http://www.ajminsurance.com/blog/View AJM Insurance Management's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.ajminsurance.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:d2d4e33c-8afa-4f07-abaf-72861b7c991aurn:uuid:0856fad5-e574-41d9-a1f4-7d3882b85a41 This weekend, millions of people will ring in the New Year with friends, family, and loved ones. However, amidst all the festivities, toasts, and celebrating, safety can quickly take a backseat to a good time &ndash; especially when alcohol is added...Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:50:26 -0600<div class="ms-rte-layoutszone-inner"> <div>This weekend, millions of people will ring in the New Year with friends, family, and loved ones. However, amidst all the festivities, toasts, and celebrating, safety can quickly take a backseat to a good time &ndash; especially when alcohol is added to the mix.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Due to an increase in drunk driving, New Years Eve is one of the most dangerous holidays of the year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which reports that 10,839 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2009.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Whether you&rsquo;re planning to stand in Times Square to see the ball drop or you&rsquo;re celebrating by throwing a party for friends, your Trusted Choice independent insurance agent want to ensure you usher in 2012 safely. Don&rsquo;t let your New Year&rsquo;s celebration turn tragic, follow these safety tips to ring in the New Year responsibly.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>1.&nbsp;<strong>Leave your keys at home.</strong> If you&rsquo;re planning to raise a glass and toast the New Year, do not drink and drive. Choose a designated driver (many states also offer DD services), take public transportation, walk, or call a taxi. Whatever you do, don&rsquo;t drink and drive. When you get behind the wheel intoxicated, you&rsquo;re not only endangering yourself and your passengers, you&rsquo;re putting others on the road in danger.</div> <div><br /> 2.&nbsp;<strong>Be a responsible host</strong>. If you&rsquo;re throwing a New Year&rsquo;s Eve party, select a designated driver and call a local cab company to provide rides for your guests. You should also stop serving alcohol to guests a couple hours before the party ends, so that guest can sober up. If your party includes underage guests, consider using two different types of cups or different colors in order to distinguish alcoholic beverages from non-alcoholic. If someone underage is caught drinking at your party, as the host you are responsible and could face charges. (You can also read more about social host liability here.)<br /> </div> <div>3.&nbsp;<strong>Don&rsquo;t walk alone.</strong> If you choose to walk home from a New Year&rsquo;s celebration, take a friend with you. Walking alone makes you a target for robbers and other attackers. You should also avoid areas that aren&rsquo;t well lit or places with little or no foot traffic.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;<br /> 4.&nbsp;<strong>Be discrete</strong>. If you&rsquo;re not going to be home on New Year&rsquo;s Eve/New Year&rsquo;s Day, make sure your home is secure by locking all doors and windows, turning on automatic light timers, and arming your security. You also shouldn&rsquo;t advertise your absence by posting notifications about your departure on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites. <br /> </div> <div>5.&nbsp;<strong>Watch your drink.</strong> Never leave your glass or cup unattended. Putting down a drink &ndash; even for a minute &ndash; gives partygoers with ill intentions a chance to slip something in it. If you need to go to the restroom or step outside, hand your drink to a trusted friend.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>If you have any insurance-related questions about your New Year&rsquo;s celebration or plans, please call us. AJM Insurance would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2012, and we look forward to serving you in the coming year. <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: 10px;"><em>The above article reprinted with permission from: Trusted Choice&reg; -Independent Insurance Agents &amp; Brokers of America<br /> </em></span></div> </div>urn:uuid:69318142-20ea-4d4b-bfbb-fafbb4fcc222<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/911v1.jpg' align='left' /> As we mark the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks we at AJM Insurance remember all who gave their lives that day.Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:12:28 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="572" height="207" alt="" style="width: 399px; height: 182px;" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/911v1.jpg" /></p> <span style="font-size: 18px;">A</span>s we mark the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th attacks we at <strong>AJM Insurance</strong> remember all who gave their lives that day.urn:uuid:690870e2-9b42-4312-b21e-4e007a1c6e43MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable ...Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:05:20 -0500<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #953734;">MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER </span></strong></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. </li> <li>Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time. </li> <li>Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus. </li> <li>If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day. </li> </ul> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734;"><strong>BACKPACK SAFETY</strong> </span></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. </li> <li>Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child&rsquo;s body weight. </li> <li>Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. </li> <li>If your school allows, consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow. </li> </ul> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734;"><strong>TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL </strong><br /> </span><br /> Review the basic rules with your youngster:</p> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734; font-size: 16px;">School Bus </span></h1> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>If your child&rsquo;s school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus. If your child&rsquo;s school bus does not have lap/shoulder belts, encourage the school to buy or lease buses with lap/shoulder belts. </li> <li>Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. </li> <li>Do not move around on the bus. </li> <li>Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street. </li> <li>Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver. </li> <li>Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building. </li> </ul> </div> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734; font-size: 16px;">Car</span> </h1> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. </li> <li>Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat. </li> <li>Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age). This means that the child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat; the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, and not the stomach. </li> <li>All children younger than 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can fit in the rear seat (when carpooling, for example), move the front-seat passenger&rsquo;s seat as far back as possible and have the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit properly without it. </li> <li>Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You should require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations or texting to prevent driver distraction; and limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your state&rsquo;s graduated driver license law and consider the use of a parent-teen driver agreement to facilitate the early driving learning process. For a sample parent-teen driver agreement, see <a href="http://www.healthychildren.org/teendriver" target="_blank">www.healthychildren.org/teendriver</a> </li> </ul> </div> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734; font-size: 16px;">Bike</span> </h1> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. </li> <li>Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic. </li> <li>Use appropriate hand signals. </li> <li>Respect traffic lights and stop signs. </li> <li>Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility. </li> <li>Know the "rules of the road." </li> </ul> </div> <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734; font-size: 16px;">Walking to School </span></h1> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Make sure your child's walk to a school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection. </li> <li>Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision. </li> <li>If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely. </li> <li>Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers. </li> <li>In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider starting a &ldquo;walking school bus,&rdquo; in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school. </li> </ul> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734;"><strong>EATING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY</strong> </span></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home. With this advance information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat. </li> <li>Try to get your child's school to stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice in the vending machines. </li> <li>Each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60%. Restrict your child's soft drink consumption. </li> </ul> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #953734;">BULLYING</span> </strong><br /> <br /> <em>Bullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or over the Internet. </em><br /> <br /> <strong><span style="color: #953734;">When Your Child Is Bullied </span></strong></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to:<br /> 1. Look the bully in the eye.<br /> 2. Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation.<br /> 3. Walk away. </li> <li>Teach your child how to say in a firm voice. <br /> 1. "I don't like what you are doing."<br /> 2. "Please do NOT talk to me like that."<br /> 3. "Why would you say that?" </li> <li>Teach your child when and how to ask for help. </li> <li>Encourage your child to make friends with other children. </li> <li>Support activities that interest your child. </li> <li>Alert school officials to the problems and work with them on solutions. </li> <li>Make sure an adult who knows about the bullying can watch out for your child's safety and well-being when you cannot be there. </li> </ul> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #953734;">When Your Child Is the Bully </span></strong></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK. </li> <li>Set firm and consistent limits on your child's aggressive behavior. </li> <li>Be a positive role mode. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening or hurting someone. </li> <li>Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges. </li> <li>Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, counselors, and parents of the children your child has bullied. </li> </ul> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734;"><strong>When Your Child Is a Bystander</strong> </span></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Tell your child not to cheer on or even quietly watch bullying. </li> <li>Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying. </li> <li>Help your child support other children who may be bullied. Encourage your child to include these children in activities. </li> <li>Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop. </li> </ul> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #953734;">BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE </span></strong></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>During early and middle childhood, youngsters need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and watch over them after school until you return home from work. </li> <li>Children approaching adolescence (11- and 12-year-olds) should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age. </li> <li>If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone. </li> <li>If you choose a commercial after-school program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe. </li> </ul> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734;"><strong>DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS</strong> </span></p> <div style="text-align: left;"> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy. </li> <li>Schedule ample time for homework. </li> <li>Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time. </li> <li>Supervise computer and internet use. </li> <li>Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her. </li> <li>Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive. </li> <li>If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first. </li> </ul> </div> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #953734;"><span class="goog_qs-tidbit-0"><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">The&nbsp;above health and safety tips are used with permission&nbsp;from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). </span></em></span><br /> &copy; 2011 - American Academy of Pediatrics </span></p>urn:uuid:6a047057-12a8-46ef-a8eb-e4b36fd0545f Today at 1:16 pm EDT the Summer Solstice occurred . Today we have the most daylight of any day all year. Enjoy the daylight and enjoy your summer! Below are some fun video's on the Summer Solstice. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:49:24 -0500<span style="color: #ff0000; font-size: 32px;"></span><br /> <span style="color: #ff0000; font-size: 32px;">Today at 1:16 pm EDT the Summer Solstice occurred . Today we have the most daylight of any day all year. Enjoy the daylight and enjoy your summer!<br /> <br /> Below are some fun video's on the Summer Solstice.<br /> </span><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <embed width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dmPXOusmzrw?version=3&amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <embed width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cuGZpl0lkXU?version=3&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" /><br />urn:uuid:1fef3105-7c36-42d0-ab73-79558839513cWatch our video on the Value of Independence! Are you held "Captive" by your Car Insurance Company? If you are with the major brands you see on TV you&nbsp;most likely are being&nbsp;held capative. Its kind of like the communist . . . "one...Thu, 02 Jun 2011 16:12:36 -0500<span style="font-size: 16px;">Watch our video on the Value of Independence!<br /> <span style="background-color: #d99694;"><br /> </span><object width="520" height="370" align="middle" id="video_tool" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="https://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="false" /> <param name=FlashVars VALUE="xml_policy=https://www.travelersagentvideo.com/SWF/crossdomain.xml&xml_ref=https://www.travelersagentvideo.com/XML133DE2.aspx"/> <param name="movie" value="https://www.travelersagentvideo.com/SWF/video_tool.swf" /> <param name="quality" value="high" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff" /> <embed src="https://www.travelersagentvideo.com/SWF/video_tool.swf" FlashVars="https://www.travelersagentvideo.com/SWF/crossdomain.xml&xml_ref=https://www.travelersagentvideo.com/XML133DE2.aspx" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="520" height="370" name="video_tool" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" allowFullScreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="https://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /> </object><br /> <br /> </span><span style="color: #000000; font-size: 16px;">Are you held "Captive" by your Car Insurance Company? If you are with the major brands you see on TV you&nbsp;most likely are being&nbsp;held capative. Its kind of like the communist . . . "one size fits all" . . . at AJM we represent more than one company so you cannot be held captive!</span>urn:uuid:b0f09965-27c4-45d7-b66d-1b5b01151b4d<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/pool_safety.jpg' align='left' /> It is that time of the year again! 10 Pool Safety Tips A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under. (Orange County California Fire Authority) &nbsp;Drowning is the second-...Tue, 31 May 2011 11:44:31 -0500<b> <p style="text-align: center;">It is that time of the year again!<br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/pool_safety.jpg" /><br /> <br /> 10 Pool Safety Tips</p> </b> <p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b>A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under. (Orange </b><b>County</b><b> </b><b>California</b><b> Fire Authority)</b><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></b></p> <p>&nbsp;Drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related death among children under the age of 15. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Stated by the CPSC (Consumer Production Safety Commission), nearly 260 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools. That is almost more than one preschool class of children every month! </li> </ul> <br /> <br /> <p>AJM Insurance wants to provide you with some important pool tips and safety precautions and links you need to ensure that your family and neighborhood is protected.</p> <br /> <br /> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Make sure that your child is always under the supervision of a trusted adult to ensure that he or she is protected. </li> <li>Check the depth of the pool and look for &ldquo;<i>No Diving</i>&rdquo; signs before you decide to jump in. </li> <li>Make sure that anybody swimming in your pool knows how to swim, to avoid any accidents. </li> <li>Have a fence surrounding the perimeter of you pool with a lock on the entrance at all times, to prevent entrance to the pool without your knowledge. </li> <li>Remove the cover of the pool completely before allowing people to enter it this avoids any harmful events that may occur. </li> <li>Don&rsquo;t allow any persons to walk over the pool cover since that may lead to drowning. </li> <li>Keep various floatation devices and safety devices near the pool in case any accidents may arise. </li> <li>Keep check on all of the important details of maintaining your pool. <i>Ex: chemicals ratios, water levels, cleanliness, etc.</i> </li> <li>Enforce safe pool rules such as: <i>No running, no pushing, and no reckless or rough play while in the pool.</i> </li> <li>Regulate the amount of people in one pool at a time to maintain safe capacity so as to prevent crowding. </li> </ol> <br /> <br /> <p>*<b>For any of your pool safety products, here is a link to our partner </b><b><a href="http://www.jerseypoolsandspas.com/" target="_blank">Jersey Pools and Spas in Medford, New Jersey</a></b></p> <br /> <br /> <p>*<strong>For more information and statistics dealing with pool safety and precautions check out the </strong><a href="http://www.hyperbaric-oxygen-info.com/drowning-statistics.html" target="_blank"><strong>HyperBaric-Oxygen Info Website</strong></a></p> <br /> <br /> <p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Swimming Lessons In Your Area </span></i></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>&nbsp; </strong><a href="http://www.ymca-bc.org/aquatics.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Burlington County</strong></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.lawrencetwp.com/rec-swim-youth.html" target="_blank"><strong>Mercer County</strong></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lawrencetwp.com/rec-swim-youth.html" target="_blank"><strong>Camden County</strong></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.ymca.net/" target="_blank"><strong>Gloucester County</strong></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ocymca.org/display.php?id=23" target="_blank"><strong>Cumberland County</strong></a></p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <p><strong>*Videos regarding pool safety <br /> </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RRr6DOtUv8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RRr6DOtUv8</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMR-n9lAsNY"><br /> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMR-n9lAsNY</a> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDuYTR3uaws&amp;feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDuYTR3uaws&amp;feature=related</a></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <p style="text-align: center;"><b>From AJM Insurance, we wish you a fun and safe summer!</b></p>urn:uuid:f5a0db1b-1d00-44a9-899c-8f5b7a2636de<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/tomb-1[1].jpg' align='left' /> Memorial Day is a Federal holiday&nbsp;which honors&nbsp;American Servicemembers who have died while serving our country. &nbsp;AJM would like to provide you with some historic facts on just how this holiday came to be. &nbsp; It was originally...Thu, 26 May 2011 14:57:25 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" width="601" height="637" style="width: 307px; height: 408px;" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/tomb-1[1].jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size: 18px;">Memorial Day</span> is a Federal holiday&nbsp;which honors&nbsp;American Servicemembers who have died while serving our country. &nbsp;AJM would like to provide you with some historic facts on just how this holiday came to be.