The HOWELL Times
Vol. 18 - No. 47
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Another Police Station Adopts Shelter Dog
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Inside The Law Page 15
Dear Pharmacist Page 17
Classifieds Page 18
Fun Page Page 22
─Photo courtesy Monmouth County SPCA Neptune City Police Department is the second station to be involved in MCSPA’s program, adopting Luke as their emotional support dog. By Alyssa Riccardi MONMOUTH COUNTY – Another rescue dog has found a new home, thanks to the successful pilot program the Monmouth County SPCA have introduced.
In January of this year, the Monmouth County SPCA initiated a program where shelter dogs are placed within police departments to serve as emotional support animals. The shelter was successful
with placing Tala, a purebred husky. Tala was adopted by the program’s first participate, Eatontown Police Department. After the program’s story was shared throughout the community, many local
departments inquired about the program. The program has now been able to place a second dog. The shelter shared the happy news that a dog named Luke was adopted by the (Police - See Page 14)
Scout Dedicates Project To Volunteers Clean Jersey Shore With Beach Mother And Cancer Patients Sweeps
By Alyssa Riccardi HOWELL – A 16-year-old Howell Life Scout has dedicated his Eagle Scout project to his mother, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. Boy Scout Troop 300’s Joseph Martino is a current Life Scout who is working on his Eagle Scout project. Titled “Project Hope,” it will be benefitting
Mary’s Place by the Sea, a respite home for women who are receiving treatment for cancer. What inspired Martino to choose this project was because of his mother, who was battling cancer and had visited Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove. “In spring of 2016, my mother (Scout - See Page 4)
By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE – Jersey Shore beaches had a huge “clean sweep” as volunteers from Clean Ocean Action’s (COA) 36th Annual Beach Sweeps removed debris from beaches and waterways.
Clean Ocean Action is a leading national and regional voice working to protect waterways using science, law, research, education and citizen action. Their annual Beach Sweeps is held every April and October and is
April 24, 2021
Council Introduces $54.8 Million Budget For 2021 By Alyssa Riccardi HOWELL – With a unanimous vote, the Howell Township Council have officially introduced the 2020 municipal budget of $54.84 million. At the April 13 council meeting, Mayor Theresa Berger, Deputy Mayor Thomas Russo, Councilman John Bonevich, Councilwoman Pamela Richmond and Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell voted “yes” on a motion to introduce the budget. May 11 is the current date set for a public hearing on the plan. A total of $29.2 million in a local tax levy to be paid by Howell’s residential and commercial property owners will be collected to support the 2021 budget. In the $54.84 million budget, $24.6 million will be appropriated to salaries, officials said. Council members adopted a $53.54 million budget in 2020, which was supported by the collection of $29.2 million in a local tax levy. Although there is a $1.3 million increase in total appropriations from 2020 to 2021, the local tax levy will remain at $29.2 million. the local tax levy was able to stay the same due to municipal officials increasing the amount of money that will be taken from Howell’s surplus fund and applied as revenue in the budget. Officials will use $7.28 million from the surplus fund as revenue in the budget this year compared to the $6 million used in 2020. As for the Howell K-8 School District, the Board of Education recently voted to introduce a $118.1 million budget that will fund the operation of the school district during the 2021-22 school year. At last month’s meeting, Board members Albert Miller, Denise Lowe, Ira Thor, Jennifer Okerson, Laurence Gurman, MaryRose Malley, Mark Bonjavanni and Scott Jeffrey voted to introduce the budget. The 2021-22 budget proposes a tax levy of $82.04 million to be paid by Howell’s residential and commercial property owners. Board of Education will hold a public hearing on May 5 about the $118.1 million budget.
(Beach - See Page 20)
TO ADVERTISE, CALL 732-657-7344 EXT. 206
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 2, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
How This Highly Precise Procedure is Making Knee Pain a Thing of the Past... TREATMENT COVERED BY MOST MAJOR HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS, INCLUDING MEDICARE People who suffer from knee pain typically try supplements or pain medication before seeking help from a doctor. Physical Therapy sometimes helps, sometimes not. When all else fails and the pain is too much, some feel that surgery is the only option. Before you put yourself through months of immobility, potentially more pain, and hefty medical bills, consider something else. The Proper Treatment Begins with Advanced Imaging for Precise Diagnosis They key to effectively fixing a knee pain problem is start with an accurate diagnosis. That’s why we’ve invested in Advanced Imaging Technology called Video Fluoroscopy (VF). This technology is a video X-ray in real time! Together with your doctor, you will view a live image of the inside of the knee. Your doctor will clearly explain exactly what is causing your pain, and the precise treatment approach to fix it. Jersey Shore’s Top Notch Knee Treatment Facility with 5 Convenient, Five Star Locations At Monmouth Pain, offering knee pain relief is a daily event. Knee pain accounts for greater than a quarter of our patient care every day. Do you struggle walking? Is going up and down stairs a struggle? Continue reading if you would like help… Have you ever wondered how different your life would be if you could get rid of your knee pain? Where would you go, what would you do? What would you give for a day, a week or a lifetime of pain free mobility? We are pleased to announce… you don’t need to wait any longer to get the most precise procedure to sweep knee pain under the rug.
An All-Natural Lubricant Again, using Advanced Imaging Technology our medical team will administer the all- natural lubricant – referred to as Viscosupplementation – with pinpoint precision. The Viscosupplementation provides lubrication and tempers the friction within the joint to reduce the bone-on-bone sensation, reduce pain, and increase mobility. The precision and accuracy of the image-guided injection ensures that the gel like fluid is injected directly into the joint capsule for optimal results. Unlike steroid injections that can cause irreversible damage to the joint ligaments and tissues, this is an all-natural injection proven to enhance all-natural healing.
If you suffer from any degree of knee pain, regain control of your life by visiting Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation, a stateof-the art medical facility. Cause of Knee Pain… How does knee pain occur? Factors that might cause it include the following: • Being overweight • Getting older…normal wear and tear • Joint injury • Knee imbalances • A genetic defect in the joint cartilage • Stresses on the joints from certain activities including sports, work, and leisure activities. Over time, all of the above can eat away at the cartilage in your knee leading to damage called Osteoarthritis! What is Osteoarthritis? (OA) Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. In Osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage breaks down and wears away. This allows the bones under the cartilage to rub together resulting in pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Although in some people it progresses quickly, in most individuals joint damage develops gradually over years. Don’t Just Mask the Pain! Say Goodbye to Knee Pain... the Non-Surgical Way! Now is the time to take control of your life and say goodbye to knee pain the non-surgical way! Most people feel better in a matter of weeks and can begin enjoying everyday activities pain-free again. Consider These Facts Before Surgery
Under the guidance of Video Fluoroscopy (VF), Dr. Ben Meir precisely delivers the correct amount of lubricant into the exact area of knee damage.
Ron Ben-Meir, DO. Board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, fellowship trained in Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine.
Meet the Doctor Ron Ben-Meir, DO, is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and fellowshiptrained in Interventional Spine and Sports Medicine at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. A former Division 1 College Football player at Texas State University, his experience allows him to specialize in sports-related injuries affecting highly competitive athletes, weekend warriors, and general musculoskeletal pain. An expert in current non-surgical interventional procedures to treat joint pain, he also performs diagnostic procedures such as musculoskeletal ultrasound and electromyography to help diagnose the sources of the muscle and nerve-related pain. Dr. BenMeir’s focus is on treating patients with acute or chronic pain. All patients receive individualized treatment plans that may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided injections.
WHAT ARE PATIENTS SAYING? “I had reached a point that I could no longer work out in the yard for more than 15 minutes. I couldn’t lift anything heavy and some days I would use a cane because my knee hurt so much. I no longer need to do that. It is progressively getting better each week. Thank you Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation for caring about my wellness!”
Who is a Candidate for This Treatment Program? Do you wake up with knee pain? Does your knee pain keep you from certain activities? Have you been told you need a knee replacement? Are you active and sometimes suffer from sore knees? Do you take medications for knee pain? Do you have difficulty going up and down stairs due to knee pain? Are you considering surgery to alleviate knee pain? Have you tried everything to get rid of knee pain with no success? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are ready to experience relief at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation! √ Covered By Most Insurance Plans Including Medicare √ No Reported SideEffects √ Little-To-No Pain √ Immediate Relief
PATIENTS FIND RELIEF...
“When I heard about this place I immediately came in for a consultation and decided to start this treatment for my knees. I really did not think it was going to work but I had to try something after living in chronic pain. I could not walk up the stairs or walk on my feet without crying in pain. Even going to sleep was a struggle and I really thought my life as I knew it was going to be over. I truly feared becoming wheelchair bound. After 4 weeks, I feel so much better! I feel such happiness being able to walk and go up and down stairs without that chronic pain! This is a start of a new beginning for me. I am so happy to have found this place as the people are amazing and friendly. I truly feel comfortable at MPR!” - Pauline C. “I had suffered from severe knee pain for seven weeks. I went to four different specialists without any relief. When I called, I was greeted by a genuinely understanding staff, schedules were rearranged and treatment was provided immediately. THANK YOU for helping me.” - Joann F.
LICENSED MEDICARE PROVIDER
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR KNEE EVALUATION!
732-345-1377 Shrewsbury Wall Township Freehold Howell Forked River
- Jenn B.
Dr. Ben-Meir seen here thoroughly explaining to his patient her diagnosis.
