The township had what was perhaps its most interesting municipal election ever in November with three candidates for mayor and six council candidates each vying for four-year-terms, but the end result was that the
OCEAN COUNTY The 175 malnourished dogs and cats evacuated from a home at 111 Arrowhead Park Drive in Brick Township are receiving care from the Ocean County Health Department.
Ocean County Health Coordinator Dan Regenye said the department was taking care of 175 of the 180 animals brought in by multiple agencies when the Brick Township Police uncovered the illegal operation and made two arrests.
Early in the process, 30 dogs and 17 cats were brought to the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility in Jackson while 17 dogs and eight cats were taken to the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter in Manahawkin, while 81 dogs
(Police - See Page 8)
MANCHESTER – Chronic illness is something most people don’t want to talk about, so M. Rose Peluso wrote a book about it. Her book, “Behind The Tapestry,” is subtitled “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 (Author - See Page 5)
two highest mayoral candidates will end up presenting their case to voters again, on December 13. What was to have been a runoff election on December 6 has now been pushed back a week. Acting Governor Sheila Oliver announced that runoffs statewide would be postponed to give officials
enough time to prepare. Vote-by-mail ballots need to be printed and mailed. Notices must also be provided to certain parties. Schools will be allowed to provide remote instruction on that day if they were used as polling locations and the
(Candidates - See Page 4)
By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER
A tradition of helping those in need returned this year, as students and staff of the township’s school district took part in the 14th Annual Manchester Township High School Helping Hands for Hunger. This program provided confidential holiday meals to school families. Students and staff from across the district gathered recently at the high school to package food donation baskets.
In order to try and meet the demand for food, the High School served as a collection point for donations. These donations completed the Helping Hands for Hunger meal
–Photos courtesy
Manchester Schools Manchester Township students gather around a number of food baskets that were distributed recently as part of the 14th Annual Manchester Township High School Helping Hands for Hunger initiative.
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election will be certified by December 30.
For incumbent Mayor Robert Hudak and challenger Robert Arace it will be their third political matchup in two years.
Last year, Hudak faced Arace in a huge campaign. Hudak ran with fellow incumbent Councilwoman Michele Zolezi while Arace ran council contender Joseph Hankins.
This year, Hudak ran with Council President Joan Brush and Timothy Poss while Arace ran again with Hankins and his campaign manager from last year, Roxanne Conniff, for the two council seats up for grabs.
A third slate entered the race in the form of Ken Seda for mayor, and his council candidate team of Gloria Adkinson and Karen Sugden.
While Hudak and his team gained the most votes, they failed to earn the 50 plus one percentage of the votes needed to capture their positions. Arace and his team received the second most votes and thus will battle it out once more at the polls.
Hudak received 7,570 votes in the unofficial vote tally on Election night but that only represented 44.26% which was not enough for him to emerge the winner.
Challenger Robert Arace’s 5,354 votes represented 31.19%. Seda received 4,186 votes and 24.4% of the vote.
This served as a political rematch between Hudak and Arace and now
both will go another round in the political ring. Both are Republicans but Manchester has a non-partisan form of government which has no primary race but involves petitions to get on the ballot with team slogans.
Hudak ran with the slogan of “Manchester First-Continued Good Government.” He ran with Brush who first came into office in 2017 after winning a special election to replace Brendan Weiner on the council. Brush received 7,019 votes.
Timothy Poss is a member of the Township Planning Board and a Pemberton police sergeant. Poss earned 6,690 votes.
Despite the township’s form of government, politics did play a role in the race with George Gilmore, the longtime Ocean County GOP party boss who returned to his role in July after a twoyear absence, supporting the Arace slate. Arace’s team was also endorsed by the Manchester Regular Republican Club.
Hudak and his wife Ellen live in the Pine Lake Park section of the township. They have three children and he is a licensed professional planner. During a mayoral candidate forum Hudak said, “taxes are usually the number one issue and this year we were able to eliminate about $2.7 million in wasteful spending from our budget and yet was able to restore our rainy-day fund of surplus.”
“One of my key initiatives is to use zero based budgeting which means every single purchase that we make is justified. I believe in justifying every dollar that we spend and ensuring every dollar spent
means something to the taxpayers and that is how you keep the tax rate stable and how to ensure the budget is good for the next couple of years,” Hudak said.
The candidate also explained that “our volunteer firefighters had outdated equipment. Some of it was outdated since 2016. They were going to fires with faulty equipment. My administration was able to get them new equipment they needed and cancel out some bonds and we were able to double fund them in this year’s budget. A new ambulance was also included in this year’s budget.”
Hudak noted the importance of open space preservation saying over 300 acres of open space was preserved this year. “We just purchased another 16 acres off of Route 70 to stop housing developments on these properties.”
Arace was born in Livingston and grew up in Ocean County his entire life. He lived in Beachwood and attended Ocean County College and transferred to Monmouth University where he received a degree in finance.
He heads the Township’s Chamber of Commerce and works as a business consultant - a position that he said, “includes a lot of problem solving.” He noted, “that when it comes to Manchester Township my wife and I purchased a home in Holly Oaks because we really appreciate the rural and suburban characteristics of life here.”
Arace said he sees the population in Manchester growing in the years to come. “Over the next 15 years we are
ultimately going to see a large population shift from east to west with a population increase in Ocean County with Toms River and Brick reaching capacity.”
As a result, many new residents will come to Manchester and smart planning was important. “I serve on the Township Zoning Board. We want to ensure the areas that can still be developed are properly zoned so we don’t have storage facilities and warehouses. We are not an industrial town.”
Brush also lives in Pine Lake Park and works as a local realtor and is a long-time community volunteer and helped form the township’s municipal alliance.
Poss serves as a sergeant on the Pemberton Borough Police Department and lives in the Fox Hollow section of the community with his wife Heather and two children. The life-long resident is also a coach on the Manchester Little League.
Conniff works in business development for a mid-sized technology firm. She previously worked for the state executive office which involved working with former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and the State Economic Development Authority to help state and local municipalities attract more businesses.
Hankins has lived in Manchester for 53 years and is the Vice President of the New Jersey State Fireman’s Association. He served 25 years as a police officer in the township and has been volunteering as a firefighter for over 45 years.
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pain from pudendal neuropathy, named after the nerve that runs through the pelvic floor. “If you’re having a horrible day, sitting is almost unbearable,” 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 impacts 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 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 process 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 praying 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 upbringing. “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, injections, 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 convent. “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 Security (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, fi rst 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 telling her story to people and 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 diagnosis, 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 this and have an “a-ha moment” when they recognize the symptoms.
People don’t like to talk about problems in the pelvic area so sufferers lack a support system. Sometimes, even doctors don’t listen. 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 breakthroughs. You have to hold on.”
