2022-10-29 - The Howell Times

TimesHOWELL

What Are Howell’s Most Dangerous Roads?

Deputy Mayor Won’t Step Down Amid Claims Against Her

By Stephanie Faughnan

By Mark Bator HOWELL If drivers have found roadways in Howell to be more crowded and dangerous, it’s not simply their imagination.

Statistics from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) bear this out, as Americans have driven some 43.2 billion miles more in 2022 than in

the same period in 2021, which is an increase of 2.8 percent.

While predictable contributing factors to accidents include impairment due to

drugs or alcohol, excessive speed and aggressive driving, recent fi ndings point to other factors.

A recent 2022 study (Roads - See Page 4)

Raymond S. Santiago Welcomed As New Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor

By Alyssa Riccardi

FREEHOLD – Raymond S. Santiago was recently sworn in as Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor and now awaits Senate confirmation to a five-year term.

Santiago, 48, was sworn in during a ceremony at the Monmouth County Courthouse on October 7. Present were Santiago’s family, prosecutor’s staff, county officials, and local law enforcement leaders, who all joined in at the

Monmouth County Courthouse for ceremony officiated by Superior Court Judge Lisa P. Thornton, the county’s assignment judge.

“Today marked the fi rst steps into a role I view as a truly extraordinary honor and privilege. To the people of Monmouth County, I solemnly pledge to serve you to the very best of my abilities, and with a sense of fervor befitting the title,” Acting Prosecutor Santiago said. “This will

entail not only ensuring the fair and equal administration of justice, but also that this Office will actively be an integral part of the very fabric of the communities we work to protect.”

Santiago will be taking over the office from Lori Linskey, who served as acting prosecutor since June 2021.

The prosecutor is the county’s chief law enforcement officer. His duties include

HOWELL – Amid accusations she drunkenly threatened a bar manager’s job, Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond said she has no intentions of resigning before her term ends this year.

Richmond, a Republican, was at the Ivy League earlier this month when the incident occurred.

During the public comments portion of the October 18 Township Council meeting, one of the Ivy League’s managers approached the podium. Before Kim Shulskie of Jackson began to speak, Richmond interrupted and said she was going to recuse herself because of pending litigation.

The deputy mayor then announced she’d retained a lawyer and went to the rear of the room.

Shulskie explained to the governing body she wanted to go on the record about an incident that occurred on October 9, 2022, that she found “despicable and totally inappropriate for a community servant who takes an oath of office.” The bar manager also shared an email to township officials days after the altercation involving Richmond and her companion John Bittner.

“I would like to state that I’m a registered Republican and a Trump supporter,” prefaced Shulske.

“My motivation for coming forward about this incident is not to support any Democratic agenda

–Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Deputy Mayor Pamela “Pam” Richmond said she has no plans to resign from the council after she was accused of inappropriate behavior in a local restaurant.

–Photos by Mark Bator

The intersection of Aldrich Road and Route 9 is one of the six intersections that had the most accidents in the 2015 to 2020 time period in the Township of Howell.

Deputy Mayor:

Continued From Page 1 or politics in your town.

“It is simply about ethics and a code of conduct of a public official who threatened me at work, and not politics,” Shukske continued. “I have nothing to gain from this. I also filed a police report about this incident and have video documenting the incident.”

After four years as a bar manager at the Ivy Lounge alone, Shulskie said she’s come to recognize when people have had too much to drink. She also knows what types of things can trigger issues, bar fights, and violence.

According to Shulskie, Richmond and Bittner were sitting at the bar watching football when they started chanting “Let’s Go Brandon,” which is code for “(expletive)” Joe Biden. Since she didn’t want to see other patrons riled up, Shulskie said she calmly approached the couple and asked them to “chill” with the “Let’s Go Brandon.”

Rather than comply with her request to deescalate a possibly bad situation, Shulskie said Richmond and Bittner reacted aggressively and irately.

“They both began to scream profanities at me,” Shulskie wrote. “Cursing me out in front of families and children that were seated at bar tables.”

The worst was yet to come from Shulskie’s vantage point. Concerned about possibly bringing COVID home to her family, the bar manager wears a surgical mask when she’s at work.

“At one point, she (Richmond) told me to

take off my mask so she could spit in my face,” said Shukskie. “I tried to explain that I wasn’t coming at her as a political view…I was simply saying it was inappropriate and that she couldn’t act like that in a bar.”

Shulskie said that she even explained that she and the deputy mayor shared the same political views. She became alarmed when Richmond climbed up on the footrest of the bar to come over as far as she could over the bar top.

“She did this so they could both scream in my face and try to intimidate me by telling me she hoped I liked my job because I wouldn’t be there tomorrow,” Shulskie shared.

When the bar manager asked Richmond her name, she only offered her fi rst name. Later, Shulskie was surprised to learn that Richmond was actually the Howell deputy mayor.

Shulskie said she was particularly intimidated by Bittner’s size as he towered over her at approximately 6’5 and 300 pounds. The couple continued to berate the bar manager and gave her a hard time about paying their checks and leaving. One of the bar owners intervened.

The following day, Shulskie filed an incident report with Howell Township Police. According to Patrolman Christopher Sullivan’s written report, he contacted both Richmond and Bittner by telephone.

“Richmond explained that Shulskie screamed at her as well as Bittner,” wrote Sullivan. “Richmond then continued and explained that Shulskie threatened to make them leave the establishment.”

According to Sullivan, he also spoke with Bittner and said Shulskie screamed at the couple to stop the “Let’s Go Brandon” chant. Bittner categorized the argument as verbal, with nothing physical or threats coming from him or the deputy mayor.

Footage of the incident was supplied to local police but not this newspaper.

Shulskie told township officials that she works for the Ivy League and their sister restaurant Chapter House on occasion. She recognized the couple as regulars at both establishments and recalled serving them the night before the incident.

“This type of person should not be governing any part of government in my opinion,” said Shulskie. “She has a drinking problem and should seek help because she is obvi-

ously at a low point in her life.

“She is morally corrupted for the fact that she would try to use her position to threaten my livelihood,” continued Shulskie. “By thinking she could have me fi red for running the business how myself and the owner see fit.”

Mayor Theresa Berger first asked Shulskie if she had lost her job. Shulskie has taken a voluntarily leave of absence as a result of the incident. Berger apologized to the bar manager for her experience, calling Richmond’s actions inappropriate and unprofessional.

“I would respectfully request the resignation of Deputy Mayor Richmond,” said Berger, a Democrat.

