2022-12-17 - The Manchester Times

40 th Kevin’s Kids Program Receives Overwhelming Response

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – It wouldn’t be the holiday season without the school district’s Kevin’s Kids program and that long standing tradition returned recently bringing with it a lot of happy faces.

This year marked four decades for the secret Santa initiative and it proved to be the program’s largest response in helping hundreds of families in need by fulfilling specific gift lists one family at a time.

What makes Kevin’s Kids so unique is the goal of bringing the community together to fundraise and shop from specific gift wish lists that are submitted by every single family that the program is made aware of who are in need during the holiday season.

The program began when a first-grade teacher at Whiting Elementary School shared with Kevin Burger, the school’s principal at

–Photos courtesy

Manchester Schools (Above) Volunteers and founders of the Kevin’s Kids program in Manchester Township gather for a group shot as all the donated items are organized and wrapped for the holidays.

the time, that a student who informed him that Santa did not come to his house that year.

Kevin and the teacher learned of the child’s holiday wish list and, together with their col-

leagues, made Christmas happen for that student. From that point on, Kevin’s Kids was

the years.

(Kids - See Page 7)

Drug Se lement, Roadwork Planned

By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY –

The Ocean County Commissioners accepted the settlement of a lawsuit against drug manufacturers that were accused of partially creating the opioid epidemic.

The Board accepted two parts of the National Opioid litiga-

tion settlement, in the amount of $182,454.84 and $437,843.89.

The settlement came from a lawsuit against several of the largest opioid manufacturers. These companies knowingly lied to doctors which made them prescribe painkillers more frequently, and for ailments that the

drugs were not designed for. This, in turn, has been one cause of the opioid epidemic that’s gripping the country as people get off the prescriptions and turn to heroin and fentanyl.

Many towns joined in a lawsuit against these drug companies, and the payout could only

be used for drug prevention measures.

Upcoming Roadwork

A number of road projects and new traffic lights were on the Commissioners’ agenda.

JC Contracting Inc. was approved to build a proposed traffic light on Route 639 on 14th Street at North Hope Chapel

Road in Lakewood. The final estimate is $41,160.96. The firm was also approved for construction of a traffic signal at West County Line Road and Teaberry Court in Lakewood Township with the partial estimate coming to $120,075.95.

A resolution was

(Planned - See Page 5)

Annual Tree Lighting Brightens The Season

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – Town Hall got a whole lot brighter as public officials, residents, Cub Scouts, students and jolly Saint Nick all came together to kick off the holiday season.

The Township’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held on a slightly chilly Friday evening and it had a large turnout with greeters Maya Kurpiewski and Cadence Noeding of Manchester High School handing out programs for the night’s festivities. They were dressed in matching Santa style outfits. The program book not only featured the night’s itinerary but also some history about the Christmas tree, song lyrics, the history of Hannukkah and information about the township’s holiday home decorating contest.

The Christmas tree featured 3,400 bulbs strung on it before its illumination. Mayor Robert Hudak got the full briefi ng on how to operate the remote from Don Thomas, the general foreman for buildings and grounds who put up the lights on the tree. “It will work almost out to the parking lot,” he told the mayor. “We even have a backup plan if for some reason it doesn’t light.

“I was the general manager for Lowes in

(Lighting - See Page 4)

–Photo By Bob Vosseller Manchester Township’s Christmas tree lit up with 3,400 bulbs during the recently held tree lighting ceremony on the grounds of Town Hall.

formed and has expanded tremendously over

Lighting:

Continued From Page 1

the township. I was with Lowes for 15 years and Home Depot before that and I recently retired. I took this on and I love it. Normally they have had a fake tree so this is the fi rst year for this tree. It took me three days to put up the lights for that tree,” Thomas noted.

Thomas said, “we got the lights from Lowes. They actually donated about eight strings of lights which was nice of them to do.”

Township Recreation Director Tracey Lynch shared more history about this year’s tree. “About 10 years ago, I think it was the day before the tree lighting, we had a huge tree and unfortunately the whole back side of it after the summer season had died. So unfortunately, that tree had to be taken down. We were donated a very small bush. That tree needed some time to mature and tonight that tree is going to make its debut for tonight’s tree lighting.

“Our building and grounds crew worked diligently to have this tree look amazing. They put all those lights up with a pole and a hook. They worked very hard to make this front area look amazing. I think they did a phenomenal job,” Lynch said. She also thanked everyone involved with the night’s program including her staff, the performers, fi re companies present and the high school volunteers.

Reverend David Rittenger from the Whiting Bible Church provided the invocation and Mayor Hudak followed with some welcoming remarks to the crowd.

Rittenger noted that the menorah setup on display would be lit later in the month for the Jewish holiday of Hannukah. He wished everyone a joyous holiday season.

Mayor Hudak remarked, “thank you all for being here tonight.” He thanked Council President Joan Brush and Councilman James Vaccaro for being there “and all our public works staff and our grounds staff for Tracey and the Rec Department for bringing this all together for all our performers, our fi re, police and EMTs who are here tonight. I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season. Happy whatever you celebrate and a happy new year as well.”

Lynch introduced the members of Cub Scout Pack 44 who sang “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and the Manchester School Chorus, led by Sarah Drew, performed “Up on the Housetop.”

She also introduced Marisiya Goins who has performed at public gatherings in the township before. She sang “All I Want for Christmas” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Following a countdown, the tree was lit brightly and the high school chorus returned to summon up Santa Claus with a rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” He arrived via a township fi re truck.

–Photos By Bob Vosseller (Above) Members of Cub Scout Pack 44 sing “Jingle Bells” during this year’s Manchester Township Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. (Right) Santa Claus sits in his chair in the community center awaiting a line of children who wanted to share their wish lists with him.

The fun wasn’t over yet however as Santa made his way to the downstairs community center which was well decorated for the occasion and featured volunteers providing hot chocolate and freshly popped popcorn as Kris

Kringle took to his chair beside a Christmas tree to greet children and hear their wish list for the season.

Continued From Page 1

passed authorizing engineering payments to contractors which included Walters Marine Construction Inc. for the replacement of Railroad Avenue Bridge structure carrying Railroad Avenue over Westecunk Creek in Eagleswood Township with a change order of $35,949.74.

CJ Hesse Inc. was also authorized to perform phase III of reconstruction of East County Line Road (Route 526), Apple Street to Route 549 and Brook Road in Lakewood Township with a change order of $124,317.38 and road work of $421,267.35.