For more information, visit authormrose peluso.com/
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and 12 cats were transported to the county’s Barnegat facility (formerly Barnegat Kennels) which is generally used to shelter animals in emergency situations, he said.
The animals were first found in a ranch style residence in Brick Township being kept in stacked crates. Regenye told Jersey Shore Online.com that he witnessed improvement in the animals who are being well taken care of at county facilities.
Regenye said that law enforcement agencies wanted to keep the animals as centralized as possible due to the continuing criminal investigation. The breed and size of the dogs range from chihuahuas to German shepherds, all of whom are now in need of adoption.
Brick Police, in their initial release, referred to the situation as a puppy mill. Later media reports referred to it as an animal rescue operation that went wrong.
Aimee J. Lonczak, 49, the owner of Crazy Rescue Ladies Inc. and Michele Nycz, 58, lived at the Arrowhead Park Drive residence with a 16-year-old child. The two women were arrested by Brick Patrolman Scott Smith who serves as the department’s humane law enforcement officer on animal cruelty charges and endangerment of a child.
Regenye wanted to dispel some commentary he read on social media about the OCHD not having the ability and facilities to handle this number of animals coming in. “We instituted our emergency response plan for animals related to this so not only do we have our Northern and Southern facilities in Jackson and in Stafford but we have the Barnegat Kennels which we operate in an emergency functioning capacity.
“We housed about 225 animals there during Superstorm Sandy,” he said. Some staff were moved from other locations as they were needed. Some came in from vacation or days off to help care for the animals.
He said, “that is where the bulk of these animals are. We have 100 of the 180 at that one facility alone which is strictly the animals from this situation. The balance was split between the Northern and Southern facilities and there is no concern of our being full. That is one of the challenges with it but I can assure that the animals we had prior to this situation and those that were brought in on Saturday are all in an adequate facility and getting care and treatment. “Some of the animals had matted fur. Two were
found onsite deceased. There was a couple that had to be transported immediately for urgent vet care. The vast majority were stable enough to be transported to one of our three facilities,” Regenye said.
“We had one situation on Saturday when I was down there that one had to be sent over to an on-call veterinary service to get some treatment. There are different stages. There are animals that are ready to go tomorrow (for adoption) if we had the green light in terms of temperament. We were vaccinating. A lot of these animals were flea infested, worms in the stool so we are deworming. We’re not going to put these animals back out on the street. We are going to find them homes and rescues and we want to put them out in proper shape,” he said. The county facilities have volunteers walking the dogs at outdoor pens.
“I was down at each of the three sites on Saturday, Sunday and yesterday (December 5) and there is a difference between each of those three days. They are really coming around. They are getting their personality back. Obviously they are a little skittish and scared but I really think they are on a good path and track to make a full recovery. It is good news going forward,” Regenye added.
He added, that it was a good thing that the situation was identified at the time it was by the township and law enforcement. “They did what they had to do and they are in good hands now and we are looking forward to getting these dogs and cats into homes and rescues.
“Most of these (animal) hording situations are well intentioned at the beginning but it quickly escalates. We promote responsible pet ownership with spaying and neutering. We recommend microchipping. The animals who come out of our shelters are spayed or neutered and microchipped and get vaccinations,” he added.
Regenye said the OCHD appreciates the great response of donations of towels, blankets and other items. “We had to put a trailer at each two of our facilities to handle the amount of items coming in. We are pulling what we need from each of those facilities and pulling the trailer over to Barnegat to meet the need of the animals there,” he said.
Regenye said that those wishing to make financial donations toward the treatment of these animals, there is an animal health trust fund. Send a check payable to the Ocean County Health Department, 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08755. In the subject line, write Animal Health Trust Fund or Brick hoarding situation.
of our initiative.”
Continued From Page 1 baskets.
Manchester High School Vice Principal Sarah Thiffault remarked, “each year schools and clubs across the district participate in supporting Helping Hands for Hunger with non-perishable donations that provide school families in need confidential support through meal baskets for the Thanksgiving season.”
Thiffault added that “in order for us to purchase perishable items such as turkeys and the baking ingredients used by the High School’s culinary arts students who provide fresh, baked goods to each family, we are thankful for the community support that also came through to help support that part
The high school wasn’t the only school to commemorate the holiday. Ridgeway Elementary School students stretched, cheered and then took off in their annual Turkey Trot Fun Run. Gym teachers Michael Dyer and Reid Stapp worked alongside the teachers to bring each grade level together in the school gym.
After the students warmed up for their fun run, they headed out to the field where they made a lap while the school staff and their peers cheered them on.
All students who participated in the Turkey Trot received a commemorative keychain and one lucky student from each grade level was the grand prize winner of a raffle drawing for a turkey or holiday pie.
Big life moments always 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 happen in quick succession recently. The fi rst was a good one. My daughter 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 obituary asked for donations to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. The other was a high school friend who had a skinny build but didn’t eat right or exercise. 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 moment left. Is retirement a life moment? For those lucky enough to do so, I guess it is.
Life moments are usually followed by motivation. 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 operational 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 motivation is that it comes with guilt if you don’t accomplish your goals.
If you haven’t stuck to your New Year’s Resolution by the time February 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
The following is a rebuttal to “It’s Time To Stop Celebrating Columbus” letter to the editor. The writer claimed Columbus doesn’t deserve a holiday or a parade, 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 acknowledgement of Columbus’ landing in Central AMERICA, South AMERICA and the Caribbean, which is part of America.
True: Columbus “never set foot on United States soil.” Neither did Amerigo Vespucci, whom America’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
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’ sailors during his second voyage, discovered Florida, which is in the USA.
ALL the explorers and settlers that followed, were not independent from Columbus, but fully dependent on his initial discovery. That’s the reason why settlers came to what later became the United States. All thanks to Columbus’ 1492 enterprise!
Next, the writer claimed Columbus “enslaved natives, murdered and raped them. When they revolted, “he had them killed, dismembered and paraded their body parts through their villages.”
I think the writer is confusing Columbus with the Caribs. 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
The Manchester Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.
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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. Happy Columbus Day forever!
Rafael Ortiz
Note: The writer is of indigenous heritage who has authored books advocating for Columbus, such as “Christopher Columbus The Hero: Defending Columbus From Modern Day Revisionism” and three others.
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 Parade 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 enjoyed the blowing kisses in the cameras for TV 21, Youtube, etc.
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 shining armor) and Jimmy Steal (Super Steal Built) for your nice comments about me on the air. Thanks to the students and local designers, 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 traditional 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
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 police department (Cops Are Tops), firemen and more. Our local schools are great. I enjoy being a VIP guest at all the high school graduations 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 appearing at all the proms and being a mascot for sports like football, wrestling and basketball - both female and male teams.
