2018-11-03 - The Toms River Times

Vol. 16 - No. 23

In This Week’s Edition

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| November 3, 2018

How “The Amityville Horror” Came To Toms River

By Chris Lundy

Scene 1 FADE IN: Ext. Suburban street. Four decades ago. Nice houses flank the winding road. Off in the distance, a river passes through.

Community News!

Don’t miss what’s happening in your town.

An actor and an actress approach a house on a quiet street. A camera crew frames them against the house. It’s a sunny day, but the actor and actress have to pretend something dark is happening.

Outside the view of the camera are scores of crew members waiting in place, ready to jump into their assigned duties. Even further beyond that are the inhabitants of the town – teachers, shopkeepers, all types of people, try to go through their daily lives as a bustling movie shoot has descended upon their town.

Pages 11-13.

Letters Page 8-9.

Meet The Candidates Page 7.

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News

–Photos by Chris Lundy Left: An original script. Center: This is the house as it appears today, not very creepy, but those windows are iconic. Right: The principal cast are shown in these promotional photos.

Scene 2 Int. Restaurant. Modern day. Robert

(Amityville - See Page 4)

What Does Hearing Loss Look Like Across The Age Spectrum?

Page 16.

Dear Pharmacist Can You Eat Dark Chocolate With A Milk Allergy?

Page 17.

Inside The Law Page 20.

Business Directory Page 24-25.

Classifieds Page 23.

Wolfgang Puck Page 31.

Open Space Question On Nov. 6 Ballot

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – A lot of people said they wanted open space, and the election on Nov. 6 will determine if they want to put their money where their mouth is.

There will be a local question on the ballot asking people if they want to increase the township’s open space tax by 1.5 cents. Currently, the township already collects an open space tax of 1.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

This would double it.

On a home valued at around $300,000, which is roughly the township average, a resident’s payment would go from approximately $45 a year to $90.

Township business administrator Don Guardian said that the town collects about $900,000 a year now, and this measure, if passed, would double it.

After years of residents asking the township to buy open space, the Township Council put the question to voters (Ballot - See Page 6)

6 Compete For Board Seats Among Aid Reduction

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – Six candidates are hoping to be chosen to be on the Toms River Board of Education, and spoke of the cut in state aid, the opioid

epidemic, and needing more communication between stakeholders in the district.

There are two, threeyear terms on the ballot. Joseph Nardini and Danielle Lebright are

running under the slogan “Working Together.”

Robert Onofrietti, Jr. and Erica Cirillo are running under the slogan “Children, Community First.” Christopher (Board - See Page 24)

Finances, Open Space, Jobs And Drug Epidemic Shape Freeholder Race

By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – Four men are facing off for two, three-year terms on the Board of Chosen Freeholders, the body that governs the day-to-day operations of Ocean County.

Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little is running for re-election.

Gary Quinn is taking John Bartlett’s place on the Republican side after Bartlett announced his retirement. They vow to continue providing services to residents while being fiscally responsible.

Democrats Teddy Price and Vince Minichino are challenging them. They said they want to increase the county’s efforts in

bringing in jobs and fighting the opioid epidemic. Currently, the five-member Freeholder board are all Republicans.

Each candidate was given the same list of questions, and instructed not to make negative attacks on the competition. Their answers are below, edited for narrative flow. The candidates are presented in the order their responses were received.

Gerry Little, Surf City, has been a freeholder since 2003.

Prior to that he served on the Surf City Borough Council from 1995 to 2003, and was on the Long Beach Township Board of Commissioners from 1988 to 1991. He retired in 2003 as the chief of staff

(Freeholder - See Page 2)

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He has been involved in many organizations, including the Surf City Taxpayer’s Association, Alliance for a Living Ocean, the USO, and the Marine Corps Toys for Tots. He is the former chairman of the Ocean County Planning Board and the Ocean County Natural Lands Advisory Board.

Gary Quinn, Lacey, has been on the Lacey Township Committee since 2003. The committee chooses a new mayor from among them every year, and he has served as mayor five years. He served five years on the Lacey Township School Board, including one year as its president.

He said he is currently working in management and sales, is a real estate broker, and has had a 40-year career in real estate development, management and sales.

He has been a member of several civic groups, including the Rotary Club of Forked River and the Lacey Township Chamber of Commerce, serving as president of those organizations at times. He has been involved in youth sports, such as Lacey Little League, Lacey Soccer, and BCYAA Basketball.

Little and Quinn issued a joint statement for their goals for the next three years. They want to continue the government that has provided the county with its extremely good AAA bond rating, and having the fourth-lowest property taxes in the state. A bond rating is like a credit score for the county. It allows the county to borrow money at a lower rate because lenders know the county is in good financial shape.

“Ocean County is home to more than 42,000 veterans, more than any other county in New Jersey. These brave men and women have made great sacrifices for our nation and our freedom.

Now, it is our turn to ensure that they receive all the benefits to which they are entitled,” they said.

Currently, Little serves as the liaison to the Ocean County Bureau of Veterans Services and thanks each one of our veterans for their service.

“Preserving open space has been another priority for the Board of Freeholders,” the statement read. “To date, our Natural Lands Trust Fund has protected more than 16,000 acres of open space throughout the county. Just recently, the Board agreed to purchase the Forked River Mountains tract in Lacey and Ocean townships, which will add another 8,000 acres of pristine pinelands to the protected list. The county also operates one the finest public parks systems in the state.

Planning in now underway for a new county park in Manchester Township. Berkeley Island Park also reopened this year, with new facilities including the county’s first splash park, after it was completely destroyed by Super Storm Sandy.

“Low taxes, open space, services for veterans and seniors, parks, an award-winning library system, state-of-the-art vocational-technical schools and an exceptional community college all contribute to providing our residents with an outstanding quality of life,” they said.

Teddy Price, Toms River, is a lineman for PSE&G, and is a shop steward for IBEW local 94.

He has been a coach and volunteer for the Toms River Soccer Association, and president of the Toms River East Booster Club. He is an active volunteer and donor to the ASPCA, and donor to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

“I never held public office. I believe that’s a good thing,” he said. “We need to drain the swamp

by removing these lifetime politicians from the freeholder office.”

If elected, he would create an Economic Development Authority. This group would have the power to pair municipalities with businesses that want to relocate to Ocean County.

“In Burlington County, the EDA brought in Amazon, Suzuki and a large distribution center for retailer B&M, creating thousands of good paying jobs,” he said.

There’s been no previous effort to bring strong businesses to the county, he said. This forces residents to commute to work.

“Our children graduate with skills and degrees, then they leave because they can’t find good paying jobs here,” he said. “Ocean County residents deserve good paying jobs closer to home. Wages paid in Ocean County are the lowest in the state.”

Ocean County needs more commercial development, not residential, he said.

“I want to offer tax abatements for small, medium and large businesses. We have to offer incentives to businesses to bring jobs to Ocean County instead of tax breaks to builders for multifamily housing,” he said. “Overdevelopment in Ocean County is out of control.”

Part of his plan would be to implement a rate of growth ordinance. This would cause builders to make long-term commitments to the community they build in.

Vince Minichino, Brick, is a lifelong resident of Ocean County and is the business agent and trustee for Teamster Local 469. He has coached a Brick Little League team, and volunteered with the Jersey Shore Council of the Jersey Shore, and was a rider with the American Legion Motorcycle Riders Association.

“The most important issue facing our county, and our country, is the opioid epidemic,” he said. “For too long Ocean County and Monmouth County, our neighbor to the north, have been ground zero for the opioid crisis in New Jersey.

“Progress has been made. First responders routinely carry naloxone, which can bring drug users close to death back to life. But the real answer is not preventing deaths by overdose, it is preventing the use and abuse that leads to these overdoses,” he continued. “There is no magic bullet, and I know that schools, parents and other agencies are trying to prevent the drug abuse. My proposal is we work with the County Board of Health as follows: Hold irresponsible prescribers responsible. It is not acceptable to prescribe large doses of narcotic drugs without close supervision, follow up, and warning about the dangers of dependencies. Most doctors are careful and appropriate with their prescriptions, but too many legally prescribed drugs end up being abused.

Educate the parents. Schools attempt to teach students the dangers of drugs, but many students aren’t paying attention, and many parents do not attend the educational seminars available to them.

The county should be inventive in disseminating information - information enclosed in tax bills, information through social media, and a speaker bureau available to make short presentations at public meetings.

Put the high level drug dealers in jail. Addicts need to be diverted to treatment. Serious drug dealers need to be taken off the streets.

Treat the addicts. The county has been proactive in finding treatment for opioid addicts, but access to effective, affordable treatment must be improved.”

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Amityville: Continued From Page 1 O’Neill, John Thievon, and Pat and L. Manuel Hirschblond sit around a table with a reporter, discussing that one time, four decades ago, that the town felt part of the action – whether they wanted to be or not.

The film, of course, is “The Amityville Horror,” the first of a series of horror movies. The film will soon have its 40th anniversary. There were also a few scenes shot locally in sequels, but when Amityville came to Toms River, it was something that had never happened before – and likely would never happen again.

The real house, where a family was murdered, still stands in Long Island. A book chronicles the story of a haunting that allegedly took place with the Lutz family that moved in afterward. The movie was based on the book. But like that story, recollections of the filming get a little fuzzy.

Naturally, people in Long Island were not keen on having a horror movie filmed where actual horror took place. So, the production company had to find a suitable location, Hirschblond said.

Before he was the township clerk, Hirschblond was the division manager with Walter Reade theaters. He recalled that a connection through the theater world reached out to him, saying that the film was looking for locations in New Jersey.

They had a picture of a New England home that they wanted to film in. Hirschblond said immediately he knew a house that was a virtual twin.

No one could believe how close the connection was. That house still stands on Brooks Road, in downtown Toms River. It is much prettier today, but those eye-like windows on the side

are iconic.

Being the clerk, he had to get the OK from the town’s governing body. Nobody really knew what filming a movie was going to be like.

Overall, it was a positive experience, even if it was inconvenient for the residents for the short duration of the filming.

The Holiday Inn on Route 37 (now a Days Hotel) was new at the time. It became the production’s base of operations. The cast and crew stayed there. Phone service had to be brought into rooms for their offices. Russ Saunders, the production manager, had two or three rooms to himself. So did the “money people.”

“After they decided where they wanted to go, the biggest thing was taking care of the residents,” said O’Neill, who was the town’s code enforcer at the time.

Roads were closed off. If a resident had a problem, they would go to the production company, not the town.

“Russ Saunders, the production manager, said ‘It’s a big zoo,’ and it’s true,” he said. There are so many moving parts, unions, people in charge of this and that, that it was dizzying to an outsider, but the manager held it all together.

In Hollywood, they would just build a location on a lot. But when filming in a town, they have to play by the rules. So, when they needed to build a boat house, they had to go through the Board of Adjustment, he said. This boat house was more sturdy than anything else on the river, with 15inch pilings. It was made so that the walls could pull out to make room for the camera and staff.