(Deputy Mayor - See

Roads:

Continued From Page 1

conducted by Rowan University that had been funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and directed by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety concluded that drivers in the Garden State are most often distracted by hand-held devices such as cell phones.

Locally, as part of their updated Master Plan, Howell Township reviewed their circulation element, which studies how traffic moves around the township.

“The town hasn’t looked at the circulation element in about thirty years,” said Township Planner Jennifer Beahm during the Planning Board’s Master Plan discussion in May. “Over the course of the past thirty years things in town have changed significantly and some sleepy roads have now become some major thoroughfares that warrant a re-look.”

As part of the plan, Howell turned to the residents themselves, inviting input from citizens on the township’s website where opinions were offered on roadways deemed as problematic. The observations, opinions, and commentary from residents were collected for approximately one month.

“We created and posted a survey on our website and we received over 600 responses,” said Director of Community Development Matthew Howard. Using those responses, the town then selected approximately 10 roadways/intersections to study, which were later incorporated into the Circulation Element of Howell’s Master Plan report.

In addition to the input from the public, the

township looked at crash data and police reports between 2015 and 2020 to identify the roadways with the highest number of accidents, and car counters to determine some of the most heavily travelled streets.

Far and away, Route 9 led the list, with 1,908 total crashes, followed by Route 33 with 681 crashes. Not surprisingly, Interstate 195 came in third, with 464 accidents within the borders of Howell Township. The next highest totals come from county roads, specifically County Road 547 (356 accidents) and County Road 524 (290 accidents).

“Those are the predominant accident corridors within the township,” Beahm told the Planning Board. “It is very important to note that we have absolutely zero control over any of those roads.”

New Jersey’s Division of Highway Traffic Safety oversees the State and Community Highway Safety Program, which annually distributes nearly $20 million in federal funds to improve roadways in the Garden State. To that point, any changes or improvements deemed necessary such as possible widening or changes to the speed limits would need to be done by the State of New Jersey.

“We do not have any control over I-195,” said Howard. “We would work with the DOT [Department of Transportation] on any issues we have and we are willing partners in any necessary work.”

Rounding out the list of the top ten roadways were Lanes Mill Road (230 crashes), East Aldrich Road (205 accidents), County Road 549 (144 accidents), Fort Plains Road (105 accidents) and Newtons Corner Road, which recorded 101 accidents.

But these roadways aren’t solitary streets, and increased danger comes from the intersections associated with these roadways. Over the same 2015 to 2020 time period, the intersections that had the highest number of accidents include areas with which Howell residents have great familiarity.

“We are constantly looking at improvements throughout the Township,” noted Howard. “We are always evaluating the Township’s roadways and our Engineering Department puts together a Capital Improvement Plan every year. This plan commonly addresses road paving and similar improvements where needed.”

The well-travelled circle of Route 33 and Route 34 led the list with 84 total crashes, followed by nearby Route 33 and Tinton Falls Road with 76 accidents. After that, the wide, multi-lane intersection of Route 9 and Lanes Mill Road came in third with 59 crashes, followed by the intersection where County Road 547 meets 549, where 44 accidents were reported. Finally, Route 9 and its intersections with Aldrich Road (42) and West Farm Road (42) rounded out the list.

“The Township can work with the other agencies including the County and the State to try and improve the intersections,” said Howard. “Sometimes the improvements require a significant capital investment, so we can’t tackle every intersection, but we try and prioritize the areas most in need.”

Many streets in town are classified as major arterial roadways based upon the amount of average daily trips recorded on those streets, such as Maxim Southard Road and Newtons Corner Road. Others, such as Aldrich Road

or Lanes Mill Road had previously been classified as “collector” roadways in past years, but based upon the recent car-counting studies done by Howell, they clearly rise to arterial roadway status today. As such, the township recognizes the need to address the rising traffic levels associated with these thoroughfares.

“There are a variety of traffic calming techniques that can vary in their level of effectiveness,” said Howard regarding finding solutions to this mounting issue. “Our professionals ensure all regulations and requirements are met when designing roadways improvements or reviewing proposed improvements by developers and we balance these options against what is practical and feasible for Howell specifically.”

But finding solutions to make roadways safer is not as easy as might be expected. For instance, while many would consider narrow roadways to be more dangerous or challenging than those that are wider, recent studies indicate that just the opposite may be true.

A World Resources Institute (wri.org) report in 2016 noted that “[f]or decades, transport engineers and planners have considered wider lanes safer, as they provided higher maneuvering space within the lane and were said to help prevent sideswipes among cars. Yet, in an urban setting, this means cars may go faster, and, when cars go faster, the likelihood of crashes and injuries increases.”

Consequently, bigger is not always better, and motorists may actually exercise additional care in tighter driving spaces. Narrower roadways also mean shorter distances for pedestrians as they cross a street, a fact worth noting as October is National Pedestrian Safety Month.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

Letters To The Editor

Superstorm Sandy Anniversary Brings

Back Painful Memories

I love autumn, especially the month of October as it brings out a lot of fun activities and the Halloween season is in full swing. After 2012 however, it was never quite the same. This year marks a decade since the devasting impact of Superstorm Sandy which was one of the worst times in my life and probably many others as well.

It was a time when I and all of Ocean County truly witnessed the wrath of Mother Nature. Before that we thought of hurricanes and the destruction as happening someplace else.

While I had heard stories of the great storm of the early 1960s that created a flood around areas of the northern barrier island, I wasn’t prepared for what we got. I was also in the midst of covering this devastation first hand while working for another Jersey Shore based publication.

I will never forget the conversation I had the day after the storm speaking to then-Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Ackers who said, “Bob, the rollercoaster is in the ocean.” He had stayed that evening and described to me what he was seeing and heard.

This was worse than any horror film I could ever watch during Halloween; this was real. I will also never forget the ride I took with then-Toms River Police Chief (and current Ocean County Sheriff) Michael Mastronardy and a CNN reporter a day or so after the storm as we toured the war zone that was the barrier island. We witnessed an SUV submerged in a sink hole in Lavallette and the smell of smoke from a fire still being put out in the Brick Township section of the barrier island. The chief was kind enough to stop by my home in Or-

tley Beach and allow to check its status. While I was relieved to see it was still standing, I had no idea what I would later find inside my small bungalow home. The damage and mold that would develop would eventually lead to its being demolished entirely.

A week later I was back in the same police vehicle with the chief as we inspected 3rd Avenue in Ortley Beach. Saint Elisabeth’s Chapel, where I was married, was wiped away as if it were never there. The same went for the house across the street from it where my wife to be and her bridal group briefly parked as they finished singing “Going to the Chapel” which popped up on the radio moments before they were to enter the church.