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>It was originally called Decoration Day because it was a day that honored those that died during the Civil War. Friends and families would travel to the cemeteries and decorate their fallen family member&rsquo;s graves in honor of them. </li> <li>In 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic declared that the 30^th of May is designated to leaving flowers and decorating the graves of the dead that died for their country. </li> <li>The federal government and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y. to be the official birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966. </li> <li>After World War I took place, Memorial Day started to become a day which did not just honor military soldiers that died in the Civil War, but instead all wars. </li> <li>In 1971, &ldquo;Congress declared Memorial Day to be a national holiday celebrated on the last Monday of May&rdquo; (&ldquo;History.com&rdquo;). </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">So from everyone here at AJM, we wish you all a Happy Memorial Day</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>Work Cited:</p> <p>"History of Memorial Day." <i>History.com</i>. A&amp;E Television Networks, 2010. Web. 16 Jun 2010. <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history">www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/Buddy%2520Poppy(1)%5B1%5D.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: 10px;">Above is a&nbsp;photo of the&nbsp;"Buddy Poppy" assembled by Disabled Veterans for distribution on Memorial Day&nbsp;with proceeds used to help Disabled Veterans.</span></p>urn:uuid:cd580327-5a48-42b4-8fbb-82b8f0244bc9AJM Insurance would like to provide you with some going green tips to save you money and help the environment! &nbsp; Here are some tips to become more Eco friendly at home Don&rsquo;t idle- Americans idle 2.9 billion gallons of gas per year, es...Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:17:26 -0500<p>AJM Insurance would like to provide you with some going green tips to save you money and help the environment!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are some tips to become more Eco friendly at home</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Don&rsquo;t idle- Americans idle 2.9 billion gallons of gas per year, estimating around $78.2 billion dollars </li> <li>Turn off your computer when not using it, you can save an average of $90 for electricity per year. So shut off your monitor if you aren&rsquo;t going to use it for more than 20 minutes, as well as shut down the whole computer if you plan on being away for more than two hours. </li> <li><a href="http://www.energy.gov/yourhome.htm">http://www.energy.gov/yourhome.htm</a> The Department of energy can help you in finding a way for more green energy for you community, business and home. </li> <li>Monitor your thermostat.&nbsp; For every degree you lower on your thermostat, you will save between 1-3% of your heating bill! </li> <li>If possible, wash your laundry in cold water, saving 90% of the energy used in heating the washing machine! </li> <li>Pay bills online! You&rsquo;ll not only save trees, but save on stamps and the transportation of envelopes back and forth. </li> <li>If you need to print, use both sides!&nbsp; The U.S/ alone uses 4 million tons of copy paper per year, around 27 lbs per person! </li> <li>Try to carpool; you&rsquo;ll save on gas and carbon emissions! </li> <li>Avoid harmful chemical cleaning supplies, use vinegar, baking soda etc for a less toxic and less expensive (but still clean!) home. </li> <li>Invest in Rechargeable batteries! </li> <li>Start a garden! </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here is a cool article on &ldquo;8 Alternative Fuels That Could Replace Oil&rdquo; </p> <p><a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/alternative-fuel-cars-460509?click=pp">http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/alternative-fuel-cars-460509?click=pp</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For more green advice, check out TheDailyGreen.com <a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/">http://www.thedailygreen.com/</a>&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are some cute eco friendly kid&rsquo;s crafts to help the environment!</p> <p>Egghead Eggshell Planter <a href="http://crafts.kaboose.com/egghead.html">http://crafts.kaboose.com/egghead.html</a> </p> <p>Tin can Herb Pots <a href="http://crafts.kaboose.com/earth-tin-can-herb-pots.html">http://crafts.kaboose.com/earth-tin-can-herb-pots.html</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For Projects, crafts, coloring pages, and quizzes, click here! <a href="http://holidays.kaboose.com/earth-day/">http://holidays.kaboose.com/earth-day/</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To see what Earth day has done around the world, click here!</p> <p><a href="http://www.earthday.org/earthday2010">http://www.earthday.org/earthday2010</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:de810962-2535-418d-8359-967dee54b715Background In the Jewish religion, this holiday is the festival of freedom.&nbsp; Consisting of eight days, this celebration commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites form slavery in ancient Egypt.&nbsp; The ancient Jewish people were subjected...Wed, 20 Apr 2011 07:15:59 -0500<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Background</span></p> <p>In the Jewish religion, this holiday is the festival of freedom.&nbsp; Consisting of eight days, this celebration commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites form slavery in ancient Egypt.&nbsp; The ancient Jewish people were subjected to slavery and labor under the Egyptian Pharaohs, and according to Jewish belief, God sent a plague to kill all of the Egyptian peoples first born, sparing the Jewish people. In order for the Jewish people to be spared they had to put lambs blood over the door to the home.&nbsp; The Pharaoh then let the people leave and over 600,000 people left Egypt.&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Observances</span></p> <p>The first and last two days of the holiday are to commemorate the parting of the Red Sea, where holiday candles are lit, and work is not permitted.&nbsp; The intermediate days are semi-festival and work is permitted.</p> <p>The consumption of any food or drink that contains traces of grain products is not allowed.&nbsp; The Jewish people rid their houses of all such products before the holiday begins, and burning of such products is practiced on the morning before the holiday. Matzah is eaten in place of bread, along with bitter herbs (symbolizing bitter slavery) and drinking four cups of wine/grape juice to celebrate freedom.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For activities, history, stories and interactive material, check out this site! </p> <p><a href="http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/default_cdo/jewish/Passover.htm">http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/default_cdo/jewish/Passover.htm</a> </p>urn:uuid:a06c1f26-ebf6-4784-b54f-a52366fb86e4Today is the day where practical jokes and pranks are common. The jokes range from ringing doorbells and hiding to writing shocking Facebook statuses to fake phone calls.&nbsp; April Fools day originated some time before the 16th century in France. P...Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:30:44 -0500<p>Today is the day where practical jokes and pranks are common. The jokes range from ringing doorbells and hiding to writing shocking Facebook statuses to fake phone calls.&nbsp; April Fools day originated some time before the 16^th century in France. Prior to 1582 the New Year was always celebrated over 8 days beginning on March 25^th with the big party on April 1^st. However when the Gregorian calendar was introduced New Years was moved to Jan. 1^st. &nbsp;Well news didn&rsquo;t travel as fast as it does today and the folks that still celebrated New Years on April 1^st were thought of as &ldquo;backward&rdquo; or &ldquo;Fools&rdquo; by the more informed folks. <br /> <br /> Over time this mockery of the &ldquo;Fools&rdquo; evolved into a tradition of prank-playing that eventually made its way across the English Channel and the rest is history as they say.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are some delightful April Fools Pranks!</p> <p>Top 100 April fool&rsquo;s Day Hoaxes of All Time <a href="http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/" target="_blank" re_target="null">http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/</a> </p> <p>Photo Hoaxes! <a href="http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/photo_database" target="_blank" re_target="null">http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/photo_database</a> </p> <p>Top Ten College Pranks <a href="http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/newsletter/nov2002.html" target="_blank" re_target="null">http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/newsletter/nov2002.html</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>From all of us at AJM Insurance, have a fun and safe April fool&rsquo;s Day!</p>urn:uuid:25849b06-de0d-42d9-8c0e-69620521bd6b<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/Spring-Flowers-34302.jpg' align='left' />&nbsp; &nbsp; A time for planting flowers, warmer weather, light jackets and drizzling rain! AJM Insurance would like to provide you with some gardening tips for you to get started on this spring! A home garden can dramatically cut down on co...Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:55:09 -0500<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;">A time for planting flowers, warmer weather, light jackets and drizzling rain! AJM Insurance would like to provide you with some gardening tips for you to get started on this spring!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" width="471" height="556" style="width: 471px; height: 319px;" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/Spring-Flowers-34302.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><br /> A home garden can dramatically cut down on costs and can be a fun project to do with your family! </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Gardening Tips</span></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>Start working the soil, only when it is moderately dry, to avoid ruining the soil</li> <li>If you plan to use seeds, use raised beds or pots to start off your seedlings- they will have a better chance of survival</li> <li>Before planting, check to see if you are planting the plants in the right season, and in the right spots.&nbsp; Some plants can be fickle and not like a ton of sunlight&hellip;etc.</li> <li>If you start seedlings indoors, slowly expose them outside, same with sun exposure</li> <li>Start a compost, to help make a green garden and save on buying expensive fertilizers here is a great site to help start your own compost! <a href="http://composting.suite101.com/article.cfm/composting_can_be_done_in_a_small_space">http://composting.suite101.com/article.cfm/composting_can_be_done_in_a_small_space</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; </li> <li>Cutting off the top part of a plant that is growing tall and lanky will make the plant grow out more fully</li> <li>Rotate where you plant vegetable crops.&nbsp; Tomatoes, for example, are especially vulnerable to diseases that may linger in the soil or in plant residue.</li> </ul> <p>Check HGTV.com for great information on growing plants! </p>urn:uuid:30e3d65e-b26b-4bc9-8b8d-d0e36bd1eae3<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/st_patricks_day_parade_2011_sebastien_band.jpg' align='left' />&nbsp; Its time to get your Irish on and celebrate the one and only St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day! AJM would like to give you some fun facts on just how the holiday came about.&nbsp;&nbsp; Facts: St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day is celebrated every year on Mar...Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:35:07 -0500<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #00b050;">Its time to get your Irish on and celebrate the one and only St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day! AJM would like to give you some fun facts on just how the holiday came about.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span style="color: #00b050;">Facts:</span></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="color: #00b050;">St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day is celebrated every year on March 17^th. </span></li> <li><span style="color: #00b050;">It is the anniversary of St. Patrick&rsquo;s death in the 5^th century. It is a day celebrated by first going to church in the morning, and then later celebrated by dancing, drinking, and feasting! </span></li> <li><span style="color: #00b050;">The first St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day was surprisingly celebrated right on the streets of New York City. It was celebrated on March 17^th, 1762 by Irish soldiers who served in the English military. </span></li> <li><span style="color: #00b050;">When the Irish came to America due to the Potatoes Famine, they were portrayed in newspapers as drunks and violent idiots. The Irish eventually came up with a voting block called the &ldquo;Green Machine&rdquo; which allowed them to swing votes for political leaders more to their favor. </span></li> <li><span style="color: #00b050;">St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day was a day which showed Irish Americans strengths and was finally given satisfaction in 1948 when President Truman attended the New York City St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day. This showed that all of the stereotypes and racial prejudices that went against the Irish were starting to dissipate due to the Irish Americans hard work to prove those stereotypes wrong.&nbsp; </span></li> <li><span style="color: #00b050;">Today St. Patrick&rsquo;s day is celebrated in more than just America and Ireland. It is celebrated in such countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Russia. </span></li> <li><span style="color: #00b050;">St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day is still a religious holiday, but has moved more towards a day of celebrating life and all that we have. </span></li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #00b050;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #00b050;">So from all of us here at AJM, we wish you a Happy St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day<br /> </span>&nbsp;&nbsp; <img alt="" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/st_patricks_day_parade_2011_sebastien_band.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><br /> Work Cited:</p> <p>"St. Patrick's Day." <i>History.com</i>. A&amp;E Television Networks, 2010. Web. 16 Jun 2010. &lt;http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day&gt;.</p>urn:uuid:d6d19f43-4c2c-4b70-9255-4a8b49245350<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/images.jpg' align='left' />Valentines Day is here and we want to make sure that you have some ideas for what to give to that special person. Here are 10 ideas that will make your Valentines Day the best one yet! &nbsp; Write a poem that express&rsquo;s your feeling o...Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:47:58 -0600<p><span style="font-size: 18px;">V</span>alentines Day is here and we want to make sure that you have some ideas for what to give to that special person. Here are 10 ideas that will make your Valentines Day the best one yet!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li> <p>Write a poem that express&rsquo;s your feeling or history with that person. (Girls always like a nice poem!)</p> </li> <li> <p>Make a nice card for that special person, it means more when it is made by hand and with your own creativity.</p> </li> <li> <p>Plan a nice dinner for the two of you, be sure that you reserve your spot at least a week or two before Valentines Day, just incase.</p> </li> <li> <p>Plan a trip for the two of you to go out somewhere nice. Maybe a theme park or some sort of vacation.</p> </li> <li> <p>If there is a band that he or she likes then consider buying tickets and taking them out to it.</p> </li> <li> <p>Breakfast in bed is always nice!</p> </li> <li> <p>For jewelry, make sure that you are not&nbsp;picking out the most expensive thing, but the thing that shows your love the most, or a&nbsp;piece of jewelry that will express that special someone&rsquo;s personality.</p> </li> <li> <p>Clothes can always be nice, but be careful with this one. Make sure you know the characteristics of the person you&rsquo;re buying for. For instance clothes sizes, favorite colors, favorite brand, etc.</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p>&nbsp;Flowers with your favorite color and your valentine&rsquo;s favorite color as well. </p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Most of all do an activity together, for example cooking together can be very romantic and fun. It allows you two to talk and be interactive with each other. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>No matter what, treat that special someone with the love and kindness that you would want. Remember you only live once, but love lasts forever. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">So from AJM, we wish you all a very happy Valentines Day!<br /> <br /> <img alt="" width="222" height="227" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/images.jpg" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> </span></p>urn:uuid:bea7abed-f677-4ed8-9d66-81fe8f334ef6Snow continues to come to the Northeast and unfortunately too many business find themselves unprepared. The potential for roof collapse or structural damage increases as the weight of accumulated snow and ice exceeds the snow load capacity of the roo...Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:44:03 -0600Snow continues to come to the Northeast and unfortunately too many business find themselves unprepared. The potential for roof collapse or structural damage increases as the weight of accumulated snow and ice exceeds the snow load capacity of the roof.<br /> <br /> Rain falling on accumulated snow is especially dangerous because snow-covered roofs do not drain well and accumulating water and ice can quickly exceed the design limits of the roof. &nbsp;Well with some early spring like temperatures and rain in our forecast&nbsp;we want you to&nbsp;be aware of the problem.&nbsp; In an effort to prevent collapse or other damage we have provided a link to <a href="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/Safe work practices on snow covered roofs.pdf" target="_blank">Safe Work Practices on Snow-Covered Roofs</a>. This information has been provided to us courtesy of Peerless Insurance.<br /> <br /> Should you not be able to open this document or have questions please call our office.urn:uuid:c8a4327f-3c62-46ac-9794-ffbe27feceb8<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/ribbon%20cutting.bmp' align='left' />The article below was reprinted&nbsp;from the Burlington County Time of Feb 4th 2011. MOUNT LAUREL - Jay Buchanon is a big believer in the future of the insurance industry. Buchanon, who worked in the field for 15 years, is one of the advocates of ...Mon, 07 Feb 2011 09:09:44 -0600<p><em>The article below was reprinted&nbsp;from the Burlington County Time of Feb 4th 2011.<br /> <br /> </em>MOUNT LAUREL - Jay Buchanon is a big believer in the future of the insurance industry. </p> <p>Buchanon, who worked in the field for 15 years, is one of the advocates of a new initiative at Burlington County College in which a select group of students is taking part in insurance classes that will lead to a special designation. </p> <p>"Some young people think insurance is boring, but it's not," said the teacher of business and accounting at the college. "There are a lot of opportunities." </p> <p>On Thursday afternoon, Buchanon took part in the official launch of the college foundation's new program that will provide classes for students to become certified as chartered property-casualty underwriters. </p> <p>According to industry experts, the designation is the equivalent of a CPA's license in the accounting profession. </p> <p>The event took place in Laurel Hall at the Mount Laurel campus on Route 38. School, business and political officials attended along with about a dozen of the students taking the classes. </p> <p>CNA Insurance of Chicago agreed to sponsor the students to take the first two classes. In addition, the Insurance Society of Philadelphia recruited the instructor for the course and has committed to providing support to the program. </p> <p>Buchanon is also leading by example. He said he was taking the class to get certified. </p> <p>Students taking part in Thursday's event were enthusiastic. </p> <p>Claretha Mervin, 62, of Willingboro, said she was looking forward to "doing something different." </p> <p>"I just want to learn the field," said Mervin, a retired manager from Verizon who will graduate in the spring with a degree in business administration. </p> <p>Her thoughts were echoed by Michelle Walker. The Pemberton Township resident said she wanted to better herself. </p> <p>A secretary for the Pemberton Township School District since 1992, Walker, 45, said she learned about the insurance class from Buchanon, her accounting teacher. </p> <img alt="" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/ribbon%20cutting.bmp" /><br /> <p><em><span style="font-size: 13px;"><strong>Tony Mahon, President of AJM (2nd from left) at ribbon cutting.</strong> <span style="font-size: 10px;">Picture courtsey of Gordon Hudson.