I salute all of you wonderful 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 RiverSome of my Republican 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 border 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 RiverBipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for this critical work to New Jersey in the years ahead.”
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 pres ents a unique opportunity to provide his torical amounts of funding over five years for critical water infrastructure projects, especially in underserved communities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “This is just the beginning, and we look forward to providing additional
The Bipartisan Infrastruc ture Law 2022 funding allocation awards are dis tributed through the Clean Water and Drinking Wa ter State Revolving Funds (SRF) - over $73 million through the Clean Water SRF and over $95 million through the Drinking Water SRF for a total of $169 mil lion. The Clean Water SRF primarily funds wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. These funds supple ment 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 emerging contaminants like PFAS. The funding supplements approximately $12 million in regular funding to New Jersey’s Drinking 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 rolling, 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 municipalities need federal support to upgrade our water infrastructure and I’ll continue fighting for the resources we need to improve 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 investment 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 infra structure, which is why I proudly worked to deliver these resources. We know that disadvantaged communities disproportion ately 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 projects 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 Administration to reach even more communities with needed improvements to drinking water and wastewater systems,” said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “Together, 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 investments 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 getting underway and look forward to more infrastructure projects coming to New Jersey soon.”
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy joined members of his Administration, government officials, and advocates to highlight ongoing efforts to address food insecurity on behalf of families throughout New Jersey as part of the Governor’s commitment to making life more affordable for residents. Efforts to strengthen food security include the enactment of legis lation, inclusion of funding in the State bud get, and the creation of a first-in-the-nation Office of the Food Security Advocate. From its outset, the Murphy Administration has se cured historic increases in funding for New Jersey food banks, including an additional $65 million in Fiscal Year 2023 (FY2023). A total of $85 million was dedicated in the FY2023 budget to support the critical work of New Jersey’s six largest food banks. “The holiday season is a poignant reminder
of the many New Jersey families struggling to put food on the table every day,” said Governor Murphy. “As my Administration contin ues to pursue ways in which we can make life more af fordable on behalf of New Jersey families, combating food insecurity will remain a critical part of those efforts. Alongside dedicated commu nity and legislative partners, including food security champion Speaker Craig J. Cough lin, my Administration remains committed to working to strengthen food security to ensure that no one in our state goes hungry.”
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture oversees the distribution of funding and provides support to food banks, in addition to administering various food and nutrition programs on behalf of residents.
When COVID-19 exacerbated food inse curity throughout the state, additional assis tance was provided to struggling families and the organizations supporting them.
Since the start of the pandemic, the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued nearly $1.3 billion through
the Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program, which helps families pur chase food for their children who are eligible for free or reduced price meals at school but missed meal(s) due to a COVID-19-related absence. These benefits are also available to families with children under the age of 6 who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and attend child care but miss in-person care due to COVID-19.
DHS has also distributed nearly $2 billion in additional monthly SNAP payments to help low-income families afford food and other essentials. New Jersey is the first state to set a SNAP minimum benefit of $50, which required an $18 million investment in State funds.
This year, DHS also forgave debt for certain families previously enrolled in public benefit programs, like SNAP, as consistent with federal rules. The intent of the initiative was to help ease the financial burden this debt posed for thousands of families and allow them to achieve greater economic stability. Additional pandemic-related assistance includes the New Jersey Economic Devel opment Authority’s (NJEDA) Sustain and
Serve NJ program – which gives non-profits funding to purchase meals from restaurants recovering from the impacts of the pandemic in order to distribute those meals to people in their communities for free – thereby sup porting both local businesses and residents in need of food assistance. So far, over 3.7 million meals have been purchased from over 440 different restaurants throughout the state.
The NJEDA has also created a Food Se curity Planning Grant Program to provide up to $125,000 to local governments to create plans to transform abandoned/vacant properties in one of New Jersey’s 50 food deserts into a way to improve food security, such as through a new grocery store, urban agriculture, or some other project. Applica tions for this program have been extended to December 20, 2022.
In partnership with the Legislature, the Governor has signed a number of bills to help combat food insecurity. Two bills signed in September 2022 will require schools to provide free breakfasts and lunches to stu dents from working-class, middle-income families and require school food authorities
LAKEHURST – As the holidays approach, the Lakehurst Police Department will be conducting its annual holiday toy drive. If anyone would like to assist and or donate, contact the Lakehurst Police Department at 732-657-7812.
For those families looking to register for the toy drive, visit lakehurstpolice.org and fill out the toy drive form under the community events tab. You can drop off the
completed form(s)at the Lakehurst Police Department or email the completed form to tduffy@lakehurstpolice.org. The registration deadline is December 16.
For families registering for the toy drive, pickup will be at the Lakehurst Police Department on December 22 and 23 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you have any questions regarding this toy drive, call 732-657-7812.
MANCHESTER – Before Thanksgiving break, those high school students nominated by school staff were celebrated in the Fall Academic Pep Rally. Students were welcomed into their celebration by the school’s Band and Cheerleaders as they entered the room with music playing and staff cheering!
Once a semester, the MTHS staff comes together to nominate up to three students per course that they teach to celebrate student achievement in three categories: academic excellence, academic momentum and classroom MVP. Principal Adams opened the ceremony with encouraging words for those in attendance who were being honored. Each student is then presented with
all!
MANCHESTER – Students and staff took to the basketball court in the fi rst annual Manchester Township Middle School “Turkey Shoot.”
The Winter Sports Pep Rally featured an exciting students versus faculty basketball
WHITING – Crestwood Village 3 Residents Club Snowball Dance will be held on January 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Unity Hall, 250 Schoolhouse Road Whiting. Music by DJ Louie. Cost is $10 per person. BYOB. Included: cof-
–Photo courtesy Manchester Schools game. Hawk’s pride could be heard on the highway outside as laughter and cheers came from those in attendance. Congratulations to the students who came out on top as the winners of this basketball game! fee, tea, water, soda, chips and dessert. Tickets sold at Unity Hall on Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting on December 12. No refunds unless cancelled. For any questions, please call 732-993-7100.
MANCHESTER – It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a parade with floats! Preschool and elementary school students across the district created their own versions of the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition.
Preschool students used balloons and craft items to create their floats and then paraded around the Whiting School building while the older grades cheered them on and sang holiday songs.
Elementary students from Manchester Township Elementary School created floats using flat, rolling scooters. After a ribbon cutting to start off the parade, students shared their creations which touted everything from snow globes to ice hockey, to airplanes to Mickey and more. To close out the parade, as done in New York City’s famous annual event,
WHITING – The Thyroid Support Group will meet on December 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. If you have a thyroid problem, question, or want to share your information, come to the
meeting.
