2022-11-26 - The Howell Times

Pies Play A Sweet Part In Harvest Market’s New Location

Reports Given On Bullying, Test Scores

By Alyssa Riccardi

HOWELL – Members of the Howell Township Board of Education along with district supervisors recently held its Semi-Annual Public Hearing on Violence and Vandalism, and Harassment/Intimidation and Bullying Report.

This presentation discussed standardized test results along with a number of cases reported on violence and bullying.

Director of Pupil Services Dorothea Fernandez started off the presentation with the reports on schools’ grades. The self-assessment summary report is determined by eight core elements and can receive a score of up to 78. Out of the 12 schools, 9 schools received a score of 75 and three schools had a score of 76. Fernandez then went on to discuss the violence and vandalism report for the district.

In New Jersey, the third week in October is School Violence Awareness Week. In Howell, they recognize the Week of Respect, which was from October 3 to 7 this year. They also recognized Red Ribbon Week for drug awareness which was from October 24 to 28.

offered

By Stephanie Faughnan

(Market - See Page 3)

“During those weeks, they plan out activities to prevent school violence and invite law enforcement personal. We always work closely with our SROs SELO3s (special police personnel) and they continue to be highly involved. These activities included special training on safety for students, drug

(Reports - See Page 2)

Will There Be Any Big Elections In 2023?

By Chris Lundy

NEW JERSEY - For those of us feeling election fatigue, there’s some good news: there will only be one huge election statewide in 2023. But, individual towns will have some nasty political battles.

National Races

There won’t be any races for U.S. Senate or the House

of Representatives. Even though votes are still being counted as this is being written, and Georgia’s Senate race has gone to a runoff, the national picture is unlikely to change next year.

The only way change could happen is if someone retires (or gets arrested or dies) in the middle of their term. If Senator Bob Menendez, for example, steps down tomor-

row and the Democrats pick Mikie Sherrill to replace him (as an example), then she would have to run in November of 2023 to complete the rest of his term.

A Senate term is six years and a House term is two years.

Senators are split into 3 classes.

Senators in Class I were elected to office in the No-

vember 2018 general election, unless they took their seat through appointment or special election. Their terms run from the beginning of the 116th Congress on January 3, 2019 to the end of the 118th Congress on January 3, 2025. (So they’d be up for election in 2024.) Our Robert Menendez is in this class.

(Elections - See Page 4)

It won’t be long before we see these signs again. This one was in Toms River.

HOWELL – Bakers extraordinaire added some enticing aromas as the Howell Farmer’s Market Association celebrated its inaugural relocation to Echo Lake Park and Pavilion.

Photo by Bob Vosseller

–Photos by Stephanie Faughnan (Above) Judges stand with Samantha Fleming, blue ribbon winner of the Howell Farmer’s Market’s First Pie Baking Contest. (Right) Vendors

everything from food, drink, and assorted gift items.

Reports:

Continued From Page 1

awareness, bullying awareness,” she said.

Fernandez broke down the number of cases reported from January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022. During that time there were 41 cases reported in the area of violence, four cases of vandalism, one case in which weapons were involved, three cases of substance abuse, and 11 confi rmed cases of harass-

ment, intimidation and bullying.

The next report to present was the standardized testing throughout the schools.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph Isola noted that this standardized test was the fi rst test administered since the pandemic.

“For many of our students, it was the fi rst (standardized) test they’ve ever taken,” Isola said. “This cycle of testing had 3rd graders, 4th graders and 5th graders taking the assessment.”

Supervisors in the Language Arts and Mathematics Departments as well as a presenter for the DLM (dynamic learning map) shared the results of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment from the spring of 2022. They also discussed nationwide trends since the pandemic.

“What nationwide trends indicated is that since 2020, pre-pandemic time, students did decrease in both reading and mathematics. They saw significant decreases. The

average scores for age 9 declined by five points in reading and seven points in mathematics compared to 2020,” Jane Losinger, Language Arts Literacy Supervisor said. “These are the largest declines that have ever been seen since the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) has been administered.”

Losinger then went on to compare Howell Township School District’s scores to the state’s overall scores.

“For English Language Arts, one thing to point out is that in nearly every grade level, the district had more students at the level 5 exceeding than the state averages, and fewer students in level 1 than state averages,” she said.

For Mathematics, the percentages were very similar to the English Language Arts. For Science, more students were in levels 1 and 2 compared to the state.

After the presentation, Superintendent Isola explained how the pandemic took a toll on students and plan to continue working on their performance.

“We’re way ahead about keeping the community and board informed on our progress. While these were tough testing environments, we need to do better for our kids. I’m extremely confident that our focus will support staff in making sure kids are performing where we are used to seeing them perform,” Isola said. “We talk about data, but it’s critically important to remember they represent children and their future. It’s not about getting test scores up, it’s about getting students better prepared for success.”

Le ers From Santa

HOWELL – The Township of Howell will be forwarding letters addressed to Santa postmarked through December 9. Send to: Township of Howell C/O Santa Claus 4567 Highway 9 North, 2nd FL Howell, NJ 07731.

Please remember to include a return address. For more information, call 732938-4500 ext. 2106.

Everyone turned out winners in the association’s fi rst pie baking contest as five judges dug into slices of mince, apple and pumpkin pies. No one seemed the least bit worried about the prospect of indulging in juicy calories as they savored morsels of traditional holiday delights.

Three of the featured judges came from Howell Township’s governing body. Mayor Theresa Berger (D), Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond (R), and Councilwoman Suzanne Brennan (R) don’t often come to easy agreement. However, the Harvest Market’s fi rst pie baking contest resulted in unanimous results.

Joan Osborne, who serves as president of the Howell’s Farmer’s Market Association, doled out the slices to each of the judges. Onlookers gathered at the forefront with hopes they’d have an opportunity to conduct their own taste tests.

After sampling each of the pies, the three members of the governing body huddled together with the other two judges. Public Works Director Paul Noviello and locally

renowned pie connoisseur Brian Wooley all agreed with the others on selecting the fi nal blue-ribbon winner.

Samantha Fleming submitted the fi rstplace apple pie entry.

“This one (Fleming’s entry) was defi nitely number one,” announced Berger. “We liked that it wasn’t too sweet, and it still had a touch of warmth. All of the pies had different qualities that the others didn’t have, making it difficult to settle on a choice.”

After securing permission from all of the participants, the remainder of the pies were divvied up among community members eager to check if the judges made accurate assessments.

The mid-November pie baking contest represented just one feature of the Howell Farmer’s Market Association’s Harvest Market move to its new home at Echo Lake Park. For the past three years, the group sponsored events at Howell Township’s Municipal Building.

“The move to Echo Lake is a great opportunity to grow the market and provide more amenities to the vendors and the customers who visit the Market on Sundays from May to October,” Osborne said. “Echo Lake

Park has a nicer esthetic for a farmer’s market than the current highway location and offers shade trees, picnic tables, playground equipment, the lake, bathrooms and an indoor pavilion for inclement weather.”