<br /> </span></span></em><br /> "There's a demand in the industry," she said. "I want a better job and + it leads me to a better field." </p> <p>College officials agreed that the impetus for the program was Tony Mahon, president of AJM Insurance in Cherry Hill. </p> <p>They said the agreement with CNA was forged thanks to Mahon's enthusiasm and energy. Mahon, a Springfield resident, also is on the college foundation's board of directors. </p> <p>"He has been the driver of the program," said Moorestown businesswoman Amy Webb, who is also on BCC's board of trustees. "He has done a great job." </p> <p>Webb, owner of Saratoga Benefit Services, an employee benefits consulting firm, praised the initiative as much needed in the face of today's economic reality. </p> <p>"We think it's a wonderful program," she said. "The emphasis is on a specific skill which the economy demands today. This puts the students ahead of the curve." </p> <p>Mahon made a special reference to the diversity of the students taking the classes, adding that they were a "microcosm" of society. </p> <p>Once the students complete and pass all five courses over the next 18 months, they will earn 15 college credits. </p> <p>Buchanon said the demand for underwriters in particular would increase as the older generation retired in the next few years. </p> <p>"There are a lot of good-paying jobs with retirement benefits," Webb added. "This program will give (the students) a great opportunity." </p> <p><b>Chris Bishop can be reached at 609-871-8140, </b><a href="mailto:cbishop@phillyBurbs.com"><b>cbishop@phillyBurbs.com</b></a><b> or twitter.com/chrisleebishop.</b></p>urn:uuid:418a511f-ae1e-4772-8605-83d77bf9ccb6 "Well, it's Groundhog Day... again... and that must mean that we're up here at Gobbler's Knob waiting for the forecast from the world's most famous groundhog weatherman, Punxsutawney Phil, who's just about to tell us how much more winter we can expe...Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:09:26 -0600<p><span style="font-size: 32px;"><span style="font-size: 24px;"></span><br /> <span style="font-size: 18px;">"Well, it's Groundhog Day... again... and that must mean that we're up here at Gobbler's Knob waiting for the forecast from the world's most famous groundhog weatherman, Punxsutawney Phil, who's just about to tell us how much more winter we can expect". <br /> <em><br /> Bill Murray's character Phil Conners from the 1993 movie Groundhog Day.<br /> </em></span><br /> </span><span style="font-size: 18px;">O</span>n February 2^nd of every year the nation turns its eyes to Punxsutawney Pennsylvania to get a weather forecast.&nbsp; <strong>AJM</strong> would like to give you some fun little facts on just how this holiday actually started.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>In 1887, was celebrated for the first time at Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p>The roots of Groundhog Day first started with the Christian tradition of Candlemas Day, which was a day when a clergy would bless and give out candles that would be needed winter. Each candle represented how long the winter would be.</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p>Germans took the idea of Candlemas Day and expanded it to using an animal to judge the winter, which they choose a hedgehog. When Germans came to America, they changed the tradition for hedgehogs to groundhogs.</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p>In February, male groundhogs come out from hibernation to search for a mate before they go back underground.</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p>Eventually in 1887, a newspaper editor of Punxsutawney who belonged to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club declared the name of one groundhog to be the official weather telling marmot, which is Phil the groundhog.</p> </li> </ul> <ul> <li> <p>So every year on February 2^nd, people come all around to see whether or not Phil the groundhog sees his shadow (which means six more weeks of winter) or if he does not see his shadow and goes on his merry way (which means an early spring).</p> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fun Little Facts:</span></b></p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Groundhogs are the largest members of the squirrel family.</p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They can swim and climb trees</p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Groundhogs fill up their tummies during the summer and hibernate during the winter in their warm cozy underground homes. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">For more information and facts check out:</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>"First Groundhog Day." <i>History.com</i>. History.com, 2010. Web. 16 Jun 2010. <a href="http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/2/2" target="_blank">http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/2/2</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>"Groundhog Day." <i>Groundhog.com</i>. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club , 2010. Web. 16 Jun 2010. <a href="http://www.groundhog.org/" target="_blank">http://www.groundhog.org/</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>"Groundhog." <i>National Geographic</i>. National Geographic Society, 2010. Web. 16 Jun 2010. <a href="http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/groundhog.html" target="_blank">http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/groundhog.html</a>.</p>urn:uuid:3cea2d71-8a8f-4ceb-9d86-31e38feecd18<img src='http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/images/default/template/adtoparrow.gif' align='left' /> Below is a story that appeard in the Burlington County Time on Monday, January 31, 2011.&nbsp;Click here for to be linked to the story on PhillyBurbs.com. Tony Mahon believes the insurance field is a great place to find a job - especially with the...Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:54:02 -0600<div id="pbTextBody"> <p><strong>Below is a story that appeard in the Burlington County Time on Monday, January 31, 2011</strong>.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times/bct_news_details/article/26/2011/january/31/college-insurance-industry-form-alliance.html#" target="_blank">Click here for to be linked to the story on PhillyBurbs.com.<br /> <br /> </a><br /> Tony Mahon believes the insurance field is a great place to find a job - especially with the right experience and credentials. </p> <p>"The insurance industry is terrific because there is a broad array of jobs," said Mahon, owner of AJM Insurance in Cherry Hill. "If you open the classifieds any Sunday, look at insurance; there are tons of jobs." </p> <p>That's one reason why he is enthusiastic about the latest employment-related initiative launched at Burlington County College. </p> <p>Under the program, organized by Mahon and the college foundation, BCC's fundraising arm, CNA Insurance Co. in Chicago has funded the cost of students who are taking classes so they can be certified as chartered property and casualty underwriters, a professional designation in property-casualty insurance and risk management. </p> <p>Mahon said it is one of the "premier" designations in the insurance industry, similar to being a CPA in the accounting field. </p> <p>Twelve students are taking the classes. Once they have completed and passed all five courses in the next 18 months, each student will have earned 15 college credits. </p> <p>Mahon, who has been described as the driving force behind the arrangement, said it was a positive step for the students and BCC. </p> <p>In addition to CNA, the 110-year-old Insurance Society of Philadelphia recruited an instructor for the course and has committed to providing support for the program. </p> <div id="adtop"> <div id="adtoprt"><!--<a href="news/local/burlington_county_times/bct_news_details/article/26/2011/january/31/college-insurance-industry-form-alliance.html#adjump">Story continues below <img src="http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/images/default/template/adtoparrow.gif" width="7" height="9" border="0"></a>--></div> Advertisement <script language="JavaScript">yld_mgr.place_ad_here("s1");</script> <a name="adjump"></a>"It's a win-win," said David Arnold, president of the society, in a news release. "We believe + a society like ours must collaborate with area universities and colleges to promote education, industry and employment. We see all these virtues in this relationship and could not be more thrilled to participate." </div> <p>Mahon said the students would have the opportunity to intern with insurance companies, such as AJM, giving them an even better opportunity to enter the field. </p> <p>He praised the students taking the classes, saying they came from a diverse background. </p> <p>"This selection is a cross-section of America," Mahon said. "Young and old, black and white, Hispanic, working mothers, people who were laid off." </p> <p>To celebrate the kickoff of the program, BCC will host a welcome reception for the inaugural class at 4 p.m. Thursday in Room 320 of Laurel Hall at its Mount Laurel campus on Route 38. </p> <p>"When you get into the insurance field, you really are set for a long career as long as you like," Mahon said. "The jobs are there." </p> <p><b>Chris Bishop can be reached at 609-871-8140, </b><a href="mailto:cbishop@phillyBurbs.com"><b><span style="color: #810081;">cbishop@phillyBurbs.com</span></b></a><b>&nbsp;or twitter.com/chrisleebishop.</b></p> </div>urn:uuid:6a2e21b9-1576-49b2-b4dc-5ccb9d387b12The Burlington County College Foundation has organized a unique way to unite high-achieving students with insurance industry expertise and opportunity.&nbsp; CNA Insurance has generously agreed to sponsor selected BCC students to take the first two C...Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:56:26 -0600<p>The<strong> </strong><a href="http://staff.bcc.edu/foundation/" target="_blank"><strong>Burlington County College Foundation</strong> </a>has organized a unique way to unite high-achieving students with insurance industry expertise and opportunity.&nbsp; <strong>CNA </strong>Insurance has generously agreed to sponsor selected BCC students to take the first two CPCU classes as they work toward this important designation.&nbsp; In addition, the <a href="http://www.insurancesociety.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Insurance Society of Philadelphia</strong> </a>recruited the instructor for the course and has committed to providing vital support to the program.<br /> <br /> Once the students have completed and passed all five courses over the next 18 months, each student will have also earned 15 college credits from BCC.&nbsp; According to BCC Board of Trustee member <strong>Amy Webb</strong>, this program is one more way the College connects students with careers.&nbsp; &ldquo;The generous support of CNA is greatly appreciated and this level of commitment emphasizes to our students that their studies are important to their career choice.&rdquo;</p> <p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a win-win,&rdquo; according to<strong> David Arnold</strong>, President of the <a href="http://www.insurancesociety.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Insurance Society of Philadelphia</strong></a>, who added, &ldquo;We believe a 110-year old professional education society like ours must collaborate with area universities and colleges to promote education, industry and employment.&nbsp; We see all these virtues in this relationship and could not be more thrilled to participate with BCC, its faculty, administration and, most of all, its students.&rdquo;</p> <p>&nbsp;<strong>CNA</strong> is headquartered in Chicago, IL and locally, this agreement was organized by <strong>Tony Mahon</strong>, President of Cherry Hill-based <a href="http://www.ajminsurance.com" target="_blank"><strong>AJM Insurance</strong></a>. &ldquo;BCC has identified a diverse and motivated group of students to participate in this initial course offering and we will be pleased to welcome them through internships to the industry upon completion,&rdquo; said Mahon.<br /> <br /> To celebrate the kick-off to the program, the College will host a welcome reception for the inaugural class of students. The reception will be held on Wednesday, January 26 at 4 pm in room 320 of Laurel Hall on BCC&rsquo;s Mt. Laurel campus.&nbsp; Following the reception, the students will head off to their first class session.&nbsp;</p> <p>To find out more about The <a href="http://staff.bcc.edu/foundation/" target="_blank">Burlington County College Foundation </a>supported programs and internship opportunities, call the Executive Director, <strong>Rebecca Corbin</strong>, at 609.222.9311, ext. 2511.</p>urn:uuid:092c49e7-9aa0-462a-88a8-f588dff00b64New York Life Insurance,&nbsp; Barclay Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Admiral Insurance, All State Insurance, J. Walker Pierson Insurance Agency,&nbsp; Granite Insurance Agency, Gallagher Group, Fairview Associates, Joseph J Schipsi Inc,&nbsp; Stee...Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:21:23 -0600New York Life Insurance,&nbsp; Barclay Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Admiral Insurance, All State Insurance, J. Walker Pierson Insurance Agency,&nbsp; Granite Insurance Agency, Gallagher Group, Fairview Associates, Joseph J Schipsi Inc,&nbsp; Steele Financial Solutions,&nbsp;&nbsp; MetLife SBC, Mass Mutual, Guggino Associates,&nbsp; Advanced Benefits Services Inc., Friedman&rsquo;s Benefits Group Inc., Unum, Santarpio Financial Group, Kaminer Financial Group Ltd., Sherwin Associates Inc., Benefit Processing Inc., KEH Insurance Agency Inc., Widerman &amp; Co Insurance, Vaughan Wm D., Mass Mutual,&nbsp;Katz-Pierce Inc.,&nbsp;Geico, Dalton Insurance Agency, Delsea Insurance Agency, Farm Bureau Insurance, New Roads Insurance Agency, Allstate Insurance, Joel Magaziner Ford Inc., Len Eckman Inc., State Farm Insurance, Harrington Insurance Agency, Farm Family Life Insurance Co., Farmers Insurance Group, W. Bruce Beaton Company, Atlantic Insurance Services Inc., Prudential Insurance Co., Lanzetta Insurance Agency, National Benefit Resources, Lincoln Financial Field, Liberty Mutual, Dijosie Insurance Agency, Keller Insurance Services,&nbsp;Donna M&nbsp;Kramer&nbsp;Insurance Agency,&nbsp; Mark Insurance Group, Capacity Coverage Co., Monroe Brokerage Association Inc., Arc Mid Atlantic, Price-Milam Insurance Agency,&nbsp; Michaels Agency Inc., Licht Gerald: Auto-Home-Life, Kirby Jas B. Insurance Agency Inc., P.A. Spinelli Inc., JRM Benefits Consultants LLC, Earle H. Sloan Inc., W. Bruce Beaton Co. Inc., ABCO Insurance Agency Inc.,&nbsp; Admiral Insurance Co., Hutchinson Agency, Ardite Insurance, Affordable Insurance Agency, Boorstein Steven A.,&nbsp; The Barclay Group, Farinelli Agency Inc., Golf-Holeinone LLC, Spartan Planning Agency, M &amp; C Insurance Agency, Rue Insurance, G. William Collier Agency, Clegg- Steel Insurance Agency, Harrah &amp; Assoc - Commercial Residential Property Workers Compensation Insurance, R.P. Bonanni Insurance Agency, NJ Family Care, Met Life, Farm Life Insurance, Savoy Associates, Progressive Insurance, Selective Insurance Co., Manze Jos S. Insurance Agency, Deswert Insurance Agency, Jersey State Insurance, K. McCoy Insurance,&nbsp; Nottingham Insurance,Wolf Steven Insurance Agency, Sapnar Insurance Agency, Hicks Insurance Co., Sheehy Associates, Keystone Insurance Co., United Health Group, Mesanko F. &amp; Son, Joseph Affatato Insurance, HMO Associates, Wagner David P Cic, Grogh Insurance,&nbsp; Thrivent Financial-Lutherans, Appaya Financial Services Agencyurn:uuid:48ab61d3-30ba-46c4-8d7e-0b47c6d8aaaf<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/newyearseve-timessquare.jpg' align='left' /> New Years Eve is almost here.&nbsp;&nbsp;On New Years&nbsp;we reflect on&nbsp;the fun times, the bad times, the things you have accomplished, and the things you desire to accomplish&nbsp;in the coming&nbsp;year. There is normally a big party or just...Wed, 29 Dec 2010 08:13:21 -0600<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" width="247" height="356" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/newyearseve-timessquare.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size: 24px;">N</span>ew Years Eve is almost here.&nbsp;&nbsp;On New Years&nbsp;we reflect on&nbsp;the fun times, the bad times, the things you have accomplished, and the things you desire to accomplish&nbsp;in the coming&nbsp;year. There is normally a big party or just a simple get together to watch that ball drop in Times Square. You must enjoy those last couple hours till the start of a new year! So before you go out to party, here are just a couple of safety precautions to keep in mind.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Try not to make drinking the main focus of the party, or at least limit yourself to the amount you are going to drink.</p> <p>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Be sure to not serve alcohol to any minors, if you are not sure of the age then just ask for I.D.</p> <p>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Try to eat before you drink as to avoid the alcohol hitting you too fast.</p> <p>4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you plan on drinking and you need to get home, be sure to have a designated driver who can take you there.</p> <p>5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you are having a party at your house, try to keep those who drank at your house, as to avoid any accidents that could harm them and others.</p> <p>6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keep an eye on your drink at all times, as to avoid anyone slipping&nbsp;something into it.</p> <p>7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If someone passes out from too much drinking, keep a check on his or hers condition, such as breathing, heart rate, and vomiting.</p> <p>8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Know the signs of alcohol poisoning. <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alcohol-poisoning/DS00861/DSECTION=symptoms" target="_blank">Click here for symptoms.<br /> </a><br /> 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No need to rush yourself while drinking, take your time, there is no rush. Rushing is how most people get sick.</p> <p>10.&nbsp; If anybody you see has signs of being drugged or alcohol poisoning, call 9-1-1 immediately. The longer you wait the worse the condition will get.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here is a website that has some <a href="http://safeparty.ucdavis.edu/host/index.html" target="_blank">safety tips for partying and drinking</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 32px;">From everyone here at AJM, we wish you a Happy and Safe New Years!</span></p>urn:uuid:8dc49f9c-6d05-4d15-921f-5f9b7985a700<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/scr-winter-lake.jpg' align='left' />Today is the shortest day of the year, also known as the winter solstice.&nbsp; Winter solstice is a day which has the least amount of sunlight all day. After today, the days will start to get longer and longer until it averages out.&nbsp; The solsti...Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:10:15 -0600<p>Today is the shortest day of the year, also known as the winter solstice.&nbsp; Winter solstice is a day which has the least amount of sunlight all day. After today, the days will start to get longer and longer until it averages out.&nbsp; The solstice also marks the first day of winter in the northern hemisphere, so put on your hat and gloves and enjoy the small amount of sunlight that today has to offer!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">From AJM Insurance, have a safe and fun winter!</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/scr-winter-lake.jpg" /></p>urn:uuid:639bfdf9-f5a2-45de-8911-c8452438e6b7<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/national-christmas-tree-day.jpg' align='left' /> A Christian holiday that has adopted many different traditions over the year, Christmas is a time for crowded stores, hunting down that perfect tree, as well as mailing out a ridiculous amount of holiday greeting cards!&nbsp; AJM Insurance would lik...Tue, 14 Dec 2010 08:29:35 -0600<p>_{<img alt="" width="473" height="462" style="width: 473px; height: 266px;" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/national-christmas-tree-day.jpg" /> <p><span style="font-size: 18px;">A Christian holiday that has adopted many different traditions over the year, Christmas is a time for crowded stores, hunting down that perfect tree, as well as mailing out a ridiculous amount of holiday greeting cards!&nbsp; AJM Insurance would like to provide some fun facts regarding the origins of the holiday, as well as history on some of the fun traditions that make Christmas what it is today!<br /> <br /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Origins</span></b></p> <p>The name Christmas comes from two Old English words, &ldquo;Cristes Maesse&rdquo;, which means &ldquo;mass of Christ&rdquo; representing the story of the birth of baby Jesus in Bethlehem.&nbsp; Christ was born on the 25^th, however the month is uncertain.&nbsp; The Catholic Church chose December as a month to appeal to Pagan religion, which celebrated Yule around that time for the winter solstice.&nbsp; The Catholics adopted things such as the tree to allure Pagans to convert to Christianity. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Traditions</span></b></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Santa Clause</span>- Saint&nbsp; Nicholas of Turkey was a generous man who was devoted towards children.&nbsp; Claims arose that he could perform miracles and indifferent parts of the world, he is called different names.&nbsp; Many churches in Europe were dedicated to him, and in the 1100&rsquo;s December 6 was a day in his honor in which gift giving and charity was observed.&nbsp; All of these perceptions fit together to create the image of Santa that most people associate with today.</span> <ul style="list-style-type: circle; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">Russia- patron saint of Russia, characterized by red cape, and white beard</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">Greece- patron saint of sailors</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">France- patron of lawyers</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">Belgium- patron of children and travelers</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;">Dutch culture- the name Sint Nikolaas morphed into Sinterklaas, children would leave their wooden shoes by the fire, and Sinterklaas would reward good children with presents in their shoes.