2022-12-31 - The Southern Ocean Times

SOUTHERN OCEAN

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 December 17: One at Gravelly Graveyard and the second

Post-COVID, Poets Are Sharing Their Words With The World

By Jevon Melvin JERSEY SHORE – Throughout

New Jersey, writers and poets are working together with local establishments in hopes to create a platform to share their work with the community.

The Coffee and Words series, one of many events like it, feature a wide range of local creatives interested in show-

casing their work with the public. The promotion of the series is primarily through social media such as Instagram, where crafters and listeners of the spoken word can fi nd where and when these events take place in their area. The design of the series works as an outlet for artists a creation of space to share and connect

with others who have similar interests in creative writing.

Cord Moreski, a local writer and host of Coffee and Words, began working with the Asbury Park Roastery more than a year ago after creating a home for poets and poetry readings.

Located on the Asbury Park boardwalk, the audience had a chance to enjoy coffee while

indulging in the poetic and literary atmosphere that New Jersey offers. With the development of the event in a post-COVID world, artists are celebrating the support of their community and fi nding local connections with others interested in their work all within the span of an event. At the beginning of one recent

Netfl ix 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 decade-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 industries. 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 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

–Photo courtesy Lacey Township

Volunteers placed 500 wreaths at Good Luck Cemetery in Lacey.

Wreaths:

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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.

Coffee and Words event, audience members and poets were given time to socialize and grab a cup before the readings started. It was an opportunity for everyone to get to know others before the event officially began. With the room’s air full of the smell of coffee and the excitement of new faces, everything was ready to begin.

The evening featured writers such as Mwikali Words, Justin Johnson, Nick Yuk, YourbuddyTara, and others working toward the long-awaited revival of the upand-coming New Jersey poetry renaissance a literary movement aiming to grow the voices of contemporary and modern minds.

“I’m glad to be a part of the revival of the poetry renaissance,” said local poet Tara to the audience during her reading. With the rebirth of New Jersey’s poetry renaissance, local creatives re-establish their community in a newly modern postCOVID world with groundbreaking poetry

for their audience to hear.

From the event’s features and open mic, the recent poetry explores various subjects people can relate to within a post-pandemic world. The main themes within the poet’s works focused on ideas such as dependence, self-esteem, overcoming obstacles, and embracing literary and artistic abilities.

“I appreciate the exchange between everyone, it means a lot,” Mwikali said before reading her powerful and original poems aloud to the audience. Tara and Mwikali are two of the stars of the event reading before the open mic session when the audience members are allowed to participate.

The open mic enables a change in what regular attendees of the poetry reading hear it’s a chance to listen to someone who might have never read before and has brand new work to share, or who instinctively wants to read

Winter Field Day Games

TUCKERTON – Don’t want to wait until the spring for field day? Come join for our version of field day, indoors! Events will include a relay race, hula hoop contest, obstacle course, and more!

bons at the end of the activity. Please wear sneakers and bring a drink.

their work aloud.

“There’s nothing like this in south Jersey,” said one fresh poet during the open mic session. The Coffee and Words series and interests of the poetry renaissance have become a utopia for lovers of creativity and writing, bringing in people from each section of New Jersey and surrounding states as features and audience members.

The event’s closing maintains the social and networking part of the event attend-

ees and poets can socialize and connect through conversation and coffee.

“Everyone is so nice and welcoming here, I always have a great time,” said Raquel Melody before her open mic reading. The series, created last March, is bi-weekly and exhibits a range of creative writers and poets from all walks of life. With the development of the event in the post-COVID world, artists are celebrating the support of their community and finding local connections with others.

Netflix

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appeared, families moved away, and an empty, barren, Fort Monmouth served as a constant reminder of what we had lost,” Oceanport Mayor Jay Coffey said.

Participants will receive medals and rib-

Winter Field Day Games will be on January 18 from 5 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per child. Meet at the Program Room, Stanley “Tip” Seaman County Park, Tuckerton. Check out

jerseyshoreonline.com

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 dis-

“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.”

