Independent | 4-21-2021 by centraljersey.com - NEWSPAPERS

ABERDEEN • HAZLET • HOLMDEL • KEYPORT • MATAWAN • MIDDLETOWN

WEDNESDAY, April 21, 2021

njindependent.com

The Matawan Recreation Department has been conducting a photo contest during April that features people’s pets. During one week of the contest, the theme for each photo that was submitted was “Take Your Pet to Work.” Pictured above left is Daisy, who lives with Andrea Reese. Pictured above right is Jubilee, who lives with Doug Preston.

Holmdel Township Committee introduces $26M budget By MARK ROSMAN Managing Editor

embers of the Holmdel Township Committee have introduced a 2021 municipal budget that totals $25.96 million and will be supported by the collection of $14.87 million in taxes from Holmdel’s residential and commercial property owners. Mayor Greg Buontempo, Deputy Mayor Cathy Weber, Committeeman Prakash Santhana, Committeeman Tom Critelli and Committeeman D.J. Luccarelli voted “yes” on a motion to introduce the budget

on April 13. A public hearing on the budget has been scheduled for 7:30 p.m. May 11 . The 2021 budget includes an appropriation from Holmdel’s surplus fund (savings) of $3.57 million to be used as revenue. Revenues from other sources account for the balance of the funds that will be raised to support the spending plan. Township Administrator Cherron Rountree and Chief Financial Officer Bill Antonides presented the budget to the committee members and residents during a meeting that was held in a virtual manner during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Rountree said that 95% of the municipal budget supports what she called “committed spending” (i.e., salaries, insurance) and the remaining 5% is considered discretionary spending. She said the budget provides funding for the broad categories of public safety; code enforcement; infrastructure; waste removal; community events and programming; and the administration of government. The largest expense in Holmdel’s budget is salaries and wages for municipal employees, which account for 40% of all

spending (approximately $10.4 million). Holmdel’s 2019 budget totaled $24.24 million and was supported by the collection of $14.52 million in taxes from residential and commercial property owners. The municipal tax rate was 34 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The average home was assessed at $676,993 and the owner of that home paid about $2,301 in municipal taxes. Holmdel’s 2020 budget totaled $25.08 million and was supported by the collection of $14.63 million in taxes from

(Continued on page 9)

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April 21, 2021A

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April 21, 2021A

Monmouth native composes score for new film By MATTHEW SOCKOL Staff Writer

family drama that was released this month features the first featurelength film score by a composer who is a native of Manalapan. Craig Flaster, 32, composed the music for the 2021 film “The Girl Who Believes in Miracles.” The film tells the story of a young girl whose faith in God leads to miracles occurring around her. Flaster, the son of Alan and Phyllis Flaster of Manalapan, is a 2007 graduate of Manalapan High School. In an interview this week, he cited his sister, Meredith Buchholtz, as his biggest influence. “I was always entranced by her musical performances, from her time as Maria in ‘West Side Story’ and Mrs. Lovett in ‘Sweeney Todd’ at Manalapan High School. “More than that, she was always a huge movie buff and I would listen to her soundtracks of movie and Broadway musicals. I have a vivid memory of listening to her cassette of John Williams’ score for ‘Return of the Jedi’ as a 4-year-old kid and I was hooked,” he said. Flaster considered becoming a director or a screenwriter because he enjoyed all aspects of filmmaking, but said he connected the most with the musical aspect and taught himself compositions from the film soundtracks he listened to. His first project was a score for the epic poem “Beowulf,” which he composed as an assignment in his junior English class. “Pretty much since then, my goal has been to write music for movies,” he said. Flaster graduated third in his class at Manalapan High School and went on to earn a music degree from Tufts University, magna cum laude. He worked as a producer for MTV in New York before moving to Los Angeles to become a film composer. Flaster suggested that individuals who are starting out in the entertainment industry should meet as many people as they can and be friendly, open with, and kind to everyone.

“I made some really good friends at a day job I was working in Los Angeles while I was trying to be a freelance composer and through that friends group, I was introduced to people working on ‘The Girl Who Believes in Miracles.’ “The director, Rich Correll, who is immensely talented and has had a pretty amazing career in TV, was looking for a more old-fashioned score and apparently was having a hard time finding someone. “(The people working on the film) asked me if I had any demos I could send in that style and that happens to be the type of music I love to write. “Rich and I had a long conversation in which it became clear we were pretty simpatico regarding film music. After writing another demo, I got the gig,” he said. Flaster explained that he grew up on scores with big themes and melodies, which is what Correll wanted for “The Girl Who Believes in Miracles.” He came up with 10 themes from reading the script. After watching a rough cut of the film he eliminated some themes, developed new ones and modified others to fit the movie. “Once I had these themes as a baseline, Rich and I worked together to figure out which scenes needed music and what the feeling of that music, namely the emotional centers of each scene, should be,” Flaster explained. After determining which music to use and the scenes in which to use music, Flaster set to work scoring the individual scenes. “All in all, I wrote a little over 60 minutes of music for the film, including pretty much wall-to-wall music for the film’s climactic last 25 minutes. I was lucky enough to record the score with talented orchestra musicians in Oklahoma and I can’t wait for people to hear the end result. “It was an incredible and thrilling experience working on the film. I’m very proud of the score and excited for people to check out the movie. “It’s a lovely, inspirational family film that is beautifully directed by Rich Correll

and wonderfully acted by a cast that includes Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, Emmy Award winner Peter Coyote, and Kevin Sorbo, as well as the amazing young actress Austyn Johnson, who really anchors the film in the title role. “It was an absolute joy to be involved in every respect,” he said. “The Girl Who Believes in Miracles” had a premiere at the AMC Freehold 14 in Freehold Township and that was particularly significant to Flaster because he saw movies at that theater as he was growing up in the area.

“All of my best movie memories are from that theater, from the time it was ae b Loews when I was a really little kid. “My parents, sister and a bunch ofs friends saw the movie there and while If was sad I could not fly home to watch ith with them yet because of the pandemic,o I was smiling from ear to ear and tearingt up when I found out where they would bei i watching my movie. “The thought of my score comingi r through the speakers at my hometown the-h ater while my family and friends were see-a ing it is beyond words,” Flaster said. h

p.m. The lecture will explore how two very different communities struggled with integration into the social and religious world of colonial Newport, R.I. The lecture will be presented by Benjamin L. Carp, the Daniel

M. Lyons Associate Professor of American History at Brooklyn College. This is the congregation’s first Professor Jack Needle memorial lecture, in memory of a beloved congregant, teacher and scholar of Ameri-

can and Jewish history who passed away in 2019. The lecture is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Register at the Event page at cbirumson.org

T d f

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o t

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DATEBOOK Congregation B’nai Israel, Rumson, will host a lecture on Zoom titled “The Fraught Path to Inclusion: Newport’s Jewish and African-American Communities in the Revolutionary Era” on April 29 at 7:30

on the web: www.centraljersey.com

Automotive................................................... 12 Classified...................................................... 15 Crossword.................................................... 11

Editorials......................................................... 9 Entertainment............................................... 13 Legals........................................................... 14

Schools & Camps......................................... 10 Real Estate.................................................... 13 Sports............................................................. 8

