2023-01-07 - The Jackson Times

School District Recognizes Outstanding Educators

New Member Appointed To School Board

By Bob Vosseller

the New Jersey Teacher of the Year and Educational Service Professional Recognition Program. The

winners were recently acknowledged. They were awarded at the schools in Manchester and the Regional Day

School in Jackson. The district recognized those nominated by their colleagues as (School - See Page 4)

ANCHOR Rebate Given New Date

By Chris Lundy

OCEAN COUNTY – If you didn’t get a chance to apply for the new version of the Homestead Rebate program at the end of the year, don’t worry, you can still drop ANCHOR until January 31.

The ANCHOR property tax relief program originally had a deadline

of December 30. It was bumped to January 31, which is good for people who get busy during the holidays. State offices have been publicizing the additional time.

“For the residents of New Jersey, affordability is the most pressing issue and property taxes are the greatest burden,” said

Senate President Nick Scutari. “We are making use of resources to address this need by helping homeowners and renters with direct financial assistance. Extending the deadline will give our residents a greater ability to take advantage of a program that will help make their lives more

affordable.”

ANCHOR dropped in September. It is replacing the Homestead Rebate. It is picking up where Homestead left off, which is why it references 2019 in the application.

According to the state, more than 870,000 homeowners with incomes (ANCHOR- See Page 13)

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON –The Township Board of Education appointed resident Brian McCarron to fill the oneyear unexpired term of Scott Sargent who had resigned after winning a council seat in November.

During the Board’s Dec. 21 meeting, the Board chose McCarron out of 13 candidates

who submitted letters of interest.

Board members thanked all the applicants and voted unanimously to select McCarron for the position. He then took the oath of office at the meeting and will serve on the board through the December 2023 meeting.

Sargent’s term would have lasted until that (Board - See Page 9)

Retiring Undersheriff: Police Work Has Changed In Over 40 Years

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – More than four decades ago marked the beginning of two lifetime commitments for Nils “Rick” Berquist. After handing in his badge and gun at the end of the year, the 66-year-old Ocean

County Undersheriff appeared more than ready to enjoy his retirement with his high school sweetheart.

“I started as a seasonal police officer with Seaside Heights in May of 1977,” shared Berquist. (Undersheriff - See Page 5)

JACKSON – Like many school districts across the State, Manchester participates in

─Photo courtesy Manchester Schools Regional Day School Educational Service Professional of the Year Haley Lindquist gathers with friends and colleagues after learning of her award.

─Photo courtesy The Jackson School District Brian McCarron shakes hands with School Business Administrator/Secretary Michelle Richardson after being sworn in as the newest member of the Jackson Board of Education.

someone who has gone above and beyond.

Superintendent of Schools John Berenato presented each of the building’s two winners with a commemorative flower and certificate celebrating their 2023 Teacher of the Year and Educational Service Professional of the Year wins, respectively.

The superintendent extended congratulations to the High School’s Teacher of the Year Tracy Racioppi and Educational Service Professional of the year Kate Colon; Middle School’s Teacher of the Year Darla Lanza and Educational Service Professional of the Year Kim Fink; Manchester Township Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year Melissa Nazaro and Educational Service Professional of the Year Chelsie Castronuovo.

He also congratulated Ridgeway Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year Robyn Palmer and Educational Service Professional of the Year JoAnn Delahanty; Whiting Elementary’s Teacher of the Year Paulina Rapciewicz and Educational Service Professional of the Year Donna Cavallo and Regional Day School’s Teacher of the Year Kimberly Peel and Educational Service Professional of the Year Haley Lindquist.

“It is a great privilege to present our educators with the honor of being named Teacher of the Year and Educational Service Professional of Year,” Berenato added. “Through this honor, these wonderful educators of ours are set apart by their colleagues and school community as being the best among the best.”

Berenato said, “we are proud of the dedica-

tion and heart that the Manchester Township School District’s staff pours into their jobs as educators and caring professionals.”

The New Jersey Teacher of the Year and Educational Service Professional Recognition Program acknowledges school professionals who are nominated by their colleagues as someone who goes above and beyond by being dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference in their school buildings. Director of Student Personnel Services, Alex George, organizes the initiative for the school district and guides the school buildings on the process that is required by the State in order for Manchester Schools to participate.

Each school building formed a committee, overseen by the school building Principal, that consisted of the Principal, last year’s Teacher of the Year, a building administrator, a parent and one other teacher chosen after nominations are in, to avoid conflict.

A nomination form is then distributed to all staff for their anonymous vote. Each candidate is scored based on the State of New Jersey’s suggested criteria of: Serves as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator in a public or charter school; Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom; has the respect and admiration of students, parents, administrators and colleagues; and plays an active role in the community as well as the school.

After the school building’s Committee verifies submissions and determines the staff submitted winners, they are then submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education to be considered for the State’s Teacher and/or Educational Service Professional of the Year.

─Photo courtesy Manchester Schools Regional Day School’s Teacher of the Year Kimberly Peel receives her honor.

Undersheriff:

Continued From Page 1

“That same month, I married my wife, Donna.”

Berquist’s retirement from the Sheriff’s Department comes five years after he joined the county law enforcement agency. After the short stint with Seaside Heights, Berquist served as an officer in Ocean Gate and Brick Township police departments. He moved up the ranks to retire as Brick’s police chief in 2015.

A great deal has changed in law enforcement work since 1977 when a “salty old sergeant” told Berquist the job wasn’t the same as it used to be. Meanwhile, the words take

on a different meaning some 45 years later.

“The young cops coming in need a higher level of intelligence to do the job,” Berquist began. “They have to be very competent in so many different technology fields. When I started, you only had to be proficient with a pen or a typewriter.”

Before the computer age, police looked up names by sorting through volumes and volumes of files maintained on cross-referenced index cards. Law enforcement agencies kept all types of records in hardcopy.