Of the 36 vendors who participated in the Harvest Market, none offered fresh produce as the season was over. However, an assortment of vendors presented food and drink – with one even targeting furry friends with special treats.

Handmade craft items from scented candles, to knitted scarfs, jewelry, and toiletry items were among the products offered for sale. Bag ladies had their choice of adding to their collections and assorted arts and other gifts were all featured at the market.

Musicians added to the ambiance of the occasion, which drew in hundreds despite the threat of stormy weather.

A Holiday Market is planned for the same location on December 13 from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Township officials plan to conduct a Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting when the market time ends. A band will play

throughout the day.

Residents and guests can learn more about the upcoming event by visiting the Association’s Facebook page found at facebook. com/HowellNJFarmersMarket.

–Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Howell Farmer’s Market Association President Joan Osborne makes some sample pie cut for judges to savor.

Elections:

Continued From Page 1

The two independents, Bernie Sanders (VT) and Angus King (ME) are here, too. If you ever look at the Senate predictions, there’s 100 senators, and they usually put the two independents on the Democrat side because that’s how they tend to vote.

Senators in Class II were elected to office in the November 2020 general election (the last presidential election), unless they took their seat through appointment or special election. Their terms run from the beginning of the 117th Congress on January 3, 2021 to the end of the 119th Congress on January 3, 2027. (So they’d be up for election in 2026.) Our Cory Booker is in this class.

Senators in Class III were elected to office in the November 2016 general election, unless they took their seat through appointment or special election. Their terms run from the beginning of the 115th Congress on January 3, 2017 to the end of the 117th Congress on January 3, 2023. (These are the ones who were up for election in 2022.)

House seats are on even-numbered years only.

State Races

The next gubernatorial election, where we elect our governor, will be in 2025.

However, every single seat of the NJ State Senate and Assembly will be on the ballot in November. There are 40 members in the Senate and 80 in the General Assembly. Every town has a district in which they are

represented by one senator and two members of the assembly.

Democrats have the majority in the executive branch (governor) and the legislative branch (Senate and Assembly). According to state figures, there are 24 Democrats and 16 Republicans in the Senate. There are 46 Democrats and 34 Republicans in the General Assembly.

There will likely be a lot of money spent by both sides to increase or keep power. The legislators in most local elections are safely Republican so even though this is the one huge election of 2023, it won’t impact Ocean County very much.

Local Races

Some of our towns will have a lot of names on the ballots. This doesn’t necessarily mean that these people will run for re-election, but that their terms will be coming to a close. The following is a selection of races in our towns.

In Berkeley, there will be three council members and the mayor’s seat on the ballot next year. Currently, these are held by Mayor Carmen Amato and Councilmen John Bacchione, Keith Buscio and Thomas Grosse. They have been on the governing body for a number of years.

Berkeley is divided into wards. There are seven members of the council. One comes from each ward, and three are at-large, meaning they can live anywhere in town. The three up for re-election are the at-large council members.

On the local board of education, Board President Jennifer Bacchione and board

members Thomas Guarascio and David Ytreboe are up for re-election. This year, though, the Berkeley Board of Education candidates ran unopposed.

The Central Regional Board of Education has nine members. Five are from Berkeley, and there is one each from the sending districts of Island Heights, Ocean Gate, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park.

In 2023, there will be an election for the Ocean Gate, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park members.

For the 2022 General Election, no major positions were up for grabs in Brick In 2021, John G. Ducey won his third term as mayor against Theresa Gallagher. Ducey will yet again serve a four-year term and the election for mayor will not take place until 2025.

The current roster of Council members consists of: Council President Vincent Minichino, Council Vice President Lisa Crate, Councilman Perry Albanese, Councilman Derrick T. Ambrosino, Councilwoman Heather DeJong, Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero, and Councilwoman Andrea Zapcic.

Albanese was the newcomer elected in 2021, along with Incumbent Council members Pontoriero and deJong won re-election to four-year terms.

During the 2019 election, Zapcic and Crate won re-election, and newcomer Minichino also won a seat, all for four-year terms. During this election, Art Halloran won re-election. However, Halloran resigned from his seat on the council this year and Ambrosino filled his seat for the fi nal year.

Zapcic, Crate, Minichino, and Ambrosino’s terms will end December 31, 2023, putting four seats up for election in 2023.

As for the Brick Township Board of Education, there will be two seats open to fill in the 2023 election race.

Michael Blandina and Melissa Parker were elected as new board members in 2020 for three-year terms that will end December 31, 2023. This year, Parker put in her resignation as she was moving to a different state. In her place, the board chose Allison Kennedy to fill the remainder of Parker’s term.

In 2021, incumbents Stephanie Wohlrab, Victoria Pakala and Nicole Siebert all won re-election for a three-year term. In 2022, Frances DiBenedictis and Madeline Iannarone won the two open seats.

During the 2022 election, the Republican candidates had a clean sweep in winning all three seats open on the Howell Township Council.

This year, Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond and Councilwoman Suzanne Brennan did not seek re-election. Councilman John Bonevich was seeking re-election; however, he did not receive enough votes to return to the council.

The newcoming members are Susan Fischer, Fred Gasior and Ian Nadel who will all be serving four-year terms.

So, will there be any election in 2023 for Howell Township? Well for the Township Council, there will be no open seats next year.

Mayor Theresa Berger’s term is set to expire December 31, 2024 as well as Councilwoman (Elections - See Page 6)

2023 Handbook Released For New Jersey Veterans

Capitol Comments

TRENTON U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) released his annual Veterans Handbook - a comprehensive resource guide for

New Jersey veterans and their families.

The handbook, accessible on Booker’s website, includes information on health benefits, crisis support services, federal and state education programs, and employment resources. The Veterans Handbook also includes information on the PACT Act of 2022, a new law signed

by President Biden to significantly expand VA benefits for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances while they were serving our country in the military.

“America’s veterans have helped to ensure that all Americans can enjoy the benefits of freedom that allow them to reach their fullest potential. We owe them and their families an immeasurable debt we can never repay,” said Senator Booker. “To help

commemorate Veterans Day, I am proud to release this handbook that provides New Jersey’s 350,000 veterans and their families information on accessing critical services, from healthcare benefits and employment programs, to the benefits and services stemming from the PACT Act.”

The senator’s 2023 Veterans Handbook can be found here: booker.senate.gov/ imo/media/doc/nj_veterans_day_handbook_2023.pdf

Funding Will Expand Access To Coastal Resources For ose With Disabilities

partment of Environmental Protection for their partnership and commitment which help make these awards possible.”

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced the Department has awarded additional funding to continue helping communities implement inclusive initiatives that increase recreational access to coastal resources for individuals with disabilities.

