2022-11-26 - The Jackson Times

Times JACKSON

Students Say “Thank You” To Vets With Donations Of Food

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 Repre sentatives. 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.

Senator Bob Menen dez, for example, steps down tomorrow 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.

School staff of the McAuliffe Middle School gathered earlier this week to present a large number of food items to the Military Support Alliance Food Warriors program. pantry program.

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – A team effort of students and school staff culminated recently at the McAu liffe Middle School with a visit by area veterans and donations of food to a military

McAuliffe Middle School Principal Debra Phillips was on hand with students, staff and others for a presenta tion of the items follow ing a number of special activities.

“The annual McAu liffe Run for Vets cel ebration is our small way of saying thank you to our local vet erans. We organized a series of events this year including an ob stacle course for our

students to compete in during physical edu cation classes, a door decorating contest, and a series of competitive relay races,” she said. “The culminating ex perience was a buffet (Vets - See Page 4)

Joint Base Breaks Ground On $140M Resiliency Project

By Bob Vosseller

JOINT BASE MC GUIRE-DIX-LAKE

HURST - A ground breaking ceremony was recently held at the base for a new, $140 million project designed to en hance JBMDL’s mis sion capability and re siliency through critical energy infrastructure

additions and upgrades.

Under this Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), the U.S. Air Force has part nered with Ameresco, Inc. on a two-phase project. Once complet ed, it is estimated to generate $5.9 million in annual energy sav ings and reduce energy

usage by 22%. It also aligns with federal pol icy objectives including Executive Order 14057, the Climate Smart Building Initiative, and the Department of the Air Force Climate.

Phase 1 includes 18 MW of rooftop so lar and will complete construction this fall.

Phase 2, the focus of the groundbreaking, will consist of an addi tional 13.7 MW of solar, 2MW/4MWh of battery storage, a microgrid control system, ener gy infrastructure and distribution upgrades, and building efficiency improvements.

The November 3 cer

emony featured repre sentatives of JBMDL and Ameresco (an ener gy infrastructure com pany) and was held at 595-999 E Main Street, Wrightstown, just out side the security pe rimeter.

“On the heels of Man chester Township being (Base - See Page 12)

The only way change could happen is if someone retires (or gets arrested or dies) in the middle of their term. If

Senators in Class I were elected to office in the November 2018 general election, un less they took their seat through appointment or special election. Their terms run from the be ginning of the 116th Congress on January 3, 2019 to the end of the 118th Congress on (Elections - See Page 8)

Helpers Of Homeless Show Strength In Numbers

By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY

help the county’s un housed population met at St. Luke’s church in (Homeless - See Page 5)

─Photo courtesy Jackson Schools

–

Dozens of people who work or volunteer to

─Photo by Chris Lundy Pastor Sue Jones of Holy Cross Lutheran Church talked about how all the groups need to work together for an efficient way to help homeless.

breakfast for our veterans and classroom visits where some of our veterans presented their military experiences to our students. As a means of giving back and as a sign of our appreciation, we chose to conduct a food drive for the local military base food pantry.

“We are proud to have collected over 1,300 items this year to donate to our military. This tradition is in its 22nd year and we look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come,” the principal added.

Teacher Melissa O’Neill is the advisor to the school’s Builders Club and oversaw the drive. “The efforts of our McAuliffe Build ers Club helped us to raise 1,365 items to donate to our local military food banks. I feel honored and blessed to be a part of a school where the students and faculty really came together for such a worthy cause.”

Sixth grade student Rhea McRae’s class gathered the most donations - 200 itemsand Rhea was the person in the class who brought in the most items and felt very strongly about the endeavor.

“Everyone deserves to have a home and food. Our military are just coming from serving our country, they deserve to come home and have food and everything they need. The soldiers helped other people survive, they deserve the stuff they need to survive,” the student said.

Mike Schaffer, coordinator of the Military Support Alliance Food Warriors program, told members of the McAuliffe school staff

after learning that 1,365 items had been collected that, “this is the largest single load from anyone in a year and a half.

“This is amazing and wonderful work. It gave me goosebumps seeing how excited the young Food Warriors were,” Schaffer added. He also serves as the American Legion State Chaplain, is a member of American Legion Post 129 in Toms River and is a Red Cross volunteer.

Schaffer said that active service men and women stationed at The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst have a genuine struggle to put food on their tables. The Food Warriors program needs over 4,000 pounds of food per week to keep up with the needs of these families stationed at the base.

