adults $6.00, Children ages 5-9 $3.00 Children under age 5 - FREE!

Donna Pallino's Funeral today

2012-01-05T08:49:00.001-05:00

Funeral Services will be on Thursday, January 5, 2012, at 10:30 AM at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Avenue Fords, NJ 08863.

Interment will follow in Rosedale Cemetery, Linden.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna's memory to the Pallino College Memorial Fund, c/o 526 Inman Ave., Colonia, NJ 07067.

An Old Iselin Photo - School 6 in Iselin and MORE

2012-01-04T22:29:00.000-05:00

I had a comment on here, asking what the school was, next to the fire house. I didn't remember, so I asked my facebook friends - and they said it was School 6, and even posted an old photo! So, there ya go. Remember this school?

Here are some more photos shared by my friend Bill Olson from Iselin...

Iselin's train station, before it was "Metropark"

The Good Old Iselin Theater

Carrols... at Hill Top


Do you remember Milk Machines???

Hill Top Shop Rite - You'd see the sign on the parkway and know you were home!


Eagle Hardware

Zumba for JFK HS Color Guard

2012-01-03T22:33:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars now...
We've set a date to

Friday, January 27, 2012

7:00pm until 8:30pm

at the JFK HS Cafeteria

Come out and support the

John F Kennedy Memorial High School Color Guard

in our first annual Zumbathon fundraiser!

90 minutes of a party, Zumba style,

with awesome instuctors,

such as Alexis Roe from Station 55, Jackson, NJ,

and newly licensed/Guard Instructor, Sharon Kurack!

Cost: $7 - get there early, and
buy your tickets that night at the door!

Iselin Library

2012-01-03T11:40:00.004-05:00

From their Facebook page:

Due to a building emergency, the Iselin Branch Library is closed at this time.

Oh! Did I mention??? The library is back up and running normally!

Donna Pallino

2012-01-03T07:29:00.003-05:00

In Memory of Donna Pallino
From Legacy.com, HERE...

Donna Pallino, 51, of Iselin, died on Saturday December 31, 2011 at JFK Medical Center in Edison.

She was born in Perth Amboy, and was a life long resident of Iselin. She was a member of Faith Fellowship Ministries World Outreach Center in South Amboy. She was employed for the past 11 years as a crossing guard for the Woodbridge Twp Police Dept. at School 26 in Iselin. She had also been employed as a Front End Manager at the A&P in Woodbridge for the past 8 years.

She is predeceased by her mother, Beatrice Nier who died in 1976. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Armand B. Pallino, her son, Armand B. Jr. and her 2 daughters, Taylor and Gina, all at home, her 2 brothers, Gary Nier and his wife, Leslie of Nashville, TN and Glenn Nier and his wife Cheryl of Nazareth, PA and her father Ronald Neir and her step mother Connie of Greentown, PA her sister in law Sharon and her husband Richard Platt and her nieces, Heather, Holly, Amanda, Sharyn, Katerina and her nephew Mitchell.

Funeral Services will be on Thursday January 5, 2012 at a time to be announced at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave. Fords, NJ 08863. Interment will follow in Rosedale Cemetery, Linden. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. In lieu of Flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Pallino College Memorial Fund, c/o 526 Inman Ave. Colonia, NJ 07067 For directions or to send condolences, visit www.flynnfuneral.com

Published in Home News Tribune on January 3, 2012

Donna was a lovely person, and she will be greatly missed.

Time to GET ORGANIZED!

2012-01-02T16:52:00.000-05:00

Eva is a local Businesswoman who I admire quite a bit. (OK, I'm pretty certain she's not from Iselin, but she's definitely Central Jersey!) She's got quite a bit going on... books, radio shows, classes... and, most exciting to me, she's been on Hoarders! (As a professional organizer, not as a hoarder, lol!) She has a business called "Sort Things Out." You can check it out on Facebook, HERE.

January is a great time to get organized, so I thought you might be interested in some of Eva's good advice.

Did you know there was school TODAY?

2012-01-02T15:57:00.000-05:00

I can't even tell you how many people I talked to today that had NO IDEA that public schools were OPEN in Iselin today. I never even THOUGHT about writing a reminder on my blog ... I thought you all knew! So, anyway, did you send your kid to school? :)

The Quote of the Day

2012-01-02T10:53:00.000-05:00

Exercise is done against one's wishes and maintained only because the alternative is worse.

-- George A. Sheehan

2012

2012-01-01T18:57:00.001-05:00

It's a new year, and with a new year there should be joy and excitement and hope for the future.
I wish all of the best for you and yours during 2012.
Peace~
SUE

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T13:39:00.000-05:00

At the end of an old year, and the beginning of a new year, most people have traditions and superstitions that they follow. The idea is to make next year the BEST YEAR EVER, right?

This new year is a particularly scary one for the superstitious, because of the prophecy from the ancient Mayans, that some people have interpreted to say that the "end of the world" will be December 21, 2012.

From Wikipedia:

The 2012 phenomenon comprises a range of eschatological beliefs according to which cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on December 21, 2012.^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4] This date is regarded as the end-date of a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar. Various astronomical alignments and numerological formulae have been proposed as pertaining to this date, though none have been accepted by mainstream scholarship.
A New Age interpretation of this transition is that this date marks the start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation, and that 2012 may mark the beginning of a new era.^[5] Others suggest that the 2012 date marks the end of the world or a similar catastrophe. Scenarios suggested for the end of the world include the arrival of the next solar maximum, or Earth's collision with a black hole, passing asteroid or a planet called "Nibiru".
Scholars from various disciplines have dismissed the idea of such cataclysmic events occurring in 2012. Professional Mayanist scholars state that predictions of impending doom are not found in any of the extant classic Maya accounts, and that the idea that the Long Count calendar "ends" in 2012 misrepresents Maya history and culture.^[3]^[6]^[7] Astronomers and other scientists have rejected the proposed events as pseudoscience, stating that they are contradicted by simple astronomical observations.^[8]

There is a lot to read on the Wikipedia page, but the fact is this: No, I'm really not expecting it to be the end of the world. Are you?