The funding was awarded in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

“At Human Services we remain focused on expanding accessibility and inclusion across the state so individuals with disabilities can thrive in the places they live, work, explore and play,” Commissioner Adelman said. “All New Jerseyans should have the opportunity to explore the wonders of the state’s coastal areas and connect with nature. We thank the New Jersey De-

“The Murphy Administration is committed to ensuring New Jersey’s diverse outdoor areas are accessible and inclusive for all, including our coastal treasures,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “DEP is proud to partner with DHS on this important initiative to help ensure every visitor can enjoy our coastal areas without impediment.”

Through this collaboration, DEP’s Coastal Management Program will provide additional funding to Human Services’ Division of Disability Services’ (DDS) Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant Program (IHC) to enhance the ongoing work of three current IHC awardees.

The following nonprofit organizations were each selected to receive an additional $30,000:

Family Resource Network, Inc. will expand upon a previous IHC grant to develop a tool that can be used to assess the accessibility of coastal resources for recreational purposes to people with disabilities.

Pinelands Preservation Alliance, Inc. will

build upon a previous IHC grant to focus on increasing accessibility and inclusivity in the enjoyment of natural places in the coastal zone, especially the coastal portions of the Pinelands National Reserve. Allies in Caring, Inc. will expand upon a previous IHC grant to advise Family Resource Network and Pinelands Preservation Alliance on their efforts to enhance access to coastal resources for people with disabilities for recreational purposes.

“From making existing nature trails more accessible for people with mobility challenges to developing a monitoring tool to assess disability access in coastal locations, these programs will enhance equitable access to natural areas for New Jerseyans with disabilities,” Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire said. “Through this collaboration with the NJ-

DEP, we are continuing to help communities create inclusive community resources and practices so that all New Jerseyans can achieve better health outcomes,” DDS Executive Director Peri L. Nearon said. “It is important to create environments that are accessible for individuals with disabilities through both land and sea and these grants bring this vision to reality.”

First launched on January 2021, the IHC Grant Program works to support communities and ensure that the voice and needs of people with disabilities are included in healthy community planning.

The IHC program aims to promote change at the local level by addressing pre-existing physical, environmental, social and economic challenges that prevent individuals with disabilities from having full access to community life that support health and well-being.

From The Desk Of The Governor

Senator Cory Booker

Elections:

Continued From Page 4

Evelyn O’Donnell.

As for the Howell Township Board of Education, there will be three seats open in the 2023 election. Board President Albert Miller along with Board members Dr. Denise M. Lowe and Ira Thor all have terms which are expiring December 31, 2023.

Board members Dr. Stephen Levine, MaryRose Malley, and Jennifer Okerson have terms expiring in 2024.

This year, three full-term seats were filled by Alexandria Langenberger, Joseph Mauer Jr., and incumbent member Cristy Mangano.

Jackson just fi nished a big campaign season with a mayor and two council seats. Next year, there won’t be any seats on the governing body up for election barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Two, three-year seats will be up for grabs on the Jackson Board of the Education.

Lacey Township will see only one open seat on the Township Committee. Committeewoman Peggy Sue Juliano is seeking re-election for her fi rst full three-year term on the panel.

Two three-year-term seats are up for election next year on the Lacey Board of Education.

In Manchester, the race for mayor and council is still undecided since it went to

a runoff for December 6. Mayor Robert Hudak is running with Councilwoman Joan Brush and Timothy Poss. He is being challenged by Robert Arace for mayor, and Joseph T. Hankins and Roxanne Conniff for council. They are all Republicans.

After that’s done, there will be no council or mayoral race in Manchester next year.

There will be a board of education election in 2023. Incumbents James Pate and Laura Wingler are up for re-election.

Toms River will be a particularly big fight: mayor, three council members and three board of education members.

Last time there was a mayoral election, there were three Republicans duking it out in the primary, where then-Councilman Maurice Hill won. He would go on to win in November as well.

Toms River has a ward form of government, which means that there are seven members of the council. Three of them are “at-large” and can live anywhere in town. The other four have to live in the ward that they represent. The three at-large candidates whose terms will be ending were Hill’s running mates, council members Kevin Geoghegan, Joshua Kopp and Matt Lotano.

There will also be three Board of Education member seats on the ballot. These seats are currently held by Lisa Contessa, Ashley Lamb, and Michele Williams.

Alyssa Riccardi and Bob Vosseller contributed to this story.

P OLICE B LOTTER

Teacher Arrested For Sexual Relationship With Student

By Chris Lundy

RED BANK – A high school teacher was arrested for having a lengthy sexual relationship with a student that began when she was a junior.

Michael F. Canning, 41, of Long Branch was charged with second-degree Sexual Assault, second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact.

He was an English teacher at Red Bank Regional High School. Investigators allege that their relationship began when she was a student at the school in 2015 and continued into 2019.

“These allegations constitute an egregious betrayal of the immense degree of faith we place upon teachers to always act in the best interests of the young minds they are entrusted to develop and educate,” Acting Prosecutor Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. “The charges …

are emblematic of our fi rm commitment to ensure that such conduct is never tolerated, and always met with swift action.”

The case is still under investigation by members of the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and Red Bank Police Department.

Anyone with information about Canning’s activities is being urged to contact MCPO Detective Kayla Santiago at 800-533-7443 or Red Bank Police Department Detective Paul Perez at 732-530-2700.

Anyone wishing to give anonymous information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app (available on iOS and Android – p3tips.com/1182); or by going to the website at monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com

Cha rges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.

Monmouth County Man Arrested For Taking “Upskirting” Photos Of Women

By Alyssa Riccardi

MONMOUTH COUNTY – A man has been arrested and charged for with taking “upskirting” photos of at least two women in a local supermarket last month and fleeing from arrest, officials said.

Christopher W. Cox, 33, of Red Bank, is charged with second-degree Resisting Arrest/Eluding Police, third-degree Resisting Arrest/Eluding Police, and two counts of fourth-degree Invasion of Privacy.

According to authorities, Cox was following female shoppers at the ShopRite on Shrewsbury around 4 p.m. on October 20. Police said Cox was using his cell phone to secretly take photos of these women from behind. Cox was later seen leaving the store shortly after 5:45 p.m. and leaving the area in a white Dodge Durango. One week later, Cox was pulled over on Newman Springs Road in Red Bank. At fi rst, he was obeying the officer’s commands to exit his car, however he quickly reentered and sped away from the scene. The officer released his grip on Cox in order to avoid getting dragged by the vehicle, police said.

Cox was arrested shortly after in Little Silver and lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a fi rst appearance and detention hearing.

Anyone with information about this matter or Cox’s recent activities is asked to contact MCPO Detective Jose I. Rodriguez at 800-533-7443 or Shrewsbury Borough Police Department Detective Daniel DeCristofaro at 732-741-2500, ext. 230.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confi dential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400; by downloading and using the free P3 Tips mobile app ( p3tips. com/1182), by calling 800-671-4400, or by going to the website at monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.

Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.

Howell Pack 258 Wants You For Cub Scouts

HOWELL – Looking for a safe, fun, educational activity for you son or daughter? The Howell Pack 258 is seeking children between kindergarten and 5th grade to join the Cub Scouts.

In Scouting, boys and girls start with their best right now selves and grow into their very busy future selves. It’s fun, hands-on learning achievement that puts kids in the

middle of the action and prepares them for today and for life.

Kids will enjoy: hiking, camping, bike riding, learning about nature, building camp fires, cooking, fishing, pinewood derby, “big trips,” ceremonies, parades and first aid.

If interested, contact Mike Duchaine, Cub Master at 973-714-0143, cubscoutpack258. bsa@gmail.com.

The Howell Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

Life Line Screening

HOWELL – Life Line Screening, the nation’s leading provider of preventive health screenings, will offer affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings at Southard Fire Dept. No.1 on January 26 at 9 a.m.

A package of four screenings to identify cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions will be offered: Carotid artery ultrasound that scans the carotid arteries for buildup of fatty plaque-one of the leading causes of strokes.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound screening for an abdominal aneurysm that

could lead to a ruptured aorta.

Heart Rhythm Screening (AFIB) A quick and easy test using a 6-lead EKG placed on the arms and legs to identify the presence or absence of an irregular heartbeat.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening-Evaluates for PAD in the lower extremities, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Schedule your appointment today and receive special package pricing. Register by calling toll free 1-866-964-1386, text the word “circle” to 797979, or register online at llsa.social/HC.

Ba le Of e Bags Cornhole Tournament

HOWELL – Battle of the Bags Team Howell Cornhole Tournament will be on December 17. Start time: 11:30 a.m. at the Girl Scouts Program Activity Center 127 Yellowbrook Road, Farmingdale. Registration $80/team. Double elimination. This event is indoors! Food & beverages will be for sale during the event. Sponsorships welcome.

Proceeds to benefit the police officers participating with “Team Howell” in the 2023 Police Unity Tour, a 300-mile bicycle ride to Washington, DC to raise awareness of fallen police officers and support the National Law Enforcement Memorial.

For more information, contact Brett Kyle: 732-814-5535 or brettk613@gmail. com.

3rd Annual Christmas Fundraiser

HOWELL – Start your Christmas shopping, warm up by the bonfire with some fabulous hot chocolate, enjoy a day in this peaceful farm while shopping and visiting the animals.

HorseSense Therapeutic Riding Center’s

3rd Annual Christmas Fundraiser will be on November 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. at 145 Easy Street, Howell.

For more information, contact Horsesensenj@verizon.net.

Santa Paws Photos With Shore Saves

HOWELL – Bring your kids, K9 or human to take their photo with Santa! Santa Paws Photos will be on December 4 from 12 to 4

p.m. at Seven Sons Brewing. Cost is $10 for digital copy and $15 for a printed and digital copy. All proceeds benefit Shore Saves rescue.

Howell Farmers Market - Winter Edition

HOWELL – Come out for local foods, shopping, and live music! The Howell Farmers Market - Winter Edition will be on December 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1205 Maxim Southard Road, Howell.

OMMUNITY N EWS

C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS

Students Win Bronze In Parliamentary Law Competition

FREEHOLD – Six FFA (Future Farmers of America) members from Freehold Township High School’s Animal and Botanical Sciences Magnet Program were invited to represent New Jersey at the 95th National FFA Convention. The six members qualified for the Parliamentary Procedure Event at the New Jersey FFA Convention in May.

Students must demonstrate the ability to run a meeting using Roberts Rules of Order. Participants are judged on their knowledge of parliamentary law and their ability to present logical, realistic, and convincing debates and motions. They are also given a comprehensive test on parliamentary law, preparing agendas and recording minutes. The members must also complete a collaborative problem-solving scenario. The event is known as the “Super Bowl” of

FFA public speaking events. The Freehold Township team earned a Bronze rating. All members of the team also earned a membership for the next thirty years in the American Institute of Parliamentarians. The student representatives were Dallas Blair, Danish Hussain, Kayla Martinez, Cassandra Neuhaus, Breanna Rosmarin, and Scarlett Sampino. Way to go!

Vaccine Booster Clinic At Howell Senior Center

HOWELL – Have you had your COVID-19 vaccine? Do you need a second dose? Has your doctor recommended a third dose (for the moderately to severely immunocompromised)? Ready for your booster dose?

Join at the Howell Township Senior Center, 251 Preventorium Road, for a vaccine clinic on November 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Make sure to bring your original vaccine card, wear your mask, and fill out the form. Transportation may be available. You must

call the Howell Senior Center at 732-9384500 ext. 2550 to inquire if transportation will be available. Clinic is for ages 5 years old and up.

No appointment is necessary. Clinic is free; there is no charge for the vaccine or administration. Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines will be available.

Sponsored by: Howell Township Senior Center and Monmouth County Health Department.

Wreaths Across America - Adelphia Cemetery

HOWELL – The Adelphia Fire Department is working with Wreaths Across America to honor veterans at the Adelphia Cemetery on Wyckoff Mills Road. There are 213 Veterans in the cemetery and they are looking to get wreaths sponsored for every veteran. Wreaths are $15 each and can be sponsored

by visiting: wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages /163818/Overview.

Everyone is also welcome to come to the event and lay wreaths on December 17 at 12 p.m. For more information, contact Katie Barnes at 732-677-0187 or email C_Barnes99@aol.com.

Operation Sleigh Bells Clothing Collection

HOWELL – Howell High School’s Peer Leadership is collecting new and gently used clothing now until November 28. Donations go to the Joshua House in Farmingdale. They are asking for new socks and underwear, winter accessories such as new hats and gloves, winter

clothes such as jackets and hoodies size L to 4XL, new clothing with tags, Drop-off locations include:

• Howell PAL Building - 115 Kent Road

• RAM Cafe - 133 Newtins Corner Road

• Red Rose Bakery - 4344 Route 9

Christmas At Ardena Schoolhouse

HOWELL – Experience an old-fashioned schoolhouse Christmas at the Ardena Schoolhouse on December 11 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Built in 1855, Old Ardena Schoolhouse was

originally located across the street from Ardena Baptist Church. It is now located on the corner of Manassa and Old Tavern Roads. in Howell. The schoolhouse is now owned by the Howell Heritage and Historical Society.

–Photo courtesy Freehold Regional High School District

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Faces Of e Black Poster Project: Honoring ose Lost To Overdoses

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK – Over 500 posters were on display at Brick Memorial High school, featuring photos of people who lost their lives to addiction.

The display works as a silent memorial, showing each person’s story along with their photo. Despite these individuals being from all over the country, they all shared one thing in common.