CTX Infrastructure LLC was approved for a construction contract of Union Transportation Trail in Plumsted Township for the extension of the trail from Monmouth Road to New Egypt High School with a change order of $5,824 and other work in the amount of $41,160.96.

LIMA Charlie Construction was approved to make improvements to the 125 Washington Street Parking lot in Toms River Township with the change order of $43,240 and added work at $30,896.

Mathis Construction Company Inc. was contracted for stormwater management in various townships with a change order of $18,044 and work to total $21,420.

The Earle Asphalt Company was approved to perform reconstruction and resurfacing of portions of certain roads in the county with a partial estimate of $311,025.55.

Commend And Remember

Appointments and reappointments of County personnel were also approved unanimously by the Board during the evening.

“For those here today, I want to thank you for you past service and congratulate you on your reappointments,” Commissioner John Kelly said.

During the Commissioners comments portion of the meeting, senior Commissioner Joseph Vicari acknowledged that “December 7 is not only important to the United States but the history of the world, 81 years ago today, was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II. Fortunately, we have the greatest nation in the world and because of the hard work and sacrifices of the greatest generation.”

“Over 2,400 Americans died in that attack. The war lasted over four and a half years and over 405,000 Americans were killed and in Ocean County has the most veterans in the state and we will never forget what our veterans have done,” Vicari said.

He also recalled that years ago in Ocean County, “we had one of the last veterans of the Spanish American War and he got a county proclamation and within a year, unfortunately, the person passed away. His family was happy that he had received the proclamation because he had previously said he had never been acknowledged. He was a great guy. I met him only once but I remember he was proud to serve in the military.”

The Commissioner also noted Toms River High School North’s recent state football championship win. “The team was undefeat-

ed, 14-0.” He also noted that 1982 graduate, Filipino journalist Maria Ressa from that same school was the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in Journalism in 2021. Her award involved work in covering human rights and the war on drug abuse. “She was an inspiration to young people not only in Ocean County but everywhere.”

Commissioner Gary Quinn commended County Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds Joseph Meyers for the work that he and his staff had done in decorating and all

the county buildings for the holidays. “He’s done a great job. The ornaments on the tree this year look great.”

Commissioner Virginia Haines said applications are being accepted from the South East Rural Community Assistance Project and for individual households for wells and septic loans. “I have the paperwork if anyone is interested, the maximum income eligibility by the state is $117, 500. I will have this information available at the office. Just let me know.”

Santa To Visit e Lakehurst Historical Society Museum On Sunday

By Bob Vosseller

LAKEHURST –There are times that even Kris Kringle enjoys brushing up on his history and he’ll be learning a few things when he greets children and adults this Sunday afternoon (Dec. 18) during a visit to the Lakehurst Borough Historical Society Museum.

Santa will be present during the Society’s monthly Hindenburg talk which starts at 12:30 p.m. He’ll be available for photos and to greet children and grandchildren and even adults that afternoon.

Each third Sunday of the month, the organization offers its free monthly Hindenburg Experience talk from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at the Lakehurst Historical Society Museum, located at 300 Center Street in the borough.

Just walk in, no advance notice necessary. A society member will be presenting an informational talk experience about the crash on May 6, 1937, of the Hindenburg Air Ship with artifacts, books and pictures available for viewing.

The museum is open each Wednesday and Sunday from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The talk is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

The organization will also present this same Hindenburg Experience talk to Women’s Clubs, Men’s Clubs, Residence Clubs, Veterans groups, Historical Societies, Girl and Boy Scouts and schools in Ocean County.

The talk runs approximately 30 to 45 minutes long. For more information, call 732575-6904 or e-mail BillSchmidt1000@ aol.com.

Kids:

Continued From Page 1

This year, under the leadership of Director of Student Personnel Services Alex George, and alongside Burger, the school district helped approximately 200 Manchester families, and approximately 400 children, to enjoy their holiday.

George noted, “this is one of Manchester School’s biggest fundraising efforts and it truly shows what a great community and place Manchester is to live and raise a family. Kevin’s Kids is another reason that I am so proud to be a part of this school district and town. We are truly a family who works together to take care of those in our community.”

He added that lots of people play a role in Kevin’s Kids, whether it be fundraising by staff or local community organizations. School bus drivers volunteer to pick up and transport gifts while School Building and Grounds employees spend hours of their own time putting together toys and bicycles.

Senior communities are a huge part of the movement, he said. Township entities and businesses support through donations, drives and even provide space where the school district can hold gifts ahead of distribution, such as at the Whiting First Aid building.

Staff members come on their own time with their families on the weekend before the fi nal gift distribution to shop for any outstanding gifts, sort those gifts per family, wrap them with love and prepare them for the anonymous distribution that occurs

at a district school on a Sunday afternoon. Burger also noted that the program goes above and beyond just providing gifts to children in need. By fulfi lling a child’s specific gift list. It has helped them achieve. Specifically, a student who received their fi rst computer through Kevin’s Kids in the past later went on to attend MIT.

This year, a student was gifted driving lessons. In the past children have requested work boots or bicycles to ensure they can get to work and perform their jobs after school hours successfully and completely. Each year, every child receives a warm coat. For additional information about the Kevin’s Kids program contact Dina Silvestri at dsilvestri@mtschools.org.

Dr. Brian Klohn

–Photo courtesy Manchester Schools A Manchester Township school gymnasium is seen fi lled to the brim with toys, coats and other items as part of the 40th Annual Kevin’s Kids program.

POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT

Oil Companies To Be Held Accountable For Gas Price Increases

Capitol Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), introduced a pair of bills aimed at holding Big Oil accountable. The bills would repeal tax subsidies and other incentives long-enjoyed by the largest oil corporations that continue to rake in record profits, and would penalize oil companies who fail to develop federal leases to inflate their reserves and share prices, while American families face economic struggles.

“The American people shouldn’t have to subsidize Big Oil CEOs and shareholders while families are hit with high prices at the pump as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic and now Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine,” said Sen. Menendez. “These bills put American taxpayers ahead of the corporate oil industry who for far too long have been enjoying economic windfalls on the backs of hardworking Americans.”

The Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act aims to eliminate tax incentives exploited by large oil companies for a century or more in some cases. The bill was first introduced in 2010 and was reintroduced in 2017 during the 115th Congress. Sen. Menendez has championed

this legislation in multiple Congresses to prioritize middle-class households ahead of the oil industry.

