2022-02-12 - The Jackson Times

The JACKSON Times Vol. 18 - No. 34

In This Week’s Edition

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The Past And Future Of Rova Farms

BREAKING NEWS @

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Community News Page 10

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14

Inside The Law Page 13

Classifieds Page 19

─Photo courtesy Rova Farms Historic District Association The historic Rova Farms property is being reviewed for future recreational purposes.

By Bob Vosseller property, purchased a for residents to enjoy mittee. I’m sure we have exceeded interJACK SON – T he few years ago by the for years to come.”

“This continues our est in that already.” st or y of t he t ow n - municipality, will be “We thought we’d sh ip’s Rova Fa r m s utilized by members goal on the council to get a good response. protect Jackson’s enproperty dates back to of the public.

It seems we were spot its settling by Russian Cou ncilman Alex vironment and natural on a nd t hat people immigrants nearly a Sauickie proposed the resources,” Bor relli recognize it is an imcentury ago. formation of the cit- added. portant piece of histoSauick ie added, T hat h istor y wa s izen advisory board ry within the town,” recalled during a re- for Rova Farms. As “response to the new the councilman addcent Township Coun- C o u n c i l m a n N i n o sub-com mit tee that ed. cil meeting where an Bor relli put it, “his we are looking to creElenor Han nu m advisor y board was ef for t s a nd t h at of at e h a s b e e n ove rspoke during the orformed. The mission Councilman Andrew whelming. We wrote dinance’s public hearof t h is g roup is t o Kern got the property the ordinance to have ing.

“Thank you very research options of purchased in 2019 so up to 10 people partichow this recreational it could be preserved ipate on that sub-com(Farms - See Page 5)

Jackson Joins Opioid Settlement

By Bob Vosseller and Chris Lundy JACK SON – T he township opted into a settlement agreement that came from a class action suit they joined several years ago.

Council President Mar tin Flem ming spoke about the resolut ion wh ich w i l l allow the township to participate in a national opioid settlement

program. “This has to do with a multi-billion-dollar settlement that by participating in this program we’d have the possibility of get t i ng some of the money back from what our emergency services had spent in time and man hours responding to these problems.”

The lawsuit claimed certain pharmaceuti-

cal companies knew how addictive their d r ugs were. It also stated that they advertised that the drugs were a good treatment for ailments that they were not made for, a nd t he compa n ie s pushed doctors to prescribe them.

Police and medical exper ts have stated that the current crisis of addiction and

overdoses stems i n part from people who become addicted to prescription painkillers and then need a stronger fix.

Accord i ng to t he t ow n s h ip, t h e d i s tributors (McKesson, Cardinal Health, and A m e r i s o u r c e B e rgen) are paying up to $21 billion over the cou rse of 18 years, split between all the

partners in the suit.

Manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, will pay up to $5 billion over no more than nine years.

Going forward, the settlement also changes the way opioids can be marketed, sold, and distributed.

Of the total settlement

February 12, 2022

Parents Urge Solution To Private School Bus Problem

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – The ongoing issue of transporting private school children jumped from Board of Education meetings to the Mayor and Council recently The township school district is unable to transport most of the students attending private schools. The state requires them to either bus the children or pay each family aid in lieu of transportation. A number of parents have come before the BOE during recent meetings to address the need for improved communication between them and the school district and for more lead time concerning the decision-making process.

Parents like Suri Robinson have come before the Board to share their stories and frustration about the difficulties of finding adequate transportation and that more time is needed to find and hire drivers to bring their children to private schools.

Even though the mayor and Township Council don’t govern the schools, Robinson urged the governing body to do whatever it could to reenforce the efforts of the BOE. She said “it causes (Bus - See Page 5)

District’s Audit, Standardized Test Scores Received

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – An auditor said the school district’s finances were in good shape during a recent Board of Education meeting.

John Swisher of the auditing firm of Suplee, Clooney & Company told the board “the best you could receive is an unmodified opinion which is what you got this year.”

“That basically means the finance department of the Business Administrator’s office can provide records that we can put into a format

(Opioid - See Page 13)

(Audit - See Page 8)

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The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 3

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Farms:

Continued From Page 1 much for doing this.” She added that Rova Farms and the surrounding area, “has a very, very strong and deep culture especially for the Russian population.

Many of them have moved since but the culture and the history that goes back is very precious to me.”

She noted the Russian migration to the area came about when Russia was under Soviet control and led by Lenin and that “some of these Russians sold themselves into indentured servitude “to finally make their way to Jackson and settle here. Many of which would hide their money in the land they lived on.”

Hannum asked the Council, “When it comes to the preservation of this property will there at any time be an opportunity that Jackson Township would sell it to say a developer to maintain it as open space?”

Council President Martin Flemming said the property was purchased through open space funds. “The Council is not in the habit of selling land at all. We are trying to acquire as much as we can to keep open space. The possibility of that happening would be little to none.”

Hannum also asked about the existing building on the property that served as an entertainment spot for residents of the community and beyond. It even featured a visit in the 1970s by singer Bruce Springsteen and his band.

“It has been mentioned that it would be demolished,” she noted.

“It will be. There have been people who have been through it trying to pull the more historic pieces out. They are trying to get a whole wall out that has a historic mural and have that restored. There is an asbestos issue with the building. That is going to be a problem with it coming down,” Flemming responded.

“The building is not salvageable,” the council president added. “We are just going to get everything out of it that we can. It sustained a lot of damage recently from people breaking in.”

“Is there any way that, that footprint of that structure could be saved? The reason why I am saying this is that many of you may not be aware that during the culture and history of Rova Farms, the Pavilion was there. It was right on the lake. Every summer, the Russian people would come here from all parts of this country to celebrate with each other and to join together,” Hannum added.

She said, “there would be these grand parties and dinners and my brother and I used to sneak in at a very young age and because of the (prior) demolition, that part of the heritage is completely gone.

Jackson did a disservice by demolishing it. It is just wiped clean. My concern is that this structure that hosted many other events would just go along the wayside and the history would be gone.”

The Council President responded, “feelings aside though sometimes a building just cannot be salvaged. It wouldn’t be

financially feasible or prudent for us to do it. I understand historical pieces but the building is slated to be taken down,” Councilman Steven Chisholm said he and Councilman Sauickie would be serving on the advisory committee and recommended that once it is formed if Hannum had any specific ideas “by all means bring them to us.”

“If it is something that is logistically possible, we’ll consider it. There has been nothing decided other than for safety and other purposes that building needs to come down. Nothing else has been deter mi ned,” Cou ncil man Chisholm said.

Sauickie informed Hannum how to apply to ser ve on the committee by filling out a citizens leadership form which can be found on the township website. “Put that in and we are going to choose members. The mix that we proposed in the ordinance include an educator in town as well as a historian, someone from the Jackson Pathfinders who has already responded and Green Acres.”

“I’ve been in the building a couple of times and there is definitely an asbestos problem and definitely a water damage problem. It has to come down but I think we will do whatever we can to preser ve what we can within the building including things like menus that have been sitting there for over a decade that look brand new in some cases,” the councilman added.

“We think that a lot of the history could be taught in an educational way - at least that is an idea we’ve been kicking around. Whether that is the history of the area or the wildlife in the area. We want an educator to help us frame this out,” Sauickie added.

Hannum said she e-mailed each of the councilmen links to historical preservation grant possibilities. “National and state. Please look into that and try to utilize those resources for grants.”

She told The Jackson Times “not only did the Russian community host grand parties, we grew up ice skating on the lake - my brother and his friends always had hockey. We had bonfires on the ice, went fishing and swimming. There used to be a tree alongside of the waterfall.

We would climb the tree, walk out onto the large fat limb that went over the water and jump in.”

Hannum recalled, “the town cut it down probably because it was pretty dangerous. The lake is full of pickerel, large snapping turtles who come up onto land to nest, and water moccasins. The Cassville side where I lived has woods full of wild blueberries and mountain laurel that is beautiful in bloom. My mother would send my brothers and I out into the woods with bowls to forage for blueberries on weekends to make blueberry pancakes.”

“There were boarding houses, cottages that were owned by the Russians. They were a tight knit community that really stayed to themselves,” Hannum added.

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Monday, February 14th

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Bus:

Continued From Page 1 an issue of public safety and traffic that involves a growing number of residents who send their kids to non-public schools. The Board of Education and transportation department is aware of these issues but I wanted to address it here.

“They are aware of the rapid growth of what is happening around the community. Right now, there is 3,200 children that go to Lakewood schools from Jackson and virtually none of them are being transported so it causes an issue of public safety,” Robinson added.

She said, “one school bus can displace over 50 cars on the road and unregulated car pools…

(These) are issues of public safety and a tremendous issue of quality of life. There are parents spending hours of the day bringing their kids to school. I change my work plans at the last minute because there is no bussing.

A lot of parents have had to cut back on their work hours.”

Robinson noted that in the past when Jackson had to transport out of school district students it was less of a problem but with the driver shortage for school busses, “there was no extra room (on the bus) to get the kids transported and a system built to help 400 to 500 kids a year. They can’t accommodate the projected 5,000 kids that will be attending non-public schools next year and all those cars that will be on the road. It has been a 30% a year increase for the past several years in students attending non-public schools.”