&nbsp; This tradition migrated to the Americas in the 1600&rsquo;s during colonization, where the name Santa Clause comes to fruition.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Christmas Tree</span>- decoration of indoor and outdoor trees in the Middle Ages depicted the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.&nbsp; Protestant reformer Martin Luther was the first to put lights on the tree and Queen Victoria&rsquo;s husband brought the Christmas tree over to England from Germany.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Stockings</span>- According to legend, a story of three young daughters left without dowries due to foolish spending by a widowed father, were helped by the generous St. Nicholas.&nbsp; He heard of their plight and set forth on his white horse to anonymously throw three small pouches of coins down the chimney, where they were captured involuntarily by the stockings they had hung by the fireplace to dry!</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mistletoe</span>- Scandanavians associated the plant with their goddess of love, hence the kissing tradition, Romans believed it to quell fighting- that &ldquo;enemies who met under mistletoe would lay down their weapons and embrace&rdquo;.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Holly</span>- Originally placed outside of doors and homes to drive away evil ghosts and demons.&nbsp; It was believed that it had magical properties since it remained green throughout winter.&nbsp; From a more religious story, it was said that holly sprung from the footsteps of Christ as he walked on the Earth.</span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Candy Canes</span>- Originally created in the shape to hang on trees, they were also given to children to keep them quiet during church ceremonies.&nbsp; The symbolism of the candy cane is that the white represents Christ&rsquo;s purity, red for the blood he shed, and three stripes represent the Holy Trinity. Although not proven, that is what many Christians believe.</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>These interesting facts and more can be read about here! <a href="http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html"><span style="font-size: 18px;">http://www.allthingschristmas.com/traditions.html</span></a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here are some fun activities to try with young children!</p> <p><a href="http://www.christmas-activities.com/"><span style="font-size: 18px;">http://www.christmas-activities.com/</span></a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>From all of us at AJM Insurance, Merry Christmas!</p> </span></p>}</p>urn:uuid:85351de7-be15-4f6e-8bd1-e83e26092ccd<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/fernandezED071510_opt.jpg' align='left' />COMMENTARY According to the most recent data provided by the National Highway Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for almost 20% of all motor vehicle accidents in the United States in 2008. And, as more students are taking to the stre...Tue, 07 Dec 2010 09:41:44 -0600<h6>COMMENTARY</h6> <p><img alt="" width="169" height="225" style="width: 169px; height: 171px;" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/fernandezED071510_opt.jpg" />According to the most recent data provided by the National Highway Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for almost 20% of all motor vehicle accidents in the United States in 2008. And, as more students are taking to the streets and walking to and from school every day, accidents caused by distracted drivers involving school-aged children are becoming commonplace in urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the country.</p> <p>In a report released in September in the <a href="http://ajph.aphapublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/AJPH.2009.187179v1" target="_self">American Journal of Public Health</a>, data gathered from the National Center for Statistics and Analysis reveal that auto accident deaths related to cell phone use and texting while driving have increased 28%; from 4,572 deaths in 2005 to 5,870 in 2008. Texting-while-driving has killed an estimated 16,000 people from 2001 through 2007.</p> Here in New Jersey, A Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind Poll conducted earlier this year showed that 21% of New Jersey drivers <em>admitted</em> that they text while driving. That number represents an increase of 15% from 2008 and is indicative of an alarming national trend. Despite a crack down on distracted driving by law enforcement, the trend continues to grow in New Jersey and isn't limited to any particular demographic or geographic region. <p>The good news about distracted driving is that through education and social awareness, these types of accidents are preventable. As the dangers of distracted driving start to become a subject of national media attention, it is important for parents to shoulder the primary responsibility of educating our kids on this issue &mdash; both to be aware of it as pedestrians and to prevent it as future drivers.</p> <p>Talking to our children about the dangers of distracted driving is equally as important as teaching our children by setting an example. We can't reasonably expect the next generation of drivers, who have more access to mobile electronic devices than the generation before, to concentrate on the road when they see their parents talking or texting while driving.</p> <p>Some of us have become so accustomed to returning e-mails or sending text messages, that it's going to take a conscious effort to either wait until we reach our destination or to pull over safely on the side of the road to use our hand held device.</p> <p>Keeping eyes focused on the road and becoming more aware of pedestrians in crosswalks, especially near school zones, will help prevent unnecessary tragedies. New Jersey drivers have the opportunity to make our roadways and our crosswalks safer. Now, with more and more of our kids walking to and from school, there has never been a better time to become a more attentive and responsible driver.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>Ed Fernandez</strong> is the President and CEO of Palisades, which is a New Jersey car insurance company.<br /> <span style="font-size: 10px;">Used with perrmission</span>.</em></p>urn:uuid:313f99b3-25f6-4f02-9ee5-3977acf8eac3Known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, this holiday is an eight day long celebration for the Jewish religion.&nbsp; This holiday originated in the Hellinistic age, where suppression of Jewish religion was prominent.&nbsp; The temple was overrun by s...Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:37:54 -0600<p>Known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, this holiday is an eight day long celebration for the Jewish religion.&nbsp; This holiday originated in the Hellinistic age, where suppression of Jewish religion was prominent.&nbsp; The temple was overrun by successors of Alexander, and oppression was extreme, until the Jewish people revolted.&nbsp; The temple had a menorah which was always supposed to burn; however there was only enough oil after the struggle for one night.&nbsp; According to beliefs, the oil burned for eight days and that is what the celebration is really about, the miracle of the oil.&nbsp; The holiday is in remembrance of the rededication of the temple after being defiled by the Greeks.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The modern day holiday is celebrated by having a Hanukia which is a candelabrum to hold nine candles, one for each night and a candle in which to light the others each night.&nbsp; Another interesting tradition exhibited during the holiday is the consumption of fried foods, in symbolism with the oil from the story.&nbsp; The most common food is potato pancake, or latkes.&nbsp; The exchange of gifts is a modern addition, especially in places where there are Christians.&nbsp; A traditional gift however is Chanukah gelt, which is a small amount of money.&nbsp; This gift used to be for people to afford Chanukah candles.&nbsp; The game of Dreidel is a game of gambling with pennies, chocolate coines candy, etc.&nbsp; Four Hebrew letters are on the four sides and each side has something for the person to do with their &ldquo;currency&rdquo;.&nbsp; Nothing, all, half, and put are the general rules from the side names, Nun, Gimmel, Heh, and Shin.&nbsp; </p> <p >This year, Chanukah goes from December 1-9.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For an interesting site for stories, recipes and how to play dreidel, check out Chabad.org <a href="http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm">http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For more information on this Jewish Holiday, click here</p> <p><a href="http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/holiday7.html">http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/holiday7.html</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>From all of us at AJM Insurance, Happy Holidays!</p> <p>AJM Insurance does not discriminate against any race or religious belief, we only wish to honor and respect all religious affiliations and provide interesting facts and information for the betterment of society.</p>urn:uuid:4e9b267b-076f-4f8f-b165-2a5eb4c347ccIt&rsquo;s that time of year again! A time for turkey, holiday parades, family get-togethers and filling up on pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce.&nbsp; Held on the fourth Thursday of every November, Thanksgiving is a time to thank those important peopl...Sat, 20 Nov 2010 14:42:40 -0600<p>It&rsquo;s that time of year again! A time for turkey, holiday parades, family get-togethers and filling up on pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce.&nbsp; Held on the fourth Thursday of every November, Thanksgiving is a time to thank those important people in your lives and celebrate good times from the year.&nbsp; Here are some interesting facts regarding the first Thanksgiving! Take a look!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Facts:</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li>By 1621, only half of the pilgrims survived from living in America a year after sailing from the Mayflower. Those survivors, thankful to be alive, created a huge feast. </li> <li>Celebrated the first Thanksgiving day in Plymouth Massachusetts </li> <li>The drink brought from the Pilgrims on their voyage was beer. </li> <li>Wampanoag Indians helped the pilgrim&rsquo;s farm and live in this new environment. </li> </ul> <p>For more facts check out The Holiday Spot <a href="http://www.theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/trivia.htm">http://www.theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/trivia.htm</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To learn more about the history of the holiday, watch this short video! History Channel History of the Thanksgiving Holiday <a href="http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday#history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday">http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday#history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday</a> </p> <p>Fun videos about the history of the famous traditional holiday foods!</p> <p>Turkey <a href="http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday#holiday-foods-thanksgiving---turkey">http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday#holiday-foods-thanksgiving---turkey</a> </p> <p>Cranberries <a href="http://www.history.com/videos/holiday-foods-thanksgiving---pumpkin-pie#holiday-foods-thanksgiving---cranberry-bog">http://www.history.com/videos/holiday-foods-thanksgiving---pumpkin-pie#holiday-foods-thanksgiving---cranberry-bog</a> </p> <p>Pumpkin pie <a href="http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday#holiday-foods-thanksgiving---pumpkin-pie">http://www.history.com/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday#holiday-foods-thanksgiving---pumpkin-pie</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Need some inspiration for that thanksgiving feast? Food Network <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving-menus/package/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving-menus/package/index.html</a> has a whole list of 14 different menu recipes to try this thanksgiving!</p>urn:uuid:1ff17aef-0e5a-449a-9998-03dcde0ff4a5Did you know if your home is Vacant it can affect your coverage. Most policies have a vacancy clause that reduces coverage to fire only if the dwelling is vacant for 30 consecutive days. There is a difference between unoccupied and vacant. Vacant me...Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:18:15 -0600<p>Did you know if your home is Vacant it can affect your coverage. Most policies have a vacancy clause that reduces coverage to fire only if the dwelling is vacant for 30 consecutive days. </p> <p>There is a difference between unoccupied and vacant. Vacant means there are no furnishing and personal belongs. Usually there are no utilities on either.<br /> <br /> If you have questions about vacancy or wish to review your policy please call our office.</p>urn:uuid:9367a9fc-e80d-47c2-aacc-27deda7377faTop 10 Facts About the National Flood Insurance Program 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Everyone lives in a flood zone. 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Flood damage is not covered by homeowners policies. 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can buy...Wed, 03 Nov 2010 13:57:27 -0500<p style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><b>Top 10 Facts</b></p> <p style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><b>About the National Flood Insurance Program</b></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Everyone lives in a flood zone.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Flood damage is not covered by homeowners policies.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can buy flood insurance no matter what your risk is.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a low-cost policy for homes in low-to moderate risk areas.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Flood insurance is affordable.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Flood insurance is easy to get.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Contents coverage is separate, so renters can insure their belongings too.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Up to $1 million of flood insurance coverage is available for non-residential building and contents.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is usually a 30-day waiting period before the coverage goes into effect.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.25in; background: #f2f2f2;">10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal disaster assistance is usually in the form of a loan.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/" target="_blank">Find Out More about Flood Insurance here!</a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="https://www.insurancewebsitebuilder.com/Admin/%3Cobject%20originalAttribute=%22href%22%20originalPath=%22" width="480" height="385"><embed width="480" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lQzYdy77VJE?fs=1&amp;amp;hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" />'<br /> <br /> </a></p>urn:uuid:65672673-0c0e-4aa8-a146-f5b6880b2e42<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/scary%20house.jpg' align='left' />&nbsp; This year AJM Insurance is having a contest for those who can produce the scariest and most creative yards for this Halloween! &nbsp;Winner gets a new iPod Touch!!! &nbsp;Guidelines for the Contest: Must be relatively appropriate f...Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:48:36 -0500<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" width="177" height="87" style="width: 203px; height: 144px;" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/scary%20house.jpg" /><br /> <br /> This year AJM Insurance is having a contest for those who can produce the scariest and most creative yards for this Halloween! &nbsp;Winner gets a new <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipod/" target="_blank">iPod Touch</a>!!!</p> <p>&nbsp;Guidelines for the Contest:</p> <ol> <li> <p>Must be relatively appropriate for everybody (Not too much blood and gore).</p> </li> <li>Two pictures to be submitted both with you and your family in or in front of your yard to confirm its not copied off of a website. </li> <li>Most of all have fun with it! <p>&nbsp;</p> </li> </ol> <p><strong>&nbsp;Dates to Know:</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Contest goes from October 1^st to October 29th<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<strong>How to Submit:</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Submit picture to our email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:halloweenpictures@ajminsurance.com?subject=Halloween Contest" class="ApplyClass">halloweenpictures@ajminsurance.com</a> at any time through the contest.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -If you are not on our Facebook page, then stop waiting and fan us today at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/ajminsurance?ref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> ! </p> <p>&nbsp;The winning picture will be announced and posted on our Facebook page and blog within a week after final submissions. We will contact the winner via Facebook and our blog</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>urn:uuid:d9b3a9fb-2632-43f7-817f-b6964c6908ccAJM has just learned of the Free Smoke Detector Inspection &amp; Installation service for Senior Citizens of Cherry Hill. &nbsp;The Cherry Hill Fire Department will come and inspect your current smoke detector, or if you need a smoke detector they wi...Mon, 27 Sep 2010 10:30:36 -0500AJM has just learned of the Free Smoke Detector Inspection &amp; Installation service for Senior Citizens of Cherry Hill. &nbsp;The Cherry Hill Fire Department will come and inspect your current smoke detector, or if you need a smoke detector they will install a 10-year long life battery powered smoke detector free of charge.<br /> <br /> For more information goto <a href="http://www.cherryhillfire.org/community.asp?intCategoryID=5&amp;intArticleID=11&amp;section=_communityed" target="_blank">Cherry Hill Fire Department website</a><br /> <br /> Or to schedule an appointment with a smoke detector inspector call 856-429-7441<br /> <br /> Every home needs working smoke detector!urn:uuid:9a527849-b842-4655-b44f-75dbb7abfe6d<img src='http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/443623907_55b0b702f4.jpg' align='left' />&nbsp;Summer Checklist&nbsp; Before the summer ends,&nbsp;here&rsquo;s a list of 10 great things to do before Autumn arrives: Walk barefoot on the beach Catch fireflies Relax in a hammock Get up early to watch the sun rise H...Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:43:11 -0500<p><b><i><span style="text-decoration: underline;">&nbsp;Summer Checklist</span></i></b><b><i>&nbsp; </i></b></p> <p>Before the summer ends,&nbsp;here&rsquo;s a list of 10 great things to do before Autumn arrives:</p> <ol> <li>Walk barefoot on the beach </li> <li>Catch fireflies </li> <li>Relax in a hammock </li> <li>Get up early to watch the sun rise </li> <li>Host a barbeque </li> <li>Fly a kite </li> <li>Run through a sprinkler </li> <li>Re-read a favorite book </li> <li>Make a smore </li> <li>Try something totally new </li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; <img width="441" height="310" alt="" style="width: 389px; height: 254px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/443623907_55b0b702f4.jpg" /><br /> &nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> From everyone at AJM Insurance, Have a great Labor Day weekend!<br /> <br /> </p>urn:uuid:860c92bf-fa57-410f-aedf-1ea13ad2653a<img src='http://blogs.targetx.com/hbu/DawgTracks/fall-leaves.jpg' align='left' />Fall is around the corner! Fall is coming! And what does that mean? Back to school, whether you yourself are heading over to college, or if your youngest child is eager to start their first day of kindergarten, or even those days late to work because...Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:43:26 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Fall is around the corner!</strong></p> <p>Fall is coming! And what does that mean? Back to school, whether you yourself are heading over to college, or if your youngest child is eager to start their first day of kindergarten, or even those days late to work because you are now in a traffic jam behind a slow school bus&hellip;it&rsquo;s here!&nbsp;&nbsp;It also means leaves turning&nbsp;colors and lots of <span id="RadESpellError_0" class="RadEWrongWord">yardwork</span>!<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<img width="399" height="212" alt="" style="width: 383px; height: 257px;" src="http://blogs.targetx.com/hbu/DawgTracks/fall-leaves.jpg" /></p> <p>For back <span id="RadESpellError_1" class="RadEWrongWord">toschool</span> for the kids, here is a great website that has school lunch tips, crafts, &amp; ways to help your child to be confident about the first day back. <a href="http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/bts_main.htm" target="_blank" originalPath="http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/bts_main.htm " originalAttribute="href"><span id="RadESpellError_2" class="RadEWrongWord">Amazingmoms</span>.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;For young and older students alike, <a href="http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Back_to_School.shtml" target="_blank" originalPath="http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Back_to_School.shtml" originalAttribute="href"><span style="color: #810081;">usa.gov</span></a> has a <span id="RadESpellError_3" class="RadEWrongWord">GPA</span> calculator,&nbsp; an online college search,&nbsp; along with lot of other helpful resources.