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INDEPENDENT 5

Holmdel officials enact law for keeping, raising chickens

By MARK ROSMAN

Managing Editor

HOLMDEL – Members of the Holmdel Township Committee have adopted an ordinance that regulates the animal control of fowl. Mayor Greg Buontempo, Deputy Mayor Cathy Weber, Committeeman Prakash Santhana, Committeeman Tom Critelli and Committeeman D.J. Luccarelli voted “yes” on a motion to adopt the ordinance during the committee’s meeting on April 13. No member of the public commented on the ordinance during the public hearing that preceded the committee’s vote. According to the ordinance, Holmdel residents “have a renewed desire to keep and raise chickens in their backyards for reasons that include the creation of a healthy food source through the backyard production of eggs, the promotion of an educational and recreational outdoor activity, and concerns regarding the physical, medical and dietary treatment of commercially raised chickens.” Committee members said they wanted to enable residents “to keep a small number of female chickens on a non-commercial basis, while creating standards and requirements that ensure that domesticated chickens do not adversely impact the neighborhood surrounding the property on which the chickens are kept.” According to the ordinance, among other regulations, no more than six hens will be permitted to be housed or kept on any single residential lot that is 43,000 square feet (1 acre) or smaller; no more than 12 hens will be permitted to be housed or kept on any single residential lot that is larger than 43,000 square feet (1 acre); the breeding of roosters and/or chickens is prohibited; chicken coops may only be located in rear yards or side yards; chicken coops require a zoning permit; and coops must house the chickens and keep them confined at all times. Chickens will not be permitted to be housed in a residential dwelling or in an

attached or detached garage except for brooding purposes, and chickens will not be permitted to be kept in a manner that constitutes a nuisance to the occupants of any adjacent property, according to the ordinance. Penalties will be levied for violations of the ordinance, which will be enforced by Holmdel’s code enforcement officer.

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April 21, 2021A

Matawan launches program for residential curbside plastic film recycling MATAWAN – The borough of Matawan, in partnership with SC Johnson, a manufacturer of household consumer brands, has kicked off a pilot program to offer curbside collection of plastic film to its residents, the third program to launch in New Jersey. Through this curbside pilot program,

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residents can recycle clean and dry plastic grocery bags, plastic storage bags like Ziploc brand bags, plastic product packaging and other flexible plastic film by placing it in a separate bin alongside yard waste. The collection will take place on the first Tuesday of every month and run for one year, according to a press release.

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“We are excited to offer an easier way for our residents to recycle plastic film and we thank SC Johnson for making it possible,” Matawan Councilwoman Stephanie Buckel was quoted as saying in the press release. “This partnership will help protect our home and its historical waters by keeping this material out of the environment and the landfill.” Matawan is the third town in Monmouth County to partner with SC Johnson on a pilot program to collect plastic film curbside. Prior to Matawan, Loch Arbour and Bradley Beach partnered on pilot collection programs with SC Johnson, successfully recycling almost 3,000 pounds of material, according to the press release. “Capturing plastic waste so it can be recycled is one of the most important things communities can do to protect their local environment,” said Alan VanderMolen, senior vice president and chief communications officer at SC Johnson. “We are proud to partner with Matawan

on this effort to expand plastic waste recovery options and make recycling more convenient. We hope other communities adopt similar programs because we know it can successfully be done,” VanderMolen said. On the first Tuesday of every month, Matawan residents can put clean and dry plastic film materials including plastic grocery bags, plastic storage bags such as Ziploc brand bags, dry cleaning bags and other flexible plastic film into one plastic bag, tie the top of the bag, put the bag in the white curbside bin provided to them, and place the curbside bin next to their yard waste. The items will be picked up by a collection vehicle to be transported for recycling, according to the press release. Three-gallon white recycling bins are available for free pick up at the Matawan municipal community complex, 201 Broad St. Individuals who have questions about participating in the program may contact Grace Rainforth at 732-566-3898, ext. 600.

Business Briefs may be sent via email 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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INDEPENDENT 7

Holmdel governing body adopts rules for new off-leash dog area By MARK ROSMAN Managing Editor

HOLMDEL – The Holmdel Township Committee has adopted an ordinance that establishes rules and regulations for a new off-leash dog area at Bayonet Farms. The ordinance was adopted during the committee’s April 13 meeting. Mayor Greg Buontempo, Deputy Mayor Cathy Weber, Committeeman Prakash Santhana, Committeeman Tom Critelli and Committeeman D.J. Luccarelli voted “yes” on a motion to adopt the ordinance. No member of the public commented on the ordinance when given the opportunity to do so. Generally, dogs in Holmdel must be kept on a leash, however, an off-leash area named the Alexander Ching Memorial Dog Park has been established by the township at Bayonet Farms in honor of late township resident Alexander Ching. The naming recognizes the donation of the facility that was made in honor of Ching. Township Administrator Cherron Rountree said the off-leash dog area is not complete yet, but should be finished in the near future. The facility is expected to have what Rountree described as a “soft opening,” with a formal dedication expected to be scheduled at a later date. According to the ordinance the committee adopted, the facility may only be accessed and used by individuals who own or control a dog that is actively using the facility at that time; children under 8 years

old are not permitted in the facility; children between 8 and 14 years old must be closely supervised by an adult; and all users of the facility must be responsible at all times for the control, actions, behavior and safety of their dog, and must be considerate of other patrons. The following dogs are prohibited from accessing the facility: dogs with a history of dangerous or aggressive behavior; puppies under 4 months old; dogs over 6 months old that are not spayed or neutered; dogs without current vaccinations; and dogs without proper municipal licenses. To use the facility, dogs must wear a collar that displays proper municipal licenses at all times; dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting the facility; and owners must remain within the facility and supervise their dog at all times with a leash

readily available. If an owner’s dog plays inappropriately, the owner must interrupt their dog. If an owner’s dog continues to play inappropriately or becomes aggressive, the owner must immediately leash the dog and remove it from the facility, according to the proposed regulations. The facility is divided into two separate fenced-in areas. Dogs that weigh 30 pounds or less must use the designated small dog area. Dogs that weigh more than 30 pounds must use the designated large dog area. Penalities will apply for violations of the rules, according to the ordinance. And, the committee adopted an ordinance which amends the existing parks and recreational facilities ordinance. The proposed change was recommended by the Holmdel Recreation Department.

Buontempo, Weber, Santhana, Critelli and Luccarelli voted “yes” on a motion to adopt the ordinance on April 13. Previously, a group of 20 more individuals had to apply for a group use permit to occupy or use certain areas of a municipal park. The amendment revises that standard to a group of 10 people which must secure a group use permit to occupy or use certain areas of a municipal park. The permit must be obtained from the Recreation Department not later than seven days before the proposed date of use. The granting or denial of a permit will be based on rules, regulations and standards set forth by the Township Committee. Group use will be limited to designated areas and adult supervision of children’s groups will be required at all times, according to the ordinance.