For directions, call the church office from Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 732-350-2121. If you have a question for the Facilitator, call Stefanie at 732-350-2904. All are welcome.
MANCHESTER – Families proudly visited Manchester Township Middle School to celebrate the Students of the Month.
During November morning’s breakfast celebration students from across 6th, 7th and 8th grade, who were nominated by their teachers, were awarded as either the October or November MTMS Students of the Month.
LAKEHURST – The crisp chill in the air is a reminder to everyone that the holiday season is fast approaching.
In the spirit of the season, the Borough of Lakehurst is hosting several holiday festivities beginning on Friday, December 9, when downtown Lakehurst will be lit up for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 7 p.m. in front of the Lakehurst Community Center, 207 Center Street. Following the tree lighting, residents and
Teachers proudly wrote about each student noting not only a student’s academic achievement but their contribution to the classroom and school community as a whole through avenues such as leadership, their ability to show kindness and to be helpful, and to have a positive outlook. Congratulations to all those who were honored today! guests are invited into the Community Center for refreshments and a visit with Santa Claus.
The judging of the annual holiday lighting contest will be held during the week of December 19-26. The judges will have the difficult task of judging the wonderful display of lights for both businesses and residences.
For more information, contact the Borough at 732-657-4141.
LAKEHURST – Expect to hear moderate noise from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) throughout the month of December.
Every month, JBMDL releases their “Noise Level Calendar” so residents know when to expect mild or severe noise. This is to deter calls to local 911 dispatchers. The calendar is labeled with three different levels of noise: slight
noise, moderate noise and abundant noise.
For almost the entire month of December, days are scheduled for “moderate noise.” Some key days to look out for are December 3 and 13, which are scheduled for “high noise.” Additionally, December 24 and 25 are scheduled for “low noise.”
Noise levels are subject to change without notice due to training requirements and weather, JBMDL said.
MANCHESTER – Lucille’s Annual Charity Bus ride is back. Resorts Casino in Atlantic City on December 31. Any and all proceeds will benefit local charities. Cost: $40 per person with Casino Slot Play to be determined. Includes gratuities, bus transportation and casino slot play.
Casino slot play subject to change at the casino’s discretion. No refunds unless trip is cancelled.
Tickets available for sale by calling Lucille 732-941-4992. Please leave a message with your name and phone number if you are interested and want to join on the bus.
WHITING – Crestwood Village 6 Travel Club has announced the following upcoming trips:
January 16 and February 20: Resorts Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City. 9 a.m. bus departs Crestwood Village 6 Clubhouse. 9:15 a.m. Bus departs from second pick up
at Birchwood at Whiting. 10:30 a.m. arrive at Resorts Hotel and Casino. Bonus: $20 slot credit. 4:30 p.m. depart casino. 5:45 p.m. approximate return home. Price $35 per trip. For additional information, contact Doris Penrose at 732-716-1460. No refunds unless trip is cancelled.
WHITING – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539 Whiting, will be held on December 24 at 4 p.m. (choral Nativity), 7 p.m., 9 p.m. (guitar).
On December 25, there will be a service at 10 a.m. For directions and more details, contact the church office between Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 732350-2121. Come join us.
TOMS RIVER – A man has been sentenced to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison after stabbing a woman multiple times, police said.
Carles Bryant, 34, of Millville, previously pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder, in connection with an incident that occurred at the Howard Johnson Hotel in Toms River on March 3, 2021.
The attack took place took place around 10:30 p.m. in the hotel lobby. After the fight, the woman was left with multiple stab wounds and was subsequently brought to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment.
Bryant was on the run but was ultimately apprehended in Atlantic City on March 19 by the United States Marshals Service.
Bryant will be required to serve at least 85
TOMS RIVER – A dealer has been sentenced to seven years in New Jersey State Prison after selling drugs to a man which resulted in his death, officials said.
Shemar Jackson, 22, of Galloway Township, previously pleaded guilty to Strict Liability Drug Induced Death in connection to a drug overdose that occurred on December 5, 2019, police said.
Jackson will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility.
The victim was a 24-year-old man who died in a home in Toms River. Police said that the heroin and fentanyl found in his system led officers to Jackson who supplied the drugs the day before.
Jackson was arrested at his residence in Galloway Township on January 23, 2020, by officers of the Galloway Township
percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department, United States Marshals Service, New Jersey State Police, and Ocean County Sheriff ’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation, ultimately resulting in Bryant’s apprehension, guilty plea, and lengthy state prison sentence.
Police Department and Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman and Assistant Prosecutor Kaitlyn Burke who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Toms River Township Police Department, Barnegat Township Police Department Crime Reduction Unit, Galloway Township Police Department, Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff ’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Jackson’s apprehension, guilty plea, and now his state prison sentence.
Continued From Page 11 to help make parents aware of existing and expanded school meal programs through public education campaigns.
The Governor also signed a comprehensive legislative package into law in September 2021 to expand access to the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), raise awareness about SNAP
benefits, bolster school meal programs, and establish the Office of the Food Insecurity Advocate. The ongoing mission of this office is to coordinate the administration of New Jersey’s food insecurity programs, advocate for individuals facing food insecurity, and develop new policy initiatives to help the State combat hunger and facilitate greater access to food relief programs.
“New Jersey’s food banks are so essential in providing meals and critical support
to food insecure residents in their time of need,” said New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher. “This funding will play a significant role to ensure emergency feeding organizations have the resources they need. In addition, in the agreements signed with our food banks, they will be providing thousands of additional pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables secured from our local New Jersey farmers.”
Having access to wildlife can be very rewarding. We can watch them and learn from their behaviors and perhaps better understand them. So naturally, when hard times hit during the colder months our fi rst instinct is to help them along as many of their natural foods have become dormant, died off, or simply left the area as is possible for migrant species.
Before you get started, here are some potential consequences to feeding. Animals may start depending on you for their food sources and will likely return.
You will notice more and more animals appearing in your yard. Too many animals at the feeding station may cause aggressive behaviors, and a lack of fear when being around humans. That can be a dangerous situation. Some neighbors may not welcome wildlife in the same way. Never ever feed foods consumed by humans, as their nutritional requirements are different from ours. Never be outdoors with the animals during feeding.