The family who occupied that home had asked the chief to check for a hidden safe that might be found in the rubble. With the snow that was covering the debris, it was hard to find but the chief found a silver Menorah. The chief lost his footing and fell and as a fellow reporter and I went to exit the car to assist him, the chief yelled out ‘no, stay there, you’ll just fall too.’ He returned to the car and called the family. The woman on the phone was crying and while I could be wrong, I think I spotted a tear from the chief as well and I know I was probably joining him.

I tossed a lot of personal belongings that had been ruined from the wave of water that entered my house. I needed an ax to break into a bureau that had warped and held photo albums including a wedding album. Other prized items were also discarded.

Singleton Lied About Senior Residency Bill

Senator Singleton’s Bill, Senate Bill S2537, will invalidate the decades old governing documents of many age-restricted communities which require owners to be fifty-five years of age or older. It provides that, regardless of age, anyone can be “the owner of a dwelling unit in an age-restricted community.”

If passed this bill will convert, over a very short period of time, owner-occupied, age-restricted communities presently governed by owners who want to enjoy a senior lifestyle, into low-income rental communities, governed by absentee landlords, focused upon maximizing profits and minimizing, if not eliminating, any accommodations for a senior lifestyle.

In defending his bill against concerns over non-senior and/or absentee owners governing senior communities, Senator Singleton misrepresented the truth and stated that: “Under existing laws, a [community association], can regulate who may serve on their Board. Nothing in S-2537 would change that.”

He obviously knows that, in fact, his statement is false since the current law, N.J.S.A. 45:22A-45.2 c. (4), expressly prohibits community associations from excluding any owner in good standing from serving on

their Board and expressly provides that: “An association . . . shall not prohibit an association member in good standing from nominating himself or herself . . . as a candidate for any membership position on the executive board.”

S-2537 is a Trojan Horse about to be foisted upon New Jersey age-restricted communities who are being lied to about its effects. Shame on Senator Singleton!

Judith Noonan Manchester

GOP Majority Will Increase Age For Medicare, Social Security

Interviews with Republican policy leaders should have all seniors, and people close to being seniors (like me) worried.

The Republican Study Committee released a budget plan over the summer that called on lawmakers to gradually raise the Medicare age of eligibility to 67 and the Social Security eligibility to start at 70 before indexing both to life expectancy. It backed withholding payments to those who retired early and had earnings over a certain limit.

So, in other words, we’ll have to work longer into our late 60s before we enjoy the funds that we paid into all

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The Howell Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.

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edit or reject letters.

The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

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our working lives.

Also, the plan will allow businesses to pay less into Social Security with the assumption that people will pay into their own private retirement accounts. Good in theory, but when have people ever made the best decisions about their retirement? Besides isn’t this just trickle-down retirement?

House Republicans’ Commitment to America midterm policy and messaging plan, spearheaded by their leader, Kevin McCarthy, includes a single line saying that Republicans would “save and strengthen Social Security and Medicare.”

It’s clear that they want to strengthen it by letting fewer people get it.

The only way to stop this is to prevent the GOP from getting a majority on the House. Do not vote for Chris Smith or Jeff Van Drew – they will vote to take away the money that we’ve worked so hard to accumulate.

Don’t let them take away our retirement!

Joshua Kettlesmith Jackson

Barnegat’s Freedom Of Speech Is Under Attack

Barnegat Residents - After a long absence, I once again find myself putting “pen to paper.”

I just received my Barnegat Vote by Mail ballot and I’m seething with rage. Once again, the Barnegat Township Committee is continuing with their shenanigans by trying to limit our First Amendment Rights – our right to “FREEDOM OF SPEECH.” It’s time for change! We need Charlie Cunliffe on the Barnegat Township Committee.

At the urging of Al Bille, the ONE PARTY Township Committee has seen fit to pass a resolution to put a question on the ballot to eliminate ALL signs on public property, including the

public right-of-way in front of your house. To make it worse, they have used biased and inflammatory language in their Interpretive Statement on the ballot to sway voters to vote yes on this ballot question. This isn’t their first attempt at keeping us “in line and muted.” Several years ago, Al Bille’s ONE-PARTY Township Committee prohibited signs not larger than 2 feet by 4 feet, not only on public property, but on private property as well.

We all think that Barnegat’s decades-old ONE-PARTY governing body’s target is to eliminate political signs and Al Bille is the culprit behind this effort. What is he afraid of? Of course, you must realize that this ballot question means that ALL signs will be prohibited – signs for our kids’ athletic team registrations, notices of Open Houses by realtors, yard sale signs, signs for various events, such as the Firehouse Station 11 Fish Fry and the Santa Toy run.

We can’t sit by and watch our RIGHTS erode. Besides this infringement to our freedom of speech…we are slowly losing our voting rights, our children’s right to a clean planet, our right to affordable health care, and our right to have control and choice over our own bodies. We all know that politics is local and these rights start eroding in our towns’ governments and school boards and they go all the way up to the State and Federal government

WE THE PEOPLE demand that our rights be protected and preserved. These rights are core to SAVING OUR DEMOCRACY.

So…what does all this mean? We desperately need a change here in Barnegat – we desperately need to govern under a TWO-PARTY system. For all of these reasons, you need to VOTE

FOR Charlie Cunliffe for Barnegat Township Committee and...VOTE NO on this ballot question.

Marianne P. Clemente President, Barnegat Democratic Club

S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT

$1.8M To Support Mental Health Services Across State

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) announced $1,835,885 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support mental health services provided by the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

“The mental health challenges facing our country, especially our young people, must be addressed,” said Sen. Menendez, a senior member of the Senate

Finance Committee that sets national health policy. “Whether it is a rise in anxiety disorders, depression, or in the worst and most tragic cases - the loss of young people from suicide - we know that this growing crisis started long before the pandemic. This funding will help residents across the state receive the help and treatment they need.”

“The pandemic has spotlighted the importance of accessible and affordable mental health services,” said Sen. Booker. “This federal funding will help New Jerseyans access the care they need.”

In recent months, the Senate Finance Committee has held hearings on youth mental health and is developing a package of policies to address mental health in America.

During a recent hearing, Sen. Menendez noted the mental health disparity that exists in communities of color and sought answers on how the government can better target resources for minority youth and ensure health care and child care providers are equipped to handle these unique challenges. At another hearing, Sen. Menendez highlighted his bill, The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act, which would address growing issues of suicide and mental health facing young people, particularly in socially and economically disadvantaged communities that have disproportionately faced disparities in access to mental health treatment and outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Editorial:

Continued From Page 5

I know I wasn’t alone in that situation.

