2023-01-14 - The Howell Times

Homeschool Lesson At Farm Prompts Legal Action

School Board Welcomes Three Members For 2023

Sprouts Farm is a learning experience for kids who are educated at home. Below, Lenna Coffey (left) and Kimberly Houli (right) pose with two of their favorite Sprouts farm animals.

By Stephanie Faughnan

HOWELL – A Superior Court judge has been asked to decide a land use dispute brought by township officials against a private membership association (“PMA”) and a local farm. The Sprouts PMA be-

gan leasing land owned by Stanley (who goes by his middle name, Daniel) and Tasia Domin at 505 Newtons Corner Road a couple of years ago. Sprouts is one of four farms onsite, including Birds Farm, LLC, owned and (Farm - See Page 3)

By Alyssa Riccardi

HOWELL – The Howell Township Board of Education recently welcomed their newly elected members at this year’s reorganization meeting.

Back in November, four candidates were fighting to fill three, full-term seats. Two members who were seeking re-election were Laurence Gurman and Cristy Mangano.

Two other candidates were Alexandria Langenberger and Joseph Mauer Jr.

During the reorganization meeting on January 4, Assistant Superintendent/Business Administrator/ Board Secretary Ronald Sanasac announced the newly elected members. Mangano, Mauer and Langenberger were (Members - See Page 2)

Students Raise $1,000 For Families In Need

By Alyssa Riccardi

HOWELL – Last month, 5th grade students at Memorial Elementary School worked together to organize a plan to help families in need within their own community.

Memorial School is a grades 3 to 5 school, part of the Howell Township School District. As a part of the school’s commitment to community service, a grade level builds a community service project each trimester and runs it on their own. Principal Ray Gredder said this is part of

Memorial’s character education program, P.A.W.S (Positive Actions Will Shine).

During this winter season, the 5th graders made the decision to start a holding a gift card drive. With help from the school, 12 families in need were identified.

Students created posters, promoted the gift card drive by visiting classrooms, and made morning announcements. (Students - See Page 2)

At right, 5th grade students Georgiana Diamandids, Peyton Palmieri and Lia Isaacs were some of many students who helped raise money for families in need.

–Photo courtesy Howell Township Schools Cristy Mangano, Alexandria Langenberger and Joseph Mauer Jr. were recently sworn into the board for full-term seats.

– Photo courtesy Howell School District

–Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Members:

Continued From Page 1

officially sworn into the board by Sanasac.

The 2022 election results are as followed:

Joseph Mauer Jr. – 8,997 votes, 28.71%

Alexandria Langenberger – 8,827, 28.17%

Laurence Gurman – 5,285, 16.87%

Cristy Mangano – 7,929, 25.31%

Write-In – 295, 0.94%

The three members will be joining those

currently on the board for 2023: Dr. Stephen Levine; Dr. Denise Lowe; MaryRose Malley; Jennifer Okerson; and Ira Thor. Leaving the board and concluding their terms are Mark Bonjavanni and Larry Gurman who were long-serving board members

Additionally, members of the board nominated those to fi ll the roles of Board President and Board Vice President. This year, Albert Miller was once again chosen

as Board President and Mangano was chosen as Vice President.

“Congratulations to our re-elected and elected board members. It’s awesome to see the start of a new board cycle. I think great things lie ahead for our school district,” Superintendent of Schools Joseph Isola said. “Also, congratulations to Mr. Miller and Ms. Mangano on their newly appointed presidency and vice presidency.” In addition, Marc Parisi was re-elected to

the Freehold Regional High School Board of Education as a representative for Howell Township. Parisi was the only candidate running for the one open full-term seat. He received 11,997 votes.

“Being a public servant is a tremendous honor and a calling bestowed by my grandfather. This is why I chose to wear his jacket again for tonight’s swearing in ceremony. This is the same jacket he wore when he graduated from college in the 1940s. He later taught in the FRHSD,” Parisi wrote in a Facebook post.

Kathie Lavin was elected as the Farmingdale representative for FRHSD BOE, and Diana Cappiello was elected as the Englishtown representative.

Students:

Continued From Page 1

They also collected and counted all the money.