The actual production around the house was extremely efficient, if chaotic to the naked eye.

It only took about two weeks of actual filming,

because they had spent time doing prep work, O’Neill said. An older woman who lived next door was worried about the disruption, but they took care to make sure she was happy.

Hirschblond remembered how there was a food tent in a park on Water Street and was open 24 hours a day. You could get anything and everything there. He compared it to a military field kitchen in operation except that the food was amazing.

John Thievon was a patrolman in the police department at the time. Off-duty officers provided security on the set, and they were paid for their services.

It was basically crowd control, he said. They wanted the cast to feel comfortable that they weren’t going to be annoyed by the public.

Anyone who was supposed to be on the set were given pins that said “Brothers of the Itchy Whiskers,” O’Neill said. They needed a phrase that a local wouldn’t be able to guess, and therefore fake, in order to get access.

“The biggest problem was controlling the area and getting everyone to be quiet when they were shooting. Everybody wanted to get as close as possible,” he said.

Thievon agreed. “They all wanted to get their face in (the movie).”

Some did.

Locals In The Movie While the average residents were kept off the set, a few locals got caught up in the act.

“It was amazing when you see it all together,” Pat Hirschblond said.

A few locals would become extras when they needed people to, say, carry bodies out

of a house.

Watching the movie, the locals would laugh when they saw a familiar face, she said. It could be a serious scene, but oh, hey, there’s my neighbor!

There was a crane shot filmed from a ladder on the fire truck. “It was shot one time and it was perfect,” O’Neill said. The firefighters were told that the camera crews from Hollywood could come here and take a lesson from them.

They also needed the fire hose to create the illusion of rain. They needed to shut down the power in the area, but the production company didn’t want to wait. “Tom, you’re costing me money,” the director, Stu Rosenberg, said to O’Neill. As a result, wires got wet and started a small fire.

Someone from the fire department would take the proofs from the day and run them up to New York so they could get developed. They called this “rushes.” The film would be brought back and watched in a makeshift theater at the Holiday Inn. At one point, they hired a man who lived in Island Heights to drive his speed boat up and down the Toms River because there needed to be waves on the water.

Pat Hirschblond said their son took forestry classes and took part in woodsmen competitions, so when they needed Brolin to throw an ax into a tree, he came to their house so their son could teach him. He didn’t quite master it, so their son, Tom, came to the set to do it for him.

“In the film, Brolin throws the ax, but our son Tom threw it,” she said. “The crew was betting whether Tom could do it in one try.”

(Amityville - See Page 10)

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Ballot: Continued From Page 1 last year. However, it was a nonbinding referendum. It was only used to gauge whether people would be interested in buying approximately 250 acres of open space. There was no purchase or money attached to this question.

Voters sent a resounding “yes” with 17,949 votes to 3,852.

The difference is that the question on this year’s ballot will actually raise more money for purchases.

The open space tax was approved originally in a referendum held in November of 2000, with the first tax being collected in 2001.

State Education Department Visits High School South TOMS RIVER – On behalf of New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner Lamont Repollet, reps from the NJDOE visited Toms River High School South as part of its #bootsontheground initiative whereby the department can learn more about what schools and districts are doing, what resources they might need, and what the role the department can play in connecting schools and districts moving forward.

Led by Deputy Assistant Commissioner A.R. Hasan, the NJDOE visiting team included Andre Taylor and Maryellen Cervenak. Joining them at HSS were County Superintendent Kevin Ahearn; TRRS Superintendent David Healy; Assistant Superintendents James Ricotta, Jr. and Dr. Marc Natanagara; HSS Principal Michael Citta; and Toms River Board President Russell K. Corby.

The group convened in the newly renovated and H. Hovnanian Foundation-funded Business Incubator-- a HSS teacher greeted them by saying “Welcome to the nicest room in America!”-- and the model space certainly proved impressive. Hasan, a Command Sergeant Major who worked in Washington D.C., kicked things off by explaining the purpose of the trip, which was to get out of Trenton to not only see what schools and districts are doing, but “to celebrate what you’re doing.”

Hasan admitted he had “a heart for Toms River,” and as a self-described “Shore kid” re-

called playing football against the district teams in his high school days. He and his colleagues sought to discover what resources exist within Toms River Schools, how best to leverage those resources, as well as understand the district’s needs.

Cervenak, the acting director of NJDOE’s Education Professional Learning Network, spoke about developing a statewide network of schools and districts, where best practices can be shared, as well as ideas and resources for initiatives like professional development and conferences.

From there the team toured HSS as Superintendent Healy spoke about the district’s accomplishments, from competitive grants, to innovative and popular events like Jersey Shore Makerfest, to the district’s ESIP projects, and much more. Healy also informed the NJDOE team about the district’s dire financial situation under the state’s new budget, which strips TRRS of $70 million over the next seven years. Hasan and his colleagues reiterated that they’re here to be an ally of the district, and appreciated hearing directly about TRRS’s financial plight.

From walking the hallways greeting students, teachers, and administrators, to visiting classrooms, to checking out the school’s new ESIP-(self)-funded boiler room, it was clearly a productive visit where relationships were established and connections made.

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SPOTLIGHT ON GOVERNMENT Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

MacArthur, Kim Compete For 3rd District Congressional Seat The Republican and Democrat candidates for the 3rd Congressional District were asked to write a statement to voters about why they are the best choice.

Their statements are presented here, with minor editing to remove negative attacks on their opponents.

Democrats, and that commitment to bipartisanship drives me again towards public service.

If I’m fortunate enough to represent this community, I will be focused on lowering health care costs for all Americans. I will start by protecting people with pre-existing conditions and lowering the high cost of prescription drugs. Congress can and should start taking action in a bipartisan way to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices - a step that President Trump supported when he was a candidate.

I’ve met thousands of people

across Ocean and Burlington counties who have shared with me their heartbreaking stories about health care. To them, it’s personal too.

I also want to prioritize ways to strengthen our local economy. That starts with protecting and suppor ting Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the largest employer in the district. I hope to carry on the tradition set by Congressman Jim Saxton of supporting veterans and serving on the House Committee on Armed Services to be a staunch advocate for the base and those who live

and work there.

Our community is where tens of thousands of seniors choose to retire, and I want to do everything I can to help them retire with peace of mind. My mother retired last year, and she is now dependent on Social Security and Medicare. She has multiple pre-existing conditions and is scared because of the dysfunction in Washington.

Protecting Social Security and Medicare is a top priority and we must keep the promise of dignified retirement to Americans of all generations.

This community gave me

and my family every opportunity. I love New Jersey and I feel blessed to have grown up here. Now I want to serve the community that

raised me and be a representative in Congress that will lead with integrity and honor, always focused on what is best for this community.

partisan Lugar Center recently named me among the most moderate and bipartisan members of Congress, because I work against Washington dysfunction and stand up for Burlington and Ocean Counties to achieve real results that help our community.

I believe that I have lived the American Dream. After college I fell in love with Tom MacArthur my first job as an insurance It has been one of the adjuster making $13,000 per greatest honors of my life year. I worked my way up to to represent Burlington and eventually become the leadOcean Counties in Con- er of a company that had 100 gress since 2015. The non- employees in two offices. I

grew that company to have thousands of employees and 100 offices, while raising three children, with the love of my life Debbie. I have always brought people together towards a common good in my personal life, professional life, and through charitable efforts around the globe.

The three pillars of my life have been family, faith, and service to others. I learned at a young age that I was fortunate to have a loving family and we always worked to give back to our community. I have done my best to

live my life in that same sense, especially during my time in Congress.

I am always focused on ways to grow our economy and we have seen incredible results with low unemployment, wages increasing, small business confidence at record highs. As co-chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force in Congress, I have been a leader in helping to bring more resources to help law enforcement prevent the flow of drugs and guns in our community, while advocating for those suffering from addiction. I will

also continue to focus on securing the future of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which is on target to receive new planes and construction, thanks to bipartisan efforts I have led in Congress. This is great for our national security and our local economy.

My mom passed when I was four years old and I watched my dad work three jobs my whole life to pay off her medical expenses.

The mother who raised me was a liberal Democrat and my father was a conservative Republican. We talked

politics and religion around the dinner table every night, but we disagreed without being disagreeable. I have seen people in both parties launch personal attacks that are simply unacceptable. Our district has the rare distinction of voting for Barack Obama in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016.

That means for every person who disagrees with me on an issue, there is someone else who agrees with me completely. My job is to represent them both to the best of my ability, and that’s what I will continue to do.

I’m running in the New Jersey Third Congressional District because the people here deserve a Representative who will work for them.

This is where I was raised and where I’m raising my two baby boys, just a few miles from where I grew up.

The public school education I got here encouraged me to dedicate my life to serving our country as a national security official and diplomat. I worked as a Strategic Advisor to Generals Petraeus and Allen in Afghanistan, and worked at the Pentagon and the White House. I served under both Republicans and

Andy Kim

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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY Letters To The Editor Smith Doesn’t Even Live In NJ Congressional representatives must have their finger on the pulse of the district they serve, even if they reside in areas physically distant from their district.

It is nothing short of imperative that representatives know their constituents’ issues, hear their concerns, and engage in meaningful dialogue with those they represent.

Chris Smith is the representative for the 4th Congressional District of NJ. He lives in Virginia, but maintains a small apartment in NJ. Unfortunately, Chris Smith has been comfortably absent from his home district. In fact, many years he spent fewer than 30 nights in NJ. Hardly enough time to hear his diverse constituents clearly, I’d say!

It’s customary for politicians to participate in town hall meetings during an election season. It’s a critical for um for hearing each candidates’ viewpoints and issues in some detail. Chris Smith refuses to attend or participate in public debates, forums, or town hall meetings. This is in stark contrast with Josh Welle who has crisscrossed the district, shared his viewpoints, listened to constituents’ concerns, and familiarized himself with the diverse population he represents.

It’s time to elect a represen-

tative who’s not a phantom presence. I want a representative I can see and hear, one who hears me. Our representatives are not entitled to our vote. They need to earn it. On November 6th I will vote for Josh Welle. I hope you will, too.

Aliza Greenblatt Ocean Grove

Kim Seems Clueless On Health Care I attended an event for seniors hosted by congressional candidate Andy Kim at the Ocean County Library.

I was beyond disappointed in the event and Mr. Kim’s presentation. When Mr. Kim spoke, I did not see a candidate well-informed on senior issues. What I did see is a person seriously lacking basic knowledge on how Medicare and Social Security function.

Andy Kim could not answer the simplest questions regarding healthcare for seniors and he kept looking to his “special guest” for answers. His special guest was a political spokesman from Los Angeles, CA, who interrupted questions and barely let Mr. Kim speak. It seems that Andy Kim is just going through the motions trying to get the senior vote, while running nasty, untrue attack ads about Congressman MacArthur.

In stark contrast, Tom MacArthur has done in-

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credible work for seniors.

His office is well-known for helping constituents.

