Independent | 3-17-2021 by centraljersey.com - NEWSPAPERS

ABERDEEN • HAZLET • HOLMDEL • KEYPORT • MATAWAN • MIDDLETOWN

WEDNESDAY, March 17, 2021

njindependent.com

Three area school districts scheduled to lose state aid By MARK ROSMAN Managing Editor

ov. Phil Murphy has unveiled his Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which includes proposed funding for New Jersey’s public school districts during the 2021-22 academic year. In terms of state school aid, which is calculated under the terms of legislation known as S-2, some school districts have come out winners and will see an increase in their support from Trenton, while some school districts have come out losers and will see their state aid continue to decrease. The amount of state aid a school district receives helps to determine the amount of taxes a school board must raise from a municipality’s residential and commercial property owners to support the operation of a school district in an academic year. For school districts that are scheduled to lose state aid in 2021-22, the impact of the reduction will become clear when school board members introduce their budgets for the upcoming academic year during the next few weeks and administrators explain how the loss of state aid will be accommodated in their budget. According to information provided by the New Jersey School Boards Association, local school districts will see the following year-to-year changes in their state aid: • Hazlet School District – A decrease of $1.34 million from $11 million in 202021 to $9.67 million in 2021-22. Regarding the loss of state aid to his district, Hazlet Superintendent of Schools Scott Ridley said, “We have known for a while that these cuts would be forthcoming and have been proactive by pivoting and adjusting to compensate for this loss of revenue. “Fortunately, we will also be receiving some COVID-19 grant money from the federal CARES Act that will allow us to apply funds to important areas such as facilities and special education while doing our best to keep other programs alive if not flourishing. “As has been our standard from the start, we will prioritize health and safety, as well as social-emotional well-being, and are hopeful of continuing to provide a

learning environment that serves the greater good while waiting for this pandemic to subside and a sense of normalcy to return,” Ridley said. • Middletown School District – A decrease of $1.21 million from $15.73 million in 2020-21 to $14.52 million in 202122. Regarding the loss of state aid to her district, Middletown Superintendent of Schools Mary Ellen Walker said, “Middletown’s reduction of state aid for 2021-22 is $1,211,017. “This decrease is about $121,000 more than what we had calculated based on the S-2 Year 4 reduction percentage of 14%. “However, the larger reduction is not unexpected given the decline in resident enrollment of 323.5 students that was reported on our October 2020 Application for State School Aid (ASSA). “Without factoring in any projected changes in enrollment or other changes in state aid formula components, we expect additional state aid reductions over the remaining three years of S-2 implementation of at least $2.1 million. “While we had advocated for a pause on the implementation of S-2 state aid reductions during these challenging times, the district’s budget planning has incorporated the anticipated loss of aid for the upcoming year,” Walker said. • Keyport School District – A decrease of $413,616 from $5.74 million in 2020-21 to $5.33 million in 2021-22. Regarding the loss of state aid to her district, Keyport Superintendent of Schools Lisa Savoia said, “The figures as presented are correct. Keyport (will lose) $413,616, which dramatically impacted budget planning for 2021-22. “It was my hope that districts would be held harmless in regard to student enrollment. COVID-19 has caused some families to relocate in and out of state. In addition, for safety purposes, families have chosen to homeschool. “ESSER II funds have been incorporated into the proposed 2021-22 budget to ensure that students are supported socially, emotionally and academically. In addition, the 2% tax increase and the use of approximately $76,000 in banked (tax levy) cap has been incorporated into the budget.

“Budgeting as a whole is challenging for all districts. Revenue must match expenditures and a 2% increase each year does not allow for increases to health benefits, salaries, etc. “I work very collaboratively with the business administrator, the Board of Edu-

cation and the administration to align our budgets with our strategic plan and district goals using zero-based budgeting,” Savoia said. • Holmdel School District – An

(Continued on page 9)

CHRISTY E. O’CONNOR

The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council will present an exhibition in the main gallery, “The ChaShaMa Matawan 11,” now through April 17. Works by Christy E. O’Connor (above) and other artists associated with ChaShaMa Matawan are featured in the gallery at 54 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands. For story, see page 7.

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March 17, 2021M

YOUR TURN

British government report: Don’t undervalue ‘nature’s capital’

n the world of finance, “capital” usually refers to monetary wealth, often needed for starting and maintaining a business. Businesses without enough capital may be doomed to failure. Did you know nature has capital? Nature’s capital includes water, air, geology, soil and the planet’s diverse plant and animal species. These assets are collectively known as “natural capital” and just like monetary capital, they can be depleted – with potentially disastrous consequences. With an economist’s eye, a new British government report warns that corporations face serious financial risks due to the depletion of natural capital, including the loss and extinction of plant and animal species, air and water pollution, soil depletion, and habitat degradation. “The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review” describes the impacts of the world’s loss of natural capital: lower crop yields, reduced fish catches and disrupted corporate supply chains, as well as more flooding and other natural disasters. The report was published in February. “At their core, the problems we face today are no different from those our ancestors faced: how to find a balance between what humanity takes from nature and what we leave behind for our descendants,” wrote the report’s lead author, Partha Dasgupta, an economist and professor at the University of Cambridge. “While our ancestors were incapable of affecting the Earth system as a whole, we are doing just that.” The report reaches several conclusions: • Economies, livelihoods and well-be-

ing all depend on nature – Nature provides “Biodiversity is declining faster than at food, water and shelter; regulates the cli- any time in human history,” the report said. mate; maintains nutrient cycles and oxy- “Current extinction rates, for example, are gen production; and provides recreation around 100 to 1,000 times higher than the opportunities and spiritual fulfillment. The baseline rate and they are increasing. These planet, however, also absorbs waste, in- declines are undermining nature’s produccluding carbon dioxide, plastic and other tivity, resilience and adaptability, and are pollutants. in turn fueling extreme risk and uncertainty • Human society has failed to engage for our economies and well-being.” with nature sustainably, to the extent that There are no easy solutions to this isour demands far exceed nature’s capacity sue, but the first step is to understand that to supply the goods and services we rely human economic activity exists within naon. ture, not apart from it. “Estimates of our total impact on nature That means societies and businesses suggest we would require 1.6 Earths to must ensure that demands on nature do maintain the world’s curnot exceed its capacity, rent living standards,” the and they must find ways GUEST COLUMN to restore nature’s ability report said. • Unsustainable use of to rebound from stresses • nature is endangering the placed on it. MICHELE S. BYERS prosperity of current and The report recomfuture generations – Many mends that corporations ecosystems, from forests to coral reefs, recognize the true worth of nature and have already been damaged beyond repair structure businesses to sustain it: “Nature or are at imminent risk of exceeding their needs to enter economic and finance de“tipping points.” Low-income countries, cision-making in the same way buildings, whose economies most rely on nature’s machines, roads and skills do.” goods and services, stand to lose the most Citizen action is needed, as are educafrom ecological collapse. tional programs to help people understand • Deep-rooted, widespread institutional and connect with nature. Citizen engagefailure is at the root of the problem – The ment would not only improve public health report asserts that nature’s true worth is not and well-being, but would also improve accurately reflected in market prices, be- choices about investments. cause so much has been available for free. For example, the report said, consumPricing distortions have led society and ers should insist that financiers invest suscorporations to under-invest in protecting tainably and that companies disclose enand restoring nature and to over-invest in vironmental conditions along their supply “produced” assets like roads and buildings. chains; people should also boycott prodSpecies diversity is especially at risk. ucts and services that cause harm to nature

and biodiversity. “Putting things right will take collaborative action by every nation on Earth,” naturalist David Attenborough wrote in the report’s introduction. “It will require international agreements to change our ways. Each ecosystem has its own vulnerabilities and requires its own solutions. There has to be a universally shared understanding of how these systems work and how those that have been damaged can be brought back to health,” Attenborough wrote. Preserving natural lands and protecting habitats is another key step in protecting biodiversity. The good news for New Jersey residents is that this state we’re in has already preserved about a third of its land mass and is committed to saving even more. And the worth of natural capital has been on the state’s radar for years. In 2007, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection released a report, “Valuing New Jersey’s Natural Capital,” which assigned dollar values to various “ecosystem services” provided by the land. To read “The Economics of Biodiversity,” visit the website https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/final-report-theeconomics-of-biodiversity-the-dasguptareview Three versions are available: the full 600-page report, a 100-page abridged version, and a 10-page “headlines” version.

