The BRICK Times Vol. 21 - No. 42
In This Week’s Edition
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Neighbors Concerned About Development Planned On Church Land
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Community News Pages 9-11
Inside The Law Page 12
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Dear Joel Page 19
─Photos by Judy Smestad-Nunn (Left) A crowd spilled out into the hallway, with residents eager to learn about a plan to build 59 homes. (Right) The proposed development would be in the woods, like these near Laurel Avenue. By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - A larger crowd than what was expected came out to hear discussion of a plan that would build 59 houses on 31.63 acres of
woods owned by Visitation Roman Catholic Church and the Diocese of Trenton. The Planning Board hearing was postponed and moved to a larger venue in order to abide
by fire code limitations and to accommodate members of the public who filled the meeting room at Town Hall and overf lowed into the hallway during the February 23 meeting.
Developer DR Horton NJ/PA ℅ Robert Fesco plan to build homes that range from 2,300 to 3,200 square feet on the property, which lies east of Laurel Avenue, (Land - See Page 4)
Polar Bear Plunge: Big Crowds And Bigger Donations
By Bob Vosseller SEASIDE HEIGHTS – It wasn’t the worst day of the winter to run into ice cold ocean water but it clearly gave a chill to around 6,300 people during this year’s Polar Bear Plunge. The plungers had a reason for freezing and it was to support Spe-
cial Olympics New Jersey. Whether they wore costumes like Vikings or Leprechauns - or simply bathing suits - when 1 p.m. arrived they ran into the 40-degree water and endured the frigid 32-degree February weather. Their mission was to raise money for
the Special Olympics which suffered a shortfall last year when the event went virtual due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Heather Anderson, the president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics NJ was on the scene to see the renewed energy of the
live event. “It is great to be back in Seaside Heights with our many sponsors and the law enforcement community. It is an army of humanity here that support our athletes.” She noted that 26,000 you ng p e o ple p a rt icipat e i n Sp e cial Olympics New Jersey
prog r a ms a nd t hey participate for free. Eighty-two cents of each dollar raised goes directly to those programs for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.” The effort more than reached its $2 million fundraising goal which (Polar - See Page 6)
March 5, 2022
Town Agrees To Demo Houses, But Are They Empty?
By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - The Township Property Maintenance Board has recommended to proceed with demolition orders for five properties that have been found in default after failing to make repairs or perform other work to secure the properties, said Council President Vincent Minichino during the most recent Township Council meeting. The governing body passed a resolution authorizing the receipt of bids to secure the properties and approve the demotion process for 80 West Granada Drive, 24 Adair Drive, 478 East End Avenue, 204 Winchester Drive, and 357 Kelly Avenue. “Owners still have time to be in compliance with the Board’s orders while the township proceeds with the preparation of bid specs and completes the bidding process,” Minichino said. (Demo - See Page 4)
Local American Lithuanian Group Rallies To Support Ukraine
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – More than a dozen members of the Cent ral New Jersey Chapter of American Lithuanian Community gathered at the Ocean County Administration building on Saturday to show solidarity with Ukraine. L oret a G a ret t son , a Ma n a hawk i n resident, joined the gathering with her husband, mother and two young daughters. She explained why she and other Lithuanian immigrants felt such passion about supporting Ukraine from attacks. “We know Russian aggression,” said Garettson. “We were occupied for fifty years during and after World War II. (Support - See Page 5)
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Land:
Continued From Page 1 backs up to the Osbornville Elementary School and borders Breton Woods. Many of the residents who wish to keep the land in its natural state have been organizing on social media, have started a petition, and some were wearing t-shirts and carrying signs during the Planning Board meeting. The petition on change.org says that the demolition of the forest ignores the essential role it plays as a natural buffer to mitigate flooding and pollution. “If it is lost, the ‘woods’ in Breton Woods will be in name only,” the petition says,
Demo:
Continued From Page 1 If the properties remain in their current state without adherence to the Board’s orders, demolition contracts would be awarded, he said. The owner of 80 West Granada Drive, Anthony Frisina, attended the council meeting and spoke during public comment. “You voted to knock my house down - my house, my home where all my personal effects are,” he said. “I understand that I have to follow the maintenance, and I’m gonna do my best to work with [the Property Maintenance Board], but this gets painted with a broad stroke that they’ve been fighting us for three years, and they
which had nearly 6,000 signatures on it as of February 28. During a February 22 Facebook live program, Mayor John G. Ducey said the Diocese of Trenton has no interest in selling the property to the town. “We actually have two partners now - the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust is very interested. They actually went out and toured the property,” the mayor said. “Save Barnegat Bay is very interested in the property as well…the township, we want to save it and keep it as woods,” he said. “We don’t want to do a park or anything like that, we want to keep it as just the woods, keep it beautiful with the trees and animals and everything.”
The problem is there has to be an interested seller, Mayor Ducey said. The Diocese of Trenton haven’t returned the administration’s phone calls, despite the township’s interest. The mayor said there is also an unnamed private group who would like to donate money towards preserving the land, but the seller has to be on board. Before the Planning Board meeting was postponed, Chair Bernie Cooke said that an attorney for Save Barnegat Bay objected to any Planning Board member who has a leadership role in Visitation Church from participating in the hearing. Cooke polled the Board members, and none were excluded.
Lake Riviera resident Sam Beecroft attended the Planning Board meeting and said she would also be attending the next meeting. “I saw on a neighborhood app that they wanted to take down 30 acres of woods to build 59 homes,” she said. “It’s redundant because there’s lots of houses for sale in Lake Riviera. It doesn’t make any sense to build big houses when many people are downsizing. It also displaces wildlife, so eco-wise and financial-wise, it makes no sense,” Beecroft said. The larger venue for the March 21 special meeting of the Planning Board, will be held at the Brick Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road at 7 p.m.
haven’t.” Frisina said the contractor they hired to raise their house took their money and left. The family was then advised by the attorney general not to do anything more to the house, pending an investigation. “Meanwhile, I guess the neighbors got annoyed because it was under construction,” he said. “We did clean up. The big thing I did do was I put siding on the house, and then I got fined for doing work without a permit.” He has since received a permit, but Frisina said he was not made aware of a certified letter that was sent to the house saying that the house was on the demolition list. No one was living at the house, so he missed the Property Maintenance meeting,
he said. “I will do my best to work with the Board,” Frisina said. “I’m doing the best I can.” Township Business Administrator Joanne Bergin said Frisina’s case was first heard before the Property Maintenance Board in July 2020 - and it underwent a long process before it got to the Board, she added. It was heard again in December 2020 and again in December 2021, Bergin said. “We generally do exercise patience, we want willing participation…and tonight does not mean that the demolition trucks are going to show up tomorrow, but it does mean we take this very seriously on behalf of the residents and neighbors that want to see the property improved,” Bergin said. After the meeting, Bergin said that most
of the homes scheduled to be demolished, and end up on the township’s abandoned property list, are vacant. The definition of abandoned property is any property that has not been legally occupied for a period of six months and meets one other of four criteria: The property is in need of rehabilitation and none has taken place in the last six months; construction was started and stopped for at least six months; one quarter property tax payment is delinquent; and/or the property is considered a nuisance by the township construction official. “We look forward to having the matter resolved,” Bergin said to Frisina. The next council meeting will be on Tuesday March 8 at 7 p.m.
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Support:
Continued From Page 1 Our generation represents the third wave of immigration from Lithuania to the United States. We were still born in occupied Lithuania and lived as a part of the USSR.” Belar us sits between Lithuania on its northern border and Ukraine on its southern border. According to international news reports, the Lithuanian president signed a decree calling for a state of emergency until at least March 10th. Garettson said that she and others from her native country are fearful that the Russians will further their attacks into Lithuania. “We know some of our people who are willing to go to fight under the Ukrainian f lag,” Garretson said. A tearful Loreta Balcaitiene of Jackson made the conf lict closer to home as she shared conversations with family members hidden in the basement of their residence. Although Balcaitiene immigrated to the United States from Lithuania 21 years ago, her mother had family from Ukraine. Several of her cousins still live there. “My family is in Bojarka, which is 20 km (12.4 miles) from Kiev,” shared Balcaitiene. “There are seven of them sitting together in total darkness, who range in age from almost 12 to 78.” Balcaitiene said she was able to speak with her family members by Skype and described the sound of bombs blasting
The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 5 in the background during their conversation. According to Balcaitiene, authorities have set a 7 p.m. curfew for everyone to be inside. Nonetheless, most people resist going outside even during the daytime. The streets are eerily silent without the sounds of normal vehicular traffic. One of Balcaitiene’s male cousins is 44 years old, who works as an engineer. The government has ordered all Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 to 60 to stay to defend their country. “My cousin’s wife has refused to leave him behind,” Balcaitiene said. “She said they all need to stay together. They try to tell me not to worry, but that’s not possible.” The direness of the situation includes empty food stores and barriers set up at minor checkpoints. During each of the three separate conversations Balcaitiene had with her relatives, she became startled by the loud sound of bombs in the background. “A Russian girlfriend of mine called me to apologize and was crying,” shared Balcaitiene. “I reassured her that she didn’t do anything. Not all the Russian people are behind this.” Kostas Mastakas, another Lithuanian immigrant who lives in Jackson, joined the rally to bring attention to the need for the world to support Ukraine. He termed Russia’s invasion as an old conf lict with all of the old Soviet Union republics and expressed his mistrust of the country’s leadership.