Ortley Beach and Mantoloking were considered to be “Ground Zero” for Superstorm Sandy in all of New Jersey.

The place I had considered as my safe place, my sanctuary since I summered there as a child and that became my permanent place of residence in 1986 was now unlivable and would soon be gone. Others on my block put their ruined items out to the curb. The Ocean County Utilities Authority land across the street became a tower of debris. The A&P store became a command post for emergency workers and police who maintained security for months as the barrier island was closed off to the general public.

It was truly a nightmare. My elderly mother, who was ill at the time and who, with my equally ill father (who was in the hospital after the storm) lived in a senior community in Berkeley Township. My mother couldn’t grasp the kind of devastation that had occurred to our beloved Ortley Beach.

Months and years went by and gradually, homes were demolished, replaced or put on poles to meet new FEMA elevation

standards. I was fortunate to receive grants to assist me in building a new home on my plot of land. I was covering the nightmare of Superstorm Sandy for about a year. Each assignment, each article, each video, each photograph was a reminder of what had happened and it was surreal.

A decade has passed and the memories linger. My wife and my neighbor Joe and many others will never forget what we all thought and hoped would be just a really bad wind storm.

For me that meant some damage to a worn canvas canopy and an outside metal overhang that was cut in half after the blizzard of 2003. Ironically, it wasn’t the wind, it was the water. That canopy and metal overhang were still there when my house was demolished in the late winter of 2014. It’s funny the things you remember.

I don’t like remembering the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy but like many others, I survived it and I will remember the kindness of a church group that came from out of state to clear out material under the house before it could be demolished. I’ll also remember the local volunteers that helped gut the place after that and the Red Cross workers who froze along with us and handed out hot coffee and hot chocolate on

the vacant streets of Ortley Beach.

There were also the people who provided free clean up buckets and various materials and those who opened a store for us to pick up free items. I did a story on that and one of the volunteers told me to pick up some things too, pointing out I was also a victim in need and not just an observer.

It was called the storm of the century that hopefully won’t be back for another 50 to 70 years. I won’t be around to confi rm that prediction, but I hope that the storm we experienced will never come back.

Bob Vosseller Assistant Editor

Impeach Biden

President Joe Biden should be impeached! A newly elected President takes an oath of office to protect and serve our country and to keep us safe. By deliberately avoiding border security, he has attracted migrants from over 150 countries to enter the USA without criminal background checks, proof of vaccination, passports, etc., while at the same time providing them with free food, money and cell phones, which the rest of us

have to pay for.

They come here with the apparent blessing of our country (thank you Joe Biden) and the enriched cartels thank you as well!

Our President is proving himself to be weal on foreign policy, and he underscored his lack of judgment by the sloppy way we pulled out of Afghanistan, leaving behind many Americans and thousands of locals who helped us over the span of our long involvement, along with our aircraft, military equipment and supplies.

I am a proud pro-life and conservative Roman Catholic. I am pro law & order, and I support legal immigration. I do not want any critical race, transgender, and other “woke” matters taught in our public schools. I want our children to love our country and to stick to learning the basic subjects of a sound education, including social studies, English, math, history, and world geography.

God and religious matters should be taught in the home, and subjects related to sex and reproduction should be clearly limited to older students, with full disclosure of course content to the parents.

Ruth M. Lynch Ocean Gate

Senator Robert Menendez

Senator Cory Booker

Crash Survivor Visits EMS

HOWELL – On October 9, members of Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad #119-21 had the extreme pleasure and honor of a visit from an amazing and brave young man.

Dawson Palmarini stopped by and said hello. You may have read or heard about Dawson because of his extremely unfortunate motorcycle accident on July 20, 2019 on Route 37 in Toms River.

Unfortunately, due to his accident, Dawson suffered a traumatic brain injury, was in a coma and spent four months in the hospital. Because of this he suffers from PTSD and depression. But the accident did not destroy his spirit and most of all, his heart full of

love and care.

Dawson is on a mission. His mission is to visit every police department, fi re house and EMS agency in the state, as his way to express his overwhelming thanks the men and women for the job that we all do.

Every Sunday, he does just that and the members were honored. Dawson, realizes that it was a combination of all three public safety agencies that helped save his life.

Pictured is Dawson, Sgt. E.M.T. D. Williams, E.M.T. S. Stern, V.P. E.M.T. Z. Peras and E.M.T. J. Ernst. They gifted Dawson a shirt, keychain, challenge coin and an honorary member patch today to signify that he is and always will be, part of our family.

Parent Education Seminar

HOWELL – Howell Township Public Schools Department of Pupil Services

Parent

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at 10 a.m.

Photo courtesy Howell First Aid

New Hires And Promotions For Howell Township Police Department

HOWELL – Chief John F. Storrow and the Howell Township Police Department would like to congratulate Captain John Yurgel and Lieutenant Paul Mazzeo on their promotions.

Captain Yurgel started his law enforcement career in 1995 as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class I and Class ll. In 1997 he was hired by the Montclair Township Police Department, where he worked as a patrol officer until being hired by Howell Township in 2000.

Captain Yurgel spent two years in the patrol division before being assigned as the first Howell High School Resource Officer. In 2003 Captain Yurgel was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he served as Patrol Supervisor, Drug Recognition Expert, and Accreditation manager before being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2017 where he served as the Department Internal Affairs Officer.

Captain Yurgel has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Economics and Political Science. Captain Yurgel is currently assigned as the Operations Commander.

Lieutenant Paul Mazzeo joined the Howell Township Police Department since 2002. Lieutenant Mazzeo was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2015 where he served as a Patrol Supervisor until being assigned to the Services Division where he supervised the School Resources Unit, Traffic Safety, SLEO Class 1 and Class 3 Special Law Enforcement Officers.

Lieutenant Mazzeo is also the Municipal Counter Terrorism Coordinator and serves on the Howell Township Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Howell Alliance. Lieutenant Mazzeo has a Masters of Administrative Science Degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University. Lieutenant Mazzeo is currently assigned as the Administrative Lieutenant.

Along with the recent promotions, Interim Manager Clark and the Howell Township Council also swore in five new patrolmen and one Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 2 to the Howell Township Police Department on October 18.

