2022-12-10 - The Howell Times

Holidays Sweeter With Local Gingerbread House Display

By Stephanie Faughnan

FARMINGDALE - Sugar and spice and everything nice found a sweet home last week as part of the Wainright House and Mu seum’s traditional Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit.

According to Wainright’s Curator and Founder Virginia Woolley, the festive competition began approximately ten years ago when she first saved the his toric building. The 2022 contest resulted in 55 submissions with winners selected by Four Boys Ice Cream, the event’s sponsors.

In some cases, local students teamed up in classrooms to build houses with gingerbread foundations overloaded with candy and assorted goodies. Farmingdale’s Volcano Village featured more than a half dozen homes and represented “The Land of Lava Icing.”

Other entrants came from community members who bonded as families to design their own versions of confec tionary-laden structures.

BOE Recognized With Prestigious School Board Certification

By Alyssa Riccardi

HOWELL – Members of the Howell Town ship Board of Education were recently rec ognized for receiving the Carole E. Larsen Master Board Certification.

“Our board was recognized with a very prestigious award; One that is not easily obtained. (Only) a small percentage of New Jersey School Boards received this recognition,” Superintendent of Schools Joseph Isola said.

According to the New Jersey School Boards Association’s website, The Car

ole E. Larsen Master Board Certification (MBC) is awarded in recognition of high performing boards. The board must provide evidence to demonstrate an emphasis on student achievement in their board actions.

The award was created in 2007 after the passing of Carol E. Larsen, who lived in Morris County and was a New Jersey School Boards Association field service representative.

The website states in order to earn the Car ole E. Larsen Master Board Certification, a (BOE - See Page 11)

Author Pulls Back The Tapestry On Living A Religious Life With Illness

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – Chronic illness is some thing most people don’t want to talk about, so M. Rose Peluso wrote a book about it.

Her book, “Behind The Tapestry,” is subti tled “My Discovery Of God’s Grace Amidst Chronic Pain And Loss.” It’s available in most online book markets. It chronicles a life dealing with serious issues while also working to become a nun. It’s a personal story but it appeals to a wider audience.

She suffers widespread, chronic pain from

pudendal neuropathy, named after the nerve that runs through the pelvic floor. “If you’re having a horrible day, sitting is almost un bearable,” she said.

A chronic condition will take up a huge amount of your life. If you don’t have one, you just don’t understand how much it im pacts everything. Lots of people don’t want to hear about illness, but Peluso won’t suffer in silence any longer.

She left her great job as a graphic designer

(Author - See Page 4)

─Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

A village of gingerbread houses takes up two rooms with 55 contest entries.

(Gingerbread - See Page 3)

Gingerbread:

“One of the rules was that every thing used to make the houses had to be edible,” said Woolley. “All of the participants received a special book to bring home with them.”

Many of those who crafted the gin gerbread houses used sugary icing as cement for their masonry tasks and adorned roofs with everything from gum drops and cereal, to pretzels and chocolate. The two-room exhib it looked like a miniature fairy tale village straight out of the Hansel and Gretel story.

Gelatin windowpanes gave a glossy effect to one of the gingerbread hous es, while many of the creators turned their submittals into full-fledged scenes.

First prize winner Simon Yost decid ed to add a fish pond with blue frost ing spread out to represent the water. Red Swedish Fish candies took up occupancy in front of Simon’s house, which had lasagna walls, held up by pretzel columns.

In second place, the Roche family captured their “Christmas Getaway” with a thatched roof made of shredded wheat and various pretzel types used to enhance the set.

Jerry and Lorelei Rouvrais took third place with their creation named “The

Goodenough House.” Woolley pointed to a photograph of a local home and said the blue prize winner was mod eled after the house – with peppermint sticks as pillars out front.

The Wainright House and Museum serves as an ideal setting for spotlight ing old time traditions such as hand made gingerbread houses. Handmade quilts and vintage furniture located throughout the premises tell stories of their own.

Woolley said she was quite grateful for the volunteers who came to donate time to the museum, including Colleen Shean, a local resident. Shean was quick to point out that she couldn’t take credit for the concept of display ing the gingerbread houses – she did, however, appreciate the work that went into them.

A sweet pigtailed eight-year-old named Gwendolyn Forst wandered into the Wainright building to spend some quality time helping the curator. Gwendolyn wore a blue full covered apron with the big letter “D” embroi dered on the outside.

“This was my great-grandmother’s apron,” Gwendolyn shared. “My grandfather said I could have it and I really like it.”