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Classic Radio Road Show will present three radio plays from the Golden Years of Radio, live on Zoom, May 1, at 7:30 pm. “Two Weeks With Pay,” a favorite episode of “The Bickersons,” will be accompanied by an episode of a show made famous by Lucille Ball, “My Favorite Husband.” Rounding out the program is a humorous left hook called “Miss Tithinwither at the Prize Fight,” according to a press release. Email classicradioroadshow@gmail. com to register for the Zoom show. “Two Weeks With Pay” will star reallife husband and wife Duane and Laurie Noch, the founders of Classic Radio Road Show. Classic Radio Road Show mainstay Marcia Finn straps on the boxing gloves to play Miss Tithinwither in a short play that first aired on the Rudy Vallee variety program in 1935. Miss Tithinwither, an ardent pacifist, ends up calling a fight and gets caught up in the action. Other recorded radio plays are offered free at www.classicradioroadshow.org/

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April 21, 2021A

SPORTS

Raritan’s Lazaurs wins state title to cap 2021 wrestling season By STEVEN BASSIN Staff Writer

aritan High School senior Mia Lazaurs always said she was going to be a state wrestling champion. Even before New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association administrators sanctioned girls wrestling as a high school sport three years ago, Lazaurs was determined to outduel the boys on the mat and win a state title. Lazaurs, who has been wrestling since she was in the sixth grade at the Hazlet Middle School, dreamed of being a state champion. On April 10, Lazaurs achieved her goal when she won the 215-pound crown at the NJSIAA state tournament at Phillipsburg High School. In the championship bout, Lazaurs faced Bloomfield High School’s Gianna Faura. As the first period neared its conclusion, Lazaurs put Faura on her back and secured the pin with one second left in the period to win her first state title. Lazaurs said was happy and proud of herself for accomplishing what she said she would do. “It feels really good. I knew once I got her on her back that I was in good shape. I had to hold on and not let go and I was able to pin her,” the Rockets’ standout said. Lazaurs is Raritan’s second state champion in three years. In 2019, Cristine Gavasheli won the school’s first girls state title when she defeated Angelina Romero of Notre Dame High School to win the 118-pound crown. That same year, 2019, Lazaurs competed in the 185-pound state final, but lost to Erin Emery of Teaneck High School and came home with the silver medal. That loss to Emery is something Lazaurs said still eats at her today and was her source of motivation in 2020 to make it back to the state final and win the gold medal. However, an ankle injury derailed La-

zaurs, who was unable to get medical clearance in time for the regional tournament. The time away from the wrestling mat had a silver lining because Lazaurs was able to heal all the bumps and bruises she had sustained over the years and to prepare herself for a championship run as a senior. Coach Christopher Villa helped Lazaurs reach her goal. Villa has been a part of the Raritan wrestling program for 15 years and this season he took on the duties of being the girls coach. Having worked with Lazaurs since she was in middle school, Villa was pleased to have the opportunity to coach her toward a state title. “Getting to a state final was the goal from Day One,” Villa said. “I always knew how talented Mia was. It’s such a satisfying feeling to see an athlete accomplish their goal.” Raritan’s Chloe Wong placed sixth at 107 pounds at the state tournament to give the Rockets two state medalists in 2021. The fact that Raritan has produced three state medalists and two state champions in three years proves to Villa that the program is at the forefront of girls high school wrestling in New Jersey. “We have worked well at making our girls program just as good as the boys program,” Villa said. “Just like when I coached the boys, I made sure we had structure and focused on winning the day. Hopefully, this success can continue.” For Lazaurs, the unpredictability of the 2021 season because of the coronavirus pandemic had her a little sad since she was not certain what would happen when the season began. As the season progressed and the time came to compete in the region tournament on April 3 at Williamstown High School, Lazaurs was ready to roll and cruised to winning a second regional title. In the state tournament at Phillipsburg, Lazaurs recorded pins in the first two rounds to reach the final, where the stage was set for her to conclude her high school

PHOTO COURTESY OF RARITAN HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

Raritan High School wrestler Mia Lazaurs is congratulated by her coach, Christopher Villa, after winning the 215-pound state championship at Phillipsburg High School.

career with a victory and to gain a measure of redemption for her loss in 2019. Just as she had told her friends for years that she was going to be a state champion, Lazaurs lived up to her words by pinning her third opponent of the day to win the

215-pound championship. “I swore to people that I was going to be a state champion and I actually did it. I am so happy and honored to have learned from the coaches I have had at Raritan and being a part of this program,” she said.

state. The program will match qualified applicants with attorneys who have the background and experience needed to provide appropriate representation at an affordable rate, according to the press release. To participate in the program, applicants seeking legal services must provide

proof they meet the financial requirements. Litigants with a household income that is up to 300% of the poverty level in Monmouth County can qualify. For additional information, contact Tracey Settipane at 732-431-5544.

NEWS BRIEFS The Monmouth Bar Association has announced a new program that will pair qualifying applicants with attorneys who will accept reduced fees for legal representation. This program will serve individuals needing legal services whose income is

above the required range to obtain assistance from the Legal Aid Society or a public defender, but who cannot afford to retain attorneys at full rates, according to a press release. This program is the first of its kind in Monmouth County and the fourth in the

1April 21, 2021

NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com

Holmdel budget (Continued from page 1)

residential and commercial property owners. The municipal tax rate remained at 34 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The average home was assessed at $686,578 and the owner of that home paid about $2,334 in municipal taxes. Holmdel’s 2021 budget totals $25.96 million and will be supported by the collection of $14.87 million in taxes from residential and commercial property owners. The municipal tax rate is projected to remain at 34 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The average home is assessed at $700,426 and the owner of that home will pay about $2,381 in municipal taxes. Municipal taxes are one item on a prop-

erty owner’s tax bill, which also includes Holmdel Township Schools taxes and Monmouth County taxes. The total amount of taxes an individual pays is determined by the assessed value of his home and/or property, and the tax rate that is set by each taxing entity. Rountree and Antonides said for every $100 in property taxes a property owner pays, $68 goes to the Holmdel school district, $17 goes to the municipality, $12 goes to Monmouth County and $4 goes to the library, the Board of Health and open space purposes. As outlined in the budget presentation, the administration’s goals for 2021 include preserving land for open space and/or farmland preservation; improving electronic access to documents and files both internally and externally; expanding social media platforms and followers; and

NEWS BRIEFS NAMI In Our Own Voice (NAMI En Nuestra Propia Voz) is a program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey chapter geared toward community education and reducing the stigma of mental health, as trained volunteers share their lived experience of mental health recovery. To schedule a presentation or professional training, email ioov@naminj.org

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adopting a township seal. Rountree and Antonides offered the following notes about the budget and outlined what they called the “key drivers:” • Municipal debt service obligations are increasing nearly 7%, more than $220,000; • Pension contributions are increasing more than 12%, nearly $250,000; • Social Security contributions are increasing 15%, or $115,000; • Health insurance premiums increased more than 9%, about $158,000. Rountree and Antonides said that increase would have been far greater if Holmdel did not switch to the state health benefit plan system; • The proposed budget includes a signif-

INDEPENDENT 9

icant increase in aid to the fire department for contractual and preventive maintenance, repairs, equipment, personal protective equipment, uniforms and training; • The proposed budget continues to provide $65,000 in aid to the local first aid squad, an amount increased in 2020 due to expenses associated with the pandemic. Officials said the first aid squad continues to have these increased expenses because of the pandemic and therefore the proposed 2021 budget keeps the aid to the first aid squad at the 2020 level. According to a estimate from July 2018, Holmdel had 16,662 residents.