Berquist said that the tools used by modern-day police departments now give them a means of not only looking up people but also tracking them instantaneously.

Law enforcement agencies that needed

(Undersheriff - See Page 6)

─Photos by Stephanie Faughnan

(Left): Undersheriff Nils “Rick” Berquist on his last day as a member of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department (Right): Undersheriff Nils “Rick” Berquist was sketched by a police artist.

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Undersheriff

Continued From Page 5

:

to communicate with each other either picked up the telephone or used a teletype machine. The latter could take a long time to print and was not always considered reliable.

CAD systems, short for computer-aided dispatch, did not exist when Berquist started his law enforcement career in the three municipal police departments.

“When a call came in, the dispatcher logged it in a great big ledger,” said Berquist. “The ledgers were stored, and if you wanted to go back and look something up, you had to go through pages and pages of ledgers.”

The manual system came with one advantage as far as Berquist was concerned. If the power went out, work didn’t come to a standstill. Instead, officers used their flashlights.

On his way up the ranks, Berquist served as a member of the Brick Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau in the mid-1980s. Then, computers were still not prevalent, and typing up search warrants came with its share of challenges.

“We had to use carbon paper to make three copies,” Berquist explained. “You took your time because making a mistake was really an arduous process to get the warrant fixed and get back on track.”

As a young detective, Berquist recalled the first thing he did when investigating a crime scene was to canvass the neighborhood. This meant knocking on doors to look for witnesses or further reports of suspicious activities.

Officers looking to solve crimes now have an additional tool to assist them in finding answers. The advent of cameras on front doors has become a tremendous resource for documenting evidence.

“You can’t go anywhere anymore in this world without being on camera,” asserted Berquist. “Some people would argue that it infringes on their rights, and maybe it does to some degree.”

While there’s no doubt that technology has enhanced police work, the newly retired Undersheriff suggested that it comes with a small downside.

“Young people coming on to the job don’t always have the communication skills that we had back then,” Berquist said. “So many of them would rather text and call.

“I don’t say that disparagingly, as I believe these are good, hardworking people and good cops,” continued Berquist. “But it’s a skill they didn’t pick up like we had to; we had to know how to look someone in the eye.”

Berquist submitted that only sixty percent of communication is verbal, and a great deal can be lost in the balance. What’s missing as part of the non-verbal exchange includes everything from facial expressions to body language.

The public’s perception of police work has had some impact over the last four decades. However, Berquist said he had

not personally experienced the negativity, which he attributed to a “few bad apples” who made it tough for others.

“On some occasions, people in our profession have done some bad things,” shared Berquist. “There are also some good people that made mistakes. Unfortunately, this has hurt us and continues to hurt us and is not helping our ability to hire people.”

Once considered one of the best jobs across the nation, fewer applicants are signing up to take the test to become cops, according to Berquist. At a foundation of federal law enforcement officials, Berquist heard an interesting analogy made by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, who spoke on the value of service.

The Commandant recalled how people spit on soldiers returning from Vietnam. However, he pointed out that people now have a whole different appreciation for military service and said the same would return to police work.

No doubt that Berquist has seen a lot over four decades in law enforcement. The answer to what he viewed as his most rewarding experience provides insight into his personal value system.

“We helped a young boy whose mother couldn’t make it home for Christmas,” Berquist recalled. “We passed a hat at the hospital and got him toys and other gifts.”

Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy worked with Berquist when the Undersheriff was part of Brick Township’s Police Department. He highlighted some of Berquist’s accomplishments while working for the county law enforcement agency.

“He took the lead on the body camera project,” said Matronardy. “He also took the lead on some equipment projects such as the safety holster one.”

Mastronardy said Berquist had always been a consummate professional in dealing with the judges and court staff and was a fantastic liaison who will be missed.

The Sheriff has not yet announced who will replace Berquist as Undersheriff.

Photo by Ocean County Sheriff’s Department

Undersheriff Nils “Rick” Berquist in his official uniform for the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

S potlight o n g overnment

New Jersey Wins $1.7 Trillion In Federal Funding Bill

Capitol Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez (both D-N.J.) voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus (H.R. 2617), a government funding bill which provides significant investments in health care, transportation, housing, and education programs. Senators Booker and Menendez also fought to secure federal funding in the bill designed exclusively for community projects across New Jersey and for an amendment to provide relief to 9/11 families and other U.S. victims of state-sponsored terrorism.

H.R. 2617 provides $1.7 trillion in funding, which reflects increas -

es in both non-defense and defense spending over FY22. Overall, the 12 appropriations bills provide $772.5 billion in nondefense funding and $858 billion in defense funding, including $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine and our NATO allies and $2.4 billion for states who helped resettle Ukrainian refugees.

A number of legislative changes championed by Senator Booker are part of the package, including: making permanent the option that states can provide 12 months of continuous Medicaid or CHIP coverage during postpartum, an effort Sen. Booker has called for in his MOMMIES Act and temporarily secured in the American Rescue Plan; the reauthorization of the Alternative to Opioids in Emergency Departments Reauthorization Act, a Booker bill that establishes

a grant program for developing and implementing alternatives to opioids for pain management in hospitals and emergency departments; Sen. Booker’s Enslaved Voyages Memorial Act, which authorizes the establishment of a memorial in Washington, DC, to honor enslaved persons who were forcibly transported across the Atlantic; Sen. Booker’s bipartisan Emergency Savings Act, legislation to help Americans save for unexpected expenses through workplace emergency savings accounts; an additional $50 million for community violence intervention efforts; Booker’s bipartisan FDA Modernization Act that would end the outdated requirement that experimental drugs be tested on animals, instead allowing for non-animal testing when appropriate; a modified version of Sen. Booker’s Right Whale Coexistence Act to establish a new federal grant program to protect the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale; and additional funding

for Small Business Administration to support entrepreneurship.