“I found out that the Red Cross had a food pantry on base and I went there to see if they had an issue, and they did. When I walked into the pantry, I did not see any food. I saw a young lady sitting at her desk, she was crying, the Chaplain in me kicked in and asked what was wrong and if I could help.

“She was new to this Red Cross assignment and told me she had just arrived and did not know anyone; they had a food distribution that day for 125 active duty and retired families and that she had no food for next week’s distribution. My comment to her was, no one is going hungry on my watch,” Schaffer vowed.

The Food Warriors program began 18 months ago to help families of active service men and women stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. To date they have supplied over 100,000 pounds of food

(Vets - See Page 6)

─Photo courtesy Jackson Schools The kids collected more than 1,300 items for veterans this year.

Toms River to discuss shortcomings in the system and work together to find solutions.

It started with talks by Gemma MacCarrick Brennan, President of St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Luke’s, and Pastor Sue Jones of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, who also heads up the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition. Despite its name, the outreach is throughout the county. Brennan is a retired principal. She shared stories about meeting new families to the school and learning just how little they have.

“If you listen to anyone’s stories about being homeless, it’s not any one thing,” she said, ex plaining how there is usually a perfect storm of circumstances. A lot of it has to do with not having a safety net that others have.

“We have the resources and they don’t. And we know about the resources and they don’t,” she said.

“Everyone has a picture in their mind of what a homeless person looks like, but the majority of people who are homeless are invisible,” Jones said.

Right now, the Coalition operates a thrift store at 200 Corporate Circle (off Route 37) in Toms River and they have offices above it that serve as a Housing Resource Center. It functions as a referral center that directs clients toward whatever they need.

The purpose of meetings like the one at St. Luke’s is to grow a network of like-minded individuals who can create that safety net. For example, a case worker is helping a family fleeing domestic violence, and it turns out the

mother is a veteran. The case worker can make a call to someone who deals with veterans issues every day and who might be more knowledgeable about the programs available to veterans than the case worker.

No single organization can serve all the needs of the population, Jones said. The personnel know “These are the things I’m good at and these are the things I’m not.” So these connections fill in the blanks to satisfy the needs of the whole person. They are also taking data on what brought the individual to need services in the first place. The goal here would be to address the root cause of homelessness so that people don’t wind up in that situation to begin with.

Part of the meeting was identifying problems, such as the shortage of funding, staffing, and lo cations. Some of the problems are more complex, such as placing homeless people in motels that are known to be unsafe.

People suggested having communication with schools so that teachers and counselors know how to refer a student’s family for services. They talked about how many government programs require people to fill out forms online when a lot of the people in need don’t have access to a computer.

The last count-in-place recorded 419 homeless, Jones said, but that doesn’t count those who are couch-surfing.

Ocean County has several animal shelters, but it’s the only county in New Jersey without a human shelter, some of the speakers said, as the county leaders have repeatedly said they don’t want to operate one.

The County Commissioners have also shut down the idea of a Homelessness Trust Fund, which would be a fee of $5 for every real estate transaction.

Ben Giovine, district director for Congressman Andy Kim (D-3rd) said that Burlington County has success with this.

Jones said that Toms River has been great in opening the Riverwood Park building as an over night shelter during the coldest nights. However, longer-term solutions are being taken off the map. They used to be able to put people up in motels in Seaside during the winter, but a lot of those motels are being torn down for private homes.

The discussion already yielded some results. As someone brought up the lack of places to house homeless, someone else mentioned a church in Lakewood that might have space for 20 beds. That’s only a small solution, but the public is more accepting of several small shelters rather than one large one.

Pastor Steve Brigham, who is known for taking care of homeless camping in the woods, said he knew of a church for sale.

A lot of the night worked like that. One person would mention something, and another would add to it. If three different organizations are holding coat drives, would it be better to just have one? If several groups share a building, would it be affordable?

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel, they were told. If another organization can do something yours can’t, then reach out to them instead of trying to build something up from the ground. As people share what works and what doesn’t, a list of best practices can emerge.

After the main program, people broke off into small groups to talk to each other, network, and come up with plans.

The Toms River homeless Coalition is looking for volunteers and other organizations that offer services. If you wish to help – or if you need help yourself – call 848-223-7284 or visit trhomeless nesscoalition.org and Facebook.com/TRHHC

─Photo by Chris Lundy

The crowd was asked questions about how common it was for them to encounter certain obstacles.

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Vets:

Continued From Page 6

and over $40,000 in monetary donations to families in need stationed at the base.

Last month WBNJ 91.9 FM, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau held a food drive at the Ocean County Southern Service Center in Manahawkin which benefitted the Food Warriors Pro gram. Their effort was successful but the Food Warrior’s mission continues.