The new version of the bill expands its scope to include any oil and gas company with gross receipts over $50 million, and includes new provisions to eliminate the enhanced oil recovery credit for companies with gross receipts over $50 million, and eliminate access to the 45Q credit for all enhanced oil recovery operations.

The second bill, the Use It or Lose It Act, would incentivize oil and gas companies to develop their federal oil and gas leases. Specifically, it requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish development benchmarks and requirements for lease-holders to hit after securing a federal oil and gas lease, and implements a $10/acre annual fee on federal

oil and gas leases that don’t produce oil or gas in a given year. The Secretary would be required to adjust the fee at least once every 5 years to ensure that it adequately incentivizes the diligent development of leases.

There are currently more than 9,100 leases that are held by oil companies that they choose not to utilize.

The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), is intended to disincentivize oil companies from holding onto non-producing leases in order to inflate the reserves that they boast to shareholders, while limiting supply and gouging consumers at the pump. The oil industry is utilizing less than half of the federal land that they already have, all while declining to increase production and raking in record profits off the backs of American families.

$8M Pledged To Build A Diverse, Inclusive Green Jobs Sector

cused on building a diverse, inclusive green workforce.

Governor

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy (OCAGE), in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), announced the release of a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) to support innovative pilot programs fo-

Through the Building our Resilient, Inclusive, and Diverse Green Economy (NJ BRIDGE) initiative, a total of $5 million is available to fund scalable projects to support residents entering the green workforce or climbing the green career ladder, with a focus on engagement in overburdened communities.

Additionally, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will begin accepting applications on December 8 for a competitive grant program that will

help New Jerseyans, particularly those in overburdened communities, develop skills for offshore wind careers. The $3.725 million Offshore Wind Workforce and Skills Development Grant Challenge (Grant Challenge) will offer grants to selected entities that will aid in launching or expanding workforce training and skills programs focused on strengthening and diversifying New Jersey’s offshore wind workforce. Together, the OCAGE NOFA and the Grant Challenge amount to more than $8 million in funding toward the cultivation of a green economy founded upon good-paying jobs and long-term career opportunities.

“My Administration is proud to provide crucial support for new and existing opportunities in the green jobs sector for all New Jerseyans, including members of overburdened communities who have disproportionately experienced climate impacts,” said Governor Murphy. “These significant funding commitments and interdepartmental synergies testify to our comprehensive, all-of-government approach to positioning New Jersey as a national leader in the green economy. As we work to protect our vulnerable communities from the effects of climate change, we will also ensure that they are equipped with the resources they need to reap the optimal benefits of our state’s transition to a 100% clean energy economy.”

“I am beyond proud of the steps we are taking in New Jersey as we transition to a 100 percent clean energy economy by 2050,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Just a few months ago, we launched our climate change curriculum across all K-12 learning standards, becoming the fi rst state in the country to do so, and positioning our students to lead the next generation of climate literate professionals. Today’s funding announcement expands upon these programs enabling further education and

training to ensure our diverse communities enter the green economy workforce with the promise of good-paying jobs and career longevity.”

“Transitioning the state to a 100% clean energy economy and meeting our bold offshore wind development goals will require a highly skilled, inclusive workforce,” said OCAGE Executive Director Jane Cohen.

“Since the outset of the Murphy Administration, we have pursued our clean energy future not just for our environment and growing economy, but for the hard-working New Jerseyans who will fill thousands of new jobs as we strive for a more sustainable tomorrow.”

“The Murphy Administration’s commitment to improving our environment as we promote economic growth is creating good-paying jobs, including through our pursuit of a just clean energy transition and clean water for all,” said Shawn M. LaTourette, Commissioner of Environmental Protection and Co-Chair of the Council on the Green Economy. “The BRIDGE initiative will help expand New Jersey’s growing green workforce by piloting programs with the capacity to increase access to green jobs for all people through outreach, training, and direct services that support our residents as they gear up for the jobs of the future.”

In February 2021, Governor Murphy announced the creation of a Council on the Green Economy, convening cross-sector leaders in New Jersey’s growing green economy to harness the opportunity created by New Jersey’s climate and clean energy policy accomplishments. The Council was tasked with informing the effort to defi ne pathways for green job creation, development of workforce capacity, and support for an innovation ecosystem critical to a nation-leading green economy. In

Senator Robert Menendez

From The Desk Of The

Phil Murphy

a One Year Plan accompanying the Green Jobs for a Sustainable Future report, state agencies committed to planning and implementing programs, pilot projects, and funding opportunities that will increase access to green jobs and address gaps in the development of the green workforce statewide.

The NJ BRIDGE initiative is designed to pilot approaches, including those recommended by the Council, that enable residents of overburdened communities

to access onramps to good-paying, family-sustaining, and green union jobs.

Respondents are invited to submit proposals in response to this solicitation.

The Grant Challenge is part of NJEDA’s efforts to establish the NJ Wind Institute for Innovation and Training (the “Wind Institute”) as an independent entity created through legislation. The Wind Institute will coordinate and deploy resources to advance offshore wind workforce development, research, and innovation in the state. For more information on the grant challenge, visit njeda.com/offshore-wind-workforceand-skills-development-grant-challenge/.

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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

HANDS FOR ALL

A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC.

A Not-For-Pro t A ordable Housing Developer 309 Hooper Ave. • Toms River, NJ 08753 Tel: 732.286.7929 • Fax: 732.286.9698

that the Toms

Housing and

thrift shop in the same building as their office at 200 Corporate Circle. This is actually the Second Time Around store, and it is not connected with the Coalition. It benefits the Community Medical Center Foundation. We regret the error.

Crestwood Village VI New Year’s Eve Party

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.

MANCHESTER – Have any plans for New Year’s Eve this year? Never too early to start planning!

We’re going to 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. Casino Slot Play subject to change at the casino’s discretion. No refunds unless trip is cancelled. Tickets available for sale by calling Lucille at 732-941-4992. Please leave a message with your name and phone number if you are interested and want to join on the bus.

Crestwood Village 3 Women’s Club News

WHITING – Happy New Year! Welcome 2023, may this year bring joy, good health and many blessings. The Mini Mart clearance was held on December 5. Thank you to all who helped make it a success.

