By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – There was smiles of joy and celebration in the winter air as attendees came together once again to observe the lighting of the Menorah during the annual township Menorah Lighting ceremony.
The outdoor event held on December 20 on the grounds of the municipal building was
JACKSON – Government leaders in Jackson praised efforts by other local politicians to preserve land.
Council President Martin Flemming was pleased to announce that Ocean County
was investing more money in the township.
Noting related resolutions on a recent council meeting agenda, he said the County was “acquiring almost 60 acres, that gives the grand total of county land
preserved to almost 27,000 acres. They are doing a great job over at the bay protecting our wetlands and protecting our land.”
Councilman Nino Borrelli introduced a resolution supporting (Farmland - See Page 6)
By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – It wouldn’t be Christmas in the township without the Cook Holiday House lit up bright for the season.
By tradition, Michael Cook, his wife Carol and members of his family begin setting
up the decorations at their home on 1 Carlson Court before the weekend of Thanksgiving. Preparation for it is actually a yearlong process. The display also serves as a benefit for charity.
“We truly love doing (House - See Page 5)
Shalom Hadassah, Jackson Chabad, Westlake Yiddish Club, Shalom Club of Winding Ways and South Knolls and Metedeconk.
Rabbi Naparstek said, “Hanukkah is a festival of lights. It is a time we gather around the Menorah. We light the candles and the message that we hear from these candles is that you can be in a dark room, in a dark corner of the room and if you light one candle, that candle will bring light and it will spread.
“When you light another candle from that candle you will have more light. The great thing about lighting a candle is that you can share the light with someone else and nothing is diminished from your candle,” the Rabbi added.
Rabbi Naparstek said, “lighting the Menorah on Hanukkah is a message of light, unity and it is a commemoration of our history going back thousands of years. We not only remember the past but we listen to the message of the Menorah for the future. We are here today in 2022 in Jackson New Jersey still lighting the Menorah that is a testament to strength of the light and the strength of being able to pass on the torch from generation to generation.
“We live in a country and a town that not only allows us to practice our faith but it encourages us and helps us and we are very grateful for that, Rabbi Naparstek added. He recalled how the ceremony first started in Jackson 18 years ago when Honey
Greenberg and Linda Selznick of Bat Shalom Hadassah joined with Chabad’s Rabbi Carlebach to begin a new tradition: a Menorah lighting in back of Jackson’s municipal complex building.
Chabad supplied the Menorah while the chapter and various local Yiddish cultural clubs provided refreshments.
Three years ago, the Menorah lighting occurred on December 23 because Hanukkah came late on the secular calendar, although it always starts on 25 Kislev in the Hebrew calendar. This year the holiday started on December 18.
While there was concern in 2019 that the cold and possible snow might interfere with the ceremony attendees instead found themselves with weather in the balmy upper 40s as Rabbi Carlebach once again lit the Menorah in front of a large group of guests.
That year sadly marked the first time that neither of the two founders of the event (Honey and Linda) were present. Linda had moved away and Honey, having moved because of her health, had died the previous week.
Ellen Keller, the president of Bat Shalom Hadassah, dedicated the Menorah lighting in Greenberg’s memory and in honor of Selznick. Shelley Flaherty facilitated the event that year.
Among those present were Jackson Mayor Michael Reina, Council President Martin Flemming, Councilmen Nino Borrelli and Steven Chisholm, 12th District Assemblyman and former Jackson Councilman Alex Sauickie, Councilman-elect Scott Sargent
and Township Business Administrator Terence Wall.
As in years past, those present enjoyed jelly donuts and apple juice. Naperstek led the group in song and also got the crowd to clap in joy as he briefly danced with one of his children.
“This has really been a collaborative event with all members of the community coming together,” Rabbi Naparstek said.
Rabbi David Amar, the spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavat Olam, Howell Township, also spoke, thanking all those responsible for putting together the event
all these years. “We always celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah and the miracle is great. The miracle of the oil and winning the war over the Syrian Greeks and the eight days of Hanukkah that commemorate the miracles - but one thing we need to remember is that everyone looked for the oil. It was a community effort and when the people came to clean and clear the temple it was everyone - the whole entire community - came around to purify the temple to make it ready to light the Menorah.
“Everyone comes together to share a light,” Rabbi Amar added.
the show. This year we started building the new additions in July and I started working on the music in August. It takes a lot of work to put it all together but this year’s show has come out as our best yet. We love watching the viewers sing with the music and seeing the kids’ faces light up when they see the show,” Michael Cook said.
have been made to the show in the last two years. “We have transitioned to a mostly pixel show and only have about 3,400 standard LED string lights. The show now consists of almost 8,000 pixels, including the matrix, four singing faces, seven arches, multiple mini-trees and other props.
The experience has run for more than a decade “We are at about 30,000 lights, four singing trees, a 20-foot spiral tree and a 1,008-bulb pixel matrix which we can do imaging with,” Michael said.
He noted that several major changes
Continued From Page 1 (House - See Page 8)
“This year’s show consists of six songs and lasts about 22 minutes. As in past years we went live the Saturday after Thanksgiving and will run through New Year’s night. In order to ‘listen to our lights’ your radio needs to be tuned to FM100.9,” he said. “All the lights are synchronized to music. The free show will run nightly from 6 -10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. We have heard
a bill by former Jackson Councilman Alex Sauickie who recently won election as 12th District Assemblyman, that would “create a state wide farmland preservation formula to determine the amount offered to farmers to preserve their land and for open space purposes.”