Senator Menendez secured several legislative victories in the package including: a five-year extension of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, the first funding increase for this vital program in a long time; an additional 200 new graduate medical education (GME) positions to respond to the dire need for mental health professionals; and five-year funding for Puerto Rico’s Medicaid with a Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) of 76%. Additionally, key provisions from Sen. Menendez’s bipartisan, bicameral DIVERSE Trials Act to help improve patient access to and diversity in clinical drug and treatment trials, as well as the reauthorization of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) included in the Senator’s Pursing Equity in Mental Health Act (S.1795), were also both included in the omnibus spending package.

New Jersey Partners With Lions Gate Films Inc.

TRENTON - The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced the award of the first-ever Studio Partner designation under the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act. The designation was awarded to Lions Gate Films Inc., which is set to lease space at the Newark studio currently under construction by Great Point Studios, after approval by the NJEDA Board.

“Awarding this designation is a major step in New Jersey’s evolution as a film and television destination,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Bringing studios like Lions Gate to New Jersey will allow us to attract more and larger productions to our state and will create good, high-paying jobs for our residents.”

The designation awarded to Lions Gate is one of only three available under the film and digital media tax incentive program and will allow the studio partner to capture additional above-the-line wage and salary costs as qualified expenses. Above-theline wages and salary are payments made to highly paid individuals like

directors, producers, writers, and performers. The studio partner may include in its application for tax credits above-the-line wages and salary expenses of up to $15 million, $25 million, $40 million, or $60 million depending on the amount of qualified film production expenses involved in the project. In addition, $100 million of the allocation for film and digital media tax credits is set aside for studio partners.

“This is great news for New Jersey’s flourishing film and television industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Lions Gate will be a welcome addition to the film landscape, and we look forward to seeing the ‘Filmed in New Jersey’ logo on Lions Gate films for years to come.”

Great Point Studios Co-Founder Robert Halmi said of the announcement, “This is a wonderful development for the many entertainment industry workers and performers in New Jersey and for the state itself. It could not have come about without the help of Governor Phil Murphy, who recognized the importance of this vast project to Newark, the state, and the region.”

Originally created under the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act, the New Jersey Film and Digital Media (Government - See Page 5)

JACKSON DOG OWNERS

Applications for dog licenses will be accepted for 2023 starting January 3, 2023 as required by ORD.#98-17

Any resident who shall own, keep or harbor a dog, over the age of seven months, must obtain a dog license in the month of January.

License applications can be found on the Jackson website: www.jacksontwpnj.net IF

For further information call: 732-928-5780 JACKSON ANIMAL CONTROL

From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

Senator Robert Menendez

Government:

Continued From Page 7

Tax Credit Program provides a credit against the corporation business tax and the gross income tax for expenses incurred to produce certain films and digital media content in New Jersey. The project sits on the former site of the Seth Boyden Housing complex

in the South Ward section of Newark. The total planned costs are estimated to exceed $194 million to construct and fit out the 350,000- square-foot studio development.

When complete, the project will include five production stages ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 square feet and will offer a full set of production services on site, including grip and electric, equipment, props, set build -

ing, restaurants, location catering, cleaning service and security. Once fully operational, initial projections anticipate over 600 new full-time jobs will be created as a part of the development of this facility. The project site will be developed and operated by Great Point Studios, which operates Lions Gate’s new studio complex in Yonkers, NY.

On September 15, 2022, Great Point

Studios entered into a ten-year sixmonth lease with Lions Gate Films, Inc. for a substantial portion of the Newark studio complex. Pursuant to the lease Lions Gate Films Inc. has committed to occupy 253,000 square feet of the development

Construction work commenced on September 16, 2022, and the studio complex is expected to be completed by September 2024.

Founded in 1998, Lions Gate Films Inc. is a subsidiary of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Lions Gate’s film and television subscription and location-based entertainment businesses include a library of over 17,000 titles including many iconic film and television franchises such as Mad Men, Orange is the New Black, The Hunger Games, La La Land, and the Twilight Saga.

Garden Club Trip To Philadelphia Flower Show

BERKELEY – Join the Holiday City South Garden Club on March 7 for the Philadelphia Flower Show.

The show’s electrifying and delightfully themed “The Garden Electric,” will focus on striking textures, dazzling array of bold colors, unique shapes, rich fragrances, and wild plant pairings of today’s most dynamic floral designers, lush gardens and landscapes to visitors. The exhibits are set to celebrate the daring, the eccentric, and the joyful side of flowers felt by that spark of joy we get when giving or receiving a gorgeous bouquet of flowers ... that little bit of magic and electricity felt when moved by seeing something truly beautiful.

Tickets are $85 per person for travel and admission. Enjoy lunch on your own at Tuscany Marketplace, Cherry Hill at either: Toscana Italian Restaurant, Megu Sushi & Hibachi, Bobby Chez (Seafood), the Boiling House (Seafood and noodles) or Hong Kong Fusion.

Contact Carroll at 732-341-4518 or cbaszkowski @aol.com for reservations by January 20.

Board: Continued From Page 1

meeting.

This marked the last Board meeting for Board President Michael Walsh. He did not seek reelection in the fall. He told the board that he was impressed by the number of applicants who sought the vacancy and admired their willingness to serve.

Walsh said, “I was very impressed by the candidates and their qualifications who put in for this position and I wish that you would put in (a petition to run) for the position next July for the next three-year term.”

Speaking for the board, Board Member Tina Kas said McCarron was selected from an excellent pool of candidates.

“We feel that Brian’s law enforcement background and that his experience as an SRO officer in a school system will add a level of depth to our board that we currently do not have,’’ Kas said.

