2022-11-26 - The Toms River Times

House Moved Through Several Towns For Family In Need

Helpers Of Homeless Show Strength In Numbers

─Photos courtesy Habitat for Humanity

This modular home was transported on November 14 from its site at 105 Third Avenue Normandy Beach to 1709 Route 539 in the Whiting section of Manchester Township.

(Inset): Diana Pita-Hernandez, with her 6-year-old twins, Arianna and Adrianna will move in early next year.

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER –

Normally, Northern Habitat for Humanity calls on their volunteer and support sponsors to build a new home for a family in need but they recently had a unique

experience thanks to a family who donated a modular home. The house was recent ly transported from Normandy Beach to the township. “The time has finally arrived for (House - See Page 4)

─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.

By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY

–

Dozens of people who work or volunteer to help the county’s un housed population met at St. Luke’s church in Toms River to discuss shortcomings in the system and work to gether 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 any one’s stories about be ing homeless, it’s not (Homeless - See Page 5)

Will There Be Any Big Elections In

2023?

By J. Mark Mutter

THIS

MONTH

IN HISTORY: Thanksgiving Through The Centuries

By Chris Lundy

TOMS

RIVER

- As we celebrate Thanks giving this year with family and friends, let’s look back on how Toms River has celebrated our unique national holiday in years gone by.

The Pilgrims And The Fall Harvest

We all know the ba sic story. In 1620, 102 passengers on a tiny, crowded ship called the “Mayflower” left Plym outh, England in search of religious freedom. They were Pilgrims. After a 66-day ocean

voyage, they anchored off of Cape Cod. During their journey to the New World, they had formed a “Com pact” - requiring them to live together in a “civil body politic.”

Their first winter here was difficult. Half of them died.

By the Fall of 1621, their lives had im proved and the 53 sur vivors, over three days, celebrated a successful harvest. Some 90 Na tive Americans joined them. The Pilgrims did not call this gathering a “Thanksgiving,” but they did give thanks

to God.

Lincoln And The First Thanksgiving

It was President Abra ham Lincoln in 1863 who first proclaimed a day of Thanksgivingthree months after the Battle of Gettysburg (History - See Page 24)

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.

The only way change could happen is if someone retires (or gets arrested or dies) in the middle of their term. If Senator Bob (Elections - See Page 8)

our modular home move. The modular home is prepped, the foundation is ready and the weather is looking ideal,” Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Kristine Novakow ski said last week.

Novakowski told The Manchester Times that the transport headed from Route 35 to Route 37 West to Route 70 West out to Route 539.

“The home was in transit from around noon to 2 p.m. on November 14. The or ganization’s staff viewed the transport from the ReStore parking lot. A police escort was arranged for the home from its site at 105 Third Avenue Normandy Beach to 1709 Route 539 in the Whiting section of Manchester,” she said.

This marked the 22 nd home provided by Northern Habitat for Humanity in Ocean County. On July 12 a dedication ceremony was held for the 21st home which was also located in Manchester. That family is happily living in a home on Ridgeway Road.

The latest recipient family consists of Diana Pita-Hernandez, a single mom with 6-year-old twin daughters, Arianna and Adrianna. They will move in during the first quarter of 2023. The house still needs utilities installed and siding needs to be restored to the back of the home as it had to be stripped for the move. Weather proved a factor

because the lot in Whiting was too muddy when it arrived.

American Disabilities Act (ADA) modifications will be added as both daughters have spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. Therefore, the agency is installing ramps for the front and back entrances.

ADA modifications to bathrooms, a shed to store equipment in, and a therapy room are also required. Orga nization representative Laura Wagner Paolillo said, “we are still looking for home sponsors to help us with these costs.”

She noted that the plot of land in Whiting was generously donated by the Gorcey family.

“The act of giving to someone in need gives me great joy,” Elizabeth Gorcey said. “We are in a time on this planet where kind acts are necessary. We need to re-learn that helping our fellow neighbors is essential.”

“We are so thankful for the family that has donated this modular home making homeownership a dream come true for Diana and her daughters,” Novakowski said. “We are grateful for having such wonderful supporters to help provide safe, healthy homes in Ocean County.”