Michele S. Byers is the executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Far Hills.

Behavioral treatment center will assist people from throughout New Jersey By JENNIFER AMATO Managing Editor

bout seven years ago, Marlene Brandt, a Rutgers University graduate and local philanthropist, watched her 17-year-old daughter suffer from severe depression, the inability to function in school, unhappiness, and a feeling of very little will to go on. Brandt searched New Jersey without finding a treatment center to properly address her daughter’s needs and realized she would have to travel to Massachusetts or

Baltimore, Md., as the closest areas. In Boston, her daughter received “lifechanging” treatment for about two months, but the situation led Brandt to develop the concept for a state-of-the-art treatment center much closer to home. Thus, the Brandt Behavioral Health Treatment Center and Residence in North Brunswick, Middlesex County, was born. The center will accommodate a treatment facility, plus a two-story residential building with eight beds for young adults ages 16 and 17, and eight beds for young adults ages 18 to 24, who suffer from mood

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on the web: www.centraljersey.com

and anxiety disorders, but who are not at imminent risk of hurting themselves or others. Members of the North Brunswick Planning Board conducted a courtesy review of the plans presented by representatives of Rutgers University on March 9. The portion of the treatment center that is in North Brunswick is part of Rutgers University’s Cook/Douglass campus off Ryders Lane in an educational and biological research zone, according to Frank Wong, a licensed professional planner representing Rutgers as assistant vice presi-

Editorials....................................................... 14 Real Estate.................................................... 15

dent of planning and development. The Rutgers Equine Science Center is on the 5-acre property. Two dilapidated buildings will come down. An area for hazelnut research is winding down, Wong said. “The setting itself is a peaceful and therapeutic one and part of that for the residents is part of the healing process and part of the therapeutic environment,” said Dr. Frank A. Ghinassi, a licensed clinical psychologist and president and CEO of Rutgers Behavioral Healthcare.

(Continued on page 9) Schools & Camps........................................... 6 Sports........................................................... 12

March 17, 2021

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March 17, 2021M

KIDS &CAMPS ‘SPARK’ up summer fun at day camp

park up the summer fun at SPARK Day Camp. SPARK is a traditional day camp with plenty of surprises. Camp will run June 28 through Aug. 20, and campers can register for a minimum of two weeks or up to the full eight-week full summer season. For your family’s flexibility, weeks do not have to be consecutive. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with additional early and late stay options available. Early stay begins at 8 a.m. and late stay runs until 6 p.m. SPARK Day Camp offers two fullsized skating/hockey rinks, acres of natural wooded areas, Gaga pits, human foosball, climbing trees with low ropes apparatus, three outdoor pools, an artificial turf field, laser tag, indoor facilities for creative and performing arts, and more. As an added bonus of being at the Middletown Sports Complex, SPARK campers can ice skate throughout the summer. SPARK Day Camp also has several special events and theme days, like carni-

vals, color war, Hawaiian luaus, campfires and Olympics throughout the summer. Lunch and snacks are provided for all campers. SPARK Day Camp’s wellness center will include an on-site registered nurse and/or EMT daily. Additionally, key staff and the entire aquatics staff will also be CPR/first aid certified. SPARK Day Camp’s mission is to empower campers to feel positive about themselves and grow as confident individuals as they further their skill development and learn to be supportive members of an inclusive camp community. We aim to develop “camp people” who are people who look forward to giving back. Schedule a Zoom or in-person tour today. SPARK Day Camp is located at 214 Harmony Road in Middletown. For more information, call 735-852-5858, visit sparkdaycamp.com or email info@sparkdaycamp.com

Introducing… Monmouth County’s Newest Day Camp

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March 17, 2021

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INDEPENDENT 7

Atlantic Highlands Arts Council presents ‘The ChaShaMa Matawan 11’

he Atlantic Highlands Arts Council will present an exhibition in the main gallery, “The ChaShaMa Matawan 11.” The exhibition is a partnership between the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council, 54 First Ave., Atlantic Highlands, and ChaShaMa Matawan, two nonprofit arts organizations supporting each other in times of need and building community through the arts, according to a press release. Manda Gorsegner, vice president of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council said, “The ChaShaMa Matawan artists recently suffered flooding to their studio spaces and the board members of the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council wanted to reach out to offer support and space for these artists to continue showing their work to the public

during this time of crisis. The arts community in New Jersey is strong and we are very supportive of each other.” Donna Kessinger, curator and studio manager of ChaShama’s only New Jersey arts location, said that in January, ChaShaMa studios and gallery at 60 Main St., Matawan, sustained a flood that resulted in the loss of artwork and material property. “The good news is that we are in the process of rebuilding our studios and the gallery exhibition program. We will reopen by the end of March. “This show represents the spirit of perseverance and renewal in the face of forces that are beyond our control. “Art has the power to help us deal with a crisis head-on and the work represented in this show reflects the ongoing CHA Ma-

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Municipal officials in Middletown have applied to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to seek bids for a solar energy farm at the NJ Transit station parking lot on Church Street in Middletown, according to a press release from the Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter. The power generated by the facility would provide a 10% to 20% reduction to two senior apartment complexes with 252 total residential units, according to the Sierra Club. The main parking lot of the train station in Middletown is approximately 7 acres of lined pavement. The township owns about two-thirds of the property, but the solar farm could potentially encompass the entire parking lot with approval from NJ Transit, according to the press release. Power from the solar farm would run through Jersey Central Power & Light hardware to the two nearby apartment complexes, according to the Sierra Club’s press release. Preferred Home Health Care and Nursing Services, Eatontown, with offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, is offering certified home health aide training classes, April 12 through April 30. Classes are scheduled to meet via Zoom on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 9-11 a.m. Participants must also attend in-person clinical labs on Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. in Galloway at 323 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Building 700, Suite 722, or in Neptune at 3529 Route 33. Register at 800-603-2273 or PreferredCares.com. For more information, contact Lisa Gallicchio at lisa@preferredcares.com

tawan cohort and their recent work,” Kessinger said. “The ChaShaMa Matawan 11” includes Rachel Bottcher, Jennifer Elliott, Erin Keane, Donna Kessinger, Monica Loncola, Douglas Henry Loom, Audrey Meehan, Christy O’Connor, Carlyn Perlow, Tessa Perlow and Mechelle Shoneman. The exhibition will run from March 12 through April 17. The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday. Sign-in is required. A mask must be worn in the gallery and social distancing is required. For hours, visit https://aharts.org/contact The Atlantic Highlands Arts Council will host a virtual opening reception on

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Commissioners want part of marijuana legislation repealed By MARK ROSMAN Managing Editor

he Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is calling on state officials to repeal legislation that became law less than a month ago. Specifically, the county’s governing body wants S-3454, which was passed in the state Assembly and Senate and signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy, to come off the books. The new law was a topic of discussion and action during the March 11 meeting of the county commissioners. The meeting was conducted in a remote manner during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. S-3454 became law as part of a package of legislation that legalized adult use marijuana (also called recreational marijuana). Voters approved a referendum in the Nov. 3, 2020, election that legalized a controlled form of marijuana and the Legislature codified how that process will occur. According to a resolution passed by the county commissioners, S-3454 “addresses marijuana and cannabis use and possession penalties for individuals younger than 21 years old and imposes criminal penalties on law enforcement officers.