Among the items donated were cake mixes, brownie mix, grits, salad dressings, breakfast bars, mac & cheese, flavored side dishes, breakfast cereal, pancake syrup, pancake mixes, canned goods, dry pasta, pasta sauces, peanut butter, jelly, and non-perishable food items. Many of the same items were collected by members of the McAuliffe Middle School.

Schaffer said volunteers of the organi zation delivered 150 bags, each of them had enough for a family of five to prepare a Thanksgiving meal: “everything from mushroom soup, string beans and fried onions to make that amazing string bean casserole to pumpkin pie mix, cranberry sauce up to and including a turkey to 150 families. They will receive a voucher to go

to the commissary and get a turkey. This way they can pick it up at their convenience and we don’t have to worry about storing frozen turkeys.

“We will probably be doing the same thing at Christmas. We’re going to see how this one goes. We did Thanksgiving and Christmas last year and we’ll do it as long as we get all the donations, we need to be able to make that happen. From November 7 to November 15,” Schaffer said.

Schaffer added, “I’ve actually spent $5,000 at the commissary supplementing what we’ve been getting as donations. With the prices of everything it is tough for a lot of the people who used to donate. Now they are making sure they have enough food for their own table before they can get into helping others” Schaffer added.

Volunteers for the Food Warriors should contact the Red Cross and donations can be made through contacting Schaffer at Mi chael.A.Schaffer1949@gmail.com. “This organization is actively engaged. There are changes that are coming to help with base housing allowances and food allowances and provide more child care and some things to get food prices lowered at the commissary. The Joint Base is a mission critical base and it really needs to be taken care of. All of this is now being considered as a matter of national security.”

─Photos courtesy Jackson Schools

A buffet breakfast for area veterans took place at the McAuliffe Middle School. Sev eral veterans spoke about their military experiences with students.

S potlight o n g overnment

Funding Will Expand Access To Coastal Resources For Those With Disabilities

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

The funding was awarded in collab oration with the Department of Envi ronmental Protection (DEP).

“At Human Services we remain fo cused on expanding accessibility and inclusion across the state so individuals with disabilities can thrive in the plac es 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 Department of Environmental Protection for their partnership and commitment which help make these awards possible.”

“The Murphy Administration is committed to ensuring New Jersey’s diverse outdoor areas are accessible and inclusive for all, including our coastal treasures,” Commissioner La Tourette 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 pro vide additional funding to Human Ser vices’ 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 addi tional $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 Pres ervation Alliance on their efforts to enhance access to coastal resources for

2023 Handbook Released For

New Jersey Veterans

TRENTON - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) released his annual Veterans Handbook - a comprehen sive resource guide for New Jersey veterans and their families.

The handbook, accessible on Book er’s website, includes information on health benefits, crisis support services, federal and state education programs, and employment resourc es. The Veterans Handbook also includes information on the PACT Act of 2022, a new law signed by President Biden to significantly ex pand 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 re pay,” said Senator Booker. “To help commemorate Veterans Day, I am proud to release this handbook that provides New Jersey’s 350,000 vet erans and their families information on accessing critical services, from healthcare benefits and employment programs, to the benefits and ser vices stemming from the PACT Act.”

The senator’s 2023 Veterans Hand book can be found here: booker. senate.gov/imo/media/doc/nj_veter ans_day_handbook_2023.pdf

Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

people with disabilities for recreational purposes.

“From making existing nature trails more accessible for people with mo bility challenges to developing a monitoring tool to assess disability access in coastal locations, these pro grams 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 NJDEP, we are continuing to help com munities 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 acces sible 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.

Elections:

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January 3, 2025. (So they’d be up for elec tion in 2024.) Our Robert Menendez is in this class.

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 appoint ment 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 mem bers of the assembly.

Democrats have the majority in the exec utive 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-elec tion, 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 bal lot 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 (Elections - See Page 18)

Special Education Advisory Council Upcoming Workshop

JACKSON – Jackson School District Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) workshop on December 7 from 6 to 7 p.m.

No-cost community resources to help meet the emotional and behavio ral needs of children in collaboration between the Jackson Office of School Counseling and SEAC.

Presenters: David Bolignesi - Director of Intensive Community Services for

Youth and Families.

Location: Jackson Liberty High School Lecture Hall, 125 N. Hope Chapel Road. Enter through door 39 to get to the Lecture Hall.

Families should contact Danielle at 732-833-4700 ext. 7038 to register. Open to all in-district and out-of-dis trict families. Session will be recorded and posted to our website for later access.