They returned almost $5 million from the Social Security Administration due to seniors in Ocean and Burlington counties. He was named a “Champion of Medicare” by the Coalition for Medicare Choices.

MacArthur helped bring millions of dollars to Deborah Heart and Lung Center every year, which will literally save lives. And most importantly, Congressman MacArthur is here. He’s accessible to us – he visits our communities and our picnics - and not just during election season.

Congressman MacArthur has a proven track record for seniors and I hope he gets re-elected this November!

Gary Ristaino Berkeley

Smith Ignores Those Who Are Not Like Him The day after Donald Trump was inaugurated as president, I joined with millions of people and walked in the Women’s March to protest his demeaning attitude toward women, exemplified by his infamous “p----” remarks. My congressman, Chris Smith had not spoken out to defend me and all the women in his constituency, so I walked to make myself heard.

When Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Accord, my congressman, Chris Smith supported this action in a partisan way, saying that he agreed with the withdrawal, calling the Accord “all-pain, no-gain.”

I believe that the environment needs our most urgent attention, so I walked in the Climate March to express my concern, since my congressman would not support the wishes of his constituency.

When the Trump administration decided to put a ban on travelers to our country based on their religion, Smith, a tireless supporter

Letters To The Editor of refugee rights, should er son Kevin is scheduled those refugees be Christian, called the Muslim travel ban a “necessarily enhanced vetting process.” I walked to oppose the Muslim ban.

It’s time for citizens of the 4th Congressional district to keep walking. I am going to walk to the polls on Election Day and vote for Josh Welle.

Join me and make it a successful march!

Lorraine Tosiello, MD Bradley Beach

Teacher Makes Case For Manchester Board Of Ed. My name is Bryan Jenner and I am proud to be a candidate for the Manchester Township Board of Education. I have been in education all of my life, both as a student and as an educator.

I received my Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam in 1985. I received my Master of Education degree, with a concentration in Curriculum Development in 2013 from Monmouth University.

I started teaching in 1985 on Long Island and came to New Jersey to teach in February of 1989. I taught until June of 2017 when I retired as an elementary music teacher with the South Amboy Public Schools. In 2009, I became the Director of Pep Band and Instrumental Ensembles at Monmouth University and an adjunct professor within the music and theatre arts department.

In 2017, I transferred to the School of Education to become a Clinical Faculty Supervisor in Music Education where I now supervise clinical practice students, formerly called student teachers, throughout the state of New Jersey for Monmouth University.

I moved to Manchester in 2003 and my oldest son Christopher is a 2010 graduate of Manchester Township High School. My young-

to graduate in 2020 from MTHS. One of the most important things in the life of any community is its schools. We in Manchester need to provide the very best educational programs for our children.

We need to provide a safe and secure learning environment and we need to prepare our students for a life in the 21st century whereupon they are creative, innovative, critical thinkers and can work collaboratively in the exploration of their curiosity. We must be fiscally responsible by adhering to the most efficient, yet thorough budget and we must explore alternative financing solutions so as to not over burden our residents with exorbitant school taxes and petition the State of New Jersey to explore and re-evaluate the current school funding formula as it relates to state aid. We should continue to explore the opportunity to share additional resources with our neighbors and we should support our educators who are entrusted with instructing the children of our community.

While every candidate wants what is best for our school district, I feel you should look at the people who will best represent the interests of our district and township over the next three years and those that have the experience in the area of education and educational programs. Should I be elected, I look forward to becoming an active participant as a member of the Board of Education and making sure that we afford our students every opportunity to succeed and support our educators who are tasked to work with and mold the minds of our most precious commodities, our children. I hope to have Manchester be the model that other districts aspire towards in providing the best education available, while also being fiscally responsible to our community and its citizens. Thank you.

Bryan H. Jenner Manchester

Republicans Have Enhanced Howell’s Way Of Life

I have been a volunteer municipal official in Howell for half a century. I have seen Howell grow from a population of 5,000 to 50,000. I have been appointed to boards and commissions by both parties.

It is my opinion that the Republican Party has over the years succeeded in pursuing the zoning that has kept the Lakewood style housing from expanding into Howell. Republicans have preserved over 900 acres of open space though farmland preservation. In the area adjacent to Lakewood there has been virtually no development. The Republican Party under past leadership of John Costigan was instrumental in keeping the “Rural character of Howell” Our roads are the best maintained in the county.

We have, through the leadership of Robert Walsh, the fi nest and most beautiful municipal building in the county and perhaps the state. Republican leadership gave us the recreation at Soldiers Field. Our shade tree commission, Environmental Commission, Boards of Adjustment and Planning Board are made up of the fi nest and most ethical volunteers in the country.

Any developments that have been built for Affordable Housing was mandatory by the State of NJ and not the Howell Republicans.

We have a police Department that makes us one of the safest towns in the nation. Our Senior program is the best in the county.

No municipal government is perfect.

Why change good government when it is not broken?

Please don’t play into the prejudice that the Republican Par ty is planning “Lakewood style development.” It is simply not true.

(Letters - See Page 9)

jerseyshoreonline.com

Letters:

Continued From Page 8

If you are happy with the Howell community that you live in and your quality of life then you should vote Republican.

Paul Schneider R.Ph. Howell

The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 9 obstruct Democrats are all about.

Michael Hale Bayville Editor’s note: The PolitiFact article did not mention Kim, but was in reference to other Democrats.

Debunking Kim’s Claims

Watch School Taxes, And State Aid

A recent debate between Congressman Tom MacArthur and Democrat challenger Andy Kim had two main takeaways for me.

The first was the question of Mr. Kim’s spin on his positions in both the Bush and Obama administrations.

Without questioning his service to the country, the Washington Post awarded Kim two “Pinocchios” for, in their evaluation, “stretching his resume to elastic extremes by claiming he was a national security officer for a Republican president,” and “seems like a classic example of resume puffery.” Mr. Kim is obviously an intelligent man, but stretching the facts about his background was foolish on his part.

The second takeaway was his relying on the Democrat playbook strategy of trying to frighten senior voters concerning Congressman MacArthur’s role in attempting to fix Obamacare.

PolitiFact, a noted fact checker on candidates, stated in a recent fact check article that Kim’s and other Democrats claims “mimics attacks we’ve seen against Republicans, omitting the caveats: This provision (the so called age tax) applied to people buying insurance on the individual and smallgroup markets. It did not apply to seniors on Medicare, or people 50 and older with coverage sponsored by large employers. Current law (Obamacare) allows insurers to charge older adults three times what they charge younger adults.”

(PolitiFact author Miriam Valverde, 9/19/2018) In both Kim’s and his supporting group’s campaign f lyers and phone calls, pitching distortions to frighten seniors about Medicare is both unconscionable and just dead wrong.

This is what the resist and

Lacey taxpayers need to take an interest in what goes on in Trenton because of its direct effect on our local school budget. A serious meeting with the Governor is in order. If you think the school budget is tight now, just wait for the rest of Phil Murphy’s anticipated reductions in State School Aid. Now here’s the math of it all….. The 2018-2019 Lacey School budget started out in May at $76.6 million. Then Gov. Phil asked for $583K to be returned - leaving the District with $76.1. Since the health benefit costs did not rise the full amount budgeted, the district was able to chop the $583K directly out of the Employee Benefit line item leaving the remainder of the current budget intact. However, that Band-Aid can not be reused again when next year’s cuts come down from Uncle Phil’s office.

Approximately $30 million dollars is for salaries - leaving $46 million.

Next, the line item for benefits is $18 million, now the budget is left with approximately $26 million dollars.

There is a line item called unallocated employee benefits - this is the money set aside for all unused sick and vacation pay - which shows on page 99 of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report - and that number is $17.8 million. Subtract this figure and the Lacey School District is now left operating seven buildings for 4,100 students with just about $8 million dollars - $3.7 million of which is earmarked for debt (a four letter word that is killing the District). Debt for a solar project that the taxpayers, staff and the students are suffering over for another 10 years. The project has never paid for itself as the referendum promised and is constantly being supple-

mented with tax funds never meant for the bond.

I would be happy to sit down with anyone that wants to dive deep into the school budget.

Please remember your civic duty and vote on Tuesday Nov. 6th. Let me be your taxpayer voice on the School Board.

Regina Discenza Former Member, Lacey Board of Education, 2015-2017

MacArthur’s Stance On Abortion Earns A Vote I would like to show support for Tom Macarthur in the upcoming mid term election.

While there has been controversy on both sides, and neither candidate has been squeaky clean, there is a good reason to support MacArthur on an important issue that many Republicans and social conservatives feel important.

That issue is pro-life.

The pro-life issue has been vilified and despised by the radical left and now the Democrat party that has adopted that same stance. Tom Macarthur has loyally stood by that movement and been a staunch supporter of life, including the “pain-capable act” that protects infants from late term abortions.

This one issue alone is key because his opponent, Andy Kim, is running on a prochoice platform that needs to be defeated.

Hopefully, with thought and reflection, you will recognize that the life candidate deserves your support on November 6. Vote your conscience when thinking about so many future lives that have no say in their future. There is no real “choice” in the prochoice movement. Certainly not for the innocent victims.

Frank Coluccio Toms River

MacArthur No Friend Of Middle Class Congressman MacArthur is fond of sprinkling his public information notices with phrases like “middle class” and “working families”, suggesting that the voters of these groups are

his special and sole concern.

The record, however, indicates otherwise.

He authored a bill in Congress to strip people with pre-existing conditions of their health insurance coverage. He was also the sole New Jersey congressman to vote in favor of Trump’s ruinous tax bill which lines the coffers of the wealthy and of the corporations.

MacArthur also supported the “age tax” which increased the tax burdens of our senior citizens.

AARP has closely examined MacArthur’s voting record and finds him to be no friend of the middle class.

Michael J. Doherty Berkeley

Menendez, Welle The Heroes We Need Superman, the fictional superhero, first appeared in a comic book in 1938.

The story has been through many revisions from comic books, radio, television to film adaptations and video games. It’s interesting the emergence of the character was in the prewar era and the post war show came into our home with our first television.

Super ma n’s reassu r i ng platform: “The never ending fight for Truth, Justice, and the American way” speaks to the safety net and framework of our society.

I remember that mindset was of service to us then.

I have seen heroes come and go. Now I understand that concept is too heavy for one individual.

Have we lost our vision of the American way? The security and unity that was realized in my early years seems to be continually slippi ng away. Histor y tells us that our country has had periods of division. We are living in one of those times. Some of us are feeling we are on easy street, others live in fear of the future. Who will come to our rescue? Who are our next leaders? As I hear myself say that out loud, it sounds childish!

When I look around to the events of the day, I see the changes in broad daylight.

Our democracy is fragile and resilient. Our leaders are only as good as our voice. The midterm election is fast approaching.

Who will deliver my voice in Washington?

Josh Welle is challenging Chris Smith’s seat in Congress. Welle’s platform and commitment is to be of public service for all NJ citizens. I have had the pleasure of meeting and expressing my concerns to Josh, unlike Chris Smith, who only attends unannounced private functions.