Feeding wildlife is only good if you do so properly. By that I mean you need to keep yourself and the animal(s) safe and healthy. Before you start feeding, make sure you research the animal(s) you specifically want to feed and plan accordingly. Every town has ordinances addressing wildlife feeding – research that beforehand so you know what restrictions you have. Some general rules are placing the animal-specific centralized feeding station away from your house to avoid animals wandering through your yard. Feed once and vary your feeding times. This will help keep predatory animals away as the routine is changing. Where animals feed there will be predators on ground and in the air waiting to prey upon their next meal. Feed where there is overhead protection. Clean the area at the end of the day to avoid contamination. Only small amounts of appropriate food to fit the animal’s diet should be offered. If you notice the number of animals increasing or competition among them, you are overfeeding – cut back. The more animals feeding, the risk for transmitting disease to each other increases.
The information for this article from was gathered through multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.
It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper New Jersey State and/or Federal permits.
Research shows that hearing loss may lead to the rapid progression of cognitive decline. The evidence in the literature suggests that:
• The slow onset of hearing loss can have a significant impact on several key brain functions, including the memory, hearing, speech and language portions of cognition.
• Hearing impairment is a greater risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia than other individual midlife risks.
• The proactive management of hearing loss can delay or slow the onset or progression of cognitive decline.
• Studies show the use of hearing aids can slow down the rapid progression of cognitive decline.
Garden State Hearing & Balance Center is on the front line of pro-
moting cognitive health. We now offer a computerized test of cognitive function called Cognivue Thrive. This screening tool objectively and reliably identifies changes in cognitive function that could be indicative of an impairment that requires physician referral.
In our opinion, driving brain health awareness and improving access to cognitive screenings are among the most important challenges of the 21st century. Although cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, early identification of underlying conditions such as untreated hearing loss will lead to appropriate management, thus improving cognitive health.
If you would like to schedule a Cognivue Thrive screening, please feel free to contact our Toms River office at 732-818-3610.
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!
In certain parts of the world, the cold winter 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 percent 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 between reduced sunlight hours and circadian rhythm alterations. There is also a change in levels of melatonin (it increases while cortisol 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 inconsistent.
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 Bupropion.
5. Hormone replacement, specifically progesterone or cortisol.
Let me offer one quick comment about number 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 yourself 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 ”
TOMS RIVER – Two Ocean County Sheriff ’s Department officers bringing a fugitive back to New Jersey participated in a unique training exercise on their way to Yuma, Arizona.
“Knowing that one of the guys we were sending down speaks Spanish, I figured this was a chance to give them the experience
of going to the border,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy. “I called up some of my Sheriff ’s friends down there, Sheriff (Mark) Daniels in Cochise County and Yuma County Sheriff (Leon) Wilmont who I am on the Board of Directors with on the National Sheriff ’s Association.”
Mastronardy said he felt both Sheriff ’s officers Juan Mercado and Geoff Hyatt would
benefit from training related to what’s happening at the border.
After flying into Phoenix on a Wednesday, Mercado and Hyatt drove southeast to Cochise County to spend the day with the Cochise County Sheriff. A day later, the two officers met with Sheriff Wilmont to see a different view of the United States/Mexico border. That Friday, Mercado and Hyatt
returned to New Jersey with the prisoner.
“The border is so many miles and not enough law enforcement officers to cover it,” summed up Mercado. “The amount of illegal people coming across is just overwhelming.”
The Sheriff ’s officers noticed people walking towards the border with their backpacks on in broad daylight. As early as 10 in the morning, Mercado and Hyatt watched as various individuals looked for openings to make it into the United States.
Not all attempting to come across the border originated from Spanish-speaking countries, like those in Central America or South America. Some have traveled from far away places such as Afghanistan, the Ukraine and China, and are looking to seek asylum in the United States.
A designated entry point at the border processes those who turn themselves in to authorities.
“In the 20 minutes before we got there,” Hyatt said. “They already had about 200 people come right through. They had officers standing there waiting, knowing they were coming there.”
On a daily basis, thousands of people come through the detention area after they’re processed, they said.
Cartels appear to play a significant role in bringing the groups to the border – regardless of the country of national origin for those coming into the states. All migrants are expected to pay the cartels massive amounts of money.
“They control the whole border along the Mexican side,” shared Hyatt. “All the towns and all the paths to get to the other side.”
Cochese County authorities advised the two Ocean County Sheriff ’s officers that the same is true even on the American side. There are stash houses for humans and for drugs.
“Some of the illegals that come over are put in safe houses,” Mercado added. “Now they have to pay the rest of the money they didn’t pay to come across. They have to work for the cartels to pay off the rest of the money they owe.”
The numbers can be as high as tens of thousands of dollars.
Meanwhile, transportation of illegals from Phoenix to other cities has become (Border - See Page 26)
Assembly of God
A Bible-believing & Christ-centered Church
83 Lacey Road (Rt. 530)
Sunday 10:00 am Children’s Church Available Tuesday Bible Study 1:30 pm Wednesday 2:00 pm
732-350-4000
whitingaog@gmail.com whitingassemblyofgod.org
By:
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 discover a website that sells new HDTVs, GPS devices, and other tech-gadgets for deeply discounted prices. You haven’t heard of the site, but you’re diligent and you do some research. You fi nd a few reviews from satisfied customers, you think the site is legitimate, and you go for it.
During checkout, you’re instructed to purchase an Amazon gift card and then hand over the gift card information as payment. Unfortunately, if you do, you’ll be out the money, and you won’t get anything in return. These scammers know that bad reviews scare people away, so they may post a few positive reviews about the site. They shut down the site before people post complaints — usually in less than a month
— and open under a new name somewhere else.
Buying an Amazon gift card to make a payment is NOT the same as using Amazon Payments, which provides some protections for buyers. Amazon Payments is a feature that allows Amazon members to pay for merchandise on other websites by logging in and using a payment method they’ve stored on their Amazon account. For example, if you use a credit card stored in your Amazon Payments account, you’re still using your credit card to make the purchase, and you get certain protections when you use a credit card. You don’t have the same protections when you pay with a gift card — virtually or physically. It could be tough to trace the money or get it back if something goes wrong. Of course, that’s not a problem if you’re sending the gift card to a friend or family member as a gift.
When shopping online, consider using a payment method that offers protections if you don’t get what you paid for.
From everyone here at R.C. Shea & Associates, have a safe, happy and healthy Holiday season.
another booming business. Individuals are charged from $700-$900 each to hitch rides in ten-person vans.
Once a crowd of people entering illegally assembles, officers on the United States side are expected to process them. The procedure can take hours and includes working with Border Patrol officers.
Both officers acknowledged that many people coming over the border do so to fi nd work and a better life. However, there’s no way of telling their backgrounds and if their intent represents harm to those settled on the American side.
According to Hyatt, he and Mercado had a hard time booking a hotel in Cochese County. Hyatt attributed their frustration with the fact that the government pays for hotel rooms for those who cross until family members come to claim them.
The entire U.S.-Mexico border is approximately 1,933 miles. There was some kind of wall or barrier on 654 miles of this before Donald Trump became president.