Toyland 2022

JACKSON – Mayor Reina & Jackson Township Senior Center presents Toy land 2022 on December 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jackson Senior Center, 45 Don Connor Boulevard.

Walk through the Winter Wonderland, visit our train room, Frozen, Gotham City, Holiday Castle and our newest display, Toy Story. Leave a letter in Santa’s mailbox and visit the Gift Shop. Come and see Santa’s Helpers and meet

your favorite super heroes and story book characters. Kids will enjoy free face painting, tattoos, balloon art, and juice and a cookie for each child. While supplies last, kids 10 and under receive a fee “dressed” Teddy Bear from Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase: hot dogs, nachos, hot Philly Pretzels, baked goods, hot chocolate, coffee, soda and water.

The Living Nativity - Jackson Church

JACKSON – Join for a free community Christmas tradition! This year on De cember 10, the Jackson Church will have a soup dinner starting at 6 p.m. indoors, followed by the Living Nativity outdoors at 7 p.m. The nativity tells the story of our Jesus in the manger through live actors and animals, a children’s choir, readings, and your favorite Christmas

carols. Following the story, dessert will be served. Everyone is welcome!

The Living Nativity is performed by volunteers from several of our ministries including Christian Friends Forever (Special Needs Ministry), our Sunday School, and children’s choir.

There is no fee for any part of the evening.

Letters To Santa

JACKSON – Mayor Michael Reina has once again scheduled a meeting with Santa Claus to personally hand deliver Santa letters written by children from Jackson Township. In order to ensure that Santa has enough time to write a letter back before Christmas, all letters

must be received in the Mayor’s office by December 9.

Letters should be addressed to: Santa Claus c/o Mayor Michael Reina, 95 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, NJ 08527. Please be sure that the child’s full name, age, and address are clearly legible.

Children’s Christmas Party

JACKSON – Jackson Moose Lodge #1459 is hosting a Children’s Christmas Party on December 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Age limit 10 and under. Sign -up re

The

quired; $5 per child. Sign up by November 27. Each child receives a gift from Santa and stocking. Snacks will be served. Open to children and grandchildren of qualified members in good standing.

Volunteer Firefighters Needed

JACKSON – Do you want to make a difference in your community? Become a volunteer firefighter!

Jackson Twp Vol Fire Co #1 Station 55 is looking for hardworking and dedicated individuals to join their volunteer ranks. If you are willing to donate your time and energy and contribute to the greater good, they are ready for you.

Stop by any Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.

at 113 N. New Prospect Road and speak to any member to get started or call 732378-9566.

Membership Requirements: 18 years of age for probationary member ship

16 years of age for junior membership You must live within 5-miles of either: Sta tion 55: 113 N. New Prospect Road; or Sub station 55-1: 200 Kierych Memorial Drive

Small Business Saturday At New Egypt Flea Market

NEW EGYPT – Small Business Sat urday at New Egypt Flea Market on November 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 933 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge. It’s time to start your Holiday shop

ping! Grab some one of kind gifts for that special person and support local and small business on this very impor tant day. Food, shopping and Santa will be on site too!

Menorah Lighting

JACKSON – Bat Shalom Hadassah presents Menorah Lighting on December 20 at 4:40 p.m. at Town Hall, 95 W Veterans Highway. Candles will be lit

by Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek.

p oli C e B lotter

Man Arrested At Jackson Outlets For Using Counterfeit Money

By Alyssa Riccardi

JACKSON – A Florida man has been arrested and charged after using coun terfeit money to pay for items at the Jackson Premium Outlets last week, police said,

Detective Purtell of the Jackson Township Police Department was on patrol at the outlets for an unrelated investigation on November 8 when he was notified that several stores reported two men attempting to pass counterfeit money.

After searching the area, Detective Purtell found one of the suspects thanks to the description forwarded by dispatch.

When the suspect was approached, he froze but shortly after he dropped his bags and ran from police. A foot pur suit ensued, with the suspect ignoring orders to stop.

During this time, Detective Purtell saw the suspect rip apart several bills and threw them to the ground, attempt ing to destroy evidence, police said.

Detective Purtell was able to corner

the suspect and subsequently arrest him. During the search, several $100 bills were recovered and it was ulti mately determined that the bills were counterfeit due to their texture and color. Additionally, all the bills pos sessed the same serial number and were confirmed to be counterfeit by author ities. The suspect had a total of $1,000 in counterfeit bills, some which were used to make fraudulent purchases.