The new Board member is a former police officer and school resource officer who currently works as a realtor. He has been a volunteer basketball, soccer and baseball coach and serves as a volunteer with the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board in Jackson.

McCarron wrote in his letter of interest that he was, “looking to help the Jackson School District with maintaining its environment of safety and success. I want to help keep Jackson schools a safe and engaging district for all students to learn and grow to their best self.”

Nonpublic School Bus Costs Board members also adopted a resolution during that meeting seeking support of the draft Bill A-4461. They joined Boards of Education and superintendents in Toms River, Brick and Manchester in supporting the legislation that would establish a three-year non-public school student transportation pilot program in certain eligible school districts.

The bill was originally introduced in July 2022 prior to the death of 12 th District Assemblyman Ron Dancer who drafted it. It was reintroduced by his successor, former Jackson Councilman Alex Sauickie on September 15, 2022.

Jackson’s school district has experienced “massive increases over the last few years in the need to provide busing or aid in lieu of payments to nonpublic families. Five years ago, 667 resident students who qualified for transportation or aid-in-lieu of transportation. This year there are 4,331,” according to a letter by Township School Superintendent Nicole Pormilli and the Jackson Board of Education to the State Legislature.

The number of non-public students eligible for transportation services

more than doubled during the school year of 2020-2021. It went from 1,328 to 4,439 representing a 234% increase. In one year the school district’s budget allocation for non-public transportation increased from $1.3 million to $4.5 million.

The Board had to “cut deeper in our staffing lines and facility maintenance to cover the unexpected large increase in our budget,” the letter added.

Supporters of the bill feel it is part of a solution and would provide assistance to meet the challenges of the problem and would also assist surrounding school districts who will soon be seeing the same budget and administrative struggles as their non-public transportation obligations grow.

The resolution noted that the State’s S2 (state aid funding formula) has resulted in Jackson’s School District

experiencing a loss of state aid, furthering hindering the district’s ability to “support this extraordinary cost.”

The Board is requesting Governor Phil Murphy and the legislature to take action in respect to the bill later this year.

Dear Pharmacist

C ommunity n ew S

Take Jamie Novak’s Declutter Challenge

JACKSON – Is a neat, streamlined living space on your New Year resolution list? Try Jamie Novak’s “January Jumpstart 10-Day Declutter Challenge” in a virtual program presented by the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch, 3 p.m. January 18.

The famed organization expert will bring fun to ten tiny tidying tasks that she’ll share, guiding participants step-by-step through the first one, and helping to convert households “from chaos to calm.”

Jamie’s witty, practical de-cluttering handbooks, “Keep This, Toss That,” “1000 Best Quick and Easy Organiz -

ing Secrets,” “Stop Throwing Money Away,” and “The Get Organized Answer Book” are available as eBooks through hoopla in the Ocean County Library catalog.

Jamie Novak’s website houses “10-Minute Podcasts,” a daily blog, printable tips, and an extensive list of charities and resources for donating, appraising, selling, and sharing items.

Registration at theoceancountylibrary.org/events is required for this free program, sponsored by Jackson Friends of the Library. Each registrant will receive a link to the program by email.

Winter Coat Collection

JACKSON – Bring your new or gently used winter coat donation into any district school from January 3 to 13. This is a district-wide drive organized by the Jackson Education Association in cooperation with Liberty Lighthouse, Memorial Key Club & McAuliffe and Goetz Builders Clubs. All donations will go to families in our community.

For more information, contact Lisa Crate at lcrate@jacksonsd.org.

Knit Chat Chain

JACKSON – Join fellow hook and needle enthusiasts and create a variety of items to donate to various charitable organizations, as well as work on your own projects. Knitters and crocheters of all skill levels are welcome.

Workshop will be on January 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Jackson Branch Library.

Learn

To

Crochet

Mini Basket

A

JACKSON – Join as we learn to crochet a miniature basket suitable for holding pens or other small items. Participants must know basic crochet. Workshop will take place on January 11 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Jackson Branch Library. Sign up at theoceancountylibrary.org/ events.

p oli C e B lotter

Ocean County Man Arrested For Robbing Bank

By Alyssa Riccardi

JACKSON – A Bayville man has been arrested and charged after robbing a TD Bank in Jackson Township on January 2, police said.

Around 4:15 p.m., the Jackson Township Police Department was notified that a local TD Bank had been robbed. Police Chief Matthew D. Kunz told Jersey Shore Online that the suspect had brandished a knife in order to obtain the money. The suspect then fled with the money in an unknown direction, Kunz said.

After TD Bank provided a description of the suspect, a patrol officer spotted the man shortly after, running

from the area. Another officer saw the suspect running through the 60 Acre Reserve subdivision towards Manhattan Street. Additional officers were called on and a foot pursuit began, Kunz said.

Kunz said the suspect ran to a home he had been staying at, and he was subsequently arrested. Officers seized some cash as well as a knife, which is suspected of being the weapon involved in the robbery.

The suspect, identified as Jeremy Long of Bayville, was charged with Armed Robbery and Eluding Officer/ Resisting Arrest. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

Knights Of Columbus To Sponsor Youth Free Throw Contest

HOWELL – The Father Cetkowski Council of the Knights of Columbus (Howell/Jackson) is sponsoring the annual Basketball Free Throw Contest. All boys and girls ages 9 through 14 are invited to participate. This event is free.

The competition will be held on January 15 at St. Veronica Gym located at 4219 Route 9 in Howell. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. and the competi -

tion will begin at 1 p.m. Winners of the competition will move onto the district competition.

All contestants on the local level will be recognized for their participation in the event. Participants are required to furnish proof of age (i.e. birth certificate) and written parental consent. For entry forms or more information contact Frank Schear: mrmojo4477@ gmail.com.