During Trump’s presidency, 458 miles of wall were built. However, only 49 miles of new wall was built – the rest was either improvements or a replacement of an existing barrier.
The cost for the wall has been in the billions of dollars, and some of that had been directed away from national defense funding for this.
The Associated Press reported in the sum-
mer that although President Biden halted former President Trump’s wall project, Biden pledged to fill four gaps near Yuma. There was also 13 miles built by Biden’s administration in Texas.
Critics of the wall have stated that a wall only works if you have someone watching it. Customs and Border Protection documents leaked in March of this year showed that Trump’s new sections of wall had been breached 3,272 times, mostly with common power tools found at hardware stores.
The training in both Arizona county locations led the two Ocean County law enforcement officials to similar conclusions. There’s not enough manpower to cover the border. In Cochese County, four Sheriff ’s officers patrol an 80-mile stretch through the mountains.
It all changed when the current administration came into power according to Hyatt. Materials intended to fi nish the border wall all sit by the wayside and are not being utilized to complete the job.
The wall itself was intended to be constructed of steel pillars filled with concrete.
Nonetheless, Hyatt admitted the fence still came with limitations. Those with a will could fi nd their way to go through it, under it or over it. The bottoms could be torched with a hole allowing someone to slip through underneath.
“The cartels could have a 10-year-old kid sitting there with a hacksaw for two or three days,” said Hyatt. “But you’d still have more chance to catch someone by just having this open door and unfi nished fence.”
When Mercado and Hyatt met with the
Yuma County Sheriff ’s officers, they sat through a presentation documenting how much crime had skyrocketed as a result of the open borders. The number of murders, thefts, burglaries and violent crimes showed a dramatic increase.
Mercado, who was born in Puerto Rico, had the benefit of understanding the language of many of the people who made the trip across the border. When he and Hyatt participated in a traffic stop, Mercado took the opportunity to ask questions.
“There were two illegal aliens in the back of the car, and I spoke with them,” Mercado shared. “One told me it was his second time trying to get across.”
The man said he was from Mexico and that his plan was to come to the states to fi nd work because it was fi nancially tough in his country. Mercado pressed to fi nd out if a fee was involved in making the trip.
“At fi rst he denied it and I kept talking to him,” said Mercado. “He eventually said his family paid half the money and would pay the rest when he got to the safe house.”
The total amount owed in this case was $6,000 – seemingly worth a possible new beginning.
While people from Puerto Rico can travel throughout the 50 states as American citizens, Mercado easily related to the reason his parents decided to leave their birthplace. They wanted a better life for their children – just as is the case for many who take the risk of crossing the border.
“It’s just so frustrating because we have a problem and people don’t address it,” Mercado shared. “We need to fi x it and create some kind of program or temporary visa that lets people stay here legally if they have no criminal background. Let them pay their taxes here.”
Hyatt nodded his head in agreement. The trip to pick up the fugitive at the border turned out to be an eye opener for both county law enforcement officers. Both credited Mastronardy for providing them with the opportunity to see the chaos at the border in person.
Chris Lundy contributed to this story
WHITING – Crestwood Village VI New Year’s Eve Party on December 31 from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.) at Deerfield Hall, 6 Congasia Road, Whiting.
Party the night away with DJ Mare Haze. Food catered by “The Barn” includes pork loin with apple stuffi ng, chicken francese,
penne vodka, Caesar salad, roll and butter, coffee, tea, soda, and dessert. Set ups and party favors included.
Tickets are $45 per person. No tickets sold at the door. No refunds unless cancelled. Ticket sales on Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. at Deerfield Hall clubhouse CV6 or contact Kathy Casper at 732-500-6155.
BERKELEY – It was a dog day afternoon in the park at this year’s Barktoberfest in Island Beach State Park which featured a variety of canines and hundreds of attendees.
The event hosted by The Friends of Island Beach State Park took place at the IBSP Swimming Area 1.
Among the activities was a K-9 demonstration by the New Jersey Park Police. It also featured a pet expo with vendors and rescue groups, a food concession and more.
The highlight was a pet costume parade with dogs costumed in all manner of attire ranging from superheroes, Disney characters, pirates, pumpkins, Oktoberfest performers, and more. One pooch dressed as Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street while his owner wore a Big Bird costume and wheeled him around. A trio of dogs got some special manes - their owner dressed as a lion tamer and they were the lions.
had a special campaign going on for her dog Audrey in the form of a hand-written flier she circulated noting that Audrey had been entered in America’s Favorite Pet contest.
The contest allowed for one free vote every 24 hours and her mom set up a Facebook page with a link that would bring voters of her Afghan dog directly to her picture.
Smith added, “the winner wins a two-page spread in “In Touch” magazine and some cash. The page is Jin Jin Jenny Smith.”
Her mom described Audrey as an “amazing dog. She is a certified therapy dog and a Canine Good Citizen rescue. Audrey ended up placing third place in the quarter fi nals. “She made it really far in this tough competition. She was in the 1% of all animals entered.”
Friends of Island Beach State Park member Stevie Thorsen told The Berkeley Times that “this is our second year running the festival and we had about 40 vendors.
“I organize Barktoberfest as well as the May Day Festival and the Beach Plum Festival. Aside from my position, the Friends of IBSP is volunteer run. The May Day Festival is also pet themed and we have been running that for a few years now,” Thorsen added.
Thorsen said, “all of our events are dog friendly, and it’s fun bringing pet lovers together to celebrate. I was really impressed with how well behaved all of the dogs were.”
LAKEWOOD – The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders, 500 Country Club Road, off County Line Road, Kuser Hall, Pine Park, Lakewood, is inviting the public to a Christmas Train Show at Sheldon Wolpin Historical Museum on December 10 and December 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy seeing both modern and traditional
trains, both passenger and freight, dual gauge, HO, S, O gauge trains. Thomas the Tank Engine will also be making an appearance. Admission is free but donations are always gladly accepted.
For more information, contact Ted Bertiger, president, at captnkraft@aol.com or visit ocsmr.com.
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College Military History Institute has announced their upcoming programs for Fall 2022. All events are held at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month; Bartlett 203.
December 21: Prisoners of War: An Historical Analysis & the Human Dimension
January 19: On Other Fields - Stories of professional athletes who have served in the military
The OCC Military History Institute, in cooperation with the OCC History
Club, sponsors these lectures; schedule subject to change. Volunteer speakers are always welcomed.
The OCC MHI Office is located in the Library (second floor. by the elevators). For more information about our programs or a tour of the museum display, contact: Richard Trimble, Director trimblerichard2@gmail.com or by telephone at 732-528-5387. Office hours are Wednesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m.