Robinson said parents attended a meeting with the school district’s transportation de-

The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 5 partment in the past and were told by school officials there would be change “but nothing has changed. We were informed in August that we had no transportation. That put us in an impossible position to secure bussing for our kids.”

“There is also a lot of confusion over the paperwork between the schools, the parents, the transportation department. We are in the exact same position as we were last year. There is no actual change in progress out there. It is growing year after year and I am afraid we are headed nowhere again,” the parent added.

Resident Sheldon Hofstein also spoke about the issue. “There is one certainty, this is a state mandate and therefore an entitlement for those families who need this service. Remember, the state says we have to pay for it. The mandate has been in effect for more than 50 years and I doubt the state government at that time anticipated the possibility that thousands of children would be using this mandate.”

“The funds used for this mandate have become a severe drain on public school budgets and affects the public education school students. As more dollars are needed, school districts such as Jackson, Toms River, Brick, Manchester and Howell will eventually be forced to cut back on non-mandated expenses and raise school taxes,” Hofstein added.

Hofstein said such non-mandated expenses would include funding for art programs, music and band activities as well as sports programs and extracurricular programs. “The result will be the lack of a full education for public school students that their parents demand.”

“This council should request by passing a

resolution stating the State should be responsible for funding its mandate, you should also include funding for special education. There are already mandates that the state picks up for schools and this includes health services, security programs, technology programs, textbook programs so the state should pick up its own mandate for the bussing issue,” Hofstein said.

He also recommended the Council work with the BOE and with those effected towns he mentioned along with state lawmakers urging them to enact laws that would provide relief to school budgets “that are feeling the burden of archaic laws.”

Resident Devorah Grushkin also spoke to the governing body about the growing issue. “I attended a Board of Education meeting along with a dozen other mothers in January and we explained the issues we face due to the lack of transportation for our private school children and the impact it is having on our lives.”

“We informed the Board that this is an incredibly time sensitive issue. I offered my assistance in communication and with planning as a mother and a transportation director in my school familiar with the complexity of transporting so many non-public school children to so many different schools. So far, my offer hasn’t been met with any communication,” Grushkin said.

She said that at a more recent BOE meeting around 200 parents came to the meeting to speak up to “bring up the urgency and safety issue that must be addressed.” She said those pleas were met with “blind repetition of trying to improve with no clear commitment or direction toward actual change.”

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Grushkin said that through no fault of the school district it could not accommodate the unprecedented rapid growth of the non-public school system and that parents requested the school district “look at non-public school needs, realize it will be impossible to provide transportation in a safe manner. A few us pointed out that the Lakewood Board of Education faced similar challenges.”

She and other parents have asked the BOE to consider outsourcing the transportation services for their children as a better means to address the problem.

Council President Martin Flemming said “we have been in touch with the Board of Education about this and we are working together regarding the problem. I can’t say how fast it is going to be from our end because we don’t have a whole lot of control over the BOE.” “We can give them our opinions and we can try to direct them in the way we want to go.

They are going to go the way they want to go but we’re working at it,” Flemming added.

Council Vice President Andrew Kern commented that recently, “a judge approved that the State Department of Education needed to show the formula they used for how they distributed state funds from school district to district and how all those funds were redistributed in 2018.”

“The state needs to comply with this and not appeal so that we can all understand for transparency reasons and to work towards getting the most for our community. They need to show how they redistributed those funds and why so much was taken away from Jackson and other towns and allow us the opportunity to reclaim those funds,” Kern added.

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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY E ditorial Talk Less, Listen More, And Be Educated At Board Of Education Meetings The film “1776” is said to be a classic. It focuses on our early history as a developing nation and it includes a particular scene which is noteworthy in contemporary America. Here’s the scene in a nutshell: Lewis Morris: [as John Hancock is about to swat a fly] Mr. Secretary, New York abstains, courteously.

[Hancock raises his fly swatter at Morris, then draws back] John Hancock: Mr. Morris, [pause, then shouts] John Hancock: WHAT IN HELL GOES ON IN NEW YORK? Lewis Morris: I’m sorry Mr. President, but the simple fact is that our legislature has never sent us explicit instructions on anything!

John Hancock: NEVER? [slams fly swatter onto his desk] John Hancock: That’s impossible!

Lewis Morris: Mr. President, have you ever been present at a meeting of the New York legislature?

[Hancock shakes his head “No”] Lewis Morris: They speak very fast and very loud, and nobody listens to anybody else, with the result that nothing ever gets done. [turns to the Congress as he returns to his seat] Lewis Morris: I beg the Congress’s pardon.

John Hancock: [grimly] My sympathies,

Mr. Morris.

In many ways, that last part by Lewis Morris could describe what has been occurring at some Board of Education meetings lately. I’ve been covering BOE meetings for about four decades now. They were usually quiet and involve the planning of curriculum, facilities, programs and development of budgets and sprinkle in the occasional awards to teachers and students.

Yes, occasionally a Board member would raise their voice about a policy issue or a parent would bring up concerns about an action taken by a teacher or administrator. It wasn’t always quiet but it was usually cordial.

In recent years they’ve become much more complicated, especially with deep budget cuts and oh that darn global pandemic that has impacted us all. Mask wearing in schools has become a battleground issue in several school districts in Ocean County and beyond. Parents understandably have strong feelings about the policy currently mandated through executive orders now extended by Governor Phil Murphy.

School districts are following the mandate because as administrators and Board members have said, they must do so or face repercussions from the state most likely in the form of a further reduction in state aid. Parents want school districts to be more vocal against the mandates and to join forces with lawmakers who are opposing the governor’s use (or misuse) of power.

This debate has spilled over to halt some live Board meetings with even Board members refusing to wear masks - resulting in a cancelation and rescheduling of meetings to a virtual format in the last month.

Curt words by parents sporting sweatshirts with political slogans directed at Board members and administrators are also becoming more common place. One superintendent was accused of following along the path simply to “pick up a check” in reference to the state’s ESSER funding that provides for funds to cover the cost of COVID-19 pandemic impacts.

It goes without saying that the idea of mandatory vaccinations for students, and policies governing masking are all hot button issues that should be fleshed out. This is hard to do with a once-a-month BOE meeting, given the rapid-fire changes in the pandemic and the state guidelines and polices coming out of the CDC. Administrators can’t keep up with the pace and parents have many legitimate concerns.

Those frustrations are boiling over to create a very different atmosphere at Board meetings and that is impairing the work the Boards do.

This is another aspect of the pandemic, and it is a powerful one.

As one newly minted BOE member said recently, we need to start listening more to each other and arguing less. That is a paraphrased statement but it is pretty much on the mark of what the member said and it is sound advice.

BOE meetings are becoming theatrical showcases of the frustration and fear parents have and while they do need to express themselves, there seems to be little change occurring as the power to make that change is in Trenton.

Causing the cancellation of meetings and making BOE meetings battlegrounds where residents literally sit on two sides of the room divided up by those wearing and not wearing masks is probably not the best route to take as it just postpones the work needed to be done.

There needs to be some middle ground with this. A hybrid meeting made up of those who wear masks to be at a live session while others who do not want to wear them watch and participate from home, might be the answer.

Perhaps giving the authority to the school districts to decide might be another.

For now, we await a time when a mask mandate will be lifted, where we can go back to some normalcy and where the business at hand is planning the school’s budget, developing curriculum, figuring out where to find more bus drivers and settling the latest teacher contracts all while coping with reductions in state aid.

I don’t envy parents, teachers, administrators or board members. Most of all, I feel bad for the students who are being caught in the crossfire of all of this.

Bob Vosseller Assistant News Editor

Letters To The Editor Republican Heroes At the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, it is time we recognized the true heroes of the Republican Party. They are not the dopey louts who rampaged through our nation’s capital and the moral cowards who still cover for them. They are not the ranting demagogues exploiting the emotions of the resentful. They were the

unsung people not seeking attention, but doing their jobs: from poll workers to police officers. They were Republican state legislators and governors who did not bend to pressure to overturn the elections in their state.

They were Republican judges who did not allow mere allegations unsupported by credible evidence to deny votes that happened. They were a Vice President who stayed loyal to the Consti-

tution and the rule of law above any man. They were Republican congressional representatives and senators who did not fear to try and hold their own president accountable, and dared to stand on their conscience instead of follow the majority in their party. They did not win. But they showed more bravery than the majority in their party who did.

It is Republicans like those who could save the soul of

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the party from being lost to a band of fascists, if they find the nerve to do so. My father was a lifelong Republican who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the sacrifices that generation made to defeat fascism, I’m glad he was not alive to see his party dishonored by America’s Mussolini.

James Tweed Ocean City

Health Care And Bread Lines It’s amazing what we get used to, isn’t it? We have the worst health care, where we just go along with the fact that we have to pay out of pocket for cancer treatment, but if there’s a shortage of bread or chicken at the grocery store then we revolt?