The annual Holiday Buffet Luncheon was held on December 12. We had a great time. The regular business was suspended so that all could enjoy the food and fellowship. Donna Brown, Luncheon chairperson, thanked her team: Pam Sroczynski, Diane Zambor, Lillian Forand and Liz Higgins for all of their help in making this a successful event. Thank you also to our President, Rose Kantenwein for her continual support.

We received another letter from the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Food Pantry, thanking us for

the mac and cheese donations. A reminder that January we are collecting soup. Either cans or packages will be collected.

As was stated in September, the primary goal of the Women’s club is to raise money for charity. In December, donations were made to the following: Salvation Army, Providence House, Whiting Food Pantry, Somebody Cares and Whiting Fire Department. We hope the donations help in some way.

One last piece of business. Our membership dues are due at January’s meeting, on the 3rd. Dues is still $5 for the year. Also at that meeting will be our Hobby Show and Tell. If you have a particular hobby that you enjoy, please bring a sample to this meeting to show and talk about.

ank You From Whiting UMC

WHITING – The Whiting United Methodist Church would like to thank our wonderful community for their generous donations to the missions of our church. The number of school supplies that were brought in this summer was overwhelming.

We are humbly amazed at the outpouring of generosity for our collections of diapers, toiletries, and warm clothing and underwear for the homeless and needy in

our state at this holiday season. And we happily look forward to seeing you at our functions supporting our fund raising. We couldn’t do this without you!

So many people have been helped with your kindness and giving. We are especially blessed to have our Whiting community participate in these missions with us. We will continue our work in the New Year and we hope you can participate with us to make a difference in someone’s world.

Crestwood Village 6 Hanukkah Party

WHITING – Crestwood Village 6 Hanukkah Party will be on December 21 at 6 p.m. All of Manchester is invited! Admission includes dessert for four. Event will

be held at the Crestwood 6 Clubhouse at 6 Congasia Road.

For more information contact Michael at michaelitt@aol.com.

Christmas Eve And Christmas Day At St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

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.

Crestwood Village II Travel Club

WHITING – Crestwood Village II Travel Club has announced the following upcoming trips: Tropicana Casino and Show: On March 30, we travel to Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City to see the show “My Mother is Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy” starring Comedienne, Steve Solomon. It is a hilarious show about what happens when two cultures come together.

This has been a sellout show at past venues. Tickets $94 includes bus transportation, drive gratuity, show and $25 casino bonus. Bus will board Harmony Hall at 12:30 p.m. and leave at 12:45 p.m. Arrives Atlantic City at 2 p.m. Return bus boards at 7:45 p.m. and leaves at 8 p.m. Arrives Whiting at 9:15 p.m.

Tickets will on sale in the Harmony Hall Activity Room beginning December 2 from 9 to 10 a.m. and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. until February 24. No refunds unless event is cancelled.

Diva’s Gone Wild at Philadelphia’s Gay Bingo: On April 15, we travel to Philadelphia for a fun filled evening at Gay Bingo with a bunch of wild drag queens with wacky humor, outrageous costumes and a hilarious intermission show. We play nine games plus three special games which includes the cover all with the winner getting $1,000. Gay Bingo has been playing in Philadelphia for over 20 years with sellout crowds. Bus will board at 4 p.m. and leaves 4:15 p.m. Return bus leaves at 10 p.m.

Tickets are $75 and includes admission, reserved seating, bingo for nine games, bus transportation and driver tip.

Tickets will be on sale in the Harmony Hall Activity Room beginning December 2 from 9 to 10 a.m. and Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11a.m. until March 15. No refunds unless event is cancelled.

For more information, contact Linda at 732716-1928 or Fran at 732 581-2290.

Crestwood Village 6 New Year’s Eve Party

WHITING – Crestwood Village 6 New Year’s Eve Party will be 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.

Party the night away with DJ Mare Haze. Food catered by The Barn: pork loin with apple stuffing, chicken francese, penne alla vodka,

Caesar salad, roll and butter, coffee, tea, soda and desert; set ups and party favors included. Tickets are $45 per person. No tickets sold at the door. No refunds unless cancelled. Tickets on sale Mondays 10 to 11 a.m. at Deerfield Hall clubhouse or contact Kathy Casper at 732-500-6155.

Crestwood Village 3 Residents Club Dance

fee,

732-993-7100.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Future Ocean County College President Welcomed

By Alyssa Riccardi

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County College Board of Trustees has announced that Dr. Pamela Monaco will be the next president of OCC and is set to officially join on July 1, 2023.

Currently, Dr. Monaco serves as the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago, Illinois.

“A passionate advocate for community colleges, Dr. Monaco believes that education transforms lives, and she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to removing the barriers that stand in the way of student success,” Board Chair Jerry Dasti said. “The Board is confident that Dr. Monaco will be a dynamic and proactive leader at OCC, one who shares our values and goals for the future and whose strategic vision and collaborative spirit will position the College to thrive and excel in the years ahead.”

courtesy Ocean County College Dr. Pamela Monaco

Board of Trustees with her “dedication to educational excellence and her long-standing commitment to meeting the diverse needs of the students she serves.”

“On behalf of the Board, I want to express my appreciation to the Search Committee for its time and efforts and to the entire College community for participating in the process that led to the selection of Dr. Monaco,” Dasti said.

Dr. Monaco will succeed OCC’s President Jon H. Larson, who previously announced back in April that he will step down from his role at the end of June 2023. However, Dr. Larson will be serving as a part-time counselor for two years to assist with the transition.

According to a press release, Dr. Monaco impressed the Search Committee and the

Dr. Monaco received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from George Washington University and master’s and doctoral degrees in English from The Catholic University of America. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, including senior leadership roles in higher education institutions in Kansas, California, and Florida.

whitingaog@gmail.com whitingassemblyofgod.org

–Photo

Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Today I noticed four black vultures perched on some light posts. Above, the sky of white and grey, and it resembled something right out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie. They are scavengers, feeding efficiently upon decomposing carcasses that carry disease-producing bacteria, viruses and funguses. New Jersey’s two native species are the black vulture and the turkey vulture. While the black vulture is pretty much black all over, the turkey vulture has a distinctive red head with brownish feathers. Black vultures rely on their extremely good eyesight to locate food, whereas turkey vultures can detect food using their highly developed sense of smell.

