Michael Swayze's Community Resources

Tag: New Jersey

  • Emily’s Restaurant – An Eatery in Elizabeth, New Jersey Worth Visiting

    It’s rare that I write about food but if you know me it’s a big part of my weekly budget and something I enjoy a lot. A number of months ago a local restaurant catered a lunch at work. Everyone agreed the food was the best we had in a long, long time. The place that did the catering was Emily’s Restaurant in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

    If you are around Emily’s – located at 14 West Grand Street, Elizabeth – you have to stop by. It’s the type of place that you would not expect to find great food. You know what I mean. Nothing special about the ambiance, maybe even in an area you least expect quality food. (Reminds me of a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown in New York City that I took my kids to years ago that we simply called “hole in the wall”.) Anyway, Emily’s Restaurant is located right across the street from the Elizabeth train station. The place is owned and operated by Chef Roberto Munoz. He is the former owner of Roberto’s Restaurant in Kenilworth, New Jersey.

    Everything I’ve ever tried at Emily’s is very good, with the exception of an overcooked cheeseburger recently. There are so many items worth eating here. I started off with a crispy chicken sandwich which goes for a very reasonable $2.50. I no longer go to Wendy’s because this sandwich is beyond comparison. Another favorite of mine is the fried calamari appetizer. They claim it is an appetizer but it’s more like a main dish. A great lunch choice. I’ll let you consider visiting there for perhaps their salmon burger or a turkey panini (made with fresh turkey). You can sample their menu by visiting their lunch menu.

    Get out of the office. Visit Emily’s Restaurant, located at 14 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey. Their phone number is 908-353-6100.

  • New Jersey Extends LIHEAP Deadline to May 28, 2010

    The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs announced last week that the deadline for applying for benefits under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been extended to Friday, May 28, 2010. This allows families, burdened by outstanding energy bills, additional time to apply for benefits and emergency assistance.

    For additional information call the NJ LIHEAP Hotline at 800-510-3102 or visit the New Jersey Community Resources energy page.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit & Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Sites

    Tax season is upon us and free tax sites, VITA sites, have opened their doors. This year several tax credits have been expanded to help put as much as $6,000 in the pockets of low-income working families. In particular, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are powerful resources for working people with low incomes.

    In 2008, 24 million claimed over $49 billion in EITC credit. The 2009 tax year marks a new year with the American Recover and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) which created many new tax policies. Several tax credits have been increased including EITC and the CTC.

    Two new credits will put more money in the hands of low-income families including the Making Work Pay Credit and the New American Opportunity Credit which helps low income workers pay for college. With new and existing tax opportunities many more people will quality for benefits than in previous years. To find out more information on EITC visit EITC Central.

    Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are IRS sponsored programs that offer low-income working families (joint income under $49,000) free tax preparation. VITA sites are located across the country and are available so that low-income individuals do not have to pay for tax preparation or purchase products such as Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs). RALs are high-interest loans designed to give tax filers a “quick refund.” RAL interest rates have been reported up to 500% and can ultimately cost the tax filer hundreds if not thousands of dollars. To help protect your clients from these predatory practices encourage them to have their taxes prepared for free at a local VITA site. To find the closest VITA site call: 1-800-906-9887 or visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html. New Jersey residents can also access tax assistance sites at the 2-1-1 website to get a list of free tax preparation sites.

    With all of the credits available for working families it is critical to promote tax assistance. Over the next several months it is vital to inform your clients about these tax credits and free tax assistance. By visiting the National Tax Credit Outreach Campaign website you will be able to print or order free flyers, posters, handouts, and access to an outreach strategy guide.

    Source: Welfare Peer Technical Assistance Network