–Photo by Jevon Melvin Poetry readings are just one way that creatives are sharing art with the world.

S potlight o n g overnment

Congressman Challenges China’s Words About U.S. COVID, Guns, And Drugs Epidemics

From The Desk Of Congressman Jefferson Van Drew

WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Congressman Jeff Van Drew (R-2 nd ) hit back hard after the Chinese Foreign Ministry defended their brutal crackdown on political opponents by claiming “the price of freedom” in America was

“1 million COVID deaths and 40,000 gun deaths per year and 107,622 fentanyl deaths in 2021 alone.”

China’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hua Chunying, went on to add that “the American people deserve something far better” and suggested China’s ‘Zero COVID’ approach and other domestic policies are actually far superior to that of the United States and other western democracies.

“When Benjamin Franklin wrote that

‘those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety’ little did he know how those hallowed words would echo through the halls of time,” said United States Congressman Jeff Van Drew. “The Chinese Communist Party has already slaughtered tens of millions of their own citizens, engaged in genocide, and continues to crush any political dissent under this guise of liberty for security and as a result the Chinese people have lost both. Every American needs to heed the words coming out of Beijing and understand

how the freedoms we hold dear, the values enshrined in our Declaration of Independence, and even the most basic concepts of human freedom, have absolutely no place in Communist China and the world they envision. There’s a reason the United States of America has been called the last best hope of man on Earth, and, at a time when some here at home would have you question the greatness of America, notice where millions from every corner of the globe continue to flee for liberty and security - to live the American Dream over the Chinese Nightmare.”

Gun Safety Bill Strengthens Concealed Carry Laws In NJ

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 requirements 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.”

From The Desk Of The Governor

p oliCe B lotter

Local Firehouse Catches Fire

By Alyssa Riccardi

SURF CITY – A local fi re department accidentally caught on fire Thursday evening, causing major damage and resulting in an injury, officials said.

“We suffered a serious fire in the apparatus bay of our fi rehouse. An alert fi refighter heard our Fire Siren sending a steady blast, which is our programmed alert indicator that the fi re alarm system inside the fi rehouse has been activated,” the Surf City Volunteer Fire Co. said in a statement.

When fi refighters arrived on scene, heavy smoke and flames were found inside the apparatus bay and 911 was called immediately.

Fire extinguishers were used on parts of the building to hold back the fi re, while Rescue Engine 4913 knocked down the rest of the flames with tank water.

According to the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, the fire was deemed accidental and caused by malfunctioning electrical equipment.

Surf City Volunteer Fire Co. said one fi refighter was treated on scene for a minor injury. Additionally, the fi rehouse, the apparatus and ambulances suffered a great deal of smoke damage.

“We are currently temporarily out of service, but coverage for fi re suppression and Emergency Medical Services is in place from the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Co., High Point Volunteer Fire Company, and the Barnegat Light First Aid Squad,” the Surf City Volunteer Fire Co. said.

They thank the mutual aid fi re and EMS organizations that responded and assisted with the fi re.

Police: E-Cigs Sold To Underaged People

By Chris Lundy

LACEY – Police said they charged a retailer with selling electronic smoking products to underaged people and then followed up with other retailers to make sure they were in compliance.

It is illegal to sell electronic smoking devices to people younger than 21. Following up on a report that the Tobacco Bazaar was doing this, police charged Raj Sharma, 51 of Manahawkin with the sale. They also levied charges of selling the device and flavored vapor against the business.

Police said they left educational literature with the owners and employees of Tobacco Bazaar. Then, they teamed up with the Ocean County Health Department to visit tobacco and vaping retailers in Lacey to make sure they knew about, and were

following, the rules in New Jersey, which include:

NJ 2C:33-13.1 prohibits the sale of tobacco and electronic smoking devices to persons under the age of 21.

NJ 2A:170-51.12 prohibits the sale of flavored vapor products, regardless of the age of the customer.

