2022-12-31 - The Brick Times

Wreaths Placed To Remember Veterans This Holiday Season

By Alyssa Riccardi and Chris Lundy

JERSEY SHORE – Several organizations throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties came out to lay wreaths on graves of those who might have been forgotten during the holiday season.

Wreaths Across America’s mission is to “Remember, Honor and Teach.”

Throughout the year, the organization works in multiple ways to show veterans and their families that the community will “never forget.”

This year, more than 35,000 locations across the country participated in this annual event. The remembrance wreaths are laid in memory of those who have served and are serving in the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines.

In Brick Township, the Brick Historic Preservation Commission hosted two ceremonies on

(Wreaths - See Page 4)

Netflix To Turn Former Army Base Into Studio

By Alyssa Riccardi MONMOUTH

COUNTY – Netflix is officially coming to New Jersey, as it recently announced its plan after purchasing Fort Monmouth.

The entertainment company will develop a state-of-the-art east coast production facility on the de -

cade-long vacant site.

According to a Governor Phil Murphy, the project will create more than 1,500 permanent production jobs and more than 3,500 construction-related jobs in New Jersey.

“This transformative investment will serve as a cornerstone in

our efforts to create a thriving industry from whole cloth,” Governor Murphy said. “As a result of nearly a billion dollars in film production spending, New Jersey will further solidify its status as an emerging national leader in the television and film indus -

tries. Additionally, Netflix’s substantial direct investment will stimulate job creation and spark an entirely new ecosystem of housing, hotels, and ancillary businesses and services, bringing with it countless additional jobs and boosting the regional economy.”

The project will be completed in two phases over the course of several years. Phase one will consist of building 12 soundstages adjacent to Route 35 in Eatontown and Oceanport. They will range in size from 15,000 square feet to 40,000

(Netflix - See Page 7)

Road Departments Ready For Winter

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK - The Department of Public Works (DPW) is ready for snow and ice with some 1,200 tons of road salt on hand at their two salt houses at the Ridge Road facility.

Steve Krakovsky rose through the ranks before being named the new department head a year ago after the retirement of Ken Mathis.

“We’re ready - we’ve

got the plows mounted and the salters all ready to go,” he said from his office just before the predicted Christmas storm.

While no snow was expected in Brick, rain was, and Krakovsky said as soon as the rain stopped the department would spread the salt/ brine mixture on all township roads since the rain would just wash it away.

Ramada To Become Office Building

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – A large hotel that closed recently will find new life as an office building.

The Ramada Hotel by Wyndham of Toms River closed a few months ago. The street address is 2373 Route 9, and it’s close to Route 70 and the Lakewood border. This area alone would make it a strong contender for businesses looking to relocate; additionally it’s not far

from the Garden State Parkway.

Steven Vegh, president of Westwood Realty Associates, announced the sale on the professional social media site LinkedIn. The purchase price was $22,350,000.

He said the hotel will be converted into 104 high-end office suites but the 13,000-squarefoot ballroom will remain. A future restaurant on site is (Ramada - See Page 7)

-Photo courtesy Brick Township Brick Historic Preservation Commission hosted two ceremonies, honoring veterans at Gravelly Graveyard and Osbornville Protestant Church.

─Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn Salt is being loaded into a dump truck in preparation for salting the roads.

Wreaths:

December 17: One at Gravelly Graveyard and the second at Osbornville Protestant Church.

This year was the 5th Wreaths Across America Ceremony held at Gravelly Graveyard, which holds a total of 11 veteran graves. Present were Mayor John Ducey, Council President Vince Minichino, Council Vice-President Lisa Crate, Councilwoman Heather deJong, Councilman Perry Albanese and Councilman Derrick Ambrosino, along with about 25 people to help lay the wreaths.

Over at Osbornville Protestant Church about 35 to 40 people were present, including several town council members, to honor the 60 plus veterans that are buried at the cemetery.

“During each ceremony, we remind the volunteers that we are not there to ‘decorate graves.’ We are there to remember the fallen – not their deaths but their lives,” said Christine Schiess, Chairperson for the Brick Township Historic Preservation Commission. “We encourage every volunteer who places a wreath on a veteran’s grave to say the veteran’s name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country.”

In Howell Township, the Howell Heritage and Historical Society yet again hosted a ceremony at Cedar Lawn Cemetery, also known as Southard Cemetery. The cemetery holds 120 veterans, who were all honored this year my locals and

volunteers.

The ceremony included local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts who held the Presentation of Colors as well as helped lay wreaths on the graves. Ceremonies were also held at Farmingdale Evergreen Cemetery, Ardena Baptist Cemetery, and Adelphia Cemetery.

In Lacey, approximately 500 wreaths were placed at Good Luck Cemetery, Committeewoman Peggy Sue Juliano said.

“This was a vision borne by the Iapicco family and with help from the Historical Society - they made it happen,” she said. She thanked the volunteers on behalf of the rest of the Township Committee.

“I was honored to speak on behalf of my fellow governing body members but it is truly a thank you to the people of our community. I have watched as our citizens come together for those in need; no matter the circumstances, you always step up to the plate. We are a community of patriotism and compassion, and in today’s world, both are vital to keep on the forefront for all generations to come,” she said on social media. “The two words, thanks and giving, go hand in hand when I think of the men and women who served our country every day and to those that made the ultimate sacrifice. ‘Thank you’ to our active-duty military service members, abroad and at home, for always being, ready, willing and able to serve our country.”

Other towns who also hosted ceremonies with Wreaths Across America included Toms River, Berkeley, and Point Pleasant.