“We don’t trust Putin or his regime,” said Mastakas. “He’s not going to stop, and we would like all the people in the world to know he’s not going to stop with just Ukraine. Putin is a dictator with no control and an anarchist.” Meanwhile, Garettson supplied the
─Photo courtesy Central New Jersey Chapter of American Lithuanian Community Americans of Lithuanian descent rallied in solidarity for Ukraine against the Russian invasion.
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Polar:
Continued From Page 1
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aligns with the organization’s new motto of ‘comeback is stronger than the setback.’ Members of the Brick Knights of Columbus enjoyed their foray into the water and even wore matching bathrobes to help them get into the mood before the plunge. The group’s spokesman Joseph Brown said, “our team total was eight and included our Grand Knight Tom Tahaney, Joseph Brown, Chris Donley, Alex Hahn, Matt Napolitano, Andrew Quinn, Brian Jennings, and Sharron Jennings. We’re hoping to include more members next year.” “We decided to make the plunge only three weeks ago but in those short weeks we raised just over $4,000 which exceeded our original goal of $500. We were new to the scene and didn’t know what to set as our goal,” Brown said, Brown added, “our members and families have taken us above and beyond. I would like to acknowledge a future member of ours, Payton Bower, an 8-year-old who told his grandparents that he wanted to donate to the plunge on our behalf. That is the kind of
future members we can hope for. His father is currently away from his family serving the U.S. Army and the club couldn’t be more proud of the young man that he had raised.” Nicole Greco of Wayne was excited as she cheered on those heading toward the beach, from the balcony of a town house on Ocean Avenue. “My friends have been coming here for nine years and they finally convinced me to come and plunge. A member of a friend’s family has a disability and is in the Special Olympics.” “I decided why not? The veterinary emergency group I work for as a veterinary nurse was able to donate. I’m going head under water and plunging as a member of Tenth Avenue Freeze Out. They’ll be 10 of us. I’m excited and this is a great cause,” she added. One person who didn’t freeze but had past plunge experience was Joe Sarnoski, a retired police captain from Lyndhurst who has been supporting the Special Olympics since 1996. This year he once again donned the white furred costume and full head mask of the event’s mascot, and cheered people on as a polar bear. “I was a plunger first and when I started helping the Special Olympics, my wife made me a polar bear outfit. I’ve been the mascot since 1999,” Sarnoski added.
2022 Animal License Renewals
BRICK – All dogs and cats, 7 months or older, in the Township of Brick must be licensed for 2022 during the month of January. In an effort to minimize crowds, residents are encouraged to apply for licenses by mail this year. If requesting by mail, include the rabies cer t if icate a nd a st a mped , self-addressed envelope. If necessar y, you can renew in person at the Municipal Building, 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Exact change, check or credit (no American Express). For more information including fees, v i sit b r i c k t ow n sh i p.n e t /i n d e x .ph p/ departments/township-clerk and go to Animal Licensing.
Shade Tree Commission Plants Trees
POINT PLEASANT – The Point Pleasant Beach Shade Tree Commission planted eight trees as part of their “Nominate Your Block” program. Due to the tremendous response to the fall program, several fall block nominations will be carried over and evaluated for a spring planting. The commission will also be accepting new block nominations for their spring 2022 planting. If you want to nominate your block for free street trees in 2022, contact Louise Stillufsen with your address, email and phone. Send your nomination to Louise at lstillufsen@gmail.com or text 732-773-1291 by January 20.
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The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 7
Sheriff’s Officer Passes Away From COVID-19
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─Photo courtesy Ocean County Sheriff’s Office By Alyssa Riccardi OCEAN COUNTY – Sergeant Matt hew Hor t on of t he Oce a n Cou nt y Sheriff’s Office has passed away after battling COVID-19. “On behalf of Sheriff Michael Mastronardy and the entire staff at the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office we mourn the loss of Sgt. Matthew Horton #147,” the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Horton was the first commander of the Rapid Deployment Team and served in the Judicial, Field Services and Professional Standards Unit. “He has always had a passion for law enforcement and helping others,” Travis Hoban stated in a GoFundMe
fundraiser. Horton had contracted COVID-19 in December and was in the hospital since January. During that time he struggled with pneumonia and other complications. “It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you all that Matt passed away on February 22. Matt leaves behind a wife and four sons that he loved unconditionally. He was such an amazing husband, father, and friend. Matt will always be remembered and forever missed,” Hoban wrote. Currently, the community has raised nearly $3,000 through the GoFundMe, with a goal of $10,000 in order to cover expenses. If you would like to donate, visit gofundme. com/f/matthew-horton.
Mantoloking Police Department Now Hiring
MANTOLOKING – The Mantoloking Police Department is currently accepting applications for SLEO I officers for the summer 2022 season. They are also accepting applications for experienced Certified SLEO II officers with the possibility of winter hours.
SLEO I starting pay is $14 an hour. SLEO II starting pay is $16.50 $18 an hour based on experience. Applications can be picked up in person or downloaded from their website at Mantoloking.org; click on Police Department then Careers.
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Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Booker Bill Will Support Families Of Public Safety Officers WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and John Cornyn (RTX) to introduce a bill that would support the families of officers who struggle with their mental health or who are lost to trauma-linked suicides. These families are struggling to receive the benefits they deserve because federal law currently limits the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to only cover physical injuries - completely excluding any support for mental health concerns. The Public Safety Officer Support Act would create an avenue for officers to seek disability benefits for PTSD by directing the PSOB to designate work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder as a line of duty injury for eligible officers as well as those who are permanently disabled as a result of attempted suicide. It would also allow families of officers who die by trauma-linked suicide to apply for death benefits by directing the PSOB to presume that suicides are a result of job duties in certain traumatic circumstances where there is evidence that PTSD or acute stress
disorder would be the cause of the injury. The Public Safety Officer Support Act has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Sergeants Benevolent Association, National Sheriffs Association, Blue H.EL.P, the National Border Patrol Council, United States Capitol Police Labor Committee, and American Psychological Association. The PSOB provides financial support to the families of firefighters, police officers, chaplains, and emergency medical technicians who die in the line of duty or who have been permanently disabled as a result of a physical injury, including physical ailments that result from the stress of the job such as heart attacks. While the U.S. military already recognizes suicides by servicemembers as deaths in the line of the duty, the PSOB does not. “Law enforcement officers are on the frontlines of major crises – from responding to mass shootings and domestic violence incidents, to protecting the United States Capitol during a violent insurrection,” said Sen. Booker. “These distressing experiences can
have long-term impacts with many officers suffering from PTSD and others tragically taking their own lives. To support officers who have made the greatest sacrifice in the line of duty or face life-long trauma, I am proud to join a bipartisan, bicameral effort to ensure that the Public Safety Officer Benefit program provides financial benefits to officers who have developed mental health issues, and in the worst instances, died by suicide.” “As a profession, we do a good job at protecting our officers’ physical safety by providing them with tools like anti-ballistic body armor, but far too often we have failed to recognize or address the tremendous mental stress our officers endure as a consequence of their service,” Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) President Patrick Yoes said. “Law enforcement and other public safety officers face a 25.6 times higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorder than those in other professions. We believe that law enforcement suicides are underreported, but to the best of our knowledge, 169 officers took their own lives in 2021. “Your legislation provides that officers in
crisis who take their own lives or attempt to do so will be considered as service-connected and, in some cases, the officer or their surviving family will be eligible for PSOB death or disability benefits. It is time to recognize that long-term exposure to mental stress and traumatic events over the course of service can inflict ‘invisible injuries’ on the men and women in law enforcement. The fact is that severe PTSD is just as disabling as a physical injury and an officer who suffers from this or a similar disorder that may result in suicide is just as service-connected as any other line-of-duty death,” he said. “As suicide continues to outpace all other line of duty deaths, except COVID, this historic legislation marks a turning point in the culture of first responders,” said Karen Solomon, Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer at Blue Help. “The ability to recognize those who suffer mental injuries as a result of their job will open doors to families left behind and to first responders currently suffering. We will no longer treat them or their service as less deserving of honor and recognition.”