The man, who was identified as 26-year-old Jeremy Hardy of Fort Lauderdale, Florida was charged with five counts of Possession of Counterfeit Bills, Destruction of Evidence, Ob struction and Hindering Apprehension. He is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

Secret Service was also advised of the counterfeiting incident. The second suspect was never located or identified, police said.

The public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed inno cent until proven guilty in court.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

JACKSON – Mayor Michael Reina and the Jackson Township Recreation Department presents Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremo ny on December 3 at 4:30 p.m. at Town Hall,

93 West Veterans Highway. Visit with Santa Claus and leave your letters in Santa’s mailbox. Enjoy entertain ment and refreshments.

Antique Gun Show

JACKSON – Amvets Post# 2 Jackson is hosting their monthly “Antique Gun Show” event on November 27 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are featuring many vendors with an

assortment of interesting items. Breakfast sandwiches are available for purchase. Am vets Post# 2 is located at 1290 Toms River Road, Jackson.

Susan C. Dunigan

Frank T. Palino

Diana M. Daly

• Manager, NJ Lic. 4328

• Director, NJ Lic. 4359

• Advanced Planning Director, NJ Lic. 4920

• Manchester, NJ 08759 www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com 732.657.5700

Base:

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awarded the Bronze Level certifica tion from Sustainable Jersey, we are ecstatic to see Joint Base MDL ad vancements in more robust sustainable energy projects,” Manchester Mayor Robert Hudak said.

“As a neighboring community, Man chester is proud to be home to one of the largest military and veteran pop ulations in the state,” he added.

Mayor Hudak concluded by stating that, “having these large investments near our community creates a path to longevity and sustainability for our Joint Base Community, as well as Manchester Township, and it speaks to the continued longevity of the base be ing an economic driver in our region.”

“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony illustrates the value, importance and vibrancy of Joint Base McGuire-Dix for security missions and programs,” Jackson Mayor Michael Reina said. “We’re grateful for the continual in vestment in the Joint Base and proud to support our military leaders and the on-going operations at this facility.”

The most noticeable improvement is the installment of ground mounted so lar arrays by the McGuire gate and be tween multiple hangars at Lakehurst.

The ground mounted solar arrays are more cost-effective than grid supplied electric power, produce cleaner pow er and help meet Federal renewable energy goals. This addition will en hance energy security, resiliency and mission assurance from the increased supply of on-site power generation.

of a microgrid control system which will maintain the power of critical facilities even if commercial electrical power is lost. This is made possible by a battery energy storage system that acts as a giant uninterruptible power source and on-site natural gas fired generators.

Alexander Vincent, 787th Civil En gineer Squadron Chief of Energy said, “an attack or disruption on the electric could be a near peer adversary but the microgrid won’t allow that to breach our operations. Our critical buildings will still be fully operational, display ing how our resiliency has increased while responding and recovering from a disruption.”

A multitude of infrastructure and electrical advancements will be hap pening by leveraging new technologies. Over 300,000 new light-emitting diode fixtures will be installed along with an exterior smart city lighting controls system. The LED fixtures will increase light quality, reduce the cooling load throughout the base and automatically turn off lights that aren’t needed. Heat ing, ventilation and air conditioning performance will be improved, as well as an upgrade of existing transformers, increasing power quality and effi ciency. These advancements allow for reduction of electrical losses, as well as operating and maintenance costs.

Vincent added, “it’s not just about generating our own electricity, it’s also about reducing how much we use. We’re not increasing greenhouse gas-emissions, which have other ef fects that we as a joint base would have to deal with.

“This entire project is paid for by the savings it generates,” he said. Check

The contract includes the installation

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

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Sound News

What Are Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids?

Also called “OTCs” or “OTC hearing aids,” these devices are a new class of hearing instruments that are specific to the U.S., regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and approved only for those 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.

How Do OTCs Differ from Tradition al Hearing Technology?

Unlike today’s prescriptive and custom izable hearing aids fit by a licensed hear ing care professional, OTCs are designed only for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They might not align with one’s actual hearing loss, which could be greater than perceived.

What Will These Over-the-Counter Devices Cost?

Prices may range from the hundreds to the low thousands. As with many prod ucts, the price will likely vary across manufacturers and other sellers. What’s the Best Way to Know Wheth er OTCs Are Right for Me?

Self-diagnosis can lead to under- or overtreatment of hearing loss, both of which can affect your health and quality of life. The best way to learn what’s happening with your hearing and which solution most effectively addresses your needs is to connect with a licensed hear ing care provider.

Will I Get Help Choosing an OTC?

It may depend on where you buy it. With the product expected to be available for self-selection at local drugstores, big-box retailers such as Best Buy, online, and elsewhere, a sales clerk will likely not have expertise in hearing health to guide you in your purchase.