“New Jersey residents were not aware at the time of their vote (in November) that this would eventually lead to the New Jersey Legislature voting to make law enforcement officers ‘guilty of a crime’ if they notify parents of children under the age of 18 that their child was caught with marijuana or alcohol, on the first offense,” the commissioners said in the resolution. The resolution states that S-3454 “is treacherous to law enforcement officers because it creates a penalty of third degree deprivation of civil rights if an officer uses the odor or possession of marijuana or alcoholic beverages as the reason for initiating an investigatory stop of a person.” The commissioners unanimously called for the repeal of S-3454. Commissioner Ross Licitra said, “The repeal of this bill is needed for public safety.” Commissioner Nick DiRocco said, “At best, this effort eluded legislators. At worst, they did not tell the public about it. The legal marijuana issue is governed by (entities) that are looking out for their own interests.” Commissioner Susan Kiley said, “You count on people like cops and teachers to

steer kids in the right direction. You are penalizing officers who are trying to do the right thing.” Commissioner Lillian Burry joined her colleagues in calling for the law’s repeal. Director Thomas Arnone said, “I have heard the governor feels there needs to be change here and it will be addressed.” In previous comments about S-3454, Arnone said, “Not only does this (law) keep parents in the dark about what may be happening in their child’s life, it also shows children there are no major consequences if they are found using marijuana or alcohol for the first time. “Parents should have the right to know if their child is using or in possession of marijuana from the first encounter and be given the chance to discuss its consequences before it potentially becomes a larger issue.” In a press release addressing the issue, state Sen. Robert Singer (R-Monmouth and Ocean) was quoted as saying, “People are starting to realize some of the concerning provisions of New Jersey’s new marijuana laws that will cause real problems if we don’t address them now. “Parents are worried that parental no-

tification is now prohibited when kids are caught with drugs or alcohol. They have a right to know if their 12-year-old is smoking pot. “Police officers are concerned the new laws treat them like criminals. They are not the enemy and we should not hamstring their efforts to keep kids away from drugs and alcohol,” Singer said. In the Senate vote on S-3454, Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) voted “yes,” Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) voted “no,” Sen. Sam Thompson (R-Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Burlington) voted “no” and Singer voted “no.” In the Assembly vote on S-3454, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth) voted “yes,” Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Monmouth) voted “yes,” Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (R-Monmouth) voted “no,” Assemblyman Gerard Scharfenberger (R-Monmouth) voted “no,” Assemblyman Ron Dancer (RMonmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Burlington) voted “no,” Assemblyman Robert Clifton (R-Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex and Burlington) voted “no,” Assemblyman Sean Kean (R-Monmouth and Ocean) voted “no” and Assemblyman Edward Thomson (R-Monmouth and Ocean) voted “no.”

March 17, 2021

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State aid (Continued from page 1)

increase of $634,825 from $2.72 million in a2020-21 to $3.36 million in 2021-22. - • Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District – An increase of $675,888 wfrom $12.76 million in 2020-21 to $13.43 tmillion in 2021-22. g Murphy is proposing to provide $18.1 sbillion in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 school aid funding in Fiscal Year 2022. nHis proposal is subject to review and ap.proval in the state Legislature. d The governor’s proposed FY2022 bud,get offers $578 million in additional K-12 dschool aid and nearly $50 million in additional preschool funding, according to in-formation provided by his office. - When paired with additional investnments in Extraordinary Special Aid and dstabilization aid, the FY2022 budget inocreases school funding by $700 million, naccording to the governor’s office. ) School districts will be able to use state -funds in conjunction with federal resourc-es to address COVID-19 related learning tloss, for stand-up mental health programs, xto train educators and to remediate buildn

Treatment (Continued from page 4)

Ghinassi said the usual length of treatment in the residences would be two to six weeks for individuals who need daily treatment or for individuals who are traveling a long distance to attend. Each unit will have a single bed and a bathroom. The treatment center will offer in-patient or outpatient therapy, consisting of individual or group therapy, partial hospitalization, peer support and medication delivery as warranted. The outpatient facility is expected to treat 70 to 75 patients per day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The residences are expected to accommodate 200 people per year and the facility will be staffed all day, every day. “We are extraordinarily excited about

NM-00453473

ings, among other uses, according to the governor’s office. According to Murphy, the FY2022 budget proposal continues a seven-year phasein to fully fund New Jersey’s school funding formula. However, in order to accomplish the goal of fully funding New Jersey’s school funding formula, the formula has been taking state aid away from some school districts and adding state aid to other school districts. The pattern is scheduled to continue for another three years, according to state officials. The governor’s FY2022 budget proposal includes $750,000 for minority teacher development grants and $550,000 to encourage retention and diversification within the teaching profession; the appropriation for nursing services in nonpublic schools will increase by $1.5 million, while state funding for the nonpublic technology initiative will be restored at $5.4 million; funding for auxiliary services provided to nonpublic school students, such as compensatory education and English as a Second Language services, will increase by $1 million; and an additional $974.4 million in pension and benefits to support retired educators. this program. This offers a level of treatment complexity and treatment completeness across residences and outpatient that is unparalleled in New Jersey,” Ghinassi said. Ghinassi said although the program is beginning with Brandt’s philanthropy, there will be a business model to accept insurance plans, to serve undocumented individuals and to become self-sustaining. Brandt’s gift allows for the construction of the facility. Ghinassi said the facility mirrors the key examples of Rutgers University’s mission: evidence-based treatment for patients and their families; advancing the sciences through research of anxiety and depression; and training the next generation of healthcare providers. Ghinassi said there will be a national search to recruit a research director.

INDEPENDENT 9

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March 17, 2021M

Company donates roof at Little League baseball facility in Matawan By VASHTI HARRIS Staff Writer

MATAWAN – Equipped with a passion to serve his community, resident James Kennedy’s new roofing company, Grapevine Pro, has built a new roof for the Matawan Little League. Kennedy, who was born and raised in the borough, said Grapevine Pro was launched in August 2020. He said a new roof was installed on the concession stand at Toomer Field on Middlesex Road on March 3. “We are part of an industry that was deemed essential during the (coronavirus) pandemic, so we thought it was important to give back,” Kennedy said. “Youth sports organizations like the local Little League have been hit hard this year and we are grateful to be in a position to help out.” Having started a new venture during the

pandemic, Kennedy said opening a business and assuming risk is always nervewracking, regardless of what else may be happening in the world. “We knew we had a better approach to the home improvement industry and specifically to roofing, so we were confident our business would be successful even during the pandemic,” he said. Kennedy said when he was growing up, his family was in the building trades. He said as he began to learn the trades, he became aware of a lack of professionalism on the part of some firms operating in the industry. “After working in the roofing industry for (more than) 10 years, I decided to open a roofing and exterior remodeling company in my hometown to serve the community and transform the experience people have when they hire a contractor,” Kennedy said.

Items for the Business Briefs column may be sent to news@njexaminer.com. Business Briefs may report the opening of a new business with a description of what the business offers; or hirings or promotions at a local business; or hirings or promotions of area residents at their place of employment.

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March 17, 2021

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Commissioners delay adoption of budget By MARK ROSMAN Managing Editor

ith the possibility that a proposed tax increase on Monmouth County property owners could be reduced, the members of the Board of County Commissioners have decided to hold off on the adoption of the 2021 budget. On Feb. 11, the commissioners introduced a $453 million budget to fund the operation of the county in 2021. The budget includes a tax levy of $317.6 million to be paid by residential and commercial property owners. That projected tax levy represents a $6.1 million increase from the 2020 tax levy of $311.5 million. The 2021 budget was scheduled for adoption by the commissioners on March 25. However, during the workshop session that preceded the board’s regular meeting, Director Thomas Arnone said the commissioners would hold off on adopting the budget after receiving information which indicates funds the county will receive from a $1.9 trillion federal stimulus bill may be able to be put toward relief for taxpayers.