“As their teachers, we were so proud of how hard the students worked to spread the word about their project and how dedicated they were to the cause,” 5th grade teacher Michele Casler said. “The students would return from collecting with big smiles and were very happy when we surpassed our school goals. It was all about helping our Bulldog community and we couldn’t have been more grateful for everyone’s generosity.”

Benchmarks were made for students to feel motivated are reach their fundraising goals. Initially, their goal was to raise $300 with benchmarks at $100 (schoolwide pajama day), $200 (schoolwide No Homework Day) and $300 (Schoolwide Dance Party). However, they have reached far past their goal, collecting $1,000. Due to their hard work, the school hosted all three rewards the week of January 3, Principal Gredder said.

“It was fun working together to give back to our community,” student Lia Isaacs said.

Student Georgiana Diamandids said, “I loved helping those in need!”

“I liked the feeling of knowing I helped brighten our community for the holidays,” student Peyton Palmieri said.

In the January 7 issue of the Howell Times, the wrong photo caption was used for the top left picture on the front page. The incorrect caption was: “Fred Gasior was sworn in by Monmouth County Commissioner Ross F. Licitra.” It should have been: “Municipal Court Judge Susan Schroeder Clark administered the oath of office to Deputy Mayor Evelyn O’Donnell.” We regret the error.

Continued From Page 1

operated by the Domin couple.

Almost all of the Sprouts 40 family members homeschool and joined the PMA for the opportunities it provides as enhancement exercises. Children enjoy their time socializing with others while developing a connection to the land as they gain firsthand knowledge about agriculture.

The parents of three little ones, Daniel and Tasia also became personally involved with Sprouts as members. Their four-yearold twins and six year old participate in many of the group’s activities. The oldest Domin child attends classes at the local public school.

“We started the PMA in an effort to have our kids experience normal life in nature with growing food and being around farm animals,” shared Kimberly Houli. “We rented from Liberty Haven Farm (also in Howell) before we came here.”

Houli and Leanna Coffey are the two Sprout parents named in the lawsuit filed on behalf of Howell Township by Attorney Christopher Dasti of the Dasti & Associates law fi rm. Both moms submit working the land is a valuable experience for children. Houli and Coffey object to any suggestions that Sprouts operates as either a school or camp. Academic lessons are left to home instruction for those who homeschool.

Sprouts sits in the rear of the divided farmland, fenced off with a sign marked private property. Two big pigs waddle back and forth through their pen, separated from

a well-populated chicken coop and another area giving some goats an elevated space of their own.

Part of the land has been set aside for planting, while another section serves as a compost area. A few prefabricated sheds are scattered throughout the property. A placard on the outside of one of the structures lists farm “Snaps” and uses clothespins labeled with children’s fi rst names to rotate tasks.

Pastel rainbows painted on old tree trunks only add to the pleasant environment, one that Sprouts members have been accused of using illegally.

Houli easily remembers the day last September when the controversy that turned into a lawsuit began. She and half a dozen other moms were on the Sprouts property with a group of approximately 15 children when a township code official showed up and introduced himself.

“I was scared,” Houli admitted. “I didn’t realize at the time they weren’t technically allowed on the property (the overall farm), but I knew they weren’t allowed on our leased property, so I didn’t let them in past our fence.”

According to court documents, Howell Code Enforcement Official John Aguiar made an unannounced visit to the Sprouts farm on September 14, 2022. One claim is that Aguiar was inspecting a neighboring property when he decided to see why the children were on the farm during a regular school day.

Anther contention is that the Township received multiple complaints that Sprouts

was illegally operating as a school or a day camp. The area is not zoned for either and the PMA does not have the licenses necessary to run those type of businesses. Houli and Coffey said their participation in a private membership association doesn’t meet the definition of either a school or day camp, “I was at work and saw what was happening on our cameras,” shared Daniel. “I called the Township and asked why their guys were on the property, and they didn’t really say why they were there. I then told them we were calling the police to report trespassing and they (code enforcement) left right away.”

Aguiar took photographs from outside the fence while he was visiting the property. Attorney Dana Wefer has been retained by all of the named defendants and submitted legal documents that the visit constituted an invasion of privacy and presented an argument that government authorities conducted a search in violation of the Fourth Amendment.