Their bald head permits a vulture to reach areas inside a dead animal without the adherence of flesh. Their stomach fluids are highly acidic which allows them to digest raw flesh. To deter/ confuse an intruder from their carcass, vultures will regurgitate their stomach contents which includes rancid acidic stomach liquid. A vulture’s urine is so acidic that when it urinates on its legs, the urine will kill any bacteria accumulated on the bird from moving about the carcass.

Vultures are social creatures with complex behaviors. They will form large roosts which can change every night. A group of vultures flying together is referred to as a ‘kettle.’ That term was established as it relates to the rising bubbles in a pot of boiling water. A ‘wake’ refers to groups of perched vultures. While there exists groups of resident year-round vultures in our state, some vultures may migrate south. As the months get colder the barren winter landscape will make them easier to spot.

Despite the size of a vulture, their weight ranges between 2 and 4 pounds.

Black vultures can live up to 25 years, whereas the turkey vulture about 16 years. Some researchers have documented that vultures can rise to as high as 20,000 feet. They soar for hours without flapping their wings. Some may travel as many as 200 miles a day.

Despite the look of a vulture, they are incredible creatures who naturally clean up our roadways, neighborhoods, parks, shopping malls – our planet.

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 state and/or federal permits.

Salad.……………….………………...$35

Caesar Salad…………………………………..$35

Million In Grant Funding Will Expand Pool Of NJ Abortion Providers

provide abortion care in New Jersey and for students who are being trained to be licensed as a practicing professional whose scope of practice includes abortion care. Funding to create and implement the “New Jersey Reproductive Training and Education Initiative” was made available

to Rutgers University this week through a non-competitive grant administered through the Division of Consumer Affairs.

“New Jersey, under the leadership of Governor Murphy, is a staunch defender of reproductive rights. As other states shut down access to abortion care following the Dobbs ruling, we are taking steps to ensure our State has a sufficient number of health professionals to provide these important services,” said Attorney General Platkin. “New Jersey is committed to supporting and defending the right to choose and we will continue working to facilitate access to abortion services for those who seek them.”

“Expanding the pool of health care professionals trained to provide abortion care is essential to ensuring that New Jersey residents and those from other states have access to the health services they need,” said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

“This funding opportunity will allow for a significant workforce expansion of abortion providers and enhance New Jersey’s ability to meet the increased demand for abortion and reproductive health services.”

In October 2021, the State Board of Medical Examiners voted unanimously to adopt new rules to eliminate medically unnecessary regulations on abortion in New Jersey and to open new avenues for reproductive healthcare services across the state.

New rules published in the New Jersey Register in December 2021 cleared the path for Advanced Practice Nurses, Physician Assistants, and Certified Midwives to perform early aspiration terminations of pregnancy. The funding announced today will, among other things, help ensure that those practicing or studying to become licensed in these professions receive the training necessary to perform abortion services.

Numerous factors contributed to Rutgers’ unique ability to provide diverse training opportunities to expand access to abortion care throughout the state. Those factors include its multiple locations throughout the state; knowledgeable and innovative faculty and staff familiar with developing curriculum and clinical training programs for diverse learners; inter-professional workforce and student body; and an academic infrastructure for meaningful evaluation and future grant opportunities. This initiative leverages the unique inter-professional structure of Rutgers to support inter-professional education, research, and practice. Additionally, the grant funding provides Rutgers the opportunity to collaborate with community partners who have long-term experience with, and commitment to, abortion training in New Jersey.

All training provided through the initiative is required to be patient-centered, trauma-informed, and equity-based.

The grant period runs from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025.

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

How Colds, e Flu & Covid 19 A ects Hearing

It’s been well over 2 years, and the Covid 19 variants are still wreaking havoc in our area. For the most part, the new variants just present with “cold-like” symptoms but the rate of infection spread is typically higher than the common cold. Unfortunately, once you start to exhibit symptoms such as a sore throat, headache, sinus pressure, post nasal drip, etc., you already have Covid 19 and more than likely you have spread the germs to others. Many individuals are taking in home rapid tests and are commonly “negative” for a few days before the result is positive. In my opinion, this is reason enough to frequently wash your hands, don a mask (when in large in group events), and get vaccinated. Unless you physician recommends otherwise, vaccinated individuals typically experience a significant reduction of Covid 19 symptoms and the recovery time is generally less.

Upper respiratory viruses often create fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to congestion, pain, muffled sound, and secondary infections. The flu virus has been known to affect the auditory nerve,

which can cause permanent hearing loss. Similar to the flu, COVID-19 has shown an alarming ability to attack the hearing and vestibular systems, although the exact reason is still under investigation. Patients with long-haul COVID are at increased risk. Luckily, serious hearing damage from viral infections is rare, though the temporary effects are uncomfortable — stuffiness, dizziness, tinnitus, and ear infections could put a damper on your future holiday plans.

If you have experienced hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo during a bout of COVID 19 and these symptoms are continuing to “linger” I would contact your hearing healthcare professional for a complete hearing and dizziness evaluation. Protect your hearing by supporting your health!

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to answer your questions about hearing health. His offices are located in Toms River, Manahawkin, and Whiting and can be reached by calling 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.garden statehearing.com.

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

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

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

4 Plants That Are Poisonous To Pets

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

I generally speak to how plants and nature can help us feel better, but some of them aren’t so friendly. And some defi nitely aren’t pet-friendly.

Flowers are quite intriguing when you think about it. They keep us alive, keep us healthy, they produce oxygen and help the bees pollinate. And round and round our planet spins!

While there are hundreds of plants that can be found inside our homes and outside of them that pose a threat to our pet’s health. The following are some of the most toxic plants for our fur-babies.

1. Foxglove. This plant is absolutely stunning, but it is equally toxic to both dogs and cats (and horses). The vivid and bright colors of this flower might attract to you, but if you have pets, you may want to think twice before checking out. If enough is eaten, this plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac failure and yes, even death. The prescription heart failure drug called Digoxin is made from digitalis which is extracted from this plant!

2. Lillies. Lilies of all sorts are toxic to cats and dogs, but symptoms are usually worse for our feline friends. All parts of this vibrant plant are considered poisonous, even those lovely petals. If your cat drinks the water in this vase or if they get into the pollen of this flower, they might experience mild symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, changes in urination or diarrhea. Other more seri-

ous reactions are acute kidney failure/ problems, neurological issues, tremors, seizures, depression, inability to walk or limb weakness and even coma or death.