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April 21, 2021A

SCHOOLS &CAMPS

Keyport.school.board.introduces.budget;.sets.public.hearing.for.April.28 By MATTHEW SOCKOl Staff Writer

KEYPORT – The Keyport Public Schools Board of Education has introduced a $23 million budget that will fund the operation of the district during the 2021-22 school year. Following a discussion among district administrators and board members, the budget was introduced on March 17. A public hearing is scheduled for April 28. The budget, which may be revised until that date, may be adopted by the board following the public hearing. The budget will be supported by a tax levy of $11.4 million to be paid by the borough’s residential and commercial property owners. Other revenue includes an ap-

propriation of $715,045 from the district’s surplus fund (savings). The district’s 2020-21 budget had a school tax rate of $1.39 per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of a home that was assessed at $290,000 paid about $4,031 in school taxes. The district’s 2021-22 budget is projected to have a school tax rate of $1.38 per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of a home that is still assessed at $290,000 would pay about $4,002 in school taxes. Individuals pay more or less in taxes depending on the assessed value of their home and/or property and the tax rate that is set by each taxing entity (i.e., municipality, school district, county). If the assessed value of an individual’s property rises from one year to the next, that individual could pay more in taxes to a taxing entity (i.e., school district) even if the tax rate for that taxing entity has de-

creased. School taxes are one component of a Keyport property owner’s total tax bill, which also includes Monmouth County taxes and Keyport municipal taxes. The school district’s 2020-21 budget totaled $23 million and was supported by a tax levy of $11 million paid by the borough’s residential and commercial property owners. The board received $3.18 million in state school aid to support the operation of the school district. For the 2021-22 school year the budget has remained at $23 million, but the tax levy to be paid by property owners has increased by $400,000 to $11.4 million. Keyport is scheduled to receive $2.85 million in state school aid, a decrease of $333,743 from the current academic year. Keyport’s state aid has decreased each year since the enactment of state legislation known as S-2 in 2018.

The school district comprises Keyport Central School for residents in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and Keyport High School for residents in ninth through 12th grade. Students from neighboring Union Beach attend Keyport High School through a send-receive relationship between Keyport and the Union Beach K-8 School District. According to a budget document posted on the school district’s website, the district’s actual enrollment on Oct. 15, 2018 was 1,048 pupils; the actual enrollment on Oct. 15, 2019 was 1,028 pupils; and the estimated enrollment for Oct. 15, 2020 was 1,028 pupils. District administrators have not yet placed a document online which provides the actual enrollment for Oct. 15, 2020 or the estimated enrollment for Oct. 15, 2021.

High.Tech.students.advance.to.fi.nals.in.math.competition

For further information, please contact: Child Study Team Department of Special Services Keyport Central School 335 Broad Street, Keyport, NJ 07735 732-212-6100, ext. 3152

global pandemic did not stop a group of High Technology High School students from coming together to participate in an international math competition. A combination of math smarts and creative thinking has added up to a top spot for the team, whose work was selected as one of the best solutions to the problem of how to make internet access available to everyone, according to a press release. The students – Adithya Balachandran, Lasya Balachandran, David Chang, Alexander Postovskiy and Hazem Zaky of Lincroft-based High Technology High School – advanced to the finals in MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge, a competition that drew more than 2,400 11th- and 12th-graders in the United States and sixth form students in the United Kingdom this year, according to the press release. The team, whose work underwent intense scrutiny by judges in the first two rounds of assessment, has one last hurdle on April 26 when they present their findings virtually to a panel of professional mathematicians for final validation.

Using mathematical modeling, students had 14 consecutive hours in late February and early March to come up with a solution to a real-world issue: defeating the digital divide to make internet accessible to all, according to the press release. The M3 Challenge problem asked teams to create a model to predict what internet connectivity will cost over the next decade, how minimum required bandwidth should be determined, and an optimal way to distribute cellular nodes in a region to maximize access. A total of 535 teams submitted papers detailing their recommendations. Now in its 16th year, M3 Challenge is a program of Philadelphia-based Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and is sponsored by MathWorks. It spotlights applied mathematics as a powerful problem-solving tool and motivates students to consider further education and careers in applied math, computational and data sciences, and technical computing. Winning teams will be awarded a share of $125,000 in scholarships, with the champion team receiving $22,500 in 2021, ac-

cording to the press release. In addition to High Technology High School, the five other finalist teams hail from high schools in Johns Creek, Ga.; Lincolnshire, Ill. (two teams); Philadelphia, Pa.; and Livingston, N.J. Team member Adithya Balachandran found M3 Challenge to be unique among other math competitions, and fun, too. “M3 Challenge provides a wonderful opportunity to work as a team to formulate and apply mathematical models in intractable real-world situations. “Through this opportunity, we were able to experience the power of analytical thinking and mathematical problem solving to gain insights that help address a wide range of complex questions. “The rewarding 14-hour experience also showed us how we could apply mathematical modeling to predict the effectiveness of solutions to our most pressing global challenges,” the student said. For the second year running, all presentations and judging are taking place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the press release.

1April 21, 2021

NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com

THE OSCARS

INDEPENDENT 11

HAZLET TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION BOARD MEMBER VACANCY The Board of Education has a vacancy in its membership. The term of this appointment will run until December 2021. Any person interested in filling this vacancy should send or e-mail a resume and letter of interest by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 to: Christopher J. Mullins School Business Administrator/Board Secretary Hazlet Township Board of Education 421 Middle Road Hazlet, NJ 07730 cmullins@hazlet.org Any person wishing to become a member of the Board of Education must meet all of the following qualifications: • A citizen of the United States of America • Able to read and write • A resident of Hazlet Township for at least one (1) year preceding the date of appointment • Registered to vote in the district • Not directly/indirectly interested in a contract with or claim against the Board • Not disqualified pursuant to R.S. 19:4.1 Candidates will be interviewed by the Board of Education, in open session, at the April 26, 2021 meeting.

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74. Shoemaker without shoes, e.g. DOWN 1. Undesirable roommate 2. Medley 3. Grannies, in UK 4. Tattooed 5. Universe 6. Panache 7. *Most 2021 Oscar nominations for one film, #9 Across 8. Secret storage 9. Stole fur 10. One opposed 11. Indian restaurant staple 12. U.S. customary unit of force, pl. 15. Soaked 20. DNA and RNA 22. Argonaut’s propeller 24. Shared work surface at an office 25. *Sasha Baron Cohen’s “Subsequent Moviefilm” role 26. Be sorry for one’s wickedness 27. Pita, in UK 29. *Like Roberto Benigni’s fictional son

Lee ____ 41. Ascetic holy Hindu 43. Eastern European 44. Plural of #10 Down 46. 500 sheets 47. Looking for aliens org. 48. Kitchen whistler 50. Wails 52. Bad-mouth 53. Medieval torture device 55. Pied Piper follower 57. Politburo hat fur 61. *Daniel of “Judas and the Black Messiah” 65. Raspberry drupelets 66. Fuss, to Shakespeare 68. Void, as in marriage 69. Defective car 70. Given name of Jack Kerouac’s Paradise 71. ____ of Honor 72. Adam and Eve’s first residence 73. Money in Myanmar

ACROSS 1. Hedgehog of video games 6. And so forth, acronym 9. *Oscar-nominated black and white movie 13. Treeless plain 14. Grazing field 15. Moses’ mountain 16. Sty sounds 17. Nelson Mandela’s org. 18. Like beer at a kegger (2 words) 19. *Posthumous nominee 21. *Anthony of “The Father” 23. “What’s up, ____?” 24. Huge pile 25. Protestant denom. 28. Feed storage cylinder 30. Load again 35. Relating to ear 37. Flighty one 39. Proclaimed true without proof 40. Musician David