President Joseph Biden signed the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill into law on the afternoon of March 25 as the county commissioners were meeting. Arnone said county officials expect to receive funding through this latest legislation. He said funds from the first federal stimulus bill that was signed by President Donald Trump during the coronavirus pandemic was used to support Monmouth County businesses, the arts and education. Arnone said it is time to consider using the next round of federal funds for taxpayer relief. “This board has decided to pull back and hold off (on adopting the budget) until the end of the month,” Arnone said during a live-stream of the commissioners’ meeting. “Hopefully we will be able to give some relief to the taxpayers.” The move to delay the budget’s adoption was supported by Arnone and commissioners Ross Licitra, Nick DiRocco, Lillian Burry and Deputy Director Susan Kiley. “It makes sense from a prudent budgeting perspective” to wait until the commissioners have clarity on how the county’s share of the stimulus package may be used,

DiRocco said. Officials did not say how much money Monmouth County may receive from the $1.9 trillion package. Once the 2021 budget has been adopted, the financial impact of the budget on a property owner’s tax bill will not be known until a county tax rate has been determined for each of the county’s 53 municipalities. The county taxes a property owner pays will be determined by the county tax rate that is established for his municipality and the assessed value of his property. County taxes are one item on a property owner’s overall tax bill, which also includes municipal taxes, school taxes and other assessments. Monmouth County’s budget covers the cost of providing maintenance for 1,000 lane miles of roads, more than 900 bridges, 17,000 acres of county parks, emergency management, 911 communications, law enforcement through the prosecutor’s office and the sheriff’s office, elections, deed recording and passport services in the county clerk’s office, probate and adoptions through the surrogate’s office, and more, according to county officials.

INDEPENDENT 11

NEWS BRIEFS

Autism Speaks, a national advocacy group that promotes research and solutions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), presented Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) with its Congressional Leadership Award in recognition of his “leadership on behalf of individuals with autism and their families.” “The dedicated leaders at Autism Speaks work tirelessly to help raise awareness and advocate for those with autism,” said Smith, who is the co-founder and cochair of the Congressional Autism Caucus. “I thank them for their steadfast commitment to this important cause and I am honored to receive this award.” Autism Speaks, founded 16 years ago by grandparents of an autistic child, has made extraordinary advancements for those with autism, building upon the legacy of three leading autism groups that have merged with the organization, according to a press release from Smith’s office. The organization’s Congressional Leadership Award recognizes Smith’s longstanding service to the autism community and his extensive work on the issue. This marks the second time Smith has received the award, in addition to receiving the group’s Award of Thanks, according to the press release.

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SPORTS

March 17, 2021M

Thomson surpasses 1,000-point mark in junior campaign By STEVEN BASSIN Staff Writer

KEYPORT – D.J. Thomson is writing his own story on the basketball court at Keyport High School and continuing the success his brothers Alex, Connor and Bryan had before him when they played for the Red Raiders. All three of Thomson’s older brothers went on to play college football. They also played basketball during their scholastic days at Keyport. Thomson, who is a junior, etched his name in the Keyport record book on Feb. 22 when he surpassed 1,000 career points during a 62-51 victory against Koinonia Academy of Plainfield. Needing 12 points to reach 1,000, Thomson achieved the milestone with a slam dunk on Keyport’s first possession of the fourth quarter, just like his brother Alex did when he scored his 1,000th point. Thomson finished with 17 points in the victory. “My brother Alex got his 1,000th point on a dunk and I wanted to get mine on a dunk, too. It was a sigh of relief when I got it. I didn’t score during the third quarter because I wanted to get it on a dunk and finally on the first possession of the fourth quarter I got it. It felt great. It was a very special night for me,” Thomson said. During a 2021 basketball season that was limited because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Thomson scored 256 points in 12 games for the Red Raiders (9-3). He scored in double digits in every game and averaged 21.3 ppg. During his sophomore season, Thomson scored 492 points in 23 games (21.4 ppg.). As a freshman, he scored 323 points. Thomson will begin his senior season with 1,071 career points. The junior’s success is no surprise to Keyport Coach Phil Recco, who has coached all four Thomson brothers on the hardwood. Recco remembers when D.J. came to high school practices at the age of 6 and 7 and challenged the players to three-point field goal shooting contests. The coach said the youngster gave the older players all they could handle. Thomson said he always tried to get involved in any drills the team was doing at practice and to show off his talents. “You could tell from Day 1 that D.J. was the real deal,” Recco said. “He puts in a lot of work year-round in the off-season

A 1 5 8 t 1 1 1 t 1 PHOTO COURTESY OF KEYPORT HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT1 1 Keyport High School junior D.J. Thomson celebrates reaching the milestone of 1,000 career points with his parents and coaches.r 1 Thomson reached 1,000 points on Feb. 22 in a home game against Koinonia Academy of Plainfield. 1 2 to improve his game. It took him just eight team and personal goals for the 2021-22 Calling himself a mix of all of his broth-N ers when he hits the basketball court and2 games into his junior year to reach 1,000 season. He said he believes Keyport will have a the football field, Thomson said he learnedm points. He is a special player and he has helped the school and our program in many good chance to win a state sectional tour- a lot by watching his brothers have success2 nament title and possibly the Group 1 state in athletics. He credits their drive and moti-p ways for three years.” 2 Thomson has shown an all-around title. He said he wants to help lead the Red vation with helping him strive to be thefi game on the court. During the 2019-20 Raiders to at least a quarterfinal berth in the best he can be in anything he does. 2 Just as his brothers did at Keyport,w season, he led Keyport in rebounds (141) Shore Conference Tournament. His coach, Recco, said, “We are hoping Thomson is in the process of creating his3 and assists (75). 3 own legacy at the school. In 2021, Thomson led the team with 68 for big things next year.” On a personal level, Thomson wants “My older brothers were all-stars here,”w rebounds. On the defensive end of the floor he made 28 steals to pace the Red Raiders. to surpass his brother Alex’s 1,380 career he said. “They pushed me the hardest out3 As Thomson sets his sights on play- points. He said he is thankful for the tute- of anyone just like my parents did becauser 3 lage his brothers have passed down to him. they knew I could be the best.”

ing basketball in college, he is also setting

March 17, 2021

NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com

TOWNSHIP OF OLD BRIDGE

HEAD TO TOE

ACROSS 1. *A or O, to blood 5. Catch a wink 8. “Don’t know what to say” sound 11. Eon, alt. sp. 12. Severe blow 13. *Blood ____, type of blood test 15. Eastern ____, 1947-1991 16. *Respiratory rattling 17. Enormous ones 18. *Annual exam 20. Largest city of Norway 21. Like a romantic movie? 22. *Anatomical pouch 23. Work over with fists (2 words) 26. Levee next to water mill 30. Not cooked 31. What a terrorist wants to spread 34. Continental currency 35. Wide open