3. Mistletoe. While this plant offers a cozy and sentimental touch to your home this holiday season, you might want to ensure that this smooch-inspiring plant is kept out of reach of pets. This festive shrub can be toxic to dogs, especially the European variety (Viscum album), while the American variety (Phoradendron serotinum) is more toxic to cats. A pet may experience drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, and other gastrointestinal irritations. For me, mistletoe mixed with pets is a Ho-Ho-NO… Just get a fake one.

4. Oleander. This popular garden plant is toxic to all sorts of animals, but especially to dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, goats, cattle and sheep. This plant contains the toxic cardiac glycoside oleandrin. Symptoms can show as early as an hour after ingestion and may appear as the following: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, abdominal pain, dilated pupils, lethargy, and weakness.

If you’re not sure about a plant you have and notice that your pet is acting a little odd, please do not hesitate to contact an animal hospital or your local vet to see what they advise based on symptoms. Keep in mind that time is of the essence when a pet (or person) has gotten into something poisonous. If you’d like to read a longer version of this article, it is posted at my website suzycohen.com.

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Rt. 9 To Close Most Nights For Roadwork

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – A section of Route 9 will be closed during week nights while paving is done after water main work, the State Department of Transportation Advised. The closures will be between Cox Cro Road and Church Road in both directions. Detours are scheduled for between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Monday through Friday nights. The

work is expected to be finished in March.

During the construction, drivers heading south on 9 will have to:

• Turn right onto Cox Cro

• Turn left onto Whitesville Road/Route 571

• Turn left onto Stevens Road back to Route 9

Drivers heading north will have to:

• Turn right onto Church Road

• Turn left onto Old Freehold Road

• Turn left onto Cox Crow Road back to Route 9

This is part of a $48.5 million project on approximately seven miles of Rt. 9 between Indian Head Road in Toms River and 2nd Street in Lakewood. There will be eight intersections widened, left turn lanes

added, and new traffic lights will be added at Oak Street and Broadway/Chateau Drive in Lakewood.

Additionally, there will be 1.6 miles of new sidewalks, 5.9 miles of reconstructed sidewalks, and ramps to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The entire project is expected to be done by the summer of 2025.

Author Inspired To Write Book Based On LBI Lifeguard

By Bob Vosseller

LONG BEACH ISLAND – Donna Cavanagh is a multi-published author and humorist and she recently published a children’s book called “Ramo to the Rescue.”

Her fi rst children’s story is based on a real lifeguard from Long Beach Island. She said “the point of the book is to teach children about the wonders of the beach but that is important to listen to the lifeguards who keep them safe.”

She noted that while the story is fictional, “the message is not. This book has been embraced by Long Beach Township Beach Patrol, Long Beach Township Administration and many towns that dot the Jersey Shore.”

The early reader book, which is written in rhyme, offers toddlers and young children an adventure that highlights the heroic deeds lifeguards perform every day, she said.

Cavanagh said she has always vacationed at the Jersey Shore. The book came to be through a chance meeting at a tavern in Beach Haven followed by a beach rescue the next day.

“We were eating dinner at Tuckers Tavern, and Ramo was our server. He was so kind to my then two-year-old grandson, Owen, who because of COVID, had not been in a restaurant since he was an infant. Ramo was just wonderful with him, so my family and I naturally took note of his name,” Cavanagh explained.

“The next day as we were on the beach, the entire rescue team complete with jet skis and boats headed into the water after receiving a call about a downed plane in Long Beach Township in the Spray Beach area. We saw Ramo on the jet ski, and Owen recognized him. Later that day, I said to my family that I should write a book for kids, Ramo to the Rescue,” the author added.

A former journalist and syndicated humorist, Cavanagh, who has vacationed on LBI and the Jersey Shore since she was a child, tinkered with the idea of the children’s book for several months. Life got busy with the arrival of a new grandson, Ben, plus writing and editing projects, but the story of Ramo remained in her mind.

In November, Cavanagh decided to put

Travel Insurance

Are You Really Insured?

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

Before you purchase travel insurance, especially in this post COVID era, read the policy to make sure you are covered.

As with any insurance policy, you are only insured for certain enumerated conditions or events and there are always a ton of exclusions which will leave you uninsured.

These days, a lot of people are purchasing Travel Insurance in the event they cannot take a planned trip due to COVID restrictions, such as testing positive a few days before leaving for a Cruise. Many cruise lines will not permit you to board their ship if you recently tested positive for COVID, even if you have very minor symptoms or no symptoms at all. So, if you have tested positive for COVID can you file a successful insurance claim for your lost vacation?

In order to make a successful claim, your trip must have been cancelled due to a “Covered Event”. Your policy will list what is considered a “Covered Event” and it will also list the many, many Exclusions. Read the “Covered Event” and “Exclusions” sections of the policy carefully. Many Trip (Travel) Protection Insurance Policies do not provide coverage for “travel restrictions imposed for a certain area by a governmental authority”, “a Pandemic or an Endemic”. So, if just prior to your trip to Mexico the Mexican government closes its border to vacationers and you are denied entry into the Country then your insurance claim may be denied. In addition, if you or a family member are ill or injured then your policy will require that you demonstrate that the sickness or injury commenced while your coverage

is in effect under the Policy and you may be required to attend in-person treatment with a physician who must then diagnose you with a condition that is “so disabling in the written opinion of a Physician as to prevent you from taking your Trip.” So, does the mere fact that you have tested positive for COVID necessarily mean that your condition is “so disabling in the written opinion of a Physician as to prevent you from taking your Trip? If not, your claim will be denied.

Additionally, don’t become blind-sided by the “Optional Cancel For Any Reason” coverage. Yes, you can purchase this optional coverage for an additional premium, but does this mean you can cancel for any reasons whatsoever? The answer is “NO”. Again, you must read the policy. For example, one policy that I read stated that, “We will reimburse You... when You cancel your trip prior to departure for any reason not otherwise covered by this policy, provided [certain] conditions are met...” This sentence does not mean that you can ignore the many, many enumerated Exclusions in the policy.

Finally, make sure you are purchasing enough insurance benefits to cover your trip. Like any insurance policy, you choose the limits of your coverage and even if your claim is covered you will be limited by the amount of insurance coverage you purchased.

The attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates are experienced litigators ready to serve our community and we hope you enjoy your vacation.

PHOTO OF THE

Teri Bumber recently captured this amazing sunrise at Perch Creek in Brick Township. Wanna see your snaps featured in this space? Email them to photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Author:

her thoughts to paper. She wrote the book in rhyme because she thought it would help her young target audience enjoy the story, characters and the all-important lesson that lifeguards are heroes.