“This home will be more than a roof over our heads. Our home will be a place where my unique children with unique abilities can thrive. It’s been a dream of mine to have a therapy room. This will be a place where my children

(House - See Page 23)

─Photos by Bob Vosseller

The modular home was delivered to its final location on Route 539.

Homeless:

any one thing,” she said, explaining how there is usually a perfect storm of circum stances. 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 locations. Some of the prob lems 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 counsel ors 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 home less, 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 with out 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 Con gressman Andy Kim (D-3 rd ) said that Burlington County has success with this.

Jones said that Toms River has been great in opening the Riverwood Park building as an overnight 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 an other would add to it. If three different or

ganizations 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 prac tices 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 organiza tions that offer services. If you wish to help – or if you need help yourself – call 848223-7284 or visit trhomelessnesscoalition. 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.

C ommunity

2022 Toms River Police Jingle Bells Run

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Police Foundation is proud to present the 2022 Jingle Bells Run in historic downtown Toms River!

The 23rd Annual Jingle Bell Run will be held on December 4 along a relatively flat course through downtown Toms River and scenic neighborhoods.

All proceeds will provide scholarships for students in our local high schools. A scholarship will also be awarded to a

collegiate student seeking a degree in a Law Enforcement-related field, in mem ory of Det. Mark Catalano TRPD #187. A portion of this year’s monies will also be donated to “National PKU Alliance,” the NPKUA’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals with PKU and pursue a cure.

Bring your friends! Bring your family! Bring on the festivities! Register today at jinglebellsrun.com.

Just Believe Pizza & Pasta Night

TOMS RIVER – Just Believe Inc Pizza & Pasta Night will be on December 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Maruca’s Pizza, 601 Ocean Terrance, Seaside Heights.

Tickets for this event are now available and they are limited so please get your tickets today by calling 732 569-0643. Children under 12 are free this will be a great opportunity to support just believe and the work that we do in our commu nity.

Just Believe is a non-profit organization

that helps the homeless and disenfran chised in the Ocean County. It also runs a Code Blue warming center during the months of November through March 31st annually. They have a boutique center in the Aldi shopping plaza at 734 Route 37 West unit number 5 Toms River New Jersey open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are also in the process of building their first transitional home which will have a veteran priority. Learn more at justbelieveinc.org

s potlight o n g overnment

Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

Funding Will Expand Access To Coastal Resources For Those With Disabilities

TRENTON – Human Services Commission er Sarah Adelman and New Jersey Depart ment of Environmental Protection Commis sioner 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 Pro tection (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 Department of Environmental Protection for their partnership and commit ment 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, in cluding 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 addi tional 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 rec reational purposes.

“From making existing nature trails more accessible for people with mobility challeng es 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 disabil ities,” Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire said.

“Through this collaboration with the NJDEP, 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 individu als 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 commu nities 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 eco nomic challenges that prevent individuals with disabilities from having full access to community life that support health and well-being.

2023 Handbook Released For New Jersey Veterans

TRENTON - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) released his annual Veterans Hand book - 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 Vet erans Day, I am proud to release this hand book 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.

HANDS FOR ALL

Elections:

Continued From Page 1

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 November 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.

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 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, Coun cilman Derrick T. Ambrosino, Council woman Heather DeJong, Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero, and Councilwoman Andrea Zapcic.

Albanese was the newcomer elected in 2021, along with Incumbent Council mem bers 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 final year.

Zapcic, Crate, Minichino, and Ambrosi no’s terms will end December 31, 2023, putting four seats up for election in 2023.

As for the Brick Township Board of Ed ucation, 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 resigna tion as she was moving to a different state. In her place, the board chose Allison Ken nedy 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 Iann arone won the two open seats.

During the 2022 election, the Republican

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Exit 82 Theatre Presents: Matilda Jr.

TOMS RIVER – Exit 82 Theatre Com pany presents Matilda Jr. on December 2 and 3. Join Exit 82’s CAPAA Students for their performance!

Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a bet ter life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the “revolting children” who are out to teach the grownups a lesson.

Show Dates:

• December 2 at 7 p.m.

• December 3 at 2 p.m.

• December 3 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults; $15 for se niors (ages 65 and up); $15 for children (ages 12 and below). Tickets on sale soon at exit82theatre.com.

