According to H&R Block, a tax services provider, it may be the first baby of the year who grabs the media attention, but it is the last baby of the year who yields the tax savings. Babies born before the stroke of midnight this past New Year’s Eve, could save their parents thousands of dollars on their 2008 returns. Parents of babies born after the stroke of midnight will have to wait until they file their 2009 taxes in 2010.
In addition to an exemption worth $3,500 in 2008, new parents may qualify to claim two other credits that could further reduce this year’s tax liability. The Child Tax Credit is worth as much as $1,000 per child and is open to people who have earned an income of at least $8,500 in 2008. The Earned Income Tax Credit is available to lower-income workers. A Child Care Credit can also be considered for those who qualify. For further details contact H&R Block at www.hrblock.com or 732-364-3000.
TD Bank, through its TD Charitable Foundation, recently donated a total of $18,000 to local organizations in Monmouth County as part of the bank’s commitment to giving back to the community.
The following organizations received a donation from the TD Charitable Foundation:
• Howell Police Athletic League. The organization will use the funds from the TD Charitable Foundation to support its youth development program, which helps keep youths off the streets, provides positive role models and teaches the young people how to support their local communities.
• LADACIN Network, a nonprofit agency whose mission is to provide education, therapeutic, social, residential, and support services for people with cerebral palsy or other physical disabilities. The organization will use the funds from the TD Charitable Foundation to support its specialized clinic.
• CPC Behavioral Health, which provides behavioral health and education services that promote wellness, recovery and productive lives. The organization will use the funds from the TD Charitable Foundation to support its transitional housing program.
• New Hope Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the treatment of adults and adolescents for alcoholism, drug addiction and compulsive gambling. The organization will use the funds from the TD Charitable Foundation to support a substance abuse program.
Chez Baliye’ Hair Spa, 87 S. Main St., Marlboro, will host a St. Patrick’s Day karaoke night from 4-8 p.m. March 12. The event will feature a DJ and food, refreshments, gifts and free samples. Special promotional prices for hairstyling services will be announced throughout the evening. Information will also be available about antiaging hair treatments and environmentally friendly hair color. Skin care specialists will also be on hand. Call 732-845-0707 for appointments.
Zebu Forno, a European-style bakerycafé chain, opened its third Monmouth County location and fourth unit statewide earlier last month at the intersection of West Main and South streets, Freehold Borough. Zebu completed a sweeping renovation of the 2,300-square-foot store’s interior and exterior to give the space a look that provides the eclectic, but warm, “town gathering place” feel that local diners have embraced at its flagship location in downtown Red Bank and franchised location in Holmdel.
Zebu Forno’s extensive menu includes fresh-baked breads, muffins, bagels, and pastries; breakfast sandwiches; omelets; homemade soups; Panini sandwiches, wraps and other hot and cold sandwiches served on home-baked breads; handmade thin-crust pizzas; fresh salads; quiche; gelato; fresh fruit cups; espresso drinks; a variety of coffees and teas; and a soft drink selection that includes Boylan’s soda on tap. All menu items are available for takeout.
Zebu’s Freehold location offers seating for 70 diners inside. In warm weather, seating will be available for another 10 to 12 diners outside in a sidewalk café area accessible from French doors.
Located at 2 East Main St., Zebu’s Freehold café is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Dr. Gregg S. Berkowitz, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, Freehold, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, will present a free educational seminar to high school athletic trainers about cartilage injury and the repair or regeneration of cartilage on March 13 at noon in the conference room of Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute, Pond View Professional Park, 301 Professional Drive, Freehold. Seating is limited. Call Gail Plaza at 732- 720-2541 to register.
The Western Monmouth Chamber of Commerce will conduct a Business After Hours networking event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 24 at Branning Auto Body, 98 Crow Hill Road, Freehold Township. All are welcome to attend and bring business cards to distribute. Cost to attend: $10 for chamber members, $15 for nonmembers (includes refreshments). Details and registration: 732-462-3030.
Snap Fitness, Ryan Road and Route 79, Marlboro, is seeking volunteers for a free fitness study. Volunteers who will participate in a moderate exercise program three times a week for three weeks under staff supervision. Owner Paul Christian said the intent of the program is to measure the effects of regular exercise, with the goal of improving blood pressure and resting heart rate and reducing body fat and weight.
Results of the local study will be combined with those of other towns and cities across North America to demonstrate the impact that regular physical activity can have on personal health. Interested participants must be between the ages of 22 and 75 and not currently exercising on a regular basis. They must agree to attend all nine training sessions and take a supervised fitness profile at the start and end of the program. A $20 deposit will be charged and is fully refundable when the study is completed. Results will be kept confidential, only grouped results are reported on a club basis. Details: 732-780-7627.