Gwendolyn walked over to her gin gerbread house and gave some insight into the work she and her family put into it. A marshmallow snowman and an animal designed with a well-posi

The

of more than just sugar plum fairies. Edible decorations are not only heart warming and fun to create; they bring a taste of the holiday season.

─Photo by Stephanie Faughnan First prize winner Simon Yost was selected by the event’s sponsors, Four Boys Ice Cream.

tioned walnut stand on both sides of the chocolate walkway.

colors and creativity of the Gingerbread Houses brings visions

Author: Continued From Page 1

and entered the convent in 1999. It’s a long process to become a nun, as you move up through the stations. She became a sister in 2002. The disease struck in 2001, and she recalled that it was soon after the attacks on September 11. She was praying for the victims when the burning sensation began.

“I remember being in the chapel and seeing the Lord and the Blessed Sacrament and said ‘OK, Lord, what changed?’” That question would take a long time to answer.

“It’s typical for people to go years without a diagnosis,” she explained. It’s often a pro cess of elimination. One test after another would rule something out as the months drag on. “You look very healthy but you feel pain.”

She changed names and some details in the book to protect the sisters. That might be for the best. Some of them weren’t very supportive. She was told “You’re not pray ing enough.” They didn’t think she deserved special considerations, such as a menthol seat to ease the pain.

Some, of course, were very supportive – but those weren’t the ones in roles of authority. The message was something that people with chronic conditions often face:

“We don’t want to hear about it anymore.” She was encouraged to smile through it, even though her body made her want to cry.

“I had to suffer silently with my pain. It was more important to me to become a sister,” she said.

Peluso was born and raised Catholic, but religion wasn’t a huge part of her upbring ing. “You went to church and you prayed when you wanted something like God was Santa Claus.” It wasn’t until a prayer meeting in the early 90s that unlocked the mission in her.

“I never felt like I fit in until I was called to religious life,” she said. Healing, in this sense, was spiritual as well as medical.

There was also a concept that you can offer up your suffering to God – you make that sacrifice to share the burden of someone else who is suffering. In this case, pain doesn’t have to be a stop sign on the road of life. It’s a redemptive power. You are easing the pain of someone else in the world.

There were a number of treatments over the years, including diet, prescriptions, injec tions, and back surgery. “It was a constant roller coaster of getting my expectations up,” she said. These plans didn’t even cure her; they just eased the pain for a bit.

Eventually, it was time to leave the con vent.

“It was almost audible, like I could feel a hand on my shoulder, saying ‘You don’t need to stay here to love me.’ All of a sudden, I felt that heaviness go away.” However, she was in a difficult position. She gave up her belongings when she joined the sisterhood. The only clothing she had was her habit. She had no car and no money. She was 40 years old, with no health insurance and a chronic illness.

The church sent her off with $1,000 and she went home to live with her parents. She earned her Master’s and has worked in parishes, running CCD classes.

Unfortunately, the neuropathy started getting worse around 2013. She couldn’t work full time any more. She could still work part time to supplement Social Secu rity (she didn’t pay into it when she was in the convent). She worked part time in a law office before getting laid off. She became a caregiver/companion for seniors.

She moved to the area, first in Whiting in 2016, then to Holiday City at Berkeley.

“This baby came to be in late 2015,” she said of her book. The impetus came from (Author - See Page 16)

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

E ditorial

Time Is Never On Our Side

Big life moments al ways mark the passage of time. They make us stop us in the middle of our obligations and habits and say “oh, things are changing and they’re never gonna be the same.”

I had a few of them hap pen in quick succession recently. The first was a good one. My daugh ter went to her friend’s quinceañera. There were a group of girls who had been friends since kindergarten through Girl Scouts and now they were all in high school.

Next was my uncle’s death. Richie was a tall, strong, vigorous man who was always active and never slowed down. We used to call him Richie the whale (not a size thing) because he would swim back and forth beyond the breakers at the beach for long periods of time. This year, he descended quickly into dementia before a stroke put him in the hospital. My theory is that in the beginning of the year, when his mind started to decline, he also had a stroke that no one noticed. It makes sense but there’s nothing to be done about it either way.

Two people my age died within weeks of each other. One was a former co-worker whose obitu ary asked for donations to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alli ance. The other was a high school friend who had a skinny build but didn’t eat right or ex ercise. Heart attack in his 40s.

Unfortunately, it’s the bad life moments that make us reflect more. Maybe I’m just past the age of going to weddings and baby showers, and

death is the only life mo ment left. Is retirement a life moment? For those lucky enough to do so, I guess it is.

Life moments are usu ally followed by moti vation. I’m going to eat better. Exercise. Take up that hobby I’ve always meant to. No one comes home from a funeral and thinks “I’m going to spend more time on my phone.”