This production is performed by the talented students of Exit 82 Theatre’s CAPAA “Musical Theatre Performance” and “Stage Crew Production” classes. All shows take place at the Exit 82 Studio Theater at 73 Main Street in downtown Toms River. Concessions will be avail able for purchase. Masks are encouraged for patrons who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Parking is available at street meters or in the parking lots on Irons Street and Hyers Street.

Downtown Toms River Tree Lighting

TOMS RIVER – Join for the Annual Tree Lighting in the courtyard of Town Hall in Downtown Toms River on De cember 2. Live entertainment begins at 5 p.m. Santa arrives on the fire truck at 7 p.m. to light the tree. Photos with

Santa will follow the tree lighting in Town Hall. Hot Chocolate & cookies for sale to benefit Volunteer Toms Riv er Fire Co. #1. Downtown restaurants and businesses will be open. No pets are permitted at the tree lighting.

NOV. 30 CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR ROCKETS AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL $222/pp Includes Lunch Before Show and Orchestra Seat.

DEC. 1 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT AMERICAN MUSIC THEATER IN LANCASTER PA $126/pp Includes Lunch Before Show.

DEC. 4 WIND CREEK CASINO $56/pp Includes $25 Slot Play,5 Hour Stay.

DEC. 12 A DAY IN AMISH LANCASTER $84/pp Includes Lunch at Shady Maple, Visit to Kitchen Kettle, Bird n Hand Bakery.

DEC. 12-14 3 DAY CHRISTMAS ON THE POTOMAC $598/pp Dbl.Occ. Enjoy the holidays with us on a spectacular Christmas themed trip. Ice returns this year with one of a kind amazing walk-through experience. Includes 2 nts. stay at the 5 star Gaylord National Harbor Resort, 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 1 Christmas Musical with lunch and more.

DEC. 13 CHRISTMAS IN CAPE MAY $165/pp Includes Dinner at Lobster House, Trolly Christmas Lights Tour & More.

DEC. 15. ELF MUSICAL AT THE DUTCH APPLE THEATRE IN LANCASTER PA $138/pp Includes Lunch Before Show.

DEC. 31 NEW YEARS AT NOON $146/pp Includes A Family Style Lunch, Live Music and Dancing, Comedian, 12 noon Champagne Toast.

JAN. 18 A BEAUTIFUL NOISE - THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL $219/pp Includes lunch before show & Orchestra Seat.

JAN. 18 SOME LIKE IT HOT MUSICAL $212/pp Includes Lunch Before Show & Orchestra Seat.

JAN. 22 MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS $144/pp Includes Lunch & Show at The Dutch Apple Dinner Theater.

JAN. 25 MJ MUSICAL $212/pp Includes Lunch Before Show & Orchestra Seat.

MAR. 30 MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN..MY FATHER IS JEWISH.. I’M IN THERAPY $99/pp

Includes $25 Slot Play, $15 Food Voucher and Show Ticket.

APR. 19 A BEAUTIFUL NOISE - NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL $219/pp Includes Lunch Before Show & Orchestra Seat.

Always Included Bottled Water & Snacks, Company Escort, All Gratuities Bus Departures Toms River (Exit 81 West Water Street NJT Station) • Brick

ommunity n ews

Hooper Elementary Sticks Landing On Veterans Day Celebration

TOMS RIVER – With district schools closed for fall break next week, Hooper Avenue Elementary was not going to let an opportunity to honor its veterans fly by. It was that a grand celebration took place, including student performances, songs, patriotic attire and decorations, and guests of honor in the form of brave local veterans. And that wasn’t all, much to the surprise and delight of Hooper students.

After the indoor festivities, students and guests were ushered outside to the school’s fields, where the crowd was treated to a live landing of a Black Hawk helicopter, piloted by Hooper Avenue parent Dave Otero.

After landing, students and guests were invited to tour the chopper. It was a fantastic, dramatic and worthy close to a morning spent honoring our veterans.

Winter Village

TOMS RIVER – Downtown Toms River is hosting a Winter Village on December 3 and 4 at the Courtyard of Toms River Town Hall.

The courtyard will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland Village. Vendors, kid’s activities, hot chocolate station, holiday

music and more. Downtown businesses will be open.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Winter Wonderland Village on Saturday and or Sunday, visit downtowntomsriver. com/contact-us. Space is limited. The oneday fee is $60 and the two-day fee is $100.