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April 21, 2021A

ON THE ROAD PETER PERROTTA

2021 Mercedes GLB250 4matic SUV

ust about 7 years ago, when I was selling Mercedes Benz automobiles, a representative from the German automakers North American headquarters gave a presentation to our sales crew on where the product lineup was heading. It was generally upbeat. But, decidedly pointed in one direction. “Smaller.” “We are going to get smaller.” That was the clear-cut message. What the Mercedes rep meant, more specifically, wasn’t that Mercedes, as a company, was going to shrink. No company looks to the future and says that. Rather, he was saying that the product lineup and offerings in the North American market were going to lean towards offering smaller cars and SUVs with smaller engines that are less expensive Peter Perrotta and get better gas mileage. Lo and behold, his message was right on target. In the coming years, Mercedes introduced the smaller CLA class sedans, the smaller GLA class crossover/SUVs, the even smaller A class sedans and in 2019 the smallest of its SUV/crossover line the GLB class. Basically, unchanged since its 2019 inception, I recently jumped behind the wheel of the 2021 Mercedes GLB250 4matic SUV for one week to get a first-hand look of this new product trend for Mercedes. First off, if you are a veteran Mercedes owner or observer, and you are looking for this relatively new GLB offering to be comparable to the larger GLC or GLE SUVs the German automaker has offered for years, you will be disappointed. The GLB doesn’t have the same luxury feel and solid quality build standards as its larger brethren GLC or GLE crossovers. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a solid contender in the smaller, compact crossover space. With a base price $40,050 for the 4matic – or 4 wheel drive – version of the GLB,

Mercedes GLB250 4matic SUV

its starting price point makes it available to a wider range of buyers. However, with a small 2.0 liter inline four cylinder turbo charged engine that puts out 221 horsepower, you won’t be winning too many road races with this one. So, for judging the GLB for what it is, you can expect a comfortably designed compact crossover with enough amenities to make it feel luxurious. The ride quality is adequate, but not above average. For the week I drove the GLB, I took several longer trips with it in inclement weather and I must say it held up quite nicely handling in the rain. For that performance, I would give the GLB high marks. Where I feel the GLB falls a tad short is in the performance and handling category. I think the performance and handling quality of its larger brethren GLC or GLE crossovers is a notch above what you get with the GLB. It’s not that the GLB is all that bad in the ride and performance category, it’s just that it isn’t as athletic or agile in tight or high end driving situations as we have come to expect from a Mercedes. That being said, not everyone who is looking to own a compact crossover like

the GLB may even care about how athletically this vehicle performs. For some, it may be more important that the GLB is roomy and comfortable for a vehicle in this class and it can carry a couple of kids, a dog and your weekend camping supplies rather nicely. If that’s the case the GLB works just fine. While the base price of my tester came in at $40,050, the bottom line sticker price of my car was a heftier $54,035 with added options and $1,050 for destination and delivery. Some of the added options included: $1,450 for leather; $720 for Patagonia Red metallic paint; $325 for black wood trim; $1,500 for a panorama sunroof; $1,700 for a driver assist package; $1,750 for a premium package; $1,295 for the multi-media package. The EPA fuel consumption ratings for the GLB come in at 26 miles per gallon overall – 30 mpg in highway driving and 23 mpg in city driving. The EPA estimates that on average it will cost about $1,900 per year in fuel costs for the GLB as it uses about 3.8 gallons of gas per every 100 miles driven. This model GLB has not been crash safety test rated by the government’s 5-star

safety rating test yet. The editors at Car and Driver give the fairly new GLB high marks for having a “compelling base price”, “cool” infotainment setup and a “roomy” first and second row for passengers. Car and Driver have the GLB low marks for not offering much in the way of standard equipment for having a “sluggish” throttle response, and “tight” passenger space in the optional third row. I agree with the optional third row assessment. It is rather tight back there, really only suited for small children. However, I don’t agree with the infotainment system setup being “cool.” While I think the screen set up and graphics of the MBUX infotainment system is “cool” looking, I think it leaves a lot to be desired in its functionality and ease of operation. It’s far too convoluted and difficult to figure out. However, overall the GLB has a lot to offer for its price point and should be a serious contender on anyone’s short list of compact, luxury crossovers. Peter Perrotta’s On The Road column appears regularly. He may be contacted at pperrotta@comcast.net

Letters to the editor and Your Turn guest columns about issues of local interest may be sent to news@njexaminer.com

1April 21, 2021

NEWSPAPER MEDIA GROUP • www.centraljersey.com

ENTERTAINMENT BEST BETS

INDEPENDENT 13

TV, Movies, Celebrities & More

Only A Shower From This Thunder By Paul Hall

ll superheroes, and for that matter supervillains, have an origin story. This is the tale of the creation of Thunder Force, now on Netflix. Emily Stanton (Octavia Spencer) was only 12 years old when she lost her parents to an attack by the villains known as Miscreants and since then the highly intelligent Emily has dreamt of bringing the evildoers to justice. As Emily was getting used to her new school after moving in with her grandmother, she displayed her smarts in her classes. This intelligence brought out the bullies, but Lydia Berman (Melissa McCarthy) would have none of it, sticking up for Emily from early on. The two girls become friends at a young age; though they couldn’t be more different, they make an indelible connection with each other. As high school comes to an end, the two are obviously heading in different directions. Emily is driven to advance her knowledge while Lydia just wants to have fun. The wall grows between the two and they head their separate ways. Now, 25 years later, a high school reunion is in play and the women, who have been estranged for years and remain very different, reconnect, but the results are quite different than anticipated. Emily’s knowledge and Lydia’s brawn come together to form a crazy crime-fighting duo who ultimately take the name Thunder Force. Origin stories tend to drag in any superhero story, and Thunder Force is no

exception. While moments of the crimefighting duo’s narrative feel forced and seem out of place, the film gets its legs as it progresses. A clunky introduction to both the Miscreants and Thunder Force leaves a bit to be desired and a number of details are left out of the film. Where the film works is in poking fun at pop culture and laughing at itself. Chuckles abound, and although we don’t get a number of extreme laughs, these moments of humor make the experience pleasant with Thunder Force. I love that Spencer brings her dramatic prowess to the screen in this lighter offering. McCarthy remains queen of pratfalls, and her self-deprecating humor is intact. But I’m probably most hopeful for the young Taylor Mosby, who takes on the role of Tracy Stanton and steals scenes at a moment’s notice. Pop culture references from Steve Urkel to Van Halen, Bon Jovi and Slayer stirred up fond memories in my head, and that definitely gave me the warm fuzzies. Although this won’t win any awards, Thunder Force brings the thunder in fun and music that resonated with me. And yes, as there should be, there is a Thunder Force theme song before the film ends.

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REAL ESTATE

Paul’s Grade: C+ Thunder Force Rated PG-13 Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Octavia Spencer, Bobby Cannavale, Pom Klementieff, Taylor Mosby, Melissa Leo, Jason Bateman Director: Ben Falcone

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14 INDEPENDENT

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ENTERTAINMENT BEST BETS TV, Movies, Celebrities & More

The 93rd Oscars By Rick Gables

oved from its original February airdate, The 93rd Oscars will now be held on Sunday, April 25, and air live on ABC from 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event will also air live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. It will be televised from the Union Station Los Angeles and the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Oscar nominees in 23 categories have been announced. Up for Actress in a Leading Role are Viola Davis, Andra Day, Vanessa Kirby, Frances McDormand and Carey Mulligan. Up for Actor in a Leading Role are Riz Ahmed, Chadwick Boseman, Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman and Steven Yeun. Best Picture nominees include The Father,

OSCAR KEY ART CREDIT: ABC/ARTWORK BY MAGNUS VOLL MATHIASSEN

Legal Notices

To join the meetings: https://chime.aws/4006472388 Dial in Number (206) 462-5569 Conference ID #: 4006472388 Conference Pin #:4006472388# Independent 4/21/2021 Fee: $41.04 Affidavit: $20.00 ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT TOWNSHIP OF MIDDLETOWN MONMOUTH COUNTY, NEW JERSEY NOTICE OF HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT James and Barbara Whalen has applied to the Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Town ship of Middletown for a variance from the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance so as to Redesignate an existing “Carriage House” that currentlyHolds an official CO to a “Legal Rental Property This will require the following variances:Varience RELIEF persuant to NJSA 40:55D-70(d)(1)to permit a 2 family usage in a single family Zone. Relief from section 540:905.C(1)

and any and all variances necessary to accommodate the application as filed as Revised by the Zoning Board of Adjustment for premises located at Navesink River Road Also known as Block to 1043 Lot 69 on the tax map.