<br /> <br /> From all of us at AJM Insurance, have a safe and <span id="RadESpellError_4" class="RadEWrongWord">stressfree</span> school year!</p>urn:uuid:ad85ebc7-391a-400a-bf5f-ff8d8af8e56b<img src='http://blog.thepicketfence.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/eatingwell_DF5398_lg.jpg' align='left' />Summer Recipes Have a favorite recipe for the summer? Post it on facebook or even at info@ajminsurance.com!&nbsp; Here are some great recipe ideas to try! &nbsp;Here are a few favorite summertime favorites, with a bit of a twist! &nbsp;American Macar...Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:59:54 -0500<p><b><span style="font-size: 18px; text-decoration: underline;">Summer Recipes</span></b></p> <p>Have a favorite recipe for the summer? Post it on facebook or even at <a href="mailto:info@ajminsurance.com">info@ajminsurance.com</a>!&nbsp;<br /> Here are some great recipe ideas to try!</p> <p>&nbsp;<strong><span style="font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline;">Here are a few favorite summertime favorites, with a bit of a twist!</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/american-macaroni-salad-recipe/index.html " target="_blank">American Macaroni Salad </a>, A Great Picnic Favorite!</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/corn-on-the-cob-with-chili-and-lime-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Corn on the Cob with Chili and Lime</a>&nbsp;, &nbsp;A new way to look at corn on the cob!</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sandra-lee/apple-maple-turkey-burgers-with-maple-dijon-sauce-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Apple Maple Turkey Burgers with Maple Dijon Sauce&nbsp;</a>, &nbsp;These burgers are both healthy and full of sweet flavor!</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/grilled-tequila-garlic-lime-flank-steak-recipe/index.html " target="_blank">Grilled Tequila Garlic Lime Flank Steak Recipe </a>, An interesting take on traditional grilled steak!</p> <p>&nbsp;<strong><span style="font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline;">Try some of these refreshing summer drinks!</span></strong> </p> <p><a href=" http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/smoky-creamsicle-float-recipe/index.html " target="_blank">Smoky creamsicle float&nbsp;</a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/peach-ginger-iced-tea-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Peach Ginger Iced Tea</a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/peach-ice-cubes-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Try these Peach Ice Cubes </a><br /> <br /> <strong><span style="font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline;">Top it all off with these desserts!</span></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-oliver/creamy-rice-pudding-with-the-quickest-strawberry-jam-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Creamy Rice Pudding with the Quickest Strawberry Jam&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/eating-well/frozen-raspberry-pie-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Frozen&nbsp; Raspberry Pie</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;Think you have a recipe that would satisfy those hungering taste buds? Enter your recipe&nbsp;at <a href="mailto:info@ajminsurance.com">info@ajminsurance.com</a>&nbsp;for our mini online Recipe Book!<br /> <br /> <img width="354" height="229" alt="" src="http://blog.thepicketfence.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/eatingwell_DF5398_lg.jpg" /></p>urn:uuid:e1115171-658d-40b5-b4dd-711fb0c612a0<img src='http://www.wondergy.com/art/logos/phillies_logo.gif' align='left' />Phillies Baseball Team Information The Phillies are playing again this summer! Here are some facts of the great historic Philadelphia baseball team! -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Philadelphia Phillies were founded in 1883 -&nb...Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:52:42 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px; text-decoration: underline;">Phillies Baseball Team Information</span></strong></p> <p>The Phillies are playing again this summer! Here are some facts of the great historic Philadelphia baseball team!</p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Philadelphia Phillies were founded in 1883</p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They played their first game on May 1, 1883, in which they lost 4-3. That first season they won 17 out of 98 games</p> <p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/history/uniforms_logos.jsp" target="_blank">Click Here</a>&nbsp;to see a&nbsp;photo timeline of their outfits and logo changes throughout the years !<br /> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img width="327" height="348" alt="" style="width: 302px; height: 286px;" src="http://www.wondergy.com/art/logos/phillies_logo.gif" /><br /> &nbsp;&nbsp; Last year the Phillies won the World Series, and that gained a lot of enthusiastic expressions from the team&rsquo;s large fanbase.&nbsp; This year fans are hoping for another chance at the World Series and so far, the Phillies seem to be doing great!. As of right now, the Phillies have had six straight wins, after beating the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday. </p> <p>&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>This is a current list of the Managers and Coaches that are involved with the Phillies as of this season:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Charlie Manuel-Manager </li> <li>Greg Gross &ndash; Batting Coach </li> <li>Rich Dubee- Pitching Coach </li> <li>Davey Lopes-First Base Coach </li> <li>Sam Perlozzo-Third Base Coach </li> <li>Pete Mackanin-Bench Coach </li> <li>Mick Billmeyer- Bullpen Coach </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;<strong>For More on the Phillys, check out the </strong><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=PHI " target="_blank"><strong>Philadelphia Phillies Website</strong></a></p>urn:uuid:3f1b11f2-0a72-4103-83d6-b7d7c4d3774f<img src='http://www.homesolarpvpanels.com/Images/freestanding-solar-panels.jpg' align='left' />PSE&amp;G Solar Panel Plan In N.J. &nbsp;As many of our New Jersey residents have noticed, more and more solar panels are starting to be installed on telephone poles at a very fast rate. The Public Service Electric &amp; Gas Company has been attachin...Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:31:07 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px;">PSE&amp;G Solar Panel Plan In N.J.</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;As many of our New Jersey residents have noticed, more and more solar panels are starting to be installed on telephone poles at a very fast rate. The Public Service Electric &amp; Gas Company has been attaching solar panels to streetlights and utility poles which will generate clean and natural energy. It was said by Eileen Leahey, the manager of PSE&amp;G, &ldquo;One solar panel will generate 200 watts of power during the summer at peak time, however, financially there will be little to no impact&rdquo;. Petra Solar and AC Electric teamed up to install the solar panels on all of the utility poles that you have seen recently. This new program has brought New Jersey one step closer to being more eco-friendly than before.</p> <p>The panels are placed 18ft high on each pole and are made to be shatter proof as well as weather proof which makes the replacement of these panels incredibly low.<br /> <br /> <img width="259" height="184" alt="" src="http://www.homesolarpvpanels.com/Images/freestanding-solar-panels.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span>For More Info On This Topic :<br /> <a href="http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2010/02/pseg_to_install_solar_panels_o.html">http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2010/02/pseg_to_install_solar_panels_o.html</a><br /> <a href="http://www.greentechnolog.com/2010/06/solar_panels_blanket_nj_towns_on_utility_poles.html">http://www.greentechnolog.com/2010/06/solar_panels_blanket_nj_towns_on_utility_poles.html</a></p>urn:uuid:2254fab3-6cad-4611-afca-081a5ed13c52<img src='http://sezra1.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/hurricane-katrina_blog.jpg' align='left' />Tips for Hurricane Safety &nbsp;Preparation to Save You and Your Family&rsquo;s Lives Review your coverage, limits and deductibles now to be sure you understand them before any storm may hit. Talk to you family members about what they shoul...Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:56:06 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; text-decoration: underline;">Tips for Hurricane Safety</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Preparation to Save You and Your Family&rsquo;s Lives</span></strong></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Review your coverage, limits and deductibles now to be sure you understand them before any storm may hit. </li> <li>Talk to you family members about what they should do and how to do it incase a hurricane or any natural disaster may come your way. </li> <li>Know where all evacuation routes are in your area. </li> <li>Check to make sure that your home meets building codes that ensures it can endure hurricanes. </li> <li>Be sure that you know where your first aid kit is and that it contains all the first aid supplies needed. </li> <li>Have a stock of canned foods and bottled water that could last everyone in your household at least a week incase a disaster may arise. </li> <li>Keep a supply of important survival tools such as: Batteries, matches, and flashlights. </li> <li>Have all emergency numbers that you need on hand or in range of the phone. </li> <li>Clean and unclog any rain gutters and downspouts. </li> <li>Keep all trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood so that they will not break off easily and cause a potential threat. </li> <li><a href="http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_terms.shtm" target="_blank">Know the terms of all types of tropical cyclones and hurricanes.</a> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;<br /> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Some important survival items could be:</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Emergency Thermal Blanket<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Candles<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. Swiss Army Knife<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4. Axe<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5. Radio<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6. Duct Tape<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 7. Rubbing Alcohol (for sanitation)<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 8.T oilet wipes</p> <p>&nbsp;Quake Kare Inc. is a company that provides such kits and supplies for any type of disaster you may encounter. Always be prepared!<br /> <a href="http://www.quakekare.com/emergency-preparedness/home-preparedness.html" target="_blank">Click here to check out Quakekare.com</a>&nbsp;for emergency preparedness kits.</p> <p>&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An important tool that focuses directly on all hazards is the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Service Radio. This is a very handy tool when it comes to helping you keep an eye on any imminent storm or any receding storm that may affect you or any of your loved ones. For more information click the <a href="http://www.weather.gov/nwr/" target="_self">NOAA Weather Radio </a>&nbsp;link.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">When a Warning Has Been Issued In Your Area</span></strong></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Leave all low lying areas that may be easily swept over by high tides or storm waves. </li> <li>If you must leave than try to leave before hand, not at the last minute. </li> <li>Have a secure room accessible and available for those in your household. </li> <li>Protect your windows by boarding them up. </li> <li>Pay attention to the radio and television for updates. </li> <li>Be sure you have all supplies need at hand: First Aid Kit, Water and Food, eating utensils, and any other survival tools that you have. </li> <li>Know where all members of your household are located. </li> <li>Fill up any family vehicles with fuel since some gas stations may be lost or closed due&nbsp;to flooding. </li> <li>Have cash on hand just as a safety precaution. </li> <li>Secure any outside items that may become projectile during the storm, such as: Lawn chairs, garbage cans, garden tools, etc. </li> <li>Unplug any electrical appliances if told to by authorities. </li> <li>Keep refrigerator to maximum cold and only open when necessary. </li> <li>Turn off all propane tanks. </li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">For more safety precautions and information on how to go about surviving hurricanes check out these websites:</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.semo.state.ny.us/info/publicsafety/hurricaneprepare.cfm">http://www.semo.state.ny.us/info/publicsafety/hurricaneprepare.cfm</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.hurricaneville.com/safety.html">http://www.hurricaneville.com/safety.html</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Be sure that you are up to date with your insurance plan to make sure that you are protected in case of disaster. To provide you with any homeowners insurance and flood insurance, you can ensure that AJM Insurance has you covered!</strong><a href="http://www.ajminsurance.com/homeowners/default.aspx"><br /> <br /> Homeowners Insurance</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ajminsurance.com/flood/default.aspx" target="_blank">Flood Insurance</a><br /> <br /> <img alt="" src="http://sezra1.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/hurricane-katrina_blog.jpg" /><br /> <br /> </p> <p><a href="http://www.ajminsurance.com/flood/default.aspx"></a></p>urn:uuid:75a9c07b-8996-4459-86db-b29204294c72<img src='http://www.koleksifoto.com/images/wallpapers/10909129/Landscape/Hawai/Kaanapali%20Beach.jpg' align='left' />Summer Safety Driving Tips During the hot summer season, many are heading to the shore for some relaxation time.&nbsp; However, hitting crowded traffic and frustrated drivers is unavoidable.&nbsp; Even if you are just going for a drive to visit fami...Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:28:58 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Summer Safety Driving Tips<br /> <br /> </strong>During the hot summer season, many are heading to the shore for some relaxation time.&nbsp; However, hitting crowded traffic and frustrated drivers is unavoidable.&nbsp; Even if you are just going for a drive to visit family for a BBQ, keep in mind, there is still danger involved with driving.&nbsp; Here are some tips from AJM Insurance to remind you to take a deep breath and relax the next time you pack up for a day at the beach.&nbsp; Summer has just begun, so please drive safe and read these reminders and tips!</p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Plan ahead by mapping out the best route, and check traffic conditions before heading out. A website that may help you with directions is <a href="http://www.mapquest.com">Mapquest</a> .</li> <li>Turn off all distracting electronic devices such as cell phones, as to not be distracted while driving.&nbsp; </li> <li>If you need to send a text message, take or even make a phone call, pull over to a safe place before hand.</li> <li>Before leaving, buckle in children and keep them happy with snacks and entertainment.&nbsp; </li> <li>Make sure to eat a sensible meal before leaving, as this will increase your attention and mood during the drive.</li> <li>Do an overview of your car before you pull out of the driveway: Check the air in the tires, the oil of the car, even adjust your seat to make sure&nbsp;you are prepared and are ready for a relaxing, comfortable drive.</li> <li>Put on makeup, fix hair, and dress appropriately before leaving the house- so you don&rsquo;t have to do it while driving!</li> <li>Put your full attention into driving! Scan the road, observe any possible hazards or obstructions, and keep yourself focused on getting to your destination safely!</li> <li>Drive slowly around construction areas to avoid accidents</li> <li>Watch for potholes and uneven pavement, as they can wreak havoc on your tires! </li> <li>Drive slow! Studies show that speeds over 60 mph greatly decreases gas conservation.</li> <li>During rain, even if it is at night, wear sunglasses to prevent glare and increase visibility and reduce glare.&nbsp; </li> <li>Also, never cruise control when it is raining, as you can hydroplane and lose control of your car. Check these <a href="http://www.sonorannews.com/archives/2010/100526/healthyviewsDriving.html ">Rainy Driving Tips</a>&nbsp;in case of inclimate weather.</li> <li>Evaluate your own driving to make sure you aren&rsquo;t the one being unsafe!</li> <li>Enlist the help of friends and family on your journey to help with maps, directions, or finding something you need in the vehicle.&nbsp; The more the merrier, right? Click&nbsp;<a href="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/getthere/2010/05/summer_driving_tips.html">here</a> for more in depth summer advice!</li> </ul> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img width="576" height="432" alt="" style="width: 380px; height: 248px;" src="http://www.koleksifoto.com/images/wallpapers/10909129/Landscape/Hawai/Kaanapali%20Beach.jpg" />&nbsp;<a href="http://www.koleksifoto.com/images/wallpapers/10909129/Landscape/Hawai/Kaanapali%20Beach.jpg">Photo</a><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 16px;">For all of your car insurance needs, AJM Insurance can help!</span></p> <p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ajminsurance.com/automobile/default.aspx ">Automobile Insurance</a></p> <p>For consumer quotes, click <a href="https://secure.consumerratequotes.com/consumer/QuoteStart.aspx?id=11229">here!</a></p>urn:uuid:72d2e406-34de-476b-9fcd-c39f94c448b6<img src='http://weblogs.wpix.com/news/local/morningnews/blogs/bbq0525.jpg' align='left' />Summer Grilling Safety Tips Summer is a time of enjoying the breeze, swimming in the pool, going on vacation, and of course going to the beach! All of these great ideals and family get togethers are what makes summer&hellip;. summer! The one thing t...Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:18:30 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Summer Grilling Safety Tips<br /> <br /> </span></b>Summer is a time of enjoying the breeze, swimming in the pool, going on vacation, and of course going to the beach! All of these great ideals and family get togethers are what makes summer&hellip;. summer! The one thing that can never be left out is the always great and tasty outdoor grilling!</p> <p>Here at AJM Insurance, we want to make sure that you have a safe and fun summer. Below we have listed 10 safety tips that you should follow while grilling in your backyard this summer, take a look:</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<img width="267" height="120" alt="" style="width: 267px; height: 136px;" src="http://weblogs.wpix.com/news/local/morningnews/blogs/bbq0525.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: left;">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Be sure that before you start grilling; place your grill at least 3 to 4 yards away from your house or shrubbery to avoid any accidental fires.<br /> 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Always check the connection of the propane tanks fuel line too the grill to ensure there is no leaking.<br /> 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Be sure to stay or keep a close watch on the grill at all times.<br /> 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keep all children and pets away from grill equipment until it has completely cooled down.<br /> 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Make sure that the starter fluid you use for charcoal grills is made specifically for barbecue grills.<br /> 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Move the grills&rsquo; gas hose away from any hot surfaces and from areas of dripping hot grease. Be sure to provide cover for the hose if you cannot move it.<br /> 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If there is a leak in your propane tank or gas line, be sure to not light anything flammable near it to check, and call it in to be repaired immediately.<br /> 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After you are done grilling, check to make sure the grill is off as well as the propane tank.<br /> 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Charcoal should only be burned outdoors due to Carbon Monoxide, which is very dangerous and toxic.<br /> 10.&nbsp; Before you start to grill, read and follow any of the manufactures instructions that apply to your grill.<br /> <br /> <br /> <b><span style="font-size: 18px;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We at AJM Insurance would like to say &ldquo;Have a safe Summer!&rdquo;</span></b></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>For more information check out these websites:</strong></span><br /> Giles, Ken. "U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission." <i>CPSC</i>. CPSC, 20 May 1997. Web. 7 Jun 2010. <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml97/97128.html">http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml97/97128.html</a></p> <p>&nbsp;"Grilling Safety." <i>Home Safety Council</i>. Home Safety Council, 2010. Web. 7 Jun 2010. <a href="http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_grilling_w001.asp">http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/SafetyGuide/sg_grilling_w001.asp</a></p>urn:uuid:25edeb5a-f4f0-4203-ad9c-74fbb87a2563<img src='http://www.theinvestortoday.com/images/beach01.jpg' align='left' />Summer Solstice You may not know it, but today is the longest day of the year, also known as the summer solstice!