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

National Homeless Youth & Children Awareness Month

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill, Council Presi dent Kevin Geoghegan and the entire Township Council presented Family Promise of Southern Ocean County Trustee Stephanie DeRosa-Hillmann and Case Manager Teresa Burns with a proclamation recognizing November 2022 as National Homeless Youth &

Children Awareness Month in Toms River Township.

The proclamation from the mayor and council also “formally recognizes Fam ily Promise of Southern Ocean County for the work they do to help fight fami ly and youth homelessness and provide a safe space for those in need.”

Exhibit Of Pressed Flowers And Calligraphy

TOMS RIVER – Throughout the month of November, the Ocean Coun ty Library in Toms River will host an exhibit of pressed flowers and calligra phy by Manchester Township resident, Simone Sheppard.

Ms. Sheppard, 77, has been pressing flowers since 1978, “experimenting” with calligraphy since 1955 and some of her earlier creations are included in the display. Her works have spread across the globe, reaching at least 49 states and 26 other countries and are known to have been gifted to Her Maj esty Queen Elizabeth II, at least two presidents and various celebrities. The exhibit is located on the 2nd floor, in the adult non-fiction area and may be seen at any time the library is open.

All Faiths

─Photo courtesy Toms River Township

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Lady Seminoles Win Division Title

TOMS RIVER – Congratulations to the Intermediate South girls

team for winning the OCIAL Division al Championship! With an impressive record of 15-1, the Lady Seminoles brought the title back to Intermediate South for the second consecutive year. Eighth grade standouts Cora Olcott,

HSS Supervisor Honored

“Heather has embraced her new role as HSS supervisor with a positive and pas sionate commitment to support student suc cess,” said Assistant Superintendent Patrick Thomas. “I enjoy having conversations with

Heather about her vision to better support our process to improve our math outcomes, not only at South, but throughout the dis trict. She brings a wealth of knowledge and uncanny ability to ensure the process of growth is tangible and effective. Thank you, Heather, for all you do; you are truly respected and appreciated. Keep up the great work!”

volleyball

Peyton Pompillio, and Caila Oltmer were supported by a talented core of seventh graders consisting of Ava Colon, Olivia Hall, and Karlina Kozlo wski. Coaches Bill Fischer, Josh Power and Lori Ciupinski are proud of all the hard work and effort the team put in this season.

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

TOMS RIVER – High School South Supervisor Heather Pentifallo has been selected as the district’s Secondary Team Member Employee of the Month.

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Make That Two ‘Exemplary Educators’ For TRRS

TOMS RIVER – It was previously announced that Hooper Avenue Ele mentary’s Amy Mackle was named an “Exemplary Educator” by the NJDOE. Lo and behold, Mrs. Mackle was not the only district teacher to earn this distinction.

Joanna Novaky, a teacher at the Early Learning Center, has also been named an exemplary educator. Novaky, a learning disabilities teacher consultant (LDTC), previously served as a general education pre-school teacher with the district. The ELC shared its nomination description: Mrs. Novaky is at the forefront of all decision-making when considering curriculum, professional development, analysis of student data and progress, and implementation of student-centered

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

learning activities for all preschool stu dents. With the help of her expertise in preschool, state-approved, play-based curriculum, Mrs. Novaky has success fully helped implement Creative Curric ulum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and additional educational programs such as FUNdations. When in the classroom, Mrs. Novaky pilots all new programs for preschool, implements all programs with fidelity, and provides ongoing frequent opportunities for professional devel opment for all preschool educators and families. Mrs. Novaky also goes above her daily responsibilities to attend con tinuing education courses and share her knowledge with staff and administration.

Congratulations, Mrs. Novaky!

TRAC- Annual Holiday Bazaar

TOMS RIVER – Join your favorite local artist for their Annual Holiday Bazaar on November 26 at 1 p.m. and November 27 and 6 p.m. Artists will be set up in the community room of 53 Main Street, The Downtown Shops. Come on out and

buy shop local for the holidays this year. Handmade gifts and original art works will be available. Most of our artist will also do custom works as well. Shop local. Support Local. Give the gift of art this holiday season.

Resident Club CV-5 Dance

WHITING – Resident Club CV-5 Dance will be held on December 2 from 7 to 11 p.m. Music by: “The Lenny Davis Band” eight-piece band playing a variety of music.