Senator Menendez Pushes IRS To Work Through Its Backlog WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that oversees the Internal Revenue Service, was joined by U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr., Rutgers Law Tax Clinic representatives, tax professionals and taxpayers, as he reiterated his calls for the agency to take immediate actions to get back to basics, reduce its massive backlog, and improve customer service during the 2022 tax filing season. “Since last June, I have been sounding the alarm on the customer service issues, processing delays, and anticipated challenges at the IRS given the significant outstanding backlog of tax returns. I have sent six oversight letters to the IRS urging them to get back to the basics of opening the mail, processing returns, and answering phone calls,” said Sen. Menendez. “No entity, public or private, touches more Americans than the IRS. That’s why we must have an IRS that works.” Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the IRS has struggled with funding and personnel issues for over a decade. Between 2010 and 2019, the agency’s budget declined by $2.9 billion or 20.4 percent. This, combined with a reduction in nearly one-fourth of its workforce, created a “perfect storm” leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
Following the onset of the pandemic, the IRS closed all of its processing facilities for almost three months and delayed the close of the 2020 filing season, leading to a backlog of 13.1 million unprocessed tax returns at the end of 2020, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). According to the National Taxpayer Advocate, as of January 28, 2022, the IRS has 23.7 million items to process manually, including 17.9 million unprocessed returns and 5.8 million pieces of mail. “My office has received hundreds of calls in the last year and a half on IRS-related matters – in fact, it is the single greatest issue that we are hearing about and it is time for the IRS to make changes,” added Sen. Menendez. “Navigating the complex tax system is a challenge in the best of times. Low-income individuals often have additional obstacles due to limited education or language barriers. Our goal is to help these individuals, who are lost in the system, achieve a result in a tax dispute,” said Sandy Freund, Clinical Professor of Law, Charles Davenport Clinical Scholar at Rutgers Law School and Director of the Tax Clinic. “However, lately, all of us in the tax community face the additional hurdle of dealing with the IRS, a bureaucracy now laden with extreme delays in case processing. Cases
are taking years to resolve and supporting documents sent in by taxpayers are not being processed at all. These delays are incredibly costly to taxpayers, as refunds are being seized yearly, while cases are pending.” Sen. Menendez has long been sounding the alarm about customer service performance and the agency’s massive processing backlogs. Last week, Sen. Menendez and Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.-07) led a bicameral effort with 45 colleagues urging the IRS to take immediate actions to reduce its massive backlog and improve its customer service during the 2022 tax filing season. Shortly after sending out letter, the IRS announced it would be putting together a second surge team to help address the massive backlogs and continue to improve customer service. Sens. Menendez and Cortez Masto led another letter calling on the IRS to halt
its planned closure of the Austin tax processing center, given how it would impact ITIN applicants and recipients. Shortly after sending the letter, the IRS announced it would not close the Austin facility. In January, Sen. Menendez led 210 colleagues in a bipartisan and bicameral call for the IRS to provide penalty relief for taxpayers. This spurred the agency to address some of the most painful issues facing taxpayers by temporarily halting some, but not all of the penalty notifications. Sen. Menendez also urged IRS Commissioner Rettig last year to keep phone lines open while addressing the unprecedented backlog of unprocessed returns and to take concrete steps that will allow them to return back to basics such as answering phones, providing quality online and in-person services, and processing returns in a timely manner.
Paws In The Park
BERKELEY – Ocean County Parks & Recreation has announced Paws in the Park (formerly known as Yappy Hour) event for June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors wanted! For years this event (Yappy Hour) was held in Ocean County Park in Lakewood. It now has a new name and a new home in
the Robert J Miller Air Park Ocean County Fairgrounds in Berkeley Township. They are looking for vendors of “all things dog related” - items or services, shops to mom-and-pop home businesses. For more information contact Marc Steuer at 732-506-9090 ext. 5950, or msteuer@ co.ocean.nj.us.
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The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 9
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Woman Indicted For Vehicular Homicide After DWI
By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – A Monmouth County woman has been indicted for Vehicular Homicide and more after police discovered she was intoxicated while driving, which resulted in the death of a senior. Ashley Watkins, 30, of Eatontown has been indicted on the charges of Vehicular Homicide as well as Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide and Assault by Auto. On May 9, 2021, the Brick Township Police Department arrived at the intersection of Lanes Mill Road and Greenwood Loop regarding a serious car crash with injuries. After investigating the crash, police determined that Watkins was driving southwest on Lanes Mill Road when she crossed the center line of the roadway and collided head-on with a Caravan. The driver of the van, Terry Penrod, 78, of Brick, sustained a broken leg and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment. The passenger in the car, Terry’s wife Nancy Penrod, was transported to Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. Watkins had minor injuries from the crash and was taken to Ocean Medical Center for treatment.
While at the hospital she consented to a draw of her blood. On June 2, 2021, the results revealed fentanyl, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and marijuana in her blood stream. These results determined that Watkins was unfit to safely operate a car at the time of the crash. On June 4, 2021, detectives arrived at Watkins home and arrested her without incident. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and later released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Watkin’s arrest and indictment. The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Mayor Ducey Announces Scholarship Opportunity
BRICK – Mayor John G. Ducey would like to inform high school juniors and seniors in Brick Township who are planning to continue their education after high school about a scholarship opportunity offered by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. The League is offering three $1,000 scholarships through the Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition. The statewide competition centers on the theme “How has local government played a role in your life regarding the ongoing pandemic?” “Brick Township has many exceptional young students. I encourage all juniors and seniors to participate in this scholarship competition and show just how exceptional, talented and dedicated the young people of our community are,” said Mayor Ducey. Applicants will be required to write an essay of approximately 500 words with the theme: “What My Municipal Government Does Best.” Judging is based solely on the essay including originality, technical composition and appropriateness and effective articulation of theme.
Students wishing to apply for the scholarship competition can download an application packet at bricktownship.net. If you would like to request an application by email, send an email to dmurphy@twp.brick.nj.us. The scholarship is open to all high school juniors and seniors. Residents who live in Brick but attend schools in other communities should return their application to Mayor Ducey’s office. A committee will select one essay from Brick Township as a semi-finalist. That application will be forwarded and reviewed by the NJSLOM Scholarship Committee. That committee will select 15 finalists and 3 winners. The winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship and their essay will be featured in New Jersey Municipalities Magazine. All applications must be returned to Mayor Ducey’s office by March 18. Completed applications should be mailed to Mayor John Ducey, Attention: NJSLOM Scholarship, 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ, 08723.
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AARP Income Tax Assistance
BRICK – AARP volunteers will be available to provide free income tax assistance for Br ick Township residents every Wednesday until April at the Brick Township Senior Ser vices
Activity Center, VFW Post 8867, 373 Adamston Road. You must call 732-920-8686 to schedule an appointment. No walk-in appointments are available.
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Page 10, The Brick Times, March 5, 2022
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Sports Saturdays Offered For Children Ages 9-12
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BRICK – The Brick Municipal Anti-Drug Coalition is hosting the Sports Saturdays program for Township Youth ages 9 to 12. The program will be held on Saturdays from March 19 through June 11 from 8 a.m.- to 12 p.m. at the Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road. Sports Saturday connects drug use prevention with enhancement of fitness
levels, sports training, food nutrition, development of leadership qualities, problem solving and other pro-social behaviors. Participation in Sports Saturday is free. Each Saturday is a stand-alone session; you do not have to register for every Saturday. For more information, email bwhite@bricktownship.net.
Jersey Shore Animal Center’s Spring “Fur” Paws Gift Auction BRICK – The Jersey Shore Animal Center will be hosting their spring “Fur” Paws Gift Auction on May 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Brick Elks Lodge, 2491 Hooper Avenue, Brick. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each (add $5 at the door) and available starting February 21. First 25
bidding tickets free with paid admission. Cash 50/50. Complimentary tea, coffee and desserts. Kitchen open for food purchases. Alcohol free event/ no access to on premise bar. You must be 18 years or older. For more information, visit JerseyShoreAnimalCenter.org or call 732-920-1600 ext.206.