These talks are part of the CALS Series (Commemorative Anniversary Lecture Series), they are subject to change.
OCEAN COUNTY - It is estimated that about 500,000 pets are affected by house fi res each year. Statistics show that about 20 percent of all house fi res start between 4 and 8 a.m., when residents are sleeping.
“To lose a family pet under any circumstances is devastating. To lose a pet in a fire is beyond words,” said Roseann Trezza, executive director, Associated Humane Societies/Popcorn Park. “Firefighters will attempt to save family pets, but they need to have an idea of where they are in the house and if there are pets at all.”
Associated Humane Societies offers pet owners special decals that, when prominently placed in front and back doors or windows, will alert fi re or rescue personnel of the type and number of animals inside the home or apartment in case of emergency. A decal is especially important where there
are several dwellings, like condominiums, apartments or townhouses so fi refighters know which living quarters contain pets. The four inch square decals are designed in standard fi re department colors of red and yellow, with black type. These will affix to almost any surface, and have space available to write information in permanent marker or ballpoint pen. Cost is $2 for two decals and can be purchased by mailing cash or check with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Pet Decals, c/o Society, 124 Evergreen Ave., Newark, NJ 07114.
And to help pet owners safeguard their pets and homes from fi re and the damage it can cause, Associated Humane Societies offers the following tips:
Be sure house numbers are clearly visible. In apartments, many animals have perished because fi refighters did not know which
houses or apartments had pets. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s the single most important way to alert you and your loved ones of a hazardous condition. Place them on each level of your house. If you cannot afford one, contact your local fi re department who will sometimes donate the devices.
Keep burning candles out of the reach of pets and children and never leave burning candles unattended. A knocked over candle can ignite an entire house in a matter of moments. Consider opting for the many beautiful flameless candles now available.
Check for loose wires and watch out for wire-chewers. Some curious cats, dogs and even rabbits will chew on electrical wires. Protect the wires or make them inaccessible.
Make other electric appliances are turned
off and unplugged before leaving the house. Keep the clothes dryer lint-free and take extra precautions when drying foam-backed rugs, athletic shoes and other non-cloth items.
If you leave the house without your pets, keep them in areas or rooms that are near entrances where fi refighters will fi nd them. Keep collars and leashes where you can easily grab them if you need to evacuate your home. Make sure your dog or cat is wearing proper identification or is microchipped. In case he or she runs out the door, your chances are much better of having your pet safely returned to you. Microchipping is safe, painless and a great way to identify missing pets. However, the information on the chip is only obtainable and useful if you remember to register with the microchip agency.
Jackson -
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)
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)
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
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)
RY Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)
Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)
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)
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)
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)
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
Whittling, for one
Wavy patterns in some op art
Cool one’s feet at streamside, say
Attempted coup participants
Stretching muscles
Iowa State city
Piece of rebar, essentially
Suppress, in a way
Part of NAACP: Abbr.
Jaguar, e.g.
Genetic molecule
Actor’s rep.
Data storage medium
Country club employee
Stretches on a couch?
Intelligence org.
Form close ties (with)
Some can be used forever--but only once
Signs
In the neighborhood of
Overblown critique
Elaborate entryways
Physician wear-
a pink ribbon, perhaps
Like potato chips, often
Showed up
Farm measures
Curly slapper
Crime boss
“That’s well within my abilities”
How to receive a freebie, perhaps
Yo-Yo strings?
Official doc.
Belief system
In the previously mentioned work, briefly
Initialism for Tom Brady, according to most
2000s toon heroine __ Possible
Finger Lakes locale: Abbr.
Andrus was the special guest speaker of the Friends of Ortley Beach and spoke about his two books “Portraits of the Jersey Shore” and his latest “Sand, Sea & Rescue: Lifeguards of the Jersey Shore.”
Andrus is an author, speaker, photographer and founder of Portraits of the Jersey Shore, where he highlights people he meets and tells their stories. He tells his own story as well: sharing his alcoholism and homelessness as a young man and how he has found a deep faith and a ruling conviction that every single person has dignity and worth.
During his talk, the author spoke about the dignity of everyday people he meets and interviews along the coastal towns of New Jersey. He shared some of the specific stories of several people profi led in his book.
Andrus also said that since his childhood, he has revered lifeguards, the guardians of the sea. In the summer of 2021, he set out
to create a book to honor “these saltwater warriors.”
More than 50 lifeguards from over 20 beach patrols in Ocean and Monmouth counties were photographed and interviewed for his latest book. “Sand, Sea & Rescue: Lifeguards of the Jersey Shore,” was released a year later during the summer of 2022 and includes photos, text and audio interviews, an illustrated glossary, and a memorial for the two lifeguards who died while on duty during the prior summer.
To learn more about Andrus and his work as an author and street portrait photographer you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram at Portraits of the Jersey Shore, or via his website at potjs.com/.
Friends of Ortley Beach will hold its October membership meeting after the presentation. Attendees do not need to be a member of the group to attend the speaker event or membership meeting. For information about the Friends of Ortley Beach, which is a non-profit organization, visit friendsofortleybeach.org
Sunday Worship Services of Holy Communion at 10 a.m. &Wednesday spoken Holy Communion at 9 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church
The Rev. Dr. J. Francis Watson, Pastor 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759 Phone 732.350.0900 • Fax 732.350.0343
E-mail: christlutheranchurch2@verizon.net Website: christlutheranwhiting.com
By Stephanie Faughnan
TOMS RIVER – A fiery competition between almost a dozen first responder teams left crowds of people licking their lips as taste-testers in JBJ Soul Kitchen’s 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off.
Guests began lining up outside the fence of the Hooper Avenue location as early as 9 a.m. and traveled from as far away as Brazil. Though preliminary reports gave no hint rocker Jon Bon Jovi planned to be on site, the promise of raising funds for a good cause made the trip worthwhile.
Bon Jovi sampled chili from each of the competitors and switched hats as fi rst responders offered them to him.
Most know Bon Jovi as a Jersey boy with Sayreville roots. While his music and looks cause many to swoon, the mission he’s created deserves more than its share of attention. The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation began back in 2006 to help combat hunger, poverty and homelessness.
Not only does the JBJ Soul Foundation provide warm nutritious meals at its Toms River location, but it’s also involved in setting up affordable housing. The local restaurant accepts donations for its healthy meals and provides in-need customers a reprieve from food insecurity.