Volunteer Firefighters Needed

JACKSON

Jackson Twp Vol Fire Co #1 Station 55 is looking for hardworking and dedicated individuals to join their volunteer ranks. If you are willing to donate your time and energy and contribute to the greater good, they are ready for you.

Stop by any Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.

at 113 N. New Prospect Road and speak to any member to get started or call 732378-9566.

Membership Requirements: 18 years of age for probationary membership

16 years of age for junior membership You must live within 5-miles of either: Station 55: 113 N. New Prospect Road; or Substation 55-1: 200 Kierych Memorial Drive

– Do you want to make a difference in your community? Become a volunteer firefighter!

ANCHOR:

Continued From Page 1

up to $150,000 will receive $1,500 in relief; over 290,000 homeowners with incomes over $150,000 and up to $250,000 will receive $1,000; and over 900,000 renters with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $450 to help offset rent increases.

out the extensive Frequently Asked Questions. If you don’t find your answer there, call the hotline at 1-888238–1233.

For Renters

Tenants (renters) who had previously been ineligible because their unit is under a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement are now eligible to apply for the benefit.

To be eligible for this year’s benefit, homeowners and renters must have occupied their primary residence on October 1, 2019 and file or be exempt from NJ income taxes. Your 2019 NJ gross income needs to be less than $250,000.

Eligible homeowners can apply online, by phone, or via paper application, which can be downloaded online and returned by mail. Tenants can apply online, or download the application from the Taxation website and return by mail (there is no phone option for tenants, as this is the first time this group will be eligible for property tax relief).

For more information, visit nj.gov/ treasury/taxation/anchor / and check

TOMS RIVER – Feeling depressed? Anxious? Having panic attacks? Come to the Presbyterian Church of Toms River on Wednesday nights, in the mission room, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

“When we say we are delivering bold, direct property tax relief to working and middle-class New Jerseyans we mean it,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “Expanding eligibility for renters and extending the deadline only strengthens that commitment and ensures all who need relief will have the time and awareness to benefit. I thank the Governor, the Senate President, and all our legislative partners for coming together – this truly remains a game-changer for folks who have seen their budgets stretched further and further.”

Local Church Offering

Mental Health Meetings

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

Manager, NJ Lic. No. 4054

“I am very grateful to the Governor, Senate President, Speaker and Treasurer for responding as quickly as they have to make renters in buildings with a PILOT eligible for the Anchor Program,” said Senator Joe Vitale. “I alerted them to the issue immediately after receiving a call from a constituent who pays market rate rent in a building whose occupancy is dedicated to veterans. Within two weeks they are announcing a fix to the problem. This is another great example of how one person’s decision to take action will make a difference for thousands of New Jersey renters and ensure this important tax relief reaches everyone it is intended to reach.”

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H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

How Colds, The Flu &

Covid 19 Affects Hearing

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

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

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

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

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to answer your questions about hearing health. His offices are located in Toms River, Manahawkin, and Whiting and can be reached by calling 732-8183610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-9788946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www. gardenstatehearing.com.

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

OUTPATIENT REHAB:

•

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

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

Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Which Of These 4 Magnesium Supplements Is Right For You?

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

First, you should know that magnesium is an essential mineral required for strong bones and teeth. It plays a crucial role in mood, brain health and cognition.

Having adequate levels of magnesium ensures attention span and focus. Furthermore, low magnesium (relative to calcium) will lead to long-lasting cramps and spasms. Severe hypomagnesemia will lead to cardiac irregularities and palpitations, as well as migraines and hypertension.

You can get magnesium from your diet by eating various foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and yogurt. With the acidification of soil, our crops are magnesium deficient, so you may not get enough. Another cause for magnesium deficiency is drinking a lot of caffeinated beverages or taking proton pump inhibitor (acid-blocking) drugs.

Allow me to briefly explain the various types of magnesium that are sold over the counter and online:

Magnesium Oxide - When people take this type of magnesium, they may develop stomach upset, bloating, diarrhea and a lot of gas. The magnesium breaks off from the oxide, but not very much of it. In other words, you don’t get a lot of magnesium absorption. Think of magnesium like a rock, it’s not going to break apart into tiny little particles and get absorbed well.

Magnesium Citrate - This type of magnesium is sold in tablets and in liquid. The citrate form doesn’t really get to your bones or your brain easily. The green liquid bottles of mag citrate you see at the pharmacy are used to evacuate the bowel prior to imaging procedures. They’re called “saline” laxatives.

Magnesium citrate and oxide forms are perfect to use if you want to relieve constipation, but not for treating magnesium deficiency.

Chelated Magnesium - This is a slightly more expensive form of magnesium than the two listed above. The term “chelate” confuses people sometimes but it just means that the magnesium is bound to another thing (usually glycinate).

It’s a rock that breaks apart easily and therefore the crumbling allows for higher bioavailability. With higher absorption of magnesium into the bloodstream, you now see benefits to the bones, brain, and heart.

MagTein® Magnesium L-ThreonateThis is a chelated, patented brand name of magnesium that is found in high-quality formulas including my own MagFocus® powder which is also available on Amazon. Using my analogy of a rock, you might imagine that MagTein® crumbles into tiny particles. It transports itself out of the gut and goes where it’s needed, especially the brain to help with attention span, relaxation and mood.

Do not opt for cheap forms if you’re treating a chronic condition. It’s apt to cause you embarrassing gas or diarrhea! Some people insist on taking these ‘laxative’ forms of magnesium and think, “I don’t care because it’s so cheap, I’ll just take more!” Don’t.

Consuming extra pills to compensate for poor bioavailability is harmful. It just causes a significant laxative effect and one that comes on quickly. You may not have time to get to the bathroom! If you’d like to read the longer version of this article, visit my website, suzycohen.com.