A copy of the application has been filed in the office of the Zoning Boa d of Adjustment and will be available online via the Township • website at https://www.middletownnj.org/Calendar.aspx and may be inspected by appointment only, during regular business hours at Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo, NJ 07737. Please contact the Board Secretary to make an appointment 732.615.2102. ; A public hearing will be held on Monday evening, the 24th day of May at 7:00 PM via WebEx and can be accessed via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/mtownZB0524 * *To call into the meeting, dial 1-408-418-9388 Event Number/ Access Code: 129 462 8169 Passcode:2020 Signed: Barbara Whalen Date: 4/12/2021 Independent 4/21/21 Fee: $44.28 Affidavit: $20.00

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Members of the public who wish to participate in this special meetings may also use the following teleconference information:

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BOROUGH OF UNION BEACH NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 29, 2021 Notice is hereby given that a Special Meeting will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at the Borough of Union Beach, 650 Poole Avenue, Union Beach at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of Award of the 2021 Capital Improvement Program Bid

Judas and the Black Messiah, Mank, Minari, Nomadland, Promising Young Women, Sound of Metal and The Trial of the Chicago 7. For homeowners who need big help with a vision that can turn their home reno wish list into a breathtaking reality, popular Chicago-based interior designer Tiffany Brooks will triple their options in the new series $50K Three Ways, premiering Monday, April 26, at 8 p.m. ET/ PT on HGTV. Tiffany will guide each homeowner through three colorful, carefully curated design choices and work with them to select the one approach that perfectly reflects their personal story and current needs. In the premiere episode, a couple wants to renovate their dated home, but cannot decide what to improve with their budget. Tiffany presents a trio of enticing options that can turn their house into the home they have always wanted. Encountering roadblocks along the way, including

April 21, 2021A

structural surprises, permit delays and indecisive clients, Tiffany must make the most of the budget to deliver a stylish new space that is worth every penny. ABC will air the two-hour special documentary Sesame Street: 50 Years of Sunny Days on Monday, April 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. For over 50 years, Sesame Street has addressed and explained diversity, equity, and inclusion around the globe by using the universal tools of music, empathy and celebrity. Through its iconic shows and targeted outreach, Sesame Workshop has found ways to make these daunting and seemingly impossible conversations accessible to people of all ages, usually delivered with the help of a furry friend. The documentary reflects upon the efforts that have earned Sesame Street unparalleled respect and qualification around the globe, including addressing their responsibility to social issues that have historically been seen as taboo such as racial injustice.

NEWS BRIEFS The Guild of Creative Art has announced the winners of its first 2021 Art Galleries Online Virtual “Edgy” Exhibit: First Place: “Harlequin Halo,” Acrylic by Sven Widen of Island Heights; Second Place: “Nobody Knows,” Photography by Bob Dowd of Colts Neck; Third Place: “Save the Kapok Tree,” Photography by Marilyn Baldi of Tinton Falls. Achievement Awards: “Abstract 1,” Pen and Ink by Mark Reuter of Shrewsbury; “Abstract Space,” Acrylic by Valerie Morone of Brick Township; “A Sailor’s Gone Astray,” Oil by Christopher Taylor of Red Bank; “Balancing in a Topsy-Turvy World,” Photography by Angela Previte of Seaside Park; “Embedded,” Photography by Vince Matulewich of Morganville; “Keep Looking,” Photography by Thomas Camal of Holmdel; “Layers and Levels,” Pen and Ink by Lizzi Schippert of Island Heights; “Mask Wash,” Photography by Vicky Culver of Howell; “No Entry,” Photography by Patricia Hart Zackman of Long Branch; “OMG,” Photography by Stephen Ravner of Freehold; “Sagging Midriff,” Acrylic and Marker by Christopher MacKinnon of Monroe Township; “Twin Lights Staircase,” Photography by Cheryl Auditor of Belford; and “The Choir of Angels and Saint,” Oil by Jane Gavaghen of Freehold. The winners’ works and works by Debora Bruno of Atlantic Highlands, Marino Cirillo of Red Bank, Eva Jane Krause of Red Bank, Maryanne Mezzacappa of

Hazlet, Jackie Renna of Eatontown, and Bonnie Kamhi of Asbury Park will be on display in the Guild’s main gallery in Shrewsbury during March (dates subject to change). Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Call before visiting in case of bad weather (732-741-1441). Visit guildofcreativeart.org to view the show, in addition to the Art Galleries 2020 Online Exhibits.

The John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences (JPU), a nationally accredited university that offers AS, BS and MS degree programs in the radiological sciences, and integrative and functional medicine, has signed a transfer agreement with Brookdale Community College. The relationship allows students to accomplish their educational and career goals with more affordable and easier access to bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, according to a press release. After graduating with an AS from Brookdale, students can effortlessly transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at JPU with access to regional sites across the country. JPU hybrid degree programs take four semesters to complete (16 months), in which 14 of the 15 weeks are done online, while the other week is conducted at a regional site, according to the press release. For information, visit jpu.edu or brookdalecc.edu

CLASSIFIED EMPLOYMENT 732-358-5200

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facebook.com/employmentweeklymagazine EmploymentWeeklyMagazine.com

TO PLACE A RECRUITMENT DISPLAY AD CALL 732-358-5200 Healthcare

Help Wanted Full Time HCWL and GHC IS HIRING

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

REGISTERED NURSES New hires are welcome! Call 732-339-1933

JOBS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CERTIFIED AIDES (CHHA). Call 732-339-1933

Lawn Technician

Must have Drivers License. Paid Training.

Call 732-738-6660

PRECISION SHEET METAL SHOP

has openings for: WELDER

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.

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

Your Success Starts Here:

P: 732-548-9650 F: 732-548-9589 www.metalfab.com Email: je@metalfab.com

Help Wanted Part Time Milltown Public Schools

Lunch / Playground Aides Website: www.milltownps.org

Healthcare 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 EMPLOYMENT WEEKLY HERE CALL Don’t Miss Our Job Listings New Every Week! 732-358-5200 HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Jobs

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

omes ices H

Serv

FAX: 732-780-4678

CHARGE YOUR AD DEADLINES: FRIDAY 11AM E-MAIL YOUR AD TO DEADLINES: FRIDAY 5 P.M. gmclassiﬁed@centraljersey.com FOR LINE ADS, DISPLAY ADS MONDAY - FRIDAY 9A.M.-5P.M. AND BUSINESS & SERVICE ADS

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.