Bon Jovi showed up at the outdoor chili event and savored samples as he spoke to (Bon Jovi - See Page 37)
each of the competitors. The teams who competed and the names of their entries included:
Toms River Fire Co. #1: Smolder on the Hill
Lanoka Harbor EMS: Blaze of Glory Ocean County Sheriff ’s PBA Local 379: Macho Five Start Chili
Six Flags EMS: Nitro Chili
Sayreville Police Department: Slippery When Wet NJ State Police-Holmdel: Joey Keys Smoked Chili
Melrose Hose Company/Sayreville Fire Department: Melrose Chili
Union Beach Police Department: Momma’s Blue Line Chili
President Park Fire Co/Sayreville Fire Dept: House 5 Chili
Sayreville Engine Co #1/Sayreville Fire Department: Last Minute Experiment
Toms River Police Department: Battle River Stout
“Aww, the hometown’s here,” said Bon Jovi, as he stopped by the first of four Sayreville competitors.
After the famous rocker spoke with each of the fi rst responders about their recipes, he took photographs and autographed everything from shirts to programs. He also changed his hat a few times to don the logos of competitor’s departments.
A man on a mission of caring for others, Bon Jovi then headed to his waiting fans who came to support his efforts. He took phones from the hands of those who
couldn’t get the angle right and posed for selfies. Gates opened and people turned over donations to do their part to help the less fortunate.
The Chili Cook-Off was more than a test of who made the best of the heartwarming meal. Applaud Our Kids Foundation provided great entertainment from some talented young people. Children’s activities were also offered by Home Run Entertainment.
The community event featured a food drive, which brought in over 500 pounds of food for JBJ’s partners at People’s Pantry.
Donations raised from the cook-off go towards making life better for the needy –the fi rst set of winners in the end. And – as far as the chili champions?
“Union Beach Police Department’s ‘Momma Blue Line Chili’ took fi rst place in the contest,” said Casey Pioli of JBJ Soul Foundation. “Six Flags EMS took second place, and NJ State Police-Holmdel took home third. We granted the rest of our participants with Honorable Mention certificates.”
JBJ Soul Kitchen Toms River, employs four full-time paid employees: Executive Chef, Head Chef, Community Coordinator and Steward. The rest of the team are volunteers.
“We could not do what we do without our volunteers,” Pioli stressed. “As our website states, ‘Volunteers are essential to the JBJ Soul Kitchen mission and are the life blood of what we do.’”
Those interested in volunteering should visit jbjsoulkitchen.org/volunteer. There is a mandatory orientation process. All volunteers must be 15 years or older, and live within a 15-mile radius of a JBJ Soul Kitchen location.
LAKEHURST – Volunteer fi refighters and fi rst aid squad members are urgently needed. Training is provided. Contact Borough Hall at 657-4141 or 657-4161 for additional information or to volunteer your services.
When was the last time you visited a dentist? If you are like most adults, the last time you went to the dentist was when that recurring toothache became so unbearable you had no choice but to go in for a visit. Millions of Americans have fear or anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist, and this is a fact that the dentists at Lakehurst Dental, Dr. Brian Klohn and Associates, keep in mind when treating their patients. At Lakehurst Dental, located in Lakehurst at 19 Union Ave., care is personalized and comfortable, giving even the most petrified patients a reason to smile. In his 26 years of dental experience, Dr. Klohn has always strived to bring patients the best dental care and the latest procedures and technology. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in the top 10 of his class in 1991, after which he began his residency at Monmouth Medical Center. In 1992, he began working for Dr. Kantor at the current downtown Lakehurst lo-
cation, becoming a partner in 1996 and then sole proprietor in 1999 when Dr. Kantor retired.
Dr. Klohn has remodeled the entire building, and the result is an office with a clean and relaxing ambiance. As you sit in the waiting room, you might watch the flat screen TV or take a gander through a binder that is filled with information on oral health and dental procedures. Despite the coziness and charm of the waiting room, however, you won’t find yourself there for too long.
As Dr. Klohn says, “We don’t over book, so you’re not waiting
The atmosphere at Lakehurst Dental is relaxed and cozy.
in the waiting room because that automatically raises your anxiety level.”
At Lakehurst Dental, you’ll find a unique breed of doctor that perhaps you have yet to encounter; dentists who are genuinely sympathetic and considerate of the fact that you’re not exactly thrilled about your impending root canal.
It is this understanding of patient concerns and a valiant effort to, as their Web site, lakehurstdentist.com says, “bring comfort to your dental experience” that sets Lakehurst Dental apart from its competitors.
Unlike some dental clinics, where patients might idle a preposterously long time in the waiting room, see a different doctor on each visit and feel rushed during the appointment, Lakehurst Dental is a private practice that gives patients a more personal experience. Patients see the same doctor on each visit, a routine that facilitates a trusting doctor/patient relationship and helps to alleviate any nervousness. Patients can rest assured that their dentist is familiar with their dental history, because the same dentist has been treating them all along.
As a full-service dental facility, Lakehurst Dental takes their commitment to their patients a step further by offering a multitude of services and minimizing the chance of sending patients out for certain procedures. All your dental needs can be met at Lakehurst Dental, in a calm atmosphere, with a familiar dentist with whom you are comfortable.
Dr. Klohn explains that, “We block enough time out for our patients so we can explain what they need and really make sure they understand what they’re getting and what they’re paying for and why.”
Dr. Klohn wants his patients to be relaxed, educated and healthy. Education is a priority, not just for patients at Lakehurst Dental, but also
for himself. Dr.
through which they participate in ongoing education to stay up to date on the latest technologies in the dental industry. He also lectures on dentistry at Monmouth Medical Center.
Dr. Klohn’s commitment to education has enabled him to keep current with advancements in the field and offer his patients the best that the science of dentistry has to offer. Lakehurst Dental offers dental implant restorations, dentures, porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry, root canal therapy and oral surgery. They practice stringent infection control procedures and their sterilization procedures meet CDC guidelines. Lakehurst Dental also makes dental care more affordable by accepting credit cards, offering a no-interest payment plan and participating with the Delta Dental Premier Plan of NJ. Although new techniques and procedures are always being introduced, the age-old basics still apply when it comes to taking care of those pearly whites. You should brush at least twice a day and floss daily. And whether you’re 3 or 103, it’s paramount that you visit Dr. Klohn at least once every six months to avoid problems caused by neglect.
You might think that going to the dentist is a tedious and agonizing chore, but after an appointment with Dr. Klohn, your opinion might change. To experience the personalized approach and the emphasis on comfort that Lakehurst Dental provides, you can call the office at 732-657-7400 to schedule an appointment. The office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beware, however, that an appointment at Lakehurst Dental might cause some side-effects - like a smile, and a newfound enjoyment in a visit to the dentist!
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Slow and steady might not win the race, but at least you won’t end up in an unwinnable argument. 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 energy 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 purchase 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 intentions 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 romanticize the importance of their spare time activities. 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 imaginative ideas that can be put on the back burner until the timing is better.
(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.
