NJ1134.org: Jersey Jobs Issue

Strumming New Chords

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:00:22 +0000

Don Fransko, a guitarist who once played with with bands like Catch-22 and Relient K, owns his own guitar gallery in Millville, New Jersey. When the recession hit, he turned to a more reliable source of income — lessons for kids. But even private lessons have dropped off. “People have to choose between paying the electric bill or sending their child to guitar instruction,” says Fransko. “Normally, the electric bill wins.”

Interviewed, photographed, and produced by James Cook, Jr.

Economized Embroidery

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:50:40 +0000

Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro, New Jersey has seen its sales dip 15 percent as fewer people seek out custom t-shirts and clothing.

Ace Screen Printing in Glassboro, NJ takes a hit as fewer people seek out custom t-shirts and clothing.

By Elizabeth Kolakowski and John Russo

Prisoner of the Highway

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:40:22 +0000

Bob Bray, the owner of Biker Fly Ride in West Berlin, New Jersey, transports Harley Davidson motorcycles to events across the country. But fewer people are traveling and Bray is hauling fewer motorcycles.

Interviewed, photographed, produced by Fallon Thompson

Holding Up a Household

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:30:20 +0000

Tracie Wylie, a 44-year-old wife and mother of two from Mantua, New Jersey, recently lost her job. Now she spends her days looking for work, clipping coupons, and filling her free time with household chores.

Photography by Robert Wylie

Reading the Recession

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:20:44 +0000

West Berlin, New Jersey resident Deanna Reilly was born with the gift of fortune telling, but when the cards began to reveal imminent economic disaster, seeing into the future stopped looking so bright.

Interviewed, photographed, and produced by Deena DiBacco

Limo Driver Santa

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:10:05 +0000

Anthony Montecarlo and Saint Nick’s Sleigh bring gifts to children stuck in the hospital on Christmas.

Photographed, Interviewed, and Produced by Cori Egan

Keeping the Faith

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:00:56 +0000

For 11 years, Father Joseph Pham has been a priest at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and School in Atlantic City. Much of the church’s financial support comes from vacationing visitors. Like the area casinos, the parish is experiencing hard times.

Interviewed, photographed, and produced by John Russo

Motherhood Overload

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:50:19 +0000

Erica Dow, 19, is a single mother who juggles a job at Wendy’s, school and the requirements of public assistance to support herself and her 5-month-old son Jeremiah.

Interviewed, photographed and produced by Ashlee Wynne

Buona Sera, Economy!

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:40:50 +0000

John Bruno, the owner of Bruno’s Pizza in Glassboro, New Jersey, is trying to sell his struggling business and move back to Sicily.

Photographs by Danielle Fol

Scaled-Back Wedding Day

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 09:30:54 +0000

Damian Garrett and Lauren Naudain of Merchantville, New Jersey, plan to get married in May and are organizing a less expensive wedding day.

Video by Deena DiBacco and Valerie Buccino