Police Officer Daryl Hasting, comes to Howell Township from Sea Girt Police where he served as a Special Law Enforcement Officer

Class 1 (SLEOI). He was hired by the Howell Township Police Department as a SLEO1 and later as a SLE02. Officer Hasting has an Associate’s Degree in Homeland Security and is completing his Bachelor’s Degree in National Security from New Jersey City University. Officer Hasting is assigned to the Patrol Division.

Police Officer Alex Nastase comes to Howell Township from Harding Township where he spent five years as a Patrol Officer. Officer Nastase served in the United States Army and earned his Bachelor Degree in Homeland Security from St. John’s University. Officer Nastase is assigned to the Professional Development Group during his field training.

Police Officer Julian Campo comes to Howell Township after serving as a Police Officer in the City of Elizabeth. Officer Campo earned a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Montclair State University. Officer Campo is assigned to the Professional Development Group during his field training.

Police Officer Brandon Rollo comes to Howell Township after serving five years with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department. Officer Rollo, was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant from the Unity States Marine Corps. Officer Rollo earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in National Security Studies from the New Jersey City University. Officer Rollo is assigned to the Professional Development Group during his field training.

Police Officer Luke Wiatrowski comes to Howell Township from Seaside Park and Little Egg Harbor where he worked as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class ll. Officer Wiatrowski is working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the California Coast University. Officer Wiatrowski is assigned to the Professional Development Group during his field training.

Special Law Enforcement Officer Il (SLEO Il) Eric Lee comes to Howell Township from Belmar Police where he worked as SLEO ll. S.O. Lee is currently a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. S.O. Lee earned an associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. S.O. Lee is assigned to the Professional Development Group during his field training.

Photo courtesy Howell Happenings

Howell Welcomes e Newest Addition To Its EMS Fleet

HOWELL – The Howell Township Police Department recently put into service

brand-new state of the art 2022 Ford F-550 XLT 7.3 V8 ambulance with an AEV Traumahawk patient compartment.

was custom designed and built by VCI Emergency Sales for the Howell Township Police EMS.

include: four- and five-point safety restraints for occupants and patients, Stryker Powerload stretcher system, state of the art UV AIR fi ltration disinfectant system built in to the patient compartment to provide added protection for occupants from airborne viruses and contaminants. The rear compartment passenger restraint system has airbags built into the harness system for added protection, and liquid spring suspension for a smooth ride. This ambulance is now available to serve all of the residents of Howell Township. Thank you to the Howell Township council members for your support as well as all of the employees that worked on the project to make this possible. Special thank you to EMS coordinator Peggy Doyle. Your diligence is valued and much appreciated. You are truly an asset to the residents of Howell!

Photo courtesy Howell Police

State Sues Oil Companies For Climate Change Misinformation

TRENTON Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and the Department of Environmental Protection filed a lawsuit on behalf of New Jersey residents against five oil and gas companies and a petroleum trade association, alleging they knowingly made false claims to deceive the public about the existence of climate change and the degree

to which their fossil fuels products have been acerbating anthropogenic global warming.

The suit filed in New Jersey Superior Court in Mercer County names as defendants Exxon Mobil Corporation, Shell Oil Company, Chevron Corporation, BP, ConocoPhillips, and the trade group in which these defendants were members - American Petroleum Institute (API). The State is seeking to hold

the defendants accountable for systematically concealing and denying their knowledge that fossil fuel consumption could have a catastrophic impact on the climate, causing the devastating consequences of fossil fuel overconsumption: the significant sea level rise, flooding, and extreme weather that have battered New Jersey’s citizens and businesses, requiring the State and its residents to

shoulder the enormous costs of rebuilding, hardening New Jersey’s defenses against severe weather and making the necessary transition away from reliance on fossil fuels to a more sustainable clean-energy future. API is accused of playing a key role in orchestrating and implementing climate denial campaigns on behalf of and under the supervision of the fossil fuel defendants.

The State alleges that the defendant oil and gas producers and API have known for decades that use of fossil fuels is a major cause of climate change, but instead of warning the public or the State about the danger, they launched public-relations campaigns to sow doubts about the existence, causes, and effects of climate change with the goal of confusing the public, delaying the transition to a lower carbon economy and future, increasing their own profits, and further deepening dependence on their products.

“Based on their own research, these companies understood decades ago that their products were causing climate change and would have devastating environmental impacts down the road,” said Attorney General Platkin. “They went to great lengths to hide the truth and mislead the people of New Jersey, and the world. In short, these companies put their profits ahead of our safety. It’s long overdue that the facts be aired in a New Jersey court, and the perpetrators of the disinformation campaign pay for the harms they’ve caused.”

“New Jersey is ground zero for some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Shawn M. LaTourette, the State’s Commissioner of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). “Our communities and environment are continually recovering from extreme heat, furious storms, and devastating floods. These conditions will sadly only worsen in the decades ahead, leaving us scrambling to prepare for a parade of harmful climate changes. All this while we rush to ween ourselves off the very products these companies have long known would fuel our pain but deceived New Jerseyans about, because keeping us addicted was better for their bottom line. It was wrong to mislead us; wrong to undermine climate science; wrong to put profit over people and the planet that we share. It is time New Jersey demands accountability.”

“Our Shore communities have had to rebuild boardwalk landmarks, construct large dunes and devise other engineering solutions to recover from and respond to devastating storms. And some of our most vulnerable communities are now subjected to increasingly frequent bouts of significant flooding, with sometimes fatal consequences,” said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the DCA. “Our state is paying dearly for these defendants’ misrepresentations and failure to disclose the enormous detriments of their products. They should now help to shoulder that tremendous financial burden.”

In addition to asking the court for an injunction ordering the energy companies to stop deceiving New Jersey consumers about the destructive environmental impacts of fossil fuels, the State is seeking civil monetary penalties and damages, including natural resource damages such as the loss of

Catalase Protects DNA And Mitochondrial Function

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

an

that was first noticed in 1818, and almost a century later in 1900, a scientist named Oscar Loew gave us its name. He found catalase in both animal tissue and plant matter.

This enzyme is equally important to human beings as its sister called “glutathione.” You probably heard of that because it’s promoted in many natural health circles as our master antioxidant. But catalase is equally important and today’s information is devoted to the benefits of catalase.

You secrete catalase from the liver. Hydrogen peroxide is produced by every single cell in your body as part of natural metabolism, but like other cytokines, it can become excessive. If you don’t neutralize it and break it down right away, the free radical tilts your body in the direction of pain and rusting (more grey hair, gloomy feelings and other signs of aging and disease).

Most research on catalase is centered around cancer. That’s because levels of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) and free radicals are very high in patients with cancer. It may be one of the contributing factors of how DNA strands get damaged. There isn’t a ton of research on catalase, like there is on glutathione, but what is out there is quite compelling.