Apartments for Rent

Bethany Manor, a Senior Citizen building located at 500 Broad Street in Keyport, NJ will be accepting applications to add to an existing waiting list for Subsidized Apartments (tenant pays 30% of their gross monthly income for rent). If you are 62 years of age or older, you may request an application to be mailed to you. Applications will be available for distribution Tuesday, April 27, 2021 through Friday, April 30, 2021 by calling 732-264-9550 from 9AM until 12 Noon and 1PM until 4PM that Tuesday through Friday. 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, May 10, 2021 to: Bethany Manor Housing Applications, 500 Broad Street OFC, Keyport, NJ 07735. When the application is returned, with all information completed, 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 2 People $62,800 Bethany Manor manages the complex in conjunction with the US Department of HUD and New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY NM-00458973

ATTENTION CONTRACTORS!

Call Our Classified Department To Advertise

732-358-5200

CLASSIFIED

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ice Serv

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

732-358-5200 FAX: 732-780-4678

Homes

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

CHARGE YOUR AD

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

WE BUY

Any Junk & Scrap Rolex, Patek Philippe & High End Watches!

Carpet Install Repair/ Sale

ED'S CARPET

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

Any year, any condition good or bad on the spot cash in your hand!

Ceramic Repair/Install

Call Jacob 732-900-6087

ANGELO PALMA and SON

Merchandise Wanted

TILE & MARBLE CONTRACTOR

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

Sporting Eqiupment Golf Clubs- Burner,#3 to SW & putter. $75 732-972-6108

Schools CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AIDE CLASSES AVAILABLE In Person and On Line Call 732-339-1933

Over 42 years experience Lic. 13VH022521700

732-580-6866 732-727-2840

Free est./ins.

Col. 3:23

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

732-290-9086

Ceramic Repair/Install

Novenas

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

(Never known to fail). O most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God. Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me, and show me herein You are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech You from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand Your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for three consecutive days. You must publish it, and it will be granted to You.

L.M.C.

Decks

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

Cleaning Domestic

A POLISH CLEANING SERVICE

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

DECK REPAIR REFINISHING POWERWASHING

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

Drywall/Sheetrock 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

Floor Finishing

DELUXE WOOD FLOORING

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

FOREVER FLOORING

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

Call 732-642-2253

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

Masonry/Paving

Painting/Wallpapering

DON'S CUSTOM MASONRY Small Repairs/Patios /Pavers, Chimneys. Lic#13VH02546700 Free est. Fully insured. Call 732-251-4352

Pop's Painting

Home Improvements

DAVILA & SON RENOVATIONS

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

Small handyman jobs to big remodeling jobs, bathrooms, kitchens/basements. Monmouth/Middlesex. Local area. Cell # 215-239-5358

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

Lawn Mower Repair M.A.C. REPAIRS Lawn, garden, snow, ATVs, bikes, used equipment. Pickup & delivery available 732-462-0743

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

Action Construction

Professional Home Remodeling at Reasonable Rates

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

732-322-3820

BUSINESS & SERVICE

April 21, 2021A

Odd Jobs/Cleanups

A Affordable CLEAN-UPS We take away anything. Free estimates. 732-264-2520

Abra-Cadabra Junk Be Gone

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

732-262-9779

ACE JUNK &

TRASH REMOVAL

ALL DEBRIS REMOVED!!

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

TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE CALL 732-358-5200

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 732-358-5200

& Powerwashing Free estimates

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

A BARGAIN! POWERWASHING

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

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

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

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

Auto/Truck Wanted AAA WANTED Junk&Running CARS, TRUCKS, WHATEVER We Buy It All $CASH$ 7 Day Pick Up. 732-536-8030 $200 to $25,000 PAID

732-742-2185

Major Credit Cards Accepted

Lic# 13VH02579300

Cleaning Domestic

QUICK & SHINE Join our group of CLEANING SERVICE, LLC

HAPPY CUSTOMERS.

An experienced, reliable and friendly cleaning service Quick & Shine LLC offers residential services. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, spring cleaning. REFERENCES & DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE. CALL OR TEXT NOW: NM-00456012

908-477-0345

Contractors

The Name You Know & Trust

 

   

Full Renovations Home Improvements

Additions Add a Level Custom Basements Kitchens Baths muzioconstruction.com muzioconst@optonline.net Lic#13VH00073300

Autos for Sale 2016 Hyundai Genesis 4ds, silver, 38k, good condition, asking $22,500. Call Anthony 917-642-0912

Call George for free Estimate



NM-00458892

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 732-358-5200

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

Over 25 Years Experience

CONTRACTOR

• • • • • • • •

Residential/Commercial

SERVICE UPGRADES

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

VDElectric@msn.com

Garage Doors

We Install Generac Generators Free Estimates • Lic. #14030 Bonded/Insured

732-238-8519 www.spitalettoelectric.com email: info@spitalettoelectric.com

We Accept All Major Credit Cards -

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Over 2,500 Satisﬁed Customers

732-673-3105

NM-00458908

A&S JR. LLC Lic# 13VH03221500

WITH THIS AD Exp. 4/30/21

Handypersons Handypersons

JB GUTTERS S

KEY CONSTRUCTION

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Interior Exterior We Accept Credit Cards

EAMLESS GUTTERS & LEADERS

• Additions • Attics 10% • Basements OFF • Bathrooms ANY JOB Booked By • Carpets 4/30/21 • Carpentry Min. $300 • Ceramic Tile • Counter Tops • Decks • Doors • Dormers • Sheetrock • Flooring (we are dustless)

INSTALLATION REPAIRS CLEANING

Gutter Covers Rooﬁng & Chimney Repairs Call for free estimate

732-579-2490

Fully Insured • Low Prices

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

All calls returned promptly , Next day availability

NJ Lic# 13VH06672000

NM-00458896

• 24 Hour Emergency Service • All Of Your Residential Electrical Needs • Same Day Service

NM-00458893

10% o with ff this ad!

Gutters

OWNER OPERATED

732-759-5897

Home Improvements

Replace, Repairs, Spring Repairs, 24 HR service. Licensed/Insured ML Installation, LLC Lic # 13VH06595700

SPITALETTO ELECTRIC

Call Mike for an estimate.

Serving Monmouth, Old Bridge, Parlin & surrounding.

GARAGE DOORS RS

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

NM-00455910

732-238-1049

jbelectricalnj.com

Electrical

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

Free Est. • Bonded & Ins. • Lic. # 15903 NM-00458217

Handypersons

V & D ELECTRIC, LLC.

JB ELECTRICAL

Gutters

NM-00459029

Electrical

www.keyfloorshic.com

732-952-5131

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

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

ALL WORK GUARANTEED !!! Free Estimates • Insured • Owner-Operated

732-613-1115 973-818-0880

(Ofﬁce) (Cell) NM-00458221

www.buildwithasjr.com

Home Improvements

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

732-857-1938 Free Est. • Sr. Discounts Visit our website: www.aplusconstructionllc.us

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 732-358-5200

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BUSINESS & SERVICE

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

Lawn Care

Landscaping

Lawn Care

AJ’s Home Improvement, LLC 732-900-6087

CERTIFIED

Commercial & Residential

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

Interior Carpentry Painting Sheetrock Basement Waterprooﬁng No Job Too Small or Big!

� ��

Will Serve The Monmouth Areas For Tree Work & Landscaping Only

24 HOUR PROMPT/EMERGENCY SERVICE

$100 OFF

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

Veteran Discounts Available

Any Service of $1,000 or more

Home Improvements

Must present coupon at time of estimate. Exp. 4/30/21

All Types of Roofing Flat or Shingle • Repair or New Decks Stained and Repaired Fencin Fencing • Masonry • Painting ting Powerwashing Free Est. Friendly vice. Friendly, Professional Service.