“Keeping the garden in the Garden State should be a bi-partisan endeavor. According to the Ocean County website as of January 2020, the Ocean County Agricultural Board with the assistance from the State of New Jersey has preserved 55 farms in Ocean County consisting of 3,357 acres,” Borrelli said.
He noted, “we see examples of this program in our own town with land preserved by Ocean County at Wit’s End Farm at Jackson Hills Road and ING Farms on Whitesville Road. The bill also promotes greater farmland preservation and strives to preserve the hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit of farmers who are an important part of our state.”
Sauickie’s bill (A4729)) creates a new appraisal formula that considers the value of farmland in nearby towns and counties, the importance of preserving farmland in the area, and other relevant factors. The State Agriculture Development Committee would be required to use whatever appraisal process resulted in the higher value as the basis for negotiations with the landowner.
The legislation also updates the appraisal process for determining the value of farmland acquired for preservation. It was recently cleared by an Assembly committee.
“From limiting urban sprawl to providing locally grown produce, preserved farmland benefits communities in so many ways. In order to encourage farmers to participate in the preservation program, New Jersey needs to ensure that farmers are getting a fair deal and purchase offers reflect the true value of their land,” Sauickie said.
His bill is supported by the New Jersey Farm Bureau, North Hanover Township, Jackson Township Council, the Burlington County Agriculture Development Board, and the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey.
New Jersey had approximately 750,000 acres of farmland with 247,400 acres preserved through the Farmland Preservation Program as of September 2022.
Councilman Steven Chisholm brought up his view on recent federal legislation that would protect samesex marriage. “You may have heard about the Respect For Marriage Act.
This particular law does nothing about respecting marriage and unfortunately, they are using scare tactics to rile up certain constituencies. The reality is this may do nothing to enhance any protections or strengthen the laws currently on the books.”
“It may strip other Americans of their religious freedoms and personal freedoms. Your religious rights come from God above and not the government,” Chisholm added.
Late last month the U.S. Senate voted 61-36 to approve the bill concerning marriage equality. It applies to both same-sex and interracial marriage and would require that two people be considered married so long as their marriage was legal in the state in which it was performed.
The act also repeals the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) law that defines marriage as one between a man and a woman, which has remained on the books despite being declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2015.
President Joseph Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law on December 13. The bipartisan legislation passed in the House in a 258-169 vote with 39 Republicans supporting the measure. This marked a shift for Biden who voted in favor of DOMA.
Councilwoman Samara O’Neill reminded residents “to check the local postings. There is a lot of people in need this holiday season. We have the Jackson Food Pantry and other programs that you could contribute to as well.
“To the parents out there please check the school district website that gives notifications and updates relating to mental awareness programs we collaborate with to offer support to our adult and our children within the community,” she added. ”That website includes recent presentations including a monthly webinar series relating to student emotional health.”
Van provided to Lakewood PD
Flemming also explained to a resident who asked about a program by the Jackson Police Department and Lakewood Police Department concerning police vehicles.
“It was an agreement between our chief of police and Lakewood’s chief of police for vehicles we no longer need for our police force and have no service life left. It involves a van not a patrol car. It might have been an impound confiscation. It was 17 years old,” Flemming explained.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J) applauded the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which included several of the senator’s priorities, including the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act. The $857.9 billion FY2023 defense spending bill provides vital funding to support our national security, American’s troops, veterans, and their families.
“Today, I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022, a bipartisan
bill to safeguard our national security and support our service members with the resources they need to implement the National Defense Strategy. I’m glad we were able to come together in a bipartisan way and authorize a 4.6% pay raise, a 2% housing allowance increase, and expanded childcare benefits for our men and women in uniform. These measures will bolster our civilian military workforce, upholding the commitment we owe to those willing to put their lives on the line for our country, both domestically and abroad.
“This critical legislation contains many domestic priorities I have championed during this Congress, including the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act to protect judges on the federal bench and their families
from threats to their safety. It also authorizes funding for several U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in New Jersey as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, including the Rahway River, Sea Bright, Manasquan, Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay, and other small flood control projects in South Jersey counties. And it provides funding for ongoing studies at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl - also known as PFAS chemicals - which have been linked to health complications when found in everyday items and drinking water and which I’ve proudly supported and urged for in previous years.
“With the passage of this legislation, we are also sending several of my priorities as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to the President’s desk for their signature into law. This includes my historic
Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship; my United States-Ecuador Partnership Act to expand our nation’s cooperation with Ecuador; and my Department of State Authorization Act of 2022, which supports and invests in our nation’s diplomats, building on last year’s passage that broke a near 20-year streak of an authorization bill not being passed into law. Most importantly, we uphold our commitment to Ukraine in its fight against the unjust and unprovoked attack by Russia.
“Simply put, the FY2023 NDAA is a big deal for our nation and for New Jerseyans and their families. Supporting our troops, keeping our communities safe and investing in our national security is one the most fundamental obligations we have as Members of Congress. I thank partners from both sides of the aisle for supporting my priorities included in this historic legislation.”
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed S896 w/GR into law, which prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring the completion of the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (“edTPA”) as a condition of eligibility for a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing (“CEAS”) or certificate of eligibility (“CE”). The Legislature unanimously concurred with the Governor’s conditional veto of an earlier version of the legislation that prohibited consideration of any Commissioner of Education approved performance-based assessment as a factor in determining whether to recommend a candidate for a CEAS or CE. The Governor recommended changes necessary to maintain the elimination of the State’s current requirement that educator candidates pass the edTPA test, and instead moved the responsibility for administering a performance-based assessment to the educator preparation programs (“EPP”), which are best-positioned to select or create the most appropriate assessment for their candidates.