In the senate, Bob Hugin is seeking to unseat Bob Menendez. Hugin’s recent TV ads Claim, according

to FBI Affidavit exhibit 18, Menendez was involved with underage prostitutes.

A Google search shows that the women said they were never paid for sexual favors but were paid to make false statement.

Quinnipiac and FDU polls show that women support Menendez vs Hugin, as well as non-whites and an even split among white men. In the past I have asked women Trump supporters, how can they continue to trust a man who has derogatory behavior towards women and immigrants? Their response was that they agree with his policies. I ask those who agree with the policies and record Menendez has stood for in the senate to continue to support him.

Any time I call Menendez’ office, his positions always aligns with my interests and concerns. I am doubtful of what Hugin’s positions would be based his record from the past at Princeton when he was in opposition of women and non-discrimination on campus.

Josh Welle may be young and Bob Menendez may have fallen from grace, however, I trust they will represent me in Washington. I choose to use my own Superpower and Vote for them on election day.

Roseann Petropoulos Wall

IRIS FRECKLES

Small dark spots resembling freckles that appear in the iris of the eye are called “iris ephelis.” They occur in approximately 60 percent of individuals and are caused by increased amounts of the pigment “melanin,” which is produced by cells called “melanocytes.” Iris ephelis neither affect vision nor develop into malignant melanoma.

Their development, however, is linked to factors that include a lifetime number of sunburns, history of eye sunburns that cause blisters, sun-damaged skin, increasing age, and light-colored eyes. The spots have been found to be more common in the lower part of the iris that is farthest from the nose because that area is afforded less protection from the sun by shade cast from the nose or eyebrows.

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P.S. “Iris nevi,” dark spots on the iris that are larger than iris freckles and grow larger with time, infiltrate the “stroma” (a layer of the iris) and are due to an increase in the number of melanocytes.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 10, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

Amityville: Continued From Page 4 Boost To Economy One can only imagine how much movie money was spent in Toms River.

Town and Country Chevrolet provided the cars, and trailers for the stars, O’Neill said. The windows had too much tint, which couldn’t be photographed through, so they had to find someone locally to replace all the glass. And when they were done with production, they took the trailers back with them to California.

There were so many people who were involved back then, that it was difficult to remember them all. A caterer from California made all the food, but all the ingredients were bought locally. A local contractor, whose name might have been Thomas Ventimeglia, built the boat house. Jimmy Baldwin built the dock. Gene Worden from Arrow Travel made travel arrangements. Charney’s stationary, which was downtown in the area where Capone’s is now, provided office supplies.

The studio gave a monetary donation to the fire department. They paid drivers to take people around. They bought lumber and building materials. At one point, they needed a fan to create wind.

They gifted it to the fire department, which used it as a smoke ejector. They even visited the beach.

“The California guys said our beach was better,” O’Neill said.

The Cast James Brolin was a sex symbol, and women would fill the bar at the Holiday Inn hoping to get a glimpse of him.

The owner of the house had a flight simulator

in an upstairs room, Thievon said. Brolin was practicing to get a pilot’s license, so he spent a lot of down time in the simulator.

“When he wasn’t shooting, he would go upstairs and learn how to fly,” he said.

Kidder showed signs of some of the problems that would eventually become more well known.

“The only time Margot Kidder was around was when she wanted a cigarette,” he joked. “It got to the point I just gave her a pack.”

Kidder’s daughter had a birthday at the time of the filming, Pat Hirschblond said. She didn’t want her daughter to celebrate alone, so she invited a bunch of local kids who were the same age to her party.

Rod Steiger apparently used to work in Seaside when he was a kid, O’Neill said. He disappeared and no one could find him. Turns out he went over to Seaside and was looking up old friends.

O’Neill said Steiger was extremely friendly and would get along with everyone.

Brolin was “too good to be around” anyone else, and mostly kept to himself, O’Neill said. Pat Hirschblond mentioned that “when he came for coffee, he was very pleasant.”

At one point, he went to the Ocean County Mall. Without any make-up or his hair done, he was unrecognizable. No security was needed.

He just went about his business.

would be able to help. Or, they’d ‘know a guy.’

Local people owned the shops, and they all lived where they worked. Now, that kind of cohesion is gone, O’Neill said.

“The people accepted it much easier than, I think, if it happened now,” O’Neill said.

“The governing body had a lot of questions,” Hirschblond said. “We never had that problem before and probably never will again.”

The closest thing that had happened after that was when the “Jersey Shore” show filmed in Ocean County, which brought with it more infamy than the story of haunted houses and mass murders.

Toms River, The Big Star The house was featured so prominently, it was like the main character of the movie.

But there were other locations given bit parts.

A document from the Ocean County Library thanked the filmmakers for their donation of 37 art prints donated by Ross Saunders, and noted that some of the filming took place in the Bishop building, which is operated by the library. In that scene, Brolin’s character is doing research and steals a book. The Ocean County Historical Society has that document and many artifacts from the set, including original scripts.

One script even had a minor character’s name change.

When you’re watching the film, you find yourself looking behind the actors, at the corners of the screen, seeking familiar faces and places. There’s a scene where Brolin is riding his motorcycle down Washington

Could Amityville Be Filmed Today?

The Amityville experience briefly transformed Toms River, and when filming was done, Toms River transformed back to the family-centric suburb it was before.

Decades ago, everybody knew each other in town. If the crew needed something, a local

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Street. He drives past the church there. He’s in front of the courthouse. Kidder drives over the bridge toward Seaside. In a scene shot in a bar, they were in the Merry Monk.

The priests have a scene on the grounds at Georgian Court. After a boy gets hurt, there’s a scene in a hospital parking lot.

Some of those buildings, like the church, still look the same. The few times they are on the road, however, it could be any road.

Everything has changed in 40 years.

A 1982 document for Amityville: The Possession (currently on hand at the Ocean County Historical Society) has hand-drawn directions to Saint Peter’s church in Point Pleasant Beach. This was where the big church scene was filmed, with Rod Steiger’s priest being haunted as he’s trying to pray.

“They wanted to look at the Cathedral of the Air but the Navy wanted nothing to do with that,” O’Neill said. The Cathedral of the Air is an iconic church that, due to its connection with the military base, has aircraft in its stained glass windows.

During the third movie, an article written in 1983 said that neighbors were inconvenienced by a helicopter flying over the house all night to create a wind storm for a scene. It also noted that the Ocean County Courthouse, the Sweet Shop on Main Street, and the exterior of the house were filmed for the movie. However, all interior shots of the house weren’t filmed in Toms River, but in Mexico.

At one point, when the characters are discussing the murders that happened in the house’s history, Brolin’s character says “Houses don’t have memories.”

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The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 11

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Page 12, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

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TOMS RIVER – On Oct. 20, Councilman Mo Hill was in downtown Toms River for the installation of the newest art installment at the wall on Hyers Street, across from the Toms River South tennis courts).

The mural was designed by students of Teena O’Connell and Ashley Gawlik’s art classes at Manchester High School in partnership with the Performing Arts Academy of Ocean County College.

–Photo courtesy Toms River Township The project was initiated under the Toms River 250th Anniversary Committee by Jan Kirsten of OCC and Alizar Zorojew of the Downtown TR BID. The wall space was donated by Leone and Daughters Realty Management.

Given the vast size and prominent location of the wall, there are plans to continue the mural with the help of other local schools in the future.

Leisure Village West Players Club Presents “Speakeasy”

WHITING – Please join the Leisure Village West Players Club when we present “Speakeasy”, a comedy-murder mystery on Nov. 2 & 3 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. in Willow Hall. All residents and guests

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 13

COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Interfaith Hospitality Network’s Box City

TOMS RIVER – On a balmy September Friday, teens and adults gathered for a night in a box. No, not a theater or a sports arena, but an overnight in a cardboard box. Cardboard Box City, sponsored by St. Andrew and benefiting Interfaith Hospitality Network of Ocean County, took place September 21 and 22 in an open field behind St. Andrew United Methodist Church on Church Road in Toms River.

Interfaith is a local coalition of 10 churches and a synagogue, providing shelter, meals and support services for over 21 years to homeless children and their families. Patricia Cash has served as Executive Director since IHN began in May, 1997. For more information, visit the web site, ihnoc.net or call 732-736-1550.

Box City par ticipants experienced firsthand some idea of what it means to be without a home. They set up their boxes, bringing some comforts of home – sleeping bags, air mattresses, blankets, pillows, beach chairs. Some boxes were cleverly and creatively decorated. One had a metallic pink bottom with a peaked roof covered in a white cloth sprinkled with pink hearts. 2 friends painted their boxes blue, one had battery operated mini lights on the peak roof and the other had a small window with a window box fi lled with flowers. Each box sleeper raised their “rent” by soliciting donations from family and friends to raise funds for IHN. This could not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Pastor Erik Hall, Lucy DeBarge, Vita Hansen, Sam Jones,

Dennis Paone, Scott Clifton and the many dedicated volunteers of St Andrews, who greeted and registered the guests, made a supper of soup and bread, provided overnight security and then breakfast in the morning.

St. Andrew Pastor Erik Hall led the group in prayer. IHN Executive Director, Patty Cash welcomed and thanked everyone as did Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher, after a tour of the “City” and speaking with “residents.” Taiisa Kelly of Monarch Housing encouraged all to keep trying to alleviate homelessness. Pastor Daniel Wilson, Refuge House of Prayer Church of God, spoke passionately about his family’s experience 12 years ago as IHN guests. He proclaimed how being in the program transformed his life, his wife’s and their 4 sons.

DJ music, provided by Celebration TR, kept everyone in a happy mood. They organized games and entertained until quiet time at 10pm.

After a night’s sleep under an almost full moon, residents woke to a light and quickly passing rain shower, but their spirits were not dampened. Breakfast (donuts, milk, juice and coffee) was served by St. Andrew Men’s group. Box residents had an opportunity to share their experience with IHN Board members who reported “amazing responses”. Perhaps, now, these Box sleepers will look at homelessness from a different perspective.

Visit St. Andrew United Methodist Church website at standrewtr.org to view video of the event.

Crossroads Realty Cereal Drive OCEAN COUNTY – Crossroads Realty will be hosting their annual cereal drive in October and November. They will be collecting cereal boxes for needy families in Ocean County in conjunction with the

Lakehurst Manchester Rotary and The People’s Pantry. For every box of cereal collected, Crossroads Realty will donate $1 to the People’s Pantry. Drop off cereal at any Crossroads location.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 14, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

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The Arc Raises $35,000 At The 18th Annual Step Up For The Arc Walk

LAKEWOOD – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter surpassed their goal and raised over $35,000 at the 18th Annual Step Up for The Arc Walk and Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 13 at FirstEnergy Park, home of the Lakewood BlueClaws.

Participants walked the 1-mile concourse to raise awareness and funds for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ocean County who participate in The Arc’s residential, vocational and recreation programs.