Photo courtesy Brick Township Present at the ceremony was Mayor John Ducey along with several council members.

Roads are plowed when there is four inches of snow. The DPW has 39 plowing vehicles in-house, which range from pickup trucks to dump trucks and rear-loader garbage trucks. 13 of the plows have salters, which would all be deployed after the rain stopped, he said.

The township also uses six outside vendors, each of which have multiple plowing vehicles, bringing the total to 55 snow plows. None of the contractors are used for salting the roads, which is handled entirely by township vehicles, Krakovsky said. It takes about seven hours to salt all the township roads.

It doesn’t snow as frequently as it once did, he said. During his two-and-a-half year tenure as department head, Mathis didn’t have one snowstorm, Krakovsky said.

“He left, and then the very next day it was my turn, I got a snowstorm,” he said.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, total snowfall has decreased in many parts of the country, which could be attributed to climate change. More winter precipitation is falling in the form of rain instead of snow.

Last year a snowstorm left 16 inches of the white stuff on the township roads. Krakovsky said they only plowed once but salted several times, averaging about five times a year.

“If we’re getting a big storm and we know we’re getting a lot of snow, at least a four inch accumulation, we salt prior to the storm because it helps to unlock the snow from the road when we do have to plow,” he said.

Before a big storm, Krakovsky said they split their workforce in half so there are two shifts for plowing. “I have just enough trucks for every man,” he said.

The township is divided into 53 plow routes, said Road Department supervisor TJ Ventorino. Each driver is assigned one of the routes, which shows every street and the emergency roads that have to be plowed first, which are usually the main township roads in the neighborhoods. (The DPW does not plow county and state roads).

If there is four inches of snow, it takes about 15 hours to clear the roads, he said. A foot of snow could take 24 hours, and that is using all township and outside vendor trucks.

Every driver has a DPW-issued GPS device, so Ventorino said they can see which streets have been plowed. If a truck goes down for a mechanical issue, they can send nearby trucks to finish the route, he said.

Before each plowing or salting shift, Ventorino said the department puts safety first and stresses the importance of their jobs to the drivers.

“Your family and friends are out there too,” Ventorino says. “This can prevent them from having an accident.”

─Photos by Judy Smestad-Nunn (Top): The township vehicles stand ready for plowing. (Bottom): Brick’s salt houses have 1,200 tons of salt on hand.

S potlight o n g overnment

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

2022 Congressional App Challenge Winners Announced

From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith

FREEHOLD – Communications High School students Kristin Gallagher, Nicholas Martino and Zaina Saif were announced the winners of the 2022 Congressional App Challenge hosted by Rep.

Chris Smith for the Fourth District of New Jersey.

“Congratulations to Kristin, Nicholas and Zaina for their incredible ingenuity and dedicated teamwork to develop this year’s winning app,” said Rep. Smith, who hosts the annual contest for students to showcase their software app-developing skills as part of a nationwide competition administered by Members of Congress.

Dubbed “New 2 U,” the innovative app

provides users with a simple way to donate children’s clothes and toys to families in need in the community.

“It is inspiring to see these talented high school students put their minds together and share their gifts to help those who are less fortunate,” Smith said.

The winning team was selected by a panel of judges that evaluated a total of nine apps submitted by 17 students from several high schools across the Fourth Congressional District.

Established in 2014, the CAC has become the largest student computer science com-

petition in the world. The challenge was created to foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills among students and emphasize the importance of these skills for the future, especially in areas of the U.S. economy like cybersecurity and intellectual property.

Middle and high school students from the Fourth Congressional District interested in participating in next year’s contest may contact Congressman Smith’s Freehold office at 732-780-3035 and visit congressionalappchallenge.us for more information.

Gun Safety Bill Strengthens Concealed Carry Laws In NJ

From The Desk Of The Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed A4769/S3214, strengthening restrictions for who is eligible for a public carry permit, and establishing a list of places where people with carry permits cannot bring their firearms.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the N.Y. State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen case that it is impermissible to require applicants in New York to show “proper cause” to carry a handgun in public, which had the effect of invalidating New Jersey’s longstanding laws restricting public carry to those who could demonstrate a “justifiable need.” Less than 24 hours later, Governor Murphy unveiled a comprehensive proposal that, consistent with Bruen, would strengthen the statutory disqualifiers for those eligible for a carry permit, while significantly expanding the list of sensitive places where individuals cannot carry firearms.

“(The) bill signing is the culmination of

months of negotiations between this Administration and our partners in the Legislature, delivering on the promise I made this summer to keep New Jersey safe in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s awful decision,” said Governor Murphy. “While I strongly disagree with that decision, we must abide by it, and (this) law fully respects the Second Amendment while keeping guns out of the wrong hands and preventing them from proliferating in our communities. I am proud to sign this commonsense legislation which prohibits carrying guns in sensitive places, including our daycares, hospitals, libraries, and stadiums.”

Under the law, the list of sensitive places where concealed carry is not permissible includes the following three categories (a complete list is included in the law):

High-density locations

• Entertainment venues, including stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, casinos, racetracks, and publicly owned libraries and museums

• Youth sporting events and other recreational facilities, such as public parks, beaches, and playground

• Bars, restaurants where alcohol is served,

and any other locations that serve alcohol for on-premises consumption

• Airports and public transportation hubs

Locations with vulnerable populations

• Schools, colleges, and universities

• Daycare and child-care facilities

• Hospitals and health care facilities

• Long-term care facilities and nursing homes

• Correctional facilities, juvenile justice facilities, and halfway houses

• Homeless shelters

Locations with governmental and First Amendment activity

• Polling places

• Courthouses

• Law enforcement stations and offices

• Government buildings and locations with government meetings

• Demonstrations, protests, and licensed public gatherings

In addition to these three categories, this bill sets a default rule that firearms cannot be carried on private property, including homes, businesses, stores, and houses of worship, unless the property owner expressly communicates permission through express consent or specific signage. The only exceptions to these rules are for law enforcement officers or private security guards.