The Black Poster Project was created by Dee Gillen, who lost her son Scott to a heroin/fentanyl overdose in 2015. While preparing for an overdose awareness event in 2019, Dee said she wanted to have posters of lost loved ones displayed as she felt it would be an impactful visual.

“I started the project three years ago with about 50 posters and it’s grown by word of mouth to the point where we decided to make it a project, make it something we can travel around with,” Dee said. “I was a part of an alumni in recovery and a parent program and when the community meetings would go to different towns, we’d bring the posters so that people could look at them prior to the meetings starting.”

Dee explained how after COVID hit, her along with colleague Glynis Burke came up with the idea of doing the traveling displays and opening it up to the public for free. Today, the Black Poster Project has grown to 521 posters.

“The thing that’s really special about what we do, working with alumni in recovery, is there are either people in recovery or grieving families working side by side with people in recovering and it’s such an unusual connection,” Dee said.

“You don’t see that a lot. You either see grief groups or recovery groups. So, this event is a perfect example.

“For people like us who have lost our child after so many years of rehab and trying to save them, and they’re gone now;

what happens next? Now what do we do?

The people in recovery, they embrace people who have gone through it, who don’t have their loved one anymore. It’s a really unique combination and we’re really grateful to be a part of that,” Dee added.

“Being a part of alumni in recovery also brings hope to us and purpose to it. Purpose in that ‘what now? What do we do?’ Our child’s death is not in vain. How do you make sense of 500 kids, sons and daughters, parents, all from families. How do you make sense of that? In all of this it’s healing for us,” Glynis said.

Along with the 500 plus posters on display, there were two distinctive posters at this year’s event in Brick Township that stood apart from the rest.

Next to Kennedy Marie Clifford’s poster were six standing mirrors decorated with different words of affi rmations. Kennedy committed suicide in 2014 and to honor her, her sister and best friends created the “Amazing Campaign.” They made shirts with “amazing” spelt backwards on it. So, when you looked in the mirror you see how amazing you are.

“The campaign was recently closed and they made a donation to the Black Poster Project. So, I display her poster to keep her memory alive,” Dee said.

The second unique display was in honor of James Evans, who died in 2020 from an addiction to medication after being shot and in the hospital for a month. Next to his poster stands separate posters with hundreds of caricatures drawn on them.

“These are James’ mom drawings, that’s her way of therapy for the loss of her son. She draws those intricate people; people that have lost their children or beloveds and they’ll send her a picture and she’ll draw a character and she does that for every holiday. She gave me her

–Photo by Alyssa Riccardi

The Black Poster Project started in 2019 and has grown to 521 posters.

Motorized Wheelchair Lemon Law.

Who Knew There Was Such A Thing?

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

I can’t say that New Jersey does a lot of things right, but I have to admit that our consumer protection laws are some of the best in the country.

When dealing with motorized wheelchairs a “consumer” is defined as the purchaser of the motorized wheelchair, if the motorized wheelchair was purchased from a motorized wheelchair dealer or manufacturer for purposes other than resale. A “consumer” is also a person to whom the motorized wheelchair is transferred for purposes other than resale, if the transfer occurs before the expiration of an express warranty applicable to the motorized wheelchair.

A manufacturer who sells a motorized wheelchair to a “consumer”, either directly or through a motorized wheelchair dealer, shall furnish the consumer with an express (written) warranty for the motorized wheelchair. The duration of the express warranty shall be at least one year. In the event the consumer does not receive the express warranty then the manufacturer shall be deemed to have expressly warranted to the consumer that, for a period of one year from the date of the first delivery to the consumer, the motorized wheelchair will be free from any condition or defect which substantially impairs the value of the wheelchair to the consumer.

If the wheelchair has what is called a “Nonconformity” this means that a condition or defect substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the motorized wheelchair, and that is covered by an express warranty. A “Nonconformity” does not include a condition or defect that is the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modification or alteration of the motorized wheelchair by the consumer.

If a new motorized wheelchair does not conform to an applicable express warranty and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, the wheelchair lessor or any of the manufacturer’s authorized dealers and makes the wheelchair available for repair before one year after first delivery of the wheelchair to a consumer then the nonconformity shall be repaired at no charge to the consumer by the manufacturer. However, the consumer must provide the manufacturer a reasonable attempt to repair the wheelchair.

“Reasonable attempt to repair” means, within the term of an express warranty applicable, or within one year after first delivery of the wheelchair to the consumer, whichever is sooner, that: (1) the wheelchair has been in for repair three or more times and the nonconformity continues, or (2) the motorized wheelchair is out of service for an aggregate of at least 20 days due to a nonconformity after having been returned to the manufacturer, wheelchair

lessor, or any of the manufacturer’s authorized dealers for repair.

If, after a reasonable attempt to repair, the nonconformity is not repaired then the manufacturer shall, at the direction of a consumer (other than a consumer who leases a motorized wheelchair from a motorized wheelchair dealer), either (1) accept return of the wheelchair and replace the wheelchair with a comparable new one and refund any collateral costs; or (2) accept return of the wheelchair and refund to the consumer and to any holder of a Note on the wheelchair the full purchase price plus any finance charge amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale and collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use.

In order to receive a comparable new motorized wheelchair or a refund a consumer shall offer to transfer possession of the defective wheelchair to the manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the consumer with the comparable new motorized wheelchair or a refund. When the manufacturer provides the new motorized wheelchair or refund, the consumer shall return the defective wheelchair to the manufacturer, along with any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession to the manufacturer.

In order to receive a refund a consumer shall: (a) offer to return the defective wheelchair to its manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the consumer. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the consumer shall return to the wheelchair; and (b) offer to transfer possession of the wheelchair to its manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the motorized wheelchair lessor. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the motorized wheelchair lessor shall provide to the manufacturer any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession to the manufacturer.

Also, keep in mind that any lease of a motorized wheelchair shall not be enforceable after the consumer receives a refund for the leased motorized wheelchair.

No motorized wheelchair returned by a consumer or motorized wheelchair lessor in this State or by a consumer or motorized wheelchair lessor in another state shall be sold or leased again in this New Jersey unless full disclosure of the reasons for return is made to any prospective buyer or lessee.

The consumer litigation attorneys at the Law Offices of R.C. Shea & Associates are available for a free consultation (732-505-1212) to discuss your rights.

A Sinus Fungal Ball Causes Headaches

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

In the past year, I’ve talked to 4 different people who have either had a sinus surgery, or had an actual sinus fungal ball so today I will write about it. An “aspergilloma” is the name of what it was once called, but I believe this is older terminology. I’m calling a “sinus fungal ball” today for the purpose of this article.

These sinus fungal balls are occurring at rapid, alarming rates due to this being a new long-term complication of having COVID-19. One confounding symptom is a foul odor that no one else smells, or the inability to smell. Those symptoms occur in both COVID and a sinus fungal ball (SFB).