“After I had the fi rst draft of the story written, I consulted poetry experts who helped me make sure the rhyme scheme was correct,” she noted. “I just wanted this book to be as perfect as possible.”

Her next move was to contact Long Beach Township Beach Patrol Supervisor Tracey Schmidt and told her of the plan to bring “Ramo to the Rescue” to life.

“Tracey laughed and told me what a great guy the real Ramo was, and this made me

so happy. Although the story is fictional, I still wanted to have their okay every step of the way for this book, so she put me in touch with Ramo Kline,” Cavanagh remarked.

She said, “I sent Tracey and Ramo the text of the book, and they gave their approval along with the township administrator, so I brought in Hannah Farr as my illustrator.”

According to Cavanagh, the Township, lifeguards and especially Ramo have been wonderful. “Ramo was and is an inspiration, and I am so grateful to him for allowing me to use his name to talk to young children about the work of lifeguards and how important it is to be safe at the beach.”

Cavanagh is founder of online humor magazine, HumorOutcasts.com (HO) and the partner publishing company, Humor-

Outcasts Press which now includes the labels Shorehouse Books and Corner Office Books (HOPress-Shorehousebooks.com). She launched HumorOutcasts as an outlet for writers to showcase their work in a world that offered few avenues for humor. HumorOutcasts now features the creative talents of more than 100 aspiring, accomplished and Emmy-award winning writers and producers as well as comics and authors from all over the world. Known for its eclectic content, HumorOutcasts has something for everyone.

The ex-journalist made an unscheduled stop into humor more than two decades ago. Her syndicated columns helped her gain a national audience when her work landed in the pages of First Magazine, USA Today and other national media.

She has taught the how-to lessons of humor, blogging and publishing at The Philadelphia Writers’ Conference and the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Workshop. A once-named Humor Writer of the Month by the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop, Cavanagh has penned five humor books “Reality: Fantasy’s Evil Twin,” “Try and Avoid the Speed Bumps,” “A Canine’s Guide to the Good Life” which she wrote with her dogs Frankie and Lulu, USA Books Contest fi nalist “Life on the Off Ramp” and “How to Write and Share Humor: Techniques to Tickle Funny Bones and Win Fans.”

For more information you can reach out to Cavanagh through Humoroutcasts.com and HOPress-ShorehouseBooks.com and Corner Office Books

CLASSIFIEDS

Real Estate

Jackson - House For Sale By Owner. Private Road Sits On 1.5 Acres.

2 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths, unfinished full basement, 1 car attached garage, baseboard heat. For sale as is $489,000. 732-691-9845. (1)

Real Estate Auction - Saturday, December 17 at 12 noon. 116 Moorage Avenue, Bayville. Visit southjerseyestateliquidators. com for terms, photos and listing. 609-451-2400. (1)

For Rent

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

Items For Sale

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

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

Dolls For Sale - 1950s to 1980s, good condition, good prices. 732534-4340, ask for Lynn. (52)

Items Wanted

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, brica-brac, select china and crystal 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, wardrobes, 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)

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

rockabilly preferred. Call between 8AM and 8PM 909-938-4623. (3)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE

JEWELRY 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)

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

Help Wanted

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/

PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

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

Now Training School Bus Drivers - $3000 Sign on Bonus. Free CDL training. $22-$25 per hour, overtime available. Please call or email for more info: 732-905-5100. klarrtransport@gmail.com. (4)

P/T Y/R NEED SOME EXTRA MONEY? - Looking for responsible person that wants to talk to retail customers. Shore Army Navy, Call Ted 732-674-7859 or e-mail shorearmynavy@gmail.com. (1)

3D Artist (Job#: Artist1018) sough by Bonfire Productions, LLC in Toms River, NJ: Working closely w/ Creative Dir on animation & dsgn projs w/ many clnts. Dsgn complex graphics & animation using 3D pgrms such as Autodesk Maya, Redshift, Substance Painter, & using Adobe Photoshop. Create basic dsgns, dwgs, & illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or TV. Create 2D & 3D images depicting objects in motion or illustrating process, using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe AfterEffects, Substance Painter, & Autodesk Maya. Go thru look-dvlpmt process, make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, & transparency of each 3-D model, or manipulating static images to give illusion of motion. Req: Bach's Deg in Computer Art, Visual Effects & Animation; 6mth work exp as 3D Artist, Animator, or rel; Prof in Autodesk Maya, Redshift, Substance Painter, Adobe Photoshop, & Adobe AfterEffects. Telecommunication is offered w/i NY/NJ area. Apply, mail CV w/ Job# to 105 Flag Point Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753. (1)

Services

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITE -

Free est. Senior discounts interior 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)

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, hardworking, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605 (t/n)

Services

Experienced Home Health Aid(s) - Available hourly or 24/7 and ready to assist you with personal care, medication monitoring, driving, grocery shopping, cooking, light housekeeping, companionship, etc. (including patients suffering from Dementia/Althheimer's or any other disabilities). References available. Call 732-910-8869. (42)

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, Shopping, - Window cleaning, laundry, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Very good prices. Call 732-7735078 or 848-287-3944. (43)

Roofing Repairs Etc. - Roofing, siding, 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” instructor. 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 computers at less than half the price the retailers charge. Windows 10 specialist. 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, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (15)

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

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, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)

MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (46)

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 Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-691-0123. Lic #13VH09460600. (19)

Services Services Services

Certified Home Health Aides - Needed 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 insured. 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 instrumental music teacher. Please call 732-350-4427 for more information. All are welcome. (3)

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com . Winner 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)

week* at $29.95

Reheat, in a way

“That’s on me”

AMES

One may symbolize friendship

Gets with difficulty, with “out”

Ctrl+V, commonly

*Like some pages in used books

It arrives just before Christmas, for many

(for)

Send an IM to

Public health org.

Card game cry

Like some exams

MLB’s Angels, in sportscasts

Facetious target of a series of guides

Talk of the town?