&nbsp; Summer solstice is a day in which the sun&rsquo;s rays are directly over top one of the two tropical latitude lines. Today marks ...Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:58:23 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Summer Solstice<br /> <br /> </span></b>You may not know it, but today is the longest day of the year, also known as the summer solstice!&nbsp; Summer solstice is a day in which the sun&rsquo;s rays are directly over top one of the two tropical latitude lines. Today marks the northern hemispheres beginning of summer, which also&nbsp;means the beginning of winter for the southern hemisphere. It is a day in which the sun hangs above us and shines for the longest time during the year. <br /> So put on some sunscreen and head out to the beach for a fun summer!<br /> <br /> <img alt="" style="width: 218px; height: 239px;" src="http://www.theinvestortoday.com/images/beach01.jpg" /><br /> <br /> <strong>Fun Facts:</strong><br /> &nbsp;Did you know December 21^st is the Northern Hemispheres winter (which is the shortest day of the year with the least amount of sun? <br /> Our Earth is always tilted on an axis of 23.5 degrees which allows us to have a change of seasons. (Over thousands of years the tilt of the axis will slightly change).</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">From everyone at AJM, have a safe and fun summer!</span></b></p>urn:uuid:fc7ac63e-706a-4a55-bd49-9f3d4baa9d43Fathers Day Here at AJM Insurance we would like to give you a heads up that Fathers Day is only&nbsp;a couple days&nbsp;away! The third Sunday of June has been known as Fathers Day ever since it became an official observed U.S. holiday decreed by law...Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:13:31 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 18px; text-decoration: underline;">Fathers Day</span></strong></p> <p>Here at AJM Insurance we would like to give you a heads up that Fathers Day is only&nbsp;a couple days&nbsp;away! The third Sunday of June has been known as Fathers Day ever since it became an official observed U.S. holiday decreed by law, which was in 1972. </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">&nbsp;Here is some information on the history of Fathers Day and just how it originated:</span></strong></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Fathers Day itself was not actually created by a man, which many people originally thought. It was first thought of by a Ms. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington in 1909. </li> <li>It is said that Ms. Dodd came up with the idea of having a Fathers Day while sitting listening to a sermon on Mothers Day, which at that time was about to be established as a holiday. </li> <li>Sonora Smart Dodd was raised with no mother, due&nbsp;to the mothers&nbsp;death&nbsp;while giving childbirth. Sonora and five other siblings were raised by their father William Jackson Smart, who was a Civil War veteran. </li> <li>&ldquo;The first Father&rsquo;s Day was celebrated on June 19^th, 1910, the month of the birthday of Dodd&rsquo;s Father&rdquo; ("Encyclopaedia Britannica"). </li> <li>&ldquo;In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge gave his support to the observance, and in 1966 President Lyndon B. Johnson officially proclaimed it a national holiday&rdquo; ("History.com"). </li> </ul> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Interesting Little Facts:</span></b></p> <ul style="margin-top: 0in; list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Many people on Fathers Day wear a red or white rose to signify if their father is living or deceased. <ul> <li>Red means that their father is living. </li> <li>White means that they have passed away. </li> </ul> </li> <li>It is speculated that the word &ldquo;father&rdquo; originated from the 15^th century up until now, due to children&rsquo;s ability to say sounds such as da-da. </li> </ul> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Work Cited:</strong><br /> </span>"<strong>Father&rsquo;s Day</strong>." <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Encyclop&aelig;dia Britannica</span>. 2010. Encyclop&aelig;dia Britannica Online. 07 Jun. 2010 &lt;<a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/724973/Fathers-Day">http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/724973/Fathers-Day</a>&gt;.</p> <p>&nbsp;"Fathers Day." <i>History.com</i>. History.com, 2010. Web. 7 Jun 2010. <a href="http://www.history.com/topics/fathers-day">http://www.history.com/topics/fathers-day</a>.</p>urn:uuid:0432ed76-2ca8-40f1-aa96-7f9c8bc43f98National Flag Day June 14th is a day which celebrates the American Flag, something that symbolizes the independence and unity of our nation.&nbsp; Many brave people have died protecting our flag, so this day is meant to honor it.&nbsp; The American ...Mon, 14 Jun 2010 08:24:52 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">National Flag Day</span></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;">June 14^th is a day which celebrates the American Flag, something that symbolizes the independence and unity of our nation.&nbsp; Many brave people have died protecting our flag, so this day is meant to honor it.&nbsp; The American Flag should always be respected in the highest of regards.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">History</span></b></p> <p>It&rsquo;s believed to have first originated in the late 1880&rsquo;s by Bernard J. CiGrand. Bernard was born on October 1^st, 1866 in Waubeka, Wisconsin. At a young age Bernard was interested in American History and became a devout and loyal patriot to America.</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">June 1886:</span> &ldquo;Bernard made his first public proposal for the annual observance of the birth of the flag which he wrote in an article called &ldquo;The Fourteenth of June&rdquo; in the Chicago Argus newspaper.&rdquo; (Janik)</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">June 1888:</span> Bernard approached a Chicago organization called the &ldquo;Sons of America&rdquo;. He proposed to them the good that would come from having a flag holiday in America. From there, the organization published a magazine called the &ldquo;American Standard&rdquo; in which Bernard was appointed the editor-in-chief. With this position, Bernard was able to get the publics attention with the implementation of Flag Day into society.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1889-1915:</span> Governors, mayors, and even the Presidents of the United States agreed that Flag Day should be observed in all states on June 14^th.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1916:</span> President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing Flag Day as an annual national event.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1932:</span> Bernard J. CiGrand passed away due to a heart attack.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1949:</span> &ldquo;President Harry S. Truman signed the Act of Congress and June 14^th was properly designated National Flag Day.&rdquo; (Streufert)</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">The proper way to display the American Flag</span></b></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset. </li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously. </li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it. </li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather. </li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. </li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field,&nbsp;or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house). </li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">The American flag is always displayed at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags are placed below it. </li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">Never let your flag touch the ground. </li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">Fold your flag when storing.</li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">When your flag is old,&nbsp;it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Some Fun Facts</span></b></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">Vexillology is the study of flags</li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">Betsy Ross was a seamstress for George Washington, and in June 1776, he approached her to create the first American Flag.</li> <li style="color: #0f0f0f;">Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics of our national anthem, while watching British rockets fly around our flag, unharmed by the event.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html">http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html</a> To see demonstrations to properly display flag, folding the flag, and the American Flag Wall of Shame <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/wallofshame.htm">http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/wallofshame.htm</a> </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>information from </p> <p><a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/flagday.htm">http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/flagday.htm</a> also contains fun activities for children~</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Works Cited</span></b></p> <p><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></b></p> <p>Janik, John. "Bernard J. CiGrand." <i>The National Flag Day Foundation</i>. National Flag Day Foundation, n.d. Web. 2 Jun 2010. &lt;http://www.nationalflagday.com/default.asp&gt;.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Streufert, Duane. "The History of Flag Day." <i>The Flag of the </i><i>United States of America</i>. Duane Streufert, 10 February 2005. Web. 2 Jun 2010. &lt;http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html&gt;.</p>urn:uuid:c529c31e-49d3-4a23-be2f-ad129581b64e<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/Mr%20Hart%20at%20AJM%202%20compressed.jpg' align='left' />Thank You, &nbsp;Mr. Richard Hart &nbsp;AJM Insurance would like to thank Mr. Richard Hart for being one of our longest continuous clients. &nbsp;Mr. Hart has been with AJM Insurance since 1954, when he first bought his car insurance policy at the yo...Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:35:11 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 13px;">Thank You, &nbsp;Mr. Richard Hart</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;AJM Insurance would like to thank Mr. Richard Hart for being one of our longest continuous clients. &nbsp;Mr. Hart has been with AJM Insurance since 1954, when he first bought his car insurance policy at the young age of 17. The car we insured was his 1951 Ford Victoria. Eventually he purchased a home and with that, homeowners insurance with us for him and his family.&nbsp; So to honor Mr. Hart, we would like to once again thank him for his great partnership with us for over 56 years.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><img width="350" height="221" alt="" style="width: 261px; height: 175px;" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/Mr%20Hart%20at%20AJM%202%20compressed.jpg" /><img alt="" style="width: 222px; height: 178px; vertical-align: top;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_MVErSVc408o/R9m2BxXcOkI/AAAAAAAABcI/njNEzdWHCU0/Cars+-+1951+Ford+Victoria+Maroon.jpg" /><br /> Mr. Richard Hart and Mr. Gordon Hudson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;1951 Ford Victoria<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; of AJM&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> When Mr. Hart was here this morning it reminded us of a line from the movie Field of Dreams, &ldquo;The one<strong> </strong>constant through all the years for Mr. Hart, has<strong> </strong>been<strong> </strong>AJM. America<strong> </strong>has<strong> </strong>rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has<strong> </strong>been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But<strong> </strong>AJM<strong> </strong>has marked the time&rdquo;. Obviously&nbsp;in the movie baseball was the constant but here we felt AJM has been a constant for Mr.&nbsp;Hart in his lifetime.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> (Quotation from 1989 film Field of Dreams)</span></p>urn:uuid:1554353b-f007-4b5b-be22-1c3c135f708f<img src='http://www.ajminsurance.com/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/OBrien%20and%20Courtney%20compressed.jpg' align='left' />Behind the Blogs&nbsp; Just who are the people behind the scenes at AJM Insurance Social Networks?&nbsp; As you may have noticed, there has been a dramatic increase of blogs over the past few weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp; The cause of such blogs are created by ...Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:21:25 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Behind the Blogs</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center; margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr">Just <i>who</i> are the people behind the scenes at AJM Insurance Social Networks?&nbsp; As you may have noticed, there has been a dramatic increase of blogs over the past few weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp; The cause of such blogs are created by two awesome interns named Courtney and O&rsquo;Brien, students from Burlington County College.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center; margin-right: 0px;" dir="ltr">As AJM&rsquo;s Social Networking Team, we plan to provide you with interesting facts, helpful tips, fun recipes and most of all, cool&nbsp;<br /> events for you to participate in!<br /> <br /> <br /> &nbsp;<img width="427" height="316" alt="" style="width: 349px; height: 316px;" src="/img/~www.ajminsurance.com/OBrien%20and%20Courtney%20compressed.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Send us any ideas or information that you feel we should be blogging about and we would be more than happy to include it in our upcoming blogs.</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">So from everyone here at AJM Insurance, we hope you keep watch for our new blogs on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ajminsurance" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and <a href="http://www.ajminsurance.com/blog.aspx" target="_blank">AJM Insurance Website</a>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Stay tuned for more!</strong> </p>urn:uuid:314e76d8-287e-4f33-ba99-0b16f2d8a24dAJM Insurance is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Burlington County College Foundation to offer a unique scholarship opportunity for students of Burlington County College. We will award a $1000 scholarship to a BCC student that submits...Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:39:01 -0500<strong>AJM Insurance</strong> is pleased to announce that we have partnered with <strong>Burlington County College Foundation</strong> to offer a unique scholarship opportunity for students of Burlington County College. We will award a $1000 scholarship to a BCC student that submits the winning video that&nbsp;is 30-60 seconds&nbsp;long (humorous preferably)&nbsp;and highlights the importance of car and/or home insurance.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> <p>For more information and complete rules and guidelines, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://staff.bcc.edu/foundation/?pg=16" target="_blank">http://staff.bcc.edu/foundation/?pg=16</a> or&nbsp; call (856) 222.9311, ext. 2513.<br /> <br /> Below are some professional&nbsp;examples:<br /> <br /> <br /> <embed height="385" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d9PydevnntA&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <embed height="385" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/19PxpBoHFvM&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" /></p>urn:uuid:e4f2223e-5934-4bc3-b6e5-82d5ac9ec032The Dangers of using Cell Phones while Texting and Driving &nbsp;&ldquo;The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2008 that driver distraction was the cause of 16% of all fatal crashes, which is 5,800 people killed and 21% of cra...Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:49:27 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18px; text-decoration: underline;">The Dangers of using Cell Phones while Texting and Driving</span></b></p> <p>&nbsp;&ldquo;The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in 2008 that driver distraction was the cause of 16% of all fatal crashes, which is 5,800 people killed and 21% of crashes resulting in an injury left 515,000 people wounded&rdquo; (FCC Consumer Advisory).<br /> <br /> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here are some facts and information that you should know before you consider texting while driving:</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-Handheld Cell Phones are prohibited by all drivers in these states: California, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and Oregon.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;-Car and Driver Magazine did a study in which a person drives a car rigged with a red light, and when that light goes off that person must hit there brakes.&nbsp; Here are the results:<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -Unimpaired: .54 seconds to brake <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -Legally drunk: add 4 feet <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; -Reading e-mail: add 36 feet<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-Sending a text: add 70 feet </p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-More than 120 studies of cell phone use suggest that using hands-free devices doesn't eliminate the distraction caused by a phone conversation (Washington Post).<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-An average fine for being caught on the cell phone while driving is between $100 to $200. This can vary from state to state.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-Before you begin to drive put your cell phone to silent so that it does not distract you while your are driving.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-If you get a phone call or text message, wait to answer it until you get to your destination or anywhere that is a safe place for you to sit and talk.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-Be aware of your surroundings no matter what while driving, because even though you may be a safe driver who follows the law, others do not do the same. &nbsp;</p> <p><b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Check out AJM Insurance for your </span><a href="https://secure.consumerratequotes.com/consumer/QuoteStart.aspx?id=11229" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 18px;">Automobile Insurance Coverage</span></a><span style="font-size: 18px;">!</span></b><b></b></p> <p>&nbsp;<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Websites For More Information:<br /> </span></strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html" target="_blank">Governors Highway Safety Association</a><br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/31545004/Texting_And_Driving_Worse_Than_Drinking_and_Driving" target="_blank">CNBC Texting and Driving Worse Than Drinking and Driving</a></p>urn:uuid:56daa5e0-be16-4e45-ba2d-fe29b8fa779910 Pool Safety Tips A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under. (Orange County California Fire Authority) &nbsp;Drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related death am...Wed, 26 May 2010 15:03:04 -0500<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: underline;">10 Pool Safety Tips</span></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; text-decoration: none;"></span></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; color: #404040;">A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child age 4 and under. (Orange </span></b><b><span style="font-family: arial; color: #404040;">County</span></b><b> </b><b><span style="font-family: arial; color: #404040;">California</span></b><b><span style="font-family: arial; color: #404040;"> Fire Authority)</span></b></span><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></b></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial;">&nbsp;<span style="color: #404040;">Drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related death among children under the age of 15. (</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; color: #404040;">U.S.</span><span style="font-family: arial; color: #404040;"> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) </span></p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Stated by the CPSC (Consumer Production Safety Commission), nearly 260 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools. That is almost more than one preschool class of children every month!</span></li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-family: arial;">AJM Insurance wants to provide you with some important pool tips and safety precautions and links you need to ensure that your family and neighborhood is protected.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ol style="list-style-type: decimal; margin-top: 0in;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Make sure that your child is always under the supervision of a trusted adult to ensure that he or she is protected.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Check the depth of the pool and look for &ldquo;<i>No Diving</i>&rdquo; signs before you decide to jump in.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Make sure that anybody swimming in your pool knows how to swim, to avoid any accidents.