Yes, I’m mad at gas prices, too, but where’s your rage

about health care companies lining their pockets on our suffering? At Jeff Bezos making billions while putting small businesses run by your neighbors out of business?

I guess you only get mad if you are mildly inconvenienced.

Thomas Kerrick Toms River

Not Term Limits No, not term limits but WEALTH LIMITS should be imposed on politicians.

Once they reach a certain level, it is time to step down.

The Pelosis and McConnells represent only themselves.

Stop drinking that Democratic Kool-Aid and speak out against all their radical agendas which they are demanding, not on merit, but on their perceived notion of resistance from Republicans. Where is the vigorous

debate about their demand to takeover the right of States to make voting laws?

Make no mistake, they are determined and emboldened by the success of two women (the late Betty Freidan and her partner) who were activists in the 70s, and fundamentally changed the culture for each and every woman to be included in the job world, even mothers of newborns, who get back to work with a meager 2-month maternity leave. And the takeaway today is that mothers/wives have no choice and must work because costs, of goods and services, are based on the 2-income household. Progress? No way!

Make the power of your vote, your voice and also your purse work strategically. If not, Democracy will cease!

Marie Pellicano Manchester

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The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 7

Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

Smith: Point Pleasant Canal To Get $3.2 Million From

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) said the Point Pleasant Canal will receive $3.2 million in federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help repair portions of the bulkhead that have suffered significant damage over the years.

“This is great news for Point Pleasant and all mariners who rely on this critical piece of our coastal infrastructure,” said Rep. Smith. “The steel bulkhead along the canal is showing its age, and this work will help

shore up the properties on each side of the waterway to ensure safe passage by water between Monmouth and Ocean counties.”

“Once again Congressman Smith has made sure that our area is not overlooked,” said Point Pleasant Mayor Bob Sabosik. “Not only has he managed to secure much-needed beach replenishment funding for the surrounding communities with beach front, he also has managed to secure $3.2 million dollars for Point Pleasant Borough for much-needed bulkhead repairs along the

Point Pleasant Canal.”

“Throughout the years, he has stayed in constant contact with local mayors including myself and does not only listen, but helps us get the resources we need to make our communities at the Jersey Shore better,” Sabosik said of Smith.

First opened to navigation in 1926, the Point Pleasant Canal is a roughly 2-milelong, man-made channel that connects the Barnegat Bay and the Manasquan River.

The federal dollars to repair the canal

come after Smith’s efforts earlier this month helped secure $30.2 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - for much-needed beach replenishment for Jersey shore towns in the Fourth Congressional District.

Passed with bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate, the infrastructure law provides funding to repair and rebuild dangerous roads, bridges, rail lines, tunnels and lead-contaminated water pipes in addition to other eligible critical projects.

Bipartisan Anti-Poverty Bill Introduced WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Rob Portman (DOH), U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (D-SC), and U.S. Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY) introduced the Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act of 2022 to direct federal funding to high poverty areas throughout the country.

This bipartisan, bicameral legislation seeks to create smarter, more targeted federal investment in communities that need help the most. If enacted, this bill will assist high-poverty communities with the foundational elements of high-impact, inclusive economic development. The bill expands the successful 10-20-30 anti-poverty formula to include a significantly larger group of struggling communities and broader universe of federal accounts.

The Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to work government-wide, program by program to increase the share of funds going to persistent poverty counties, high-poverty census tracts, and other high and persistent poverty areas, with a minimum goal of having programs invest in these areas in an amount greater than their proportion of the population. OMB and the relevant agencies have discretion on precisely how to best target funds in each individual program. Following the implementation

of these targeting measures, OMB and the General Accounting Office are directed to report to Congress on the measures taken and their impact.

“Access to opportunity is one of our nation’s most fundamental ideals, but too many Americans are being left out and left behind,” said Senator Cory Booker. “We have a moral obligation to invest in all of our people, in rural areas and cities alike, by providing the economic opportunities needed to thrive. Though the federal government directs billions of dollars in funding every year for economic development, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and other essential priorities, too often, these dollars never reach the communities that would most benefit from these services. I am proud to join Senator Portman, Whip Clyburn, and Congressman Rogers to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will direct federal funding to communities with persistent and high poverty, helping them lay the groundwork for economic development and opportunity.”

Geographic inequality has increased markedly in recent decades. Between 1980 and 2013, the share of Americans living in metropolitan areas with incomes 20 percent lower than the national average rose from 12 percent to 31 percent. From 2010 to 2016, metropolitan areas with more than one million residents accounted for almost

“Snooki Shop” Opening This Spring In Seaside Heights

By Alyssa Riccardi SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Jersey Shore star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is making a return to Seaside Heights, but not for any TV show.

The MTV star announced on her social media that a new location of her “Snooki Shop” boutique will be opening on the Boulevard in the spring.

The news was posted last week on her

Instagram, with Seaside Heights being the third location of her shop along side her Madison location and Hudson Valley in New York.

The shop will feature women’s clothes, picked by Polizzi herself, such as dresses, tops, pants, sports clothing, shoes and more. The shop also sells Polizzi’s own makeup line.

three-quarters of net job creation. Millions of Americans still live in the nearly 500 persistent poverty counties, which have had poverty rates of at least 20 percent for at least the last 30 years.

“Children’s futures shouldn’t be dictated by where they’re born. But, unfortunately, that’s often the case – especially in rural America, where levels of poverty can be extremely high. Kids deserve the chance to escape this cycle of poverty and embark on a brighter future, no matter where they were born or where they grow up,” said Roy Chrobocinski, Save the Children’s Managing Director of Domestic Federal Policy.

“That’s why we’re proud to support the Targeting Federal Resources to Communities of Need Act of 2022. This legislation is crucial to ensuring that rural, high poverty communities have the resources they need

to lift themselves out of poverty and thrive like never before.”

“COVID-19 has impacted countless communities that now face long-term health effects, gaps in education, loss of jobs and opportunities – not to mention the sheer loss of life and loved ones. Add to this the systemic histories in our country and you see a country increasingly splintered into pockets of extreme wealth and widespread but localized poverty,” said Gina Cummings, Oxfam America’s Vice President of Alliances, Advocacy and Policy. “The Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act would ensure that resources flow where they are most needed and will have the most impact. The health of our entire country depends on smart, deliberate allocation of funds to raise the level of well-being of all of us.”

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES President & Publisher Stew Swann

Vice President/COO

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Jason Allentoff

Laura Hoban

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Assistant News Editor

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Chris Lundy

Bob Vosseller

Lorrie Toscano

Production Manager

Graphic Artist

Layout Designer

Allison Gradzki

Adriana Starcic

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Page 8, The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022

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Continued From Page 1 that can be easily understood and you can rely upon them,” Swisher said.

He noted that the audit also covered internal controls within the school district and its compliance with various rules and regulations of the state. “That is clean as well.”

A single audit was performed where the firm looks at various programs including the CARES Act program which Swisher described as a “game changer but the district did a good job with that as well. We did not find any material problems so that was clean to.”

“We got great support from your administration they are doing a fine job,” he added.

In related news, Assistant Superintendent Robert Rotante reported on the results of the state Start Strong testing program within the school district. He said data from those tests taken by students last October would be used to find areas that require attention.

“This was one additional piece available to the district to provide this information.

The assessment included areas of English, mathematics and sciences in various grades,” he said.

A summary of the district would state if there was strong support needed, some support needed or less support needed for each subject. Each student also got an individual break down on how many questions they got correct, he said.

In literacy the majority of students showed that less support was needed. “Math showed a slightly different picture. Math definitely showed there was more support needed in the area of mathematics, specifically in grades 4 and 5,” Rotante said.

“This assessment was done entirely on the computer. The math was 20 questions.” He noted that special education students and ELL (English Language Learners) students “will always need the most support. The Strong Start Assessment hasn’t been proven; this is the first time it has been given.”

He said other assessments were “tried and true and we’ve been able to get very good data from those assessments. Our goal is to always see progress in our students.”

Rotante noted that among those students that were not meeting grade level standards, “we have moved kids who are not meeting standards to partially meeting standards and students that are approaching standards to meeting or exceeding standards. Our goal is to constantly move kids up on the continuum with the data we are using.”

He said another program the school district has been using is IXL which is an individualized program that “addresses each student’s needs with questions based on their level as they get questions right, they get harder when they get questions wrong, they get more remedial questions to re-enforce things.”

Rotante said that students have the chance to do this in the classroom “as well as independently at home. Typically, a student doing questions 15 a day will outperform their peers, will move up the continuum and will show growth. Our students through K-8th are averaging 63 questions a week.

We are very proud of what they are doing and it is really showing in how they are doing in the classrooms.”

“We can’t run every program (used to gauge student academic growth) every day, “Rotante said. He mentioned after school programs that were available to help students meet literary and math standards as well as other programs that “we want to enhance our student environment for our students and increase their appreciation for being in the school setting.”

Polar Bear Plunge At Seaside Heights SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Each year, the Polar Bear Plunge at Seaside challenges thousands of brave jumpers from around the state. It’s a great way for everyone - individuals, teams, organizations and businesses - to get involved supporting Special Olympics New Jersey. All funds raised go towards programming and events for thousands of athletes statewide.