*Covered by most insurance plans including Medicare. No known side effects. Little to no pain. Immediate relief.
Se Habla Español • MonmouthPain.com
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 3
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 4, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
Scout:
Continued From Page 1
─Photo courtesy Joseph Martino Joseph Martino of Boy Scout Troop 300 was joined by his fellow scouts in front of Mary’s Place by the Sea to begin building his Eagle Scout Project, “Project Hope.”
was diagnosed with Stage II – colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. My mother, after undergoing six months of chemotherapy, felt lost and distressed. In search of a way to surmount these feelings, my mother was introduced to Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove,” Martino said. “Reluctant at first, my mother booked a respite weekend just prior to her life changing surgeries at the home where women with cancer heal their mind, body and souls, Mary’s Place by the Sea. Upon return to our family, my mother appeared to have gained enormous courage, strength and resilience from her stay and to date is cancer free. Mary’s Place by the Sea is a godsend and has inspired me and my whole family to want to pay it forward for others to continue to reap the benefits of this wonderful, nonprofit organization.” Martino plans to raise funds to build a grotto where visitors of Mary’s Place can relax and find peace. “The entire volunteer team at Mary’s
Place provide services that are designed to support and empower women with cancer and complement the medical treatment being received while providing an alternative healthy and holistic approach to their healing,” Martino said. “My project is to create and install a beautifully crafted Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto where guests can encounter a quiet and peaceful place for rest, prayer and meditation. The grotto will be permanently placed carefully upon a freshly laid set of designer paver blocks on the front lawn of Mary’s Place by the Sea in the center of their rose garden.” Due to the ongoing pandemic, Martino couldn’t rely on traditional fundraising methods, so he created a GoFundMe page to collect funds for his Eagle Scout Project Hope. Donations will be used to purchase materials which includes the 36” Statute of Our Lady of Lourdes, paver installation materials, adhesive, paver sand base and tools. Martino’s goal was to raise $1,000 to complete his project, and he successfully raised almost double his initial goal. He expressed that any amount of cash raised in excess of my Eagle Project costs are donated directly to Mary’s Place by the Sea. “Thank you all that have forwarded my message and most importantly thank you to all that have donated to my project,” Martino said. “This will make it possible to also get some landscaping lights so that I may be able to have the grotto lit for evening viewing.” On April 18, Martino was joined by his fellow Troop 300 Scouts and scout parents to help assist with his project at Mary’s Place. This first visit, Martino was able to dig out and lay the pavers down. Martino plans on visiting a second time to finish the project. If you would like to support Martino and donate to Mary’s Place by the Sea, visit the GoFundMe Page at gofundme. com/f/joseph-martinos-eagle-project-formarys-place.
Freehold Elks Motorcycle Committee To Host Poker Run
FREEHOLD – The Freehold Elks Motorcycle Committee proudly presents NJ State Elks Army of Hope 2021 Poker Run on May 1. Proceeds help NJ families of the fallen and severely wounded veterans. All are welcome. Registration from 9 to 11 a.m. at Freehold Elks Lodge #1454, 73 East Main Street at Elks Point, corner of Route 79 & 537 downtown Freehold. Poker Ru n st ar ts and ends at the Freehold Lodge. $20 for rider; $15 for passenger. Includes Poker Run, food, beverages and DJ. $15 for the BBQ after the run. (1 p.m.) Event runs rain or shine. You don’t have to ride to come down and have a good time. Tricky try, lotto hat, fun for all! Any questions? Contact: Christine Reese 347-739-6254 or Joe Pindilli 908635-4788.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 5
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 6, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY Letters To The Editor
E ditorial The Pandemic Has Been Hard On All Of Us As we hit the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Vaccines have been approved and are getting distributed, and there is an expectation that we may be getting out from under the thick cloud of isolation. But many of us remain broken. Months of this social isolation have wreaked havoc on our lives. More than a third of Americans have reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in the past year; opioid overdoses are 29% higher; and so many are experiencing tremendous grief from loss. The end of the pandemic will not mean the end to mental health struggles. Trauma takes a long time to heal, and we have all experienced some type of trauma during this period. I am pleased to see celebrities helping to “end the stigma” associated with mental health and substance use issues by speaking out about their own experiences and urging people to get help. This is the time to reach out if you are suffering from lingering or severe feelings of anxiety or depression, if your alcohol or drug use has increased during this time, or if grief is debilitating you. One positive result of the pandemic is the more comprehensive use of telehealth as a way to connect with people from their own homes. At Preferred Behavioral Health Group, people we serve have embraced this approach to therapy, and more people have had the opportunity to get the help they need. We are here to help with 24/7 telehealth services, medication assessments, group therapy, support for seniors, and counseling for children and families, all offered remotely. We can be reached at 732-3674700, or preferredbehavioral.org. If you are struggling, reach out. Reach out to a loved one, a spiritual advisor, a friend, or a professional. We are here. Mary Pat Angelini CEO, Preferred Behavioral Health Group Monmouth & Ocean Counties
We Welcome Letters To The Editor! The Howell Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns. All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to
edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.
A Tip For Earth Day – And Your Health Earth Day was April 22 and there will be lots of information on ways to save the Earth. Meanwhile, every year in the manicured yards of suburbia, pesticides and herbicides are wreaking havoc with the health of humans, especially children. Although professional landscapers must take classes and obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s License, homeowners can purchase bug and weed killing chemicals at any garden center and use them indiscriminately, and in any amounts. According to an Organic Land Care pamphlet published by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut and Massachusetts: “In a review of case-controlled studies and case reports, childhood cancers linked to pesticides include: leukemia, brain cancer, Wilm’s tumor, soft-tissue sarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cancers of the colorectum and testes. (Environ Health Perspective 106 [Suppl. 3] 893-908)” In his book, “The Organic Suburbanite,” Warren Schultz states, “On the average, suburbanites use 10 times more pesticides per area in their yards than farmers do on their fields.” He also states, “2,4-D.........(is) the weed-killing ingredient found in most weed-and-feed lawn products and it’s also a carcinogen. Two studies by the National Cancer Institute showed an increased incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among farmers who use 2,4-D. A later NCI study showed that dogs, whose owners’ lawns were treated with 2,4-D four or more times per year, were twice as likely to contract canine malignant lymphoma.” If we stopped spraying pesticides and herbicides today, would insects and weeds take over? The true answer is NO! The Creator has built into all of nature a system of checks and balances. Spraying chemical pesticides and herbicides actually disrupts the natural balance of nature. Listen to
Paul Sachs in an excerpt from his book, “Edaphos, Dynamics of a Natural Soil System”: “Pests, in general, are organisms that interfere with human enterprise activities. If we ranked pests simply by how much they disrupt an environment, humans would be at the top of the list.” Man, in his foolishness, seeks to control all of nature. Now, like the twisted plot of a horror movie, the pests are becoming resistant to chemicals while our children are the ones who are getting sick! What can one person do? Go to your library and learn about organic methods of gardening. Use an organic lawn care company. Teach a child about the exquisite balance and beauty of nature. Learn to identify the ladybugs and other beneficial insects in your yard. Call your local Cooperative Extension office (or go online) and get free information on gardening without chemicals. Let’s begin to garden in harmony with nature and make every day Earth Day! Karen Breuel Howell
In Defense Of The Libraries This is in response to the grossly intemperate and erroneous letter of April 3rd regarding the Ocean County Library System (“Library Restrictions Go Too Far”). This writer is no friend of the library. The library “prioritizes its staff above all else,” the writer claims. The staff, in turn, tends to “regard us as a pestilence which threatens a largely redundant staff.” They are holders of “degrees from mail-order colleges,” but nevertheless “half of the full-time employees of the OCLS have pay and benefits at or above $100K/year.” At no point does the writer offer the sources of his “information.” I have been a patron of the OCLS for some twenty-five years, and I can assure you that the writer is in error. At no time have I ever been
treated with anything less than exceptional professionalism, courtesy and dedication on the part of the staff. Our library is a treasure for the good citizens of our county. Michael J. Doherty Berkeley
End War In Afghanistan
The war in Afghanistan has dragged on for nearly 20 years, and it is time to do the right thing and end what veterans call the “Forever War.” An entire generation has never known a country at peace, and this conflict has cost a trillion dollars and countless lives. Pres. Biden has the chance to right this wrong. This conflict must end now, as he promised many times during his campaign. Our continued presence in Afghanistan is not making America safer. In fact, prolonging these conflicts is making us a target and putting our troops in harm’s way unnecessarily. It’s well past time, please, Mr. President, bring our troops home now. Military withdrawal from Afghanistan will give our diplomats a chance to do the hard work of building a peace agreement, rather than continuing with a failed military strategy that cannot accomplish anything further, and which the “Afghanistan Papers” published by the Washington Post reveal top generals themselves do not even believe in. America’s veterans and military members deserve to have a government which advocates for them. We’re counting on you to do the right thing. William Dowd Brick
We’ve Lost Patience After enduring a year-long pandemic, the talk of the town is vaccinations. For many older residents, it’s frustration, anger and helplessness about how hard it’s been to get appointments for vaccinations. The state announced that