Around the JerSey Shore

Something Spectacular –Berkeley Township, New Jersey

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Near my house is a waterway that runs beneath Charlotteville Road from one side to another. For weeks there had been the carcass of a whitetail deer floating in it. I was waiting to see how nature would play out. A floating meal for some is not possible. Eventually, the carcass rested upon the dam, and by this time with the cold snap, it had frozen.

It was the day after Thanksgiving, 2022, the weather had warmed up, when I took my dog Andi for her walk. As I turned the corner onto Charlotteville Road, my eyes captured an anomaly. I ushered Andi home to grab my cellphone. When I returned, I began snapping as many pictures as I could. This was something spectacular. I scanned the landscape and saw black vultures feeding on this carcass. Not just a few of them, but dozens. A few were feeding, others waiting along the dam, in nearby yards, perched in trees, and others on light posts. All were waiting, some edging their way in, for their chance to feed on this animal they had been eyeing from the sky for weeks. Hallelujah!

In populated communities, you will rarely witness this. Why? Since most larger carcasses will become food for coyotes, foxes, for example, who show up in the quiet evening hours where they might briefly feed on the carcass, even dismembering and carrying some pieces away to feed. How this animal ended up in the waterway is anyone’s guess. Was the deer struck by a car and just ended up collapsing by the waterway? Partial feeding of the animal had occurred prior to the vultures arriving, my guess is the snapping turtles began the process. The carcass took a little more than one day for the vultures to consume.

It’s important for us to understand and ‘appreciate’ the value of all the wild animals. For instance here, we may view vultures as disgusting or even ugly, but they are naturally designed to do what they do. It’s what we call ‘the balance in nature.’

To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which include harm inflicted upon an animal, are subject to punishment.

Ocean Animal Shelters Free Rabies Clinics

OCEAN COUTNY – A free rabies clinics will be held at the Ocean Animal Shelters. Both of their facilities offer free rabies vaccinations available for the public for cats and dogs. By appointment only: Call to schedule today.

Jackson (Northern OCAF) 1st and 3 rd Wednesday of each month: 732-657-8086 Manahawkin (Southern OCAF) 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month: 609-978-0127

Clinics run from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and take a total of 60 appointments per clinic. There is a maximum of four pets per person. Cats and dogs only, kittens need to be at least three pounds for vaccination, puppies

need to be at least 12 weeks of age. Dogs must be restrained on a proper fitting collar or harness and leash. Cats need to be secured in a carrier.

If your pet has received a prior rabies vaccination, bring in the certificate, or vet records indicating the vaccination, and the vaccine your pet receives will be valid for three years. If you do not have proof of a prior rabies vaccination, or if it is the first time your pet is receiving the vaccination, the shot will be valid for 1 year. Please bring the proof of prior vaccination with you, as they will not be able to look up anything or contact your veterinarian when we are in the middle of the clinic.

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.

Do I Need To Challenge An Ordinance?

By: Robert C. Shea II, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

An “Ordinance” is a municipal law, rule, or regulation that applies to a specific town or city. Typically, townships pass laws that attempt to protect your right to peace and enjoyment of your property and to ensure the civility of its citizens. However, sometimes a township may pass an Ordinance that negatively impacts your real estate interests. Such an Ordinance usually takes the form of an amendment to the zone where your property is located. A zone is nothing more than an area of a Township which restricts the type of construction or activity allowed within it. Most people live in areas zoned for “residential use.” Restricting the type of construction allowed within a zone is one tool used to prevent the area from morphing into something unintended, like having a factory built next to your home. Each zone has dimensional, or “bulk,” requirements defined by Ordinance. Examples of these dimensional requirements can be seen as the height of the structure and set back requirements for building on the property, which is the minimum distance the structure can be to the property line.

Sometimes a local governing body attempts to pass an Ordinance which changes the character of a zone, thereby negatively impacting its residents. An example of this can be seen by an Ordinance recently passed by the Township of Lakewood. Lakewood Ordinance 2022-46 was passed to allow schools to operate as a

Robert C. Shea Esq.

private banquet hall, at any time, in every non-residential zone simultaneously. In essence, every school is now permitted to host a wedding or other similar event, with little to no municipal approvals or oversite. Such an ordinance will negatively impact its residents in numerous ways, including parking concerns, traffic safety, and noise & light pollution.

But this doesn’t have to happen to you. Before any Ordinance is approved by the local governing body, the public must be given the right to challenge the proposed Ordinance and place their objections on record. Further, the governing body must then render a determination that the Ordinance itself is consistent with the township’s own Master Plan. A Master Plan is a document developed to monitor the use of property within a municipality in order to protect the public from inequitable and chaotic development. So, if an Ordinance is not consistent with the township’s Master Plan then you may be able to prevent the Ordinance from being adopted.

Contact the Attorney’s at R.C. Shea & Associates for your free consultation if you are aware of any potential Ordinances that may negatively impacting your property.

Donate Your Used Cell Phones For This Worthy Cause

OCEAN COUNTY – Nancy Seibert has been collecting for “Cell Phones for Soldiers” since 2006. She has combined forces with Bayville based “Support the Troops Project,” led by Lloyd Mullikin since 2004, who mails these cards and packages overseas to our troops in harm’s way.

Cell phones collected, in any condition, and are not reused but sent to a recycler. Cords and cases are not necessary. The profits are then sent to the organization headquarters in Massachusetts from which Nancy orders her free, true 60-minute calling cards. They are provided for those military who are unable to contact their families without incurring monu -

mental expense during their deployment. They also accept monetary donation for help defray the cost of mailing these boxes. Checks can be made out to the VFW Post 9503 with a notation in the memo “Support the Troops.” Checks can be mailed to Lloyd Mullikin, 307 Allaire Ave., Bayville, NJ 08721 or call him at 732-269-1397. It would then be a tax-deductible donation.