“As we face a national teacher shortage, we must work to establish effective and efficient solutions to grow this critical workforce on behalf of New Jersey’s students,” said Governor Murphy. “By eliminating edTPA, we will streamline
a process that has previously acted as a barrier in the transition between sitting in a classroom and leading a classroom. In New Jersey we recognize that teaching is not only a career, but a calling.
I am proud to sign legislation that empowers educator prep programs to appropriately assess their candidates, which will ensure that New Jersey continues to produce the nation’s best educators.”
The legislation signed eliminates the State Board of Education’s ability to require candidates to complete a Commissioner of Education approved performance-based assessment, including the edTPA, as a condition of certification. Rather, under the legislation signed today, CEAS and CE candidates will be required to complete performance-based assessments as part of their EPP, beginning with teaching candidates who complete their EPP in the spring of 2024.
“In the midst of a teacher shortage, we should assist teaching candidates rather than further obstruct their opportunity to teach in a classroom,” said Senator Shirley K Turner. “The edTPA assessment has been a hindrance to the progression of current and prospective educators. It is a costly, unnecessary, and unreliable exam that has complicated the accreditation process for teaching candidates. Eradicating this burdensome assessment is a step in the right direction to make New Jersey a more equitable state.”
“When fighting a national teacher shortage, we must find ways to recruit and hire more, qualified educators quick-
ly,” said Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli. “With this bill, we remove another barrier to teaching for those who want to work with the next generation of students.”
“Recent years have presented our schools with many significant challenges, including a national teacher shortage. Our students deserve the best education possible, and to deliver that we must have a fully staffed teacher workforce,” said Assemblywoman Mila Jasey. “At our meeting of the Joint Committee on the Public Schools addressing the teacher shortage, the EdTPA was repeatedly identified as a contributor to the shortage. I am gratified we are eliminating this expensive test which does nothing to predict classroom success.”
“This is a win for students and educators in New Jersey,” said NJEA President Sean M. Spiller. “EdTPA was an unnecessary Christie-era holdover that was keeping highly qualified educators out of New Jersey classrooms at a time when they are more needed than ever. We are glad that our future educators will now be able to focus their time and energy on developing and practicing the real-world skills that will bring them success in their future classrooms so that our public schools can remain the very best in America.”
“NJPSA applauds Governor Murphy and the State Legislature for recognizing that edTPA is no longer necessary and that the real-world experiences of student teaching serve aspiring teachers more,” said Karen Bingert, Executive Director of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association. “This shift both benefits teaching candidates both financially and professionally empowers
teaching interns to focus on developing their skills in the classroom, working with students, and learning from their mentors.”
“School leaders are grateful for the support of the Governor to place assessment of prospective teachers within their preparation program,” said Dr. Richard G. Bozza, Executive Director of NJ Association of School Administrators. “This action eliminates one hurdle to recruiting and retaining new teachers in New Jersey school districts and integrates candidates’ performance assessment within their preparation programs.”
“At a time when districts across New Jersey are facing an unprecedented teacher shortage, the Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools applauds the Legislature and the Governor’s action to eliminate the edTPA assessment as a requirement for teacher certification,” said NJ Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools Executive Director Jackie Burke. “The removal of this costly and unnecessary burden will allow our schools to attract more candidates into the teaching profession.”
“The New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (NJACTE) applauds the Governor for his signature today on this important bill and his commitment and that of the Senate and Assembly to the teaching profession,” said Stacey Leftwich, President of the New Jersey Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. “As New Jersey continues to combat a growing teacher shortage, this new law will ensure that our members can meet the demand of preparing the teachers of tomorrow.”
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many stories over the years about how our show has brought Christmas spirit to those visiting and watching it.”
He added, “it warms us when we are told that we have become part of someone’s Christmas tradition. All the hard work is worth it when the kids tell us how much
they love the show or give us handmade Christmas cards.”
Another tradition is for Michael Cook to wear his bright orange Santa cap when handing out candy canes and accepting donations for multiple sclerosis. The cap includes the letters MS and it was presented to him by representatives of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Orange is the color for the cause of curing MS.
“My stepson son was diagnosed with juvenile MS at the age of 13. They say that between 5,000-11,000 kids have MS. It is rare that they are diagnosed that young. His first symptom was that he went blind in his left eye. He got the vision back after some treatments,” Michael Cook added.
“The MS Society is the primary driver of research. That is why we picked them to donate to because we don’t
want better treatments which is nice but we want a cure. They are researching that and coming closer and closer to it,” he said.
He told The Jackson Times on December 14, “we are excited and amazed to announce that we have now raised over $50,000 for the National MS Society over the life of our show.”
“The generosity of those visiting our show is truly amazing. Just thinking about what has been donated reaffirms our faith in people,” he said.
Cook said he is still in awe of the donations made. “To us that is unbelievable. At night we come out I go running up and down the road saying hello to everyone and handing out candy canes just the idea that people are willing to donate money to a cause like that because we have a house with a Christmas display is really overwhelming.”
The Christmas couple noted that this concept truly brings the spirit of the holidays home. “We can’t tell how many people stop by and see the house,” Carol Cook said. She once told The Jackson Times that she wished they had a traffic counter.
“We handed out over 6,000 candy canes one year as I was running up and down the road so if that is any indication as to how many people stop by and not everyone takes a candy cane,” Michael Cook added. “We try to be very mindful of the neighbors. When we start rolling a lot of people in the neighborhood come out to watch it which is what it is for and it tends to cause a little bit of a traffic issue. We try to direct traffic to make sure people aren’t blocking driveways.”