senior citizens were a priority group, and county health officials said they’d like to bring on-site vaccination clinics to the numerous adult communities someday – but the wait and the demand for shots are continuing. Seniors on their own, and the virus and its mutations are still around. In an effort to be pro-active, I sent this to the governor and New Jersey health commissioner: “Hundreds of thousands of residents of New Jersey’s active-adult communities have been unable to secure vaccination appointments due to (1) the inadequate supply of vaccine to counties with large senior populations, such as Ocean County, (2) their difficulty with, or inaccessibilty to, online appointment websites and a seemingly always-busy, unhelpful phone hotline, (3) competition for appointments with smokers and millions of others being added to eligibility groups, and (4) for some seniors, their inability to drive or to drive long distances to sites where vaccine and appointments are available. “As you know, seniors are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, and most of them in my area have been unable to get vaccinations - after weeks and weeks of trying. I urge you to dedicate some of the state funding from the federal pandemic relief legislation to enable county health departments to set up vaccination clinics within adult communities as soon as possible. “It would be far more than a convenience to residents. It would protect and save lives, but also hasten the day when New Jersey’s economy can return to full strength, and allow families and friends to end their isolation and resume in-person socializing without fear of serious health consequences to Grandma and Grandpa.” I urge your readers to communicate similar messages to state officials on behalf of older Jersey Shore residents. We’ve run out of patience, and we don’t want to become patients. Rich Wieland Toms River
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 7
Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Governor Murphy Unveils Sweeping Gun Safety Package TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy unveiled a sweeping series of reforms aimed at reducing the epidemic of gun violence. The proposals, when paired with previous steps the Governor and members of the Legislature have taken to reduce gun violence, will further solidify New Jersey’s standing as a national leader in gun safety. “Half of New Jersey’s gun homicides occur in only five cities, and the number of gun crimes in these cities has skyrocketed over the last year,” said Governor Murphy. “We cannot sit back when we know there is more to do to address the danger of gun violence in our communities. By taking the steps we are announcing, we will further commit to making every block and every street in our state safer.” Funding Prevention Measures Increasing Violence Intervention Funding: Cities and states across the country have been demonstrating that we can achieve rapid, sustained reductions in shootings by investing in evidence-based, community-driven strategies
like group violence intervention, relationship-based street outreach, and hospital-based violence intervention programs. Though the FY2022 budget process, Governor Murphy proposes an additional $10 million in funding for these initiatives in New Jersey. Dedicating $2 million to Rutgers GVRC: Governor Murphy established the Gun Violence Research Center at Rutgers University due to the federal government’s failure to dedicate funding to research gun violence as the public health epidemic that it is. The Governor’s FY2022 Budget proposal will dedicate $2 million to help the DVRC collect much-needed data in this area. Supporting Legislation Requiring Firearm Safety Training: S-2169/A-5030 (Weinberg/Reynolds-Jackson) would modernize firearm ID cards, as well as require completion of a firearm safety course in order to receive a permit to purchase a gun or receive a firearm ID card. Connecticut, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Rhode Island, Maryland and the District of
Columbia all have laws requiring individuals to undergo safety training prior to being able to purchase. Mandating Safe Storage of Firearms: Owning a firearm for protection in the home can present a substantial obstacle to safe firearm storage, with individuals often opting to keep weapons loaded and easily accessible. Last legislative session, the Assembly passed A-3696/S-2240 (Downey/Gopal) requiring firearm owners to store the firearm in a securely locked box or container; in a location where a reasonable person would believe to be secure; or to secure the firearm with a trigger lock. Raising Minimum Age to Purchase Long Guns to 21: Under current law, a person 18 years of age and older may obtain a firearms purchaser identification card and a handgun purchaser is required to be at least 21 years old. The bill (A-1141/S-3605, Freiman/Cryan) increases from 18 to 21 the age at which a person is eligible to receive a firearms purchaser identification card used to purchase shotguns and rifles
but would still allow for those at least 18 to possess a long gun for purposes of hunting; military drills; competition; target practice; training; or under the supervision of a parent or guardian. Promoting Microstamping Technology: Microstamping technology provides law enforcement with the tools to quickly link firearm cartridge casings found at the scene of a crime to a specific firearm, without having to recover the firearm itself. The technology essentially creates a “license plate” on cartridge casings to identify the gun that was used to shoot the ammunition. Last legislative session, S-112/A-1098 (Weinberg/Downey) would require within a year that firearm manufacturers incorporate this technology into new handguns sold in New Jersey. Establishing Electronic Ammunition Sales Recordkeeping: The State Commission of Investigation (SCI) issued a report in 2016 finding that straw purchases of ammunition were unchecked because firearm IDs lacked photo identification. The SCI also found that sales records were
often hand-written into log books - a problem for law enforcement, which should be able to consult an electronic database when it investigates questionable ammunition purchases. A-1292/S-1481 (G re e nwald / Wei nbe rg) would require manufacturers or dealers of handgun ammunition to keep a detailed electronic record of ammunition sales, and report ammunition sales to the State Police. Banning .50 Caliber Firearms: Military-style .50 caliber rif les are banned or restricted in several other states. California has a complete ban on .50-caliber rifles, Connecticut bans specific models and Maryland has some restrictions. S-103/A-1280 (Gill/Greenwald) would revise the definition of “destructive device” under New Jersey law so that it includes weapons of .50 caliber or greater. Closing Loophole for Importing Out-of-State Firearms: Individuals who move to New Jersey from another state are allowed to bring their legally acquired guns with them without registering the guns according to New
Jersey law. A-3686/S-372 (Vainieri Huttle/Cr yan) would close this loophole by requiring firearm owners who move to New Jersey to obtain a firearm purchaser identification card (FPIC) and register their firearms within 30 days of residing in this State. Holding the Gun Industry Accountable: In New Jersey, almost 80% of guns used in crimes are originally purchased outside of the state. However, the gun industry has failed to take any steps to stem the flow of guns to the illegal market through gun shows, flea markets, straw purchasers, and theft. The industry has also failed to make its products safer and has engaged in unscrupulous marketing. A bill recently introduced in the New York Senate would hold gun manufacturers liable for the public harm they cause by amending the state’s public nuisance laws to prohibit the gun industry from endangering the safety or health of the public through its sale, manufacturing, importing or marketing of guns. Governor Murphy proposes similar legislation.
MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES President & Publisher Stewart Swann
Vice President/COO
Distribution Manager
Jason Allentoff
Laura Hoban
News Editor
Assistant News Editor
Sales Manager
Chris Lundy
Bob Vosseller
Lorrie Toscano
Production Manager
Graphic Artist
Layout Designer
Allison Gradzki
Adriana Starcic
Murphy Miranda
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 8, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
30
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 9
Photo Of The Week
Mother Nature has many faces. Look at that foreboding sky during a recent storm over the Mantoloking Bridge. (Photo by Josh Ketcham. Follow Josh on Instagram @JoshKetcham)
FREE ESTIMATES
Replacements & New Install of Heating & Air Conditioning Units
BBB Rating: A+
HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING 891 Rt. 37 West • Toms River, NJ 08755
We Service & Install All Makes & Models
732-349-1448 • www.caretemp.com Central Air Conditioning • Boilers • Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Hot Water Heaters • Tankless Water Heaters Oil/Gas/Propane Conversions • Air Cleaners • Attic Fans • Dryer Vents • Humidifiers • Tune-Ups • Service Plans
FREE 2ND OPINION! √ SAME DAY SERVICE/REPLACEMENTS √ CERTIFIED & TECHNICALLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS √ CERTIFIED, LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED √ SERVING ALL OF OCEAN & MONMOUTH COUNTIES
FREE
AIR CONDITIONING
CONTRACT
(FOR NEW CUSTOMERS) Call for details.
$500 OFF
Gas Conversion
FREE
SERVICE CALL
(with repair made while there) Not valid after 4pm on weekdays or weekend services. Coupon must be presented at time of sale. Expires Apr. 30, 2021.
$100 OFF
Tankless Gas Hot Water System
OR
$50 OFF
Gas Hot Water Heater
Central A/C &/OR
AWARD-WINNING COMPANY
Replacement
NJ HIC #: 13VH02253000
$250 OFF
Fred Paprocky, Master HVACR Contractor Lic#: 19HC00878000
$150 OFF
Gas Boiler/Furnace
New Install of Air Conditioning or Heating System
COUPONS MUST BE PRESENT WHEN SIGNING CONTRACT and may not be used for prior services/installations. Coupons do not expire, except service call coupon.
RT Brown, NJ Electrical LIC #: 10584
*FINANCING AVAILABLE*
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 10, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
DeGRAFF CREMATION SERVICES DIRECT CREMATION $1575 Arrangements Available In Your Home, Removal From Place Of Death, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory Located at:
DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst
732-657-7868
www.degrafffuneralhome.com
Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921
Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certified Copies Of Death Certificates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services
Around The Jersey Shore Celebrating In A Difficult Year
Today, we are celebrating our 26th anniversary. The Manchester Times debuted on April 18, 1995. Six more papers eventually joined: The Berkeley Times (1996), The Jackson Times (2000), The Brick Times (2002), The Howell Times (2004), The Toms River Times (2005), and The Southern Ocean Times (2013). A 26th anniversary isn’t one of those nice round numbers like 25 or 30. You won’t find a banner at a party store. But it’s still a significant achievement, especially considering a lot of other local businesses shut down in this last year. Scores of local people lost their jobs. Thousands lost loved ones. This time last year, I wrote a column about our company’s 25th anniversary. The pandemic had just hit, and I wrote with the hope that things were going to get better. It’s been a year now, and maybe it’s the shot in my arm talking, but I’m more optimistic now. In the last year, we wrote stories about people having drive-through weddings and birthdays. Graduation parades and 3-D printed masks showed how creative people could get to solve problems. People still find a way to hit the high notes. And that’s something worth celebrating. So we’re not just patting ourselves on the back. We’re cheering you on. Whenever we write a story about someone doing good in their community, we’re saying “thank you.” When we highlight a resident who is tackling a problem head-on, we are putting a spotlight on them. We are hoping that their compassion and ingenuity can inspire others. But enough about us. Let’s talk about you.