Obviously, we don’t know when our time is going to come. I don’t want to write this with the idea that you have to be maximally opera tional 110% of the time. I struggle with anxiety so I always have to tamp down any motivation or else I’m going to be buzzing around like a fly stuck in a car for the rest of the day.

The problem with mo tivation is that it comes with guilt if you don’t accomplish your goals. If you haven’t stuck to your New Year’s Reso lution by the time Feb ruary rolls around, you beat yourself up over it. After a few missed goals, you stop making any at all.

I have a friend who always tells me I need to waste more time. Play a video game for an hour. Watch a stupid movie. He’s right, of course. Is it possible to push yourself to relax? It seems an impossible goal, but one to strive for. Those life moments are going to hit you, whether you want them to or not. Might as well enjoy the ride.

Time isn’t on our side and it’s never going to let us win. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t play.

Chris Lundy News Editor

Rebuttal To “It’s Time To Stop Celebrating Columbus”

The following is a rebuttal to “It’s Time To Stop Cel ebrating Columbus” letter to the editor. The writer claimed Columbus doesn’t deserve a holiday or a pa rade, making a number of inaccurate statements to support his assertion. Like Columbus “didn’t ‘discover America.’ He was nowhere near America.” But that contradicts his acknowl edgement of Columbus’ landing in Central AMER ICA, South AMERICA and the Caribbean, which is part of America.

True: Columbus “never set foot on United States soil.” Neither did Amerigo Vespucci, whom Ameri ca’s name is derived from. Perhaps America’s name should be changed since he never reached the USA that bears his name. Not to mention Vespucci reached the continent a year after Columbus discovered it. And Vespucci reached it using Columbus’ own map. However, North America was reached because of Columbus. The reason is that Columbus sent his brother Bartholomew to the King of England, while he lobbied for his discovery project in Spain, to see who would give him the “green light” first, since other countries had rejected his proposal. Once the news

Letters To The Editor

of Columbus’ discovery reached England, the King sent John Cabot to explore North America. Later on, Juan Ponce de Leon, who was one of Columbus’ sail ors during his second voy age, discovered Florida, which is in the USA.

ALL the explorers and set tlers that followed, were not independent from Colum bus, but fully dependent on his initial discovery. That’s the reason why set tlers came to what later became the United States. All thanks to Columbus’ 1492 enterprise!

Next, the writer claimed Columbus “enslaved na tives, murdered and raped them. When they revolted, “he had them killed, dis membered and paraded their body parts through their villages.”

I think the writer is confus ing Columbus with the Car ibs. The Caribs were a tribe of cannibals who constantly raided the Taino tribes in the Caribbean. They raped the woman, castrated the young men, enslaved people, and sometimes cannibalized entire islands. Those were the ones Columbus sent to Spain as prisoners of war as he had made a treaty with a Taino chief to protect him from them and other enemies.

The writer added, “How can you say you care about history when you don’t even know the history?”

I agree!

If those are the reasons

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to not celebrate Columbus, then that’s more reason to celebrate him, since what was written originally to the editor against Columbus is false. The fact is, without 1492 there is no 1776. Hap py Columbus Day forever!

Rafael Ortiz

Note: The writer is of in digenous heritage who has authored books advocat ing for Columbus, such as “Christopher Columbus The Hero: Defending Co lumbus From Modern Day Revisionism” and three others.

your cameras. Every year you do a great job, along with our great media (Micro Media Publications, Asbury Park Press and USA Today).

Thanks also to the po lice department (Cops Are Tops), firemen and more. Our local schools are great. I enjoy being a VIP guest at all the high school gradua tions with VIP parking and seating, etc. and being read about to the students by the New Jersey Book which is stored in all the New Jersey schools. I also enjoyed ap pearing at all the proms and being a mascot for sports like football, wrestling and basketball - both female and male teams.

Wow, thank you, thank you to the greatest town in the world and the people in it from giving me a downtown birthday party from all the merchants and the love and kisses blown to me at the Toms River Halloween Pa rade along with the doctors, council, lawyers etc. who came over to my parade car to lift me on top (my other parade car became disabled so we hurriedly had a change and decorate the other car completely causing me to be late. But i made the parade and en joyed the blowing kisses in the cameras for TV 21, Youtube, etc.

Thank You For Your Support Biden’s Border Policy Is Working

I salute all of you wonder ful people. You make our community the best in the world - not the second best, the very First best.

Happy holidays with love and respect.

Sondra Fortunato

Miss Liberty USA, etc, etc.