More information can be found at facebook.com/cookschristmasnj
JACKSON – Students from Mrs. Kirschenbaum-Perry’s AP Computer Science and Computer Science classes and the Girls Who Code Club at Jackson Memorial High School helped inspire the next generation of students by working with students at Switlik Elementary School to learn a bit
about coding and computer science.
The collaborative activities are part of the district’s Computer Science Education week and participation in “Hour of Code” activities, which emphasize that learning code is fun and interesting and to broaden participation in the field.
OCEAN COUTNY – A free rabies clinics will be held at the Ocean Animal Shelters. Both of their facilities offer free rabies vaccinations available for the public for cats and dogs. By appointment only: Call to schedule today.
Jackson (Northern OCAF) 1st and 3 rd Wednesday of each month: 732-657-8086
Manahawkin (Southern OCAF) 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month: 609-978-0127
Clinics run from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and take a total of 60 appointments per clinic. There is a maximum of four pets per person. Cats and dogs only, kittens need to be at least three pounds for vaccination, puppies
need to be at least 12 weeks of age.
Dogs must be restrained on a proper fitting collar or harness and leash. Cats need to be secured in a carrier.
If your pet has received a prior rabies vaccination, bring in the certificate, or vet records indicating the vaccination, and the vaccine your pet receives will be valid for three years. If you do not have proof of a prior rabies vaccination, or if it is the first time your pet is receiving the vaccination, the shot will be valid for 1 year. Please bring the proof of prior vaccination with you, as they will not be able to look up anything or contact your veterinarian when we are in the middle of the clinic.
JACKSON – The Kiwanis Club of Jackson is an organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of children through service projects and fundraising initiatives. The national Kiwanis
organization supports middle school Builders Clubs, and the Jackson School District is honored to offer this service and leadership-centered organization as an activity to our students.
JACKSON – Two instrumental music students traveled to Absegami High School and auditioned for the Region III Symphonic Band. This is an auditioned ensemble that accepts the best students from Ocean County through the southern portion of the state.
Bloom Swindell and Gracie Sauickie did a wonderful job and received some meaningful feedback. Bloom has been accepted into the ensemble and Gracie was only one point away from being accepted!
Bloom wil be traveling to Rowan University in January to perform with fellow musicians from Region III.
JACKSON – Do you want to make a difference in your community? Become a volunteer firefighter!
Jackson Twp Vol Fire Co #1 Station 55 is looking for hardworking and dedicated individuals to join their volunteer ranks. If you are willing to donate your time and energy and contribute to the greater good, they are ready for you.
Stop by any Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.
at 113 N. New Prospect Road and speak to any member to get started or call 732378-9566.
Membership Requirements: 18 years of age for probationary membership
16 years of age for junior membership You must live within 5-miles of either: Station 55: 113 N. New Prospect Road; or Substation 55-1: 200 Kierych Memorial Drive
TOMS
RIVER– The State Department of Environmental Protection is asking the public for comments on a proposed settlement that would remediate the Ciba-Geigy property into passive open space, an environmental center, and a solar field.
Ciba once manufactured dyes and other chemicals, and was one of the region’s largest employers. They were also dumping waste directly into the water, the ground, and burying drums of toxic chemicals. Many people attribute the area’s cancer cluster to its operation.
The property changed hands several times over its history and is now owned by German company BASF. On December 5, the DEP announced a settlement with BASF that would preserve 1,000 acres as open space.
Additionally, hundreds of acres would be restored through “a variety of ecological improvement projects.” This includes the creation of a freshwater wetlands complex, upland grasslands, and a pollinator habitat.
There would be walking and running trails, a boardwalk, and an environmental education center. The project could break ground as soon as spring of 2023 and be open to the public in phases over the next five years.
Of the 1,000 acres to be preserved, approximately 790 acres will be maintained as open space and will include restoration projects for ecological uplift, habitat enhancement, and public access, the DEP said. The remaining 210 acres will be set aside for pollinator habitat and solar energy production.
“Having spent my childhood on the other side of the fence from this polluted site, I know what this settlement will mean to the families and children of those neighborhoods,” said Deputy Commissioner of Environmental Protection Sean D. Moriarty, who oversees the DEP team that developed this settlement. “I am proud to have played a small part in transforming a previously forbidden place into somewhere the community can truly connect with nature and appreciate its immense value to health and wellbeing.”
The DEP’s press release included words of praise about the proposed settlement from DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, Taylor McFarland, Conservation Manager for the Sierra Club, New Jersey Chapter, and Alex Ireland, President and CEO of New Jersey Audubon.
One person who already contributed his comments is Mayor Maurice Hill.
“Preserving 1,000 acres of open space is great news for the residents of Toms River who are all concerned by the impact of overdevelopment on the quality of life in our community,” Hill said. “So long as the
pollution has been successfully remediated, making the site safe for public access, the proposed nature preserve, park, trails, a boardwalk, and environmental center would be a great enhancement for our residents and a potential boom to our tourism industry.
“However, I have three requests of NJDEP and BASF that will be formally made during the public comment period and in letters to Governor Murphy and New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette:
1. Given the devastation that Ciba-Geigy’s cancer cluster wreaked on Toms River families, the proposed environmental center should be required to include an exhibit that comprehensively documents the damage the pollution caused to our environment, the health of our residents, and the negative economic impact on our community. A committee of academics, environmentalists and Toms River residents should be appointed to create and maintain the exhibit. The exhibit should be generously funded by BASF.
2. The remaining 255 acres of the site, or a significant portion thereof, should be deeded to Toms River Township for perpetual preservation, so long as BASF remains responsible for the cost of ongoing remediation.
3. A fund to compensate the victims of the cancer cluster should be set up by BASF and administered by a trustee appointed by the Township.”