We know that antibodies can be formed against the CAT gene and therefore, in certain autoimmune conditions (possibly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), catalase secretion is low. If that’s low, peroxide is high, and remember, peroxide = pain.

There are catalase supplements, I even make one! But that’s not what I am referring to here. When I say “catalase,” I don’t mean a pill, I mean the enzyme you produce in your body… the enzyme that is secreted naturally from your own liver.

I am NOT saying that taking a supplement helps any disease because 1) we simply don’t know that and 2) we can’t say it if we know it.

Catalase supplements which are sold nationwide, have the following impact:

1. Catalase helps reduce oxidation processes in the body*

2. Catalase turns hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen*

3. Catalase protects DNA and mitochondrial function*

Before I end this, this whole business of looking more attractive. We as a population will spend a lot of money on cosmetics, fillers, facials and other beauty treatments deemed special. It’s just so we can look in the mirror, and like what we see. We forget that the fastest way to look old and crinkly is to go out into the sun without sunscreen or a hat.

Catalase works from within to prevent rusting. It does so by breaking down H2O2. Catalase will not act as a “filler” so don’t expect that, but it could perhaps ease the signs of aging if your skin cells have been damaged from prior treatments or radiation. Time may steal our youth, but it does it faster in people who are short on catalase. For a more detailed version of my article visit suzycohen.com.”

Deputy Mayor:

Continued From Page 1

Other council members weighed in on the incident. Councilman John Bonevich, the only other Democrat on the governing body asked the business administrator if the township had a copy of the video available for review. None of the council members had seen it yet.

“This is a very serious thing,” said Bonevich. “We’re going to get the police report, and the video and then Council has to make a decision.”

Bonevich suggested that it might make sense to put the deputy mayor on a paid leave until the seriousness of the matter was determined.

“Our deputy mayor has worked incredibly hard for our community,” Councilwoman Suzanne Brennan shared. “She has helped individuals, helped businesses, and anyone in need…I just want everyone to remember there’s two sides and she deserves the benefit of the doubt.”

Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell concurred with Brennan’s comments, saying that she also wasn’t going to rush to judgment because she wasn’t there and hadn’t seen the video.

Although Shulskie did not file charges against the deputy mayor, she’s since learned why Richmond retained legal

Prosecutor:

Continued From Page 1

coordinating the efforts of nearly four dozen municipal police departments and two college police departments as well as managing the prosecutor’s staff of about 280. Santiago was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in Brooklyn. He graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1996 and received his law degree from the City University of New York School of Law at Queens College in 1999.

Previously, he served as an assistant district attorney at the Nassau County District

State: Continued From

substantial wetlands throughout the State, alleging taxpayers will be saddled with billions in expenses to protect communities from rising sea levels, deadlier storms, and other climate-related harms and to mitigate those harms by transitioning to non-fossil fuel energy generation - costs that should be borne by the defendants.

According to the complaint, the oil and gas companies researched the link between fossil-fuel consumption and climate change starting as early as the 1950s, and by the mid60s gained a comprehensive understanding of the adverse climate impacts of fossil fuels.

Internal fossil fuel industry documents reveal how the oil and gas producers’ scientists predicted that ongoing burning of fossil fuels would cause “dramatic environmental effects,” warning corporate executives that the world had a narrow window of time to curb emissions and stave off “catastrophic” climate change.

counsel.

Toms River attorney William R. Burns sent an email to Shulskie on Richmond’s behalf demanding that Shulskie cease and desist from making what he referred to as further “false and defamatory” statements. Shulskie refused further comment to avoid the threat of legal costs.

Richmond stayed after the meeting for a few minutes to speak to the lone reporter in the room. Clad in black dress pants and heels, Richmond wore a bright pink t-shirt beneath a cardigan. While township council members don’t generally make fashion statements, the deputy mayor’s shirt prompted the reporter’s fi rst question.

Upon request, Richmond opened her sweater a bit to reveal the words on her shirt: “Rebels Fight Back.” The message was more than supporting the local high school team in this case.

“It’s all political theater,” Richmond asserted. “There was a little tiny altercation made worse than it actually was. We were all having a good time at the bar where I go to support my local businesses.”

Richmond reserved further comment other than saying she’d made friends with the owners of the Ivy League Bar and Grill. The deputy mayor called herself a frequent flyer at the establishment – a place she frequents with her family.

Attorney’s Office in New York. Afterwards, he entered private practice. Recently, he headed the Freehold-based Law Offices of Santiago & Associates, which focuses on criminal and immigration law.

Santiago has lived and worked in Monmouth County for over 20 years. He has served as a pool attorney for the New Jersey Public Defender’s Office since 2002, assisting indigent defendants with their criminal cases.

Santiago has become the second Prosecutor of Hispanic descent in the history of the Office. The fi rst was Luis A. Valentin who served from 2005 to 2011.

The documents also show how the fossil fuel defendants allegedly took the internal warnings seriously, assessing how climate change would impact their infrastructure, investing to protect their own assets from sea-level rise and increasingly extreme weather, and patenting technologies that would expand their profits as the world grew warmer.

But the defendants allegedly failed to warn the public or the State about what was coming. On the contrary, according to the complaint, the defendant oil and gas producers worked to manufacture doubt about the existence and causes of climate change.

Several attorneys general in other states have brought similar legal claims against the fossil-fuel industry, including Rhode Island, Delaware, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia. Meanwhile, more than a dozen cities and counties have also filed lawsuits accusing oil and gas companies of misleading the public about climate change, including the City of Hoboken.

Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Enjoy The Holidays But Be Mindful Of Scams!

By: Michael J, Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

Have

Santa

might be tempted by an Ad

But if a merchant, other than Amazon.com, asks you to pay using an Amazon gift card then it’s probably a scam. In fact, Amazon’s gift card terms don’t allow you to use Amazon gift cards to make payments anywhere besides amazon.com and a few specific sites.

Here’s how the scam happens: You discover a website that sells new HDTVs, GPS devices, and other tech-gadgets for deeply discounted prices. You haven’t heard of the site, but you’re diligent and you do some research. You fi nd a few reviews from satisfied customers, you think the site is legitimate, and you go for it.

During checkout, you’re instructed to purchase an Amazon gift card and then hand over the gift card information as payment. Unfortunately, if you do, you’ll be out the money, and you won’t get anything in return. These scammers know that bad reviews scare people away, so they may post a few positive reviews about the site. They shut down the

site before people post complaints — usually in less than a month — and open under a new name somewhere else.