NJ 2A:170-51.4 prohibits the sale of tobacco and electronic smoking devices to persons under the Age of 21.

Finally, the police told the public that they take all reports concerning health and safety of residents seriously, and that if anyone has information about illegal sales of tobacco, vapor products, or electronic smoking devices, they should contact the Lacey Police Department at 609-693-6636.

Car Crashes Into Library

By Alyssa Riccardi

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – A local library was forced to close early after a car crashed into the side of the building in the evening of December 22.

According to library staff, no injuries were reported from the incident and all staff and

patrons were safe.

Due to the crash, the branch was closed through at least December 27 for building inspection. All holds will be extended, library staff said online.

Library officials thanked the Little Egg Harbor Police, Fire and EMTs who swiftly handled the accident.

STAFFORD – Mayor Myhre and Township Council would like to share our Adopt-a-Drain Program! Visit the link for registration and complete details: staffordnj. gov/664/Adopt-A-Drain-Program.

The Adopt-A-Drain program enhances the quality of Storm Water Management within the Township. Storm Water Management, flooding, and the quality of storm water discharge are a concern that effects all the

residents of Stafford Township and our waterways.

The goal of the program is to educate residents of the importance of Storm Water Management, reduce the frequency of street flooding, reduce the amount of litter that enters the drainage systems, establish a more effective preventative maintenance program, and improve the overall quality of storm water discharge to lakes and basins.

SRMS Leo Club Performs Acts Of Service

MANAHAWKIN – For the Thanksgiving holiday, the students in the Leo Club provided utensils and wrapped them in napkins for the clients of “A Need We Feed.” They also provided candy for goody bags which were included with the Thanksgiving meals. The organization delivers freshly packaged nutritious meals to our veterans, seniors, children,

and families in need.

The Leo Club collected and donated new footie pajamas for the NICU at CHOP and Jersey Shore hospitals. The pajama collection is part of a local nonprofit organization to help other babies in the NICU-Mighty Melania’s NICU necessities. Thank you to the nurses for helping these babies thrive. Have a great holiday and New Year.

Elks Present National Foundation Grant

MANAHAWKIN – Manahawkin Elks 2340 recently presented a $2,000 Elks National Foundation Spotlight Grant to a 501(c)(3) in Manahawkin. They chose Hearts of Mercy (HoM) since this organization provides mentoring, tutoring and

social programs for underserved children in our community. HoM is equipped to serve the learning and social needs of children who have fallen behind in the basics due to the pandemic and remote learning.

–

Photo courtesy Southern Regional

– Photo courtesy Manahawkin Elks

Pictured is Renee Rithianos, Program Director of HoM; Kristin Santorelli, Founder/Executive Director of HoM, ELKS Teri Payton and Sharon McGovern.

Advanced Ceramics Students Help Prepare For Rotary Gift Auction

Discover Your Ocean County ParksWells Mills County Park

WARETOWN – The Nature Center at Wells Mills County Park is now open after extensive upgrades and remodeling. There are three floors of displays: Nature, History, Forest Fires and more.

Open for passive recreation only. Park opens 7 a.m. and closes at: 5:30 p.m.; as of November 7, closing time is 5 p.m.

Wells Mills has the distinction of being the largest park in the Ocean County Park system with over 900 acres of pine and oak forest within southern New Jersey’s environmental marvel known as the Pine Barrens. Miles of hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty can be found.

The three-story Nature Center offers a great display floor, a library, and the third floor “Elizabeth Meirs Morgan Observation Deck,” recently dedicated in honor of a very active naturalist and conservationist

in Ocean County.

Environmental programs and classes are held regularly at Wells Mills, with experienced naturalists available to answer any questions you may have about the ecology of this area.

The Annual “Pine Barrens Jamboree” is held at Wells Mills each October. A day filled with music, piney vittles and handmade crafts, it’s an event not to be missed!