“New Jersey continues to lead the nation in combatting gun violence and demonstrating how commonsense gun laws help keep residents and law enforcement safe,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The legislation signed into law today, strengthens our efforts to keep communities safe by keeping firearms out of the wrong hands and away from sensitive locations, such as where children learn and play.

I thank Governor Murphy for taking another strong step forward for gun safety in the wake of recent mass shootings across the country and gun violence here at home. We remain steadfast in protecting New Jerseyans from the epidemic of gun violence while respecting Second Amendment rights.”

In addition to the expanded list of sensitive places, the bill will strengthen permit require-

ments by expanding ineligibility for a carry permit to the following groups:

• Persons with an outstanding arrest warrant for an indictable offense;

• Persons subject to certain restraining orders, including persons who have violated either a temporary or a final restraining order;

• Persons subject to restraining orders in other jurisdictions;

• Persons subject to voluntary admissions to mental institutions or hospitals.

The bill also makes for a more vigorous carry permit application process. Applicants must now include four endorsements of character from non-related persons. Upon submission of their application, applicants and their endorsers must now be interviewed by law enforcement to determine whether the applicant is likely to engage in conduct that would result in harm to themselves or others.

Additionally, New Jersey will become the first state in the nation to require all permit carriers to maintain and provide proof of liability insurance with coverage for at least $300,000 on account of injury, death, or damage to property arising out of ownership, maintenance, operation, or use of a firearm.

The bill also increases the handgun permit application fee to $25 from the $2 mark, where it has sat since 1966.

“Since the US Supreme Court ruling making concealed carry of guns easier, over 300,000 New Jerseyans have reportedly applied for a permit - compared to only about 500 per year granted previously. This will lead to a Wild West scenario of massive gun proliferation. Already there are many examples of states that allow more concealed carry killing innocents, including children,” said the Rev. Robert Moore, Executive Director of the Coalition for Peace Action, of which Ceasefire NJ is a Project. “Through our Ceasefire NJ Project, we were proud to have worked hard advocating for the bill being signed today, including enabling nearly 600 NJ citizens to contact their state legislators in support. The common sense restrictions in it will make our state safer from the US epidemic of gun violence.”

Ramada:

Continued From Page 1

advertised.

“Proud to have sourced the deal with a seller that promised he would never sell,” he said.

The Ramada had proudly advertised their Versailles Ballroom to visitors. The hotel was formerly operated by

Netflix:

Hotels Unlimited.

Westwood Realty Associates is headquartered in New York and most of its purchases have been in New York City. In 2021, there were five projects in Lakewood listed: the sale of a 20,000-square-foot shopping center for $7 million; a 4,000-squarefoot triple net building (where the tenant agrees to pay all expenses) for $950,000; a 50,000-square-foot

office conversion for $5 million; another office conversion of the same size, financed for $8.9 million; and a 20,000-square-foot retail center financed for $5.25 million.

Hotels Unlimited currently owns the following locations: Days Hotel in Toms River, Sheraton in Eatontown, Hilton Garden Inn in Lakewood, Doubletree by Hilton in Tinton Falls, Radisson in Freehold, Days Inn in

East Windsor, Holiday Inn in East Windsor, and Holiday Inn Expresses in Neptune, West Long Branch and Woodbridge.

Vegh did not return an attempt to contact him for this article.

square feet - each with a minimum total buildout of 180,000 square feet and a maximum buildout of 480,000 square feet.

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) voted to authorize Netflix’s plan when it met on December 21. The deal now enters a due diligence period and local approvals process before being finalized.

Netflix will pay $55 million for the parcel, including a utility contribution of $5 million and the FMERA office relocation fee of $3 million, per the terms of the Request for Offers to Purchase.

“When the Fort shut down, jobs disappeared, families moved away, and an empty, barren, Fort Monmouth served as a constant reminder of what we had lost,” Oceanport Mayor Jay Coffey said. “Netflix’s arrival allows for an incredibly advantageous and creative re-use of this property and will serve to restore a great deal of economic vitality and social energy to Oceanport and Monmouth County at large.”

Project Safe Lock

BRICK – The Brick Township Police Department has a program called “Project Safe Lock.” This program will allow quick access to a residence when time is of the essence, such as a medical emergency where the doors are locked and the patient is unable to get to the door. It is a voluntary program and certain restrictions as to who can obtain a lock box under this program may apply. Police issue the lock boxes on a case-by-case basis, measuring factors such as living arrangements, age, physical conditions and medical status. This program is free to Brick Township residents.

Those interested in the program can obtain an application form on the Brick Police website under “forms,” or by responding to the Community Policing Office at the Brick Township Police Department during regular business hours. For more information, you may call the Community Policing Unit at 732-262-1158.

ommunity n ew

Annual Menorah Lighting

–Photo courtesy Brick Township BRICK – Brick Township’s Annual Menorah Lighting was held on December 19. Rabbi Rubin led the ceremony which was attended by Mayor Ducey, Council President Vince Minichino, Council Vice President Lisa Crate, Councilman Perry Albanese and Councilwoman Heather deJong as well as members of the congregation of Temple Beth Or.