If you’re holding this paper in your hand, or reading this online, it means that you care about what’s happening in your community. You want to know what new businesses are coming to your town. You want to know what’s happening with your taxes, or open space, or a million other topics. You also care about what the powers that be are doing in Trenton and Washington, because their decisions impact us all. Our website traffic ranges anywhere from 100,000 to 250,000 unique visits a month. Given that there’s about 600,000 or so adults in all of Ocean County and Howell (our coverage area), that means that at least one in six people are reading us every month. That’s only the online readership. That doesn’t include the people picking us up in Wawa, grocery stores, restaurants, doctors’ offices and other spots. You read us because you want to know what’s happening – the good and the bad. There’s a lot of gloom and doom in the news. We wouldn’t be doing our job if we only showed you the good news. But we also want to show you ways that things are getting better. So join us as we showcase the best that the Jersey shore has to offer. More than just the beaches and entertainment, but the people who live here year-round who work hard to educate our children, serve us in stores and restaurants, entertain us, and keep us safe. Come along this year and celebrate with us. Chris Lundy News Editor
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 11
Around The Jersey Shore CentraState Informing Public About Vaccines
FREEHOLD – CentraState HealthCare System has initiated a number of targeted, grassroots vaccine outreach and education efforts to ensure local communities and a number of specialized populations have both accurate information and access to COVID-19 vaccinations. “As a community hospital, we are tasked with an important role in meeting the health needs of our community. This has become especially critical as we work to provide information about and administer vaccinations to fight COVID-19. Waiting for people to come to us for a vaccine simply is not enough - we must meet some neighbors exactly where they are in our local communities,” John T. Gribbin, president and CEO of CentraState HealthCare System said. To date, the 284-bed community hospital has successfully provided over 42,000 vaccine doses to New Jersey residents. Recognizing the importance of getting children back to school as soon as possible, CentraState was one of the first organizations to focus on administering vaccines to educators and school staff in the state. Outreach teams worked with local school districts and superintendents to identify teachers and staff who were eligible under New Jersey Department of Health criteria to receive the vaccines. Through focused scheduling, CentraState has been able to administer vaccines to more than 6,000 teachers and school staff, including nearly 600 high-risk staff members from Freehold Township, Freehold Borough and Freehold Regional School District. “We are thrilled that CentraState has made our members a priority in vaccination distribution,” Denise King, president of Mon-
mouth County Education Association said. Working to address vaccine disparity while continuing to educate people on the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, CentraState initiated a targeted vaccine campaign, focusing specifically on individuals in hard-to-reach or underserved populations, migrant workers, individuals 75 years or older, those lacking access to technology and/or with mobility issues who are physically unable to come to the hospital. Under the guidance of Nadia Batchelor, who chairs the CentraState Board of Trustees Diversity and Inclusion Committee, CentraState staff worked diligently with community partners to identify the most appropriate locations for vaccine clinics throughout the greater Freehold-area, including houses of worship, senior centers and housing complexes. Through this initiative, nearly 5,000 individuals from these population groups have been vaccinated throughout local communities in Monmouth County. As part of this effort, CentraState also produced and promoted a Public Service Announcement video series geared toward People of Color and Hispanic/Latino populations addressing fears and concerns about the vaccine. Available on YouTube, the videos feature community leaders and CentraState experts who each provide factbased information on COVID-19 vaccines. Added Gribbin, “The tireless efforts of our staff members involved in this comprehensive vaccination effort truly speak to CentraState’s mission of enhancing the health and well-being of our community. We will continue these efforts as long as necessary to get the community back on its feet.”
Grants Available For Small Businesses Impacted By COVID-19
NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced Phase 4 of their Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program. The program will provide grants up to $20,000 to small- and medium- sized businesses and non-profits that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Interested business owners must pre-register from April 19 at 9 a.m. and until April 29 at 5 p.m. Businesses that do not pre-register will not be eligible for Phase 4 grants. Pre-registration is not first come, first served, but businesses are encouraged to begin the process as early as possible. Grant awards will be calculated based on
the number of full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) businesses employ. Micro-businesses with five or fewer FTEs and sole proprietorships will receive up to $10,000; businesses with six to 25 FTEs will receive up to $15,000; and businesses with 26 to 50 FTEs will receive up to$20,000. Phase 4 funding will be allocated to support the most adversely affected businesses, including restaurants, micro-businesses, and child care providers, as well as other small businesses. For more information or to pre-register, visit: business.nj.gov/covid/check-status-njeda-small-business-emergency-assistance-grant-program.
The Howell Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!
RC R.C.SHEA S
&ASSOCIATES COUNSELLORS AT LAW
BUYING, SELLING, OR REFINANCING YOUR HOME? SERIOUS LEGAL MATTERS REQUIRE SERIOUS AND EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS
KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!
(House Calls Available By Appointment) TOMS RIVER OFFICE 244 Main St., Toms River, NJ 08753 • (732) 505-1212 BERKELEY AREA (800) 556-7432 MANCHESTER AREA (732) 408-9455 BRICK AREA (732) 451-0800 VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW. RCSHEA.COM
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 12, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
Feed the Soul Gardening is Therapy Outdoor Checkout for Open Air Safety Open Air Shopping
We will be practicing safety for ALL! The Nursery is receiving: Quality Shrubs, Trees & Perennials Weekly. Our greenhouses are full of beautiful, flowering plants! Come enjoy the open air space! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK • IG FARMS
Buy Direct From Your Local Grower & Save!
150 Whitesville Rd (Rt 527) • Jackson, NJ 08527 Family Run For Over 33 Years!732-364-0308 • www.iandgfarmsjackson.com
Around The Jersey Shore Senior Created Fake Facebook Account To Lure Teenage Girls
By Alyssa Riccardi MONMOUTH COUNTY – A Monmouth County man has admitted to posing as a teenage boy on Facebook to lure minors into sending sexually explicit pictures and videos, authorities said. On April 14, Herman Christopher Jensen, 68, of Union Beach, pleaded guilty and admitted to knowingly receiving child pornography. Police said that Jensen was posing on Facebook as a 17-year-old boy named “Kevin Bennett” to entice and solicit an underage girl to send nude and sexually explicit images over the internet. Between January 2018 through August 2018, Jensen used this fake Facebook account to communicate with the victim frequently, causing her to believe that she was involved in a romantic relationship with “Kevin Bennett.” During that time, Jensen had requested nude and semi-nude photographs from the victim through Facebook’s messenger service and the victim sent him images. Jensen received increasingly explicit videos depicting the victim engaging in sexually explicit activity. In August of 2018, Jensen revealed to the victim that he was not the 17-yearold boy, but instead an adult named
Chris Jensen. Afterwards, the victim continued to communicate with Jensen via the “Chris Jensen” Facebook account. According to police, the victim then traveled to New Jersey to live with Jensen in December 2018. On December 19, 2018, local authorities removed the victim from Jensen’s residence. The charge of knowingly receiving child pornography carries a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, and a statutory maximum fine equal to the greatest of $250,000, or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for September 14. Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents and task force officers of the FBI and the Red Bank Resident Agencies Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr., with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. She also thanked the Union Beach, New Jersey, Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Michael J. Woodrow, for assistance in the investigation.
Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 13
Around The Jersey Shore Small Puppy Needs Lifesaving Surgery, Donate Today
By Alyssa Riccardi MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County SPCA is asking for the community’s help to raise funds for a small puppy’s much needed surgery. Boots, a tiny puppy, was the runt of his litter. He suffers from a congenital defect where blood vessels wrap around his esophagus causing dilation, difficulty swallowing and can lead to aspiration pneumonia. He needs a special surgery called a thoracotomy, as soon as possible, in order to live. The Monmouth County SPCA staff has to feed Boots a special, wet mixture of
─Photo courtesy MSPCA puppy milk replacement and soft food in an upright position. Then he must stay in the same position for 20 minutes for him to properly digest his food. “Other than his condition, Boots is the most loving and affectionate puppy. He happily sits upright in his baby carrier and takes in all of the sights and sounds without a care in the world,” the Monmouth County SPCA said. If you would like to help Boots get his lifesaving surgery, you can donate by visiting: monmouthcountyspca.org/boots-surgery-support.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 14, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
Police:
Continued From Page 1 Neptune City Police Department. In December of 2020, Luke, a 6-yearold Catahoula mixed breed, was brought to the Monmouth County SPCA from an overcrowded shelter. The individuals who initially rescued Luke weren’t aware that he had a broken hip and that he was in living in pain. Once he came to MCSPCA, the medical staff quickly assessed the dog and scheduled the surgery Luke needed. “Luke spent 4 months in a loving foster home recovering from his procedure, and it was there that we were able to determine his calm and gentle demeanor would make for a perfect match for the placement program,” the MCSPCA said. “It’s been a tough time for everyone, including our officers – we’re human beings and have bad days too so Luke brings us joy and comfor t when we need it most. Being that Luke is over 6-years-old, which sometimes makes dogs harder to adopt, we’re happy that our station family could take him and give him love and be loved in return, he really is a ray of sunshine,” said Matt Quagliato, Chief of Neptune City Police Department.