What If I Go Forward with OTC Hearing Aids?

It’s possible the OTCs you select may suffice in the present. Future needs, how ever, may require other solutions. Regular professional checkups can help you keep an eye on your hearing wellness plan and make any needed updates. Before purchas ing an OTC, carefully read the reviews and know exactly what their return policy is.

Hearing problems can stem from excess noise, genetic history, earwax buildup, infection, or some other source that self-treating with OTCs may cause you to miss. A hearing care professional can help you determine whether the OTC hearing aid is actually meeting your better-hearing goals.

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer most of your hearing health care questions. We can be reached at 732-8183610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-9788946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www. gardenstatehearing.com.

OUTPATIENT REHAB:

•

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

Cohen, R. Ph.

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 sur gery, or had an actual sinus fungal ball so today I will write about it. An “aspergillo ma” 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 di agnosed 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 vi sually 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.”

Suzy

Around the JerSey Shore

The 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, ev er-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 pi geon, is one of many in the U. S. Army Signal Corps that delivered lifesaving messages back and forth between com manders 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 fire in less than 25 minutes. After surviving many wartime related injuries, he eventually died in 1929.

President Wilson was one of approxi mately 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 challeng ing 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 car riages and double-decker buses.

Some of the most famous pigeon war heroes were Cher Ami and GI Joe, along with The Mocker, Winkie, Pad dy, Commando, William of Orange, Kenley Lass, Mary of Exeter, Gustav, and Beach Comber, who were award ed medals for their heroic service.

The Mocker completed 52 missions without injury before he was wound ed. 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 there by 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.

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 pur poses 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 (writ ten) 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 “Non conformity” 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 “Non conformity” 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 wheel chair 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 wheel chair 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 man ufacturer’s authorized dealers for repair.

If, after a reasonable attempt to repair, the non conformity 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 motor ized 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 man ufacturer 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 mo torized 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 motor ized 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 avail able for a free consultation (732-505-1212) to discuss your rights.

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, Coun cilwoman 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 fouryear 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 final year.

Zapcic, Crate, Minichino, and Am brosino’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 mov ing to a different state. In her place, the board chose Allison Kennedy to fill the remainder of Parker’s term.

In 2021, incumbents Stephanie Wohl rab, 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 Repub lican candidates had a clean sweep in winning all three seats open on the Howell Township Council.

This year, Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond and Councilwoman Su zanne Brennan did not seek re-elec tion. 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 Evelyn O’Donnell.

As for the Howell Township Board of Education, there will be three seats open in the 2023 election. Board Pres ident 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 Oker son have terms expiring in 2024.

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

Jackson just finished 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 cir cumstances.

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 first 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 Council

woman 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 elec tion, 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 govern ment, 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, coun cil members Kevin Geoghegan, Joshua Kopp and Matt Lotano.

There will also be three Board of Edu cation 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.

CLASSIFIEDS

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. (1)

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)

For Rent

Don't Miss The Opportunity Of Renting - A single-family home in Howell. For more details call Rut from Lifestyle International Realty (908)344-7230. (50)

Personals

Senior Single Males 70+ WantedFor friendship, companionship for single senior females must have good morals standards 732-6786786 will return call. (43)

Items For Sale

For Sale Used Pellet StoveEngland stove works. Mod el 55-SHP10L. Heats 1500 sq. ft. E.P.A. certified. Price $500, ne gotiable. 732-350-1314. (49)

Items Wanted

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, brica-brac, select china and crys tal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n)

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

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (52)

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)

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)

Cash Paid LP Records - 33/45's, reel to reel's. Fast response, we answer the phone 732-829-5908, 24/7, Eddie. (41)

COSTUME/ESTATE 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)

Help Wanted

HIRING NOW!! The Goddard School of Toms River Route 70 is

Assistant Teachers and Teacher Aides to float between the In fant

School Age classrooms. No teaching experience necessary. On-the-job training provided. Mul tiple PT and FT positions available. Call 732-363-5530 or email dtoms river2nj3@goddardschools.com to

ISO Experienced Body Shop WelderTo work on old car. No schedule. Call Bart 201-249-2400. (43)

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Trans portation needed. Long term com mitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

Day Substitutes Wanted for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School district: Couriers, Custodi al, School Nurses/RN, Secretarial, Teachers for Trade Skill Areas-Auto, Construction, Culinary, Electrical, Engineering/Machine Technology, Heavy Equipment Operator, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding or visit www.ocvts. org/employment. EOE. Please email resume to: tedgar@mail.ocvts.org or call 732-240-6414, ext. 3317. (46)