ON THE OTHER HAND... you just never know when the end will come, do you? Sure, it might not be the end of the world, but you never know - you could be struck by lightning tomorrow. So, with the idea of improving the life you have and making every moment count, lots of people make resolutions and set goals for the new year. Plenty of times these resolutions are forgotten by the middle of January, but it's always good to start the new year with high hopes. So, what are your resolutions?

Then there are the superstitions. A lot of superstitions deal with food:

Toasting the New Year with Champagne is traditional. (But I don't really like champagne, so I'll be having tea, thank you.) Eat twelve grapes at midnight—one grape for each stroke of the clock; each grape represents a different month, so if for instance the third grape is a bit sour, March might be a rocky month. The goal is to swallow all the grapes before the last stroke of midnight, and maybe a 13th grape just in case
....Cooked greens, (cabbage, collards, kale, and chard, etc.) are eaten at New Year's because their green leaves look like folded money, so I'm making soup with Kale
...For the last few years in my family, it's been traditional for me to cook black-eyed peas in a dish called hoppin' john. (That doesn't mean that my family all eats it, of course. But I cook it anyway.) I've also heard that it's traditional to eat lentils
....Pork is supposed to be lucky for the New Year... (I'm making my Hoppin' John with ham stock and bacon!)
... Fish scales symbolize money, so eat fish! Cod and shrimp are good choices!
... Cakes and other baked goods are commonly served from Christmas to New Year's around the world, and of course we'll have cake at my house :)
...Make sure your pantry is stocked going into the New Year. Try to have food on your plate, and on the table, at midnight.But, don't eat lobster or chicken, because they will lead to setbacks. You shouldn't eat any poultry because it will make good luck fly away. I also read that chickens scratch backwards, cows stand still, but pigs move forward, so that's why you want to eat pork.
Read More at WWW.Epicurious.com.

Snopes.com have a lot of good superstitions on their page. Try them all, what difference does it make? It can't hurt, right?

A Long December by Counting Crows

2011-12-30T22:00:00.000-05:00

Iselin Times

Did you know today is WORLD HAPPINESS DAY?

Beautiful! Action for Happiness :)

Bored Kids? How 'Bout an Art Project?

The Quote of the Day

New Bruce Springsteen Video!Music to start your WEEKEND!

What does the weather look like for tomorrow?

The Quote of the Day

Iselin Turkey Update!

The Quote of the Day

This might be all the snow we get this year.

SNOW! Well, maybe. A little. Finally.

JFK Open House for Parents

Totsy - Online Shopping!

The Quote of the Day

Hockey Fans

Congrats to all you Giants fans!

Are you Ready for some Superbowl?

Don't Drink and Drive!

Get yer Cookies!

A Tribute to Corporal Reinhard and Every Veteran

Superbowl XLVI - Giants Vs. Patriots

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

The Quote of the Day

A new Brew Club

Free Tax Preparation for Seniors

The Quote of the Day

So, did the Groundhog see his shadow?

The Quote of the Day

Happy Ground Hog Day!

According to the Punxsatawney Website, which you can see HERE,

The Quote of the Day

A gorgeous evening

Iselin Library's Schedule for February

The Quote of the Day

Funeral Procession Video

RIP Marine Corporal Reinhard:Photos from the Procession

Are you going to the JFK High School Gift Auction? Get your Tickets Now!

The Quote of the Day

RIP USMC Cpl. Kevin Reinhard

The Quote of the Day

More weather

Plan now for July's Flea Market!

The Quote of the Day

Dark and Dismal and Rainy a little longer...

Will you ZUMBA tonight?

Final Exams at JFK start Tomorrow

Memorial Services for Marine Corporal Kevin Reinhard of Colonia

The funeral Mass is Monday at 9:45 a.m. at St. Agnes Church in Clark and the burial is immediately following that at St. Gertrude's Cemetery in Colonia on Inman Avenue.

There are plans to line both sides of Inman with flag waving people starting at the post office and continuing on to (St. Gertrude's) cemetery. Please inform everyone you know to try and come out to show support for Kevin (beginning at 11:15 on Monday morning)."

The Quote of the Day

Firefighter's Wake Service for Firefighter Bruce Turcotte

New Business coming to Iselin

The Quote of the Day

Happy Chinese New Year-The Year of the Dragon!

SUPERBOWL BOUND!

The Quote of the Day

Funeral Arrangements for ex-Fire Chief Turcotte of Hopelawn

The Quote of the Day

JFK Report Cards - the Honeywell Alert

SNOW!

Winter Weather Advisory for Middlesex, NJ

until 2:00 PM EST, Sat., Jan 21, 2012

Issued by The National Weather ServicePhiladelphia, PA

Sat, Jan 21, 2012, 6:57 AM EST

Here's to the Public Servants.

The Quote of the Day

Menlo Park Terrace Fire - Video Clip from News 12 NJ

Love Music!

The Quote of the Day

The Quote of the Day

STOP the SOPA/PROTECT IP BILL

The Quote of the Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. - Bio Video

The Quote of the Day Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Sunday Blues

The Quote of the Day

How will you Commemorate the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday?

The Quote of the Day

What are you doing tomorrow night?

Issued by The National Weather Service
Philadelphia, PA