Neptune City Police Department Patrolman Matt Edwards, who adopted Luke, expressed how Luke has brought nothing but joy to everyone at the station. “Every time we walk into headquarters, you can hear Luke shaking out his fur, see his tail wagging and you can’t help but smile and start playing with him. While inside, he loves to hang out and follow you around, and when we take him on walks, he treats it like a new adventure and greets everyone he sees! We are so thankful and lucky to have adopted Luke,” Edwards said. Executive Director of the Monmouth County SPCA, Ross Licitra, said everyone loves seeing this important initiative grow into a successful program. “The relationship we’re able to create bet ween shelter dogs and ou r local off icers is what our mission to serve our community is all about. We look for ward to MCSPCA shelter dogs in police departments throughout Monmouth County,” Licitra said. The MCSPCA are welcoming any interested parties to contact them about t h e pl a c e m e nt p r og r a m . Fo r m o r e information, email info@monmouthcountyspca.org or call 732-542-0040 ext. 7.
Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.
Park System Hosts Plant Swap On May 1
─Photo courtesy Monmouth County Park System Bring plants in one-quart, one-gallon or two-gallon containers to Tatum Park, Red Hill Road, Middletown on Saturday, May 1 and take home the same size and number during the Great Spring Perennial Plant Swap. MIDDLETOWN – The Monmouth County Park System will host its Great Spring Perennial Plant Swap on May 1 at Tatum Park, 151 Red Hill Road, Middletown. Gardeners are invited to bring established plants (up to 15) in one-quart, one-gallon or two-gallon containers and take home the same size and number of plants. Label all plants. Herb and vegetable seedlings are allowed for an equivalent exchange. Invasive plants are not accepted. Check the FoHVOS website
for a list of plants that will not be accepted. The exchange is first-come, first served. Plant drop-off is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and selection from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Face masks are required inside buildings and when social distancing cannot be maintained. For more information on the Great Spring Perennial Plant Swap, call 732-671-6050. For more information on the Monmouth County Park System, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 15
Around The Jersey Shore Police Officer Receives $5,000 For Kidney Transplant
By Alyssa Riccardi LONG BRANCH – The 200 Club of Monmouth County presented Long Branch Police Officer George Olski with a check for $5,000 to assist with medical expenses for a kidney transplant. Working with the Department since 2002, Olski is suffering from advanced kidney disease and is in need of a transplant. “I have some good news to share… as it turns out my sister is a match after all, so I am preparing for a transplant. It has been a tough road with dialysis three times per week while trying to stay afloat financially. This generous donation from The 200 Club of Monmouth County allows me to pay my mounting medical bills and take care of my family now and after my surgery. It means so much to know the law enforcement and first responder community is here to support me when I need help,” Olski said at the check presentation at the Long Branch Municipal Complex. “The 200 Club of Monmouth County’s main mission is to provide financial assistance to families of first responders who die or are seriously injured in the line of duty. Our Board voted unanimously to expand our support to assist Officer Olski and his family during their time of need. We are grateful to him for his 19 years of dedicated service and hope this helps,” said Robert Honecker, the President of The 200 Club of Monmouth County. If the donation from his sister cannot be done for
R.C. Shea & Assoc.
Inside The Law Been Injured During A Car Crash, Fall, Or Other Traumatic Event? Social Media Is Not Your Friend
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates
─Photo courtesy 200 Club of Monmouth County (From left) Long Branch Director of Public Safety Domingos Saldida, 200 Club Vice President Ben Lucarelli, Long Branch Police Officer George Olski, 200 Club President Robert Honecker, Long Branch Police Acting Chief Frank Rizzuto, Long Branch Police Assistant Patrol Commander Brian Garrett. whatever reason, Olski is still asking for anyone interested in being tested to determine eligibility for kidney donation to email helpingtom336@ gmail.com.
Once an injury claim is reported to an insurance company their number one priority is to stop the bleeding. Not your bleeding; their bleeding! The primary concern of any insurance company is to find a way to not pay your claim, so you will be immediately investigated. What Do Insurance Adjusters Look For After A Claim Is Filed? A personal injury claim is built on evidence. While your lawyer is compiling evidence to support your claim, the insurance adjuster on the other side is looking for ways to undermine it. Beware of prying eyes. Your social media accounts are full of tidbits — even your most innocent posts, photos, or those you are tagged in — can be woven together and used against you. Even posts made by your family and friends are fair game for an aggressive adjuster. Even if all your social media accounts are protected with the strictest privacy controls, sometimes harmful information finds its way into the hands of the adjuster. It’s used as evidence to reduce their financial exposure or, worse yet, to prevent you from receiving any compensation at all. Adjusters look for the weakest link. If they sense you lack self-control, they may try to friend you on Facebook or follow you on Instagram. They also may try to buddy up to your friends to get insider information about you and the accident. Even your posts on dating sites can be mined and used against you. What to Do on Social Media After a Car Accident Avoid doing anything on social media that could hurt your claim. You only have one opportunity to get this right, so you should leave nothing to chance. Tell your friends to refrain from posting anything about you or tagging you in photos
on social media — past, present, or future. If you see the need to delete anything from your accounts, ask your attorney first. It could be seen as an attempt to destroy evidence. What Not to Do on Social Media After a Car Accident Sharing information about your case on social media makes it public. You instantly give up any confidentiality protections. The defense can subpoena it and use it against you. It’s best to post nothing. For this reason, keep in mind the following: • Don’t reply to questions from your friends or family asking about how you’re feeling. • Don’t post photos of yourself exercising or doing anything physical. • Don’t post any medical information or anything from your attorney. • Don’t post “check-ins.” • Don’t accept “friend” or “follow” requests from people you don’t know. • Don’t bad-mouth the insurance company. • Don’t defend your actions during the accident. • Don’t send texts or private messages. • Don’t lie, especially about when events occurred. Everything online is time-stamped and can be used against you. • Contact R.C. Shea & Associates If You Have Been Injured If you’re the victim of an accident then choosing the right personal injury lawyer is the most important decision you will make. At R.C. Shea & Associates, a firm with over 35 year of experience, a Certified Civil Trial Layer will handle your case. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by scheduling a free consultation. Contact us now to get started. 732-505-1212.
Our clients’ success is our greatest reward. 732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM
SEND US A LETTER! FROM YOUR INBOX TO OURS!
EMAIL US: news@jerseyshoreonline.com news@ jerseyshoreonline.com
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 16, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
Around The Jersey Shore Residential Dementia & Alzheimer’s Community In a Safe, Comfortable Setting Like the Home They’ve Always Known! Specialized care for the memory impaired from your home to our home Safe & comfortable care • 24-Hour supervision • Private bedrooms Safe & secure grounds • Activities 7 days a week
Fully licensed and governed under the NJ Department of Health & Senior Service.
732-290-CARE (2273) • www.alcoeurgardens.com Brick • 320 Herbertsville Rd | Toms River • 1126 Lakewood Rd
County Commissioner Presents Virtual Program On Historic Colts Neck
MANALAPAN – County Commissioner Lillian G. Burry will present a virtual program on historic Colts Neck April 30 at 10:30 a.m. The program is presented by the Monmouth County Library and is available at no cost but with registration required. Registration is available at the upcoming Events column on the library’s website, MonmouthCountyLib.org. Burry, who is the county commissioners’ liaison to the library, is a former Mayor of Colts Neck and author of the book, “A Tour of Historic Colts Neck.” The book cites the 13 localities in the township which are designated as official historic sites, and includes a map for visitors who want to tour the sites or learn more of the history about each one. The speaker’s presentation will include descriptions of each of the historic sites as well as her reasons for writing the book and recognizing each site for its role in Colt Neck and Monmouth County history. Born in New York City, Burry attended public schools and Wagner College, graduating Cum Laude with a B.A. Degree in Political Science & History. She was elected to the National History Fraternity and in 2005 was granted the Wagner College Fellow in Political Science. She began her public service as councilwoman in Matawan Borough. After moving to Colts Neck, she served as Committeewoman, Deputy Mayor and Mayor, making her mark in historic preservation and open
space conservation. Elected to the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, now the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, in November 2005, she was reelected in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2017 and reelected to the newly identified Board of County Commissioners in 2021. She served as the first woman Director in 2008 and again in 2010, 2014 and 2017. Her areas of responsibility include Parks, Libraries, the Sheriff ’s Office, County Clerk, Surrogate and the Prosecutor. She is also the liaison to the Board of Elections, Planning Board, Consumer Affairs, the Division on Veterans Services, Vocational School District, and Historic Commission, in addition to the Library. The Commissioner was appointed to the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority serving as Vice Chair and to the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, where she chairs the Veterans Affairs Sub-Committee and serves on the Real Estate Sub-Committee. She was appointed by the Commissioner of the Interior, to the Fort Hancock 21st Century Advisory Committee for the National Park Service several years ago and continues to serve on that Committee. The recipient of numerous awards and titles, Commissioner Burry received the Claire M. French Award, recognizing her leadership in Historical Preservation. She has been in business for more than 30 years as owner and broker of record of Colts Neck Realty.