Garden State Medical Centercurrently looking for qualified candi dates to fill their medical assistant, re ceptionist, and surgical technician posi tions. If you would like to apply or have any questions, call 732-202-3000. (45)

Website Skills Required - Wordpress, Adobe, Maestro, Google Workspace. Key person needed. Great opportuni ty. Part time. Dependable, committed. Whiting area. 609-284-3142. (47)

Services

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interi or exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (28)

Anyone Interested In Having Their - Office, home or apartment cleaned, contact Diane. Honest and reliable. Free estimates. 845-762-9952. (49)

APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations, decks, finished basements and much more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (52)

Custom House Painter - Pays at tention to detail, interior, cracks, nail pops,wall repair. Benjamin Moore paints. Wayne 908-327-5471. (52)

PET SITTER - My home Reasona ble rates, caring, patient. You supply everything. Must meet pet & owner prior. Call 201-519-4659. (33)

Advertise in the main sections of Micromedia’s weekly news papers. Your ad will be seen by thousands. Our skilled team of account executives can work with any budget. Call 732-657-7344 ext. 206 for more information.

Services

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)

Absolute best home improvements!"Building the shore since 1984" Additions, carpentry, windows & doors, roofing & siding, painting & staining, flooring, kitchens & baths, finished basements, masonry, fencing, custom decks, fully insured, license #13VH11804800. $ave. Call Brien 732-850-5060. (28)

House Cleaning, Painting, Shop ping, - Window cleaning, laundry, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Very good prices. Call 732-7735078 or 848-287-3944. (43)

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)

Computer Tutoring for Seniors –Retired, “Microsoft Certified” in structor. Very Reasonable rates. Very patient with slow learners. I’ll teach you in the comfort of your home on your computer. I can trouble shoot your slow computer! I also teach iPhone and iPad. I set up new com puters at less than half the price the retailers charge. Windows 10 special ist. I can also build a beautiful small business website at a fraction of the going rates. Special Projects always welcome! Tony 732-997-8192. (t/n)

LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Dem olition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster ser vice provided by A901 Licensed Haul er ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (15)

DOWLING FENCE LLC - WE'VE RECENTLY MOVED TO TOMS RIVER! CALL US FOR ALL YOUR FENCING NEEDS. RESI DENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL, BEST PRICING AND WORK MANSHIP! CALL 732-771-5150 OR 732-644-0627. (46)

Property/Management - Brick repair, brick restoration, mulch, stone. Spring/Fall cleanups. pruning, concrete repairs. Call Ken 732-814-7743. (42)

Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shop ping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family func tions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)

Santucci Painting LLC - We paint it all, interior and exterior, drywall re pair, pressure washing, decks, stained. Email santwag@aol.com. 908-3275471. 13VH05784200. (41)

Prepare for power outages today - with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-833-901-0309. (t/n)

Nor’easter Painting and Stain ing, LLC - Interior and exte rior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-691-0123. Lic #13VH09460600. (19)

Services Services Services

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

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)

Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention. Family owned. Fully licensed and in sured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n)

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience. Call Jim 732-674-3346. (39)

Music Lessons In Your HomeBy state certified instrumen tal music teacher. Please call 732-350-4427 for more informa tion. All are welcome. (3)

Cleaning Home or Office -Week ly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly. Available Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach. Decades of Experience, Free Esti mate, Call Nancy 732-674-6640 (43)

ALL American Home Health AidesExperienced experts in the field of trauma and recovery. Holistic approach to healing-nutrition, physical therapy, and quality of life improvements. Hourly or live in. Honest, hardwork ing, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605 (t/n)

PQ Painting & Home Improve ment Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com . Win ner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

urgently hiring

through

Around the JerSey Shore

Dottie’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 Din ner, 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 substitution of the offered prize may be made.

50/50 Super Raffle Drawing will take place at this event, but win ners 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 mis sion at Dottie’s House; to provide safe housing for women and their children through a program that empowers them to become self-suf ficient and free from violence.

Strand Theater Fundraiser

LAKEWOOD – Because of the cancel lation of several shows due to COVID at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, the Board of the Strand is hold ing a 50/50 fundraiser with the proceeds benefitting the theater. Tickets cost $10 and the grand prize ticket

holder will win 50 percent of the total sales. The drawing will take place December 18 at 10 p.m. The winner does not have to be present.

To get raffle tickets or make a donation, visit strand.org or email holly@strand.org for tickets or more information.