Brick Train Show

There will be a train show at the Brick Elks, 2491 Hooper Avenue, Brick. The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders will be set up operating Legacy, TMCC, and Lionchief trains continously on fastrack layouts. They will have club applications and brochures for interested folks. Also joining the show is Joe Mania, JLM Trains, Freehold, who is a Lionel authorized service center who repairs and restores prewar, postwar and modern trains. His repair and restorations work far exceeds anyone in

the NJ area and the club highly recommend his services.

The Railroaders have regular hours in the basement of the Lakewood Historical Museum in Pine Park on Country Club Lane. The club is open to visitors on Tuesday and Friday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Arrangements to visit the club may be done by calling them at 732-363-7799 or by visiting their website (ocsmr.com) for further information.

NIGHT VISION AND ASTIGMATISM

Driving at night is riskier than day time driving for everyone whether or not they have vision problems. For those with astigmatism, however, it is particularly precarious. Astigmatism is the result of a misshapen cornea, the lens that filters light entering the eye. It makes the light appear streaked and blurry and causes a person to squint in order to see. The problem becomes worse at night when pupils dilate to allow more light in. Prescription glasses or contact lenses are the most common way of resolving the problem, but orthokeratology is an alternative option that uses specially shaped contacts worn overnight to reshape the cornea while asleep. These lenses are removed in the morning.

Orthokeratology is similar to orthodontics for your eyes and the treatment is often compared to dental braces. Most ortho-k lenses are worn at night to reshape the front surface of the eye while you sleep. Vision improvements are reversible but can be maintained if you keep wearing the lenses as directed. When you need eye care, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-3495622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week. P.S. Some patients with astigmatism are excellent candidates for LASIK surgery to correct their misshapen cornea and improve their vision.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622 BRICK (732) 477-6981 BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020 www.oceancountyeye.com

BRICK – The Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee partnered with the Brick Township PBA Local #230’s Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive. Mayor Ducey, Council President Vince Minichino, Council Vice-President Lisa Crate and Councilwoman Heather deJong joined

– Photo courtesy Brick Township members of the Student Advisory while they volunteered to wrap the donated gifts. Students spent hours wrapping countless gifts that will be distributed to Brick families to help make their holidays brighter. Thank you to everyone who donated!

Twisted Stitchers Of Ocean County

BRICK – Are you a knitter? Do you want to learn to knit? Join the group to learn or bring your own project. If you are a beginner, knitting needles and yarn will be available. If you are already a knitter, please

join our group to share your expertise with others. The group will meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brick Branch. Next meeting will be on January 4.

Business Brew Networking Breakfast

BRICK – Join the Brick Chamber of Commerce for their monthly Networking Breakfast on January 6 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Sandy’s Café. Make new contacts and grow your

business while enjoying a delicious hot breakfast courtesy of Sandy’s Cafe. Register now to save your spot(s). Cash, card & check accepted! Please call with any questions.

Important Food Services Announcement – Brick Schools

BRICK – You can now apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits. Starting January, all school breakfast and lunch menus

will only be available online. To apply, visit schoolcafe.com. To view digital menus, visit schoolcafe.com/menus.

Harrogate Delivering Best In Care And Services For 35 Years

LAKEWOOD – Harrogate Retirement Community has been delivering best in care and services for 35 years and is proudly celebrating their 35th Anniversary. Over 35 years, Harrogate has been awarded numerous, prestigious, awards and 2023 is starting the year with recent National, State and local recognition.

US News and World Report – has recognized Harrogate’s Health Care Center as one of the Best Nursing Homes in the Country in both Rehabilitation and LongTerm Care. Harrogate has achieved a fivestar rating by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid, a level of care that less than 10% of Nursing Homes in the country achieve. JD Powers – For the 4th year in a row, Life Care Services, a National Senior Living Organization, that has had a relationship with Harrogate’s for 35 years plus, helping to develop and build the community in 1988 and continuing to provide support and expertise, has been recognized by JD Powers

as the number one senior living provider in the country for Customer Satisfaction!

LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware – The professional organization for non – profit providers of senior services is recognizing Harrogate’s Food & Beverage Director, Keenan Masterson, for Excellence in Professional Advancement.

Asbury Park Press Readers – For the fourth year in a row, Harrogate was voted best Retirement Community and Nursing Home in Ocean County

Harrogate Retirement Community is a non-profit organization, conveniently located on the borders of Toms River and Lakewood, Harrogate has been the premiere retirement community in Ocean County. Located on a lush 55-acre campus with well-appointed apartments, social activities, and an emphasis on well-being, it offers the benefit of a Life Care advantage, allowing residents to worry less and live more!

Morning Rotary Weekly Breakfast Meeting

BRICK – On January 11, the Rotary Club of Brick, NJ Speaker will be Vikki Hurley-Schubert, Director of Community Relations from Assisting Hands Home Care: 732965-8209; vschubert@assistinghands.com.

The Rotary Club of Brick, NJ - Morning meets each Wednesday morning at the Brick Diner at 7:30 a.m. and they welcome guests and prospective members for fellowship and breakfast.

Friends Of The Brick Library Meeting

BRICK – The next Friends of the Brick Library meeting will be held on January 4 from 10 to 11 a.m. The Friends design and manage fundraising activities to support the library. New members are welcome.

Around the JerSey Shore

Safeguarding Your Home From Wildlife Mishaps

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife

Rehabilitator

This information continues from my previous article ‘It’s Baby Season – Wildlife Nesting in Your Home.’ Most of us don’t think to evaluate our home for areas of vulnerability when it comes to wildlife taking up residence. Winter is a great time to take stock and make some repairs. Taking action now could save some headaches as the spring months are not that far ahead.