Some of you taking migraine medicines, or experiencing persistent daily headaches may have a SFB because these always cause frontal headaches and they don’t respond to normal headache medications. People with a SFB may not be properly diagnosed for years, and will suffer with odd symptoms, always above the neck! Having serious dental surgeries or procedures appears to increase one’s risk for SFB. A sinus fungal ball consists of aspergillus organisms most of the time. That pathogen has a life cycle and produces chemicals upon dying off. These chemicals can cause other symptoms in your head, and all over your body.

The fungal infection is impossible to see from the outside, and difficult to diagnose if you don’t know about it. It may be visually seen on a CT scan, and by the odd

combination of never-ending symptoms in your head.

You may or may not have sinusitis symptoms and that’s the challenge. If you do have sinus infections, then antibiotics will always be prescribed, right? But I’m afraid those don’t work well! They don’t kill fungal organisms plus they don’t get past the biofilm. SFB almost always go hand-in-hand with bacterial infections, but again, prescribed antibiotics don’t cure the problem and leave you with a destroyed microbiome. Only surgery will bring relief. Sometimes people with a SFB want to wait and fix this on their own with herbal medicine and saline rinses, but I am not in agreement with the “wait and see” approach. This is a potentially deadly pathogen that can get into your brain or lungs. It’s not like a sinus cyst, where it can sit there for years and not be problematic. A SFB made of aspergillus is a fungus, and as such, it wants to survive therefore it’s very invasive, therefore you need to see an ENT physician. Ever see a mushroom in your grass, and the next day there’s 20, then your whole lawn is covered in them?! Same with fungus in your head! You can’t expect it to stay put.

I understand this is a complex, serious topic, so if you are interested in learning more and hearing about some case studies, I have written more extensively about it. I really want you to get properly diagnosed. If you would like to read the longer version of this article, sign up for my newsletter at suzycohen.com.”

Sprains & Fractures

Suzy

Poster:

Continued From Page 9

Halloween one and then I asked her if she would draw one for the black poster project. That board shows everyone in the display, and she plans to add more people in,” Dee said.

This is the third year the Black Poster Project has been on display in Brick Township, with the project continuing to travel all throughout the state. The

Brick Township Police Department was present with an unused medication drop box, free Narcan training, along with the Brick Municipal Anti-Drug Coalition and other vendors.

“It’s not for everyone. It’s extremely heavy work and it’s difficult for a lot of people to decide to participate. It’s all very respectful the way we handle it,” Dee said.

To learn more about the Black Poster Project or to make a donation, visit the blackposterproject.com.

Law Enforcement Students Learn How To “Stop e Bleed”

Photo courtesy Freehold Regional High School District

MANALAPAN – Students in the Law Enforcement and Public Safety Magnet Program at Manalapan High School recently had hands-on demonstrations on how to “Stop the Bleed.”

According to its website, the “Stop the Bleed” campaign’s purpose is to build national resilience by better preparing the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life-threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies

and man-made and natural disasters.

Joe and Garry Falco of Vanguard Response trained Manalapan students on what to do if ever in a situation requiring these skills. The group learned how to pack a wound and how to properly use a tourniquet.

After this training, participating students receive a “Stop the Bleed” certificate. The program at Manalapan was supported by federal Perkins funding.

Shop For Gi s Made In Monmouth

LINCROFT – On behalf of Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Division of Economic Development, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, the Made in Monmouth team is announcing that the Holiday Made in Monmouth event will take place on December 10. The event will be held at Brookdale Community College in the Robert J. Collins Arena from 11

a.m. to 4 p.m.

Over 200 vendors of products made in Monmouth County will be on display and for sale in time for the holiday season. Made In Monmouth is a program for both vendors and visitors to encourage people to shop locally and to create new and important items that the public will want to buy! All events are free to both vendors and the public.

e Feathered Heroes Of World Wars I And II

Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

I would like to thank every soldier for their service, and their families, and others who love them, who endure the many sacrifices. We on the outside will never be able to fully understand how those sacrifices affected your lives.

When you think about critical, ever-changing communications during World Wars I and II, telephone and telegraph come to mind, although they were very new technologies at that time. How did we overcome those deficiencies?

“President Wilson,” a pigeon, is one of many in the U. S. Army Signal Corps that delivered lifesaving messages back and forth between commanders and troops on the front lines in October of 1918. President Wilson was recognized as a ‘hero bird’ for delivering a message behind enemy lines while under fi re in less than 25 minutes. After surviving many war-time related injuries, he eventually died in 1929.

President Wilson was one of approximately 100,000 pigeons who served our country and others, saving many lives. They have the ability to travel up to a mile a minute while avoiding challenging terrain or harm by flying above the battles raging on the

ground. In World War II approximately 250,000 pigeons were dispatched from the front lines. Many were killed in the line of duty. Others were wounded but continued to complete their mission despite injuries. When pigeons weren’t in use, they lived in mobile units, converted horse carriages and double-decker buses.

Some of the most famous pigeon war heroes were Cher Ami and GI Joe, along with The Mocker, Winkie, Paddy, Commando, William of Orange, Kenley Lass, Mary of Exeter, Gustav, and Beach Comber, who were awarded medals for their heroic service. The Mocker completed 52 missions without injury before he was wounded. Losing her foot and one eye, Cher Ami continued to successfully deliver her message resulting in a group of American soldiers being rescued. GI Joe saved approximately 1,000 British solders by delivering a message thereby preventing an Italian village from being bombed.

Freedom is never free.

The information for this article from was gathered through multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper New Jersey State and/or Federal permits.

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!

THE QUANTUM PROCESS

OUTPATIENT REHAB:

• Have the ability to live at home or live in a sober home with the ability to see your friends and family

• Get the help you need without having to sacrifice your career, drop out of school, or miss out on important obligations

• Have more affordable addiction treatment & care options

INPATIENT REHAB:

• Have full access to doctors, nurses, and medical staff 24 hours a day

• Live full-time inside the facility, with medication management & monitoring

• Have a more structured daily life, with the entire day planned out for you by professionals

Although Thanksgiving does mark the start of the holiday season, the Christmas creep continues to get earlier each year. Recently, Mikaela Hunter and her family spotted this display in Toms River. Luckily for us, Mikaela grabbed her camera. We couldn’t resist sharing this one!

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Breast Cancer Awareness: One Mom’s Story

helped slow the spread of her cancer and may have allowed her to live longer, but I also believe in the 90s, awareness was not much spoken about,” her daughter Pamela told JerseyShoreOnline. “After 20 years of battling different spreads of cancer, she was put on hospice and peacefully passed away at the age of 57, due to breast cancer with metastasis, on October 5, 2022.”

Alison would have turned 58 on October 24. The family plans to have a memorial.