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Have a fence surrounding the perimeter of you pool with a lock on the entrance at all times, to prevent entrance to the pool without your knowledge.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Remove the cover of the pool completely before allowing people to enter it this avoids any harmful events that may occur.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Don&rsquo;t allow any persons to walk over the pool cover since that may lead to drowning.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Keep various floatation devices and safety devices near the pool in case any accidents may arise.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Keep check on all of the important details of maintaining your pool. <i>Ex: chemicals ratios, water levels, cleanliness, etc.</i></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Enforce safe pool rules such as: <i>No running, no pushing, and no reckless or rough play while in the pool.</i></span></li> <li><span style="font-family: arial;">Regulate the amount of people in one pool at a time to maintain safe capacity so as to prevent crowding.</span></li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-family: arial;">*<b>For any of your pool safety products, here is a link to our partner </b></span><b><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.jerseypoolsandspas.com/" target="_blank">Jersey Pools and Spas in Medford, New Jersey</a></span></b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-family: arial;">*<strong>For more information and statistics dealing with pool safety and precautions check out the </strong></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.hyperbaric-oxygen-info.com/drowning-statistics.html" target="_blank"><strong>HyperBaric-Oxygen Info Website</strong></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: arial;">&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Swimming Lessons In Your Area </span></span></i></b></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>&nbsp; </strong><a href="http://www.ymca-bc.org/aquatics.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Burlington County</strong></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.lawrencetwp.com/rec-swim-youth.html " target="_blank"><strong>Mercer County</strong></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.lawrencetwp.com/rec-swim-youth.html " target="_blank"><strong>Camden County</strong></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.ymca.net/" target="_blank"><strong>Gloucester County</strong></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://www.ocymca.org/display.php?id=23" target="_blank"><strong>Cumberland County</strong></a></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="font-family: arial;"><strong>*Videos regarding pool safety <br /> </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RRr6DOtUv8"><span style="color: #800080;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RRr6DOtUv8</span></a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMR-n9lAsNY"><span style="color: #800080;"><br /> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMR-n9lAsNY</span></a> <br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDuYTR3uaws&amp;feature=related"><span style="color: #800080;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDuYTR3uaws&amp;feature=related</span></a></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: arial;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">From AJM Insurance, we wish you a fun and safe summer!</span></b></p>urn:uuid:88ea3695-2f40-4459-bda0-373720dfd144Mother's Day brings to mind The thousands of things you did for me that helped make me happier, stronger and wiser, because I had you as a role model. I'm grateful for all the times you healed my hurts and calmed my fears, so that I could face t...Fri, 07 May 2010 15:51:38 -0500Mother's Day brings to mind<br /> The thousands of things you did for me<br /> that helped make me happier, <br /> stronger and wiser, <br /> because I had you as a role model. <br /> <br /> I'm grateful for all the times<br /> you healed my hurts<br /> and calmed my fears, <br /> so that I could face the world<br /> feeling safe and secure. <br /> <br /> I'm thankful for all you showed me<br /> about how to love and give--<br /> lessons that now bring<br /> so many blessings to me<br /> each and every day. <br /> <br /> Your sacrifices and unselfishness<br /> did not go unnoticed, Mom. <br /> I admire you, I respect you, <br /> I love you. <br /> And I'm so glad you're my mother! <br /> <br /> Happy Mother's Day! <br /> <br /> Author: Joanna Fuchsurn:uuid:9b8d6882-1bdc-4cfd-8ab4-43d0d4e797e7AJM Insurance just learned that April is Military Child month. Even though we are talking about this late in the month, it’s never too late to support a family that has a parent away from home serving our country. These families make a huge sacrifice...Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:02:15 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">AJM Insurance just learned that April is Military Child month. Even though we are talking about this late in the month, it’s never too late to support a family that has a parent away from home serving our country. These families make a huge sacrifice for our defense. According to the Pentagon there are 1.7 million children with a parent serving in the military, 900,000 of whom have had one or both parents deployed multiple times. To learn more (click on) <a href="http://www.monthofthemilitarychild.com/" class="ApplyClass" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 16px;">month of military child</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 16px;">.</span> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.health.mil/blog/10-04-02/Helping_Bereaved_Military_Children.aspx" target="_blank">Helping Bereaved Military Children</a></p> urn:uuid:a49f7f1c-2011-44fe-abd5-c9c8fa329988AJM Insurance Management is at the Tropicana in Atlantic City for the NJ Concrete &amp; Aggregate Contractors Association Conference. AJM is the endorsed Agent for the program ConcreteSure, which is a new insurance program tailored specifically to th...Tue, 27 Apr 2010 11:33:04 -0500AJM Insurance Management is at the Tropicana in Atlantic City for the NJ Concrete &amp; Aggregate Contractors Association Conference. AJM is the endorsed Agent for the program ConcreteSure, which is a new insurance program tailored specifically to those companies working in the concrete and aggregate industry.  For more information, please contact us at 1.800. 220.8006. urn:uuid:7ec08116-046a-4aed-8ee5-6a400361f60dAs a follow-up to our April 12th blog "Health reform provides immediate tax credit to small employers," we have learned that the IRS has begun mailing over 4 million postcards to small employers to educate them on the availability of the tax credit. ...Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:05:01 -0500<p style="text-align: left;">As a follow-up to our April 12th blog "Health reform provides immediate tax credit to small employers," we have learned that the IRS has begun mailing over 4 million postcards to small employers to educate them on the availability of the tax credit. We have attached a link to the postcard and a table indicating how many employers will receive the postcard in each state. </p> <p><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=221511,00.html" class="ApplyClass" target="_blank">Link to IRS Announcement</a><br /> <br /> This direct outreach effort comes on top of other promotional efforts by the Administration regarding the tax credit. For example, the website WhiteHouse.gov has a <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform/small-business/tax-credit" target="_blank">page dedicated to the small employer tax credits</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>and places it as #1 on its list of <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform/immediate-benefits" class="ApplyClass" target="_blank">"immediate benefits"</a> of health reform.<br />  <br /> If you have any question or would like further information please call <a href="mailto:gregd@ajminsurance.com?subject=Health Care Tax Credit" class="ApplyClass">Greg D'Orazio</a> @ 800-220-8006</p> urn:uuid:f28965e2-172a-45d4-82e3-bc8ce5e7b827Many small businesses and tax-exempt organizations that provide health insurance coverage to their employees now qualify for a special tax credit under the recently enacted health reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and...Mon, 12 Apr 2010 10:09:46 -0500<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">Many small businesses and tax-exempt organizations that provide health insurance coverage to</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">their employees now qualify for a special tax credit under the recently enacted health reform</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">legislation, the <i>Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Health Care and Education</i></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><i>Reconciliation Act</i>.<br /> <br /> <p> </p> </span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">The credit is designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">first time or maintain coverage they already have. In general, the credit is available to small</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">employers that pay at least half the cost of Single coverage for their employees. Such employers</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">must also meet certain firm size and wage requirements. The maximum credit is 35 percent of</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">premiums paid in 2010 by eligible small business employers and 25 percent of premiums paid by</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">eligible employers that are tax-exempt organizations. In 2014, this maximum credit increases to</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">50 percent of premiums paid by eligible small business employers and 35 percent of premiums</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">paid by eligible employers that are tax-exempt organizations.<br /> <br /> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), eligible small businesses can claim the credit as</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">part of the general business credit starting with the 2010 income tax return they file in 2011. For</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">tax-exempt employers, the IRS will provide further information on how to claim the credit. More</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">information about the credit, including tax tips, guides and answers to frequently asked questions</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">is now available on the IRS website, &lt;<b>IRS</b><b>.gov</b>&gt;.<br /> <br /> If you have any questions about your Health Benefit plan please call us. </span></p> urn:uuid:8cdc23ab-99ab-4972-8ae6-e0f2b3b89749Hello everyone!  Another beautiful day!  Even though we may be having beautiful weather that doesn't mean our lives are bright and breezy.  We may face a difficulty or a challenge.  How do we respond?  What does it teach us?  Those are the questions ...Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:37:05 -0500<div><span style="font-size: 16px;">Hello everyone!  Another beautiful day!  Even though we may be having beautiful weather that doesn't mean our lives are bright and breezy.  We may face a difficulty or a challenge.  How do we respond?  What does it teach us?  Those are the questions we sometimes forget to ask ourselves...</span></div> <div> </div> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 130%; font-size: 24px;">You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, the encountering may be the very experience which creates the vitality and the power to endure.<br />   ~ Maya Angelou </p> <p style="text-align: left; line-height: 130%; font-size: 24px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;">What a powerful message!  The challenge or defeat is the experience that gives us the power to endure.  Just remember that when you are tackling your next challenge.  Have a wonderful day!!</span></p> <p style="text-align: left; line-height: 130%; font-size: 24px;">Tony </p> urn:uuid:7fb14ff5-7929-4c1e-8d1b-1bf8850bdb11Our office is closing early today but, our virtual office is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week @ www.ajminsurance.com. You can make changes to your policy, order certificates of insurance and auto ID cards. Just click the Service Your Policy button. ...Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:40:46 -0500<span style="font-size: medium; ">Our office is closing early today but, our virtual office is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week @ www.ajminsurance.com. You can make changes to your policy, order certificates of insurance and auto ID cards. Just click the Service Your Policy button. Its that easy.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium; ">You can also get car insurances quotes 24/7. Just the click the instant car insurance quote button. </span><div><span style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium; ">From everyone at AJM Insurance Management,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium; ">Have a Happy and Safe Easter!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div></div>urn:uuid:36e42930-3783-4f56-b4bc-52d39ed3f15cNew Law takes effect today. Be sure to STOP for pedestrians! MOTORISTS in New Jersey MUST stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Failure to observe the law may subject you to one or more of the following: 2 POINTS $200 FINE 15 DAYS COMMUNITY SERVIC...Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:38:23 -0500<strong>New Law takes effect today. Be sure to STOP for pedestrians!<br /> <br /> MOTORISTS</strong> in New Jersey <strong>MUST</strong> stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. Failure to observe the law may subject you to one or more of the following:<br /> <br /> <strong>2 POINTS</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>$200 FINE</strong><br /> <br /> <strong>15 DAYS COMMUNITY SERVICE</strong><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: left;"><strong>INSURANCE SURCHARGES</strong></div> <br /> <strong>NEW JERSEY STATUTE 39:4-36<br /> </strong><strong>Driver to stop for pedestrian: <br /> exceptions, violations. penalties. </strong><br /> <br /> <strong>A. </strong>The driver of a vehicle must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except at crosswalks when the movement of traffic is being regulated by police officers or traffic control signals, or where otherwise prohibited by municipal, county, or State regulation, and except where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided, but no pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. Nothing contained herein shall relieve a pedestrian from using due care for his safety.<br /> <br /> Whenever any vehicle is stopped to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.<br /> <br /> Every pedestrian upon a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.<br /> <br /> <strong>B. </strong>A person violating this section shall, upon conviction thereof, pay a fine to be imposed by the court in the amount of $200. The court may also impose a term of community service not to exceed 15 days.<br /> <br /> <strong>C. </strong>Of each fine imposed and collected pursuant to subsection B. of the section, $100 shall be forwarded to the State Treasurer who shall annually deposit the moneys into the “Pedestrian Safety Enforcement and Education Fund” created by section 1 of PL 2005, c 84 (C.39:4-36.2) urn:uuid:cf954db5-73d8-4dc2-89b9-96926c9f8acfDid you know you can service your policy online? At our home page you just click the "Service Your Policy" button. Then click your policy type Personal, Business, or Life &amp; Health. You will find a list of forms to add/delete drivers, add/delete v...Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:51:56 -0500<span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #c00000;">Did you know you can service your policy online?</span> At our home page you just click the "Service Your Policy" button. Then click your policy type Personal, Business, or Life &amp; Health. You will find a list of forms to add/delete drivers, add/delete vehicles or have your policy sent to the bank.  You can also order your Certificates of Insurance. These are just some of our online features. Our virtual office is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.<br /> <br /> Go to <a href="http://www.ajminsurance.com">www.ajminsurance.com</a> and check it out. If you have questions on how to use our online features call us today. </span> urn:uuid:7ea4b9da-dc3e-4235-8e79-76168b4a864fPromptly report the loss to your insurance company or to AJM. The faster you report your claim, the sooner we can help you. Protect property from further damage by arranging for reasonable temporary repairs as soon as possible. For example, if window...Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:56:56 -0500<div class="pageTitle"><b>Promptly report</b> the loss to your insurance company or to AJM. The faster you report your claim, the sooner we can help you.</div> <p><b>Protect property</b> from further damage by arranging for reasonable temporary repairs as soon as possible. For example, if windows are broken, have them boarded up to protect your home and property against vandalism or weather damage.</p> <p><b>Keep an accurate record</b> of all temporary repair expenses (e.g., bills and/or material receipts) so that you can add the amount to your claim. Also, keep an accurate record of any and all expenses incurred to be considered for possible reimbursement. Please do not make any permanent repairs until the insurance adjuster has had a chance to review the damage.</p> <p><b>Determine the damage</b> to your personal property (contents). Make a written list of what was damaged. To be as accurate as possible, please include the manufacturer, brand name and the place and date of purchase. We recommend beginning this process by dividing your list into broad categories such as location (e.g., living room, bedroom #1, bedroom #2). If available, photographs, videotapes or personal property inventories are valuable resources during the itemization process.</p> <p><b>Separate damaged and undamaged property.</b> In order to complete a full assessment of the loss, your claim representative will need to inspect all damaged property. If possible, place damaged items in a secure area where they can be inspected. If you are unsure about any item, please include it with the damaged property.</p> urn:uuid:46aa0dbf-129e-4391-9bf7-0fbb6931fa61 As of May 1st, teens (age 16-20 years of age) holding a permit or provisional license have new requirements to comply with. Teen drivers holding a provisional license (which will be changed to be called a probationary license) and those on permits:...Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:35:02 -0600<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><br /> As of May 1^st, teens (age 16-20 years of age) holding a permit or provisional license have new requirements to comply with.<br /> <br /> Teen drivers holding a provisional license (which will be changed to be called a probationary license) and those on permits:</span></p> <ul> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">may not be on the road between 11:01 p.m. and 5 a.m. <o:p></o:p></span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">may transport only one passenger in the vehicle besides his or her dependents. (Note: If a parent or guardian is in the vehicle, the passenger restriction is waived and the teen may transport as many passengers as there are seat belts.) <o:p></o:p></span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">may not use a cell phone (hand-held or hands-free), ipod or other wireless electronic device. (Note: GPS systems — portable or built-in — and ipods connected to a vehicle's sound system are permitted, but a teen should not make any adjustments to these devices while driving.) <o:p></o:p></span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">must ensure that all vehicle occupants are properly restrained in child safety seats or seat belts. <o:p></o:p></span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">must display a decal on the front and rear license plate. <o:p></o:p></span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">may not plea bargain any point carrying offenses.</span></div> </li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">There will be NO grandfathering of existing permit and provisional license holders. Regardless of how much time a GDL holder has </span><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">remaining on her or his permit or provisional license, he or she must abide by these requirements beginning May 1. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">The decals must be displayed on a vehicle's front and rear license plate when a permit or provisional license holder under 21 years of age is driving. The decal will be:</span></p> <ul> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">affixed with a velcro system to allow for its removal when the GDL holder is not behind the wheel. <o:p></o:p></span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">reflectorized so that it can be seen at night. <o:p></o:p></span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">non-descript (it is intended for enforcement purposes). <o:p></o:p></span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; color: black; font-size: 10pt;">will be able to be purchased for $4 per pair at MVC agencies. (Note: MVC is developing a bulk purchase program for driving and high schools, police departments, and other organizations.) <o:p></o:p></span></div> </li> </ul> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #000000;">We urge Parents to review </span><a href="http://www.njteendriving.com/" title="blocked::http://www.njteendriving.com/"><span style="color: #810081; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.njteendriving.com</span></a><span style="color: #000000;"> for additional information.  </span></span></p> urn:uuid:993f5edb-9024-456c-adf6-6b9fffaea93bType: U.S. Census Scam Method of Delivery: In Person Primary Region Effected: All Regions (National) Source: Better Business Bureau (www.BBB.org) Scam Characteristics: Beginning March of this year the U.S. Census Bureau's will send out a short q...Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:42:08 -0600<p><strong>Type: </strong>U.S. Census Scam</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Method of Delivery: </strong>In Person</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Primary Region Effected:</strong> All Regions (National) </p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>Source: </strong>Better Business Bureau (<a href="http://www.bbb.org/" title="blocked::http://www.bbb.org/">www.BBB.org</a>)</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><strong>Scam Characteristics:</strong></p> <p>Beginning March of this year the U.S. Census Bureau's will send out a short questionnaire to every household in the U.S. and Puerto Rico in an effort to collect important demographic data. As a citizen, you are required by law to respond to the 10 short questions. From April to July, those that haven't completed their census will receive a visit at their home address from a census taker..</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Identity criminals are taking advantage of the census law and targeting unsuspecting victims in an attempt to steal sensitive information. The scams perpetrated range from fraudulent emails designed to obtain sensitive information to attempts to impersonate census collectors.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Most Citizens don't think twice about sharing personal information with a census worker, and that's why these scams can be very effective. It's important to remember there are distinct differences between a real census worker and an identity thief posing as a census worker.</p> <p><b></b></p> <p><b>U.S. Census workers will have identification, a handheld device and a confidentiality notice. But these things can be easily fabricated, so it's important to know what census workers will not do:</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">•<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">They will not</span></b> ask for your Social Security number or financial information, e.g. bank or credit card accounts.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">•<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">They will not</span></b> ask you for money or say that you owe money.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">•<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">They will not</span></b> harass or intimidate you.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in;">•<b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">They will not</span></b> contact you by email- only by phone, by mail, or in person.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For more information on this scam or variations of it visit the Social Security Administration’s website at <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/" title="blocked::http://www.ssa.gov/">www.ssa.gov</a>. Use the search function and enter keywords "email scam".</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>It is recommended that you follow universal safety rules-- even with U.S. Census workers. For example, avoid inviting strangers into your home, and be suspicious when someone asks for your personal and sensitive information.</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To learn more about the 2010 Census and U.S. Census workers, call (800) 923-8282 or visit them online at <a href="http://www.2010census.gov/" title="blocked::http://www.2010census.gov/">www.2010census.gov</a>. </p> urn:uuid:c61c745c-3a3c-446a-8496-20b27e6c8614&nbsp; The best way to stay safe is to keep off the roads unless absolutely necessary, but if you have to drive, please be safe and follow these tips: • Stay alert and drive defensively. ...Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:42:58 -0600<p style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; padding-top: 5px;">&nbsp;</p> <p>The best way to stay safe is to keep off the roads unless absolutely necessary, but if you have to drive, please be safe and follow these tips:<br /> <br /> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 5px;" valign="top" align="center">•</td> <td style="width: 168px;" valign="top"><strong>Stay alert</strong> and drive defensively.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="center">•</td> <td valign="top"><strong>Slow down.</strong><br /> Stopping distances are 10x longer in snow and ice. Triple the usual distance between you and vehicles ahead of you. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="center">•</td> <td valign="top"><strong>Maintain a constant, safe speed.</strong> <br /> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="center">•</td> <td valign="top"><strong>Steer into the direction of the skid</strong> if your vehicle starts skidding.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="center">•</td> <td valign="top"><strong>Avoid passing</strong> plows, unless it is necessary.</td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" align="center">•</td> <td valign="top"><strong>Use major routes that have been cleared or salted</strong>, whenever possible.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </p> urn:uuid:d33ddc1e-16b6-4e88-86b5-2f78edf09e53Trenton -- With the winter driving season upon us, highway safety and law enforcement officials today reminded motorists to always clear ice and snow from their vehicles before traveling on New Jersey’s roadways and to use extra caution and care when...Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:00:08 -0600<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; "><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">Trenton -- With the winter driving season upon us, highway safety and law enforcement officials today reminded motorists to always clear ice and snow from their vehicles before traveling on New Jersey’s roadways and to use extra caution and care when driving in inclement weather.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">According to Division of Highway Traffic Safety Director Pam Fischer, snow and ice left on a vehicle can become deadly projectiles, causing significant and costly damage to other vehicles and potentially fatal injuries to motorists and their passengers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">“Before you get behind the wheel, take a few moments to completely clear your vehicle’s hood, windows and roof,” Fischer said. “This simple task can be a lifesaver for you and everyone else on the road.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">Under current state law, motorists who fail to remove ice and snow from their vehicles and cause property damage or injury to others can be cited and fined $200 to as much as $1,000 per offense. In addition, on October 19, 2009, Governor Jon S. Corzine signed into law legislation amending the current statute; drivers of all vehicles (commercial and passenger) operated on any roadway in the state are required to make all reasonable efforts to remove accumulated snow and ice from all exposed surfaces prior to operation. While the change goes into effect on October 20, 2010, state officials remind all motorists to be pro-active and ensure that their vehicles are clear of all winter debris before taking to the road.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">“I firmly believe in the enforcement of this law because in December of 2007, a large slab of ice flew off a car in front of me and came through my windshield,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Juan Mattos, Deputy Superintendent of Operations for the New Jersey State Police. “I had glass all over me and had a tough time getting my car safely to the side of the road. I could have been severely injured or even killed because of that driver's laziness,” Mattos recounted.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">“That’s why clearing your vehicle of ice and snow should be as basic as putting a jacket on before you leave the house. It's a couple of minutes well spent to help keep you, and others safe,” Lt. Colonel Mattos added.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">In addition to making sure that all ice and snow is removed from your vehicle, motorists should modify their driving behavior based on current weather conditions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">“Each year in New Jersey, more than 75,000 crashes occur on snow and ice covered roads, resulting in an average of 10 lives lost and nearly 20,000 injuries,” Director Fischer said. “While it’s always safest to stay off the road in bad weather, if you must travel, slow down, particularly on exit ramps and bridges; leave ample travel time; allow extra space between your vehicle and others on the road; make sure you turn on your headlights, using low beams when driving in snow; and, buckle-up, every ride.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">“The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is ready to combat winter storms by clearing our roads, preventing ice formation and maintaining mobility and safety statewide," said Commissioner Stephen Dilts. “NJDOT crews will combine innovative technology and their tremendous experience to fight the winter conditions.”<br /><br />In anticipation of the inclement weather, motorists are also encouraged to:</span></p><ul style="color: #3e9624; list-style-type: square; "> <li style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">Tune up and winterize their vehicles, as well as check the radiator, battery, antifreeze, and all other fluid levels.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">Check tire treads and replace them if they’re unsafe.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">Check and replace windshield wiper blades if the rubber is cracked and/or brittle. And be sure to check and refill the washer fluid reservoir.</span></li> <li style="color: #000000; "><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">Maintain at least a half a tank of gas during the winter to prevent the fuel line from freezing.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 13px; ">Motorists should also keep a winter driving “safety kit” in their vehicles that is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. The kit should include: an ice scraper/brush; shovel; jumper cables or battery starter; warm blanket; sand, salt or cat litter (for traction in ice and snow); lock de-icer; safety flares/warning devices; flashlight and new batteries; extra windshield washer fluid; cell phone with a charged spare battery; water and non-perishable food (i.e. granola or protein bars) and, paper towels or a cloth.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: small; ">For more information go to www.njsaferoads.com</span></p></span>urn:uuid:ca88e135-081b-4e26-8faf-f8e1a26c36cd&nbsp; &nbsp; Winter Tips &nbsp; Snow or ice is the fifth leading cause of homeowners’ insurance claims. Also, according to the Insurance Information Insti...Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:28:22 -0600<p>&nbsp;</p> <p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="border: #d4d0c8; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="padding-bottom: 3.6pt; padding-left: 7.2pt; padding-right: 7.2pt; padding-top: 3.6pt;" class="shape"> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">&nbsp;</p> </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <b>Winter Tips</b></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Snow or ice is the fifth leading cause of homeowners’ insurance claims. Also, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the average homeowners’ claim for water damage and freezing is a whopping $5,531. Follow these tips to protect you and your home from serious financial liability:<br /> <br /> <strong>Prevent ice dams</strong> - An ice dam is a build-up of ice that blocks water drainage from the roof and the gutters. Ice dams can cause leaks from ceilings and walls that can ultimately lead to mold and other problems. To prevent ice dams, remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters or install gutter guards (available in most hardware home stores) that will prevent debris from getting in the gutter and interfering with drainage.<br /> <br /> <strong>“Watch out for that tree!”</strong> - Trees and branches weakened by snow, ice and wind can snap and seriously hurt a person on your property, as well as cause serious damage to your home or car. Trimming trees and removing dead branches can help prevent serious damage and injuries.<br /> <br /> <strong>Roof care and repair</strong> - High winds, snow and ice can damage a roof. Check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow and ice. After a heavy storm, check for water stains in attics and on any overhangs. Lastly, repair or replace split or loose shingles and fix any leaks.<br /> <br /> <strong>Pipe dreams…and nightmares</strong> - First, the bad news: Frozen or broken water pipes disrupt hundreds of thousands of American lives every winter. The good news: You can prevent frozen pipes by following these tips.<br /> <br /> • Keep the inside temperature of your home at 65 degrees or warmer.<br /> <br /> • Wrap heating tape and/or standard insulation around pipes wherever possible.<br /> <br /> • Look for pipes with cracks or leaks —they freeze first.<br /> <br /> • Keep the inside temperature of your home at 65 degrees or warmer.<br /> <br /> • Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).<br /> <br /> • If you’re leaving your home for several days, turn off the water completely and drain the pipes, or keep water dripping through one or two faucets, as moving water prevents freezing. However, if you are leaving your home for an extended period of time, plan to turn the water off. It also helps to have someone check your home every day while you are gone.<br /> <br /> • If your pipes do freeze, quickly shut off the water and immediately call a plumber.</p> <p><strong>Prevent personal injuries -</strong> Homeowners are liable for any injuries that occur on their property. Keep kitty litter, sand or rock salt on hand to sprinkle over frozen driveways, walkways or sidewalks. Additionally, ensure that your outdoor steps and guardrails are in good repair to prevent injuries from falls on ice.</p> urn:uuid:2657a2f0-259d-42ed-9074-93fbfc3523ebCare “How you do anything is how you do everything.” ~Zen Master I had just finished my training as a psychotherapist and was enthusiastic about beginning a career as a family counselor. A key element in my training were my clinical supervisors—on...Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:20:52 -0500<div><span style="color: #c00000;"><span style="font-size: 24px;">Care</span><br /> <br /> </span><b>“How you do anything is how you do everything.” ~Zen Master </b><br /> <br /> I had just finished my training as a psychotherapist and was enthusiastic about beginning a career as a family counselor. A key element in my training were my clinical supervisors—one especially whom I admired and valued. <br /> <br /> The thought came to me that this person, who was a skilled, insightful, and charismatic therapist, could be doing any kind of work and would still be skilled, insightful, and charismatic. Because that’s who he was, in himself. You could change his training and his work, and he would be the same; whether a business man, a lawyer, a farmer, a social worker, a fireman, or a therapist, he would be skilled, insightful, and charismatic. <br /> <br /> Granted, certain kinds of work fit certain kinds of personalities, but, for the most part, <i>how you do anything is how you do everything. </i><br /> <br /> I believe the thought holds true, for the most part, within the lives of us all. How you wash the dishes tells me something about the kind of physician you may be. How you make the bed is how you will practice law. How my accountant keeps his home says something about how he will keep his books. How a woman presents herself to the world tells me something about the quality of her nursing. The way a carpenter treats his tools says much about his work. <br /> <br /> Always pay attention to the feel of the office space when you look for a therapist. It has nothing to do with amount of money spent, with sophisticated or common tastes; it has to do with the quality of care. <br /> <br /> And the same, of course, is true for me—and you. Do we care? Whether we are making life-altering interventions or performing day-to-day tasks to maintain family life, do we care?</div> <div> </div> <div>I care.  Remember the next time you don't let someone cut in front of you in traffic versus when you do.  See how differently you will feel.  Or, how you speak and act with your coworkers and what results are yielded.  A law of nature always holds true, "you reap what you sow".</div> <div> </div> <div>Sow some good seeds today.</div> <div><br /> Have a wonderful day!!!!</div> <div>Tony Mahon</div> urn:uuid:36ec85c2-ca59-4189-8b99-36c674fb6bceHello everyone!  We all have faults and defects.  Thats right.  But... its what we do with them that sets us apart.  We can wallow in them and even have them breed other defects such as self pity, jealously, and anger.  Or... we can accept them and w...Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:19:48 -0500<div>Hello everyone!  We all have faults and defects.  Thats right.  But... its what we do with them that sets us apart.  We can wallow in them and even have them breed other defects such as self pity, jealously, and anger.  Or... we can accept them and work at both trying to change them and extenuating our positive traits... Listen to the words of Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko's.  (By the way, the name comes from a nickname Paul was called as a child because of his "kinky" hair)</div> <div> </div> <div><span style="color: #c00000;">“Because I couldn’t read, I learned from direct experience. Experience is a harsh teacher, because the test comes first, followed by the lesson. But lacking the ability to learn by reading, I embraced every chance to participate in life. I started businesses, like my vegetable stand. I skipped school to watch my father’s stockbroker at work. I learned early that I would only get through school with a lot of help from a lot of people. This dependence taught me how to ask for help, and how to provide what help I could. I learned to appreciate people’s strengths and forgive their weaknesses, as I hoped they would forgive mine". </span></div> <div> </div> <div>Paul was dyslexic and had ADD which made reading impossible for him.  Rather than wallow in self pity he concentrated on his strengths...</div> <div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">My learning disability gave me certain advantages, because I was able to live in the moment and capitalize on opportunities <br /> I spotted.<br />   ~Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinkos <br /> </div> <div> </div> <div>Today lets live in the moment and capitalize on the awareness we have to spot opportunities rather than calamity.</div> <div> </div> <div>Have a wonderful day!</div> <br /> Tony Mahon<br /> President<br /> AJM urn:uuid:7b262fab-ab06-489a-9e60-b032eab56bc0 "When we have done our best, we can await the results in peace."~Unknown "And then some... These three little words are the secret to success. They are the difference between average people and toppeople in most companies.The top people always do w...Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:21:26 -0500<div> <p><em>"When we have done our best, we can await the results in peace."</em><br>~Unknown</p></div> <div> <p align=center><em>"And then some... <br>These three little words are the secret to success. <br>They are the difference between average people and top<br>people in most companies.<br>The top people always do what is expected...<br>and then some.<br>They are thoughtful of others; they are considerate<br>and kind...and then some.<br>They meet their responsibilities fairly and squarely...<br>and then some.<br>They are good friends and helpful neighbors...<br>and then some.<br>They can be counted on in an emergency...<br>and then some.<br>I am thankful for people like this, for they make<br>the world a better place. Their spirit of service is<br>summed up in these three little words...<br>And then some."</em></p> <p>If we carry the attitude of "And Then Some"...throughout our life, when our time on earth is almost gone, we will wait the results in peace.</p></div> <div align=left><font size=2 face=Arial>Tony Mahon</font></div> <div align=left><font size=2 face=Arial>President, AJM Insurance Management, Inc</font></div>urn:uuid:8b0b9086-27a7-4aa8-b85b-859003b281e5Camden Mayor Announces July 10th Jersey Business Leaders NightProclamation to Be Read “On the Mound” At the Riversharks&nbsp;Please click on the link below to access the NJ Business Leaders Newsletterhttps://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:26...Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:58:39 -0500<p align=center><strong><font size=6><span class=style2>Camden Mayor Announces July 10th <br>Jersey Business Leaders Night</span><br></font></strong><font size=4>Proclamation to Be Read “On the Mound” At the Riversharks</font>&nbsp;<br><br>Please click on the link below to access the NJ Business Leaders Newsletter<br><br><a href="https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:26759.2155964313/rid:7109b8972f2186d828873165b43eba8a">https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:CampaignPublic/id:26759.2155964313/rid:7109b8972f2186d828873165b43eba8a</a><br><br></p>