Susceptible areas could be your chimney, attics and gutters. This occurs usually during baby season, which are spring and summer months. However, once a family leaves that space, another female may find the empty space desirable for birthing her babies. Unfortunately, with ongoing natural habitat destruction, wildlife is left with fewer choices.

Chimneys: Chimneys provide animals with a warm cavity to nest in. As a result, blocked chimneys can lead to air flow problems. Removal of animals by an exterminator is not only traumatic for the animals but also expensive. Installing an inexpensive chimney cap is the best investment a homeowner can make. This deters

squirrels, raccoons, and even wood ducks who nest in chimneys.

Setting traps: People often set traps on their property to rid themselves of unwanted animals. This is an act in futility as animals are always present and when you remove one, there is another to take its place. Also, in trapping there is no consideration given to the lifecycle, particularly during baby season. For example, a mother is trapped and now her offspring are left behind to starve to death, which is a cruel and inhumane way to die. Squirrels will often chew their way into the home looking for their babies.

Attics: Attics are a favorite nesting place because they appeal to so many species, such as grey squirrels, flying squirrels, bats, mice. There are several ways animals can find to enter that space. Rodents will chew their way in, and mice are so small they can access literally from other spaces in your house and find their way into your attic.

If you would like assistance in how to get started protecting your home, feel free to call me at 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/ or federal permits. Harming wildlife is punishable by law.

Ocean County Library To Present Dakota & Elle

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is pleased to present “Best of Broadway with Dakota & Elle” at the Toms River Branch, 6:30 p.m. January 9, and “Best of Dakota & Elle” at the Point Pleasant Boro Branch, 2 p.m. January 11.

“Best of Broadway” will feature the classical, contemporary, and sacred music specialists in an evening of memorable tunes from plays that define the tradition of great musical theater.

“Best of Dakota & Elle” showcases their extensive menu of favorites from Broadway, classics, standards, and love songs.

The Ocean County residents serve as di-

recting partners and board members of the Bellarine Theatre Company, Manahawkin, and Harbor Stage Theatre Company, Lacey. Their debut album, Always, can be found on several Spotify platforms and their website. Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/events to reserve a spot for either free program.

The Toms River Branch is located at 101 Washington Street. For more information about “Best of Broadway,” call 732)-3496200.

The Point Pleasant Boro Branch is located at 834 Beaver Dam Road. For more information about “Best of Dakota & Elle,” call 732-295-1555.

JAN.

JAN.

JAN.

OCEAN COUNTY – Because of your community support, Prom Dress Giveaway will bring joy to young women, who prior to this charitable event, were unable to attend their spring formal or prom. They are accepting new or gently used prom dresses for this great event from January 2 until February 17 at all Ocean County Library branches. Before you donate, ensure that it meets the

following criteria:

• They only need short and long styles within the last five years

• Ideally donate dry cleaned dresses ready for attending Prom.

• All dresses must be clean and in good condition (ie. no rips, tears or stains)

• No accessories, shoes, purses, and bridesmaids dresses.

JAN.

BRICK – January is Braille Literacy Month. Celebrate by learning how to write your name in the language. This workshop will be on January 5 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Brick Branch. Open to ages 7 and up.

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

Hearing Loss Can Impact Cognition

Research shows that hearing loss may lead to the rapid progression of cognitive decline. The evidence in the literature suggests that:

The slow onset of hearing loss can have a significant impact on several key brain functions, including the memory, hearing, speech and language portions of cognition.

Hearing impairment is a greater risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia than other individual mid-life risks.

The proactive management of hearing loss can delay or slow the onset or progression of cognitive decline. Studies show the use of hearing aids can slow down the rapid progression of cognitive decline.

Garden State Hearing & Balance Center is on the front line of promoting cognitive health. We now offer

a computerized test of cognitive function called Cognivue Thrive. This screening tool objectively and reliably identifies changes in cognitive function that could be indicative of an impairment that requires physician referral.

In our opinion, driving brain health awareness and improving access to cognitive screenings are among the most important challenges of the 21st century. Although cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, early identification of underlying conditions such as untreated hearing loss will lead to appropriate management, thus improving cognitive health.

If you would like to schedule a Cognivue Thrive screening, please feel free to contact our Toms River office at 732-818-3610.

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

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

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

5 Highly Anticipated New Drug Approvals For 2022

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

In 2022, we saw a real eclectic mix of newly approved medications that covered all sorts of diseases and will no doubt generate billions of dollars over the next 5 years. Many of these are new drugs that have been highly anticipated. Hopefully, there is something I list below that will help you or someone you love.

My column is printed in various languages but I’m only using English brand names, so please ask a pharmacist in your region for brand names available to you.

Quviviq® (daridorexant) Tablets, Rx: This drug is intended for adults with insomnia. It should not be used if you have serious liver problems, or if you do not intend to lay in bed for seven hours.

It will, like all other sleep medications on the market, leave you feeling a little woozy in the morning so don’t jump out of bed without acclimating properly. Of course, do not operate machinery or drive either! Never combine this drug with alcohol or other sedatives, and certainly not with sedative hypnotic drugs like alprazolam or zolpidem!

Cibinqo® (Abrocitini) Tablets, Rx: This medication is a JAK inhibitor and it’s useful for people who have atopic dermatitis, sometimes called eczema. Contraindications to this medication include having any low levels of lymphocytes, neutrophils, red blood cells or platelets.

I like JAK inhibitors as a general rule. There are weaker natural herbal options which I will write about later. Do not

take this medication if you have serious heart problems or a history of blood clots. Common side effects include increased risk of infection, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, hypertension or dizziness.