To date, Nancy has collected over 23,000 cell phones and donated over 99,000 calling cards. If you have the name of a military member serving overseas, feel free to contact with their, name/rank and APO/FPO address and they will be happy to donate cards to

them. She can be contacted at 732-6066040.

The following are drop locations:

• All Lester Glenn Auto Dealership (Service waiting room)

• Central Regional Middle and High School lobbies

• All Berkeley Sounds of Summer Concerts

• All Berkeley Municipal Bldgs. And Recycling Center

• Beachwood Municipal Bldg.

• VFW 9503, Bayville lobby

• Bayville Elks

• Bayville Auto

• Altieri Chiropractic, Bayville

• Pine Beach PO

• Presbyterian Church of Toms River

• American Legion 129, Toms River

• Ocean Country Courthouse and County Clerk Offices, Toms River

• Sonata Bay Clubhouse, Bayville

• Silver Ridge and all Holiday City Clubhouses

• Heritage Family Restaurant, Whiting

• Universal Radiology, Lacey

• Jersey Shore BlueClaws, Lakewood

• C&C Marina, Bayville

• Keller/William Realty, Bayville

• Sarah’s Hair Salon, Bayville

• Community Medical Center, Outpatient lobby

• East Coast Flag and Flagpole, Beachwood

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Pets For Sale For Rent

Notice

Misc.

of Cessation of Services

by Maureen Kubisz DVM, dba Total Pet Hospital LLC, on October 14, 2022. Medical records will be stored online by Idexx Laboratories, Inc, One Idexx Drive, Westbrook, Maine 04092. Send records requests by email to totalpethospital@ gmail.com, or by mail to PO Box 8881, Hamilton, NJ 08650. (47)

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)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

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)

Services Services Services Items For Sale

- $500. 36x80 Doggy Storm Door. New - $50. Adult Tricycle. New - $50. Call 732-703-2176! (4)

Room For Rent - In Toms River, NJ. Couples allow. $1100. Call 201-844-5526. (7)

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)

Dietary Aid - MAGNOLIA GARDENS ASSISTED LIVING. Family owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill full time, and part time positions. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (7)

RECEPTIONIST - MAGNOLIA GARDENS ASSISTED LIVING. Family owned and operated assisted living community looking to fill full time, and part time positions. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (7)

Services

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)

Get DIRECTV for $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-877-557-1213. (t/n)

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (28)

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-791-2033 or visit dorranceinfo.com/micro. (t/n)

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

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)

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)

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-855-634-0529. (t/n)

Donate your car, truck or van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patriotic Hearts Foundation. Fast, FREE pick-up. Max tax-deduction. Operators are standing by! Call 1-833-885-0359. (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)

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)

3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words +

Around the JerSey Shore

BlueClaws To Host Virtual Job Fair

By Alyssa Riccardi

JERSEY SHORE – With the 2023 season set to begin on April 11, the team is looking to hire hard-working professionals for a variety of gameday staff positions.

The BlueClaws will host their annual Job Fair virtually between January 16 and 27.

“The BlueClaws have always had tremendously dedicated and valued group of gameday staff members that are integral to our nightly operation,” said BlueClaws team president Joe Ricciutti. “We’re looking forward to another productive job fair as we welcome in our newest staff members for the summer!”

Positions are available in the following departments: Game Day Operations (box office, security, parking, bat boys, kids zone attendants), Concourse Level Food & Beverage (cashiers, food runners, cooks, portable cart operators, picnic attendants and grill cooks, kitchen positions, and more), Suite Level Food & Beverage (bartenders, suite servers, food runners, and party deck attendants), Back-of-House Food & Beverage (both day and nighttime warehouse positions), Merchandise/ Retail (Claws Cove positions), Production (camera operators, music & audio positions, instant replay, and PA-announcer), and Promotions (including on-field emcee, Claws Crew team members, and mascot performers).

“Our gameday staff members work in a fast-paced, fun and exciting environment all summer long, said Kayla

Reilly, BlueClaws Director of Events & Operations. “It’s a true family, and we’re looking forward to another successful hiring season.”

How to apply:

General Gameday Positions - indeed. com/job/part-time-seasonal-gameday-staff-b6832697c2c1ca04.

Clean Team positions - indeed.com/ job/clean-team-member-541439bdf1ae788f.

Promotions Team positions - teamworkonline.com/baseball-jobs/southatlanticleague/jersey-shore-blueclaws/promotions-staff-parttime-2031266

Production Team positions - teamworkonline.com/baseball-jobs/southatlanticleague/jersey-shore-blueclaws/production-staff-parttime-2031265.

As part of the process, applicants will be able to select positions for which they would like to apply. A BlueClaws representative will be in touch to schedule a virtual interview to take place between January 16 and January 27. Any questions, email employment@bluclaws.com.

All positions are part-time and begin with on-boarding and training in March with Opening Night set for April 11th. Positions run through the team’s last home game in September, though there is opportunity for additional work at team and ballpark events as needed. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age by April 1 and pass a background check. Nights and weekends are required. Each position starts at $14.13 per hour.

─Photo courtesy BlueClaws

This is the first edition of 2023! Happy New Year everyone!! This photo was taken by one of our favorite photographers, Kylie Monica, on a Jersey Shore beach. We hope

you all have a great new year. If you want to see your photo featured in this section, email it to photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

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.

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.

Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

protester’s emotion?

Birdbrain, or an extinct bird

Claim with confidence

Home to the van Eycks’ “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”

Rhine siren

Europe’s Bay of __

Chant

Record setters

“And all that beauty, all that wealth __ gave ... “: Gray

Remove with difficulty

“My Lord!”

Wanton gazes

Story to spin

Sgt., e.g.

“What’s the __?”