Cost: $30 includes a buffet of sausage & peppers, eggplant parm, chicken française,

baked ziti, salad, pasta primavera, bread and butter. Snacks, dessert, soda drinks, coffee, and tea.

Last day to purchase tickets is November 22. Call Debbie at 201-618-8514 for more information.

East Little League Receives American Rescue Plan Act funds

TOMS RIVER – Congratulations to the young athletes and parents of Toms River East Little League, the recipients of $386,250 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds distributed by the Township.

The league’s leadership is using the funds to improve the safety of their field on Windsor Avenue with new turf for the infield (artificial) and outfield (sod) and new lights for night games.

In addition to improving safety for the championship caliber Little League base ball teams, the improvements will enable

the league to compete to be a regional tournament location.

“TRELL is a vital member of the Toms River community, contributing mightily to development of our children. They consistently make our Township proud and represent us well throughout the country,” said Mayor Mo Hill. “I thank TRELL President Tommy Noone, Town ship Liaison Bob Gould, Todd Frazier, as well as the entire TRELL board for their leadership and assistance in making this project a reality.”

Toms River Police Participate In No Shave November

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Police Department is excited to be participating in No Shave November again this year! Their 2022 donations are for the American Cancer Society.

If you would like to help them reach their goal, donations can be made through the

following link: account.venmo.com/u/ TRPBA137.

Thank you, as always, for your support of our police department and our awesome community!

You can learn more about No Shave No vember by visiting: no-shave.org.

Photo courtesy Toms River East Little League

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

• Dr. Izzy’s

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.

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

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

•

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

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

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.”

ommunity n ews

Cultural Committee Of Downtown Toms River Gingerbread Village

TOMS RIVER – Join the Cultural Committee of Downtown Toms River as they build a Gin gerbread Village to be unveiled at the Winter Wonderland December 3. The Village will remain Downtown (site TBD) until the end of the Holidays. They would love some help from the children in our community! On November 25 and 26 between 1 to 5 p.m., TRAC - Toms River Artist Community will be holding decorating sessions. Parents can get some local holiday shopping done, or grab something to eat, hit the brewery and distillery while the kids are decorating Gingerbread! Or of course you can stay and help.

TRAC artists will be on hand to help. All pieces will stay at TRAC to be added to the Village Board and unveiled December 3.

Be a proud part of your community and help

with this fun project. Exit 82 Theater Company, The Toms River Seaport, Downtown Toms River, The Toms River Library, Toms River Artist Com munity, Small Town Arts, TR, & Craft & Carry Customs are all up to their elbows in Gingerbread making kits for people to build. If you like to reserve a spot for the 25 or 26, please email Tomsriverartistcommunity732@qmail. com.

They are also accepting donations, mini candy canes, small strings of battery-operated led lights for inside the houses, ribbon candy, white cotton candy, powdered sugar, sprinkles, any holiday-ish candy and of course good old cash always works. Donations to be dropped of at Small Town Arts, TR 53 Main Street, The Downtown Shops, Toms River.

Toms River Senior Center Seeking New Members

By Alyssa Riccardi

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Senior Center, located at 652 Garfield Avenue, has just announced that they are currently seek ing new members to join their community.

The Center offers seniors ages 60 and over a free membership to their active communi ty, with no residency requirements.

Activities at the Center includes scheduled games like canasta, bridge, Rummikub and several exercise groups like yoga, chair exercise, tai chi and Zumba. Members are always looking for new friends to play casual games like poker, pinochle and other card games. In addition, bingo is scheduled twice a week.

The Center also offers a weekly watercolor class and Coffee Klatch that includes edu

cational presentations and fun activities. Monthly activities and programs consist of educational speakers, day trips and movies with refreshments. Other programs include wellness events, health fairs, drug take backs and much more.

Activities are free at the Senior Center and some transportation to the Center may be available for members who do not drive.

Toms River residents who need assis tance and information about senior benefit programs can take advantage of Senior Outreach services.

For more information on programs and services offered at the Toms River Senior Center, call 732-341-1000 ext. 8460. The Toms River Senior Center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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.

Around the Jersey shore

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

Island Heights Police Participate In No Shave November

ISLAND HEIGHTS – The Island Heights Police Department is proud to announce their participation in the 2022 No Shave November.