Eluciremt® (Gadopiclenol) and Vueway® (gadopiclenol) Injections, Rx: If you are allergic to iodine-based contrast, these two new options are handy to have. Contrast agents make it easier for the doctor to ‘see’ inside your body. These drugs might be harmful to the kidneys.

These two new agents are supposedly better than the older gadolinium-based agents which makes is good because I’ve seen the harm done by those older ones! If you’d like to read my blog about older gadolinium agents, I have it posted at my website.

Omlonti® (Omidenepag) Eye Drops, Rx: These drops treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and could certainly be used in conjunction with herbal/vitamin remedies that support eye health. Eye color may change over months to years, and it’s permanent. Faster lash growth may occur too.

Elahere® (Mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) Injection, Rx: This medication is used to treat resistant cases of ovarian or fallopian tube cancer (also peritoneal cancer). It may cause neuropathy or eye problems, but it can help people who are resistant to platinum therapy or prior chemotherapy treatments.

I have a longer version of this article with more medications that were approved this past year. That is available at my website, suzycohen.com.”

photo of the week

Ocean County Parks Announces New Trail App

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.

Although we’ve spent the last few weeks raking and blowing and piling and bagging, they do look rather picturesque – when they’re still on the trees. This photo comes to us from Mieke Closs and was taken at Greenbriar Oceanaire in Waretown. Want to see your pix featured here? Email yours to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Consumer Rights And Data Breach

Protecting Yourself From Identify Theft

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

The recent data breach by Equifax meant that sensitive personal information for 145 million Americans was potentially exposed, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. This incident has left many consumers wondering how they can protect themselves from identify theft. Monitor your Account

Check your financial account transactions regularly. Opt-in for alerts that screen for questionable transactions and opt-in for multifactor authentication. Look for charges that you don’t recognize, even if they were for small amounts. Sometimes scoundrels test the waters with small charges. Be aware of communications claiming to be from credit reporting agency or financial institution.

Review Credit Reports

By law, all consumers are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). You can request a free credit report from annualcreditreport.com, by phone or mail. Any site other than annualcreditreport.com is not part of the legally mandated free annual

credit report program. Make sure you spell the annualcreditreport.com domain name correctly and avoid look-alike scam sites.

Place a Freeze

A credit freeze prevents new creditors from accessing your credit file and others from opening accounts in your name. A freeze could stop identity thieves because most (but not all) businesses will not open credit accounts without checking your credit report. A credit freeze does not prevent identity thieves from taking-over your existing account.

Set a fraud alert!

A fraud alert requires creditors who check your credit report to take steps to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing additional card or increasing your credit limit on an existing account. A fraud alert is free. You can place an initial alert on your account for 90 days if you have not been a victim of identity theft.

The litigation attorneys at the Law Offices of R.C. Shea & Associates handle most consumer fraud claims on a contingency basis. A contingency means if there is no recovery, there is no fee. Call us for a free consultation: 732-505-1212.

CLASSIFIEDS

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)

Pets For Sale

Cockapoo Pups - Females - great personalities, health cert, shots, parents on site. 321-377-4000. (4)

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)

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)

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)

Storage Space - Non-commercial use approx. 800sf Manchester Jackson or surrounding area. Electric A Plus. 732-278-5098. (4)

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

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)

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)

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)

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

Public Health Preparedness Highlighted For Winter Months

TRENTON – With multiple respiratory viruses currently circulating throughout the state, the Murphy Administration continues to monitor the situation and support New Jersey’s public health system as the winter months approach. Residents are encouraged to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy in advance of many upcoming holiday gatherings.

“My Administration remains vigilant in monitoring the viruses currently circulating here in New Jersey and will continue to offer support to our hospitals and health care providers as necessary,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The data and tools now available to us and the ongoing investments we are making in our public health infrastructure have better prepared us to address the public health needs of our state. Particularly as we enter the winter months and holiday gatherings take place over the next few weeks, I encourage residents to help keep themselves and their communities safe by taking simple precautions of their own, from getting vaccinated to staying home if they are sick.”

“The lessons we learned and the tools we developed during the past two-plus years of the COVID-19 pandemic, including improved surveillance mechanisms, have prepared us operationally in responding to this season’s uptick in respiratory viruses sending many of our residents to emergency departments across the state,” said New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “Being proactive in staying healthy is a collective effort and we all need to play our part to avoid a surge that could strain our health care system early in the new year.”

The New Jersey Department of Health continues

to use data reported by health care settings and local health departments to monitor hospital capacity and disease progression, including daily cases of COVID-19 and influenza throughout the state. The Department is also maintaining regular contact with hospital leaders to understand their capacity to treat patients – particularly in pediatric units, which are seeing greater numbers of children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) this year.

The Administration is working daily to coordinate among New Jersey’s hospitals to ensure patients can access the care that they need. Through this collaboration, strategies are in place to divert new patients to other nearby hospitals and to adjust to staffing constraints. Waivers remain in place to enable flexibility while also ensuring strong standards of infection prevention and control in these settings. The New Jersey Department of Health stands ready to employ other strategies such as transferring out lower acuity patients to urgent care facilities or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) if necessary.