Ciba-Geigy opened in 1952 and closed in 1990. It became an EPA Superfund Site in 1983. The settlement with the DEP will not impact the situation with the EPA.
BASF assumed responsibility for the site in 2010 through corporate acquisitions. When BASF acquired Ciba, the property was undergoing remediation efforts such as excavation and capping of contaminated areas and the pumping and treatment of contaminated groundwater, the DEP said.
Comments may be submitted electronically at onrr@dep.nj.gov. Comments will be accepted until February 3.
There is a way to comment on the settlement on the DEP’s site as well. The proposed settlement agreement between BASF and the DEP can be found here: nj.gov/dep/nrr/settlements/index.html
For more information on the EPA’s remediation process, visit cumulis.epa.gov/ supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.cleanup&id=0200078#Status
For information from the EPA on site background and cleanup progress, visit cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/ index.cfm?fuseaction=second.cleanup&id=0200
FREEHOLD – A Little Egg Harbor man has been arrested in connection with a fatal car crash that happened in July, resulting in the death of a mother and her child, authorities said.
Thomas F. Polson, 53, was arrested on two counts of second-degree Vehicular Homicide, one count of third-degree Hindering Apprehension, two counts of fourth-degree Assault by Auto and one count of fourth-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
The three-crash occurred on July 14 around 5 p.m. in the area of Siloam Road and Old Turkey Swamp Road in Freehold Township. According to police, Polson’s pickup truck left the southbound lane of Siloam Road and hit an SUV before colliding head-on with a minivan immediately thereafter.
The minivan was driven by Denise James, 42, of Ocean Township (Ocean County), who was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police said her 3-year-old child was transported via medical helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where
she later succumbed to her injuries. The other two children, ages 9 and 13, were also taken to Jersey Shore for treatment and were later released, police said.
Authorities later discovered that Polson has been driving while under the influence of drugs.
Polson is lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI) pending a first appearance and detention hearing. He faces up to 10 years in state prison, requiring him to serve 85 percent of the sentence.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has any information about it is asked to contact MCPO Detective Nicolas Logothetis at 800-533-7443 or Freehold Township Police Department Patrolman Justin Nunno at 732-2945139.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
WALL – Two Toms River men were killed Sunday afternoon after a Jeep hit a stopped SUV on the northbound Garden State Parkway in Wall, the New Jersey State Police said.
Around 1:30 p.m., Jerome Digiovanni, 75, and Ronald Devingo, 57, were standing by their SUV, a Chevrolet Equinox, near milepost 97.7 when Devingo and the car were struck, police said. As a result, both men suffered fatal injuries.
According to police, the SUV was stopped partially in the right lane and partially in the shoulder.
The driver of the Jeep, 24-year-old Christopher Mulholland of Belmar, sustained minor injuries, police said.
At this time, police are unsure why the SUV was stopped. The crash is currently under investigation. The two right lanes of the Parkway in Wall were closed for over two hours after this crash.
OCEAN COUNTY – All Ocean County Library branches and reading centers will be closed, December 24, December 25, and December 26.
Normal operating hours will resume December 27.
All OCL branches and reading centers will be open during normal operating hours December 31. They will be closed January 1 and January 2. Normal op -
erating hours will resume January 3. For patron convenience, book drops will be accessible at all branches and reading centers.
Patrons are welcome to use the Library’s online resources, databases, eBooks, eMagazines, video and audio streams and digital classes. They are available continuously at theoceancountylibrary.org.
Ear Cleaning Cold weather can harden earwax, causing discomfort and muffled hearing. Come visit us and we will use Otoscopy to determine if you have impacted wax and what the next steps are to remove it. As a general rule, if you’re already wearing hearing aids, this alone will increase the production of ear wax which can in turn effect the performance of the hearing instruments.
Hearing Aid Tune-Ups and Extra Batteries Winter is a tough season for your hearing aids. Low temperatures affect the functionality of nearly all personal electronics and drain batteries quickly. Changes in temperature create condensation, which can cause problems. Bring your aids in for a tune-up and inspection. We can ensure they are in great shape and send you home with an optional dehumidifier to store them in, along with extra batteries. If your currently wearing rechargeable hearing aid battery systems, in many cases we can check the integrity of the rechargeable battery.
New Tech Once your devices are more than four years old, we’ll need to make sure they’re still meeting your needs. From Bluetooth to telehealth compatibility, we can offer the perfect option to customize your hearing experience and filter out the annoying background noise that comes with busy shopping centers and family gatherings. If you’re due for
an upgrade, we can fit you with the latest model to keep you hearing everything you want and nothing you don’t. Many of the new hearing aid technologies utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and/or deep neural networking to maximize your ability to hearing particularly in noisy places.
Warranty Expiration Depending on when you purchased your hearing aids, your warranty may be expiring soon. We can help you maximize and protect your investment by cleaning, checking, and performing selected repairs while the devices remain under warranty. Please keep in mind that if your hearing instruments break down and are “out of warranty” the typical repair cost is $350-$400.00.
Ear Infections - Flu and cold season is upon us! Any upper respiratory virus has the potential to cause a middle ear infection, which can lead to hearing loss if left untreated. If you come down with an earache, ear pain, and/or your ears feel “blocked”, please make an appointment with us so we can help determine the root cause of these issues.
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 732-8183610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-9788946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www. gardenstatehearing.com.
While the geranium flower produces a beautiful bloom and is one of my mother’s personal favorites, the oil of this plant contains properties that we can benefit from in a variety of ways, both inside and out. Today I’m going to share with you several of the incredible benefits of Geranium Essential Oil (herein after GEO for brevity’s sake) whose health benefits have been used for centuries.
