January 12, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 15 Franklin Lakes Parent organization supports teachers’ needs by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Education Foundation recently granted nearly $125,000 in funding to the district’s elementary and middle schools in direct response to teachers’ requests for resources for innovative programming that would not have been possible within the limitations of the board of education’s budget. The foundation, which is comprised of 20 parent volunteers, is dedicated to enriching the quality of education in the pre-K through grade eight schools despite increasing budget cuts in education. According to FLEF Trustee Kristen Nihamin, Franklin Lakes teachers from the three elementary schools and the middle school come before the foundation twice each year to request resources for various programming, technology, classroom enhancements, and other activities that explore areas beyond the scope of the standard curriculum. “FLEF is so proud to support these teacher initiatives,” Maureen McLaughlin, FLEF co-vice president, said in a statement about her organization’s donation. “In Franklin Lakes, we are fortunate to have such passionate and dedicated teachers who are teaching our children not only the curriculum, but bringing today’s world into the classroom on a daily basis. The amazing ideas and grants that were presented to the foundation this year truly showcased the creative talent and diverse interests of our teachers.” McLaughlin explained that the foundation funded initiatives that are as unique as the professionals who teach in the district, including a composting environmental program, green screens and professional Lawsuit Financing Firm Prospers Amid Gloom As the economy weakens, J a e s o n Birnbaum’s business gets stronger. Sevenyear-old Cash4Cases Inc. is one of a growing BIRNBAUM number of companies - not without controversy - that advance money to people waiting for the outcome or payout from a lawsuit, most commonly personal injury, product liability or medical malpractice. Birnbaum, a lawyer from Upper Saddle River, charges a hefty interest rate - generally 3 percent a month - on the advance. He funds the operation with bank loans, and, more recently, capital from investors - to whom, he says, he pays 12 percent interest. Birnbaum said he has seen a surge in willing lenders and advance recipients lately, as financially strapped litigants look for short-term cash and investors seek an alternative to the plummeting financial markets. “You hear so much gloom in the media,” said Birnbaum, 36, whose company has offices in New York, Florida and Boston. “In our business, it’s a great time for us.” Birnbaum, who grew up in Saddle River, said he started the business after he found it tough to attract clients for a New York personal injury firm he started with three friends. Cash advance companies had frequently approached him looking for clients, said Birnbaum, who figured he could start a similar business. The business, which started with four employees in 2003, now has 19. The company has so far paid more than 200 advances totaling about $7 million, Birnbaum said. To limit risk, he said, Cash4Cases generally advances no more than 10 percent of the client’s expected settlement. “We are very conservative,” he added. The practice has attracted little interest from New Jersey authorities, but has come under scrutiny in other states. In 2005, then New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer settled with nine cash advance companies after his office said it became concerned that some arrangements “could exploit consumers due to the complex nature of the transaction.” The settlement required the companies, from New York, Nevada and Illinois, to more clearly set out the terms of the advance and the amount to be repaid, and required them to give borrowers a five-day period to cancel the deal. Birnbaum said he used to pay investors 17 percent interest on a loan, but recently reduced the rate to 12 percent when the return on investments elsewhere declined. And there is no shortage of clients looking for cash, he said. Over the last couple of months he’s seen the “largest growth, on both ends of the spectrum,” he said. “People really need the money!” To contact Jaeson Birnbaum, Esq. call 212-684-1060 or email JLB@cash4cases.com lighting for the middle school’s television studio, a traveling art exhibit, technology education computers that allow students to create sophisticated robotic computer programs, and a world language computer lab. McLaughlin pointed out that the foundation also funded STEM Investigations, a program designed to promote the presidential initiative to develop science, technology, engineering, and math skills through hands-on experiences. Other grants that were supported by the foundation this year included the completion of the installation of SmartBoards (interactive whiteboards that use touch technology) in every district classroom; acquisition of more than 25 MAC computers; the purchase of microscopes, books, differentiated learning centers, math manipulatives, and writing and language materials; expansion of art, music, and drama projects; and continued resources for such programs as the Discovery Center, FAMS Rocks, and Broadway Night. “Providing teachers with the tools and support to positively and significantly impact our children in the classroom is our mission and what we strive to do,” Felice Yeshion, FLEF secretary added, “but we are only able to do so through the generous support of our community.” She pointed out that one of ways the community supports the FLEF is the foundation’s annual dinner dance and auction, which is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. This year’s event will be held on Friday, Feb. 11 at the Seasons restaurant in Washington Township. Upcoming events also include a Guys Night Out in March, a House Tour in the spring, and a Golf and tennis Outing in June. HARDING WINE & SPIRIT Wow! We knew it was good, but not in our wildest imagination did we think Coastal Vines would become such a success in our store. We have people coming from towns all over Bergen County buying cases of Coastal Vines. Thanks to Coastal Vines and this newspaper, at our last count we have sold 6,659 bottles. Unbelievable but true! Remember it tastes like a $10 bottle of wine but we are selling it for only $5.01! Reprinted with the permission of the Bergen Record WORTH THE TRIP! HUGE WINE SELECTION Beer • Super Premium Spirits Party Planning • Gift Baskets Free Parking • Ice • Soda 305 E. 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