“This year’s Walk was our biggest celebration yet,” said Laura Williams, Executive Director at The Arc, Ocean County Chapter. “Bringing together our residents, program participants, and the community is what we strive for every day.”

Attendees enjoyed entertainment from the WRAT and WJRZ, live band King of Kings, Montage Music, crafts, games and prizes, face painting, tattoos, yoga, and appearances by Buster, Star Wars 501st Legion, and Wonder Woman and Ariel from Princess Party Productions.

Local businesses showed their support with in-kind refreshment donations from Wegmans, ShopRite, Stop and Shop, Costco, Herr’s, Bimbo Bakeries, Entenmann’s, Starbucks, Bubbakoos, Jersey Mike’s, Atlanta Bread, Watchung Spring, Manhattan Bagel, and Chick-fil-A. Thanks to the event sponsors, every dollar raised by our donors will directly benefit the programs and clients served. Sponsors include: Corporate Synergies, Advance Auto Parts, Georgian Court University, Manasquan Bank, FirstEnergy & JCPL, Medicine to Go, Universal Janitorial Supply Corp., A General Sewer & Plumbing, NJNG, Gallagher, Aquatherm Industries, Kelaher, Van Dyke & Moriarty, Central Ocean Rotary, OceanFirst Foundation, Causeway Family of Dealerships, Quaker Steak & Lube, Lakewood BlueClaws, Roofing Master, Ron Rosetto Realty Group, Silverton Funeral Home, Perlmutter Family ShopRites, and Cedar Management.

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Learn How to Declutter at Toms River Library

TOMS RIVER – Organization specialist Jamie Novak will visit the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library to teach how to break up with your clutter at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15.

This program is a humorous take on how to part with things you no longer use and overcoming common obstacles like keeping clothes and saving items “just in case” you need them.

Novak is also the author of several books, including “Keep This, Toss That: Unclutter Your Life to Save Time, Money, Space, and Sanity.” Books will be available for purchase after the program.

The branch is located at 101 Washington Street.

Registration is required for this free event.

To register, call the branch at 732-349-6200 or visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Downtown Farmer’s Market Still Open

TOMS RIVER – There is less than one month of the Farmers’ Market left! Get out there and get you some fresh produce, excellent wines, delicious breads/bake goods, and so much more! The market is located at 28 Hadley Ave on the lawn of the OC Parking Garage (free and ample parking).

EMS Stroke Education Event at Community Medical Center

TOMS RIVER – Join Community Medical Center on Monday, November 12, 6–8 p.m., for an EMS Stroke Education Event.

EMS are invited to join Community Medical Center’s Emergency Department and Stroke Team for 2 hours of EMS Stroke Education.

A light dinner and free parking will be provided.

Speakers: • Andrew Parrish MD, EMT-P – EMS Medical Director & EMS Fellowship Faculty • Lindsey Smith, BSN, RN – CMC Stroke Coordinator • Kathleen Nye, MSN, RN, CEN – ED Nurse Educator • Megan Martinson, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN – Administrative Director of Emergency Services 2 CEUs provided (ALS and BLS).

Registration is required. To register, go to njoemscert.com. Questions? Contact Lindsey Smith, BSN, RN at 732-5578198.

The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 15

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

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What Does Hearing Loss Look Like Across the Age Spectrum?

More than 36 million American adults report that they have hearing loss. Although many people assume hearing loss only affects those around retirement age, about two-thirds of all cases of hearing loss occur in people under the age of 65. So how can hearing aids benefit the entire age spectrum, children, teens, the American workforce, and retirees? Let’s take a look at some rather revealing data regarding hearing loss and hearing aids.

In children and teens: At least 1.8 million U.S. children have trouble hearing.

Nearly 1.5 million are school age.

Nine of every 10 children born deaf are born to parents who can hear normally.

In-utero ear infections can lead to deafness.

Three continuous months of ear infections can lead to deafness.

Children exposed to secondhand smoke have twice the risk of hearing loss.

One in five teens now suffers from at least a mild hearing loss due to excessive volume when using iPods and other listening devices.

In the American workforce: About 26 million Americans between the prime employment ages of 20 and 69 have high-frequency hearing loss.

One in four workers exposed to high levels of noise experience hearing loss later in life.

Those with untreated hearing loss lose

about $30,000 a year due to underemployment.

Police, firefighters, factory workers, farmers, construction workers, musicians, heavy-industry workers, the military and professional hunters are at the highest risk of experiencing hearing loss.

In retirees: About 30 percent of adults ages 65 to 74 have hearing loss.

About 47 percent of adults over the age of 75 have hearing loss.

Hearing loss in retirees leads to more hospitalization and poorer health overall.

Dementia, depression and brain shrinkage are all strongly correlated to untreated hearing loss, which is likely partially responsible for those diseases occurring.

Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are also associated with untreated hearing loss.

Fortunately, hearing aids are a huge benefit to 90 percent of those with hearing loss, regardless of age group or severity.

For those with mild hearing loss, hearing aids greatly reduce or eliminate the risk of income loss, and people with hearing aids are nearly twice as likely to be employed as those with untreated hearing loss or those who simply don’t wear their hearing aids. If you want to make sure you’re getting all you can out of your current set, bring them in and we’ll take a look at how the technology is working for you.

Dr. Izzy and his staff are always available to answer most of your questions regarding your hearing health.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-818-3610 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Expanded Whiting Hours!

Diabetes Expo Offered By Community Medical Center TOMS RIVER – The Center for Diabetes Education at Community Medical Center is hosting Diabetes Expo 2018...News You Can Use on November 20, 5:30 - 8 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel, 815 Route 37 W, Toms River.

The free expo is being offered during National Diabetes Awareness month and will feature information on: • Making Healthy Food Choices • Blood glucose screenings • Carbohydrate Counting for the Holidays • Community Medical Center Services Information

The diabetes educators from the Center for Diabetes Education will be available to answer questions and discuss your concerns.

The Diabetes Expo is free, but pre-registration is required. Please call 732-349-5757 to register. Light refreshments will be served.

The Center for Diabetes Education is dedicated to helping adults and children affected by type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. In addition to certified diabetes educator and nutritionists, the program offers classes and support groups to help individuals with diabetes manage their disease and achieve their health goals through education, oneon-one counseling and support.

For Wolfgang Puck’s latest recipe, see page 31

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 17

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Can You Eat Dark Chocolate With A Milk Allergy?

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Dark chocolate is a staple in my house.

What are you supposed to do if you’re allergic to milk, and want to eat dark chocolate?

It’s a good question.

Milk is actually allowed as an ingredient in “dark” chocolate, but sometimes it produces a harmful allergy in dairy-sensitive individuals. The reality is that most chocolates contain some milk, and it’s undisclosed.

The FDA actually tested 100 different brands of dark chocolate bars, and they specifically tested it for the presence of milk. Of these 100 bars, only six of them listed the ingredient of milk! The other 88 bars did not disclose milk as an ingredient, yet 51 of them contained milk.

Dairy-tainted chocolates are among the most frequently reported allergic reactions.

It’s unfortunate, but true that milk can get into a dark chocolate product even when it’s not directly added. The problem happens because the dark chocolate is often produced on the same equipment that makes their milk chocolate bars. And traces of milk often inadvertently wind up in the dark chocolate batter. It’s essentially a problem of cross-contamination. My best suggestion to you is to completely avoid dark chocolate (if you’re allergic to milk or dairy) unless the brand you’re buying is made on equipment dedicated to dark chocolate bars only. This is hard to find, but possible.

This is why it’s difficult to place your trust in the food industry. They don’t mean

to make people sick, but their laziness or sloppiness can lead to pain and suffering for some of you. As a result, you see warnings on the label that serve as a wink of sorts. This product “may contain dairy” or “may contain traces of milk” or this one, “manufactured in a facility that uses milk.” There are others but if you’re my best friend, I would tell you to replace the word “may” with “probably!”

The take home message is you should not assume that your dark chocolate is free of milk, and you should not consume it if you have serious allergic reactions to milk, regardless of the label.

I have a checklist of 14 alias names for milk-derived ingredients which may be hidden in your food. My list will help you find undisclosed milk in your candy bars and chocolates. If you’d like to receive that as well as the longer version of today’s article, sign up for my newsletter at suzycohen. com and I will email this to you next week.

I’ll also tell you why some chocolate bars aren’t good for vegans. Here’s a fun fact, white chocolate doesn’t’t contain any cacao whatsoever, it’s just a combination of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk, but no cocoa solids like dark and milk chocolate have. It’s definitely something to avoid if you’re dairy-intolerant or allergic to milk.

In closing, when it comes to dark chocolate, the dairy free claims and statements on the label are best completely disregarded if the manufacturer fails to use dedicated machinery and equipment due to cross-contamination.

Breast Surgery & Breast Oncology Associates Saluted

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH When breast cancer is detected early, at a localized stage, the survival rate is 98 percent*

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2018 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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Page 18, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

NJ Police Officer & Wife Charged With Superstorm Sandy Fraud A Little Out of the Way. A Lot Out of the Ordinary.

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By Kimberly Bosco TRENTON – Yet another two have been convicted for fraud for filing false applications for relief following Superstorm Sandy, announced Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal.

Nikola Lulaj, 45, of Seaside Heights and his wife, Majlinda Lulaj, 32, have been found guilty of filing fraudulent applications for federal relief f unds in the amount of $187,000. Nikola is an off icer with the Hoboken Police Department.

The couple was charged with of second-degree conspiracy, second-degree theft by deception, and six counts of four th-degree unswor n falsif ication.

They were convicted before Superior Court Judge James M. Blaney.

“As a result of the verdict, Lulaj must forfeit his employment as a police officer,” stated a press release from the Attorney General’s office.

The second-degree charges carry a sentence of 5-10 years in state prison and a f ine of up to $150,000, while fourth-degree charges carry a sentence of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The Lulaj’s will be sentenced in January; the date is yet to be determined.

According to testimony and evidence presented during the trial, the couple filed fraudulent applications for relief funds in the form of FEMA assistance, a low-interest SBA disaster-relief loan, and state grants under the Homeowner Resettlement Program (RSP), the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program, and the Sandy Homeowner and Renter Assistance Program (SHRAP) funded by

the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

The fraudulent applications totaled approximately $187,074 in relief funds: $2,820 from FEMA, $90,200 in SBA loan proceeds, a $69,054 RREM grant, a $10,000 RSP grant, and a $15,000 SHRAP grant.

The Lulaj’s applications claimed that their property on Webster Avenue in Seaside Heights, which was damaged during Sandy, was their primary residence during the storm. Their actual primary residence was located in Dumont, NJ. In the time since Sandy struck, the couple has moved into the Webster Ave. home; however it was designated as a vacation/rental property during Superstorm Sandy, stated the AG’s office.

“For a police officer to commit this type of fraud is particularly egregious, because officers take an oath to uphold the law and we rightly hold them to the highest standards,” said Attorney General Grewal. “When disaster strikes, we cannot allow dishonest applicants to divert disaster relief funds from the intended recipients – namely, those victims whose primar y homes were destroyed or damaged.”