INDEPENDENT 13

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NM-00455712

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency that administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Medicare and Medicaid are the primary payers for care in skilled nursing facilities, commonly known as nursing homes. Twelve years ago, CMS began rating nursing homes using a five-star scoring method. If a nursing home receives a one-star rating, the nursing home has poor quality measures. If a nursing home receives a five-star rating, the nursing home meets the highest rated quality measures. Each nursing home is rated in the areas of health inspections, staffing, and quality of resident care. Since CMS began its rating service, I have told clients to review the rating that the nursing home received from CMS and to visit the nursing home in person to see if it measure up to that rating. I advise clients to simply show up at the nursing home without scheduling an appointment. Significant tells that I have found with nursing homes are the way the facility smells (clean or of urine and feces) and whether the residents are congregated in one area sitting in their wheelchairs with far away looks on their faces or is the nursing home staff engaging with the residents. I have never believed that CMS’s rating system is the be-all and end-all to judging a nursing home’s quality. A recent article in the New York Times confirms this belief. The general upshot of the Times’s article is that much of the information CMS receives to rate a given nursing home comes from self-reported information from the nursing home. Obviously, the nursing home has no incentive to rate themselves poorly. In my opinion, nursing homes perform a job that is very difficult. It is very difficult to profitably take care of aged and disabled individuals. Aged and disabled individual need a tremendous amount of care and their health is not good. They fall frequently, and when they fall, they tend to break parts of their anatomy. Most nursing homes are privately operated, so the facility is in business to make money. But nobody forces the operator of a nursing home to go into the business of running a nursing home. And once these individuals voluntarily agree to take on the job of caring for fragile individuals, in my opinion, they are assuming a fiduciary duty—a duty of utmost care. I have been practicing elder law for over twenty years, and in my opinion, in the past five years, if anything, the care provided by nursing homes has gone down, not up. And nursing homes are trying harder than ever to protect themselves by controlling all aspects of the resident’s life. For instance, instead of recommending a family to an attorney experienced with elder law, nursing homes aggressively refer families to non-attorney Medicaid advisors. These non-attorney Medicaid advisors are supposed to represent the resident in applying for Medicaid benefits, but a large part of what these advisors do is report directly to the nursing home every aspect of the resident’s life, which they learn from the reams of information they receive from the resident in the application process. The advisors also prevent residents from receiving the advice of an attorney on issues surrounding the Medicaid application and other issues that may arise—for instance, I have referred several clients to personal injury attorney for injuries the client received in the nursing home and many of those clients have received substantial cash awards. Recently, a client of mine told me the nursing home in which her parent resides repeatedly told her that they could apply for Medicaid for her parent. The child refused the facility’s “help.” Now, every day, the nursing home asks the child how the father will pay his bill—despite the fact that no bill has even issued at this time. The facility had the staff physician call the client’s child. Thinking something was wrong with her parent, the child returned the physician’s call, only to be harassed by the physician for payment. You can’t make this stuff up, and you shouldn’t be without legal advice. Facilities are getting worse, not better. Don’t be caught up in their world. Get independent advice. Mr. Callinan is a certified elder law attorney (as certified by the National Elder Law Foundation, accredited by the American Bar Association) with offices in Middletown and Wall Twp. There are over 85,650 licensed attorneys in New Jersey and fewer than 60 are Certified Elder Law Attorneys. Mr. Callinan can be reached at 732-706-8008 or www.eldercarelawyer.com. *Award not approved by NJ Supreme Court. See http://www.superlawyers.com/about/selction process.html for selection methodology.

March 17, 2021M

Holmdel officials honor young ladies who achieved Eagle Scout rank By MARK ROSMAN Managing Editor

HOLMDEL – Two young women who are members of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts have been honored by the Holmdel Township Committee. According to a resolution passed by Mayor Greg Buontempo, Deputy Mayor Cathy Weber, Committeeman Prakash Santhana, Committeeman Tom Critelli and Committeeman D.J. Luccarelli on March 9, Kyra Campuzano and Heidi Kiss are members of Troop 331 of the Scouts BSA in Holmdel. Both young women have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in Scouts BSA. In order to fulfill the requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout, Kyra and Heidi each completed a significant community service project, according to the resolution. Municipal officials said Kyra created a sitting area outside Catholic Charities in Red Bank, complete with picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, a small garden and a birdhouse. The sitting area provides a safe, outdoor, socially distanced area for therapists to conduct counseling sessions with their clients. Committee members said Heidi planted a garden of irises and flowering shrubs in front of her church, Calvary Baptist in Aberdeen Township, to provide curb appeal and to enhance the experience for churchgoers. In the resolution, Buontempo and his fellow committee members said, “We congratulate and officially recognize Kyra and Heidi on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and for their unselfish voluntary service to

DATEBOOK The 2021 Discussion Series will present “Staying Connected – You Are Not Alone!” at 6:30 p.m. March 23 via Zoom. The presenters are Dr. Alison ThomasCottingham, a clinical psychologist with a specialty in community/health psychology, and Kat Verdi, a senior living and healthcare transition advocacy consultant for caregivers, aging adults and LGBTQ elders. Topics include how to stay connected to combat loneliness and social isolation during a global pandemic. The series is sponsored by Kathy Lo Bue, managing director, Glen Eagle Advisors. The series is free, non-sectarian and open to the community. Call 732-866-6660 for Zoom webinar registration information.

the community. “We wish Kyra and Heidi continued success in all their future endeavors with confidence they will serve as role models for other Scouts and will continue to make important contributions to society.” The March 9 Township Committee meeting was conducted in a remote manner due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Both young women joined the meeting to hear Holmdel’s officials congratulate them on their achievement. “As an Eagle Scout mom, I know what it takes (to achieve this rank). There are only 1,000 female Eagle Scouts nationwide. You (Kyra and Heidi) are blazing a trail for other young girls. Congratulations,” Weber said. In other business, Weber, Santhana, Critelli and Luccarelli consented to Buontempo’s appointment of Phil Ondrush, Marcus Pettyjohn Jr. and Larry Fink to the Holmdel Agricultural Advisory Committee. The mayor nominated those individuals to serve on the panel for two-year terms expiring on Dec. 31, 2022. And, during committee reports, Weber informed the members of the governing body and the public that Monmouth County “is going to initiate a 25 mph speed zone at the Indian Hill School. For those (drivers) who blow by the school, it’s not a good idea anymore.” The Indian Hill School is on Holmdel Road, which is Monmouth County Route 4. Finally, Weber said the Holmdel Swim Club is scheduled to open on May 29 and that registration for the swim club season will open in the near future.

Puzzle answers

March 17, 2021

NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com

INDEPENDENT 15

Lunch Break marks 38 years of caring for individuals in need of assistance

unch Break, a social service organization that provides food, clothing, fellowship, life skills and employment training, is celebrating 38 years of caring for the well-being of hundreds of families and individuals living at or below the poverty line in Monmouth County and beyond. The organization’s origins date to 1983 as a food pantry organized by Norma Todd and community leaders to alleviate hunger, according to a press release. Lunch Break has since flourished into a service agency and life skills program to help participants achieve self-sufficiency. During 2020, Lunch Break saw what its directors called an unprecedented demand for groceries — 111% more food pickups over 2019, according to the press release. The same holds true for Lunch Break’s “grab and go” meals — Continental breakfast and lunch served six days a week — with a 22% increase over 2019. In 2021, the need for food continues to increase as Lunch Break honors its promise to “never miss a meal,” thanks largely, in part, to the support of generous community members and partners, and dedicated volunteers, according to the press release. Beginning in March 2020 at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Lunch Break quickly adapted to modified food and grocery services, offering “grab and go” meals and contactless grocery pickups with help from front-line staff and volunteers. Some programs met remotely through Zoom conferencing. The Life Skills Center conducted virtual coaching sessions and employment and financial tutorials for up to 100 participants a month in 2020, 45 of whom gained employment, according to the press release. A COVID-19 emergency response Fund was established in 2020 for direct payments to vendors for outstanding utility, cable and car payments, as well as housing payment assistance. During 2020, Lunch Break received a $5,000 COVID-19 response grant from OceanFirst for operations, according to the press release. “In 38 years, we have survived just about everything from natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy, economic downturns and now, the COVID-19 pandemic,” Executive Director Gwendolyn Love was quoted as saying in the press release. Reflecting on 2020’s challenges, Life Skills Program Manager Mary Ann LaSardo found remote conferencing to be a way around some of the obstacles to learning. “Perhaps the best lesson learned was with our English as a Second Language classes. Prior to the pandemic our classes were held on Monday evenings. We usu-

ally had 25-plus students, but we often heard that transportation and day care were problems for some in attending classes. We now do classes via Zoom and we have added a few more students and removed the obstacles,” LaSardo said. “It has been so successful, we will continue during postpandemic times to offer at least one ESL class via Zoom.” Among Lunch Break’s accomplishments during 2020 were the following: • Health and wellness initiatives involving nutritional meal planning and grocery options for preventive health care and accommodations for health-related dietary restrictions; • Homebound delivery of nutritious meals provided six days a week, 52 weeks a year, including holidays; • Thanksgiving “grab and go” meals provided in addition to delivering to Lunch Break’s homebound clients; • Every week, more than 100 hot meals are delivered to displaced individuals in the Pan American Motel; • Clara’s Closet distributed clothing to more than 3,200 individuals; • Outreach Clothing Program distributed 7,175 bags of clothing to individuals throughout Monmouth County; • The Suit Up Program provided 95 individuals with business attire; • The Backpack Program ensured that 725 children in need had school supplies; • Lunch Break’s annual holiday program provided gift cards for 850 families; • Womyn’s Worth – female mentorship program focused on health, nutrition and wellness through virtual discussions, workshops and speakers; • COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund was established with agency partners for the payment of utilities, car payments, cable bills and rent assistance. To date, Lunch Break has distributed more than $800,000 directly to vendors to help its clients keep these critical services. “As we celebrate the 38th anniversary of Lunch Break and thank all of those who dedicated so much time and effort over the years, we look forward to 2021 and beyond in which Lunch Break continues to evolve its services to provide a path to self-sufficiency for our clients,” board President Phil Antoon said. “We have come through some of the darkest times and now, with hope on the horizon, we look forward to some new initiatives, as well as furthering our commitment to support the well-being of our community,” Love added. For more information or to donate, visit www.lunchbreak.org

