Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • February 25, 2009 Business Blue Moon Mexican Café thrives in Wyckoff Blue Moon Mexican Café continues to thrive at 327 Wyckoff Avenue, Wyckoff, and owner Howard Felixbrod believes the café is doing so well because his business has a strong relationship with the community. “Local communities are our lifeblood. We spend as much time giving back as we do marketing our business,” Felixbrod said. Whether it’s through offering free $10 gift cards to make dining out more affordable, or through the café’s community night program where Blue Moon gives back 20 percent of sales to a not-for-profit-organization, the café’s focus is on welcoming new guests and creating great relationships within the neighborhood. “Over the last four years, Blue Moon has given back well over $100,000 to various organizations. We feel if we support the community they will support us and this is exactly what is happening,” Felixbrod added. All of Blue Moon’s locations are in neighborhoods where the “locals” are the main clientele. “We focus on guest relations,” Felixbrod said, “and our managers are well versed in turning first time guests into regulars, and getting to know the ones we already serve.” To learn more, visit www.bluemoonmexicancafe. com or call (201) 891-1331. Survey: Many consider insurance changes Many Americans facing financial struggles are considering changes to their insurance policies, according to a new national survey of homeowners by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. Almost 24 percent of those surveyed, about 39 million homeowners, said they have made changes to their insurance coverage because of the economy. Although a large percentage of homeowners are considering ways to cut insurance costs, they are also unaware of what their homeowners’ policies cover. Respondents were asked if they had made changes, or were considering changes, to their auto, home, life or health insurance policies. Sixty percent of households that had made changes, or were considering changes, blamed the economy. The survey also asked respondents if they believe they would be covered in the event that they temporarily rented their home and 69 percent mistakenly either did not think they were covered by their current policies in these situations or did not know. Homeowners were also asked if they thought their current policy would protect them if the home was vacant, and a majority thought they were covered when in fact coverage is very limited. “It is imperative that homeowners understand their insurance needs and rights, but this survey shows that many don’t,” said Jeffrey Allen, CPIA, ACSR, owner of the Allen & Allen Insurance Agency in Franklin Lakes, a Trusted Choice® agency. “We advise they consult with their Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent to discuss their current policies and to ask questions when faced with difficult or temporary housing situations.” He pointed out that people who look for ways to trim household expenses, and opt to cut back on insurance, may leave themselves open to greater financial hardship. Trusted Choice® independent agents provide the following tips for insurance consumers. The survey found that more than 18 percent of respondents (over 30 million Americans) have considered reducing their insurance coverage in the last few months. However, Trusted Choice® recommends closely evaluating your policies with your agent before making changes that could leave you underinsured. Of course, there are some areas where consumers often over-pay or are over-insured, such as credit life insurance, deductibles, and computer policies. Trusted Choice® agencies recommend avoiding credit life insurance under most circumstances. These policies, offered by credit card companies and other lenders, extend for the term of the loan and decrease in value over time. They are designed to protect a third party if the consumer dies before the loan is paid off. However, they provide no protection to beneficiaries -- only to the company that offered the credit or loan. (continued on page 22) Atlantic Stewardship to donate $627,250 The Atlantic Stewardship Bank announced that, as a result of 2008 earnings, it would distribute $627,250 in charitable contributions to approximately 352 recipients, through the bank’s unique tithing program. The tithing program provides for the bank to share 10 percent of its pre-tax earnings annually with Christian and local civic non-profit organizations. All tithe recipients are selected at year-end by the bank’s board of directors. In accordance with the tithing program, each year the Atlantic Stewardship Bank makes hundreds of donations, sending or hand delivering checks to food pantries, Christian missions and ministries, schools, libraries, police and fire departments, and other deserving recipients local to the bank’s branch offices. To date, the bank’s total tithe donations exceed $6.3 million. “Tithing is a Biblical principle, meaning to give or devote one-tenth to God,” said Atlantic Stewardship Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Van Ostenbridge. “The concept of a bank giving away 10 percent of its profits every year is quite unusual, especially in the current financial and economic climate, but the Atlantic Stewardship Bank has been blessed with continued growth, and we consider it a privilege to share our profits with worthy organizations that reach out to help so many.” As the Atlantic Stewardship Bank’s customer base grows, so does the bank’s ability to help others via increased donations. A strong community bank, Atlantic Stewardship attracts hundreds of new accounts annually with its outstanding customer service, convenient locations, and diverse range of products and services. Atlantic Stewardship Bank, a subsidiary of Stewardship Financial Corporation, maintains banking locations in Midland Park, Montville, North Haledon, Pequannock, Ridgewood, Waldwick, Westwood, Wyckoff, Hawthorne, and Wayne. Established in 1985, ASB is a full-service community bank serving both individuals and businesses. The bank is a subsidiary of Stewardship Financial Corporation trading on the NASDAQ under the symbol SSFN. The bank’s website is www.asbnow.com. Break the Highway Trend! ...not your community’s back. Local businesses are the backbone of your community and the trend to shop the big guys on the highway hurts us all.Your local businesses have what you want... at the right price... and close to home. So, why hassle with the highways? Save Time! Save Gas! Save Money! SAVE YOUR COMMUNITY! We Need You SHOP LOCALLY. IT’S SMART. ...and besides, it’s so convenient!