Buying an Amazon gift card to make a payment is NOT the same as using Amazon Payments, which provides some protections for buyers. Amazon Payments is a feature that allows Amazon members to pay for merchandise on other websites by logging in and using a payment method they’ve stored on their Amazon account. For example, if you use a credit card stored in your Amazon Payments account, you’re still using your credit card to make the purchase, and you get certain protections when you use a credit card. You don’t have the same protections when you pay with a gift card — virtually or physically. It could be tough to trace the money or get it back if something goes wrong. Of course, that’s not a problem if you’re sending the gift card to a friend or family member as a gift.

When shopping online, consider using a payment method that offers protections if you don’t get what you paid for.

From everyone here at R.C. Shea & Associates, have a safe, happy and healthy Holiday season.

By Alyssa Riccardi

NEPTUNE – A Township man has been sentenced to five years’ probation after stealing thousands of dollars from a youth softball team that he coached, officials said.

Michael Lane, 54, was sentenced on October 14 to five years of probation. Additionally, he was also ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution to be split among ten families whose daughters played on the team.

Lane previously pled guilty to third-degree Theft by Failure to Make Lawful Disposition of Property, following an investigation by detectives from the Tinton Falls Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Since 2013, Lane was the coach for the Monmouth Surf softball team which is

a youth sports travel team. Lane was in charge of receiving money from players to cover traveling expenses and tournament costs.

However, on July 3, 2019, parents for the players were informed by Lane that he misused the funds given to him and the money was no longer available.

According to authorities, Lane told the parents he would pay back the funds but the players’ participation would have to be cancelled. When the money was not paid back, parents reported the crime.

An investigation began by the Tinton Falls Police Department, with assistance from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, where authorities discovered that Lane cashed the checks he received from the parents and used the money for personal expenses.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Leaf Collection Schedule

HOWELL – The Howell Township Department of Public Works has announced the Fall 2022 Leaf Collection Schedule.

The leaf collection will begin on or about November 7, weather permitting. Crews will begin simultaneously in multiple zones throughout the township.

The last leaf collection is scheduled to start on or about December 5. Place your leaves to the curb no later than December 4. After this date they will not be returning to your street once the last pass is made.

The township guidelines include:

• Leaves only, mixed piles will not be accepted.

• Place leaves at the edge of the curb, not in the traffic lane.

• Do not bag leaves.

• Keep piles clear of storm inlets to

prevent flooding.

• If possible, blow leaves into woods to allow natural composition and creation of topsoil for healthier trees.

Brush collection:

• The next brush collection is scheduled for the Spring of 2021.

• Check back with the Department of Public Works closer to the spring season for defi nitive dates.

As a reminder, the Recycling Center (278 Old Tavern Road) accepts leaves and brush year-round, seven days a week; between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. No permits are required to access the center but proof of residency must be provided.

For more information, contact the Department of Public Works, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 732-9384500 ext. 2450 or visit twp.howell.nj.us.

Greenbriar Woodlands

Market

Show

TOMS

birds.

There is plenty of wildlife to see at the Jersey Shore. Recently, this squirrel was spotted with a chipmunk. The photo was taken by Vanessa Vargas. Wanna see your pictures featured in this space? Email them to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Real Estate

Jackson - House For Sale By Own er. Private Road Sits On 1.5 Acres. 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths, unfinished full basement, 1 car attached ga rage, baseboard heat. For sale as is $489,000. 732-691-9845.

Moving Sale

Moving Everything Must Go - Din ing room, end, coffee, sofa, tables, yarn, etc. 42 Keene St., Whiting, Vil lage 7. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat/Sun. (46)

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Personals

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Gift Auction and Pancake Break fast

Items For Sale

ATTN Hunter's - Carry your deer easy on this carry on hitch. Packer steel grate. New. Used only once. Asking $55. 732-276-8389.

Items Wanted

JEWEL

RY 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)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

Cash

Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/ dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, ward robes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)

Buying Selmer Saxophones And Other Vintage Models - Also buying World War II Military items. Cash Paid! 609-581-8290. Email: mymilitarytoys@optonline.net. (31)

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Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (48)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (30)

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. (t/n)

Help Wanted

Experienced Home Health Aid(s) Available hourly or 24/7 and ready to assist you with personal care, medication monitoring, driving, grocery shopping, cooking, light housekeeping, companionship, etc. (including patients suffering from Dementia/Althheimer's or any other disabilities). References available. Call 732-910-8869. (42)

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MY HANDY CREW - Home re pairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home main tenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (46)

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Roofing Repairs Etc. - Roofing, sid ing, windows. Repairs on small jobs. Utility shed roofs replaced. Prompt service. Insured. Gutters cleaned. Call Joe Wingate 551-804-7391. (19)

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Monmouth County Man Convicted For Tra cking Cocaine

By Alyssa Riccardi

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Following a two-week trial, a man has been convicted of trafficking multiple drugs throughout the county, officials said.

Damion Helmes, 42, of Cliffwood, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Helmes was found not guilty of two fi rearms offenses.

an investigation by the FBI’s Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force, a group of 20 people, which included Helmes, were charged in August 2019 with conspiracy to distribute cocaine

base and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

On August 25 of this year, a grand jury returned a six-count third superseding indictment charging Helmes with conspiracy and substantive cocaine and crack cocaine offenses as well as fi rearms offenses.

Officials said Helmes is the last of the 20 defendants charged in the original criminal complaint to be convicted of one or more federal crimes.

Helmes and the other defendants were involved in a narcotics conspiracy, selling cocaine throughout Monmouth County. This included Cliffwood, Keansburg, Matawan, Keyport, Red Bank, Long Branch, Neptune, and Asbury Park, as well as Brick Township in Ocean County.

According to officials, Helmes obtained regular supplies of cocaine from his conspirators, cooked portions of that cocaine into crack cocaine, and redistributed co-

caine and crack cocaine for profit to other conspirators, distributors, sub-dealers, and end users throughout Monmouth County.

Helmes now faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison, a potential maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and a fi ne of up to $5 million on the counts of conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and possessing 28 grams or more of cocaine base with the intent to distribute. He also faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison as well as a $1 million fi ne on the cocaine conspiracy and cocaine distribution counts of conviction.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force (including representatives from the Bradley Beach, Brick, Howell, Toms River, Union Beach

and Marlboro police departments, and the Monmouth County Sheriff ’s Office) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; the Red Bank Police Department, under the direction of Chief Darren McConnell; the Keansburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Andrew Gogan; the Middletown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Craig Weber; the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago; the Highlands Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Burton; the Holmdel Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Frank Allocco; and the Long Branch Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director William Broughton, with the investigation leading to the guilty verdict.