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EMPLOYMENT WEEKLY

facebook.com/employmentweeklymagazine EmploymentWeeklyMagazine.com TO PLACE A RECRUITMENT DISPLAY AD CALL 732-358-5200 Healthcare

Compassionate, patient, cheerful person to care for your loved ones. I can help with home and personal services such as bathing, dressing, medication, housekeeping, laundry, meal preparation, running errands, shopping, driving to doctors appointments and more!

Please Call: 848-333-9081 Help Wanted Full Time

wanted for Senior Citizen building in Keyport. Under current Management position includes full medical and pension benefits at no cost to the employee. Experience required. Employment and application information can be found on the website: bethanyemployment.com Those applicants without internet access or to request an application should call 732-264-9550 Monday- Friday 10AM-12NOON and 1PM-3PM

PRECISION SHEET METAL SHOP

has openings for:

GENERAL SHOP HELPER/ GRINDER FINISHER MECHANIC- Must be able to read prints & setup & run various metal fabrication equipment. PRESS BRAKE OPERATOR- Must be able to setup & run amada press brakes. F/T positions Top pay & benefits, 401K. Work hours: Mon.-Thurs., 6:30am to 5:00pm.

J&E Metal Fabricators, Inc. Metuchen, NJ.

P: 732-548-9650 F: 732-548-9589 www.metalfab.com Email: je@metalfab.com The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America seeks Data Scientist in Holmdel, NJ to identify highest value activities for Advanced Data & Analytics group & provide data modeling, mining, pattern analysis, data visualizations & machine learning solutions. Requires Masterʼs or foreign education equivalent in CS, Math, Physics, Engineering or Stats & 5 yearsʼ experience performing analytical & numerical modeling & developing data science solutions. Position requires 10% domestic travel. To apply, email resume to resumes@glic.com w/reference to Data Scientist & job code GCSP.

Help Wanted Part Time DRIVING INSTRUCTORS

Must be 30 or older, clean licenses only. Female or male,will train.732-462-6626

Healthcare

Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up & control traffic around construction sites. A valid driver license is a must, good pay & benefits. If interested please fill out an application on Tuesdays from 2-4 PM at 5300 Asbury Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727 or go to trafficplan.com

MARISOL'S HOME Caregivers Services. We provide caring & affordable in-home care for seniors & disabled with illness & injury. Daily/live-in. Family own/ operated. NJ lic. Ins./Bonded. 732-912-9312 We care for you!

TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 732-358-5200

March 17, 2021M

CLASSIFIED

NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com

Automotive Merchandise

Celebra-

ge Gara

Jobs

Pet

Rentals Apartments s

ces

Servi

Homes

198 ROUTE 9 NORTH, SUITE 100, MANALAPAN, NJ 07726

732-358-5200

E-MAIL YOUR AD TO gmclassiﬁed@centraljersey.com MONDAY - FRIDAY 9A.M.-5P.M.

CHARGE YOUR AD

FAX: 732-780-4678

All advertising published in Newspaper Media Group are subject to the applicable rate card, copies are available online at CENTRALJERSEY.COM. All ads are subject to approval before publication. We reserve the right to edit, refuse, reject classify or cancel any ad at any time. Errors must be reported the ﬁrst day of publication. We shall not be liable for any loss or expense that result from the publication (whether published correctly or not) or omission of an advertisment. Please check your ad the ﬁrst day it runs. Ads may be canceled at any time. All charges are non-refundable.

Drywall/Sheetrock

Bethany Manor II (Annex), a subsidized (tenants pay 30% of their gross monthly income for rent) senior citizen building located at 500 Broad Street in Keyport, NJ will be accepting applications to add to an existing waiting list for one bedroom units. If you are 62 years of age or older, you may request an application to be mailed. Applications will be available for distribution Tuesday, March 23, 2021 until Friday, March 26, 2021. Requests can be made by calling 732-264-9550 that Tuesday through Friday between the hours of 9AM and 12 Noon and 1PM and 4PM. Persons with disabilities who need assistance in filling out the application within the prescribed time frame may contact the business office. No more than two applications will be given out per request. Applications would have to be returned by mail, postmarked no later than Monday, April 5, 2021 to: Bethany Manor Annex Housing Applications, 500 Broad Street OFC, Keyport, NJ 07735. When the application is returned, eligible applicants will be placed on the waiting list in the order of their submission. Eligibility income limits including income from assets are: One person $54,950 Bethany Manor Annex manages the complex in conjunction with the US Department of HUD and New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY NM-00455380

Metuchen- Main St 2 Blocks from train 2nd Floor: 1 BR, FR, Eat in Kitchen, Parking. Heat & Water included. No pets, Refs, Security deposit. $1,400./mo. (732)548-0002

Rooms for Rent Metuchen- Main Street 2 Blocks to train. Furnished Room, Parking, Utilities included, References, Security Deposit, 6 Mo. lease required. $825.00 (732)548-0002

General Merchandise Contents of ceramic studio. Kilns, pouring table. Brushes. Work tables, chairs, bisque items. Molds everything must go no reasonable offers refused. 732-780-9475

Merchandise Wanted WANTED Lionel Trains & old toys. Any cond. 732-381-1225

Electrical

ALL- BORO ELECTRICAL

Free est. All calls returned. Generators & more! Lic.# 14112

732-888-3630

Floor Finishing

DELUXE WOOD FLOORING

Sanding - Refinishing Installations. Free est. 732-238-4287 deluxewoodflooring.com

Floor Finishing

FOREVER FLOORING

NOW 98% DUST FREE SANDING!! • Restoration • Repairs • Installation • Free Estimates

Call 732-642-2253

Two persons $62,800

Apartments for Rent

T.A.F. Drywall Specializing in small jobs for the homeowner. Sheetrock,Taping,and Spackle. Dustless sanding system. Free estimates. COVID FREE. 732-668-2096

Carpet Install Repair/ Sale

ED'S CARPET

RE-STRETCHING SALES-BINDING REPAIRS 732-591-9168

Ceramic Repair/Install

CUSTOM CERAMIC TILING New -Repair Remodel. Free est., John Cherry

732-290-9086

Cleaning Domestic

Ceramic Repair/Install

GROUT CLEANING

Re-grouting - Re-caulking Sealing - Specialty Cleaning, Slip Prevention for Floors, Tubs & Showers. Now offering STEAM CLEANING: effectively kills 99% of bacteria, germs, viruses on bathroom, kitchen and other h/h surfaces. Free est. Grout Geek Inc. 732-521-3809

A POLISH CLEANING SERVICE

Always a good job, over 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. References. Call 732-904-4861

Decks

DECK REPAIR REFINISHING POWERWASHING

Owner Operated / Ins. Call/text Wizz 732-558-2830 wizzpressurewashing.com

Garage Doors GARAGE DOORS Replace, Repairs, Spring Repairs, 24 HR service. Licensed/Insured ML Installations 732-673-3105

Handypersons AFF HOME SERVICES and REPAIRS Slow moving or clogged drains, Tub/shower caulking, wall repairs, leaky roof. No job too small! Free estimate Call John, 732-744-6609

DAN'S HANDYMAN SERVICE Odd jobs done inside & out. Call Dan, 732-238-2429 Home Improvements

AFFORDABLE!