Five days later, Aguiar issued a Notice of Violation to the Domins that identified permit issues for structures erected on the site without prior approval, as well as some other problems that have since been resolved.

The Code Official’s letter further stated that it was “observed and confi rmed that a school/day camp doing business as “Sprouts Nature Project” was operating from the property without any approvals.

structure,” continued Aguiar. “Or in any home located on the property.”

The Township points to the Lease Agreement entered into between the parties as one of its proofs that the land is being used as either a school or day camp. The since-canceled agreement stated the purpose of the lease was to “facilitate a private learning environment for all ages, operating as a private membership association (PMA) which includes, but is not limited to, gardening, caretaking of our farm animals, cooking, wilderness skills, hiking, exchange of good among members, and formal academic studies; Sprouts PMA will also use this site to occasionally host member only gatherings.”

“They were advertising online that it was an eight week school session for $270, where they teach,” Dasti said. “It’s not just agricultural; it’s science, it’s writing.”

The Sprouts Nature Project Facebook page no longer contains the references referred to by Dasti, although screenshots are part of the legal exhibits. Houli and Coffey submit that any money collected by the PMA goes towards the lease and the cost of maintaining the farm and feeding the animals.

“We’ve asked them to enter into a consent order that says they will agree to comply with what the land use says they are allowed to do,” continued Dasti. “They don’t want to do that, which is their right. They’re free to go to the zoning board and ask for the way they want to use the property.”

“All activities associated with Sprouts Nature Project must cease and desist immediately on the farm, in any unapproved (Farm - See Page 18)

After reading the legal fi lings against them, Houli and Coffey took particular

POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT

$500M Loan To Modernize Water Infrastructure

Capitol Comments

program was created by Congress in 2018 under the bipartisan America’s Water Infrastructure Act.

Capitol Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) celebrated the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of a $500 million loan to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to modernize wastewater and drinking water systems serving over 9 million people throughout New Jersey. This is the first loan issued through the State Infrastructure Financing Authority Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (SWIFIA) program, which provides loans exclusively to state infrastructure fi nancing authority borrowers, commonly known as state revolving fund programs. The

“Rebuilding New Jersey’s aging water and wastewater infrastructure and expanding access to clean, safe water while creating good paying jobs is exactly the type of smart investment our communities and environment need,” said Sen. Bob Menendez. “I’m proud to have fought for many of the provisions in the bipartisan America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, which created SWIFIA, and will benefit millions of New Jersey families up and down the state with essential funding for state revolving fund programs. I thank the Biden Administration for recognizing this critical opportunity and choosing New Jersey as the fi rst state in the country to receive a SWIFIA loan, which will ultimately have positive life-changing impacts for communities throughout the Garden State.”

“This historic infusion of federal funds will help New Jersey implement vital water infrastructure projects,” said Sen. Cory Booker. “I have championed pro-

grams to ensure every American has access to safe, clean drinking water. I am excited the EPA is issuing its fi rst SWIFIA loan to New Jersey. This funding will create hundreds of jobs and advance water infrastructure projects to address contaminants in drinking water, install water fi ltration systems, and replace lead pipes across our state.”

Thanks to EPA’s SWIFIA loan and funding from the New Jersey State Revolving Fund, over 90 communities across the Garden State will be able to implement critical water infrastructure projectsremediating contaminated groundwater, replacing lead service lines, and installing fi ltration systems to protect drinking water from PFAS contamination. These infrastructure investments will help communities maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, manage flooding, and improve climate resiliency. Projects that will receive SWIFIA funding are located throughout the state, including in 36 smaller communities and 39 disadvantaged communities.

“From critical resilience projects to the replacement of lead service lines, New Jersey remains at the forefront of innovative water infrastructure solutions,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “The EPA’s SWIFIA loan will further solidify

New Jersey’s status as a national model for water infrastructure, which serves as the foundation for healthy communities. In addition to helping our state secure safe, healthy, and effi cient wastewater and drinking water systems for all New Jerseyans, the EPA’s support will also help generate good-paying jobs in our expanding water workforce.”