Toms River MVC Office Remains Closed Until May
By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER – Those who had business at the township’s Motor Vehicle Commission office were disappointed to learn it was closed on April 19. All appointments scheduled at the Toms River MVC office have been rescheduled for the next two weeks due to complications of the coronavir us health crisis. It was noted on the New Jersey MVC website that that it anticipated that the office would reopen on May 3. While the Lakewood office, which
remains open, handles vehicle registrations it does not handle licensing. The Toms River office is the only office which performs that task in Ocean County. An office in the Manahawkin section of Stafford Township, which also handles registrations, is expected to reopen on April 24. It was also closed due to a COVID-19-related issue. Customers can perform routine renewals of driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations. Those that require real ID cannot. The state MVC has information explaining how to do it at njmvc.gov
Do you have something you want everyone to know? Is there an issue that needs to be addressed? Write a letter to make yourself heard.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 17
H ere ’ s T o Y our H ealth
The HOWELL Times MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Part Monkey Part Human Embryo Created
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. An experiment has taken place where researchers just created an embryo that is half human and half monkey. They allowed the living thing to grow for 20 days, and then it was destroyed. This experiment has sparked huge debate into the ethical reasons for such an experiment and if they should be allowed to continue. And if so, where exactly should the research end? The lead researcher, Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte has experience in the field of biomedical research and in 2017, helped create the first human-pig animal which lived for a month. Professor Belmonte teamed up with researchers in China more recently, and injected human cells into monkey embryos, instead of sheep because the latter does not work well. But a monkey’s genomic sequence is closer to that of humans, and in the end, the experiment worked. A monkey-human hybrid was made, and lived for 20 days and was then destroyed. Will future embryos remain in the petri dish, or will an unethical scientist secretly breed it and attempt to propagate a new kind of creature. There are so many obvious bio-ethical concerns with this. Dr. Belmonte’s team proposes that a major problem in medicine can possibly be solved, and he’s referring to organ transplantation. Every 2 or 3 weeks someone passes away because they did not get the organ they so desperately needed. With this type of stem cell research, the ability to grow a kidney or a liver for example, would solve the shortage we have, and save many lives each year. And then there’s the issue of disease trans-
mission. In case you didn’t realize there is Mad Cow disease, Bartonella infection (from a cat’s scratch), and most recently, bats transmitting coronavirus. Monkeys famously carry herpes B virus, monkeypox and rabies. When genetic material from a monkey is sourced for this purpose it is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to be 100% assured that it does not contain anything dangerous to a human. Other scientists are raising concerns about where it stop. The argument being that in time as “chimeric” technology improves, could a scientist after hours go ahead and implant an embryo into a monkey, and ethically what would happen to that baby? It may conjure up ideas in some people’s minds about more Frankensteinish experiments as well as part animal, part human offspring. Human chimeras already exist, in fact there is research to show that people who have received bone marrow transplants, or women who have had a pregnancy all have chimeric cells in them. What we’re talking about today is different, it is a scientific experimental chimera that is neither animal, nor human. The world is not united on the new research. Some people see it as a positive… a new opportunity to create organs for transplantations that could save human lives every day, while other people see this as a negative. They perceive it as opening Pandora’s box to a 21st century “Planet of the Apes” and question where would the researchers stop if they are given an inch. How many lives would be saved exactly? If you have an opinion about this email me at scriptessentials@gmail.com.
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Put Your Ad In Our Paper!
In This Week’s Edition
Call Us At
732-657-7344
Community News! Pages 10-13
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Columns Page 16
Classifieds Page 17
We Value Our Readers
Fun Page Page 18
Horoscope Page 18
Visit www.JerseyShoreOnline.com
NURSES, IT'S TIME
TO CA$H IN! WORK
200 HOURS GET
500*
$
WORK
(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) ©2021 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.
400
HOURS BONUS PERIOD:
April 1 - June 30, 2021 *Managed Care Organizations (MCO - NJ Medicaid) Insurance Clients Only. Overtime and non-MCO hours not included.
GET
1000*
$
800-603-CARE (2273) PreferredCares.com
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 18, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
CLASSIFIEDS For Sale
Help Wanted
For Sale A Beautiful Chapel Mausoleum Crypt - for one or two,call Joann at 732 678-6334 for all information. (19)
Laundromat Attendant For FT/PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (17)
Hoveround Electric Wheel Chair For Sale - 3 years old. All new tires, battery and motor. Comes with charger. Price negotiable. Please call 732-252-6546. (20)
Items Wanted 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) $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ 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, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n) Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (17) 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) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Metal. Very Good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (21) 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) 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) CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (12)
Help Wanted HIRING NOW!! Looking for outgoing, positive, and engaging teachers to join our Toms River – Route 70 Goddard Family. We are primarily hiring teachers for our elementary school aged children to foster a learning environment in which these children can continue to do their elementary school work. This would include helping them with worksheets, zooms, google classrooms etc. Some of the great perks of being a part of the Goddard Family include a benefits package, paid time off, holiday events and free food and Goddard swag. Call today to inquire about this job posting and start as early as next week! We can be reached through phone at 732-363-5530 or email at TomsRiver2NJ@GoddardSchools.com.
Pastrami House Delicatessen at 363 N County Line Rd, Jackson is NOW HIRING! Counterperson, Grill person, and Cashier needed. Full time and Part time positions available. Must have experience! If interested please contact: Nick 917-502-4948. (16) P/T, 7 Days a Week - Driving School Insructors Wanted. Ten years driving experience. Clean License. Will train. Call 732-920-8830 for info. (19) Enable, Inc. - is looking for reliable caregivers to support adults with disabilities in Monmouth and Ocean County. Apply at www.enablenj.org/careers. (16) Needed Aid/Companion - Part time. Probably only a few days a month to start, for a 57 year old veteran, very light duty. Must have drivers license and be readily available if needed. In my home in Holiday city Toms River, $10 hour, please call Gabriel at 201-306-6839. (21) HVAC Technician - Minimum 3 yr experience troubleshooting/repairing residential systems. Salary start at $52k with benefits available. Service vehicle supplied. 732-409-3322. (18) Ocean Community Church (oceanchurch.squarespace.com) seeks Director of Music Ministry. Permanent P/T. Keyboardist. Direct Band and choirs. Salary negotiable. 609-597-5151. (17) 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) IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS Saba Home Health Care. Working with a quality team with over 25 years’ experience. NOW HIRING RN, LPN, Certified Home Health Aides, Live-ins, & Companions. FullTime/Part-Time. Flexible schedule. Incentive Programs. Referral Bonus Paid time off. Fill application on-line at Sabahomehealthcare.com or call us at 732-797-0700. Please send resume to Ssalu@sabahhc.com. (t/n) Marina Help Wanted - Join our expand team at our new marina in Toms River. We are seeking experienced marine mechanics, assembly techs, yard help and parts & service department staff. Great pay & benefits to qualified candidates. If you're underappreciated or under compensated contact Jared today: 732-859-1007 or Jared@trkawyam.com. (15)
Don Carnevale Painting Specializing interiors. Some exterior. Quality always. Very neat. Prompt courteous service. Reasonable-affordable. Senior-Veterans discounts. Honest-reliable. Low rates. Free estimates. References. 732899-4470 or 732-915-4075. (t/n) Car Detailing For A Great Job Do you want your car to look nice? Call Lenny 908-868-4609. (14) DIRECTV - Watch your favorite live sports, news and entertainment anywhere. More top premium channels than DISH. Restrictions apply. Call IVS - 1-844-945-4510. (t/n) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience. Call Jim 732-674-3346. (39) 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) Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention. Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n) Homestead Community Yard Sale Saturday, April 24th 9:00am-3:00pm. Rain Date: Sunday, April 25th. 100 Fireside Blvd. Toms River. (19) Roofing Repairs Etc. - Roofing, siding, windows. Repairs on small jobs. Utility shed roofs replaced. Prompt service. Insured. Gutters cleaned. Call Joe Wingate 551-804-7391. (16) APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. No job too small. Give us a call. Fully licensed and insured. 908-278-1322. Senior Discounts. Now offering 10% off of any job over $1,000. (12) ALLAmerican Home Health Aides Experienced experts in the field of trauma and recovery. Holistic approach to healing-nutrition, physical therapy, and quality of life improvements. Hourly or live in. Honest, hardworking, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/ pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605 (t/n) GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-833-901-0309. (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)
Go to a Party and Get Paid! Merri-Makers has part time employment for the "young at heart" individuals. You decide when to work, experience NOT required. $12 an hour plus occasional gratuity. Please contact Lauren Bott at laurenb@merrimakers. com or 609-494-9100 ext. 1. (43)
Senior Living Community Cook/Dishwashers/Maintenance Technician/Restaurant Servers/Bus Drivers/Lifeguard (Indoor Pool). 1700 Rt. 37 West ∙ Toms River, NJ 08755. Call or email for details 732-341-4825 info@Silverwoodsliving.com. (t/n)
Does Your Elementary School Child Need Help With School Work? - Mom of 3 grown children and a Master's degree, seeking an elementary home-school position. Your house or mine. Brick area only. Please call 732-801-0469. (40)
Services
Services
Services
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. (19) LANDSCAPING - Fall Cleanups. Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (52)
Two great new offers from AT&T Wireless! Ask how to get the new iPhone 11 or Next Generation Samsung Galaxy S10e ON US with AT&T's Buy one, Give One offer. While supplies last! CALL 1-877-373-0131. (t/n) Life Alert. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 877707-2722 FREE Brochure. (t/n) Cheap Painting Done Rite Free estimates. Fully insured. 38 years experience. 732-506-7787 cell 646-643-7678. (37)
Services PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice. com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732-5003063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n) Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (19)
CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.