GEO is a wonderful oil and its health benefits which assist in the various bodily systems. The leaves, stem and petals of this plant are all used to produce the oil. It is commonly used to make fragrances, but that is only the beginning of the many uses of this incredible oil. You can buy essential oil of geranium and diffuse it in your home if you like it. The reason it has that bold but notable scent is because of the principal constituent called “geraniol.”
Here are the top 7 medicinal benefits of geranium oil:
1. Reproductive Health. The medicinal benefits are hard to overlook. This essential oil is also thought to help balance the system of the body responsible for regulating hormones and fertility, which might be helpful for those looking to conceive. It is an also anti-inflammatory oil and can help women with pain from menstrual cramps and PMS. Inhale the aroma, do not consume it.
2. Mind and Mood. GEO is a great option if you’re looking for something that produces an instantly calming atmosphere. It
it thought to offer a sense of peace when in emotional crisis, and can help one feel more grounded.
3. Skin Problems. People sometimes use this daily by putting a drop of it into their favorite moisturizer or cleanser, and then applying to the skin. This will help dry skin, clogged pores, acne, eczema, dermatitis and other blemishes. That’s because GEO contains strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that make it great for skin health.
Briefly, here is a list of some other things that respond to GEO that you should know about. Please only apply topically and combine the GEO into a carrier oil, or the treatment you already use (for example, a drop in the Preparation H, or a drop in the lice shampoo you have).
4. Head Lice
5. Hemorrhoids
6. Minor burns
7. Neuropathy (nerve pain)
You can dilute this oil with a carrier oil or add a few drops to a diffuser. You can also just take a whiff of it from straight out of the bottle, or dab it to your palms or the bottom of your feet for relaxation. Do NOT ingest or consume geranium oil internally. It is only intended for topical use, or via diffuser/aromatizer.
The list of how many things this oil can be used for is astonishing! If you’d like to learn more about geranium oil, or other essential oils I have more comprehensive articles at my website suzycohen.com.
NEPTUNE – Fulfill, a leader in alleviating hunger and building food security in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, announced a new slate of executive officers for its Board of Trustees and welcomed a new Board member.
“We are happy to welcome our new officers and a new trustee to our board,” said Triada Stampas, president and CEO. “We are fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate board of trustees who give of themselves, working tirelessly to provide access for area residents to enough nutritious food to help them maintain active and healthy lives.”
Returning to her role as board chair is Lauren Holman. Holman is a partner at Holman Frenia Allison, where she serves as practice leader of the not-for-profit audit and attestation division. She also has a wealth of experience with school boards and fire districts.
Aaron Levine has been named as board vice chair. Levine is the CEO and founder of The LG Insurance Agency, a boutique, full-service insurance agency located in Long Branch.
The agency provides local and regional expertise for personal, business, and various specialty insurance needs.
Assuming the position of treasurer is Joseph Stroffolino, III. Stroffolino is the director of advertising and marketing for the Causeway Family of Dealerships and Causeway CARes. In addition to Fulfill, he also serves on the boards of Family Promise of Southern Ocean County and Ocean Partnership for Children.
Janelle Griffith is board secretary and a senior vice president and North American logistics leader with Marsh McLennan, the world’s largest risk advisory company and insurance brokerage firm.
Joining as new board member is Charles Woolston. Woolston is the founder of Woolston Consulting Group, LLC, a regional certified public accounting and consulting firm in Shrewsbury. With over 40 years in the accounting profession, Woolston has a broad range of knowledge and experience with individuals, corporations, partnerships and businesses of varying sizes, structures and industries.
NEW JERSEY – Drug-related deaths are on the rise among older adults in the United States, and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is raising awareness about the dangers associated with prescription opioids among this vulnerable population.
Deaths from drug overdoses among seniors have more than tripled in the past two decades, according to the CDC. Between 2000 and 2020, the rates rose from 2.4 to 8.8 deaths per 100,000 people among adults 65 and older. The data also found that fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are affecting this population with death rates from these drugs increasing by 53 percent from 2019 to 2020.
“The senior population may not have been in the spotlight when it comes to drug overdoses and substance use or misuse, but we realize no one is immune when it comes to opioids,” said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “Seniors are just as vulnerable, and we must take measures to educate older adults and their caregivers about the dan-
gers that come with prescription opioids.”
For 2023, PDFNJ will continue to educate New Jersey residents with its Knock Out Opioid Abuse Day Learning Series and will feature a webinar focusing on the risks the older population faces concerning prescription opioids and measures that can be taken to protect seniors who may be more susceptible to drug misuse.
PDFNJ also continues to offer its Prescriber Education Webinar, “Do No Harm: Exploring Strategies for Safer Prescribing of Opioids,” which fulfills the New Jersey one-hour continuing education requirement concerning prescription opioids. It provides information vital to promoting safer prescribing practices to keep patients safe from opioid use and misuse.
“To combat the opioid epidemic and keep New Jersey residents safe, it is crucial that we raise awareness of the dangers of prescription opioids among older adults, their families and caregivers,” said Valente. “We also must continue to educate prescribers and medical professionals on safer prescribing practices.”
Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.
On August 30, 2022, the Superior Court of New Jersey entered an order in favor of the Toms River Planning Board’s decision to approve refurbishment of an existing motel, into a new and updated hotel to be located just off of Rt. 37 in Toms River. The applicant, who was represented by the law firm of R.C. Shea and Associates, sought approval to develop a modern hotel which would cater to the business traveler guest. The application for development was opposed by a rival business entity, who owned various other hotels within the town.