“We have recovered well over $2 million through these prosecutions and have delivered a strong message that should deter this type of fraud during future disaster recovery efforts,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “I commend our trial team for this verdict and thank all of our law enforcement partners for their excellent work in these historic (Fraud - See Page 21)

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The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 19

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law A Place That Makes You Smile One of the original and most reputable dental offices in Toms River, our practice has a long legacy of excellence, honesty and professionalism.

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Educating Our Community On Nursing Home Abuse

Robert C. Shea Esq.

By Michael J. Deem, Esq., of R.C. Shea and Associates People put their elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing home so that they can be safely taken care of, so that someone can properly look after them in their old age. No one expects that these nursing home residents should get anything less than the proper care and respect that they deserve, but with the horrifying rise in nursing care abuse, this is not always the case. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse in the United States, more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America indulge in some form of resident abuse.

Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed.

The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse.

Even more alarming is the prediction that the problem will only worsen in the near future. More than 91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients. A Health and Human Services Department report found patients in understaffed nursing homes were more likely to suffer from a variety of problems, such as bed sores, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, pneumonia, and serious blood born infections. It’s a serious concern that will only increase with time, given that the population of people aged 85 or older is expected to double to 8.9 million by the year 2030.

Signs of abuse and Michael J. Deem neglect may be (but are not limited to) evidence such as pat ter ns of bruising, unexplained injuries, frequent infe ct ion s, be d sore s, questionable hygiene, appearance of malnutrition, emotional distress, and unsanitary living conditions.

Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of your attorney. Neglect can be just as harmful in the long run as abuse, leading to additional health problems and possibly death. Nursing home abuse isn’t limited to physical abuse; there can also be emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, where an elder is demeaned or humiliated in other ways.

Many elders needlessly suffer from nursing home abuse in which they are manipulated, humiliated, or physically harmed by the very people entrusted with providing them with loving and tender care. Instances of physical, sexual and verbal abuse have taken place at the very nursing homes where elders are actually supposed to be well taken care of; unfortunately, cases of nursing home abuse in America and also in New Jersey are rising rather than falling.

If you think a loved one is the victim of Nursing Home Abuse call the trial attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for a free consultation to discuss their rights.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

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The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 21

Fraud: Continued From Page 18 anti-fraud efforts.”

This conviction follows on the heels of 120 other charges against defendants who allegedly committed fraud related to Sandy relief programs.

Deputy Attorneys General Thomas Clark and Jamie Picard tried the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau.

They were assisted at trial by Detective Mark Byr nes, Detective Franco Cignarella and Analyst Rita Gillis.

The case was investigated for the

Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau by Deputy Attorney General Thomas Clark and Detective Mark Byrnes; with special a ge nt s of t h e U. S. D e p a r t m e nt of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, HUD Office of Inspector General and SBA Office of Inspector General. The case was investigated and prosecuted under the supervision of Lt. Vincent Gaeta, Lt. David Nolan, Sgt. Fred Weidman, Deputy Bureau Chief Mark Kurzawa and Bureau Chief Julia S. Glass of the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Computer Crimes Bureau.

Be A G.E.E.K. Day Camp During Fall Break

OCEAN COUNTY – Be a G.E.E.K. (G reat Eng i neer i ng Exper ience for Kids) is a day camp offered for youth in grades 5-7 to learn skills in wiring, motors, generating electricity, magnets, working as a team and more through hands-on activities led by 4-H professionals. The cost of camp includes healthy snacks and lunch both days.

O c e a n C ou nt y 4 -H a nd At l a nt ic Cou nt y 4 -H a re collaborat ion wit h Stock ton College to of fer t h is d ay camp on November 8 & 9, 2018, when youth are off from school due to the NJEA Conference. This two-day camp November runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stockton University Thompson Residential Building.

The fee for this program is $55 for bot h d ays or $35 for a si ngle d ay.

Par ticipants do not need to be 4 -H members, but should register in advance. Please register by Wednesday

October 28.

For more information, contact: Laura Eppinger, Ocean County 4-H Program Associate, 732-349-1227 or eppinger@ njaes.rutgers.edu.

The 4-H Youth Development Program is part of Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station -Cooperative Extension, 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades K-13, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, domestic par tnership status, militar y ser vice, veteran status, and any other category protected by law.

For more information about the Ocean County 4-H Program call the 4-H Office at 732-349-1227 or visit the 4-H website at nj4h.rutgers.edu/.

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Page 22, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

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BUSINESS PROFILE DeGRAFF FUNERAL HOME Compassionate • Respectful • Flexible

DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, Inc. 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst, N.J. 08733 732-657-7868 Sherry T. DeGraff, Mgr. N.J. No. 3921 degrafffuneralhome@msn.com

DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home is family owned and operated. Founded

by Donald & Wanda DeGraff in 1979 in historic downtown Lakehurst. The building itself has a funeral history dating back to the early 1900’s. “Our father was the type of person who was so very compassionate and caring,” said Sherry DeGraff, Manager. “He was an entrepreneur, involved in a number of businesses, but his love was always for the funeral industry.”

DeGraff’s mother Wanda is still alive and “still our boss, even if she won’t admit it,” said DeGraff, and her father, Donald passed away in 2004.

Growing up with the funeral business surrounding her, DeGraff said she learned from an early age how to treat customers in their time of need. “You handle people in the same way you would want your own family handled, “said DeGraff. “You have to be a good listener, have a lot of compassion and be very flexible.

While the core values – compassion, respect and flexibility – have not changed for the DeGraff family, the trends in the funeral business have.

Years back, cremations were rare and some religious affiliations did not hold them in high favor. In 1990 the DeGraff family saw the future trends were leaning toward cremation, as a result, their daughter Sherry opened DeGraff Cremation Service offering a wide variety of cremation service options. The move towards more cremation represents the largest shift in the funeral industry. In fact, many consumers believe the cremation

itself is performed at the individual funeral home or cremation service they hired. This is not correct.

Crematories are owned by cemeteries. Most people are surprised when they hear that. Many people are unaware that cremation must be authorized by a spouse or blood kin under New Jersey State Law. This can cause undue stress for people who do not have a spouse or family.

In 2004, New Jersey law provides for the des- DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home has been family-owned and operated at 119 Union Avenue, ignation of an individual Lakehurst since 1979. Visit www.degrafffuneralhome.com or call 732-657-7868. to control the funeral or cremation of another person regard- services themselves have evolved decisions have been made, sparing less of whether the named person is over the years. While the typical uncertainty and confusion at a time related by marriage or blood. People viewing, church service and burial when emotional stress may make in relationships involving unmarried schedule is still largely followed by decisions difficult. Although pre-arco-habitants, or just close personal many, other families choose what is ranging might sound morbid, it isn’t. friends may find this provision benefi- known as “celebration of life” to re- It is part of sensible estate planning. cial. This designated person is called focus mourning one’s death towards Upon your passing, the truth is that a “Funeral Representative” and must celebrating one’s full life and its im- most people don’t have any idea how be named as such in a will. With this pact on others. Especially in troubled to get started, what they should know designation, they can bypass any economic times, the cost factor of a or who they can turn to. Pre-planning blood kin and can authorize crema- funeral is a concern for many families. your funeral can significantly minimize tion and control the funeral. Choosing Cremation and traditional funeral ser- the many stresses and pressures that cremation for final disposition in lieu vices are often comparable in price, accompany the grieving process of of traditional burial does not change through numerous options such as losing a loved one. A properly strucservice options for a family. In addition viewings, final disposition and other tured preplan can not only ensure that to cremation, the services can still in- factors that can increase or reduce your loved ones know what to do, but clude a traditional viewing, memorial the overall cost of a funeral. DeGraff can also make sure your bequests are service at the funeral home or church said, “Our prices are very affordable efficiently implemented. By reducing or graveside services when or if the because we’re still an old-fashioned many of the obvious family pressures, cremains are placed in a cemetery. funeral home.” DeGraff Lakehurst this provides some extra time for them Additionally, said DeGraff, the funeral Funeral Home offer pre-arrangement to work through some of the other services. Although nobody likes to struggles such as dealing with grief think or talk about dying, it is one of the and loss, notifying your loved ones, facts of life we all must eventually face. designing your obituary, writing a The sad truth is, thousands of people eulogy and creating the best possible die (whether expected or unexpect- way to celebrate and memorialize edly) each year without the proper your life. “I think the personalization end- of-life plan in place. Making of a funeral is important,” said Defuneral arrangements at the time of Graff. “We’re willing to work with just loss is extremely difficult for those about anything that a family wants left behind. Pre-arranging ensures to do, even if they think it might be that your family and funeral director away from tradition. We can make it know exactly what kind of funeral you happen.” want. Families tend to take comfort at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home is the time of death, simply from know- located at 119 Union Avenue, Lakeing their loved one’s funeral reflects hurst. If you would like more informatheir wishes. When the funeral and tion, please call our dedicated staff sometimes even payment, have been at 732-657-7868 or you may visit our arranged in advance, most of the website at degrafffuneralhome.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 23

CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate

Items Wanted

Homestead Run 55+ Community Toms River. Immediate Occupancy – RENTALS, 2 BR homes- 1 or 1.5 Baths. SALES - single & doublewide homes. Call 732-370-2300.

(51)

WANTED TO BUY - Cash paid for old 45 RPM Doo Wop/Soul/R&B/ Blues records. Contact Bob at bobo78rpm@verizon.net or 732-2446313 (daylight hours).

(46)

For Rent

CASH PAID!! - LP records, stereos, turntables, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items.

Come to you. 732-804-8115.

(48)

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Vinyl Records Wanted - LP Albums - Rock, Blues, Reggae, Metal, Punk, Jazz, Psychedelic, soul. Very good condition only.

Call Rick 908-616-7104.

(48)

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(45)

Whiting Crestwood Village 5 - (55+) Adult Community. 2 bed, 1 bath, porch, W/D, C.A.C., garage. No pets. $900 plus utilities. Available November. Call 732-604-0323. (48)

Mobile For Sale Mobile Home For Sale - 1974 Skyline 12x60, one owner. 2 bedrooms, front kitchen, AC, shed. Very good condition.

Colonial Mobile Park. Family park.

55 1st St., Manchester. Shed included.

Call for information 732-657-6166, to see. Priveate driveway off st. (46)

Auto For Sale Volvo S60 – 2006. AWD. Sunroof.

Leather interior. 103,000 miles. Best offer over $3,000. 609-698-1949. (46)

Misc.

We Pay Cash for Houses - in Toms River and Close FAST. Tired of Evicting Tenants? Tired of Dealing With Repairs and Expenses on Your Home? We Buy Your House In Any Condition! Call 609-277-3126. (48) Flea Market & Craft Show - Saturday, November 3. Greenbriar Woodlands, 1 Kensington Cir., Toms River. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. For Info 732341-4259, $ All Prices.