732-900-0051 or 917-624-7581 732-900-00 Home Improvements

Storm damage/storm related issues excluded.

NM-00456570

NM-00458448

JOSHUA PETRO HOME IMPROVEMENTS

IMPROVEMENTS • Custom Seemless Gutters Leaf Guards • Roofing Siding - Windows

Storm damage/storm related issues excluded.

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

732-257-1170

www.budgetpropertymaintenance.com

Landscaping

Lawn Care

Landscaping

OWNER OPERATED

G.S. LAWN SVC & LANDSCAPING LLC

Spring Clean-Ups Landscape Restoration Experts ALL WORK GUARANTEED Residential & Commercial Lic. #13vH08853200

Free Est. • Fully Ins. • 35 Years Experience

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

NM-00459030

732-572-2678

Must present coupon at time of estimate. Exp. 4/30/21

Lawn Care

• Bathroom And Kitchen Remodeling

NM-00456569

Any Service of $2,500 or more

FULLY INSURED, FREE ESTIMATES

TIMCO HOME

Specializing in

$250 OFF

Landscaping

M.R.S.

Lawn Service LLC.

• Spring CLEAN-UPS • Landscaping Design & Maintenance • Tree & Shrub Pruning • Retaining Walls • Top Soil • Mulch • Stone • Pavers • Vinyl & Wood Fencing Installation

(732) 238-2050 Free Estimates • Fully Insured Lawn Care

Landscaping

TREE SERVICE

732-548-1653

NM-00456571

Free Estimates • Fully Insured

Lawn Care

Landscaping

D&S

INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

LANDSCAPING INC.

Paver Walkways Patio • Driveways Snow Plowing

COMPLETE LANDSCAPE DESIGN

732-257-5973

732-549-6387

www.dslandscapinginc.com

NM-00456572

Certiﬁed brick paver and retaining wall installer

CLEAN-UPS

NJ State Pesticide Lic.#97065A

FREE ESTIMATES

Landscaping

UNITED Tree Service, Inc.

(Patios, Retaining Walls, Pavers, Sidewalks) Free Estimates Fully Insured Over 20 Years Experience 24 Hour Emergency Service Senior Citizen Discount

CALL NICK

NM-00458223

732-207-3933 732-617-TREE

Lawn Care

Landscaping

EXPERT

C.H.E.A.P. • 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”

Residential/Commercial/Municipal

Commercial & Residential

Now Accepting Most Credit Cards Fully Insured

Working for a Greener NJ! Call for your FREE Estimate

Lawn Care

LAWN & LANDSCAPING, LLC

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

24 HR. ANSWERING SERVICE

732-713-1528 TOM 732-713-2008 BRIAN Lawn Care

Landscaping

New Beginnings Landscaping Spring & Fall Clean Ups Lawn Mowing - Fertilization Top Soil, Mulch, Shrub Trimming, New Plantings, Seeding, Powerwashing We deliver materials!

Call 908-309-1430 ask for Mike Give your property a New Beginning

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 732-358-5200

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CALL OUR CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT TO ADVERTISE HERE 732-358-5200 Masonry/Paving

POLISH

MASON

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

PRECISION PAINT

Specializing in all types of paving for Driveways & Parking Lots

CELL # 732-810-9511

FREEHOLD Please visit our website or call for more info.

NM-00458839

Painting/Wallpapering

PAINTING

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

When quality, Reliability & Experience Matter

(732) 534-0548

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

Masonry/Paving

Lic#13VH06178600

NM-00452771

Painting/Wallpapering

Glenn Kaune’s Custom Painting Satisfaction Guaranteed

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 732-358-5200 Masonry/Paving

NM-00458224

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

• Interior/Exterior Painting • Deck and Fence Stain and Paint • Powerwashing • Wallpaper & Plaster Removal • Sheetrock Repair

Nothing is better than a woman’s touch!

Painting/Wallpapering

David J. McConnell

Free Estimates - Fully Insured

732-906-0385

732.619.6829

732-257-6254

NM-00458246

Plumbing • Heating Home Improvements

No Job Too Small NJ Lic#8843

#13VH04604300

FREE ESTIMATES

Power Washing

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

USA

POWER WASHING PLUS, LLC Remove Green Algae and Mold using Hot Water and/or Soap

Houses, Patios, Walkways, Roofs... Veteran, 1st Responder and Senior Discounts Fully Insured • Free Estimates VETERAN

732-415-8762

www.usapowerwashingplus.com

OWNED & OPERATED

Angie's List "A" Rated!

TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL 732-358-5200 Plumbing

Roofing/Siding

ROOFING CONTRACTORS



NM-00454624

• Houses • Decks • Fences • Concrete • Brick Pavers • Pool Areas • Deck Staining o s l A • Polymetric Sanding

908-416-5219

 

s Year

SPECIALIZING IN

Same day free estimate • Licensed & Insured

Plumbing

3rd Generation

732-525-8118

AND POWERWASHING 5 Star Rated on Google

Serving all of New Jersey since 1998

www.poloniaconstruction.com

Power Washing

NM-00454669

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

Painting/Wallpapering

NM-00457724

Masonry/Paving

(732) 257-6640 • Free Estimates

plumbing & heating “Honest, Neat and Professional Service”

www.mattcoplumbing.com

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

Complete ROOF Replacement Special

Senior Citizen Discount

$500 OFF

Any Complete ROOF Replacement Fully Insured • NJ Licensed

www.bsgrooﬁng.com

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T WO C H A M P I O N S H I P CO U R S E S Our legendary Banks Course is renowned for its signature bunkers and our scenic Palmer Course for its picturesque bodies of water.

Top 15 “Best Courses in NJ”

Top 15 “Best in State for NJ”

Banks Course, 2020-2021

Banks Course, 2020

—GOLF Magazine

—The Top 100 Golf Courses

Golf Membership at Forsgate means more for you and your family. Golf Academy & Indoor Practice Facility │ Fitness & Aquatics Center │ Hard Court Tennis with Lighting Award-Winning Casual & Fine Dining │ Year-Round Family Events & Social Activities

New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas H. Fisher is encouraging New Jersey residents to help take part in eliminating Spotted Lanternfly egg masses before they hatch near the end of April or in early May. Fisher and NJDA Plant Industry Division Director Joseph Zoltowski provide information and instructions on how to find and destroy the egg masses in a video that has been released to the public, according to a press release. Spotted Lanternfly egg masses hold between 30 and 50 eggs of the invasive species. One sign to look for to see where Spotted Lanternfly has been is a black sooty mold on a tree. The Spotted Lanternfly prefers the Tree of Heaven, which is common in New Jersey. While the Spotted Lanternfly is not a threat to humans or animals, it is known to feed on numerous types of vegetation, according to the press release. NJDA and USDA crews have combined to treat more than 20,000 acres and have destroyed thousands of egg masses on nearly 600 properties throughout this past winter season. The New Jersey counties currently under quarantine are Warren, Hunterdon, Mercer, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem and Somerset and that is expected to expand. To watch the instructional egg mass scraping video, go to https://bit. ly/3dn8HQu To learn more about the Spotted Lanternfly and what to do if you find them on your property, go to https://bit.ly/3rAuVnp Letters to the editor may be sent to news@njexaminer.com. All submissions may be edited for length, content and grammar.

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Call Membership for more information about a 2021 Golf Membership! 732-656-8921 375 Forsgate Dr., Monroe Township, NJ 08831 forsgatecc.com