Residents are also encouraged to access the tools available to them to help avoid infections and/ or severe illness, including both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines. As of this past week, everyone six months of age and older is now eligible for the bivalent COVID-19 vaccinations that also target recently circulating Omicron subvariants. While 81.3% of New Jerseyans have completed their COVID-19 primary vaccination series, there has been minimal bivalent booster uptake. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also stated that this year’s flu vaccine appears to be a good match for the strains circu-

lating at this time. According to the CDC National Immunization Survey, in New Jersey, only 25.1% of adults and 50% of children (six months to 17 years) have received the flu vaccine so far this season. There is no authorized vaccine against RSV. Governor Murphy and Commissioner Persichilli urge residents to stay up-to-date on these important vaccines. Flu vaccines, which are often covered by insurers at little to no cost to individuals, can be found at pharmacies, health care provider offices, FQHCs, and local health departments (LHDs). The latter two sites may offer the flu vaccine at little to no cost for eligible uninsured/underinsured individuals. COVID-19 vaccines, which are free to everyone, can be found at the NJ Vaccine Appointment Finder or by calling the statewide COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center (855-568-0545).

Residents are also encouraged to take other steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Commonsense measures include coughing/ sneezing into their sleeve, washing their hands, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask if they or someone they are with is at high risk of severe illness. Individuals are also encouraged to get tested as soon as symptoms appear, and monitor CDC COVID-19 community levels to determine if any additional preventative measures should be taken based on personal needs. Free at-home test kits are available from the federal government and testing is offered for free at certain sites around New Jersey.

Keeping children home from school and child care centers if they are feeling unwell is particularly important with the current impact RSV and flu are having on younger populations. If a

child does become sick, parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the child’s health care provider for any concerning or severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing, limited fluid intake, or worsening symptoms.

Protecting the health of vulnerable populations, such as residents in long-term care facilities and seniors, remains a crucial focus of the Administration’s ongoing efforts. COVID-19 cases are closely monitored in long-term care and other high-risk settings, and all staff are required to receive training in infection prevention and control measures such as proper use of personal protective equipment. The Department of Health continues to provide direct assistance as necessary, through support from Mission Critical Teams, Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) teams, facility consultations, and recent funding to help train frontline health care personnel in these settings.

To address both current and future public health needs throughout the state, the Administration continues to invest both federal and State funds to improve the effectiveness and resiliency of New Jersey’s public health infrastructure. Recent investments include a $41.5 million grant program to improve county health department infrastructure and another $75 million grant to be administered to eligible county, municipal and regional local health departments (LHDs) across the state.

An additional $80.5 million from the CDC has also been awarded to the New Jersey Department of Health to help build, strengthen, and modernize New Jersey’s public health infrastructure.

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happening 60 Nocturnal carnivore

9

4

61

62

63

14

15

16

17

19

20

Big wheels?

21

22

23

25

27

64

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How Gregorian chants are sung

Seasons, in a way

Bks. in a set

5 Drop 6 Muscly Chevy

Manicure layer

Tentative tastes

10

11

12

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24

26

30

32

34

36

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Pull-out furniture item

Convey

Sommelier, at times

More affordable, perhaps

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

“Let’s Talk” With Dr. Jani

By Michael Vandenberg

“The era of paternalistic medicine where I’m the doctor, you’re the patient, and you’re going to do this because I say so is long gone,” Dr. Samir Jani said to me recently. “That’s just not the way I was trained.” When it comes to your health, shouldn’t you be in the driver’s seat? That’s certainly the guiding philosophy passed down by Garden State Medical Center’s founder, Dr. Dharam Mann, and it’s what makes Dr. Jani the perfect fit here. He wants to use his expertise and impart his knowledge to help you make an informed decision about your pain management.

And there’s no question that Dr. Jani has plenty of information to share because he checks all the boxes when it comes to education. At age 17 he was already accepted into a higher education program that included a guaranteed spot in medical school. He kept a high GPA while taking his courses at an accelerated rate that allowed him to finish a year early. Then he jumped right into residencies and a fellowship focusing on pain, anesthesiology, and internal medicine, culminating in his current specialty of Interventional Pain Management. He finished his fellowship and began practicing in 2016, making his way to GSMC the following year.

Dr. Jani pointed to a variety of reasons as to why he decided to make the switch to GSMC. For one thing, it fosters a seamless team environment. “The support and infrastructure of the practice is huge,” like the large network of staff on hand, to the electronic record keeping. With those tasks already being taken care of, Dr. Jani is able to put his entire focus on alleviating your pain.

After all, it’s crucial to maintain a sense of urgency when it comes to pain management because people are running out of options by the time they come to him.

Most of Dr. Jani’s patients are those who have seen countless doctors and had lots of tests but have never been able to find a diagnosis and fix the underlying cause. “My ankle hurts,” Dr. Jani said as a general example. “I’ve seen ten podiatrists, I’ve had six ankle surgeries, and no one’s fixed it.” But even though it may never be fixed, “there are things we can do to at least help you get rid of the pain”.

Thankfully, Dr. Jani is not the type of doctor who just throws pills at the problem; he has a very strict interpretation of the related safety regulations. Not that he doesn’t use medications at all, but it’s only a tiny part of what he can do. “We’re highly interventional,” said Dr. Jani. He can target the pain with various injections, or hide the pain using electricity to target different stimulators in the nervous system. By implanting pain pumps, the medication is delivered directly to your spine, creating a much stronger effect. It all depends on the severity and longevity of the pain.

These steps may seem elaborate, but rest assured Dr. Jani is conservative in his relief suggestions. “I always tell patients that if I don’t have to do something, I don’t want to do it. So if I can make it go away with a two minute injection, that’s what I’m going to do,” he said. If that doesn’t work, then Dr. Jani will happily go over additional minimally invasive options with you. He might even just recommend physical therapy if that’s what the patient prefers.