Brick Elks Drug Awareness Committee Craft Fair
BRICK – The Brick Elks Lodge #2151 Drug Awareness Committee will be hosting a craft fair on March 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brick Elks Lodge Banquet Hall, 2491 Hooper Avenue, Brick. Event is rain or shine. Open to the public. Enjoy 40 plus crafters! Kitchen
will be open for food purchases: Danish/ buttered rolls, coffee/tea, hamburgers, hot dogs, etc. Proceeds go to peer leadership. For additional information, contact Christina Bradley at 732-977-7199 or email chisnmarty7311@aol.com.
2022 Brick Hero Awards
BRICK – The Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee will be hosting the 2022 Brick Hero Awards on March 11 at the BTHS Auditorium. These awards recognize the contributions of individuals that have made a positive impact in our community. Help us celebrate our local heroes!
Tickets for the Brick Hero Awards will be available at the door: $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. All proceeds from the event go to benefit the Mayor’s Student Advisory and the Lounge 270 Teen Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Brandi at bwhite@ twp.brick.nj.us.
Brick Police Warns Of Potential Scam
BRICK – The Brick Township Police Department has responded to multiple incidents where individuals represent themselves to be from utility companies. These subjects have been known to use distraction techniques for others to enter your home. If they claim there is an issue with your service, always utilize the number on your monthly statement and not the number they present for you to contact. If you have questions regarding
your services, call the number listed on your monthly statement. Brick Police would like to remind residents, utility companies do not have employees going door to door regarding your monthly usage or service bill. If you believe that you were a target of a scam, please contact Brick Police at 732-2621100. Residents are reminded solicitors must have a permit with the clerk’s office for door-to-door solicitation.
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The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 11
Around The Jersey Shore
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Officials: Don’t Go To Emergency Room Only For COVID Testing NEW JERSEY – Due to an increase in individuals seeking COVID-19 testing in Emergency Departments, the New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Hospital Association are reminding the public that Emergency Departments are for emergencies only. “Seeking non-emergency care such as COVID-19 testing in an Emergency Department diverts critical staff time and resources from those with true emergencies,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Our hospital Emergency Depar t ments are exper iencing ver y high volumes of individuals seeking COV I D -19 t e st i ng. We u nde r st a nd that people want to be safe and follow our recommendations to get tested for COVID-19, but I want to remind the public that Emergency Departments are for those who need critical, life-saving care.” Individuals with mild symptoms who su sp e ct COV I D -19 shou ld v isit a n urgent care center, federally qualified health center or contact their primary care physician. “We need the public’s help to preserve Emergency Department resources for those experiencing emergency illnesses and injuries, including life-threatening conditions including heart attacks and strokes,” said New Jersey Hospital Association President and CEO Cathleen Bennett. “New Jersey experienced a
high number of deaths at home last year, including people who were facing critical medical issues who waited too long to seek emergency care amid the pandemic. We must not allow concerns about overcrowded Emergency Department to add to that toll of pandemic deaths.” “It is important to seek emergency care when you need it,” Commissioner Persichilli said. “Individuals experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain – which can be symptoms of COVID-19 as well as other critical illnesses – should call 911 or seek care i n a n Eme rge ncy De pa r t me nt. But those seeking testing should find other locations.” The Department is encouraging the public to visit COVID19.nj.gov to find one of the over 1,000 testing locations throughout the state, including free pop-up and county sites, rather than go to an Emergency Department. A new federal COVID-19 surge testing site is to officially open on January 1 at the East Orange Division of Senior Services and will provide free nasal swab PCR testing for up to 1,000 individuals per day. The state also has par t nered with Vault Medical Services to offer free at-home testing and you can visit learn. vaulthealth.com/nj to order your free test.
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 Healt h Associat ion i n New Jer sey, 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
wait resses, hou sekee per s, ma ssage 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 d isorde r s, de pression , a n x iet y a nd Post-Tr au mat ic St ress 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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R.C. Shea & Assoc. Around The Jersey Shore
Inside The Law Consider A Caregiver Agreement
Marc S. Galella Esq.
By Marc S. Galella, Esq., of R.C. Shea and Associates A Caregiver Agreement is a written contract entered into between a person needing care and a person providing care. Usually, the Caregiver Agreement is between an adult child and a parent, a relative or a friend. Through the use of a Caregiver Agreement, the disabled or elderly person can transfer money to family members as compensation rather than as a gift. A properly prepared Agreement specifically lists what services the child is to provide to the parent and at what price. The Agreement must be in writing and entered into before the compensated services are rendered. Since the caregiver child is getting “paid” they must report the income for tax purposes. In some cases, the parent may be able to deduct the payments as a medical expense. The advantages of having a Caregiver Agreement include establishing clear caregiver compensation, providing a practical housing arrangement and assisting a Medicaid plan. Family members overwhelmingly provide the care for elderly and disabled loved ones at home. Although it’s a labor of love, taking care of ailing loved ones also has a market value, meaning that caretakers can be paid as a way to protect assets. It’s only fair that the child who is caring for the parent should be paid for the services. When a caregiver’s compensation is memorialized in a legal document, allegations by other siblings are minimized because the contract spells out the details. Further, to protect family relationships, it’s recommended that all family members
agree with the Arrangement even if they are not parties to the agreement. By having a Caregiver Agreement, the parent may be able to avoid a nursing facility by providing for the parent to be able to remain in the parent’s home or the home of the caregiver instead of a nursing facility. A Caregiver Agreement can also be part of a Medicaid plan. As long as the Agreement is correctly drafted, and both parties abide by its terms, funds payable to the caregiver under the Agreement will accelerate Medicaid eligibility. Since payments are made for the services rendered, they should not be treated as gifts. This will thwart Medicaid penalties as a result of giving money directly to the caregiver child. Since caregiver agreements transfer money over a period of time, they are better entered into sooner rather than later. The child should consider the following points if the child feels uncomfortable about taking money to care for the parent: • A third-party caregiver would get paid for caring and giving room and board to the parent; • If the parent were to apply for Medicaid, money that the child could have been paid for legitimately caring for their parent will instead be paid to the nursing home as part of a Medicaid spend down. • A proper Caregiver Agreement can be a valuable elder-law planning tool in the right circumstances. Contact our office to see if a Caregiver Agreement makes sense for you.
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Historical Society Program On The Hindenburg BRICK – The Brick Township Historical Society will sponsor a program on the Hindenburg Air Ship disaster on March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Herbertsville Firehouse, 601 Herbertsville Rd., Brick. Bill Schmidt, a member of the Lakehurst Historical Society, will present a program explaining this important happening in New Jersey history. Schmidt is a Navy veteran, having served on the destroyer USS Charles S. Sperry DD 697 during the
Vietnam era. He is a retired Stationary Engineer with a NJ Red Seal Boilers License to operate high pressure boilers. His last position before retirement was at Hudson Tank Terminal at Port Newark. Admission is free and the public is welcome. Parking is in the rear of the firehouse. For more information about the society see its website at: bricktownshiphistoricalsociety.com or call 732-7852500.
Coast Guard To Hold Boating Safely Class
BRICK – The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 16-05 located in Brick will be offering a 1-day Boating Safely class on March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, Unit 129 located at 2025 Church Road in Toms River. This is a comprehensive course in the
essentials of Safe Boating with instruction by certified Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors. Students upon successful completion will receive their NJ State Boating Safety Certificate. The cost for materials is $55. For registration and information call 732-7017849 or email 0531605@5nrdivision16.net.
“Climb With A Cop” To Benefit Special Olympics BRICK – The Brick PBA is hosting a “Climb with a Cop” event to benefit Special Olympics on March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is being held at The Gravity Vault located in Brick Plaza.
Entry fee is $30. Any local businesses interested in donating, contact the PBA. For more details, visit gravityvault.com, njtorchrun.org or call Gravity Vault at 848-241-3523.
St. Paul’s UMC To Host Indoor Craft And Vendor Show
BRICK – St. Paul’s UMC to hold giant indoor craft and vendor show on March 5 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 714 Herbertsville Road in Brick. Over 40 vendors will be represented at the craft and vendor show. Food will be
available while you shop and gift raffles will be held during show. All proceeds will benefit local missions that are supported by the United Methodist Women of Brick. More information can be found online at StPaulsBrick.com or by calling 732-458-2080.
Brick Historical Society Upcoming Meeting BRICK – The Brick Township Historical Society next meeting is March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Herbertsville Firehouse, featuring Township Historian Navy Veteran Bill Schmidt presenting a program
on the Hindenburg Disaster. Open to the public; free admission. Call 732-785-2500 for more information or visit bricktownshiphistoricalsociety.com.
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Thyroid Support Group
WHITING – The Thyroid Support Group will be meeting on March 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. If you have a thyroid issue, or question, come share and join us. Call the Facilitator, Stefanie at 732-350-2904. If you need directions, call the Church office and speak to Greg at 732-350-2121.
Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally
OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.
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The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 13
Around The Jersey Shore Educational Grants Available For All Qualified Lakewood Residents
LAKEWOOD – Rabbi Avi Schnall, a principal in Agudath of Israel of America, is proud to announce that Lakewood has created an education recovery benefit program to help local families affected by the pandemic. When he discovered that ARP (American Rescue Plan) money could be used for educational purposes, Rabbi Schnall made a proposal to the Lakewood Township Committee. Mayor Ray Coles and the rest of the Committeemen gave his suggestion their full support. Anyone from preschool through college impacted by COVID-19 may get an educational assistance grant up to $2,500 per eligible applicant, depending on the cost of their outstanding educational expense. The deadline to apply for funding is March 7. Applications are online at agudah.org/EAP or at Agudah’s offices: 930-B East County Line Road Suite 203, Lakewood.
All applicants will need to provide proof of an outstanding education expense, and a loss of income from the year 2019 to 2020 by providing those years’ tax returns, Because of the number of applicants, an outside third party will conduct a lottery to determine the winners from all eligible applicants. Eligible applicants who do not have internet access can come to Agudath Israel’s New Jersey office, 930-B East County Line Road Suite 203, Lakewood, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and until 1 p.m. on Fridays to use any of the computers available to access the application site. Agudath staff will be available Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for anyone who needs personal assistance on a self-serve computer. For more information or questions, call 732-806-9019 or email eap@agudah.org.
Library Toiletry Drive Will Help Children In Need
TOMS R I V ER – Members of the Ocean County Library’s Department of Homebound and Volunteer Services ask for your help as they collect donated toiletry items for Ocean County ch ild ren i n need , Ma rch 1 th roug h March 31. The Library is teaming up with county organizations that distribute items to children in need. Collection centers
will be in the Toms River, Manchester, Jackson, Point Pleasant Borough, Lacey and Brick Branches. The most-needed items include unopened toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorants, shampoo, hair conditioner, hair brushes, combs, socks, and feminine hygiene products. No donation is too small, and each makes a big difference in a child’s life
Annual Chili Supper
POINT PLEASANT – The Woman’s Club of Point Pleasant is hosting their Annual Chili Supper on March 19 at 6 p.m. Gather your family and friends for an enjoyable evening of good food & entertainment. The menu will be choice of beef or vege-
tarian chili, soup, salad and dessert. Tickets are $20 per person and are available by contacting Jean Blaha at 848-219-2555 (leave a message) or jmblaha1508@gmail.com. Woman’s Club of Point Pleasant located at 513 St Louis Avenue Point Pleasant Beach.
“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.
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!
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Page 14, The Brick Times, March 5, 2022
Around The Jersey Shore What Will Happen To Displaced Campground Residents?
By Stephanie Faughnan MANCHESTER – People rarely voice their objections when the Ocean County Commissioners announce plans to expand open space. Many see the promise of open space as a means of avoiding overdevelopment in their communities. For those who weighed in on the county’s plans to procure the Surf & Stream Campground earlier this month, the purchase raised personal implications. “The property owner accepted and negotiated an offer of $7.4 million, and has agreed to demolish structures on the property,” announced Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Virginia “Ginny” Haines. “Manchester Township has wholeheartedly supported this project and are contributing $1.5 million for the purchase.” The county’s portion of the money comes from the Natural Lands Trust Fund, which is fueled by a tax on every property in the county. Thirty or more families live on the site year-round and see themselves as a community unrooted with no place to go. Several said they only became aware of their prospective displacement in recent weeks. Annette Diaz raised her children in a large home in Jackson she said had an estimated value of $500,000. She clenched a designer pocketbook under her arm as she told her story to the commissioners. Diaz moved to Surf & Stream after a divorce left her in financial ruins four years ago. Many of the occupants on the campground live in recreational vehicles that can easily be attached to a hitch. Diaz opted for a Park Model, which she said can’t be relocated. “First and foremost, I need to know what the plan is, as we’ve heard nothing,” implored Diaz. “I need to know how fast this is happening. I don’t want to find myself homeless.” Others who rent lots at Surf & Stream expressed their fears as well. One gentleman said the problem was not so much moving his camper, as it was finding a place to park it full-time. “I understand that this is a seasonal campground,” Haines said. “The arrangement you have with the owner of the property presently is between you and the owner. Anytime we buy any natural lands, all structures are going to be torn down.” Anthony M. Agliata, Ocean County Planning Director said the transaction won’t be finalized until government authorities conclude their due diligence, including surveying and environmental reviews. He estimated the timeframe for the exchange as between six and nine months. Haines said she felt badly and suggested the worried residents speak with Stephen
Scaturro, Ocean County Director of Consumer Affairs. Scaturro stayed after the two-hour commissioner’s meeting and exchanged contact information. “The campgrounds aren’t touted as a year-round development,” said Scaturro in an interview. “Ideally, the seller of the property would come to some sort of agreement to put some money in escrow and help these people relocate from there.” Scaturro suggested the property owner might offer to purchase the more permanent structures. None of the occupants appear to have written lease agreements and many pay their lot fees in cash. The law requires the landowner file eviction proceedings to remove them from the property. In an interview with The Manchester Times in 2018, Barry Bielat said he purchased the campgrounds in 2008 as an investment opportunity. He saw it as a beautiful place on the river and thought it would be a good location for a combination of new homes and businesses. When he made his case for redevelopment in 2018, Bielat admitted that some people rented the lots for twelve months. However, he claimed those who paid year-round fees relocated elsewhere in the winter and no full-time residents would be displaced. Bielat did not respond to a request for comment on how he intends to handle the current situation. Residents from Surf & Stream say they haven’t heard from him either. A Winter Visit To Surf & Stream The bulk of the 200 lots clustered together at Surf & Stream contain recreational vehicles differing in size, age and model. The site also includes a sprinkling of cabins, as well as some more permanent structures resembling mobile homes. Some of the RVs are draped in fitted covers, presumably to protect them from the elements during the winter months. Meanwhile, many of the lots had cars parked out front on a Thursday morning visit. Barking dogs somewhat confirm their human companions haven’t taken off for warmer parts. Flocks of geese and ducks congregated by the river appear to consider the campgrounds their year-round residence. Their presence across the street from a brown building marked the General Store seems counterintuitive to the frigid temperatures. The door to the Surf & Stream General Store opened up to a scene reminiscent of the fictional town of Mayberry. A group of neighbors sat together at a diner type counter as part of their daily routine. Marie Cicalo stood behind the counter and identified herself as the campground’s (Campground - See Page 15)
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Campground: Continued From Page 14
assistant manager. She and her husband own a brand new 42-foot camper that’s parked on one of the first lots. She’s as surprised as the rest of the community they’ll be forced to move. And, she has no idea where she’s going next. “The worst part is we’re made out to be such a bad place,” said Cicalo, as he offered a cup of coffee. “It really isn’t. They’re just a few bad apples here like everywhere else.” A woman bundled up in a fleece robe walked in and joined the conversation. She said she didn’t like the media portraying the campgrounds in such a negative light. A 2019 stabbing left a man dead at the entrance to Surf & Stream. From his seat at the counter, resident Stephen Hand said the killing was the result of a drug deal gone bad. “The problems in the neighborhood are like in any development,” Cicalo shared. You just notice it more here because we’re on top of each other. It’s more concentrated.” Cicalo excused herself to answer the telephone. Someone was calling in to inquire about the availability of lot rentals. With no instructions from higher ups to do
The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 15 otherwise, Cicalo responded she had some very small sites available. Hand said he’s been bringing his children to the campgrounds for more than four decades. He’s lived there full time for the last couple of years and his problem is not picking up and moving his camper. It’s finding a place to relocate. “There are only so many full-time campgrounds in New Jersey,” Hand said. “People here are limited as to where they can go.” Diaz, the first one to speak to the commissioners, said she plans to fight for help until the end. She’s worked too hard to change her life from where it was four years ago. And, she has no regrets that she made her new beginning at Surf & Stream. “I love my space here,” Diaz said. “I have friends here in the summer and the kids love it. We have a DJ on Fridays, and movies on Saturdays. It’s not a blighted area like the media portrayed. And if the cops were always here, the town would have shut it down.” Although the property owner has never contacted Diaz to advise she’d need to move, Diaz sent Bielat a letter herself. She’s also written to each of the commissioners. According to Diaz, she entitled her letter “Annette’s Displacement.” She’s hoping someone pays attention – sooner than later.