Toms

River

Thank you for the great TV shots and photographer shots too! They enjoyed my “Wowie” signs. Thank you TV announcers, Matt Knight (my knight in shin ing armor) and Jimmy Steal (Super Steal Built) for your nice comments about me on the air. Thanks to the students and local design ers, Linda and Karen, for decorating my gown with feathers, 24 carat crystals, fringes, garters etc. to help celebrate my little can-can dance for the tradition al Toms River Halloween Parade which brings all of our wonderful community together.

Thank you TV 21 Phillys director for the great shots of me blowing kisses into

Some of my Republi can friends were posting on Facebook about how Biden’s border patrol wasn’t working, and the numbers they posted actually proved the opposite.

They listed a bunch of numbers of people on the FBI terror watch list that were arrested by the Border Patrol each year. In 2017, it was just 2. In 2018, it was 6. In 2019, it was a whopping 0. And in 2020 it was 3. These were all Trump years. Then, in 2021, it was 15. This year, I’m proud to say, that 98 people so far have been caught by Biden’s bor der security policies – and that’s just those who are on watch lists; it doesn’t count the total number of people detained.

So tell me, who was really tougher on terrorists?

Beverly Smith Penn Toms River

S potlight o n g ov E rnm E nt

EPA Awards Nearly $169M For Water Infrastructure Projects

Capitol Comments

Capitol Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) announced that the U.S. Envi ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded nearly $169 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to New Jersey for water infrastructure improvements that will help communities access clean, safe and reliable drinking water, increase resilience, collect and treat wastewater to protect public health, clean up pollution, and safeguard vital waterways.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

presents a unique oppor tunity to provide histor ical amounts of funding over five years for criti cal water infrastructure projects, especially in underserved communi ties,” said EPA Region al Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This is just the beginning, and we look forward to providing ad ditional Bipartisan Infra structure Law funding for this critical work to New Jersey in the years ahead.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 2022 funding allocation awards are distributed through the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) - over $73 million through the Clean Water SRF and over $95 million through the Drink ing Water SRF for a total of $169 million.

The Clean Water SRF primarily funds wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. These funds supplement nearly $48 million in regular funding to New Jersey’s Clean Water SRF program in fiscal year (FY) 2022.

The EPA has awarded New Jersey a total

of over $95 million in FY 2022 grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law through the Drinking Water SRF, which includes $31 million for supplemental drinking water projects, $48 million to identify and replace lead service lines, and nearly $17 million to address emerg ing contaminants like PFAS. The funding supplements approximately $12 million in regular funding to New Jersey’s Drink ing Water SRF program in FY 2022. New Jersey has submitted and obtained EPA’s approval of its plans for the use of the FY 2022 funding. These grants will continue to be awarded, on a roll ing, state-by-state basis, as more states receive approval throughout FY 2023; states will also receive awards over the course of the next four years. Once grants are awarded, state programs will begin to deliver the funds as grants and loans to communities across their state. “I was proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass the bi partisan infrastructure bill last year. This additional funding will move our state closer to ensuring every New Jerseyan has safe and clean drinking water in their homes, schools, and businesses,” said Sen. Menendez. “Our state and munici palities need federal support to upgrade our water infrastructure and I’ll continue fighting for the resources we need to im prove water quality and ensure the health and well-being of New Jersey’s families.”

“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was a once-in-a-generation in vestment in our nation’s infrastructure, and it will do much more than just fix our crumbling roads and bridges,” said Sen. Booker. “Communities all across New Jersey need resources to replace their aging water infrastructure, which is why I proudly worked to deliver these

resources. We know that disadvantaged communities disproportionately bear the impact of contaminants in water, from PFAS to lead exposure. Over the next five years, this historic infusion of federal funds will allow New Jersey to provide an unprecedented amount of funding to proj ects that will replace lead pipes, improve drinking water, and update wastewater infrastructure across the state.”

“Bipartisan Infrastructure Law fund ing from EPA is helping to power New Jersey’s Water Infrastructure Investment Plan, enabling the Murphy Administra tion to reach even more communities with needed improvements to drinking water and wastewater systems,” said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “To gether, we can ensure that generations of New Jerseyans receive reliably clean drinking water and enjoy fishable and swimmable waterways free of pollution – creating thousands of good-paying, family-sustaining jobs in the process.”

U.S. Representative Andy Kim said: “When I voted for the bipartisan infra structure bill, I knew that projects like these would change people’s lives and give them faith that the water coming into their house to drink, shower, brush their teeth, and wash their dishes would be clean and safe. This also brings in vestments in good paying New Jersey jobs, pollution cleanup, more resources for desperately needed flood mitigation in both Burlington and Ocean counties, and ecosystem restoration to help create healthy animal and marine habitats from the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore. I’m glad to see this important work get ting underway and look forward to more infrastructure projects coming to New Jersey soon.”