Despite having ample time to prepare, the objecting party appeared before the Planning Board without any expert witnesses and attempted to seek an adjournment of the application. The Board denied this request and took testimony from the applicant’s experts. The experts were also questioned by the objecting party, as well as members of the public, after which, the
Board voted to approve the application. The objecting party brought suit in Superior Court against the applicant and the Planning Board, alleging among other things, that the hearing was never opened to public comment, and that the Board was obligated to grant his adjournment request. At the trial R.C. Shea and Associates, on behalf of the applicant, successfully argued against each of the objecting party’s claims. In entering a decision for the applicant, the Court found that the Board complied with all of the required procedures, and that the objecting competitor was not entitled to a further delay of the hearing. Furthermore, the Court found that the applicant had satisfied all required proofs to warrant a grant of the application.
If you are seeking approval for a development application, please give the Attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates a call for a consultation.
• Turn right onto Church Road
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 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 2 nd 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.
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)
Senior veteran - looking for room to rent. 609-389-4906. (2)
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)
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)
Main bath vanity top cultured marble w/ oval bowl 50"L x 22"D inclu backsplash excellent condition, $375 OBO, call (732) 929-3475, Lv Msg. (2)
$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$
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)
Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM Records. - R&B, doo wop, soul, early rock & roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call between 8AM and 8PM 909-938-4623. (3)
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)
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
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)
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)
MONEY? - Looking for responsible person that wants to
to retail
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)
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)
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)
3. 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 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word =
While there are several common species of mice in New Jersey, the most common would be the small grey or brown mouse, with small eyes and large ears. They are known as the ‘house mouse.’ Both have lighter colored bellies. They prefer to live indoors, but also can live outdoors. They can enter buildings through openings no larger than the size of a dime and are able to climb walls easily. The other mice you might encounter in New Jersey would be the white-footed mouse and the deer mouse (also known as the ‘field mouse’), which typically doesn’t tend to invade homes. All that said, I will focus on the house mouse.
Their breeding occurs all year round and both males and females are ready to mate within the first 50 days of life. The pregnancy is approximately 19 –21 days giving birth to 3 to 14 babies. Since they breed quickly and often, you will want to address this quickly. My advice would be to periodically look for possible entry points around your home, BEFORE YOU NOTICE A PROBLEM, making sure cracks around pipes are sealed, external vents are covered, and
the access to attic space, shed(s) outside, and crawl spaces is not possible. Inside the home check anywhere you have plumbing/electrical coming into the home and seal around the areas.
So how do you know if you have a mouse in your house? Mice are omnivores, eating a variety of foods, preferring grains, seeds, and nuts. One of the most obvious indications that you have a mouse sharing your home is evidence of gnawed foods, droppings on floors, shelves and countertops. You may hear rustling or scratching sounds or even see the rodent.
If you find you have mice, you might wish to contact a pest control company who can handle all aspects of the possible infestation. Catching the problem early is key.
Mice do have their place in the ecosystem as they are food for predators such as fox, raccoons, owls and hawks. A natural balance of wildlife is necessary.
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.
NEW JERSEY – A pair of missing boaters who were lost at sea for over a week have been found safe and were rescued by a nearby vessel off the coast of Delaware, officials said.
Kevin Hyde and Joe Ditomasso along with their dog, departed from Cape May on November 27 embarking on a long journey along the Eastern Seaboard down to Marathon, Florida. However, the trip did not go as smoothly as they hoped.
According to the United States Coast Guard, the two were last in contact with their family and friends on December 3, after departing Oregon Inlet, North Carolina. On December
11, the Coast Guard Fifth District command center were notified that Hyde and Ditomasso’s sailboat was overdue. Information was quickly communicated with other vessels in search of locating the sailors’ boat, the Atrevida II.
The men were found safe about 214 miles of the coast of Delaware after flagging down the tanker vessel, Silver Muna. The Coast Guard stated that Hyde and Ditomasso’s sailboat was de-masted and without fuel or power.
Once brought ashore by the Silver Muna at Station New York, the two received medical assessments and were able to reunite with their family and friends.
JACKSON – Jackson Police and Fire Toy Drive is underway! They are looking to collect unwrapped toys, canned food, and children’s clothing. Look for a drop-off points around town:
• Jackson Township Police Headquarters
• Jackson Township Municipal Building
• Local Business Partners
For more information call 732-928-1111. For a list of local business partners, visit the Jackson Police Facebook Page.
It’s Christmas and that means that Denise and John Curcio of Manahawkin have put on an amazing light display. This one will make Clark Griswold jealous. From all of us at Micromedia Publications, we wish you a very
New Year! If you would like to see your pix here, email them to photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!
HOWELL – The Father Cetkowski Council of the Knights of Columbus (Howell/Jackson) is sponsoring the annual Basketball Free Throw Contest. All boys and girls ages 9 through 14 are invited to participate. This event is free.
The competition will be held on January 15 at St. Veronica Gym located at 4219 Route 9 in Howell. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and the competi -
tion will begin at 1 p.m. Winners of the competition will move onto the district competition.
All contestants on the local level will be recognized for their participation in the event. Participants are required to furnish proof of age (i.e. birth certificate) and written parental consent. For entry forms or more information contact Frank Schear: mrmojo4477@ gmail.com.
TOMS RIVER – Join Quantum Behavioral Health Services every last Wednesday of the month for informative discussions surrounding the role of family in addiction recovery. They will discuss things like boundaries, rebuilding trust, and repairing relationships.
Meetings are in person at their facility and can also be attended via live stream, by visiting qtreatment.com/ family-awareness and clicking the link provided. They take place on the last Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
OCEAN COUNTY – “Don’t hike alone...take your phone!” Introducing the Trail Tracker App to help you pinpoint your location on the trails of Ocean County. Follow the link to download: bit.ly/OceanCountyTrailTracker.