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair

TOMS RIVER – On November 26, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #129, 2025 Church Road, will be hosting their Annual Holiday Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Forty plus vendors will be in attendance.

First 200 shoppers with a purchase receive a free shopping tote courtesy of Shop-Rite, Stop & Shop, Boscov’s, Kearny Bank and Lidl. Donations for Food Bank will be ac cepted for Ocean County. Free Admission.

photo of the week

Angelic Health Hospice Looking For Volunteers In Monmouth And Ocean Counties

JERSEY SHORE – For as little as an hour or two a month you can make a difference to a hospice patient in your community. Angelic Health Palliative & Hospice Care is asking you to share your time and com passion to those on their final journey. Your volunteer service will fit your schedule and interests, and visit assignments are your choice.

For more information visit their website at Angelic.health, email volunteer@Angelic. health, or call 609-432-0073. Your visits can mean so very much to hos pice patients and their loved ones. Volunteer activities can include:

• Reading, playing music, card games, or crafts activities.

• Listening to and documenting their memories for a life or memory journal.

• Staying with patients to give fam ily members a break to run errands or take care of their own needs.

• Certified Pet Visitors for animal lovers.

• Keeping vigil with patients in their final hours.

• Bereavement and grief support of family.

• Military Veterans Visiting Veter ans

Help Keep Local Kids Warm This Winter

MONMOUTH & OCEAN COUNTY

⎼ The United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is accepting donations of new coats for local pre-school, ele mentary, and middle school students in need. To participate: arrange a coat drop-off, shop and send it to the UWMOC office, or donate toward UWMOC’s coat purchase. UWMOC’s

10th Annual Warmest Wishes Coat Drive will take each donation through November 1. Acceptable items include coats with new tags and in toddler or children’s sizes: Coats in toddler siz es 3T - 4T; Coats in children’s sizes

XSmall - XLarge. Visit uwmoc.org/ WarmestWishes or contact Toni Pitts at tpitts@uwmoc.org/848-206-2036.

Advent Bible Study

WHITING – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting, will host an Advent Bible Study led by the Rec. Paul A. VanSant, Rector. It will be held on November 29, December 6,

13 at 11 a.m. Call the church office at 732-350-2121, from Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for information or directions. All are welcome.

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

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!

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The most memorable masterpieces are inspired by mem orable 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 stan dards. 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 busi ness 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 obsta cle 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 exer cising 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-wea ry 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.

THIS CREATIVE DESSERT ALTERNATIVE FOR THANKSGIVING MAKES INDIVIDUAL ‘PIES’ THAT FEEL SPECIAL

By America’s Test Kitchen

BANANA CREAM PIE IN A JAR

Serves 4

2 ripe bananas

5 tablespoons sugar

3 large egg yolks

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/8 teaspoon table salt

1 1/4 cups half-and-half

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 whole graham crackers, broken into pieces (or 1/3 cup store-bought graham cracker crumbs)

Whipped cream

1. Slice one banana into 1/2-inch-thick circles. In a large bowl, whisk sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch and salt until smooth and pale yellow, about 1 minute.

2. In a medium saucepan, combine half-and-half and sliced banana. Place saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally with rubber spatula, until mixture comes to simmer, 5 to 7 minutes (small bubbles should break often across surface of mixture). Turn off heat.

3. Place bowl with egg yolk mixture on top of a damp dish towel. Use a ladle to measure 1/2 cup hot half-and-half mixture into a liquid measuring cup. Slowly pour into egg yolk mixture, whisking

constantly (the towel will keep the bowl steady).

4. Pour warm egg yolk mixture back into saucepan with half-and-half mixture. Return saucepan to medium heat and cook, using rubber spatula to stir gently but constantly, until mixture begins to bubble and is thick ened and pudding-like, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a medium bowl. Use a rubber spatula to scrape custard into the fine-mesh strainer. Gently stir and press custard through the strainer (do not try to force banana pieces through the strainer). Discard solids in strainer.

6. Add butter and vanilla to custard and whisk until butter is melted. Press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard. Place bowl in refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours.

7. When custard is chilled, place cracker piec es in a large zipper-lock plastic bag. Press out as much air as possible from bag and seal bag. Use rolling pin to gently crush graham crack ers into crumbs. Place 1 tablespoon crumbs in the bottom of each of four jars.

8. Peel remaining banana. Slice banana into 1/2-inch-thick circles. Use a clean rubber spatula to divide chilled custard evenly among jars. Top each jar with whipped cream, banana slices, and remaining graham cracker crumbs, dividing evenly. Serve.

(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.

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.