BlueClaws Welcomes New Manager, Coaching Line-Up By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE – Four-year major league development coach with the San Diego Padres Keith Werman has been named the 15th manager of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. As the season is set to open on April 8, Werman will lead the BlueClaws in their second year as the Phillies High-A affiliate. Joining Werman this year will be pitching coach Brad Bergesen, hitting coach Ari Adut, bench coach Pat Listach, athletic trainer Steve Torregrossa, and strength & conditioning coach Vanessa Escanilla. Werman was a coach for AAA El Paso in 2017 and previously spent three years with the Hokkido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan as international operations coordinator. He played at the University of Virginia, where he helped the Cavaliers reach the Collège World Series in both 2009 and 2011. “It’s really exciting. There are a lot of great people within the organization and I’m really looking forward to having a chance to manage some young men and work with a great coaching staff and go out there and compete,” Werman said. Bergesen returns where he previously served as the pitching coach in 2018. Last year, he was the pitching coach for AA Reading after two years with High-A Clearwater. Bergesen pitched in the major leagues for four years with the Orioles (2009-11) and Diamondbacks (2012). Last year, Adut was as a hitting coach in
the Florida Complex League. It was his first in the Phillies system after he spent 2020 as a hitting coach for the Yankees Dominican Summer League team and five years as an assistant coach at Los Angeles Valley College in California. After spending two seasons managing Aceros de Monclava in the Mexican League, Listach joins the Phillies for the first time. He won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1992 with the Brewers and played parts of six major league seasons with the Brewers and Astros. In addition, he spent four seasons managing AAA Tacoma in the Mariners system while also coaching in the Cubs, Dodgers, and Nationals organizations. Torregrossa spent last season with AAA Lehigh Valley as assistant athletic trainer and joins the BlueClaws for the first time in 2022. He spent 2020 with High-A Clearwater and 2018-19 with short-season Williamsport. Escanilla becomes the first female member of the BlueClaws coaching staff. Her first two years were spent with the Gulf Coast/Florida Complex League Phillies after joining the organization in 2019. Returning to the Florida Complex League is manager Chris Adamson and BlueClaws hitting coach Rafael DeLima. Last year’s pitching coach Matt Hockenberry will be the pitching coach in AA Reading. Marty Malloy, 2017-2018 manager, will manage Low-A Clearwater while Shawn Williams, 2015-16 manager, will once again manage AA Reading.
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Page 16, The Brick Times, March 5, 2022
Cardiology Associates of OCEAN COUNTY Providing Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care & Management of Both Coronary Heart Disease & Peripheral Vascular Disease
Board Certified Physicians in Cardiology • State-of-the-Art Cardiac Diagnostic Testing Lab on Premises • Nuclear Cardiac Stress Testing • Echocardiograms • Cardiac Catherizations • Angioplasty (PTCA) Stent
V. PAUL KATE, M.D. • ADITYA MEHRA, M.D. EVAN CARDIN, P.A. • TANVEER AHMAD, M.D. MUHAMMAD RAZA, M.D., F.A.C.C.
www.heartdoctorsnj.com NEW LOCATON: MANASQUAN - 2414 ROUTE 35 • 732-223-1170 BRICK - 495 JACK MARTIN BLVD. • SUITE 2 • 732-458-7575 JACKSON - 27 S. COOKSBRIDGE RD. • 732-987-5690
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)
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.
4 Reasons To Choose Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Better hearing should be as easy, accessible, and carefree as possible. So, if you haven’t experienced rechargeable hearing devices, here are four reasons to give them a try: 1. Convenience. No more frequent battery changes. Just store your devices in their charger overnight, and enjoy all-day hearing power when you wake up. In general, Lithium ion batteries should last at least 14-20 hours. 2. Streaming. Using Bluetooth and streaming audio can drain regular hearing aid batteries more quickly, but a simple recharge puts you back in business. Typically, 1 hr. of charge will give you 8 hours of use. 3. Safety. With the rechargeable battery sealed inside your device, there’s no worry about disposable hearing aid
batteries getting into kids’ or pets’ hands, paws, or mouths. 4. Sustainabilit y. Rechargeables may go through a battery every 1-3 years —give or take — compared to 100-200 or so disposable zinc air batteries with traditional devices. Much less waste! In addition, since the rechargeable battery is sealed inside your device, it is less susceptible to moisture and sweating which increases its reliability. Call us for a closer look at rechargeable technology today. Dr. Izzy & his Staff are here to answer most of your hearing health questions. We can be reached at 732818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.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!
Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.
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The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 17
H ere ’ s T o Y our H ealth Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
5 Natural ACE Inhibitors For Heart Health By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. The topic of blood pressure has become very important now because heart attacks, strokes, myocarditis, hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions are on the rise. One of the most effective and popular categories of medication to help support these diseases are called ACE inhibitors. ACE stands for Angiotensin-converting enzyme. The ACE receptor is where the spike protein (from coronavirus itself, or the vaccines) bind to, and enter the cell. ACE receptors sit on cells in the nose, mouth and lungs which explains the potential respiratory distress with the virus. The ACE receptors are all over the body and in super high concentrations in the heart tissue. The enzyme is partially responsible for maintaining blood pressure. The ACE inhibitor medications are a blockbuster category including these popular agents: Lisinopril, enalapril, captopril and ramipril. There are natural herbal extracts that act like ACE inhibitors but they’re not as strong as the medications. If you see something below, please ask your doctor if it’s right for you. Start low and go slow with any new food supplement and always garner your physician’s blessings. Here are 5 strong natural ACE inhibitors, in alphabetical order: 1. Garlic - Garlic is a delicious spice that you can cook with. Garlic is a natural ACE inhibitor. It helps to dilate arteries and supports the health of your heart, blood vessels and immune system. 2. Grape Seed Extract - The delicious grapes and their skins show ACE inhibition and you can also find dietary supplements
of grape seed extract. It helps with cytokine balance too. Grapes are so easy to incorporate into your diet. In a study evaluating the benefits, grape seed extract significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 6 weeks. 3. Lion’s Mane mushroom - This is a mushroom you can eat and sauté, plus it’s found in high-quality memory dietary (nootropic) supplement formulas. Most people know it is useful for the brain, but did you know it has mild ACE inhibition activity? Taking a comprehensive medicinal mushroom blend could help support your entire cardiovascular system. 4. Pomegranate Juice - We’ve known for about 20 years that pomegranate juice is an ACE inhibitor. Drinking it is easy and delicious, however don’t combine it with warfarin (Coumadin) or other anti-hypertensives 5. Royal Jelly - Worker honeybees produce a white-colored secretion that is used to nurture their Queen bee, and you can find this in dietary supplements of “royal jelly” at health food stores. Obviously, do not take this if you’re allergic to bees. Caution. - While life-threatening occurrences of hyperkalemia (high potassium) are extremely rare, I still want you to be aware that ACE inhibitor drugs cause your body will retain potassium. So, you should minimize or avoid eating too much of potassium-rich foods. For example, spinach, tomato sauce, bananas and others. Salt substitutes are often made of potassium so those should be avoided as well if you take ACE inhibitors. If you’d like to read the longer version of this article with more tips, 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) ©2022 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.