1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under: • Estate/Garage/Yard Sales
• Items Wanted
• For Rent
• Auto For Sale
• Help Wanted
• Real Estate
• Items For Sale
• Services
• Other
2.
Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.
Calculate Price As Follows: 3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ *In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad Total = $ must run over the requested weeks.
4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS info. below:
Credit Card#
Exp.
Cardholder Signature: Print Name:
MAIL TO: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. 5. Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388.
Or visit jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.
6. PHONE NUMBER
(THIS IS REQUIRED)
Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (Ads will run the Saturday of that week)
If you have any questions, please call Ali at 732-657-7344 ext. 203.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 19
BlueClaws To Play Five Games As Medusas
By Bob Vosseller JERSEY SHORE – The BlueClaws are getting used to having multiple names. Some fans may still remember them as the Lakewood BlueClaws. Last year they changed their name to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Now they will also play as Medusas at five games this summer as part of a national Hispanic culture and heritage initiative. The alternate identity involves Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión program. This year that program will get a fresh look and feel. In honor of the event the team unveiled a new cap and jersey that will be worn during those five games. The Medusas de Jersey Shore program is presented by New Jersey Natural Gas. The Medusas will play five games this summer, one each month: Wednesday, May 5 (the season’s second game) – 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, June 8 – 7:05 p.m.
Tuesday, July 27 – 7:05 p.m. Sunday, August 22 – 1:05 p.m. Wednesday, September 8 – 7:05 p.m. The new cap now includes a bright pink brim and button with a white front, deep purple side and back panels. The Medusas emblem, a jellyfish with five tentacles holding a baseball bat and ball, sits on the face of the cap. The jersey, which was white in 2019, is now purple with gradient down each side scaled from pink to light blue. Medusas de Jersey Shore is emblazoned across the chest with each player’s number appearing in the front (inside a jellyfish) and on the back. Fans can find the new Medusas hat on the Jersey Shore BlueClaws website. Team President Joe Ricciutti said, “the Copa de la Diversión program has been a tremendous addition to the Minor League Baseball landscape and the Medusas de Jersey Shore are proud to be a part of this national initiative.” “Hispanic culture and heritage is interwoven
through the history of baseball and a major part of our community here at home. We look forward to celebrating that culture and heritage throughout the summer,” Ricciutti said. New Jersey Natural Gas Conservation and Clean Energy Director Anne-Marie Peracchio said, “New Jersey Natural Gas and The SAVEGREEN Project are proud to partner with the Medusas de Jersey Shore on this program. We are excited to help celebrate the vibrant Hispanic culture and heritage here at the Jersey Shore and are looking forward to a great season, including opportunities to help our customers understand resources available to help with energy bills.” “Our teams across the country embraced everything we believed Copa de la Diversión could do and achieve as a platform celebrating and welcoming our diverse fan bases to our ballparks,” Kurt Hunzeker, MLB’s Vice President of Minor League Business Operations. “From its ownership through its entire
front office, Jersey Shore continues to be an inclusivity leader many sports teams are emulating, and I love how the area’s growing Latino community have returned the embrace to the ‘Medusas’ by clearly supporting Copa throughout the season,” Hunzeker added. While the Medusas de Jersey Shore kickoff game is not May 5, it does include the first ticket holder gift of the year or BlueClaws ticket plan holders. Those with Mini Plan A or Partial Plan A will receive a Medusas de Jersey Shore soccer-style scarf thanks to New Jersey Natural Gas. BlueClaws Mini and Partial Plans come with Ticket Holder Gifts, with gifts determined by package selection. Plans also include dinner and dessert at each game plus a boardwalk game ticket in the Toyota World of Lakewood Home Run Pavilion. For BlueClaws ticket packages and additional information visit BlueClaws.com/Tickets or call 732-901-7000 option 3.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY Since 1928
PLUMBING • HEATING • COOLING CALL TODAY FOR FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE
Service Contracts • Water Heaters • Boilers Furnaces • Air Conditioning • Gas Conversions Tubs/Grab Bars • Sinks/Faucets Bath & Kitchen Remodeling
FREE ESTIMATES
$25 OFF
With This Ad Instant Financing Available
732-349-3322 • 732-892-3322 • 732-367-3322 Ronald Schultz NJ Master Plumber Lic #12170 NJ HIC Lic# 13VH01340700
www.lezgusplumbing.com
POWER WASHING BY
800.603.CARE (2273) 24 HOURS A DAY • 7 DAYS A WEEK LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED
Care for Seniors, Adults & Pediatrics • Skilled Nursing (RNs, LPNs) Adult & Pediatric Ventilator Care • Home Health Aides 24-Hour Live-In Aides • Private Pay & Most Insurances Accepted PREFERREDCARES.COM
LEONARDO LGD PAINTING • Exterior Painting • Interior Painting • Power Washing • Wallpaper Removal
.com
• Decorative Moldings • Faux Painting FREE • Deck Staining ESTIMATES • Floor Epoxy
We Also Do Sheetrock & Spackle Repairs! With This Ad. Lic. No 13VH04848400
732-300-6251
FREE
ESTIMATES
Replacements & New Install of Heating & Air Conditioning Units
891 Rt. 37 West • Toms River, NJ 08755 HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING Serving All of Ocean & Monmouth Counties
1-800-688-TEMP • www.caretemp.com
THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS!
EFFECTIVE › AFFORDABLE POWER WASHING PLUS, LLC
VISA, MASTERCARD & AMERICAN EXPRESS ACCEPTED
732-415-8762
DISCOUNT PACKAGES AVAILABLE!
Hot Water & Soap Exterior Cleaning Houses • Patios • Walkways • Roofs
US Navy Veteran Owned & Operated Insured Lic.# 13VH10994000 Senior & Veteran Discounts | Free Estimates
Suffering from back, neck or joint pain? WE CAN HELP! Call Today! 732.202.3000
175 Bartley Road • Jackson, NJ 08527 732-370-4700 • www.bartleyhealthcare.com
CALL 732.657.7344 TO FIND OUT HOW!
BUDGET TILE GEORGE TROSKY Complete Bathroom Remodeling Ceramic Tile Installation Free Estimates • Expert Repairs Residential & Commercial Services www.budgettileco.com
Tel 732-833-8300
Lic.# 13HV01032000
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 20, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
Preferred Company
Live Talk Radio! On Air and Online
Hosted by
Joel & Fran “Great show this morning...great conversation.” - Adrienne, Red Bank
“I love the show! I wake up every morning with you.” - Jill, Bricktown
Monday-Friday 8 AM-10 AM 1160 & 1310 WOBM-AM
“LOVE THE SHOW!” - Anne, Lakewood
800-603-CARE PreferredRadio.com
Beach:
Continued From Page 1 the state’s largest volunteer driven, citizen science and environmental event. The Beach Sweep took place on April 17 with over 5,500 volunteers removing harmful debris throughout 67 site locations around the Jersey Shore. Over the years, 147,860 volunteers have contributed 864,688 volunteer hours to remove and record debris from NJ’s beaches and waterways, according to a press release. “It is a fantastic day for the ocean. The amazing turnout for the Spring Sweeps is testament to the love and commitment people have for a clean ocean! Everyone complied with safety rules, many brought buckets and all removed thousands of items, mostly plastic from the beach. The data they collected will help us continue to make progress to reduce marine debris,” Cindy Zipf, Executive Director, Clean Ocean Action said. At the Ortley Beach, 3rd Ave. site location, about 42 volunteers arrived to pick up trash and debris on the beach. Beach Captains Crystal DeCaro and Ryan Carr have been
volunteering with COA’s Beach Sweeps for eight years, and have been the captains at the Ortley Beach site for the past five years. “We tend to notice a lot of items we pick up are PPE (personal protective equipment) unfortunately, but really it’s a big assortment,” DeCaro said. “Some items we’ve already picked up today, a lot of it being fishing lures, plastic bags, rubber bait. A lot of things tend to be fishing related, but you also notice things like food wrappers, plastic bottles, aluminum tins. Cigarette butts are probably the number one item picked up unfortunately. Water caps, bottle caps, ribbons from balloons are just a few of the many items.” With the pandemic continuing still for over a year, volunteers have seen an increase of PPE items ending up on beaches. “The PPE is one of the top things that we’ve noticed. Last year they had to cancel the spring Beach Sweep, but we had the fall one. We noticed during fall that we were picking up so many masks, gloves, etc., that they actually had to add it to the data card. We definitely noticed gloves more than masks but still sadly we are finding more of these items,” DeCaro said. DeCaro expressed why it’s so important to support and take part in events like the COA’s Beach Sweep. “This is our home. It makes such a difference, to be a part of something that is going to make an effect not only in your own lives but at the same time it helps (people) realize that we’re cleaning this up so that younger kids and other people don’t find this or your pets don’t get into it,” DeCaro said. “You’re also saving the environment. Especially now that ‘Seaspiracy’ came out, I think that there’s more awareness because of these Netflix documentaries and different things bringing awareness to it. People just want to make sure that if they’re going to be involved in any type of sea life or doing water activities, that they’re making sure they’re taking care of those animals too.” Other locations such as Sandy Hook had a huge turnout, with 175 volunteers collecting debris. According to a press release, the top five items found at this location included: 4,254 food/candy wrappers/bags; 3,797 plastic pieces; 3,777 plastic bottle caps/ lids; 1,425 plastic straws/stirrers; and 1,019 foam pieces. Volunteers at Sandy Hook also found 63 disposable face masks, 8 reusable face masks, 16 disposable gloves and 27 disposable wipes.