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.

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

Senator Robert Menendez

Senator Cory Booker

n E w S

Thanksgiving Home Delivered Meal Program

HOWELL – The Howell Senior Center would like to say thank you to everyone involved in the Thanksgiving Home De livered Meal Program. This has been an annual program for over 20 years and truly embodies what our Howell Community is all about! The Howell Senior Center would like to thank the Howell Chamber of Commerce (specifically Gene Young & Hal and Anna

Ornstein), The Howell Township PBA and Kirk Florist for all their help and coopera tion making this another successful event for all of our seniors. This year the Howell Township PBA not only delivered the 160 meals to our seniors, but they also paid for all of the meals as well. Job well done to all that took part in this successful event and we look forward to our next event this spring with everyone!

C ommunity n E w S

“MoForNovember” Campaign

HOWELL – For the last eight years the Howell Police Department has teamed up with the CentraState Healthcare Foun dations “MoForNovember” campaign to raise funds for community-based cancer care provided at CentraState Medical Center.

During the month of November, Chief Storrow suspended normal grooming stan

dards allowing officers to grow beards to help raise awareness for the charity. Funds raised go directly towards prevention and treatment services offered at CentraState. Approximately 50 officers participated in the campaign, raising $3,000 in one month! Anyone interested in donating to the char ity can visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/ howellpd2022.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony At Cedar Lawn/Southard Cemetery

HOWELL – Join the Howell Heritage and Historical Society (HHS) on Na tional Wreaths Across America Day. HHS will be sponsoring the ceremony at Cedar Lawn Southard Cemetery on December 17 at 12 p.m.

Each December Wreaths Across Amer ica’s mission is to remember, honor and teach by coordinating wreath-laying cer emonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea &

abroad.

There will also be other ceremonies at the same time, at Adelphia Cemetery, Ar dena Cemetery and Evergreen Cemetery, including Jerseyville, Brewer, Abner Thorp and Squankum. Every cemetery in Howell Township will read veterans names and lay wreaths on them.

Speak to Leigh, 732-977-5805, if you’d like to help. Email: leighanne3451@ verizon.net or: howellheritageandhistor icalsoc@qmail.com.

─Photo courtesy Howell Police

around thE JErSEy ShorE

Students Wins Third In Annual Elections And Voting Video Contest

COLTS NECK – Jessica Terlato, a junior in Law and Public Service Magnet Program at Colts Neck High School, won third place in the Monmouth County Clerk’s 2022 Annual Elections and Voting Video Contest!

The Monmouth County Clerk’s Office hosts an Annual Elections and Voting Video Contest for high school students, designed to encourage young people to be engaged in the election process and to learn the impor tance of voting rights. Participating Mon mouth County high school students created a one-to-three-minute video to reflect on what having the right to vote means to them and why it’s important, with an additional focus on educating their peers of the three ways to vote in New Jersey.

Jessica will be honored at an upcoming Monmouth County Board of County Com missioners meeting to receive her award from Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon. Way to go!

─Photo courtesy Freehold Regional High School District

Holiday Made In Monmouth Coming December 10

MONMOUTH –The Monmouth Coun ty Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that a Holiday Made in Monmouth will take place on December 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brookdale Community College in the Robert J. Collins Arena.

“The Holiday Made in Monmouth is a one-stop shop with a variety of vendors and products for everyone on your hol iday shopping list,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Division of Economic Develop ment. “This free event helps promote and support our small businesses while encouraging visitors to shop local as they prepare for the holiday season.”

The event is free for both vendors and visitors. All vendors who partic ipate in the event manufacture their

products in Monmouth County. More than 150 vendors will showcase a wide variety of jewelry, art, food and drink, accessories, home decor, and much more.

Made in Monmouth is organized by the Grow Monmouth team within the County’s Division of Economic De velopment. Grow Monmouth officials meet regularly with business, civic and government leaders to help iden tify and deliver business resources. It has become a major public-private project to create and retain jobs in Monmouth County.

To learn more about the Made in Monmouth program and to view a di rectory of over 200 vendors that have participated in program events, go to MadeinMonmouth.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.

currently Certified board within the first two years of earning its certi fication, must also complete at least 10 additional hours of training for a total of 26 board credits.

Currently, the Howell Township Board of Education consists of the following members: Board President Albert Miller, Board Vice-President Mark A. Bonjavanni, Laurence Gur man, Stephen Levine, Denise M. Lowe, MaryRose Malley, Cristy Man gano, Jennifer Okerson, and Ira Thor.