Numerology • Oracle Cards Tapping into your Joy Calming Stress and Anxiety
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REGISTER HERE: preferredcares.com/wellness
Page 18, The Brick Times, March 5, 2022
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Around The Jersey Shore More Than Just A Walk In The Park At Cattus Island
─Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Three generations of one family were among the guests to Cattus Island County Park recently. By Stephanie Faughnan of his shadow. TOMS RIVER – Three generations of one Birds of prey and songbirds hang throughfamily were among hundreds of visitors to out the Center, while the eyes of deer look Cattus Island County Park last Saturday to alive from inside one of the cases. Children enjoy a day outdoors. and adults climb a few steps to look where Kathy Driggs and her mom, Karen an osprey stands guards over eggs in its Morgan, sat at the picnic tables outside nest. the park’s environmental center for a few Perhaps one of the most incredible visions moments. Four-month-old Liam Driggs within the Cooper Environmental Center was basically along for the ride – in a well- serves as a reminder of survival of the fitequipped stroller. test. Creators positioned a large hawk with Temperatures in Toms River rose to a high a squirrel dangling between its claws. Naof 60°F, an anomaly for February weather ture’s reality appears caught in still motion. in any part of New Jersey. Kathy said she Another county worker comes into the decided to take advantage of the nice day Center to inform Victoria the parking lot and the park’s proximity to her home. has reached capacity at 3 pm. Victoria’s “I like the trails here and like that it’s easy already counted off more than 250 people to wheel a stroller on them,” Kathy shared. who visited the Center by that time. No “I also enjoy the Nature Center and think doubt it’s not the usual onslaught of guests it will be great for Liam when he gets to be during the month of February. a little bit older.” In the meantime, Victoria’s count doesn’t “During the spring and summer, there are include the many people walking outside a lot of butterflies that come in the Butter- on the wooden planks that resemble boardfly Garden,” continued Kathy. “They also walks. They will undoubtedly come across attract honeybees in there.” birds attracted to the numerous feeders set The area where the family of three rested up in the park. As another plus, the water a bit also included a display marked “Indian tower across the bay at Seaside Park serves Oak of Toms River” with details on how to to pinpoint Cattus Island on the mental map. determine the age of a tree. Children take advantage of the playground Visitors to the Cattus Island County Park on one side of the park. As they race down Cooper Environmental Center also had the slides and pump on swings, another group chance to meet one of the live exhibits from has decided it’s a fine day for a picnic. outside its regular enclosure. Yes, it’s a February day, soon to be A park worker named Victoria held a black followed on Sunday with f lur ries in and white spotted pine snake, which seemed Toms River. One thing is for sure about content to wrap around her arm. the weather in recent history. There’s “He is about six feet long and much taller nothing predictable about it. than I am,” Victoria said. “He’s going to get According to the Ocean County Depretty girthy. So, he’s not only the longest pa r t ment of Pa rk s a nd Recreat ion , snake, but he’s also the chunkiest snake in Cattus Island Park covers 530 acres of New Jersey.” land and contains seven miles of trails. Rows of tanks and terrariums contain other The Cooper Environmental Center itliving creatures native to the area. Not only self opens from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. were there more snakes, but also turtles, during the week. On weekdays, it doesn’t fish, and crabs. Another exhibit displays open until 10 a.m. The first hour of the the seashells found along the Jersey shore Center’s operation allows seniors and beaches. vulnerable population members to visit A tour inside the Cooper Environmental independently. Center also includes an amazing assortment Ocean County acquired the park in of other area wildlife preserved by the art of 1973, using county funds and money taxidermy. For example, a groundhog sits from Green Acres, a state program. The on the counter at the front entrance and no park earned its name from John V. A. longer has to worry about the significance Cattus, the last owner of the property.
The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 19
Dear Joel
By Joel Markel
How To Avoid Confrontations On Delicate Subjects Dear Joel, The nation seems to be so divided. I even find it hard to talk to some family members and friends. What are your suggestions for keeping things cool? Answer: It does seem hard to talk these days, but peaceful conversation starts with you. Present yourself as an open-minded person who’s willing to listen and maybe your friends will follow suit. You are in control of your reactions and even if you want to scream, “You’re
wrong” sometimes it’s best to take a deep breath, or simply ask to change the subject to avoid any confrontations. Thanks for writing, Joel Write to joel@preferredcares.com. His radio show, “Preferred Company” airs on 91.9 WBNJ FM from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays on preferredradio.com.
If you or anyone else is in need of home health care, call Preferred at 732-840-5566 (800603-CARE (2273). “Home health care with feeling. (“Home Health Care with Feeling”)
Page 20, The Brick Times, March 5, 2022
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The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 21
CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate
Items Wanted
Services
DO YOU WANT TO SELL AN ACRE OF LAND - (WITH OR WITHOUT A HOUSE), ON OR OFF S. NEW PROSPECT ROAD, OR ON OR OFF BETHEL CHURCH R O A D ? L E AV E M E S S A G E 732-440-9051. (13)
Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM Records - Old R&B, doo wop, soul, blues, early rock and roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call or text between 8am and 8pm 909-938-4623. (11)
FREE ESTIMATES FOR PAINTING WORK - 25+ years experience, I n t e r i o r / E x t e r i o r, R e a s o n a ble prices and nice work, Leave message 732-907-0820. (14)
For Rent Whiting Non-Senior Area - 1 bedroom (or 2), full bathroom, laundry, kitchen, living room, dinning room. $1,000 month plus utilities ($100 month.) 732-350-3335. (11)
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)
Personals Looking for a woman - 60 to 70 for companionship and possible dating, caring, compassionate man at 732-930-6183 T.S. (11) Man Looking for Lady - Under 60 for Saturdays Casino trips (high roller) and intellectual conversation. No republicans please. Call DP at 732-983-1426. (11)
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) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Jazz. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (14)
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) 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) 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. (14) 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
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)
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. (19)
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)
If You Need To Improve Your Business - Call 732-255-3830 Professional Telemarketor. (11)
Music Lessons In Your Home By state certified instrumental music teacher. Please call 732350-4427 for more information. All ages welcome. (19) Mercuro & Sons Handyman Service - 13VH03469200. General contracting. 732-674-3346. (13) We Have 30 Years Experience In Home Remodeling to Handyman jobs. Call us for a free estimate. 732-569-1406. (13) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience. Call Jim 732-674-3346. (39) 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) 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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Page 22, The Brick Times, March 5, 2022
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Launches Cookie Season 2022
FARMINGDALE – On January 11, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore (GSJS) kicked off the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie season, bringing back the classic family favorites, plus the newest addition to the lineup: Adventurefuls™. Girl Scouts across the country will embark on a new adventure with the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls: the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program. For the first time, Girl Scouts across the United States will offer Adventurefuls™ alongside other national favorites like Thin Mints® and Samoas®. An indulgent, brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt, Adventurefuls™ take cookie lovers
on a delicious taste adventure, just like Girl Scouts take on their own amazing adventures all year long. For the past two seasons, girl entrepreneurs hosted virtual cookie booths and drive-thru contactless cookie stands, as well as learned about the distribution process behind food delivery services through hands-on order fulfillment. In real-time with the entrepreneurial community across the country, Girl Scouts practiced adaptability and resilience to innovate solutions to unprecedented challenges. And through the Girl Scout Cookie Program girls earn new Cookie Business badges, get a taste of being entrepreneurs, and learn important online and offline business skills that set
them up for success in life. “Every Girl Scout Cookie purchase supports the next generation of female entrepreneurs acquire hands-on experience in what it takes to be successful,” said interim GSJS CEO Heather Coburn. “All proceeds from the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program sales stay local and support a wide range of leadership experiences. You may see cookies, but we see leadership and adventure in each box.” How to Purchase Girl Scout Cookies This Season Girl Scout Cookie season is recognized nationally from January through April. Consumers can support Girl Scouts by
purchasing cookies in a few different ways: If you know a registered Girl Scout, reach out to her to find out how she’s selling cookies in ways that meet local and state safety protocols. You can also text COOKIES to 59618 to be among the first to receive information about Girl Scout Cookies and to find out about other exciting Girl Scout news. Beginning February 18, enter your zip code into the Girl Scout Cookie Finder at girlscoutcookies.org to find a booth near you, to purchase cookies from a local Girl Scout troop for delivery, or to donate cookies to first responders and local causes. For more information, visit gsfun.org/ cookies.
Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com
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The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 23
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Page 24, The Brick Times, March 5, 2022
Around The Jersey Shore New Children’s Hospital Breaks Ground In Toms River
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By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER – Officials, physicians and special guests gathered to break ground on the future Children’s Specialized Hospital of the Community Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. The ceremony was hosted by Community Medical Center (CMC), CSH and RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. Upon its completion, the three-story medical building will be shared by CMC and CSH both RWJBarnabas Health facilities, as well as RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group Orthopedic and Primary Care services. The christening of the future 86,000 square-foot medical hub located at 1251 Route 37 West featured Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill and Major League All-Star Todd Frazier and his wife, Jackie Frazier who serve as the honorary co-chairs of Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) Foundation Capital Campaign. “The Toddfather” is a third baseman who is currently a free agent. He was on the legendary 1998 Little League World Series team. His wife is a New Jersey native as well. After their youngest son Grant was hospitalized brief ly, the couple developed a greater understanding for the work being done at CSH. Jackie Frazier said “when we were presented the opportunity to serve as co-chairs for such an amazing organization, we decided that especially since it was going to have a facility here in Toms River that is five minutes from our home, how could we give back to our community any better. We are so excited to see this brought to our community and hopefully change a lot of children’s’ lives here.” Todd Frazier added that his son “is doing a lot better now but to think about the children who are going through tough times and parents who are trying to figure out having to drive two hours here or four hours to a certain area…now those who live in this area can take an easier drive. I want to thank all of you who have put all the hard work into this.” CMC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Ahearn told Micromedia Publications, that they are expecting to open next year. “We’ll have about 10 of our physicians from Community Medical Center in the building and there’ll be 20 or so from Children’s Specialized Hospital if not more than that. We’ll be one of their major locations for kids. “We will have orthopedic surgeons and pr imar y care physicians in the building. Because of the surgery center we’ll have quite a lot of surgeons that don’t live in the building but will
work in the building. Some of them may have an office right down the road here less than a mile away. They’ll do their office hours and come here and do their surgeries and go back to their offices,” he said. Ahearn noted the additional medical hubs that have been added to Barnegat, east Toms River “and this is the one that is probably the most ambitious.” One of those orthopedic surgeons is Dr. Chanakya “Sean” Jandhyala, of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. He said “ this building will provide state of the art health care. We are going to have a new X-ray machine that will be in the office that will provide 3-D views of anatomy for us and an ambulatory surgery center so that means outpatient surgeries that can be done in the office.” “Patients can get shoulder scopes, k nee scopes, hip replacements done here a nd m i n i mally i nvasive spi ne surgery done in an outpatient setting so they won’t have to go into a hospital setting,” Dr. Jandhyala said. Mayor Hill served on the Board of CMC for several years and said he understood well the importance of the forthcoming medical facility. Joking with Ahearn he also noted the importance of a ratable for the township. He presented a certificate to Ahearn for the groundbreaking of CSH. “These centers are becoming the big thing with health care now and a lot of the procedures that used to be done in the hospital are being done in surgery centers,” the mayor added. Lacey Committeeman Peter Curatolo who works for the Ocean County Health Department was present at the ceremony. He concurred with Ahearn and told Micromedia Publications “it is a win-win for those parents and children here in Ocean County.” “Children Specialized has a 130-year com m it ment to ch ild ren a nd yout h with special health care needs,” CSH President and CEO, Dr. Matthew B. McDonald III said. “Today is a remarkable milestone where we will have the opportunity to serve those kids in this community.” Mark Montenero, CSH Foundation Board of Trustees; Capital Campaign Co-Chair; President of Autoland Toyota, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM Trucks said, “we are rolling out a $45 million fundraising campaign to support this amazing hospital. When our mission is complete there will be four more new outpatient centers including the one, we are breaking ground on today.”
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The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 25
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www.sfhlaw.com A herd of deer was recently spotted hanging out at Johnson Memorial Park in Jackson after a snowfall. Photographer Karen Aniboli was walking her dog at the time and happened to be in the right place at the right time.
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: • 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
Crisis Hotline Volunteers Needed
JERSEY SHORE – Crisis Hotline Volunteers needed for CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties’ training beginning March 9, once a week every Wednesday for 12 weeks from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Training will be held in person at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. CONTACT is a 24-hour
crisis intervention hotline that also provides information & referral to community resources. All calls are free, confidential and anonymous. Training is free. Become a voice to those in distress; Make a difference in your community! Call 732-240-6104 or email contact@contactoceanmonmouth.org for additional information and registration.
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Page 26, The Brick Times, March 5, 2022
Fun & Games
Sudoku
C rossword P uzzle
Across 1 “Can’t someone else?” 10 Floor 15 Mozart’s mother 16 Dressing extreme? 17 Comebacks 18 See 43-Across 19 Set to assemble 20 Best Actress between Hilary and Helen 21 Franklin’s bill 22 Inferior 24 Unwanted information, usually 26 Small sewing case 27 Cantore in a storm 30 Member of the first class of World Golf Hall of Fame inductees, 1974 31 Retreated
34 “Voilˆ!” 37 Expression of mock sympathy 40 Involuntary contraction 43 Genre full of 18-Across 44 Part of un drame 45 Forms a union? 47 More than just talk 48 Single out 49 Appear by surprise 53 Ring site 54 Rushed toward 55 “Either or” 57 Rough 58 “... quaint and curious volume of __ lore”: Poe 59 Really excited 60 Democracy concern Down 1 Limited-access in-
ternet area 2 The least bit 3 Show how 4 “Our __ is loss, our hope but sad despair”: “Henry VI, Part III” 5 Subject of Dante’s “La Vita Nuova” 6 Weather __ 7 Gaelic tongue 8 Plastic bag accessories 9 Hot spots’ hot spots? 10 Amazon threats 11 Mouse first voiced by Walt Disney 12 Namibia neighbor 13 Prepped, as peels 14 Perfume compound 23 Follower of Nanak 25 Unreal 27 Fed chair Powell 28 Graphic intro? 29 “I’ll get back to
you” 32 Vacationer’s need, maybe 33 Good earth 35 One may be heard on safari 36 Get out of hand in a hurry 38 Dresses 39 Becomes more complicated 40 Word on a Monopoly corner square 41 Asset protection plan, briefly 42 Place to play 45 Branded wares, informally 46 Spruce (up) 47 Triumphant 50 Wrinkled-nose cause 51 Study intently, with “over” 52 “Picnic” Pulitzer Prize winner 56 NBA position
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Solutions
Sudoku
Crossword puzzle
Jumble:
CELLO VISOR FERRET UNWIND - REVOLUTION
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The Brick Times, March 5, 2022, Page 27
Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of MAR 5 - MAR 11 By Jeraldine Saunders
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your desires to reach the heights may be inspired by new information. You might be focused on gaining recognition in your career in the week ahead. By remaining diligent and hardworking you can achieve your objectives. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Although you might be under pressure to perform like a workhorse, you’re unlikely to lose ground with a romantic partner. In the week ahead, your social life should thrive because you have chances to work with a variety of people. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You might be dazzled by the great ideas of a partner or loved one. In the week ahead, achieving your ambitions may be foremost in your mind. You can benefit from listening to someone’s wise advice. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Make hay while the sun shines. Meet friendly people and make new friends under happy stars. In the first part of the week, you could have opportunities to express your diverse knowledge and wisdom. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may struggle to be generous if other people in your life seem unappreciative. Friends and coworkers can offer the sociability you may crave as the week unfolds. Remain loyal to your loved ones and to your principles. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A partner may be perceptive. The combination of their vision and wisdom and your original ideas can become a formula for success. Everything can go well in the week ahead, but you should not let down your guard. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You are like-
ly willing to compromise so that you can get along with others. It may be easier than usual to accept circumstances over which you have no control. Your home could become a hub of social activities in the upcoming week. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Opportunity may only knock once, but trouble can walk in unannounced. A chance to achieve your most important goals may appear in the first part of the week. What you think is pure fun could be worthwhile in the end. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Conversations and ideas can be powerfully on point. You may be confronted by someone who seems to want to control every outcome. Try to persuade that person into accepting your vision and ingenious approach. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your widening network of social contacts can be a suitable foundation for success in the week ahead. You might be swept up in a set of innovative ideas or feel the need to emulate a successful friend. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You might hesitate to dive into a new project now, but success in the week ahead may rely on advance preparation. Someone might give you the encouragement to embrace an opportunity to make more money. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Wisdom arrives in many forms. You may be content to sit on the sidelines and let someone else get the glory. In the week to come, you could receive recognition for sound decisions or for making an acceptable compromise.
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THIS HOMEMADE CARAMEL POPCORN IS PERFECT FOR A COZY MOVIE NIGHT AT HOME By America’s Test Kitchen
Did you know that popcorn comes in different shapes? There are two main kinds: butterfly (also called snowflake) and mushroom. Most of the popcorn you get at the movies or buy as kernels in the supermarket is the butterfly shape, which pops up light and fluffy with lots of “wings” sticking out. Caramel popcorn, however, is often made w ith mushroom popcor n, which has a rounder shape (like a mushroom with a cap) and a more sturdy texture. Both popcorn shapes work for this recipe, but if you find mushroom popcorn in a specialty store or online, give it a try in caramel popcorn!
CARAMEL POPCORN Makes 7 1/2 cups
7 cups popped plain popcorn 5 tablespoons unsalted butter 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 cup dark corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup salted peanuts (optional) 1. Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 250 degrees. Spray inside bottom and sides of a 13-by-9-inch metal baking pan with vegetable oil spray.
Place popcorn in baking pan. 2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. 3. Carefully add vanilla and baking soda (mixture will bubble and foam). Add peanuts (if using) and stir to combine. 4. Carefully scrape caramel mixture onto popcorn in baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to gently stir until popcorn is evenly coated. Spread popcorn into an even layer. 5. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Use a rubber spatula to carefully stir popcorn, scraping up caramel from the bottom of the pan. Spread popcorn back into an even layer. 6. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake until popcorn is a deep golden brown, about 40 minutes, repeating stirring halfway through baking. 7. Remove baking pan from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Carefully stir popcorn one last time. Let caramel popcorn cool completely in the pan, about 30 minutes. Break popcorn apart with your hands and ser ve. (Caramel popcorn can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days.)
(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 28, The Brick Times, March 5, 2022
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