“Improving New Jersey’s water infrastructure is a team effort, and we are grateful to our partners at U.S. EPA and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for their work to close the State’s latest WIFIA loan,” said New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection, Shawn M. LaTourette. “This loan will support the Murphy Administration’s continuing efforts to modernize water infrastructure in communities across the Garden State–ensuring the highest standards of protection for public health and the environment, as we create good-paying engineering, construction, and other jobs for New Jersey families.”

The SWIFIA program is housed within EPA’s WIFIA program. SWIFIA loans allow state infrastructure fi nance authorities to offer additional low-cost fi nancing to communities and accelerate implementation of important water infrastructure projects.

Bipartisan Legislation Will Establish Information Literacy Education

but is not limited to, digital, visual, media, textual, and technological literacy.

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S588) establishing the requirement of K-12 instruction on information literacy under the implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The signing of this bipartisan legislation reaffi rms the Governor’s commitment to leading the nation in public education while preparing students for lifelong learning by equipping them with the skills they need to accurately assess information.

The bill requires the New Jersey Department of Education to develop New Jersey Student Learning Standards in “information literacy,” which is defined as a set of skills that enables an individual to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information. Information literacy includes,

“Our democracy remains under sustained attack through the proliferation of disinformation that is eroding the role of truth in our political and civic discourse,” said Governor Murphy. “It is our responsibility to ensure our nation’s future leaders are equipped with the tools necessary to identify fact from fiction. I am proud to sign legislation that is critical to the success of New Jersey’s students and essential to the preservation of our democracy.”

Primary sponsors of the bill include Senators Michael Testa and Shirley Turner, and Assemblymembers Daniel Benson, Pamela Lampitt, and Mila Jasey.

The bill requires the Commissioner of the Department of Education to convene a committee, including certified school library media specialists and teaching staff members, to assist in developing the information literacy standards. The standards will be reviewed by experts as they are developed. This will provide an opportunity for collaboration among teachers and

school library media specialists to advance information literacy in the K-12 learning standards. The proposed information literacy standards will also be subject to public input prior to their adoption by the State Board of Education.

“Information literacy is more important now than ever before, especially with the growing prevalence of social media and online news,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “Students for generations will be well-served by this legislation, which sets into statute the requirement for schools to provide instruction on information literacy.”

Each school district will incorporate instruction on information literacy in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The guidelines will include, at a minimum, the following:

• the research process and how information is created and produced;

• critical thinking and using information resources;

• research methods, including the difference between primary and secondary sources;

• the difference between facts, points of view, and opinions;

• accessing peer-reviewed print and digital library resources;

• the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information; and the ethical production of information.

“Teaching children about information literacy will help them to weigh the flood of news, opinion, and social media they are exposed to both online and off,” said Senator Michael Testa (R-1st). “This law isn’t about teaching kids that any specific idea is true or false, rather it’s about helping them learn how to research, evaluate, and understand the information they are presented for themselves.”

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.

Senator Robert Menendez

Senator Cory Booker

From The Desk Of The Governor Phil Murphy

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• Solid knowledge of and ability to interpret tax rules and regulations

• Research and consultation on various tax matters

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Ability to handle simultaneous projects, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

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Please submit resumes including salary requirements –INFO@ManchesterAccountingServices.com

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Job Types: Part-time, Seasonal, Full-time Salary: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour based on experience

Benefits: Flexible schedule

COVID-19 considerations: All clients are asked to wear a mask. Lobby seating was removed. Client appointments are limited. All staff in the office are vaccinated/boosted.

HOWELL – The Department of Senior Services offers numerous regular and special events. Our nutrition program is offered on a daily basis. Crafts and ceramics classes are held on Mondays through Wednesdays and exercise classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays. Other events include:

• Meditation and Mindfulness

• Bingo

• Free health screenings

• Free lectures on health and legal issues

• Holiday parties

• Intergenerational programs

• Local trips to restaurants, shopping centers and malls, and theaters

• Monthly birthday parties with entertainment

• Billiards Tournaments

• Multi-cultural events

• Pokeno

• Seminars on caregiving, dementia, Medicare, and other pertinent issues

• T’ai Chi classes

• Weekly food shopping

• Aerobics and Chair Yoga

Meet and Treat Thursdays: on Thursdays, we have Meet and Treat days where we serve a special lunch that could be catered or will be a soup and salad combo. Before or during lunch, we will have a surprise event and some days will include special giveaways and treats. Examples include:

• Subs

• Fried Chicken

HOWELL – Meet other chamber members, network with local businesses, share what’s happening with your business and any upcoming events/promotions. The next Howell Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Bonanza Networking meeting will be held on January 17 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Big City Bagels, Route 9 Aldrich Road. Cost to attend is $7 for members, $14 for

Manasquan

HOWELL – Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk at the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell on January 17 at 9 a.m.