The event will take place on February 26.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. For more information, visit plungeseaside.org/event-information.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 9

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

February 2022 Free FREC Programs

JACKSON – Tune into nature, it is the best way to relax! The team at Forest Resource Education Center are ready to show you how with many forest-focused educational experiences.

Peruse and pre-register for the small-group outdoor nature programs here: eventbrite. com/o/forest-resource-education-center-31858983647.

Below are the following events for the month of February: Valentine Full Moon Hike: Join us on February 14 at 7 p.m. for an easy 1.5 mile walk through the State Tree Farm. Dress for the weather and cancel for rain or ice.

Pre-registration only, accepted on firstcome basis. Accepting 20 people per hike.

Registration is free. Programs are held outdoors and masks are not required. Social distancing of 6 feet recommended between parties. Please bring a mask, as masks are required inside all state government buildings including FREC’s restrooms.

Benefits of Forests: February 15, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Forests have been around for millions of years before humans. It’s time to take a good look at how forests have adapted to changes over time and provide for all life on earth. We will take a short easy hike in our Pineland Forest to explore it’s details.

Pre-registration only, accepted on firstcome basis. Accepting 15 people per hike.

Registration is free. Please remember to cancel if unable to attend.

Benefits of Forests for Kids: February 17, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Forests have been around for millions of years before humans.

It’s time to take a good look at how forests have adapted to changes over time and provide for all life on earth. We will take a short easy hike in our Pineland Forest to explore it’s details.

Pre-registration only, accepted on firstcome basis. Accepting 15 people per hike.

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Forest Pre-School: February 18 & 25, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come to the forest and river at FREC to explore the outdoors.

We will hike, play and learn about Nature allowing your child’s own interest to guide the day. The Forest Pre-School is geared for kids between 4 and 6 years old. An adult must be present. The school will include a seasonal theme activity so that we will have fun with pine cones and twigs in Winter then bird nests and flowers in Spring. Bring snacks or picnic lunch.

Any questions about age requirements please contact: jane.mattson@dep.nj.gov.

Pre-registration only, accepted on firstcome basis. Accepting 10 people for this event and registration is free.

Winter Tree, Shrub and Vine Identification: February 22, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Identifying trees and shrubs in Winter can be challenging due the loss of leaves from deciduous species. However, there are often tree seeds left on some branches or also found near the bases of tree trunks. Join us for a walk that will traverse several habitats to identify seeds for a variety of species.

Pre-registration only, accepted on firstcome basis. Accepting 15 people per hike.

Registration is free. Please remember to cancel if unable to attend.

Galls and Burls! For Kids: February 24, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Put on those winter woolies and come with us on a leisurely walk on our wooded trails in search of gall and burl! Learn how these natural objects are formed, why they exist and if they have any useful purposes. Enjoy the beauty and fresh air of our New Jersey forests. Kids need to be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-registration only, accepted on firstcome basis. Accepting 15 people for this event and registration is free.

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Page 10, The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

Jackson PBA 168 22nd Annual Golf Outings

JACKSON – It’s that time again!

Jackson PBA 168 will be holding their 22nd Annual Golf Outing on May 23 and September 19 at the Pine Barrens Country Club, 540 Hope Chapel Road.

Because of high demand and overf low of players, there are now two dates to pick from! They can now accommodate more golfers that can’t make the event because either its fully packed or the

date doesn’t work for them.

Each outing has a strict limit of 144 golfers. If you would like to be a sponsor, deadline to apply is May 7.

For information and contact either: P.O. Jeff Henba jhenba@jacksontwpnj. net, P.O. Rob Reiff - rareiff@jacksont w pnj.net, or call 908-510 - 0399.

All checks made payable to: Jackson PBA #168.

Township Announces 2022 Summer Camp Employment

JACKSON – The Jackson Recreation Department is now accepting applications for their 2022 Summer Camp Program.

Tentative camp dates are June 27 through August 12.

Applicants must be currently completing their freshman year of High School.

To obtain an application, call 732-9281260 or email ksevcenko@jacksontwpnj. net.

Food Trucks Festival Seeking Vendors

JACKSON – The Jackson Recreation Department is looking for Food Trucks for their upcoming Fireworks & Food Trucks Festival on June 26 at 4 p.m. Applications

are on a first come first serve basis. Items will be awarded in the order they are received. Application deadline is May 2. For information call 732-928-1260.

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The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 11

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─Photo by Catherine Galioto-Galesky TOMS RIVER – The Keep Our Veterans Alive initiative held “Normalize the Conversation” on January 28 at Ocean County College, featuring guest speakers from the New Jersey and Wilmington VA systems, Ocean County College’s Veterans Department, and more, to spread awareness and strategies regarding veteran suicide.

The impactful event, held in person and streamed live from the Grunin Center for the Arts, was made possible by a collaboration of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars respective state departments of New Jersey.

Bob Looby of the American Legion Department of New Jersey provided welcoming remarks and encouraged attendees to multiply the message and involve the entire community in KOVA. Strategies discussed included using buddy checks, creating communities for veterans, including employers and community partners, creating a better understanding of suicide and ways to respond/prevent.

The end of the daylong event included a panelist Q&A featuring a majority of the speakers. For more information on KOVA, visit tinyurl.com/Kovadocnj.

Upcoming Blood Drives In Toms River TOMS RIVER – New Jersey Blood Services has announced the following upcoming blood drives in the Toms River area: February 17 & March 3: Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St.; 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Sponsor code 70944.

March 3: St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 1528 Church Rd.; 1 to 7 p.m.; Sponsor code 70931.

March 9: Sponsored by Weichert Realtors Laurelton Fire Dept., 1725 Route 88, Brick; 1 to 7 p.m.; Sponsor code 70642.

To make an appointment, go to nybc.org/ newjerseydrive. Use sponsor codes above or call 800-933-2566.

Donors 76 and over need a doctor’s note unless one is already on file. 16-year-olds need signed NYBC parental consent form.

Appointments are preferred however walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits. Remember to eat, drink and bring your ID with your name and photo. Masks are required for all donors regardless of vaccination status.

Cattus Island Nature Walks TOMS RIVER – Be a part of a 40-year Ocean County tradition! Join a park naturalist and follow in the footsteps of such legendary local environmentalists as A. Morton and Betty Cooper, Dorothy Hale and Pete McLain.

Be prepared to discover the fascinating and diverse wonders of the natural world. No registration required.

Walks will take place at Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park in Toms

River on Saturdays and Sundays (excluding December 11) from 2 to 3 p.m. Free for all ages.

Upcoming walks: • February 12 & 13: Hibernation • February 19 & 20: A Winter Marsh Walk • February 26 & 27: Winter Birds • March 5 & 6: Backyard Birding • March 12 & 13: Signs of Spring • March 19 & 20: Return of the Osprey • March 26 & 27: Osprey Nests of Cattus Island

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Page 12, The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022

Around The Jersey Shore COVID Lawsuit Protection Proposed Again

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By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – At the Holiday City at Carefree clubhouse, you can hear soft talking and the clack of billiard balls from the pool room, and in the library, there’s just one patron quietly reading. The pool is closed, of course, and no one is outside in the winter weather.

But even this mild activity is more than anyone expected in spring of 2020. That was when everything shut down due to the coronavirus. It took some time before these common interest communities started to re-open, and even now there’s a concern besides COVID-19.

If someone contracts the virus, could they sue the senior development? Could they sue the trustees – as a board and individually? In this litigious society, it doesn’t matter if you can prove that you caught the virus at the clubhouse or not. The lawsuit would be devastating financially either way.

There was a brief reprieve last year. A law enacted on June 30, 2021 provided legal immunity from COVID-related lawsuits to senior communities and other planned real estate developments. However, that law was only made to be short lived. It expired on January 1, 2022.

A new Senate bill, S-177, and its Assembly companion, A-729, would eliminate the expiration of immunity for planned real estate developments in the event of COVID-19 spread.

The bill is sponsored by local Senators Christopher Connors and James Holzapfel, with the Assembly version sponsored by their partners in that branch of government: Brian Rumpf, DiAnne Gove, Gregory McGuckin and John Catalano.

Support for this measure has already been given by local politicians, such as Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill, Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato and Berkeley Council members Michael Signorile and Sophia Gingrich.

Connors told The Berkeley Times in December that the bill faced a lot of hurdles in order to pass.

Other legislators were worried about allowing permanent immunity that goes beyond a state of emergency, for example. It never made it to the floor for a vote. He had hoped the governor would extend it via Executive Order, but that didn’t happen and the bill died when the legislative session concluded. Now, it’s been re-introduced.

With the re-introduction of new bills, the 9th District legislators said “Our legislation proposes to eliminate the expiration of immunity for planned real estate developments in the event of COVID-19 spread. In our opinion, this is a more effective approach to the extent that senior communities would not have to deal with this issue every year as we do not know how long COVID will remain a public health matter.”

“With the appropriate safeguards and the legal assurance, everything worked fine last summer,” McGuckin said. “As this pandemic rolls on with no end in sight, there’s no reason not to make this solution permanent, and that’s exactly what our legislation will do.”