REPAIR OR NEW Interior Work, Decks, Baths, Kitchens, Additions Free Estimates

732-322-3820

BUSINESS & SERVICE

Pop's Painting & Powerwashing Free estimates

NO JOB TOO SMALL. Call 732-742-5014 Power Washing

CALL OUR CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT TO ADVERTISE HERE 732-358-5200

A BARGAIN! POWERWASHING

DEADLINES: FRIDAY P.M. DEADLINES: FRIDAY511AM FOR LINE ADS, DISPLAY ADS AND BUSINESS & SERVICE ADS

Apartments for Rent

INDEPENDENT 17

Painting/Wallpapering

Home Improvements

E. ANDRÉ

Property Services, LLC Family Owned & Operated HOME IMPROVEMENT and REMODELING * Kitchens & Bathrooms * Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Floors * Wood /Laminate Flooring * Sheetrock & Painting * Crown Molding/Trim work * Windows & Doors Free estimate*Great rates!

Call 732-955-6434

Lawn Care / Landscaping FS LANDSCAPING Spring Clean Ups, Lawn maint., Chem. applications, mulch, sod, landscape design stone and gravel. Lawn seeding and repair, Aerating & dethatching. Drainage, irrigation, pavers, retaining walls. Snow Plowing 908-233-5600

Owner Operated/Insured Homes from $150. + cleaner Decks, patios, concrete. Do you want white gutters? call/text 732-558-2830 wizzpressurewashing.com

Contractors

The Name You Know & Trust

Roofing/Siding



ANTHONY JOHN'S

ROOFING

Repairs & New, Shingles or Flat. Solar panels are no problem. Masonry Work Chimney Repair Waterproofing Friendly Professional Svc. Call today for free estimate. 24 hr. emergency service



732-900-6087

Additions Add a Level Custom Basements Kitchens Baths

J & R ROOFING & SIDING UNBEATABLE RATES Exp. & Ins. 732-672-8965

Window Washing PROFESSIONAL WINDOW CLEANING Fully Ins. * Free Estimates Call 732-738-7770

muzioconstruction.com muzioconst@optonline.net Lic#13VH00073300

Autos for Sale

2012 Honda Civic EX-4 dr. sedan, 25,000 orig. mi., No accidents. Exc. cond. Sunroof, keyless entry, a/c, p/w, door Lawn Mower Repair locks, cruise, alloy wheels. Alarm, cd, mp3, blue tooth. M . A . C . R E P A I R S L a w n , $12,500 Call 732-617-8512 garden, snow, ATVs, bikes, used equipment. Pickup & Auto/Truck Wanted delivery available 732-462-0743



NM-00453395

Electrical

V & D ELECTRIC, LLC.

AAA WANTED Junk&Running CARS, TRUCKS, WHATEVER We Buy It All $CASH$ DON'S CUSTOM MASONRY 7 Day Pick Up. 732-536-8030 Small Repairs/Patios /Pavers, $200 to $25,000 PAID Chimneys. Lic#13VH02546700 Free est. Fully insured. Novenas Call 732-251-4352

Masonry/Paving

Masonry/Paving McMULLEN CONSTRUCTION ALL PHASES OF MASONRY. SMALL JOBS WELCOME. Fully Ins. Call Tom, 732-536-1431

Masonry/Paving RICCARDI MASONS All types of masonry. No job too small. Free Est. 732-695-2183

Odd Jobs/Cleanups

Abra-Cadabra Junk Be Gone

Clean-Outs, Junk Removal, Demolition. Best Prices Visa/MC/Amex

732-262-9779

Odd Jobs/Cleanups

ACE JUNK & TRASH REMOVAL ALL DEBRIS REMOVED!!

visit us: aceremovalllc.com 732-521-5500 10% off w/ad

Over 25 Years Experience • • • • • • • •

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can achieve my goal. You who give me a divine gift to forgive & forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life are with me. I want this short prayer to thank you for all things you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you, even in spite of all material illusions. I wish to be with you in eternal joy and thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. The person must say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. After 3 days the favor requested will be granted even if it seems difficult. The prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted without mention of the favor, only your initials should appear at the bottom.

W.D.

TO PLACE

YOUR AD HERE CALL 732-358-5200

   

Full Renovations Home Improvements

New Construction Addition’s Basement Remodels Service Upgrades Trouble Shooting & Repairs Outdoor Lighting We Call Ceiling Fans Recessed Lighting You Back!

Free Est. • Bonded & Ins. • Lic. # 15903 NM-00455338

March 17, 2021

732-238-1049 VDElectric@msn.com

18 INDEPENDENT

JB GUTTERS S EAMLESS GUTTERS & LEADERS

INSTALLATION REPAIRS CLEANING

Electrical

JB ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Gutter Covers Rooﬁng & Chimney Repairs

Residential/Commercial

SERVICE UPGRADES

Call for free estimate

732-579-2490

NM-00450442

SPITALETTO ELECTRIC OWNER OPERATED

• 24 Hour Emergency Service • All Of Your Residential Electrical Needs • Same Day Service We Install Generac Generators Free Estimates • Lic. #14030 Bonded/Insured

732-238-8519

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Interior Exterior We Accept Credit Cards

Ann 27 th Cele iversary brati on

• Gutters • Hardwood Floors • Kitchens • Laminate Floors • Moldings • Odd Jobs • Painting • Power Washing • Repairs • Roofing • Siding • Wallpaper Removal • Windows

HARDWOOD SPECIALIST • NEW JERSEY’S BEST

Fully Insured • Free Estimates • Owner Operated NJ Lic# 13VH06672000

NM-00455387

Electrical

www.keyfloorshic.com

732-952-5131

Handypersons Handypersons

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 732-358-5200

(Cell)

732-613-1115 973-818-0880 www.buildwithasjr.com

Call Mike for an estimate.

Serving Monmouth, Old Bridge, Parlin & surrounding.

732-759-5897

$100 OFF

Any Service of $1,000 or more

Must present coupon at time of estimate. Exp. 3/31/21

Storm damage/storm related issues excluded.

AJ’s Home Improvement, LLC

Storm damage/storm related issues excluded.

732-257-1170

www.budgetpropertymaintenance.com

ALL WORK GUARANTEED Residential & Commercial Lic. #13vH08853200

Veteran Discounts Available

• Weekly Mowing • Fertilization Program • De-Thatching & Seeding • Re-Sodding lawn • Complete Landscape Restoration & Installation • Mulch, Stone, Topsoil Installed & Delivered • Trimming & Pruning • Gutter Cleaning • Drainage

Home Improvements

JOHN’S CONSTRUCTION

Now Accepting Most Credit Cards Fully Insured

PAINTING • ROOFING FLAT ROOFS • ROOF COATING DECK REPAIRS • POWER WASHING CONCRETE & FOUNDATIONS

CALL 732-925-0563 Home Improvements

• Custom Seemless Gutters Leaf Guards • Roofing Siding - Windows • Bathroom And Kitchen Remodeling Free Est. • Fully Ins. • 35 Years Experience

732-572-2678

Landscaping

Landscape Restoration Experts

No Job Too Small or Big!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

OWNER OPERATED

Spring Clean-Ups

Interior Carpentry Painting Sheetrock Basement Waterprooﬁng

Quality Service – Quick Response Free Estimates ~ 24 hr. emergency service

NM-00453950

Must present coupon at time of estimate. Exp. 3/31/21

G.S. LAWN SVC & LANDSCAPING LLC

CERTIFIED

Commercial & Residential

Exterior All Types of Rooﬁng Flat & Shingles Repair or New Deck Repair & Staining Chimney & Fencing Shed Repairs Powerwashing

Any Service of $1,500 or more

** DISCOUNTED FIREWOOD ** 1 Cord $185.00 • 1/2 Cord $100

Lawn Care

732-900-6087

$200 OFF

FULLY INSURED, FREE ESTIMATES

Specializing in

No job too small. All levels of home repairs & improvements. Carpentry • Painting • Tile/Molding • Powerwashing

24 HOUR PROMPT/EMERGENCY SERVICE

Free Estimates • Insured • Owner-Operated

(Ofﬁce)

Landscaping

Will Serve The Monmouth Areas For Tree Work & Landscaping Only

ALL WORK GUARANTEED !!!