Meet at the Environmental Center. We’ll meander for about an hour and a half and see what birds we can find. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy this walk. A limited number of binoculars will be available on a first

• Pizza

• Free Raffles

• Mind Readers

• Milk Shakes

Activities And Events –Howell Senior Center Breakfast

We offer medical transportation as our schedule permits. If you have a need for transportation to a local physician or doctor, please call Paul, our Transportation Coordinator, at 732-938-4500, ext. 2551. We will do our best to accommodate your needs while still providing our existing services.

RUMMIKUB is played every Monday beginning at 10 a.m. Bingo is played on Monday afternoons beginning at 1 p.m. Pokeno games are held on Wednesdays at 1:15 p.m. All games are offered at the Howell Senior Center. Registration is required. Call 732-938-4500, ext. 2550 for more information.

Aerobic type exercise classes are held at the Howell Senior Center from 11 to 11:30 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday. Chair yoga classes are held every Wednesday from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the Center.

All classes are available to Howell residents age 60 and older who are registered members. Registration is free and may be done at the Senior Center Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A waiver form needs to be signed before attending your fi rst class.

Call 732-938-4500, ext. 2550, for further information on our classes, to sign up for the classes, and for information on other services and programs we offer.

not yet members, whether you eat or not (cash only). Includes coffee/tea and a bagel with butter or cream cheese. If you wish to order a different item, you will have a $6 credit (the additional $1 is gratuity for staff ) and you pay the restaurant the difference over $6. Not yet members are welcome to attend up to two Chamber meetings/events.

come basis. Free!

Toss on your winter gear and tag along with a Park System Naturalist as you explore the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, in the wintertime on January 18 at 10 a.m. Meet in the Environmental Center parking lot. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. Please Note: Sturdy footwear recommended, trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over. Free!

Baby/Toddler Storytime –Howell Library

HOWELL – Best for ages 10 months to 3 1/2 years. Join us to enjoy nursery rhymes, fi nger plays, songs, stories, and bubbles! Please choose one session a week to attend. Choose one session per week to attend. Sessions are limited to 15 families, fi rst-come, fi rst-serve. The same books will be read for each session each week.

Next sessions will be on January 18, 19, 25, 26, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. or 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. Face coverings for everyone, above 2 years of age, are recommended when attending indoor programs.

Contact the Howell Library - Miss Mary at 732-938-2300, mmattia@monmouthcountylib.org for more information.

Food Service – Howell Senior Center

HOWELL – Lunch is offered at the Senior Center Monday through Friday at 12 p.m. Seniors who are homebound may receive a hot lunch delivered to their homes (Meals on Wheels) on a daily basis. The meals are provided by Interfaith Neighbors, Inc. and

may be requested by calling the Nutrition Department at 732-938-4500 ext. 2556.

When we have parties or special events, we often offer a catered lunch from an outside source. Information about special meals may be found in our newsletter.

All Fur Love Valentine’s Dinner and Gi Auction

FARMINGDALE – Come join All Fur Love Animal Rescue for an evening of great fun, great food and great friends all to help the kitties! Event will be on February 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Our House Restaurant & Banquet Facility, 420 Adel-

phia Road.

Over 100 beautiful baskets will be raffled off. You could win an iPad, a cool bike or the 50/50! Donation is $50 and includes dinner, dessert, cash bar and auction. Tickets are available online at AllFurLove.org.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Sheri Shaun Golden Sworn In

FREEHOLD – Shaun Golden was honored to be sworn in as the Monmouth County Sheriff for a fifth, three-year term, by Honorable Joseph W. Oxley, Monmouth County Superior Court, on January 5, during the Board of Monmouth County Commissioners Organization Meeting at Biotechnology High School. Sheriff Golden proudly leads 675 officers and employees dedicated to serving the public safety needs in Monmouth County through the Law Enforcement, Communications, Corrections, Civil Process and Special Operations Divisions as well as the administration of the Monmouth County Offi ce of Emergency Management, the Monmouth County Police and Fire Academies.