Beautiful Wells Mills Lake has trails meandering around it, perfect for a leisurely stroll through the 900 acres of Pine Barrens located within Wells Mills County Park. Canoe rentals are also available at a nominal cost.

Facilities: bike trail, canoe rental (seasonal), conservation area, fishing, handicapped accessible, nature center, open playing fields, picnic area, playground, restrooms.

–Photo courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN – Southern Regional High School Art teacher, Ms. Melissa Penna, and her Advanced Pottery students made containers and ornaments to decorate the tables and tree for the LBI Rotary’s annual gift auction held on December 8 at the Mainland Restaurant.

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

Volleyball Players Named To All State Teams

MANAHAWKIN – Congratulations to the following Southern Regional Girls Volleyball players being named to All State Teams: • Jordyn Hamlin - 1st Team All-State of NJ

•

•

Forked River Old Guard Meets Weekly

LACEY – The Forked River Old Guard meets on a weekly basis every Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Lacey Community Center at 15 East Lacey Road.

Should there be a large number of working men who wish to join the Old Guard the organization may start a Saturday meeting once a month at the same Forked River location.

The Forked River Old Guard is a non-sectarian, non-political group that caters to retired and semi-retired men seeking a social activity and/ or community service. The meetings provide an opportunity for making new acquaintances and continued fellowship with old friends.

The organization provides varied social activities ranging from monthly casino bus trips for members and their spouse or guest or occasionally there are excursions to attractions out of state.

“Members also enjoy a Spring Dinner Dance, Christmas Dinner Dance, and an annual picnic. Being and staying happy is our social goal. Come on over and check us out,” club member Bill Schmidt said

“We are looking for new members. To join up, give us a call at 732-575-6904 or email us at BillSchmidt1000@aol. com or call Bill Briscoe at 609-709-6068 or email him at wcbriscoe@aol.com,” Schmidt added.

Creative Kids: Art Sessions

LACEY – Students engage in Drawing, Painting & Sculpture through creative projects that stimulate imagination and helps develop important techniques and observational skills. Diverse Projects draw examples from important artists, style, and

works from around the world.

Sessions are from 4 to 5 p.m. on the following dates: January 2, 9, 23, 30; February 6, 13. Cost is $70 and is open to kids ages 8 to 11. To register visit: register.capturepoint. com/laceytownship.

– Photo courtesy Southern Regional

Molly Regulski - 2nd Team All-State of NJ; 1st Team All NJ Group IV

Anna Malandro - 3rd Team All NJ Group IV

n eWS

Barnegat Police Welcomes New Officer

BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Police Department is proud to announce the hiring of their newest officer, Ptl. Amanda Sá. Ptl. Sá graduated last week from the Camden County Police Academy where she distinguished herself by earning the High Academic Award.

Ptl. Sá is a graduate of the Rutgers University School of Business where she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance. She earned her position with the Barnegat PD by outperforming her peers in a highly-competitive field of over 260 applicants.

“Ptl. Sá is a smart, driven, and talented person entering a profession suffering from severe staffing and recruiting challenges. A candidate of her caliber literally could have gotten a job anywhere,” Chief Keith A. Germain said.

“With more than 500 police departments in New Jersey to choose from, we’re exceedingly fortunate that the best candidates continue to choose Barnegat.”

Ptl. Sá fills the vacancy left by recently retired Sgt. Bryan Nogowski. She will soon began the 10-week field training program.

Monthly Bird Walks At Cloverdale Farm County Park

BARNEGAT – Learn how Cloverdale Farm County Park’s bird population changes month by month. This informative two-hour bird walk is perfect for all levels of birders. Please be prepared to walk a mile, dress for the weather, wear comfortable sneakers or

boots and bring a pair of binoculars.

Monthly Bord Walks will be on: January 14, February 11, March 4; from 9 to 11 a.m. Walks are free and open to ages 9 and up (adult parent/guardian must accompany child). No registration required.

Lacey Garden Club News

LACEY – On January 5, the Lacey Garden Club will meet at Lacey ‘s Charles Smith Community Center, 15 East Lacey Road, Forked River in Room C.