At a recent Board of Education meet ing, the certification was presented to the members, reflecting their ded icated hard work and leadership. The certification is represented for fall 2022 and is the highest recognition for a school board in New Jersey.

“I thank you for your commitment to our school district and communi ty. I’m telling you, very few school boards reach this level. We are priv ileged and fortunate to have a caring school board as we do who are com mitted to their education as school board members. We thank the board for their hard work,” Superintendent Isola said.

Shrewsbury Chorale

COLTS NECK – The Shrewsbury Cho rale proudly announces it’s first concert of the 2022-2023 season. “A Winter’s Night: Songs of the Season,” under the direction of Fiona Smith Sutherland, will take place on December 10 at 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Parish, located at 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck.

The program includes works by Sarah Quartel, Michael John Trotta, John Rutter, William Walton, Nicholas Myers, and more. This event will also feature solos

by Jacqueline Quirk, soprano and Douglas Clark, tenor.

You may purchase advance tickets at a discount from our members ($20 regular, $17 senior/student, $8 child), or from our website ( shrewsburychorale.org/pur chase-tickets). Or, you may purchase your tickets at the door. A reception will follow this evening performance, all are welcome. We encourage everyone to be current with their COVID vaccinations and to wear masks for the performance.

$6,450

Enjoy The Holidays But Be Mindful Of Scams!

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

Have you thought about giving a fancy new gadget as a holiday gift? Or maybe there’s something on your wish list that Santa forgot to bring? If so, you might be tempted by an Ad to purchase high-tech gadgets for a low price. But if a merchant, other than Amazon.com, asks you to pay using an Amazon gift card then it’s probably a scam. In fact, Amazon’s gift card terms don’t allow you to use Amazon gift cards to make payments anywhere besides amazon.com and a few specific sites.

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

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

in less than a month — and open under a new name somewhere else.

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

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

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

Breakfast With Santa

HOWELL – Adelphia Fire Company will hold Breakfast with Santa on December 11 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. All you can eat.

Firehouse is located at 925 Adelphia Road.

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

5 Helpful Solutions For Seasonal Affective Disorder

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

In certain parts of the world, the cold win ter season causes a mood disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD and it happens at the same time of year.

The winter blues impact over 10 million people just in the USA alone and 80 per cent of those with SAD are women leading researchers to believe there is a hormonal component to the condition.

Symptoms include feeling depression in the wintertime along with low energy as compared to the summer.

Other signs and symptoms of SAD include:

• The uptick in headaches or other aches and pains

• Difficulty sleeping

• Feelings of anxiety or annoyance

• Sensations of feeling worthless or guilty

• Hopelessness

• Thoughts about self-harm or suicide

• Loss of interest in going places or meeting people

We know that certain risk factors increase the incidence of seasonal affective disorder. For example, there is a strong correlation be tween reduced sunlight hours and circadian rhythm alterations. There is also a change in levels of melatonin (it increases while cor tisol decreases), and finally, where you live matters. People who live closer to the equator (for example Florida) seem to do better than those who live further away like in Alaska.

5 Helpful Solutions and Considerations for SAD

1. St. John’s wort has been tried for people with SAD, however, the results are incon sistent.

2. Vitamin B12, again it may help, but results are inconsistent.

3. Vitamin D appears to help some folks, but not all.

4. Prescribed antidepressants such as Bu propion.

5. Hormone replacement, specifically pro gesterone or cortisol.

Let me offer one quick comment about num ber 5 above (the progesterone and cortisol). Restoring those hormones must be done very carefully, by a hormone specialist. This may require you to have some baseline hormone testing, either blood, saliva, or urine. If your doctor recommends hormone testing, you can purchase a DUTCH test kit and do it at home. I have this available on my website as well because I am a Provider. But do not replenish hormones ‘in the dark’ get your self tested first because you can’t self-treat yourself hormones.

There are light therapy devices sold online as well, however, I do not think they will have much impact. They’d be fun to try and can’t hurt anything.

Most of us do not have the means to travel to Hawaii or New Zealand just to get to a sunny warm part of the world when it’s cold here in America. So if you have SAD, please try some of the potential solutions I’ve listed above, and make sure you are being seen by a licensed, qualified professional, whether that is a physician or therapist or other. Don’t go it alone! Share your feelings with your family members or friends so they can support you. And keep in mind one very important thing. SAD goes away. It is a seasonal condition. No matter how you feel right now, it will lift.