Communities would be required to post signage at the entrance to shared spaces including pools and gyms notifying visitors that by entering the areas they are waiving all civil liability for damages arising from COVID. “Residents who invest their hard-earned money in communities so they can enjoy the amenities should have the option to enjoy what they pay for,” said Assemblyman Catalano. “After two years of the pandemic, people have learned to accept a reasonable level of risk when they leave the home, and they are tired of being told what they can’t do.

Our seniors have earned the right to hang out at the pool and enjoy the clubhouse and gym in their communities.”

The local lawmakers blame Democrats for dragging their feet on the bill to extend the immunity.

However, the immunity was created in the first place by bills that have five Democrats and one Republican as their primary sponsors (Holzapfel, McGuckin, and Catalano were co-sponsors).

The original bills that created the immunity were S-3584 and A-4979.

The Senate bill reads, in part: “Any illness, injury, death, or other damages arising from, or related to, an exposure to, or transmission of, COVID-19 on the premises of a planned real estate development shall not give rise to any cause of action.

“The immunity provided pursuant to subsection a. of this section shall not apply to acts or omissions constituting a crime, actual fraud, actual malice, gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct.”

Barnegat Land Pirates: True Or False?

BARNEGAT – Ocean County Historical Society will host John R. Barrows, Editor of Monmouth Timeline Inc., for his presentation of The Land Pirates of Barnegat.

Was the 1834 newspaper story alleging that 2/3 of residents around Barnegat were criminals causing shipwrecks, murdering crews, and plundering cargo true?

Learn the facts about the so-called pirates and four shipwrecks along Ocean County’s shores in the 19th century!

The virtual event will take place via Zoom on February 13 at 2 p.m. To register, email at oceancountyhistory.zoom@ gmail.com stating: Name & date of the program(s) for which you are registering.

Your zip code (this is important information for our grant support applications) The e-mail address that they should use to send you instructions for accessing the program. They will send you the link to Zoom a few days before the event.

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Opioid:

Continued From Page 1 amount of $26 billion, approximately $22.7 billion will be doled out to states, cou nt ies a nd mu n icipalit ies. T hese entities have to use this money “ to remediate and abate the impacts of the opioid crisis.”

This money is to be split between all the governmental entities that took part in the lawsuit. It is unknown at this time how much each town will get, or when this will happen. The settlement was reached in 2021 so the fact that towns are required to take the first step months later indicates that this will not be a quick process, but it is already under-

The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 13 way. A recent article from the Portland Press Herald reported that Maine will be getting $130 million over the course of 18 years.

In August, Acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck said New Jersey could get $600 million. The attorney general’s office said that the payout is being determined by an agreement among the states using a formula that measures the impact of the crisis on each state using figures such as the number of overdose deaths, the number of residents with substance use disorder, the quantity of opioids delivered, and the population of the state.

T he set tlement comes f rom civ il claims, not criminal.

Governor To Lift Mask Mandate For Schools

By Bob Vosseller TRENTON – After months of debates between officials, parents, school administrators and Boards of Education, Governor Phil Murphy declared that he will lift his executive order on March 7 and let school districts make their own rules about wearing masks.

The governor has been under fire by Republican lawmakers, accusing him of overreach. Litigation and parent opposition in school districts like his own home town of Middletown in Monmouth County, and in Ocean County districts such as Jackson and Lacey, have called for the governor to surrender that control over to the school districts allowing for their Board of Education to determine if the mask mandates will be left in place or become optional.

In Lacey Township last month, two meetings were canceled minutes into their start when members of their audience including one member of their Board, refused to wear masks. One meeting cancelation led to a rescheduling to a Zoom session while a second live meeting’s cancelation caused the creation of a hybrid session a few days later when the same Board member, Salvatore Armato and a large portion of the audience did not put on their COVID-19 masks.

Jackson Township has been no stranger to the controversy and many parents have expressed their view that students wearing masks was ineffective in combatting the virus and was creating undue stress on their children. Jackson and Lacey are among the school districts whose board members said they would prefer local control to determine policy and preferred a choice to make masking optional.

The governor said during a news conference that the decision was based on positive metrics showing COVID-19 cases on the decline and hospitalizations from the pandemic at very low levels.

The “big news of the day” as the governor put it was a welcome announcement

by many parents, students, public officials and school district leaders.

“The state wide school mask mandate will be lifted in 30 days. Additionally, we will lift the state wide mandate in all child care settings. We are announcing this for plenty of notice to determine how this will affect them. Masking continues to be an important tool in preventing the spreading of COVID. It should be used in many circumstances,” the governor said.

He said the State Board of Health would be updating its guidelines for school districts as to whether and when masks should be worn. He commended educators, administrators and support staff for complying with the mandate. The unmasking would take place on March 7 but still allows for school districts to determine their own masking policies.

This includes any private school provider.

Murphy spoke out against anyone who might demean or bully those who chose to continue masking and promoted the idea of vaccination to fight against COVID. “This is a huge step back to normalcy for our kids,” the governor said. “We aren’t going to manage COVID to zero.

We have to live with COVID as we move from the pandemic to the endemic phase of this virus. The number has dropped off significantly in the last month,” the governor said in regards to school districts and their staff and student populations.

“We didn’t want to pull back too early,” the governor said, noting that this was done to prevent having to close schools if a rise occurred. “In every case across the board we (New Jersey) have not had to reimplement any major requirements.

“We know that remote learning is an inadequate substitute for learning,” Murphy said. The governor added one area he was disappointed in was, “booster penetration.”

He noted those receiving boosters were “sadly much lower than it should be. The 49% of the un-boosted is the one area where we need more progress.”

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law Injured At Work?!

Know Your Rights To Critical Benefits!

Christopher R. Shea Esq.

By Christopher R. Shea Esq., of R.C. Shea and Associates You have a right to a safe and healthful workplace. If you have suffered an injury on the job, make sure you know what kind of benefits you might receive under workers’ compensation coverage.

In some instances, an aggressive compensation carrier may deny an injured worker’s legitimate workers’ compensation claims. An insurer can claim you have not been injured, or that the injury you have suffered is not serious enough to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If this is the case, you may stand to lose critical benefits.

Most important among these critical benefits is the right to medical treatment.

Medical benefits are mandated by the New Jersey Worker’s Compensation Act, and require the employer to furnish the injured worker with medical, surgical, and other treatment as are necessary “to cure and relieve the worker of the effects of the injury and to restore the functions of the injured member or organ” if possible. Moreover, in those instances where the employer has refused or neglected to provide medical treatment in accordance with the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act, the employer will be held responsible for the cost of treatment; even if the employee receives treatment prior

to the carrier’s authorization.

Further, it is important to note another critical benefit of the Workers Compensation Act. This benefit protects employees from collections law suits when the employee obtains medical treatment that has been wrongfully or negligently withheld by an employer. This benefit, was upheld by the New Jersey Appellate Court in Kinley Physical Therapy Services, Inc. v. Kramer, and unequivocally states that a medical service provider is prohibited from filing an action against the employee until a determination has been made by the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

The Court reasoned that a medical provider is normally not permitted to pursue collection actions in court until it resolves all administrative remedies, thus, the employee must be shielded from all actions by the medical provider until the Court determines whether or not the employer is responsible for the cost of medical care.

If you feel your legitimate benefits have been denied and you live in the New Jersey, our workers compensation lawyers would like to talk to you to see if we can assist you with your case. Please call for a free consultation. R.C. Shea & Associates, 244 Main Street, Toms River, N.J. (732) 505-1212.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

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.

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Page 14, The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022

H ere ’ s T o Y our H ealth •

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

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Over-the-counter hearing aids, also known as OTCs, will be available yesterday. But what are you giving up when you choose OTCs? It turns out, quite a bit.

Professional Know-How A hearing health care provider has expertise and experience. They can pinpoint your unique hearing needs and determine the best technology for you. They also know how to go beyond manufacturer recommendations to truly customize your hearing devices to your lifestyle and hearing level.

With OTCs, your results are only as good as the built-in adjusting capabilities for that device.

A Sound Ecosystem-Unparalleled Value When you purchase OTCs, you get ... a pair of hearing aids. When you get technology from our practice, you get complimentary follow-up visits. This lets us adjust your technology to ensure it works the best for you in any environment. You also benefit from yearly evaluations that include testing of your inner ears, eardrums, and ear canal.

Plus, you can enjoy free clean and checks of your devices.

Ear Health When you self-treat your hearing loss by purchasing OTCs, you skip the critical first step: a physical examination of your ears. Anything from severe earwax build-

up to medication to a tumor can cause hearing issues. In many situations, simply buying an OTC doesn’t solve the problem.

It could even make it worse. Our hearing care professionals are trained to determine your best course of action — which might be a simple ear cleaning.

A hearing professional provides access to state-of- the-art technology with an array of accessories. Enjoy biometric wellness tracking and advanced background- noise reduction. Plus, stream audio wirelessly on phone calls, while watching TV, or during conversations. With some hearing devices, you can even get your hearing aid settings adjusted by your provider via a smartphone app — no appointment needed!