─Photo courtesy Clean Ocean Action A family cleans up a beach in Belmar.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 21
Comfort Food Provides Relief For Those In Need
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – The sun was shining. It wasn’t too hot. Wasn’t too cold. It was the perfect day for a barbecue. This particular barbecue was for a good cause. Operation BBQ Relief set up in the parking lot of the Presbyterian Church on Hooper Avenue to serve free meals to families in need. It was the fifth time the group has come to Toms River. They came after Superstorm Sandy, and also in 2018, 2019, and 2020. They were serving chicken leg quarters, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. Due to the coronavirus, the meals were drivethrough. Volunteers put the meals in the vehicles’ back seats, trunks, or truck beds. Occasionally, someone would give them some cash to help pay for the next event. David Keith, Area Coordinator for New Jersey, and owner of DRJ Catering, said that the group has served millions of meals since it began. Several people started Operation BBQ Relief in 2011 to serve people in need after tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri. And, as mentioned before, they came after Sandy. And there are always disasters like that where people are in sudden need of help. The pandemic is no different than a hurricane in that aspect. But there are also “blue sky days,” he said, where people need help just because they need help. There’s no particular disaster they are responding to. Times are tough for people, and the volunteers never ask questions. If you’re on the line, they’ll give you food and they’ll give you their time and service. One thing that separates natural disasters from any other day is compassion, he said. Everyone pulled together after Superstorm Sandy. We were all in it together. He said he wished that compassion would last year-round. The event was coordinated by DRJ Catering and the Hope Center, a non-profit created by the Clergy Association of Greater Toms River. Brick resident Victor Finamore said he organized the fundraising to support it. He had first seen what Operation BBQ Relief could do after Sandy. He talked to Keith earlier this year. Keith told him how demand for food has increased while donations have decreased because people are having trouble all over. In response, Finamore raised a little over $2,000 from GoFundMe, personal friends, and small business owners. He estimated that over 600 meals were
─Photo by Chris Lundy Volunteers spent their day preparing and serving meals to people in need.
distributed, plus a tray that he delivered to the Toms River Police Department. Some of the people who drove up in their cars were actually living in those cars, he said. He counted 18 homeless people who stopped by to get something to eat. He works as a housing counselor, and sees the impact that the cost of living is having on everyone. Taxes are increasing. Rent is
going up. Finamore said he had planned to run for office this year. He wanted to create a team of people and organizations to handle the basic needs for people throughout the state. Instead he took time away to donate time to make a difference for others. Perhaps other elected officials and candidates can carve out some time and help those less
fortunate, too. In the meantime, he’ll be looking to start another fundraiser to help feed those in need. He urged people to support local food banks such as Fulfill (FulfillNJ.org) and the Food Bank of South Jersey (FoodBankSJ. org). For more information, visit obr.org or visit their social media pages.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 22, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
Fun & Games
Sudoku
C rossword P uzzle
Across 1 On a peg, as a golf ball 5 Panda Express kitchen items 9 Aerospace giant __ & Whitney 14 Pre-deal payment 15 Rapper/actor with a cool name? 16 Talk show host in the National Women’s Hall of Fame 17 Keyboard chamber work 19 Pending state 20 Go off-script 21 Indian royal 23 Very long time 24 Shih Tzu or Chihuahua 28 Wet just a bit 31 Airer of old films 32 Kindle download 33 Norse royal name 36 Was shown on TV 40 Authorize some-
one to represent you at the shareholder meeting 44 Tea biscuit 45 Sank, with “down” 46 Fellows 47 Pontiac muscle car 49 Financed like many fleet cars 52 Personal unrest 57 __ Paulo 58 Bruins star Phil, to fans 59 Eye surgery acronym 63 Singer Ronstadt 65 Command to bypass a recap of prior episodes ... and what the puzzle circles do 68 Make sure not to see 69 “Electric” fish 70 Product preview 71 Like a bad breakup 72 Deuce topper 73 Smoochy love letter letters Down
1 Cantina snack 2 Oklahoma city 3 And others: Abbr. 4 Jeans 5 Quipster 6 Text digitization meth. 7 Knightley of “Love, Actually” 8 Brown ermine 9 Frigid zone ice formation 10 N.Y. tech school 11 Carrying a weapon 12 It’s forbidden 13 Skimpy swimsuit 18 Column that aptly includes the letters BIO 22 Stick (out) 25 Sign gas 26 Relative via marriage 27 Mideast bigwig 28 Magazines with Alfred E. Neuman 29 Intl. oil group 30 __ facto 34 Had lunch 35 Snake’s poison
37 Capital of Italia 38 They aren’t together anymore 39 Unit of force 41 “Picnic” dramatist 42 Prepare (for) 43 __ extra cost 48 Tense NBA periods 50 Taylor of “Mystic Pizza” 51 Largest living antelopes 52 Muslim religion 53 Hardly worldly 54 They’re forbidden 55 Unexpected win 56 “Today” weather anchor 60 Crock-Pot dinner 61 Hogwarts librarian __ Pince 62 Screwball 64 Prefix with card or count 66 Land in l’eau 67 Future therapist’s maj.
(c)2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
Solutions
Sudoku
Crossword puzzle
Jumble:
UNION VISTA KEEPER GARLIC - GAVE POINTERS
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Howell Times, April 24, 2021, Page 23
Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of APR 24 - apr 30 By Jeraldine Saunders
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Use your head and you can make the grade in the upcoming week. Guard against becoming too argumentative today, because if you wait patiently, someone might change his or her mind by tomorrow. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your efforts to be friendly and outgoing might meet with a small measure of mysterious disapproval. Despite this, you’re willing to be forgiving and can avoid taking things personally in the week ahead. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are sharp enough to look for the catch in any offer or deal. Take the time you need to make a careful decision and to mind your possessions. Focus on accuracy this week. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your patience may be tested by people who seem to be at cross purposes with you as this week unfolds. Focus on making worthwhile improvements by visualizing the desired results. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the week ahead, you might be able to put the knowledge that you gather to good use. Even handling your most dreaded task can give you a sense of accomplishment and contentment. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The way you look or act can make a statement or a whisper. As the week flies by, you can talk your way out of any jam by being welcoming to all and remaining a neutral party if feuds occur.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Pay your most important bills early so you won’t be caught napping at the end of the week. Tackle projects that require logical sequencing, unflagging concentration and a degree of pattern recognition. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Passing quarrels are just temporary. Stay centered so you won’t lose your composure over minor disagreements in the week to come. Focus on enjoying beautiful things and agreeable people. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): There is no benefit in being worldly and insightful if you don’t put these attributes to good use. There may be plenty of fine print to absorb in any deal you review or sign in the week to come. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If you want to indulge in the best that life can offer, go ahead. Steer clear of a dispute with a loved one or family member. Hold off on making major financial decisions at the end of the week. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Demonstrate a generosity of spirit and a willingness to cooperate in order to win some new friends and admirers in the upcoming week. Put major purchases on the back burner. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Follow the lead of a partner who understands how to navigate group social events. In the week ahead, go within to explore and understand your vague misgivings about a career choice.
(c) 2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
THIS SOUP IS A BLANK CANVAS FOR PRACTICING YOUR GARNISHING SKILLS By America’s Test Kitchen
Sometimes the simpler the recipe, the easier it is to overcomplicate it. Case in point : carrot-ginger soup, whose flavors often get elbowed out with the addition of other vegetables, fruits or excessive dair y. But this simple, creamy, pared-down version is velvety-smooth with clean carrot flavor and subtle ginger background notes. Carrots are a long-lasting pantry staple, and all it takes are three of them to form the base of this soup. We used ginger as the key aromatic, which eliminated the need to add even onion or shallot, cutting down our ingredient list drastically. A small amount of milk adds subtle richness without dulling the flavors. With the flavors in check, we made a meal out of this warm bowl of comfort by adding some hearty toppings. If you don’t have a blender, an immersion blender or a food processor would also work.
peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, plus extra as needed 1/3 cup milk 1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add carrots, ginger, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. 2. Stir in broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer and cook, over medium-low heat until carrots are very soft, about 15 minutes. 3. Process soup and milk in a blender until smooth, about 2 minutes. 4. Return soup to now-empty saucepan and adjust consistency with extra hot broth as needed. 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ser ve. (Soup can be refrigerated up to three days.)
Recipe notes: A handful of store-bought croutons or crispy chickpeas, a sprinkle GINGERY CARROT SOUP of cilantro, and/or some Serves 1 to 2 sour cream or Greek yogurt add an extra layer of flavor 1 tablespoon oil 3 ca r r ot s ( 8 ou n ce s ) , and texture. (For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2021 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
Page 24, The Howell Times, April 24, 2021
jerseyshoreonline.com