If this topic interests you, please read the longer, more detailed version of my article. It is available at suzycohen.com ”

photo of thE wEEk

Commercial fishing boats in Point Pleasant. This pic was taken by Jim Fisher. Wanna see your snaps featured in this space? Email them to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

CLASSIFIEDS

Real Estate

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)

For Rent

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

Single Male Senior - To share apart ment with other senior male. Crest wood Village, Whiting. $600 p/m. Private bedroom with kitchen-B/R privileges. Tel: 845-391-6430. (1)

Items For Sale

CHRISTMAS PASTELES - Puerto Rican Tradition. Pork or Chicken $40/ dozen, $75/2 dozen, $110/3 dozen. Call/text Cary 908-770-8537. (2)

Three piece queen bedroom set like new, $394. was origionally $1,200. Cat carrier $18. Walker with wheels and seat $39. Beige carpet runner 25 ft. 732-503-3263. (51)

Pellet Stove - Englander Model 55-SHP10L. Heats 1,500 sq. ft. Very good condition. Used. $400, price negotiable. Call 732-350-1314 (3)

Dolls

Items Wanted

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)

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)

Items Wanted

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)

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)

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

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)

Dental Assistant - We’re currently looking to hire a qualified DENTAL ASSISTANT. Will train the right per son. Call 732-938-2800 for details. (2)

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)

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)

Services

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

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)

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)

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)

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 Aides - Need ed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

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)

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)

1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for

Jackson - House For Sale By Own er. Private Road Sits

Author: Continued From Page 4

this and have an “a-ha moment” when they recognize the symptoms.

people

them saying “You should really write a book.”

The purpose is not for money, or to be famous, but to help other people understand what life is like with a chronic disease. And if the reader has a chronic disease, to let them see the light at the end of the tunnel.

When it took years trying to get a diagno sis, it is absolutely important for someone in the same situation to know that they are not alone. Hopefully, this book will shine a light on pudendal neuropathy. People who have it – but don’t know it yet – might read

People don’t like to talk about problems in the pelvic area so sufferers lack a support system. Sometimes, even doctors don’t lis ten. There is also less funding for research.

The rate of suicide is far higher for those who have chronic pain.

“I’ll never say in a million years that it’s easy, but some of the best years in my life have been during the years where I’ve been suffering,” she said.

She wants to tell people “I’ve been there. I know that despair. They’re making break throughs. You have to hold on.”

For more information, visit authormrose peluso.com/

Humanitarian Awards Presented At Annual Gala

FARMINGDALE – It was an evening of mystique and recognition at the Mon mouth Medical Center Southern Campus (MMCSC) Foundation ‘Masquerade’ An nual Humanitarian Gala.

More than 200 attendees were present at the Eagle Oaks Country Club to honor three individuals who have supported the hospital and the surrounding community for decades.

The honorees include: Avinash Gupta, MD, Chief of Cardiology at MMCSC. Dr. Gupta and his wife Geeta have been practicing medicine in the Lakewood area since 1994 and have organized volunteers from the Monmouth and Ocean County Association of Physicians from India (MOCAAPI), in which he is a member, to assist in the COVID-19 battle both here and abroad in India.

Robert Sickel is the owner of Pine Belt Enterprises which has been a staple in the community for more than 80 years. Sickel serves as Chairman of the MMCSC Foun dation Board and a trustee of the MMC/

MMCSC Board of Trustees. One of many contributions from Rob and the Pine Belt family were hosts of the Flavors of the Jer sey Shore event for multiple years, which benefit Cancer Services at MMCSC. Rob and Pine Belt were also contributors to the RWJBarnabas Health Field of Dreams rec reational complex, dedicated and designed to benefit special needs individuals of all ages and abilities.

Alan Krupnick, President of Sydney Krup nick Realty, an investment and brokerage firm in Lakewood, has followed in his mother, Charlotte’s footsteps. Charlotte was a founding member of the Foundation Board and Alan continued the Krupnick legacy of philanthropic work at the medical center and within the community. Krupnick also serves on the MMCSC Foundation Board of Trustees.

“We are so grateful for the support of all of the evening’s sponsors and Gala Committee members who supported us in creating a magical event to honor three humanitarians who give so much to their communities,”

said Dr. Philip Passes, Chief Administrative Officer, MMC and MMCSC. “Dr. Avinash Gupta; Alan Krupnick and Robert Sickel, are tireless advocates for their communities

and our hospital. Their constant generosity and commitment to the hospital enables us to provide outstanding care to our com munity.”

─Photo by Chris Lundy M. Rose Peluso hopes her book will help others learn to live with faith through hardship.

around thE JErSEy ShorE

County Clerk Advises Residents To Plan Ahead For Holiday Travel

FREEHOLD – With the holidays fast approaching, Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon is remind ing residents that now is the time to apply for or to renew your passport!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department passport pro cessing times reached unprecedented delays last year. Processing times have recently returned to near-normal levels, but it is still recommended to submit passport applications early.