(46)

Estate Sale Manchester - 33 Elmswell in Leisure Knoll. Sat/Sun Nov. 3$4. 9-3p.m.

Vintage goods in whole house with over 800 records, costume jewelry, pipes, toy trucks, dish sets, bedding, shoes, more.

(46)

Items Wanted $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid.

Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n) COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot.

5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n) Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/ dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac.

Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc.

Call 917-681-6809. (t/n) CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)

Employment Opportunity - Senior Services Berkeley Mini-Bus Driver for Senior Services. 30 hours Monday – Friday 8am to 2pm $9.75 hour. Must possess a CDL Class B with Passenger Endorsement. *All Positions are full time with Benefits* Please send resume to rtonnesen@ stfrancislbi.org. EOE/AA. (46) Now Hiring – The Goddard School on Route 70 is seeking full time Teacher’s Assistant and leads for the upcoming school year. We provide a warm, loving environment for children up to six years. Must have a flexible schedule, available Mon-Fri. Benefits include paid time off, 401k and paid lunch on Fridays. To learn more about these positions, email your resume to tomsriver2nj@goddardschools.com Home Health Care Company Now Hiring RN’s, LPN’s and CHHA in Ocean & Monmouth Counties!

Flexible scheduling. Work in your community. Weekly pay. Career advancement. Comprehensive benefits. Call 732-505-8000 today. (t/n) Kitchen/Wait Staff Needed – Apply online at magnoliaal.com or in person at Magnolia Gardens 1935 Route 9, Toms River. For more info call 732-557-6500 or email hr@magnoliaal.com.

(46) Caregiver – I’m a loving, compassionate caregiver with over 20 years experience to include demential and Alzheimer’s. Will take excellent care of your elderly/ sick loved one, at home. Willing to travel. Available 24/7. Live-in or live-out. 201-589-7269.

(52) Counter Help Wanted - Part time hours. Manchester Dry Cleaners.

Call Dave 732-657-4421.

(47) Micromedia looking for a high-energy account rep to sell print and online advertising in Ocean County. Competitive base, bonuses & company benefits. Successful applicant should possess good communication skills & a desire to grow with the company. E-Mail resumes to jallentoff@jersey shoreonline.com. EOE. (t/n) Certified Home Health Aides Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

Services Don’s Painting - Specializing interior. Quality work. Very neat.

Reasonable prices. Special senior discounts. Honest and reliable.

Low winter rates. 732-899-4470 or 732-915-4075.

(46) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonary, repairs large and small. 40 years experience. 732-674-3346. (45)

Services

I Will Clean Your Home - Very good prices. Call 732-773-5078. (47) Delightful Full Body Massage Relaxation at its best. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $100 cash. Be good to yourself, you’re worth it. Call Sherry 848-254-4908 Brick area.

(45) Handyman – All masonry work, repairs, sidewalks, paving, stone. Call Andy 848-299-7412.

Free estimates.

(46) Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (51) Mature women (Manchester TWP Offers care for people who need help, helping themselves. H.H.A certified, over +15 years exp. Have own car.

Call or text me 609-216-4882. (48) Computer Tutoring for Seniors – Retired, “Microsoft Certified” instructor. Very Reasonable rates. Very patient with slow learners. I’ll teach you in the comfort of your home on your computer. I can trouble shoot your slow computer! I also teach iPhone and iPad. I set up new computers at less than half the price the retailers charge. Windows 10 specialist. I can also build a beautiful small business website at a fraction of the going rates. Special Projects always welcome! Tony 732-997-8192. (t/n) Wallpaper and Bordering - Hanging and removal of old. No job too big or small. Great references. Call Angela 609-891-8544.

(11) Electrician - Licensed/Insured. Will do the jobs the big guys don’t want. Free estimates, senior discount. Call Bob 732608-7702. LIC #12170.

(40) Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention. Family owned. Fully licensed and insured.

Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n) Need A Ride - Airports, cruise, A.C., doctors. Save $$$. Senior discounts.

Tom. Save ad. 551-427-0227.

(4) Roofing Etc. - Roofing, siding, windows, gutters. Repairs and discounted new installations. Prompt service. Insured. NJ license #13HV01888400. Gutters cleaned.

Call Joe Wingate 551-804-7391. (36) Dee’s Cleaning Service And Dog Walking Service - Cleaning homes like your since 1994 senior discounts.

Insured. Call Dee 732 552 6633. (47)

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 24, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

Board: Continued From Page 1 Raimann and Jennifer Howe are running under the slogan “Transparency, Tradition, Truth.” Nardini and Raimann are current board members and at one time ran together.

Each candidate was emailed the same set of questions. Their answers are being presented here, edited for narrative flow.

Robert Onofrietti, Jr. was on the Board of Education from 2015 to 2017, serving as its president in 2016. He owns a mortgage company in Toms River, Shore Home Loans.

He volunteers for the American Cancer Society and Girl Scouts. He is an event coordinator and team leader for the Relay for Life.

“The biggest issue facing the town is how we are going to deal with the continued loss of state aid and how it will affect the children as well as our taxes,” he said. “I am not in favor of cutting one program for children, athletics, arts or clubs. They are essential to our students and their future.

I firmly believe with better budgeting and more communication with the town of Toms River, the district can sustain and properly fund its budget while not continuing to attack the taxpayers. There are too many questionable items we continue to budget for and with a proper audit of all job functions, this can be achieved.”

Expanding on the idea of communication,

he said the district does not communicate with the town or its citizens. “I would create new ways of bringing the school board to the people, not just expecting them to come see us the third Wednesday of each month.

In my previous term on the board, I tried numerous times but was shot down and outvoted on this item…..This time, I will NOT take no for an answer.

“In addition, the school board and Town Council need to have a better working relationship, which as of now, does not exist.

I would broker meetings so that all key stakeholders are on the same page with all issues that affect the town,” he said.

Erica Cirillo is a nurse with HealthSouth.

She sits on several boards within the town that work with children, some with special needs. She is new to campaigning.

“I have never ran for any position, but have the best interest of the children and community in mind,” she said. “My work and commitment within our schools speaks for themselves. I have been advocating for all children as well as our special needs children for years now.”

She agreed with her running mate that there is a lack of communication as well as budgeting.

“We don’t prepare for crisis. We have known for some time that a cut was coming.

Cutting teachers, jobs, or sports is not an option,” she said. “We have no communication with our town, the lack of communication

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hurts our children and community.

“We have to focus on fixing our schools, communication with parents, and make sure we don’t raise taxes that are warranted.

Times have changed and our community can’t afford tax hikes. The biggest issue we have is not involving the community, we just try to get things done, but never think of the big picture,” she said.

Danielle Lebright is a retired court reporter deeply involved with her family.

Danielle has served as president of her daughter’s elementary school PTO for nine years. She is a volunteer for Caregivers of Ocean County, and serves as a member of the Special Needs Committee and the Veterans Committee of the Toms River Elks Lodge 1875.

Joseph Nard i ni has been a st ate licensed electrical contractor for 45 years. He worked in building and construction for more than 50 years. He served on the board of education for three years, and has been vice president for the past year. He is a co-founding member of the Toms River and Lacey Unico. “His civic cont r ibutions are not tied to any one specific group, he helps anyone in need, be it a church, a child or a town,” said a joint statement from the pair.

“The image of the school district is ref lective of the quality of our district’s inf rast r uct u re,” the statement read.

“The atmosphere we provide to our st udents promotes a better lear ning environment. Diminishing this has a direct impact of the property values in our town and the likelihood of people wanting to live here. Danielle and Joe are committed to working with district administration and state off icials to restore fai r f u ndi ng to Toms R iver Regional Schools,” they said.

“Danielle and Joe are not politicians,” they said. “(They) would like to help foster a strong relationship between the town council and the school system in an effort to bolster our position as a unified community.”

Christopher Raimann is in his first three-year term on the school board.

At the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, he works as the supervisor in charge of communications. He was a graduate of the Ocean County Police Academy Class No. 72.

He has spent four years with the board of the Toms River Little League, and is a parishioner and volunteer with Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church.

The district is facing long-term cuts to state aid that could result in cuts to sports and staff, he said.

“We have to assure our children and teachers have what they need in and out of the classroom. Sports are very important to so many of us,” he said. Like clubs and music programs, they keep children moving in the right direction.

“Toms River Schools should enter into mutual aid agreement with the town and county for maintenance to include garbage collection, plowing, paving, and building matters without cutting any more positions,” he said.

Jennifer Howe is a full time mother of six, and a college student at Kean University working on her Bachelor’s in history. When she is able to, she is a server at the Sawmill Cafe. Formerly, she was a restaurant manager at the Outback Steakhouse and a travel agent.

She previously worked in cor porate travel in Cleveland, Ohio for Metro Health Hospit al and I MG, a spor ts management company. She has served on the PTA. “I think the biggest issues facing our town right now are drugs and the recent budget cuts our schools are facing,” she said. “Statistics and numbers do not lie when it comes to the drug problem we are facing. I think we need more communication between our kids and law enforcement, but in a positive way. We need mentoring for children who are most at risk for becoming involved in drugs and a look at our local medical facilities and how they administer pain medication. Survivors and recovering addicts who can speak candidly in schools and law enforcement gives kids opportunities to have open conversation about it.”

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Micromedia will not be responsible for errors occurring in an ad beyond the first week if we are not notified of the error.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 25

BUSINESS DIRECTORY Jeff’s Powerwashing Hot Water and Soap • Mold Removal Houses • Patios • Roofs Washed

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 26, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

OCC Awarded Over $2M For Title III Programs

TOMS RIVER — Ocean County College has been awarded competitive grant funding in the amount of $2,241,257, to be distributed over the course of five years, as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III Part A Programs – Strengthening Institutions.

The program helps eligible institutions of higher education become self-sufficient and expand

their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.

Funds will be used to: Enhance student success and retention through improved academic advising, expanded academic support services, and an enhanced early

alert system Initiate academic coaching for students Expand degree offerings Improve instruction through structured and expanded faculty development opportunities on proven academic strategies and other topics responsive to the needs of the faculty and students

Strengthen fiscal stability by increasing enrollment and retention To learn more about Ocean County College, visit us online at ocean.edu. Notice From Seaside Park Police

Notice From Seaside Park Police

SEASIDE PARK – The Seaside Park Police Department is actively investigating numerous car burglaries within the borough. We would like to remind our residents to lock their vehicles and as always if you see suspicious activity please call.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 27

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 28, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

FUN & GAMES

SUDOKU

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

Across 1 “The Winds of War” actress 11 Bon __ 14 “Love in the First Degree” all-female group 15 Emotion betrayer 16 Knocked out 17 Emergency op 18 Emblem 19 New Mexican?

20 Ho Chi __ City 21 Busts, e.g.

23 “The Legend of Zelda” currency 25 Sidecar ingredient 31 Jump __ 32 Happy __: old snack brand mascot 33 Pulls some strings?