If you think you or a loved one could benefit from a hearing evaluation, contact us today to get the ball rolling!

Already a proud owner of hearing technology? Your hearing changes over time, and new developments are always emerging. If it’s been a while since we last saw you, schedule a hearing check today!

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are here to answer most of your hearing health questions. We can be reached at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.garden statehearing.com.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-276-1011 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 15

H ere ’ s T o Y our H ealth Dear Pharmacist

Keith Rosenthal, D.P.M. Julian Sansone, D.P.M. Marjorie Rarama, D.P.M. THE

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

7 Ways To Treat Sudden Low Blood Pressure

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

When I was a practicing pharmacist at a large retail chain, I’d get this type of phone call a lot: What do I do, my husband took his blood pressure pill and now he feels faint! Is that normal?

Probably every pharmacist has received a similar call after dispensing any one of the popular anti-hypertensives like losartan, lisinopril, nifedipine, atenolol, and others.

The answer given depended on the severity of the situation of course, and we were always mindful of having the patient’s doctor informed and notified. A person often experiences low blood pressure because they have high blood pressure and they’re supported on blood pressure pills to bring it down. But the problem is that it can go down too fast, and too much! Hence, a hypotensive crisis can occur.

Kidney dysfunction, heart disease, sleep apnea as well as thyroid disease are other causes for a hypotensive crisis. Vitamin B12 deficiency is known to cause pernicious anemia and it’s quite common. This is an overlooked but common cause of chronic low blood pressure.

The symptoms are the sensation of dizziness or feeling faint and lightheaded.

There could also be nausea, weakness and inability to focus or concentrate. Vision can be impacted. If it’s serious of course call 911, and get help. Smelling salts aren’t a bad idea while you’re waiting for help.

For simple, occasional bouts of sudden low blood pressure, I could recommend

the following: 1. Lie down and put a thick pillow under your legs so your head gets more blood flow. The reason you feel faint is because the blood left your head, so this positional change should be done first.

2. Munch on something very salty like potato chips, or drink salt water if you can sit up. It’s made as 1/2 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and stir it well.

3. Generally speaking drink more water.

The more fluid you drink the more pressure there is inside your blood vessels and that’s the goal.

4. Put on compression stockings are great if you have those. You should buy a pair of compression hose if you are on a blood pressure drug because you never know when you’ll experience this problem.

5. Fludrocortisone is a prescription medication that raises blood pressure. It works by controlling the sodium and the fluid balance in your body.

6. Do not get up fast! Even if you have been on a medication for years, and you feel confident of its effects, still I caution to never get up fast.

7. Licorice teabags can be used because that will elevate blood pressure too. If someone is around to help you steep this while you lay down with your legs up, it would be ideal!

These teabags are sold everywhere. They are used most often for liver disease, and more recently for respiratory infections.

If you’d like to receive a more comprehensive version of this article with more tips, please sign up for my newsletter at suzycohen.com.

(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.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022

DeGRAFF CREMATION SERVICES DIRECT CREMATION $1875 Arrangements Available In Your Home, Removal From Place Of Death, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory Located at:

Around The Jersey Shore Brick Reservoir Offers Scenic Relaxation

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The Brick Reservoir offers many great views and amenities.

By Mark Bator BRICK - Sprawling over 120 acres between Herbertsville and Sally Ike Roads, the Brick Reservoir offers locals the chance to partake in a variety of recreational activities in close proximity to a major source of drinking water for Ocean County residents.

Designed by O’Brien & Gere Engineers Inc., construction at the site took two years to complete from its initial groundbreaking.

The reservoir itself holds approximately one billion gallons of water, and encompasses three-quarters of the total acreage of the site. Eighteen inches of soil protects the lining beneath the water, which runs to 50 feet in depth at its deepest point.

Nearly twenty years ago, a large sand and gravel pit was chosen to be the site for what would become the largest construction project in the history of Brick Township.

Groundbreaking took place on Sept. 18, 2002, and today the location is managed by the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority, which maintains and oversees the site. The Brick Reservoir supplies drinking water to the public and is deemed a “protected critical infrastructure” under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. The entire site is under surveillance and has an established list of rules that ensure visitors can enjoy the passive recreation offered by the site. Reservoir staff routinely patrol the area and assist the public if needed.

Patrons are allowed to walk dogs at the reservoir, and there are several stations posted around the 1.6-mile paved walkway to deposit pet waste. Visitors may jog or enjoy a leisurely walk around the reservoir proper,

─Photo by Mark Bator

or fish from either of the two fenced decks provided to the public. The Sunrise and Sunset decks are lined with brick pavers, many personalized, and seating is provided for those who wish to unwind as they look out upon the water. Similarly, pavers also lead up to the two prominent gazebos at the site, where one may enjoy a rest in the shade on the benches that are there, as well.

Park benches are plentiful at the site, and there are numerous plaques to commemorate members of the public. The engraved plaques are available for a modest sponsorship fee on the Brick Reservoir website. Patrons may sponsor stone pavers (of varying sizes), park benches and even lighting fixtures.

The site has two parking lots and toilet facilities, and the path around the reservoir is wheelchair accessible. While the trail around the water is paved and flat, skateboards and bicycles are not allowed.

While neither swimming nor boating is allowed, visitors to the site can try their luck at fishing from either the Sunrise or Sunset deck. While not stocked with fish, the reservoir is constantly replenished with water from the Forge Pond and Metedeconk River, and the variety of fish include pickerel, shad, largemouth bass and white perch. In addition to fish, turtles and plenty of waterfowl can be seen in the area.

There is no entrance fee, and the location is open Wednesday through Sunday with winter hours from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (after March 1, the closing time extends to 8 p.m.).

The location is closed on four major holidays, namely Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 17

Around The Jersey Shore Garden State Parkway Fire Repairs May Cost Millions

By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – The arson that closed the Garden State Parkway for several hours last week will likely cost millions of dollars to repair, New Jersey Turnpike Authority officials said.

At this time, engineers and inspectors are still investigating the damage from the fire that was set in the culvert that runs under the Parkway near Exit 91.

“It’s going to be in the millions, we don’t have a firm estimate yet,” Tom Feeney, a Turnpike Authority spokesman, said.

The culvert is a concrete structure that is part of the original construction of the Parkway.

It’s about 5 feet in diameter and 300 feet long, running west of the southbound lanes under the Parkway to east of the northbound lanes

by Exit 91.

Feeney said the concrete was reinforced with a resin lining that cured to the concrete years ago. Due to the fire that resin lining was severely damaged, Feeney said.

New Jersey State Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the suspects responsible for the fire. Police said the suspects were seen running into the Evergreen Woods Park Apartment Complex that runs parallel to the Garden State Parkway after the fire was set.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, the events leading up to it or any other information is urged to contact the Troop “D” Criminal Investigation Office-Holmdel Station at 732-441-4576. Anonymous tips are welcome.

District Planning Budget With $4.1 Million Cut In Aid

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Superintendent Nicole Pormilli spoke about the development of this year’s spending plan during a recent Board of Education meeting.

She said the school district has received grant money that will help it get through a $4.1 million state aid cut.

“We are being wise about what we do so that we again don’t have to look at drastic cuts in staffing next year.

“You will hear more about that during the budget process. We will provide

multiple opportunities to have public input and to have questions about the budget both before the tentative budget is created and before the public hearing,” Pormilli said.

In Febr uar y draft budgets will be presented and more det ails will be provided about how the grant funds will be used.

A tentative budget will be presented in March and the public hearing on it will be held during the Board’s April 27 meeting.

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022

OCEAN COUNTY – Join Ocean County Historical Society’s Zoom presentation at 2 p.m. on March 20 for “Tracing Cranberry Inlet History.”

Enthusiastic storyteller, Ron Post, a surveyor, sailor, racer of catamarans, car collector and 1970 graduate of the University of Walt Disney World, will present his research on the history of the Cranberry Inlet that once connected Barnegat Bay with the Atlantic Ocean.

Ron grew up in Morris County, collaborated

Tracing Cranberry Inlet History

with a surveyor after high school graduation, was drafted into the Army, returned to Morris County to collaborate again with a surveyor, and at age 29, moved with his sailboat to Orlando, FL. He became a marina supervisor at the Contemporary Hotel in Disney World, married his wife Karen in 1980, and then returned to the Jersey Shore.

Earning his surveyor’s license in 1983, Ron started his own surveying business in Toms River. With Karen’s help, their “mom and

pop” business working out of the basement has morphed into the present Ronald W. Post Surveying Inc. offering property, utility, and aerial surveying to the public.

Bringing his love of surveying and maps to his presentation, Ron will explain how Mother Nature created, then destroyed the Cranberry Inlet, until enterprising developers and builders finally tamed it.

To register, email at oceancountyhistory. zoom@gmail.com stating:​ Name & date of the program(s) for which you are registering.

Your zip code (this is important information for our grant support applications) The e-mail address that they should use to send you instructions for accessing the program.

They will send you the link to Zoom a few days before the event.