According to the U.S. State Depart ment, the current federal passport processing times are as follows:

• Routine service – 6 to 9 weeks from when the application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.

• Expedited service (for an additional $60) – 3 to 5 weeks from when the application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.

“I encourage all to apply for a pass port well in advance of any planned travel,” said Clerk Hanlon. “In ad dition, many countries require six months validity on a U.S. passport, so it is critical to check the expiration date on your passport and to plan ac cordingly.”

Residents can apply for a passport at one of the County Clerk’s two conve nient Passport Offices in Freehold and Neptune. Appointments are required for parties of 4 or more.

The County Clerk’s Passport Offices locations are:

• Freehold Borough - Monmouth County Clerk’s Office located in the Market Yard at 33 Mechanic Street (south of Main Street). The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call 732-431-7324 to schedule an appointment.

• Neptune - Monmouth County Con nection at 3544 Route 66 (near Home Depot). The hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please call 732-303-2828 to schedule an appointment.

To obtain a passport, it is necessary to have a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, social security number, and current identification such as a driver’s license or govern ment identification. Passport photos are available for a fee of $10 at both locations.

Passport forms should be filled out prior to arrival at the County Clerk’s offices and can be found online.

Parents who are making a passport application for a child under the age of 16 are required to appear together or to submit additional documentation.

For more information, please visit the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office website at MonmouthCountyClerk. com.

Astrological Forecast

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Slow and steady might not win the race, but at least you won’t end up in an unwinnable argu ment. Losing your temper or rushing ahead after making hasty decisions can land you in trouble during the week ahead.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the upcoming week, you may go looking for love in all the wrong places. Perhaps it is a better idea to look closer to home, where you’re unlikely to be fooled by surface appearances. Extra bills could pile up.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Use your ener gy and enthusiasm wisely. Stifle any tendency to be overly competitive. You might find an illuminating insight and realize how your own actions may factor into tensions or disputes.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : Your intuitions might not be reliable in the week ahead, especially if you are making a pur chase or saddled with financial decisions. Thankfully, you can count on a partner or loved one to be more down to earth.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) : Your ambition may make you yearn for more success in the week ahead, but an impractical streak could rear its ugly head. Be sure to understand where your loyalties lie and get business agreements in writing.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) : Be sure there is a soft place to land. Let good inten tions prevail, and always stay fully in your integrity. Spending your money on things of lasting value makes more sense than indulging in passing whims.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It might be a good idea to keep your opinions to yourself as the week unfolds. Someone may be too wrapped up in achieving their business objectives to indulge in romantic fantasies or other personal activities now.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The simplest explanation is usually the best one. Be direct and to the point when presenting your ideas. Avoid making major purchases in the week to come because you might be too trusting and believe a sales pitch.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In the upcoming week, you may dream you can conquer the world while safely hanging out in your own little zone. Out in the world, however, you should concentrate on making every effort work on your behalf.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Bring your practical side and your creative one to the table now. This combo can be one of your greatest strengths and can bring out wonderful solutions. Wallow in a romantic dream or two, then go back to minding the store.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Loved ones might have unrealistic ideas or romanti cize the importance of their spare time activi ties. Watch your money carefully in the week ahead since you might be paying attention to the spin rather than the substance.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You may feel your allure and attractiveness is slipping as the week unfolds. Even if you are in “ugly” stars, they will pass. Watch for some imagina tive ideas that can be put on the back burner until the timing is better.

A CREAMLESS CREAMY TOMATO SOUP -- NOW THAT’S DREAMY!

By America’s Test Kitchen

CREAMLESS CREAMY TOMATO SOUP

Serves 1 to 2 (makes 2 cups)

2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped shallot 1 garlic clove, peeled and minced 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced toma toes, opened 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1 slice hearty white sandwich bread, torn into 1- inch pieces 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-low heat for 1 minute (oil should be hot but not smoking). Add shallot

and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 3 minutes.

2. Pour tomatoes and their juice into the saucepan. Stir in broth, bread and sugar. In crease heat to medium- high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stir ring occasionally, until bread starts to fall apart, about 5 minutes.

3. Remove pan from heat. Let tomato mixture cool for 5 minutes.

4. Transfer tomato mixture into a blender jar. Place lid on top of blender and hold lid firmly in place with a fold ed dish towel. Process until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour soup into bowls or mugs and 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.

For the week of dec 10 - dec 16

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

By Jeraldine Saunders