This month Officers who participate will donate their own money to Detective Cor poral Phil Sickinger of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. Phil was diagnosed with

ALS, which is a disease that affects nerve cells in the body which lose the ability to trigger specific muscle causing them to weaken and stop working, leading to paralysis.

This year’s goal is to reach $20,000, lets help reach this goal! To make a donation, visit paypal.com/pools/c/8OzLNCLpAh.

Ocean County Library Announces December 2 Delayed Opening

OCEAN COUNTY – All Ocean County Library branches and reading centers will have a delayed open ing of 1 p.m. December 2 for the Library’s annual Staff In-Service Training.

Patrons are welcome to use the Library’s online resources, databas es, eBooks, eMagazines, video and audio streams and digital classes. They are available continuously at theoceancountylibrary.org.

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.

Toms River Police Now Hiring

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Police Department is now hiring for Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer – Seasonal Officer Part Time/Beach District. For a downloadable application, visit tomsrivertownship.com.

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.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Services

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 urgently hiring Assistant Teachers and Teacher Aides to float between the In fant through 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.

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)

908-868-4609. (39)

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)

candidates had a clean sweep in win ning all three seats open on the Howell Township Council.

This year, Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond and Councilwoman Suzanne Brennan did not seek re-election. Coun cilman 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 Okerson 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 Ed ucation.

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 elec tion 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 gov ernment, 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 run ning 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.

can have friends come over, and chil dren of all abilities can play together,” Hernandez said. “My daughters and I have found the biggest family with Habitat. Thank you for welcoming us with so much love and taking our hands in a time of need.”

Motion City Media, a real estate and architecture photography and market ing company, donated their services to Northern Ocean Habitat by time lapsing the process and having a drone follow the house on its route.

As to the many people and spon sors/volunteers involved in this latest effort, Paolillo said, “so far, it’s the Wells Fargo; Grenville Hotel and Restaurant; NJNG; Gorcey family; Carl’s Fencing, Decking, and Home Improvements; TD Bank; Air Duct Cleaning Solutions (Toms River); Motion City Media and Crossroads Realty. SICA (modular homes) is not a donated service.”

Providing a “hand up” and not a “handout” through these programs, homeowners put in “sweat equity” by volunteering. The organization also partners with area firms and in stitutions such as the Ocean County Vocational School to build homes and to gather materials for the structures.

“We work with a standard home de sign that we modify as needed for the size lot we are building on. We rely on land donations for building affordable homes as the cost of land has become prohibitive to purchase. Once we se cure the land, we start our application process to select a partner family for the home,” Novakowski said.

She further explained that applicants who meet the criteria - need housing, meet income qualifications, and agree to partner with Habitat - are then put into a lottery selection. “As part of the partnership, the family agrees to 300 hours of sweat equity in helping to build their home.”

There is still an opportunity to sup port Hernandez’s home build project and all the modifications her family needs. To learn more about home partner opportunities, visit: norther noceanhabitat.org/sponsorship /

Currently, Northern Ocean Habitat completed more than 300 low-to-mod erate income home repair projects in addition to building 21 homes throughout the area.

Northern Ocean Habitat is also seeking its next two partner families for two more home builds in 2023. The application is currently open and due by January 4, 2023, by 4 p.m. To learn more, visit: northernocean habitat.org/programs/homeowner ship/?tab=application

Technology moves fast, much faster than our bodies can adjust to, which is why our eyes sometimes have a hard time staring at all the screens that have become such a time-consuming portion of our everyday lives. The strain can cause our vision to become blurry and our eyes to become red and irritated. Unlike regular eyeglasses, computer glasses are designed to solve the problems of abundant screen time referred to as computer vision syndrome (CVS). If you already need prescription lenses you may want the option of getting bifocals instead of going back and forth between two different pairs of glasses. Computer glasses can be customized to suit your personal requirements.

Blue light is high-energy light emitted by screens and its cumulative effect can have negative impacts on your health. Studies show prolong exposure to blue light may be linked to eye strain, increased risk of macular degeneration, and sleep cycle disruption. To schedule a comprehensive eye exam, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Computer glasses should include an anti-reflective coating and can be improved even more by using photo-chromatic lenses that protect eyes from the harmful effects of blue light.

─Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity This modular home was transported on November 14 from its site at 105 Third Avenue Normandy Beach to 1709 Route 539 in the Whiting section of Manchester Township.

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during the Civil War. Lincoln estab lished the day as the last Thursday in November and thus began an unbroken series of autumn proclamations still issued by Presidents today.

In its November 26 edition that year, the Ocean Emblem - then one of Ocean County’s two newspapers - printed New Jersey Governor Joel Parker’s proclamation of the holiday in our state. The Emblem noted that on November 23rd, a committee of “six ladies and six gentlemen” was created at a meeting at the Courthouse to so licit contributions for a “Thanksgiving donation for the families of our noble volunteers” in the Union Army.

20th Century Thanksgivings

In 1918, with the end of World War One just days earlier and while the world was in the midst of a pandemic, President Woodrow Wilson issued a Thanksgiving proclamation observing that “this year we have a special and moving cause to be grateful: peace.”

The New Jersey Courier - then Ocean County’s weekly newspaper - printed a proclamation passed by the Dover Township Committee (today, Toms River) which stated we “do urge most strongly that the people of Dover Township, one and all, do join in a real Thanksgiving” in a service to be held on Wednesday evening, November 27, at the Methodist Church. The Courier went on to say that “this date was taken to give the women of the com munity an opportunity to attend, and still get ready that dinner next day.” The Wednesday night service “will be short and snappy all the way through.”

In 1945, President Harry Truman’s proclamation noted that our victory in World War Two was “absolute and final {and that} liberty knows no race, creed, or class.” The Courier reported “Toms River Churches to unite Thursday at Christ Church for a union service of Thanksgiving.” Reverend Ansley Van Dyke of the Presbyterian Church gave the sermon. Pastors from the Methodist Church and Christ Church participated. It was an ecumenical service of thanks after another war’s end.

In 1962, just days after the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Ken nedy issued a Thanksgiving proclama tion stating that “we live in a world of peril and change {but we} are all the more grateful for the indestructible gifts of hope and love.” A year later, just days before the holiday, Kennedy was dead - felled by an assassin. The Courier printed photographs of de serted downtown Toms River streets and the American flag at Town Hall

flying at half-mast. Toms River, like all of America, was in shock and grief on that Thanksgiving.

In an editorial, the Courier said “Thursday Americans will observe Thanksiving….it is an honored day, one of history, tradition, and in most years, it is a day filled with solemn joy. This year, in American homes, there can be no joy.” Thanksgiving, this year, said our local newspaper “should be a day of sympathy…and it is perhaps for this reason that Thurs day shall also be a day of Thanks giving.”

Thanksgiving And High School Football

Our special American holiday here in Toms River is also remembered be yond official proclamations of war and peace, Church services, and times of joy and sorrow. What would Thanks giving be like in Toms River without high school football?

For decades, it was an annual Thanksgiving tradition for Toms River High School (today, South) to play neighboring Lakewood on the local gridiron. Beginning in 1919, the two schools faced off in an annual holiday classic and Toms River won a majority of those games. For those of us with long memories, it seemed like everything stopped in our town for that annual rivalry. Over the years, Toms River High Schools North and East, along with South, have played on Thanksgiving Day.

Our Virtues And Values

“Thanksgiving,” once said Peter Gomes, of Harvard University and President of the Pilgrim Society, “is a big deal in America because we Americans believe it to be our unique holiday, hardly found in this form any where else on Earth. And wherever on Earth Thanksgiving is celebrated, it is invariably associated with America and its founding virtues and values.”

Thanksgiving is certainly a “big deal” in Toms River. Let us remem ber America’s virtues and values as we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and friends.

SOURCES: The Ocean Emblem ; The New Jersey Courier ; “Thanksgiving” by James W. Baker, University of New Hampshire Press, 2009; Pilgrim Hall Museum

J. Mark Mutter is the retired Toms River Clerk. He served on the Dover Township Committee for three terms and served as Mayor in 1993 and 2000. He served as Chairman of the Township’s 250-year anniversary committee in 2017, its 225-year an niversary committee in 1992, and its Constitution Bi-Centennial committee in 1987. He is writing a book on the history of Toms River.

photo of the week photo of the week

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.

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

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.

dec 2

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.

Saunders