*Metaphor suggesting suspense

Spain and Portugal, mostly

Unavailable

See 57-Across

Jigsaw bit

Start over

Over

No __: surprisingly

Tel __

Fill with freight

Casual pants

React to fightin’ words, maybe

Hebrides native

Wedding destinations, often

Like 55-Down

Inspiration for the 2004 film “Troy”

Parts of some V’s

Lit up

Jury member

English

*Is a fifty-fifty proposition

Extends, as a building

Building extension

Kind of position used for meditation

“Ditto”

Pack it in

Triangle calculation

Ocean County Authorities Commi ed To Fighting Opioid Misuse

By Alyssa Riccardi

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office (OCPO) has announced its partnership with The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey in order to spread

lifesaving messages about prescription opioid misuse.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer sated his mission is to “protect (Opioid - See Page 29)

–Photo courtesy Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office

From left: OCPO Agent Michael Colwell, PDFNJ Executive Director Angelo Valente, Butler Pharmacy owner Tracye Steel, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, and Point Pleasant Borough Police Chief Adam Picca.

residents of his county from prescription opioid dependency and addiction through education and awareness.”

The OCPO has become the fi rst prosecutor’s office in the state to bring this safe opioid prescribing program directly to its residents, with Prosecutor Billhimer providing scholarships to 500 doctors and dentists in Ocean County.

According to the department, a total of 363,520 Ocean County residents have been impacted by the education that reflects both Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and New Jersey state education requirements.

“The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey has been a trusted ally in our ongoing battle against opioid abuse,” Prosecutor Billhimer said. “We are always looking for opportunities to leverage our resources when it comes to opioid education and substance abuse prevention. This unique approach, providing continuing medical education credits to prescribers is a natural intersection for law enforcement and the medical community. This collaborative approach is essential in our seemingly never-ending battle against opioid abuse.”

Recently, Prosecutor Billhimer has been working with local businesses by sharing educational and awareness materials directly with their customers as well as organizing Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day (KOOAD).

Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day is a permanent day of prevention, education and awareness to shine a light on the opioid epidemic that continues to plague New Jersey.

Throughout the County, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has worked with with over 20 local businesses to distribute opioid education materials.

“No one is immune from the opioid epidemic, and the Prosecutor’s efforts to get this important information into the hands of residents in the places they visit in the local community is helping to save lives,” said Angelo Valente, executive director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “Prosecutor Billhimer and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office have been a tremendous partner of PDFNJ in the effort to address the opioid epidemic in New Jersey and a model of a successful collaboration that truly benefits the residents of Ocean County.”

Between January and September 2022, there were 582 naloxone administrations in Ocean County to reverse opioid overdoses and 137 suspected overdose deaths.

Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally

OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.

DeGraff

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

How To Protect Yourself From Scams

By Chris Lundy

JERSEY SHORE – There are a lot of contractors and other business owners who are looking to take advantage of others. Here’s how to help protect yourself.

The most important thing for you to do is make sure everything is in writing. Obtaining a written contract will save you a lot of headaches down the road. You must be sure that everything you want is spelled out in the contract. Contracts for home improvement projects costing $500 or more must be in writing. They must include the legal name, business address, and registration number of the contractor as well as a start date, completion date, description of the work to be done, and the total price.

Make sure all warranties and guarantees are in writing, and that the contract states the name brands or quality/grades of the materials to be used.

Learn about any contractor before deciding to hire them. It is ideal to work with a contractor who is recommended by people you know. It also is advisable to ask the contractor for references and speak with those references about the contractor’s work.

Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs to learn if the contractor is duly registered to perform home improvement work in New Jersey, and learn whether the contractor has been the subject of consumer complaints and/or legal action by the Division. You can

call the Division at (800) 242-5846 or use the Division’s website, NJConsumerAffairs.gov

Before hiring the contractor, demand a copy of the contractor’s liability insurance policy and contact the insurer to learn whether the policy is valid.

Ensure that all applicable construction permits are obtained by the contractor, from the appropriate municipality.

Remember that it is customary not to pay for the entire project in advance. The general practice is to pay for onethird in advance, one-third halfway through, and one-third upon completion.

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint online with the State Division of Consumer Affairs or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey).

Phone & Internet Scams

You might be scammed by someone you never even lay eyes on. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Never open emails from someone you don’t know.

• Never follow the instructions given by someone you don’t know.

• If you are told there is a problem with your bank account, computer, utilities or similar situation, call the phone number on your official statement. Don’t call the phone number provided by a warning message.

Omarr’s Astrological

Forecast

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Above all things, you might value dependability and reliability. Someone may prove to be worthy of your allegiance in the upcoming week. Appreciate loyal people even when pressing issues require your attention.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Focus on actively achieving your goals in the week to come. Enlist the aid of someone who can help you attain your objectives. Key contacts may lift you with a rising tide as they climb the ladder of success.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Make better headway in the week ahead by getting more organized and making a list of priorities. You can apply practical business strategies to your personal choices too, and quickly get many tasks crossed off your list.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): When the writing is on the wall, you won’t need to squint to see it. It should be obvious that a loyal partner is focused on getting ahead in the world. You could be able to share in the benefits and rewards in the upcoming week.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your most obvious talent in the week ahead lies in fearlessly handling financial issues. Avoid wasting time on entertainments that are less than entertaining. You could be under the gun to meet deadlines later in the week.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Family friction could be a distraction you yearn to escape as the week unfolds. You have the practical skills and fortitude to complete whatever projects you begin. Do what you can to clarify a situation.

By

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Look within instead of seeking outside. The security and affection you crave might be found within your own heart and your own tribe. In the week ahead count blessings and be contented with what you have and who you are with.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You can make it to the finish line if you join forces with a partner. Both of you may be passionate about winning and support each other. Watch out for money draining from your bank account in the week ahead.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Tact and diplomacy are the best tools at your disposal to deal with family issues. In the week to come, you may find it difficult to avoid a misunderstanding. However, you can clear it up if you remain calm and centered.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Where there is a will, there is a way. In the week to come, much can be accomplished through sheer determination. Find the inner resources to execute a plan and make progress without being given instructions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be systematic and you can stay on track in the upcoming week. Clear out unneeded clutter from your space as well as your head. When someone else seems lost or confused, you may be able to get right to the point.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be tolerant and meet someone halfway in the week to come. Any impulsive decisions or actions may not end well. Remember, buttons getting pushed is just a reminder of where self-work is still needed.

By America’s Test Kitchen

MOLASSES COOKIES

PARTY,

(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.

IF THERE’S ONE RECIPE YOU SHOULD MAKE FOR YOUR COOKIE

IT’S THIS ONE

For the week of DEC 17 - DEC 23

Jeraldine Saunders

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.