Mental Health Association Offering Online Support Group

OCEAN COUNTY – A new, online support and discussion group for women in the workplace is being offered by a nonprofit organization, The Mental Health Association in New Jersey, which has an affiliate office in Ocean County. The focus is on women who have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual intimidation or abuse on the job.

The group, called Life in Waves, is meeting

online twice a month via the Zoom App. The meeting is founded and facilitated by women who have experienced these challenges. A mental health professional with lived experience as a survivor of trauma is an advisor to the facilitators.

“Our area of South Jersey employs many women in occupations frequently associated with a higher risk for these experiences. Think about

all the waitresses, housekeepers, massage therapists, lifeguards, nurses and the many women working in the service industry,” said Bern Trendler, a wellness program manager. “This group provides a safe space to provide support and have an open discussion about topics like gender roles and power balances.”

Trendler said women who have faced these situations can experience negative health outcomes,

including sleep disorders, depression, anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Through the group, members share resources and strategies to improve their mental health.

Life in Waves meets twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. To receive a link for this meeting, call The Mental Health Association at 609-652-3800 or email lifeinwaves@mhanj.org.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 19

CLASSIFIEDS Personals Established, generous, handsome SWM in Ocean County seeks one young girlfriend that needs ongoing assistance with college and expenses.

To begin correspondence, email note and photo to: hvacrs@yahoo.com. (7) Looking for woman senior 65 or more companion plus having same interests berkeley area medium height call J.R. 732-557-5017.

(7)

Seeking Home SENIOR JERSEY GENT SEEKS NEW HOME - Semi-retired (fully vaccinated including booster) desires lodging in private home. Food fringees too! Call Charlie (732-2163176. Email: cr@exit109.com. (12)

Items For Sale

Snow Blower - MTD 600 Series E/F Style - Like New - Used Twice - B/O or $400. 732-477-1849.

(9)

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, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid.

Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (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.

(47) 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) Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713.

(17) 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-abrac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Jazz. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104.

(9)

Help Wanted Sales Representative - To develop sales strategies, identify market opportunities & participate in the decision of purchasing natural stone products. Perform cost-benefit analyses of existing & potential customers. Mon-Fri 40hrs/wk. Associate’s in Business Administration/related field of study or 24 mos. exp. in related occupation. Mail Resume to Emerstone D.L. Inc., 1985 Rutgers University Blvd, Lakewood, NJ 08701.

(7)

Help Wanted 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) Looking for an evening shift manager for Seaside Heights arcade - Seasonal work three to four evenings a week.

Self-motivated, excellent communication skills, strong customer service skills and basic math skills for cash handling. Free parking space. If you are interested call Patty 908-770-6370. (6) HIRING NOW!! The Goddard School of Toms River Route 70 is urgently hiring Assistant Teachers and Teacher Aides to float between the Infant through School Age classrooms.

No teaching experience necessary.

On-the-job training provided. Multiple PT and FT positions available.

Call 732-363-5530 or email dtomsriver2nj3@goddardschools.com to schedule an interview today! (t/n) IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS We are hiring Certified Home Health Aides − CHHA. Licensed Practical Nurse − LPN. Registered Nurses − RN. Direct Support Professional − DSP Fill application on-line at Sabahomehealthcare.com or call us at 732-797-0700. Please send resume to ssalu@sabahhc.com. (t/n) 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) Caregiver - With references is currently available and offers an assistance to people with different types of needs. Companionship, personal care, medication monitoring, shopping, driving, etc. Experienced in working for seniors with Altzheimer's/Dementia. 732-910-8869.

(8) AID/COMPANION NEEDED - Part time, approximately 2 days and 2 nights a month for a flat rate and possible additional days. No experience necessary, very light duty for a 58 year old veteran, meals are includes and private bed and bath, must have drivers license and Covid vaccination, in my Covid safe house located in Toms River Holiday City South. Please call 201-306-6839. (9) Micromedia Publications, Inc. is hiring full-time outside sales representatives to sell print & digital advertising packages to area businesses.

Sales experience is a plus, but not a requirement. Qualified candidates must be creative, energetic, willing to work hard under deadline pressure and have the ability to canvass, cold call, prospect and close a deal. Salary, bonus, benefits are offered. To apply, email cover letter and resume to VP Jason Allentoff, jallentoff@jerseyshoreonline.com .

The Goddard School of Toms River Route 70 is urgently hiring Assistant Teachers and Teacher Aides to float between the Infant through School Age classrooms.

No teaching experience necessary.

On-the-job training provided. Multiple PT and FT positions available. Call 732-363-5530 or email dtomsriver2nj3@goddardschools. com to schedule an interview today!

Certified Home Health Aides Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

Services Don Carnevale Painting Interior, Some Exterior. Small jobs welcome. Very Neat. Reasonable & Affordable. Senior Discounts.

Low Rates & Free Estimates. 732899-4470 or 732-915-4075. (6) 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) 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) 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 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (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) 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) Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing.

Affordable. Senior discounts.

References. No job too small.

Fully insured. 732-691-0123.

Lic #13VH09460600.

(19) 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) A+Cleaning Service - Homes, Offices, Air BNB, Shopping. Thorough. Reliable. Honest. Excellent References.

Senior discounts. Free estimates. Call Barbara 732-948-4730.

(9) C H E A P PA I N T I N G D O N E RIGHT - Free est. Fully ins. Over 35yrs exp. Call 732-506-7787, Cell 646-643-7678.

(43) 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) LANDSCAPING - 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 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000.

NO JOB TOO SMALL! (15)

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022

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Around The Jersey Shore Social Services Workers Ask County For Hazard Pay

By Stephanie Faughnan T OM S R I V E R – Ab o u t a d oz e n members of CWA Local 1088 showed u p a t t he O c e a n C ou nt y B o a r d of Commissioners meeting to appeal for hazard pay for their work during the pandemic.

CWA Local 1088 represents social ser v ices a nd cler ical employees of t he Ocea n Cou nt y Boa rd of Social Ser vices. Union off icials presented the county’s gover ning body with a petition asking for an appropriation of funds to their workers.

The union workers, all dressed in red, and car r ying protest signs, sat in the front two rows of the county meeting room. They were not disr uptive and were the first to speak when the public comments session opened.

“My fellow employees would like you to know the conditions we have been working under during the pandemic,” said Nancy Lopez, a CWA Local 1088 member. “Our quest is for the allocation of f u nds f rom the A mer ican Rescue Plan.”

Lopez said that social services workers had been plagued with what she termed “ineffective human resources” since COVID-19 hit the area. She also complained that the contract impacting union workers contradicts itself and presents a great deal of confusion because it is unclear.

“The COVID-19 policy has been used to drain employees of their sick and vacation time,” Lopez stated. “Human resources have used this policy to keep employees waiting in the parking lot before they can enter the building to retur n to work.”

While union workers acknowledged that mandatory quarantines represented fr ustration to many workers, their experience in helping the public made it more diff icult.

The Ocean County Board of Social Services assists residents with food, housing, and cash assistance. Off ices were closed at the beginning of the pandemic and reopened to the public on September 14, 2020.

“Ou r workers have been required to work in the off ice seeing clients experiencing symptoms of the vir us,” said Lopez. “They are being pushed beyond management policies, which is the reason the CWA is so adamant that our workers deserve hazard pay.”

Jennifer Lehman identif ied herself as a CWA Local 1088 member and affirmed the statements made by Lopez.

In addition, she read into the record a statement f rom another colleag ue who said her health has been impacted

by her work for the Board of Social Services.

“The overall abusive atmosphere of the agency has affected not only my mental health but also my physical health,” read Lehman. “…The atmosphere has caused me to have anxiety about discipline for any small issue.”

“Most of (my issues) have been in direct response to how I’ve been treated by my supervisors, administrators, and even the former deputy director,” continued Lehman. “It concer ns me that this agency’s atmosphere has gone unchecked for so long.”

According to Lehman, the anonymous colleague’s complaints tied into the agency’s COVID policies. She also said that workers in the Toms River building in particular, are working in absolutely deplorable conditions.

Ocean County Director of the Commissioners John P. “Jack” Kelly said that the board would be studying the feasibility of allocating funds from the American Rescue Act to CWA workers and others.

Kelly requested Julie N. Tar rant, Ocean Count y Compt roller, explain the process in using monies from federal funds for hazard pay.

“I can’t make a promise today, but we are in favor of it,” said Kelly. “We have to follow federal rules and guidelines…We’re ver y hopef ul that this will allow us to make those payments.”

According to Tarrant, the county only recently received the g uideli nes as outlined in 52 pages of r ules and regulations. It is cur rently under review.

“We have to have a spending plan, which is being drafted by the county’s consultant and county staff,” Tar rant explained. “It will then be presented to the board, who will then ask the community for input.”

Commissioner Gary Quinn said that he and the other board members have enor mous compassion for the social services workers.

“The problem is they are coming before the venue that doesn’t have the author it y or the abilit y to take and do what they’re asking,” said Quinn.

“We have money that will be allocated throughout different areas, and the county wants to help as many people as possible.