High Technology Ranked Top High School In NJ

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners would like to congratulate the students, staff and administration of the Monmouth County Vocational School District’s (MCVSD) High Technology High School on being named the top public high school in New Jersey by Niche.com.

High Technology was joined in the rankings by Biotechnology High School, which ranked 4th in New Jersey; the Academy of Allied Health & Sciences, which ranked 14th in New Jersey and the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, which ranked 19th in New Jersey.

“On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, we are so proud of High Technology High School, Biotechnology High School, the Academy of Allied Health & Sciences and the Marine Academy of Science and Technology and want to commend the entire staff and student body for this incredible honor,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Not only did High Technology rank as the top public high school in New Jersey, but they were also ranked in the top ten of public high schools nationwide.”

“High Technology has won multiple awards

and distinctions, and this is a credit to the administration, faculty, staff, parents and most importantly, the students who put in countless hours of studying, coursework and extracurricular activities,” said Commissioner Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the MCVSD. “During my time as a County official, I have seen firsthand the incredible work being done at our MCVSD and it is no surprise that four of the schools are ranked as the best in the State.”

High Technology High School, a pre-engineering career academy that emphasizes the interconnections among mathematics, science, technology, and the humanities,

prepares students to become creative problem solvers, effective communicators, and tomorrow’s leaders through a rigorous, specialized curriculum and collaborative partnerships.

The MCVSD prepares students for an evolving workplace, lifelong learning and further education through specialized academics, career and technical programs and achievement of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

To learn more about the MCVSD or High Technology High School, go to visitmonmouth.com. To learn more about Niche’s 2023 rankings, go to niche.com.

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County Commissioners Open Bridge HL-73 In Howell

HOWELL – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of Bridge HL-73 and Lake Louise Dam located on Lanes Pond Road on October 13.

“The County determined that there was a need to replace the HL-73 bridge because of its antiquated timber structure and worked with Howell Township to concurrently upgrade the Lake Louise Dam to current standards,” Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “This project was a clear example of partnership between the County and Howell

Twp., with the County covering 100 % of the bridge repairs, Howell covering 100 % of the approach roadway and both the County and Township equally sharing the cost of repairing the dam.”

A construction contract for the joint Monmouth County and Howell Township project was awarded in September of 2021 to Marbro, Inc., of Montclair, New Jersey for $4,047,117.

Do ie’s House Annual Holiday Cocktail Party

BRICK – Join us for the Annual Holiday Cocktail Party at River Rock Restaurant & Marina Bar on December 1.

Included in your ticket: Buffet Dinner, Beer + Wine, Wine Pull, Silent Auction, 50/50 Super Raffle.

Enter for a chance at winning one of three prizes:

1st Ticket: $5,000

2nd Ticket: $3,000

3rd Ticket: $2,000

Limited to 200 tickets. Top prizes as stated above are based on 200 tickets sold. No sub-

In total, the County maintains approximately 1,000 lane miles of roads, 980 bridges and culverts and 250 traffic signals and beacons. stitution of the offered prize may be made. 50/50 Super Raffle Drawing will take place at this event, but winners need not be present. Join with friends, family, or co-workers for a chance at winning big, just in time for the holidays! Get your group together and purchase your tickets today!

Holiday Cocktail Party Tickets: $40 per person; 50/50 Super Raffle Tickets: $100 each Proceeds directly support our mission at Dottie’s House; to provide safe housing for women and their children through a program that empowers them to become self-sufficient and free from violence.

2nd Annual Doggy Paddle Polar Plunge

BELMAR – 2nd Annual Doggy Paddle Polar Plunge will be on November 26 at D’Jais, 1801 Ocean Avenue, Belmar. Schedule:

10 a.m. Registration Opens

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pre-Plunge Party

12 p.m. Program & Awards

12:30 p.m. Doggy Paddle Polar Plunge

1 p.m. After Plunge Party

Join the weekend after Thanksgiving with

friends and family to plunge to raise funds to help support the thousands of animals cared for by the MCSPCA every year! The day will be filled with food, fun, music, best costume prizes, dog zone & activities for the kids!

Although this event is dog friendly, dogs will not be allowed in the ocean. Please have a designated “Bark Squad” registrant hold your dog while you plunge!

Photo courtesy Monmouth County

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The early bird has the best shot at getting the worm. Get important jobs taken care of as soon as possible as free time may become scarce as the week wears on. Gather proof that a source is reliable before you act on their info.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): There’s no time like the present. Get a head start on the work week by laying the groundwork for upcoming projects early in the day. Schedules may be thrown off in the week ahead and disturb important plans.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Full speed ahead. Push the pedal to the metal so you can clear off your to-do list while the sun shines today. Plans may change unexpectedly in the upcoming week so remain flexible and prepared.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Remember to respect boundaries and observe social cues. Unintentionally crowding a recent acquaintance may create an unnecessary issue. Avoid starting important tasks without discussing things through with others.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Cross that bridge when you come to it. Concentrate on making adequate preparations for an upcoming task. Taking definitive action too soon could create problems. Decline volunteering for extra responsibilities.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) : Take your time. Work at your own pace because giving in to peer pressure and rushing through a job may only lead to a disappointing result. Steer clear of confrontations with other people that could cause a rift.

By Jeraldine Saunders

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. If someone is cranky with you this week, it may simply be because they are under pressure, don’t take it personally. Reserve judgment until you know the facts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t get too grandiose. Avoid letting recent successes cause you to take on a big project that could turn out to be too much. Stay in your personal comfort zone this week and stick to doing what you do best.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep it discreet if your opinions differ from the consensus of those around you. Avoid tensions by steering clear of volatile issues in the upcoming week. Remember that positive ends can never justify negative means.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) : An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Try to anticipate problems before they arise and work around them to ensure that they don’t become a larger issue. Trust your gut feelings in the week ahead.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) : You can’t please all the people all the time. Don’t let it upset you if you find yourself at odds with someone. Remember you are entitled to your opinion just as they are. Use tact in the week ahead.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20) : Stick with what you know. Avoid discussing topics you are unfamiliar with as it may be difficult to separate fact from fiction. Take care not to let popular sentiment influence your judgments this week.

NOTHING BEATS A WARM BOWL OF CHILI ON A COLD DAY

By America’s Test Kitchen

BEEF AND BEAN CHILI

(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.