After all, he has the tools and knowledge, but you also

know your body and how you feel. When the two of you collaborate, you’ll see inspiring results. Dr. Jani had no problem giving me a cou -

ple examples of his “home runs”. For instance, one woman came in complaining of chronic pelvic pain. She’d had ten surgeries and was on a ton of medicine at this point, and yet her pain was making her life miserable. With just a few injections, her pain is effectively gone and she no longer has to take any pills. Now her kids see her and say, “You’re back to being yourself. You’re Mom again.”

As an interventional pain management doctor, “I don’t know what was causing her

pain, but I knew what she was feeling and that’s what I targeted,” said Dr. Jani.

Another patient came to him one time with fibromyalgia, with pain primarily in the back and neck. He first put her on non-opioid medication, which solved some of her problems but not all of them. Injections did the trick for her neck. For her lower back, he used a spinal cord stimulator, which is like a pacemaker for the spine. With that combination, she’s feeling fantastic and rarely even has to come in for a visit. “Previously she was going in to see another pain

management doctor, having to go in every month to get Percocet that she didn’t even want to take and wasn’t even that helpful.” With her newfound happiness and relief, she was able to go on her first vacation in years!

You deserve to be pain-free too. Give Garden State Medical Center a call today at 1-888-376-2661 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jani or any of their other superb pain management specialists. Feel free to visit gsmedicalcenter.org for a full listing of their convenient locations and to get more information on treatment.

Around the JerSey Shore

Recreation Department Offers Pickleball Clinics

BRICK – Pickleball-mania is sweeping the nation! Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and athletic abilities.

The Recreation Department is offering Pickleball Clinics to help residents become familiar with the sport and to improve their skills. There is a clinic to learn the basics and a clinic for those familiar with the sport who want to get better.

All sessions held at the Civic Plaza Activity Center. Sessions held 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Brick residents only. Clinics are $20 per person. Equipment provided - please feel free to bring your own.

Basics Clinic: Discover what the craze is all about! Learn the basics to start playing this fun sport. This

clinic will cover equipment, scoring, rules and all of the fundamentals of serve, volley and strokes. You will be playing games by the end of the evening. A great way for new players to start playing this sport. Dates: December 15, February 16, April 20.

Intermediate Clinic: Bring your pickleball game to the next level with the Intermediate Clinic. Learn new shots to improve your game. Strategies will be discussed and practiced. Improve your shot selection and positioning while playing with others of your level. Many new serves will be learned. Supervised play will help develop a better game. Dates: January 19, March 16.

Register online at: register.communitypass.net/Brick Township . Call 732-262-1044 for more information.

Family Awareness In Addiction Recovery

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.

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Luck is something to be appreciated. Be prepared to take advantage of an opportunity to have some holiday fun when it arrives in the upcoming week. This is a good time to keep your money put away in the bank.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Festivities might bring you and your loved ones closer, and people may seem more affectionate than usual. Pay attention to rules and norms in the week ahead and you will be ready for any contingency.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Secrets can be toxic but some can also create fun surprises. Look forward to a big reveal and enjoy some good times. In the week to come, a passion for excellence and adherence to a schedule can create favorable results.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Enjoy spending time together. It may seem that someone wants you all to themselves, but you aren’t likely to mind warmth and closeness today. Work together with a partner in the week ahead to improve joint resources.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Share your ambitions, daydreams and inspiring ideas. You can uplift others with your positive energy. This can be a good week to discuss deep subjects with creative thinkers and gather with loved ones who share your ideals.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): As the week unfolds, work with a partner to set new goals that are more realistic. Since you are willing to embrace the latest technology, you can soak up new information and help others with what you learn.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Gaining some perspective will be helpful. Someone else’s pastures only look greener than yours when you view them from a distance. Let go of comparisons. All people have challenges; some may not be visible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Handling details or participating in activities that require precision and accuracy may be challenging. Just relax and enjoy warm companionship. Expressing genuine friendliness works well in group settings this week.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You might prefer to sleep late, but holiday morning festivities could beckon you. Try to rest up later in the day. In the week to come, your enthusiasm and energy can encourage everyone to join in.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Treasure those closest to you and count your blessings. The holiday season can be a time to generously share your good fortune. Even if there’s not a lot of money, you can give lovingly from the heart with small gestures.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Exercise discretion in the week ahead. Remain upbeat even if you’d rather take time off from repetitive tasks or conversations. Being your authentic self helps to put other people at ease with being more genuine themselves.

THIS RECIPE IS LESS FUSSY AND MESSY THAN YOUR TYPICAL FRENCH TOAST RECIPE

By America’s Test Kitchen

SHEET PAN FRENCH TOAST Serves

4

Vegetable oil spray

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

8 slices hearty white sandwich bread

well with vegetable oil spray.

2. WHISK: Inalargebowl, whisk eggs, vanilla, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined and sugar is dissolved, about 30 seconds. Add milk and melted butter and whisk until combined.

3. POUR: Pour egg mixture into the greased baking sheet.

4. SOAK: Place bread slices in two rows on the baking sheet. Working quickly, flip each slice in the same order you placed them on the baking sheet. Let bread sit until slices absorb custard, about 1 minute.

5. BAKE: Bake on lower rack until bottoms of slices are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.

1. HEAT AND GREASE: Adjust 1 oven rack to the lowest position and second rack 5 to 6 inches from the broiler element. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a baking sheet

OUTPATIENT REHAB:

6. BROIL: Transfer baking sheet to upper rack and heat broiler. Broil until the tops of the slicesare golden brown, 1 to 4 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning!).

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Enjoy candlelight, festive meals, and time with your tribe. In the week ahead, someone may project talents and characteristics onto you that are far-fetched. Offer a more realistic viewpoint and climb down from that pedestal. (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

VS.

For the week of DEC 31 - JAN 6

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.