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Tiny misunderstandings can put you in an awkward position as the new week and new year begins. You may be overconfident, be careless, or go overboard. Your enthusiasm, however, makes everyone happy to be around you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It is a new year, and the question is whether you are ready to be a new you. Clear the decks: Think about ways to clear up outstanding debts and any other old business to prepare for a beautiful new beginning.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’re pretty limited if your only tool is a hammer. In the upcoming week, you might want to believe that every problem can be handled quickly, but you’ll make more progress if you broaden your problem-solving skills.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Be open to messages from the universe and key information may arrive that empowers you to improve your outlook. You can rest on your laurels or move forward to achieve your goals in the new year.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) : Feast on thoughts and plans for the future. You could embrace limitless possibilities as you make your New Year’s resolutions. Be sure to attend to relationships if loved ones might have been feeling a bit neglected.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Sleep late or do some other replenishing self-care. Rest up and enjoy a relaxing day at home or playing with your tribe. Make a note to remind yourself to follow up on recent opportunities that seemed intriguing.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Get organized and make a list of the things you want to do and places you want to visit. You may not be able to afford everything now, but you can save up for the future. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance in the week ahead.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Even if you are busy and preoccupied in the week ahead, you may also need to help a loved one or partner who may need some extra support. Do your best to bring some bright New Year’s energy to the situation.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Take pride in your accomplishments. This is a week when you can enjoy the perks of having a good reputation. Set your sights on becoming financially stable and avoid spending too much money on extravagances.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Being deep in your emotions is the worst time to make a major decision or vow. Take time to understand a situation rather than reacting with a knee-jerk response. You do not need to take this personally.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Ask the right questions if you want the right answers. Pause to ask yourself what will truly make you happy and contented before you make New Year’s resolutions. Go beyond just considering the same old objectives.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Dip your toe in the pool to check the temperature before you dive in. In the week ahead, you should test the atmosphere before you make changes or decisions that affect loved ones. Use caution to not overspend.

IT’S COOKIE SEASON! GRAB THE KIDS AND GET READY TO BAKE (AND DECORATE)

By America’s Test Kitchen

Making dough for cut-out cookies can be tricky. The dough needs to be soft enough to roll out but not so soft that it sticks to the counter or your shapes turn to blobs in the oven.

Most sugar cookie recipes use a mixer to “cream” room-temperature butter and sugar before adding the other ingredients. All that mixing makes the dough warm and sticky, so you need to refrigerate it before you roll it out. But rolling out cold cookie dough is tough!

Plastic fantastic

In this recipe, we use a special technique called “plasticizing the butter.” Plasticizing means making cold butter soft and moldable, while still keeping it cold. How do you plasticize? In this recipe, we use the food processor! The food processor lets us combine the sugar and the cold butter in just 30 seconds because the processor blade spins so fast. It creates a cold, bendable, and shapeable paste (like plastic!) that’s a cinch to roll out, straight from the food processor. No arm workout required! Plasticizing the butter means you don’t need to refrigerate the dough before you roll it out. Instead, you refrigerate the dough AFTER you finish rolling. That time in the fridge firms up the dough, which lets you make clean cuts with your cookie cutters and helps the cookies keep their shapes as they bake.

Color craze glaze

You can use food coloring to turn white glaze into a rainbow of colors! If you have red, yellow, and blue food coloring, a whole world of colors can be yours. Red, yellow, and blue are primary colors. You can mix them in different combinations to make secondary colors.

Red + Yellow = Orange Red + Blue = Purple Yellow + Blue = Green

Here are two tips:

1. Play around with how many drops of each color you add. What happens if you add 2 drops of red and 1 of yellow? What about 1 red and 2 yellow? Start by mixing just 1 or 2 drops of each color into your glaze. If you want a deeper color, you can add more, a drop at a time.

2. To make more than one glaze color, divide the glaze among several bowls and add desired food coloring to each individual bowl.

GLAZED SUGAR COOKIES

Makes 12 to 18 cookies (depending on the size of your cookie cutters)

For the cookies:

1 1/2 cups (7 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour

1/8 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) sugar

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces and chilled

For the glaze:

1 1/3 cups (5 1/3 ounces) confectioners’ (powdered) sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened 1-2 drops food coloring (optional)

For the cookies:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and vanilla.

2. In a food processor, process until sugar is finely ground, about 30 seconds. Add chilled butter and process until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add egg mixture and flour mixture and process until no dry flour is visible and mixture forms crumbly dough, about 30 seconds.

3. Use a rubber spatula to transfer dough to the center of a large sheet of parchment paper on the counter. Use your hands to pat dough into a 7-by-9-inch oval. Place a second large sheet of parchment on top of dough. Use a rolling pin to roll dough into a 10-by-14-inch oval (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick), rolling dough between parchment.

4. Slide dough (still between parchment) onto one baking sheet. Refrigerate until dough is firm, at least 1 1/2 hours.

5. While dough is chilling, adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 300 degrees. Line a second baking sheet with parchment.

6. When dough is ready, remove dough from refrigerator. Gently peel off top sheet of parchment. Use cookie cutters to cut dough into shapes.

7. Use spatula to transfer shapes to parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 1/2 inch apart. (If dough becomes too warm and sticky to transfer shapes easily, return it to the refrigerator to firm up again, about 10 minutes.)

8. Bake cookies until beginning to brown around edges, 18 to 22 minutes.

9. Transfer baking sheet on cooling rack and let cookies cool completely on baking sheet, about 30 minutes.

For the glaze:

1. While cookies are cooling, in a second medium bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar, milk, softened cream cheese, and 1 to 2 drops of food coloring (if using). Use a clean rubber spatula to stir until very smooth.

2. Use a small icing spatula or the back of a spoon to spread glaze in an even layer on each cookie, starting in the middle and working your way to the edges. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle it with sanding sugar, sprinkles, crushed cookies or candy. Serve.

(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.)

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For the week of jan 7 - jan 13

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By Jeraldine Saunders