IMPROVEMENTS

NM-00450972

We Accept All Major Credit Cards -

• Hardwood Floors • Kitchens • Laminate Floors • Moldings • Odd Jobs • Painting • Power Washing • Repairs • Rooﬁng • Sheds • Siding • Wallpaper • Windows

TIMCO HOME

www.spitalettoelectric.com email: info@spitalettoelectric.com

NM-00455320

A&S JR. LLC Lic# 13VH03221500

• Additions • Attics • Basements • Bathrooms • Carpentry • Ceramic Tile • Counter Tops • Decks Over 30 years • Doors Experience • Dormers • Dry Wall • Flooring • Gutters

� ��

Over 2,500 Satisﬁed Customers

Home Improvements

KEY CONSTRUCTION

• Additions • Attics 10% • Basements OFF • Bathrooms ANY JOB Booked By • Carpets 3/31/21 • Carpentry Min. $300 • Ceramic Tile • Counter Tops • Decks • Doors • Dormers • Sheetrock • Flooring (we are dustless)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

NM-00454659

Handypersons

jbelectricalnj.com

Cell: 908-907-5170 732-845-3333

Fully Insured

Lawn Care

NM-00453963

CALL OUR CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT TO ADVERTISE HERE 732-358-5200

March 17, 2021M

Home Improvements

NM-00454276

BUSINESS & SERVICE

NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com

Gutters

Working for a Greener NJ! Call for your FREE Estimate DAVID J. GUDZAK 732-257-5973 NM-00455204

Lawn Care

Landscaping

Lawn Care

Landscaping

C.H.E.A.P. TREE SERVICE

• Tree Removal • Trimming • Pruning • Stump Grinding • FIREWOOD • Lots Cleared Serving: Edison, FIREWOOD Metuchen, Colonia, Woodbridge, N.Brunswick, Highland Park and “We Are TheMilltown, Most Recommended surrounding. Tree Service In The Area”

732-548-1653

NM-00453965

Free Estimates • Fully Insured

March 17, 2021

NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com

INDEPENDENT 19

BUSINESS & SERVICE

CALL OUR CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT TO ADVERTISE HERE 732-358-5200

UNITED

Masonry/Paving

Residential/Commercial/Municipal

Tree Service, Inc.

Serving the area for over 31 years! Best from Europe!

Free Estimates Fully Insured Over 20 Years Experience 24 Hour Emergency Service Senior Citizen Discount

All Phases of Brick, Stone & Concrete Work Free Designing Available

NM-00455123

Lawn Care

Landscaping

D&S

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

LANDSCAPING INC.

Paver Walkways Patio • Driveways Snow Plowing

COMPLETE LANDSCAPE DESIGN 732-549-6387

www.dslandscapinginc.com

NM-00453969

Lawn Care

Lic#13VH06178600

NM-00452771

Painting/Wallpapering

Custom Painting Satisfaction Guaranteed

Quality Work • Affordable Wallpaper Removal • Sheetrock Repair Taping/Spackling • Interior/Exterior Reliable Prompt Service

DISCOUNTS 732-605-0362 AVAILABLE Over 30 yrs. • Free Est./Ins.

ALL WORK DONE BY OWNER

 



CLEAN-UPS

NJ State Pesticide Lic.#97065A

s Year

FREE ESTIMATES

Landscaping

Painting/Wallpapering

Certiﬁed brick paver and retaining wall installer

EXPERT

Free Estimates - Fully Insured

Masonry/Paving

Nothing is better than a woman’s touch! Same day free estimate • Licensed & Insured

Call Jade

908-416-5219

732-906-0385

David J. McConnell 732-257-6254

Plumbing • Heating Home Improvements P Boilers Installed/Repaired P Water Heaters Installed P Drains & Sewer lines cleaned P Sewer & Water Mains installed P Kitchen & Bath Remodeling P Framing & Sheet Rock

No Job Too Small NJ Lic#8843

#13VH04604300

Plumbing

Painting/Wallpapering

LAWN & LANDSCAPING, LLC

For All Your Painting Needs Call

FULLY INSURED

Interior/Exterior Painting

732-713-1528 TOM 732-713-2008 BRIAN

Reasonable Rates Neat & Reliable

NM-00454624

LANDSCAPING • TREE SERVICES • STUMP REMOVAL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE BULK MATERIAL DELIVERY

24 HR. ANSWERING SERVICE

5 Star Rated on Google

Plumbing

Glenn Kaune’s

Masonry/Paving

When quality, Reliability & Experience Matter

• Interior & Exterior Painting • Wallpaper Removal • Sheetrock Repair • Taping & Spackling • Color Change • Popcorn Removal

Owned & operated by Joshua Ludlow Free Estimates • References • Fully Insured

732-525-8118

PRECISION PAINT & POWERWASHING

(732) 534-0548

www.poloniaconstruction.com

CALL NICK

PAINTING

• All Phases Of Painting • Interior/Exterior • Moulding Installation •No Job Too Small

MASON

Painting/Wallpapering

3rd Generation

POLISH

(Patios, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Sidewalks)

732-207-3933 732-617-TREE

Painting/Wallpapering

NM-00454618

Landscaping

NM-00454669

NM-00455389

Lawn Care

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 732-358-5200

NM-00455382

Over 30 Years Experience

Call Mike 917-273-3234

plumbing & heating “Honest, Neat and Professional Service”

www.mattcoplumbing.com

732-418-0011 Metuchen, NJ 08840 | info@mattcoplumbing.com

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 732-358-5200

E L A S

Y A D 31

20 INDEPENDENT

NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com

March 17, 2021

ORS O D S& W O WIND

When we say this sale ends on March 31st, we mean it! You only have 31 days to get this discount, along with the FREE upgrade to our SmartSunTM glass!1 And know that we’ve adjusted our operations to serve you in the safest way possible. There are limited appointments available. Please call today to book your visit.

Sale ends March 31st!

SAVE

$325

on every window1

SAVE

$850

on every entry and patio door1

FREE

Upgrade

to our SmartSun™ Glass to help keep your home even more comfortable1

$200 OFF

the entire project1

Valid on initial visit only—not to be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase of 4 or more windows and/or doors at time of initial visit. Financing provided by unafﬁliated third parties and is subject to credit requirements. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period.

NO NO NO

Money Down

Payments

Interest

Call to book your virtual or in-home appointment

for 1 year1

Now offering virtual appointments, too!

609-460-8202

Cannot be combined with prior purchases, other offers, or coupons. Offer not available in all areas. Discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to minimum purchase of 4 or more windows and/or entry or patio doors as part of Instant Rewards Plan which requires purchase during initial visit to qualify. Entry door discount applies to one complete ProVia front entry/storm door system with sidelights or transom, and glass door panel. No payments and deferred interest for 12 months available, subject to qualifying credit approval. Not all customers may qualify. Higher rates apply for customer with lower credit ratings. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period.There is no minimum monthly payment required during the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender or familial status. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated retailers, and are neither brokers nor lenders.All financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, which are subject to credit requirements. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. NJ Consumer Affairs License #: 13VH01541700. NYC Consumer Affairs License #: 1244514. Nassau Consumer Affairs License #: H0810150000. Suffolk Consumer Affairs License #: 43991-H. NYC 1307704. Rockland County License #: H-11942-07-00-00. Renewal by Andersen of Central/Northern NJ and Long Island are independently owned and operated affiliates operating in the NJ/NY metropolitan area. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2021 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2021 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved. 1