35 Slovenia neighbor, to the IOC 36 Singer Lambert

with the album “Trespassing” 37 Angiography concern 38 Crisply and detached, to an orch.

39 Talks acronym 40 Tops 41 Driver’s protest 42 Mine finder 44 Dairy Queen offerings 46 Publisher Ochs 48 “__ won’t!”

49 Quo warranto, e.g.

50 Short-lived ‘80s sports org.

53 Whimpers 58 Lift 59 Grammy-winning Santana song 61 Maintain 62 Regardless 63 Podded plant 64 Restraining order, say

Down 1 Help with a job 2 “Mission: Impossible” theme composer Schifrin 3 Still vying 4 Jerry Herman musical 5 Kind of magnetism 6 Preserve, in a way 7 Where Ulysses rests 8 Word after going or before hike 9 Hymn ender 10 Bit of fishing attire 11 Penn, for one 12 At the store, perhaps 13 AAPL and GOOG 15 Entice 22 Came together again 24 Letters before some state names 25 Shout after the last shot 26 Part of Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle

27 “Honestly?!”

28 Popular toy, for short 29 Documentarian Morris 30 Emulates a bad waiter?

34 __ ball 38 Oldies syllable 40 “Leaves and Navels” artist 43 Modify 45 “The Lion King” composer Hans 47 Sticky 51 Sound 52 “Animal House” group 54 Gable neighbor 55 Singer of complex songs 56 Michael’s brother in “Prison Break” 57 Make full 60 City on the Firth of Clyde

(c)2018 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Jumble:

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 29

How To Protect Your Online Privacy

By Jennifer Peacock TRENTON – Last year, more than 4 million New Jerseyans were affected by the single-largest data breach that year, involving Equifax.

There were a total of 958 data breaches reported to the State Police last year, a 41 percent increase over 2016 reports of 676 breaches.

New Jersey State Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the New Jersey State Police, along with the Division of Consumer Affairs, in conjunction with National Cybersecurity Month, offered these tips to residents to keep their data secure: “Avoid clicking on e-mail links or attachments from unknown individuals, fi nancial institutions, computer services or government agencies. To check out the message, go to the sender’s legitimate public website, and use the contact information provided.

“Adjust device privacy settings to control sharing of data between applications, software and address books.

“Choose a strong password containing letters, numbers and symbols. If a website offers two-factor authentication security, use it.

“To protect your device from unauthorized access and malware software, install security software, often available from your internet provider, and ensure that fi rewall and anti-virus protections are updated continually.

“Before disposing of any electronic device, wipe the hard drive using specialized software that will overwrite your information; or donate the device to a certified recycling facility that follows government standards for the destruction of data.

“Under federal law, consumers can get three free credit reports per year through annualcreditreport.com. New Jersey law entitles consumers to an additional three free credit reports annually – one from each of the national credit reporting agencies. Scrupulous checking of credit reports, bank and credit card statements, and subscription services can catch identity theft at its earliest stages.

“Avoid free Wi-Fi, especially for health, fi nancial, and other personal transactions.

“Before giving up your personal information to win a contest or participate in a survey, read the “Terms and Conditions” and “Privacy Policy” within the website or app. These sections should clearly lay out how the website will use and share your information.

“Parents can report concerns about websites directed to children to the Division of Consumer Affairs, which enforces the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Parents should take advantage of parental control software offered by their internet service provider, adjust browser settings to limit children’s access, and review history logs to monitor usage.”

Winter Solstice Celebration

TOMS RIVER – A Winter Solstice Celebration will be held on December 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cattus Island County Park in Toms River. At this free event there will be Games, Crafts, Live Animal Talks, Horse Carriage Ride, Campfire Storytime, Food, and a Visit from Santa!

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 30, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

North Captures Great American Rivalry Title

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE! Visit: JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM

An interactive website where you can: • Read our newspapers • Connect with other readers in your community • Advertise your business!

NEW CONTENT IS POSTED DAILY! CHECK FOR LOCAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES! CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY!

SCAN THIS CODE & LINK DIRECTLY TO OUR SITE!

Follow us on social media!

–Photo courtesy TRRS TOMS RIVER – The Toms River High School North football team captured the Great American Rivalry title this year with a win over High School South.

Sophomore quarterback, Jake Kazanowsky, was awarded the MVP trophy for his performance in this year’s Great American Rivalry game.

The 71st Annual Holiday Fair

TOMS RIVER – The 71st Annual Holiday Fair will be held on Saturday, November 10, at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St., Toms River, NJ. The fair will

WE SELL & SERVICE WIGS & HAIR PIECES!

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The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018, Page 31

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of NOV 3 - NOV 9

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr. 19): Take advantage of a free ride when it is offered but don’t waste valuable resources by taking impulsive chances with your cash. In the week ahead, you will be able to work on reaching your goals one step at a time.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may be feeling like a party animal let loose from your cage. Feel free to explore new age ideas or to experiment with the latest social apps and technological gadgets but don’t go out of your way to shock people.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): While others quibble over the proper direction to take, you can steer the situation. Your thoughts are in tune with the long-range consequences of your actions in the week ahead, so your judgment will be right on the mark.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): What works for you may not go over so well with your mate.

Someone in close connection could be caught up in a complicated power struggle. Find a happy medium that you can both enjoy in the upcoming week.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put your problems into perspective. Step back and take the long-range view. No matter what your problem is ask yourself if it will seem as important a year from now. Create a viable financial plan early in the week.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t try to control the family agenda. You may incur resistance if you try to run your home like a business. You will have much better results this week if you discuss your ideas in advance and focus on teamwork.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Life can be a roller coaster. It might seem that the more you try to keep your word the more people change their minds. To avoid unnecessary stress, wait until the second half of the week to hold a planning session.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the week ahead let loved ones know how much you care.

You may be quite content and happy with your current relationship, but a partner may feel bored. Keep the excitement alive by finding unusual entertainment.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You and a partner will be on the same page when discussing loyalty and trust. This is an excellent time to obtain advice or professional consultations. Put investment ideas on the back burner in the week ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Little Jack Horner stuck in his thumb and pulled out a plum.

You, on the other hand, might get your thumb caught in a bamboo Chinese finger puzzle trap.

Steer clear of complicated financial schemes in the upcoming week.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Hope for the best and plan for the worst. You could be optimistic about your future income but should have a back-up plan just in case things don’t go your way.

Use your extra energy constructively this week.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Opportunities can appear out of the blue this week. Put on your thinking cap and you may understand how a casual word of advice can lead to bigger and better things. Your tastes can change quickly so wait to buy.

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wolfgang puck’s kitchen Get Back To Your ‘Roots’ And Discover Salsify This Autumn

By Wolfgang Puck

Autumn always feels to me like the perfect time to cook and serve root vegetables. Sure, all the year round we enjoy carrots, potatoes and other less-popular but still well-known roots (and tubers, to be botanically accurate about potatoes) such as parsnips, turnips and rutabagas. But cooler days seem perfectly suited to the comfort and warmth that root vegetable dishes provide.

This fall, please let me suggest that you try expanding your root repertoire with a vegetable that’s usually met with a puzzled look when it’s encountered at the farmers’ market or supermarket. The vegetable that causes so much bewilderment looks like a long, skinny, somewhat shaggy parsnip - only it’s either black or pale white in color.

It’s known most commonly as salsify. That English name raises almost as many questions as the look of the vegetable itself. In fact, the darker variety is also known as scorzonera (a descriptive Italian name for “black skin”).

And many people colloquially call both kinds of salsify an oyster plant, under the belief that, when cooked, it tastes like oysters. This is a misleading impression, because it doesn’t taste like the sea at all and actually has a mildly earthy, mineral-tinged, slightly sweet and creamy flavor.

You can find salsify year round, though it’s about to enter its peak of season, which lasts from late autumn through early spring. You can also find seeds, and grow them in your home garden. When you bring home your purchase, or harvest it, store the roots in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Before preparing salsify, you should peel it, immersing the roots in water with a little lemon juice to prevent discoloration. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly right after peeling the black variety, as it can discolor your skin.

After peeling them, very young, small salsify roots can be thinly sliced or shredded and tossed into mixed salads or slaws. But larger ones, which you’ll most often find, are best cut into larger pieces and cooked, usually by steaming or brief boiling until tender. Once cooked, the salsify can simply be tossed with butter or garlic butter and fresh herbs. It’s also delicious pureed like mashed potatoes. Salsify also lends itself very well to oven-baked gratins like the classic version I am sharing, served as a side dish with roast beef, pork, lamb, chicken or turkey.

I hope you’ll not only enjoy this recipe but also share it with other people you know, spreading the word about salsify so more farmers and home gardeners alike will grow it. Who knows? Maybe it will even jump-start your explorations of other root vegetables.

CLASSIC SALSIFY GRATIN Serves 4 4 whole salsify roots 1 lemon, halved 2 cups (500 mL) milk 2 cups (500 mL) water Kosher salt 2/3 cup (185 mL) heavy cream 1 garlic clove, peeled Freshly ground white pepper 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely shredded Gruyere or Emmenthaler cheese Trim off the tops and tips of the salsify roots.

With a swivel-bladed vegetable peeler, peel off the black skin of the salsifies, exposing the ivory colored flesh beneath. Cut the salsifies into 1 1/2-inch (3.75-cm) pieces. Immediately rub all of the pieces with the cut surfaces of the lemon halves to help prevent them from turning brown.

Wash your hands thoroughly.

Put the milk and water in a medium-sized saucepan with a pinch of salt. Add the salsify pieces. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat.

Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook the salsify until it is tender enough to be pierced easily with the tip of a small, sharp knife, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, put the cream in a small saucepan with the garlic clove and a little salt and white pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer briskly, stirring frequently, until the cream’s volume reduce by a third to a half. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C). Bring a teakettle or medium saucepan half-filled with water to a boil.

When the salsify is tender, drain it; rinse thoroughly under cold running water; and drain again. Arrange the pieces in a single layer in a shallow ovenproof baking dish. Remove the garlic clove from the cream, taste the cream, and add a little more salt and white pepper to taste, if necessary. Drizzle the cream evenly over the salsify. Sprinkle evenly with the cheese.

Place the baking dish inside another baking dish or pan large enough to hold it comfortably.

Partly pull out the oven rack and put the nested pans on it; then, carefully pour boiling water into the outer pan to come halfway up the side of the pan containing the salsify. Carefully slide in the oven rack.

Bake until the cheese topping has turned golden brown and the cream is bubbly, 15 to 20 minutes.

Carefully slide out the rack and remove the nested pans from the oven; then, carefully lift out the baking dish of salsify and place on top of a folded kitchen towel to absorb water clinging to its bottom and side. Serve immediately.

(Chef Wolfgang Puck’s TV series,“Wolfgang Puck’s Cooking Class,” airs Sundays on the Food Network. Also, his latest cookbook, “Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy,” is now available in bookstores. Write Wolfgang Puck in care of Tribune Media Services Inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207) © 2018 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Page 32, The Toms River Times, November 3, 2018

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