According to Cancer.org, breast cancer makes up about 1 in 3 of new cancers diagnosed in women annually. More than 300,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2022, and about 43,250 people are expected to die from it this year. It’s more prevalent in women, but men can also get it. October is breast cancer awareness month.

She was very strong, battling hard for 20 years. “She had over 7 different bouts of different types of cancer, she lost her hair more times than I can count - probably 4-5 times through multiple chemo courses,” Pamela said.

By Chris Lundy

OCEAN COUNTY – Alison

Berry

touched many lives during her time on Earth, and her loved ones are hoping that she will continue to inspire after her passing.

“My mother noticed a lump on her breast in her late 20s and she ignored it for bit,” her daughter Pamela Moore said. “Being a single mom she was hard pressed to work two jobs and take care of me, and most of the time she put herself on the back burner. When she was around 35 years old, she was in fact, diagnosed with breast cancer, for the same lump.”

In the years that followed, the cancer metastasized. According to Breastcancer. org, metastasis happens when cancer cells break away from the original tumor in the breast and travel to other parts of the body. She had several surgeries including breast removal, lymph node removal, and a hysterectomy. The disease also spread to her thyroid. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

“I believe earlier detection could have

“My mom always preached awareness, especially with all she went through. I have been genetically tested to see if we have the same gene mutations - which we don’t, but i also have been getting mammograms since I was 25 and get them every two years or so,” her daughter said.

“My mother was very Godly, always felt like she was blessed, and never complained about any of her struggles,” Pamela said. “She enjoyed crocheting, painting, being the best aunt and sister, mother, and praising the Lord.”

Alison Berry and Julie McBride met when they were 13 years old in 1976. They grew up as best friends. Years went by and miles separated them, with Julie living in Whiting. They reconnected on social media and picked up where they left off. This meant learning the good things going on in their lives…and the bad.

Julie explained how her friend noticed a lump years ago but kept putting it off. By the time she got it treated, it was the size of a plum.

To show solidarity with Alison, and to raise awareness, she had her head shaved at a salon in Bayville.

“If she hadn’t ignored that little lump, she’d be here today,” she said. “Early detection can save your life.”

Colts Neck Fire Co. #2 Fundraiser

COLTS NECK – Colts Neck Coin, Card, Stamps & Currency Expo on December 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Triple Crown Room at the Firehouse, 50 Conniver Road, Colts Neck.

Expo features 50 tables with coins, cards,

Pokémon, stamps, currency and supplies. Easy access and ample parking. Come and spend a fun day browsing the many items for sale. Free appraisals and free admission.

For more information, call Jimmy at 904910-3566, or email Catdfather@optonline.net.

–Photo courtesy Pamela Moore Alison Moore doesn’t look as sick in this photo with her daughter, Pamela, because she’s wearing her favorite wig.

CLASSIFIEDS

Real Estate

Jackson - House For Sale By Own

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3 BD, 1 BA, 1,200 SQ FT House

For Sale - Brick, Great garage, only 1 close neighbor, driveway & parking lot. $520,000. 732-4759107. Only Mortgage in place. Serious inquiries only. (48)

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Items Wanted

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COSTUME/ESTATE JEWEL

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Services Services Services

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urgently hiring

through

classrooms.

Endangered Sea Turtles Released After Treatment

By Alyssa Riccardi

POINT PLEASANT – Injured and sick sea turtles that were rehabilitated were recently released back out into the ocean, all thanks to a New Jersey-based nonprofit.

Two marine scientists Bill Deerr and Brandi Biehl created Sea Turtle Recovery because they wanted to do more to help save the endangered and threatened animals in New Jersey. Sea Turtle Recovery is the fi rst long term sea turtle hospital in the state, and its team is committed to ensuring that sea turtles have a future.

Co-Executive Officer Brandi Biehl explained how the company began after they realized there was no local hospital care for sea turtles.

“Time and time again we’d have to take the turtles to the closest hospital which usually ended up being in North Carolina. We’d take these turtles that are in critical condition and we would try to rush them down to long-term hospital care. He lost so many of them and we were heartbroken. That’s when we decided we have to do something,” Biehl said.

The nonprofit was established in 2014 and in 2016, the Turtle Back Zoo provided a facility where they can continue their work.

Since they opened in December 2016, they have released 87 sea turtles back into the ocean.

“It’s a labor of love. They’re our passion, they’re our everything,” Biehl said. “There was nothing here in New Jersey yet. Sea turtles continue to be stranded here and so we started our hospital and luckily this part of the community and

people who have found out about us, it’s just been overwhelming and we’re slowly growing and we’re able to now take in sea turtles from other states when they become overcrowded and really work to make a difference for sea turtles.”

For sea turtles in New Jersey, it’s very uncommon for them to nest here and most of the eggs become non-viable if there’s any attempt. Sea turtles come up in the summer months and they enjoy crab off our shore, and usually stay along our coastline from about June all way to end of October then they have to migrate back down south.

“The majority of cases we get as far as sea turtle strandings is when they fail to migrate. That can be because they had a slight injury - whether it be a mild break in their fl ippers, something that prevented them from migrating - or sometimes they go in our back bays where it’s nice and warm and so as the cold-water currents push down, they stay in the back bay. As a result, they don’t get cues to migrate, their water temperatures are turning cold, their food sources are depleting and by the time that they realize it they start to head out but they’re trapped by those cold waters,” Biehl said.

She further explained how in these situations, sea turtles can undergo cold stunning. Similar to hypothermia, sea turtles will shut down their body system and can shut down all their organs but their brain and heart. Due to this, they wash ashore very sick.

Biehl and the team try to educate the public on what happens when a sea turtle

in found ashore injured.

“What we need the public to understand with these sea turtles, it’s usually the colder months, people grab them and put them in their car and try to rush them to the hospital. But during those colder months people crank the heat, and that’s the worse thing you can do because these sea turtles need to be warmed slowly, five degrees a day, or they go into shock,” she said.

Cold stunned sea turtles that failed to migrate for illness or injury is the main reason for stranding in the area. Biehl said they also deal with cases where the animals are hit by boat propellers, and they’ve even had a case where one digested a balloon.

The process for rehabilitation and recovery is different for every patient, Biehl explained.

“Once we warm them back up, it really depends how long it takes. Majority of cases, if they haven’t cold stunned for long, it’s lung infection and we can get them out in about six months. Other cases if there’s more damage it could take years to release them,” she said.

This year, Sea Turtle Recovery released a total of 18 animals. Over the summer, they released about eight turtles and their most recent release at Point Pleasant Beach on September 20 featured two turtles. Sagari is a 120 lb loggerhead who was taken in from Virginia after having a lung infection and digestion issues. Sally J is a green sea turtle who was trapped in a river system in South Jersey.

“Sea turtles cannot survive in fresh

waters, but this sea turtle went up the bay and with cold upwelling currents it pushed this turtle up into the river system. She was found in Linwood in the Patcong Creek system. She was very, very lost,” Biehl said.