“T he request for any money here would have to come from the Board of Social Services, which is really a state agency,” Quinn continued. “Our obligation first and foremost is to the 2,000 people who work for Ocean County. So if there’s money to be allocated, they should be our number one priority.”

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The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 21

Road Rage Stabber Sentenced To 8 Years

By Alyssa Riccardi JACKSON – A man who followed a woman home and cut her face has been sentenced to eight years in New Jersey State Prison, officials said.

Michael Mahan, 38, of Ewing Township, had previously pled guilty to Eluding, Terroristic Threats, Aggravated Assault, and Driving While Intoxicated.

The victim – whose identity was not revealed – had been followed home by Mahan. She told police how Mahan had punched her and threatened to kill her as he held a knife to her throat and then slashed her face. Mahan then fled the scene after a neighbor intervened and called 911. The stabbing happened on Maria Street on May 8, police said.

The victim gave a description of Mahan’s

Senior Pageant Seeking Contestants

By Alyssa Riccardi NEW JERSEY – The Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant 2022 is currently looking for senior ladies 60 and over to show off their talents at their annual event.

The Ms. New Jersey Senior America, Inc., is a non-profit organization with a mission to “produce pageants to showcase talented, productive and active senior women, and to provide services to the entire community.

In addition, they take pride in supporting children in the performing arts and those with special needs.”

Their annual event will take place on June 2 beginning at 1 p.m. in the Concert Venue Theater at Harrah’s Resort Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City.

The pageant will consist of four judging categories: Philosophy of Life, Evening Gown, Talent Presentation and Private Judges’ Interview.

Contestants must be US citizens. The winner will receive cash prizes, a bouquet of roses and an all-expenses paid trip to participate in the national pageant for the title of Ms. Senior America 2022.

For more information or interested in participating, contact Terry Meade, Director of Pageants, for an application packet at 908-216-8534 or email her at tbm5201@ aol.com.

car which led to a high speed chase. Mahan struck two cars, causing injuries, before being arrested.

The stabbing victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment while those involved in the car accidents by the suspect were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

After further conducting the investigation, police found that Mahan was involved in a

separate incident with a Lakehurst Avenue resident just before the stabbing. Mahan reportedly threatened the victim after parking in front of his residence.

Police found that his blood alcohol level was .14, nearly twice the legal limit.

On February 4, Mahan was sentenced to eight years in New Jersey State Prison for Eluding. In addition, he was sentenced five

years for Terroristic Threats and five years for Aggravated Assault.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni, as well as Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their efforts.

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Page 22, The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022

Fun & Games

Sudoku

C rossword P uzzle

Across 1 Not imagined 5 On 9 Arthur of tennis 13 Country quarters 14 Be behind 15 Skier’s need, maybe 16 Arose to catch the proverbial worm 18 President’s Day event 19 Ivy League student 20 Dynamic prefix 21 Sushi bar brews 22 Ristorante favorite 24 “Holy smokes!”

26 Award won twice

by Adele and Kelly Clarkson 30 Monks’ wear 33 Total drubbing 34 Flatow of “Science Friday” 35 Opposite of home 36 Dozen dozen 38 Craftsy etailer

39 Tiny, for short 40 “Not long” 41 Guilty and not guilty 42 Philanthropist who was a Time Person of the Year co-honoree in 2005 46 Spectrum maker 47 Comment after a missed shot 51 Characteristic 53 Shred 54 Tint 55 “I didn’t mean to do that” 56 Relatively unknown quality items ... and what can be found in 16-, 26and 42-Across 59 Unmitigated joy 60 Seller, usually 61 Its symbol is Fe 62 Some cameras, for short 63 Amorously pursues 64 Fiddling emperor Down

1 Orion’s left foot, some say 2 __ Gay 3 Naysayers 4 Pelican State sch.

5 Biblical mount 6 Tropical root vegetable 7 Squeaky-wheel need 8 Tissue layer 9 Attack 10 Hazard in many old Westerns 11 Opening 12 Lambs’ moms 14 New drivers, typically 17 Novel units 21 Whack at a mosquito 23 With skill 24 Family outing destinations 25 Numbered piece 27 Outlet insert 28 Celestial bear 29 First Black MLB team captain, 1964 30 Not nervous

31 Something Mommy needs to kiss?

32 Computer screen background 36 Odin and Thor 37 Wander 38 “Need anything __?”

40 Sulky state 41 Pie nut 43 Flowery van Gogh work 44 Battery terminals 45 Solution strength measure 48 “Over __!”

49 Something from a mill?

50 Type of survey question 51 Duds 52 Dinner table staple 53 License plate fig.

56 “__ come?”

57 Iconic WWII island, briefly 58 Winning game cry

(c)2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

Solutions

Sudoku

Crossword puzzle

Jumble:

GRAND WIPER FEMALE WORTHY - IN A WINDOW

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The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022, Page 23

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of FEB 12 - FEB 18

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Sidestep a misunderstanding by waiting for another day to discuss an issue with a loved one. Any impulsiveness could cause consequences, so it’s best to count to ten before taking action or voicing an opinion in the week to come.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Moderation should be your mantra. You would be wise to avoid taking on additional debts in the week ahead. A sparkling and enthusiastic outlook can attract others and may result in a wealth of social invitations.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your business ideas could be naive or overly idealistic in the week ahead. You are likely willing to investigate proposals and joint enterprises but might not understand the most important details. Wait to begin significant projects.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A loved one or partner could have some powerful ideas. Follow someone else’s lead as the week goes by and you should be able to achieve your goals. Wait until you are armed with more data before you discuss a family or career issue.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may feel restless and ready to try something new as this week progresses. You could be primed to meet interesting people and escape from a limiting relationship or situation. Use your soft heart to deal with the hard heads.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Exercise restraint, it’s fine to multi-task in the week to come but do not impulsively spend more money than you should. Be sure that short-term solutions are not creating long-term problems.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): You might find you are walking a narrow balance beam that makes missteps more likely than usual.

Wait until later in the week when there is less chance for a misunderstanding to discuss the future of a close relationship.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You might be inspired to make sweeping changes as the week unfolds. An enthusiastic partner could encourage you. At the same time, you may be aware of family responsibilities that require more of your energy.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): True freedom can come when you realize you have nothing to prove. You may tackle your job with creativity but still may feel most comfortable close to home with your family or tribe in the upcoming week.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Dreams are the first step to manifestation, and some of your inspiring and creative ideas could grow into something worth pursuing. Wait until later in the week to begin new projects or to take definitive action.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Even if you feel slightly under the weather, your attitude can shift enough for life to shine brightly. Take the lessons gained from recent experiences seriously as the week unfolds. Focus on changes within your family.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Take steps to protect yourself from making errors that impact your financial security. Be conscious of impulse purchases as this week flies by. Investigate apps or other ways to stay more efficient and organized.

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

PUT A MORE INTERESTING SPIN ON ROASTED POTATOES

By America’s Test Kitchen

In this recipe, salt does double duty: Not only does it give the potatoes their salty taste, but it also gives them their creamy texture.

There’s a lot more salt dissolv ed in t he super-salt y boiling water than there is in the raw potatoes. So, as t he spuds cook , som e of that dissolved salt moves from the water into the potatoes, seasoning them all the way through. (Thanks, diffusion!)

The salt also breaks down pectin in the potatoes (pectin is like a glue that holds the potatoes’ cells together ) . A s t he pect in br eak s down, the cells inside the potatoes start to separate.

At the same t ime, lots of tiny starch granules in the potatoes’ cells absorb water and swell up (think: teeny sponges), giving the potato a creamy (and smashable!) texture.

SALT-AND-VINEGAR SMASHED POTATOES Serves 4

Set a cooling rack inside one rimmed baking sheet.

2. Add water to a large pot and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Add salt to water and stir with slotted spoon until dissolved. Add potatoes to pot. Cook potatoes until very tender and a paring knife slips in and out easily, 20 to 30 minutes.

3 . Use a sl otted spoon to transfer potatoes to the cooling rack set in the bak ing sheet. Let potatoes sit to dry out for 10 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, spray a second rimmed bak ing sheet w ith v egetable oil spray. Use a pastr y brush to evenly coat the baking sheet with olive oil.

5. When potatoes are dr y, transfer potatoes to the oiled baking sheet. Use a 1-cup dry measuring cup to press down on each potato to flatten until 1/2-inch thick.

6. Use a clean pastr y brush to paint potatoes with half of the vinegar. Sprinkle potatoes with pepper.

7. Roast until potatoes are well browned and crisp, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer baking sheet to cooling rack . Use a pastr y brush to carefully paint potatoes with the remaining vinegar. Serve.

2 quarts water 1 1/4 cups salt 2 pounds small red potatoes Vegetable oil spray 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons malt vinegar Recipe notes: Use small red 1/4 teaspoon pepper potatoes, measuring 1 to 2 inches in diameter. I f y ou prefer to use kosher salt, you 1. Adjust oven rack to the will need 1 3/4 cups of Morupper-middle position and ton kosher salt or 2 1/2 cups heat oven to 450 degrees. of Diamond Crystal.

(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) 2022 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Page 24, The Jackson Times, February 12, 2022

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