NOTE: This web app was created to
assist park visitors. It is currently in a beta test and may not completely, accurately depict information. To better improve this app and user experience, let Ocean County Parks & Recreation know your feedback here: OCParks@ co.ocean.nj.us.
“Mazes and Monsters” novelist Rona
To be, to Balzac
Perspiration cause by fear of failure
“Is it too risky?”
also chief justice
Vogue alternative
One born under the sign of Cancer
Oomph
Refuse conduit
Dental care brand
Asian New Year
Court-ordered, as a review
Eased up
Born in the wild
“__ Jacques”
Top dog
“SportsCenter” channel
Midterm or final
Crowded into
Elvis’ “__ Dog”
Camera setting that does everything except point and shoot
Best Actor winner for “On the Waterfront”
Hoity-toity sort
Lucky wristband
Autumn shade
Children’s author Blyton
Confined to one’s residence ... or, as the circles show, a description of four puzzle answers
Gross less deductions
“Don’t cheer yet!”
Live and breathe
Sun, for one
“500” initials on Wall Street
Repressed, with “in”
Harvests
It’s eight in Madrid
“Order up!” shouter
Italian sauce with pine nuts
Word before race or trap
Parts of Western landscapes
Culturally pretentious
Get in shape
Pancake maker’s need
Metz man
Quite overweight
Fully aware of, as a scheme
Lofty verses
Post-WWII pres.
mover
ARIES (March 21-April 19): An attitude of working together for the common good helps everyone get their projects completed. During the first half of the upcoming week, feel free to ask for assistance. Pay attention to timely advice.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Being impartial allows you to be a fair referee. By being fair and friendly, you can smooth over a situation between opposing factions to everyone’s benefit. Making money could be a priority in the beginning of the week.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the week ahead, you may learn that there is no clear-cut winner if discord doesn’t end on a win-win. Although you might win a debate, you could lose by alienating someone. Avoid polarizing situations that could hurt others.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Practice can never make you perfect but absolutely makes you better. Want to improve your performance? Work at it. In the week ahead, a partner or loved one might inspire you to stretch your muscles or test new techniques.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Highlight the positive and embrace windfalls and miracles. Being an optimist will attract opportunities and make you more appealing to others in the week ahead. Make a conscious effort to give thanks for all the good things.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Outward appearances could be deceiving. In the upcoming week, you should dig deeply into information to reveal the facts before you make a commitment. Do extra homework before taking on any new projects.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may have plenty of social activities on your calendar as the week unfolds. A minor misunderstanding with a loved one could be triggered by doubts in your own mind. Self-care will help you keep things proportionate.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Everyone loves being right, but you learn more by being open. When you embrace constructive criticism, it can lead you into leveling up. In the week to come, welcome someone’s helpful insights.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t play favorites. Find a solution that will offer advantages and benefits to everyone equally. Your generosity and optimism could be admired in the week ahead but beware of extravagant expenditures.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Party like its 1999; your social life could be more active than usual. Balance it with enough self-pampering. Achieving your ambitions may seem all important today but as the week unfolds you might wish you could slow down.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You can get there sooner by taking a good shortcut. Don’t wipe yourself out when it’s possible to achieve your goals with less effort. In the upcoming week, enjoy more free time to hand out and enjoy others.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep energies in balance. It can be easier to receive buy-in and support when you also find ways to be generous and make compromises yourself. In the week ahead, it could be easy to display the power of your convictions.
Egg creams are a beverage steeped in history and mystery. An iconic New York City drink, egg creams reached peak popularity in the early 1900s, particularly in Brooklyn and the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where soda fountains and candy shops dotted the streets, serving sodas, sundaes, and, of course, egg creams.
The origin of the name “egg cream” is murkier than its timeline. Some say it was inspired by the foam at the top of the drink, which looks like whipped egg whites. Others claim that a man who had recently returned from France, where he enjoyed a drink called “chocolat et creme,” ordered one at a New York soda fountain. He explained the recipe to the soda jerk working behind the counter, who misheard the name of the drink as “chocolate egg cream.”
Another possibility? Around the turn of the 20th century, many soda fountain drinks featured eggs or egg whites. It’s possible that the original egg cream did contain eggs, but they were removed during the Great Depression to make the drink more affordable. As egg creams were popular among the large Jewish American populations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, some believe that “egg cream” is an Americanization of “echt keem,” Yiddish for “pure sweetness.”
The true story is lost to time, but this historic beverage isn’t. And you don’t have to travel to New York to have one -- you can make it right in your own kitchen!
Chocolate egg creams are classic, but New Yorkers also enjoy a vanilla version, traditionally made with Fox’s U-Bet Vanilla Syrup, or a “black and white,” made with both chocolate AND vanilla syrups.
Serves 1
Notes: Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup is traditionally used in New York egg creams, but you can substitute other brands of chocolate syrup. Do not use low-fat orskim milk in this recipe. For a salty-sweet combination, chocolate egg creams are sometimes served with a pretzel rod, especiallyin Brooklyn, NewYork.
2 tablespoons chocolate syrup 1/3 cup cold whole milk
2/3 cup cold plain seltzer
1 pretzel rod (optional)
1. Add chocolate syrup to glass. Pour milk on top. Use a long spoon to stir until well combined.
2. Pour in cold seltzer. Working quickly, stir mixture hard until well combined and thick layer of foam forms on top, about 30 seconds. Serve immediately with straw (if using) and pretzel rod (if using).
(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