All the sea turtles who are released are tagged, however two turtles released from Sea Turtle Recovery are specifically satellited tagged in order to track their swimming pattern.

“It is important to see where they are going. Since these sea turtles stranded here, what are they doing when we release them back out? That’s never been studied. Some of those things being researched is migration patterns, and how the rehabilitation affected them,” Biehl said.

Loggerhead sea turtle Titan is tracked via satellite so the team can follow where he swims. He has three fl ippers and is infamously named the ‘world’s toughest sea turtle.’ Titan was hit by a boat propeller and he was bit by a shark. He was later found by fishmen as he was being attacked by another shark.

“We know they were three different incidents based on the tissue and the aging of the injuries,” Biehl said.

There are many different ways the public can help sea turtles and support Sea Turtle Recovery. You can visit seaturtlerecovery.org and make a donation, or you can adopt or sponsor a sea turtle.

“Every donation helps. Some of these sea turtles, especially those in critical condition, need three to four blood works a week… Every donation goes to these sea turtles to save them,” Biehl said.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Patients Ask Doctors. Doctors Ask Dr. Hussain

By Michael Vandenberg

Most of the time, getting treatment is simple. Something hurts or you feel ill, so you go to the doctor. He or she describes what the problem is and then gives you advice or medication. But sometimes answers aren’t so simple. That’s when rheumatologists like Dr. Shahzad Hussain step in. With his innate ability to read between the lines, along with years of education and fi rst-hand experience, Dr. Hussain stands ready to solve the problem and make a difference.

The challenging nature of rheumatology is part of what originally appealed to him back in residency. It was a field where he could do more than write prescriptions; he really wanted to get to know his patients, and that comes with the territory when you’re asking them a lot of questions for a diagnosis and treatment. So he did fellowships in both rheumatology and immunology, making his level of knowledge on the former’s top villains (like lupus) among the highest.

He happened to fi nish his residency in San Francisco at the same time and city as Dr. Usmani, who would go on to start his own practice in Lakewood in 1999.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hussain had gone home to care for his ailing brother. A few months went by, and Dr. Usmani started to get busy and looked to hire a partner. He heard about Dr. Hussain and gave him a call. “It would be at least another six months before I can come back,” Dr. Hussain warned

him. “No problem, I can wait,” Dr. Usmani said. They eventually joined forces and ran a highly successful practice until early 2018, when they decided to merge with Garden State Medical Center.

There were two major benefits to joining GSMC. For one thing, everything is electronic here for easy access: data, records, and charts are all in one place. That means they can spend less time doing paperwork and more time getting you better.

Second, they could team up with Dr. Dharam Mann and his gifted team of pain management specialists. The idea of having everything under one roof was huge to Dr. Hussain. Before the merger, “I’d see a patient here, and then I’d say, ‘Okay go get pain management forty miles away.’” Sometimes this would result in a disconnect in treatment strategy, or patients understandably didn’t want to do all that traveling. But now he’ll come to a diagnosis and say, for example, “Dr. Jani is next door. I know him, I’ll talk to him.” All of his notes are right on the database,

nosis to treatment.

along with Dr. Jani’s, so they can easily coordinate the best way to care for you. “I’ll send them and in the next few days they are being seen,” by one of the pain management specialists. No more bouncing around for a month just to go from diag-

With the full force of GSMC behind him, Dr. Hussain has pulled off some great feats. “It’s very gratifying in this field when you see patients doing well, because these diseases are hard to treat,” he pointed out. One woman had rashes head to toe and had been to five or six other rheumatologists before Dr. Hussain. She had only recently been diagnosed with skin lupus, but treatment wasn’t working. The key would be to figure out anything besides the lupus that might be triggering the rashes. Sun exposure was an obvious cause, but Dr. Hussain was able to lean heavily on his

allergy training in immunology to dig deeper on things like perfumes and shampoos. After six months of careful consideration and communication with the patient, they were able to get the rashes down to 10 percent of their former surface area. A great improvement, but not perfect. Dr. Hussain found a new infusion that had just been approved by the FDA. The only problem: it cost $20,000 every four weeks. His office fought hard for the patient to get it approved with her insurance, and then they began treatment. In three months, there was not one spot left on her body. “She literally sat and cried and cried and said, ‘Oh my God, I’ve lived with this for so long. I thought I was go-

ing to die with this.’ So now she’s still rash-free. She’s in complete remission,” and only has to take one medication per day.

Rashes aren’t the only thing Dr. Hussain treats either. Rheumatology can concern all of the major bodily systems in one way or another. Regardless of what you’re feeling, he is prepared to talk to you and give you a hand. Feel free to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hussain today at 1100 NJ Route 70, Entrance A in Whiting or 2333 Whitehorse Mercerville Road in Hamilton by calling 1-888-376-2661. Visit gsmedicalcenter.org anytime to get more information on all of the services Garden State Medical Center provides.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The most memorable masterpieces are inspired by memorable moments. In the upcoming week, you might be inspired or inspire someone else to make a great effort. Look forward to fun-filled gatherings with your tribe.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may be attracted to the latest breakthroughs and trends since they could fill a need. The most up-to-theminute news or technology may be fascinating. Test out something new in the week ahead.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Projects can trigger your desire to uphold the highest standards. During the upcoming week, you could set a steady pace and use your organizational skills to complete a plan. Loved ones may break up the monotony.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Think your way out of a box. A boring routine might run contrary to your desires in the week ahead. If your bank account is just gathering dust, you may be tempted to break it open and invest your money so it can grow.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Ask yourself if someone’s possible disapproval is a good enough reason not to reach for your dreams. Avoid any obsession with complicated business strategies as the week begins and aim toward fun and laughter.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Great ideas may occupy your mind. However, if you are breaking new ground, you might hit an obstacle too big to handle. Use patience to navigate the ups and downs and occasional dead ends in the week to come.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Patience and understanding can pay off in the end. Put your stockpile of diplomacy to good use in the upcoming week. Someone may suspect your motives or push you a little too hard for comfort. Boundary up!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Rethink your priorities. Money is good to have but how you spend it could become more important now. To improve your resources, focus on getting along with coworkers and earn their support in the week to come.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In the week ahead, you can build a sophisticated strategy to support kindness and tolerance. Your sincerity can help you persuade loved ones to institute a positive change. Meet new people through a hobby.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You understand there are limits but you may be feeling willing to exceed them. You can accomplish a great deal in the week to come through sheer persistence. Extra effort can ensure that your job is on stable ground.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Any plan to become part of a group or a circle may require exercising mindfulness and diplomacy. Your thoughtful and cautious approach might be helpful in the week ahead when you attend social activities.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): World-weary people may not appreciate your idealism. You could be tempted to sign a contract or make a commitment that takes advantage of your sympathies in the upcoming week. Avoid making impulse decisions.

By Jeraldine Saunders

Test Kitchen