Social time with refreshments begins at 12:30 p.m. followed by the business meeting

at 1 p.m. They will then visit the Lacey Food Bank for a tour. The Lacey Food Bank is the charity the club supports throughout the year though monetary and food donations. New members are always welcome. No gardening experience needed.

– Photo courtesy Barnegat Police

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

What Do You Think Should Happen To Ciba Land?

By Chris Lundy

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.

How To Comment

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

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

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!

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

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

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

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

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.”

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 fi nd 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 fi nd 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 fi nd 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.

Prom Dress Collection

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.

Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally

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

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 fi nancial 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 fi nancial 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.

Beach Haven Government Meetings

7 p.m. For additional information call 609492-0111, visit beachhaven-nj.gov, or email beachhavenborough@beachhaven-nj.gov.

BEACH HAVEN – The Borough of Beach Haven’s commission meets the second Monday of the month at 420 Pelham Avenue at

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

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

Dune Grass Planted To Protect The Jersey Shore

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK – Volunteers were able to pick up their own dune grass and plant it in order to help preserve our sandy beaches.

“The dune grass is necessary because it gives stability to the dunes themselves. Once the roots get established and we add more and more every year, it helps with the system, helps build it up and allows more sand to collect on the dune,” Brick Township Mayor John G. Ducey said.

This year, the Ocean County Planning Board provided more than 6,000 dune grass plants just for Brick Township to distribute.

According to NJ Department of Environmental Protection and Island Beach State Park, planting beach grass helps to build the dunes which in turn, creates habitat and increases coastal resiliency to storms. Dune grass plays an important role in stabilizing the dunes during storms. Dunes are the primary defense against storms and the powerful ocean surge.

“We’ll have some Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops as well as some environmental associations come pick up the dune grass and coordinate their own planting events. Of course, people who have their

Long Beach Township 2023 Beach Buggy Permits

LONG BEACH – Looking for the perfect Holiday gift? Look no further! The Long Beach Township 2023 Beach Buggy Permits are ready for purchase.

All purchasers must show proof of a valid driver’s license, insurance and registration

for the intended vehicle. Payment type: $50 in-state check or money order. No cash, no credit/debit cards.

Permits can be purchased at the Long Beach Township Police Department, 6805 Long Beach Boulevard, Brant Beach.

houses in front of the ocean also come get grass to plant. They pick them all up and every single year they use all of it to plant right here in Brick Township,” Ducey said. “This is the perfect time of year to plant the dune grass because it’s not too hot but it’s not winter temperatures yet. The roots get established over the winter and in the spring time they’ll grow.”

Island Beach State Park states that planting season can run from October through March. Planting during this time allows any storms that would occur to have passed; that way the plants are not uprooted.

This year’s dune grass distribution took place over at Brick Beach One. Brick Township Park Supervisor Robert Byrnes was present at the entrance of the beach with a truck full of dune grass bundles. Byrnes said some residents came to the beach bright and early at 8 a.m. to grab the dune grass.

“Some people stopped by pretty early to grab the plants. One woman who is a local landscaper came by and picked up bunch. She volunteers to plant them and she also takes some to plant at her home,” Byrnes said.

Project Medicine Drop

STAFFORD – The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs has developed Project Medicine Drop as an important component of its effort to halt the abuse and diversion of prescription drugs. It allows consumers to dispose of unused and expired medications anonymously, seven days a week, 365 days a year, at

“prescription drug drop boxes” located within the headquarters of participating police departments.

Visit the township website to fi nd out more about this program. You can fi nd a “prescription drug drop box” on the on the fi rst floor of the Stafford Township Municipal Building.

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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.

photo oF the WeeK

from Mieke Closs

taken at Greenbriar Oceanaire in Waretown.

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

By

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.

By America’s Test Kitchen

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 BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

For the week of DEC 31 - JAN 6

Jeraldine Saunders

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.