“It is an honor to have been re-elected to a fifth term as Monmouth County Sheriff and I thank the residents for their continued support,” said Sheriff Golden. “It’s my privilege and duty to serve all who live, work or visit this great county, in the safest, most effective and efficient manner for another three years. Together with the Board of County Commissioners we will continue to work on combatting crime and strengthen our shared services and safety initiatives so that Monmouth County remains one of the top counties in the State of New Jersey.”

The Monmouth County Sheriff ’s Office serves as a statewide model through Sheriff Golden’s strong leadership skills, commitment to public safety and innovative approaches.

He leads the way in the fight against drug abuse and has an integral role in prevention through programs and services the agency provides. Sheriff Golden implemented the HOPE One Mobile Unit, a leading edge approach to combating the opioid epidemic in Monmouth County, and is a supporter and participant of the drug takeback program. Sheriff Golden has bolstered homeland security issues and counterterrorism efforts with state, county and local law enforcement agencies, to maintain the

safety and security of residents and visitors throughout Monmouth County. He continues to address the issue of school violence with consistent active shooter drills and training, and, gang activity through gang awareness prevention. The sheriff is in the forefront of combatting auto theft and calling on state officials to take immediate action on catch and release policies and failed bail reform. He also runs the Situational Training and Response Simulator (STARS) Facility, a virtual premiere training center used by our public safety partners in Monmouth County and throughout the State of New Jersey.

Through Sheriff Golden’s advanced technological strategies, he has enabled fi rst responders to operate at a higher level with efficient and effective services. The sheriff ’s state of the art 9-1-1 Communications Center, the largest shared service in Monmouth County, serves as a blueprint in emergency services through the most enhanced technology and hard work and intense training of public safety telecommunicators. The Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management is superior in emergency and disaster response and has developed numerous programs and initiatives in planning and preparing.

The sheriff is active in assisting veterans by providing them access to needed services and training programs through the Monmouth County Sheriff ’s Office Veterans Service Council. He is an advocate for the special needs community by implementing and developing programs for families of children with autism and special needs residents, as well as training members of law enforcement how to respond to situations involving special needs individuals. In addition, the sheriff has been recognized for his extensive public safety outreach programs for seniors and children.

The Monmouth County Sheriff ’s Office is the only law enforcement agency in New Jersey with accreditations in all five areas of

–Photo courtesy Monmouth County Sheriff ’s Office

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Italian Night Dinner And Gi Auction

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS –Tickets are now available for the Italian Night Dinner and Gift Auction sponsored by the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council 11660 of the Knights of Columbus on January 21 beginning at 6 p.m.

This is the second Italian Night sponsored by the Knights, who meet at Our Lady of Perpetual Help St. Agnes Church, and provide a variety of events to help fi nance their missions as well as the Columbiette Charity Fund.

The event will be held at the Our Lady of Perpet Help Gym, Miller Street at Route 36., Highlands with doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner served 6 to 9 p.m.

“Our Italian Night this year is going to be more a Budget Efficient Evening Out” than any an extravagant dinner and entertainment evening,” said Mike Napolitano, Grand Knight of the Fr. Donnelly chapter. “It is what many people have requested or suggested.”

In view of the requests and aware so many people have missed routine or anticipated recreational nights out during the Covid season, the Knights and Columbiettes, women’s auxiliary to the Knights, have teamed up to provide an economical night where guests can enjoy a home cooked Italian dinner for $20 in the friendship of others, while also having the opportunity for a Tricky Tray Gift Auction event plus, if desired, the possibility of winning one or more of several prizes.

To make the event even more cost effective, the admission price is $20 and includes the dinner. For those wanting to spend more and take chances, there are three more oppor-

tunities to purchase gift tickets, with those prices even being divided into different cost portions.

Event attendees can purchase chances for $5, $10 or $25 on gifts ranging in value from $25 to more than $100. To enhance their chances of winning, gift ticket purchase will be limited to those in attendance at the event. Gifts range from attendance at sports events to gift certificates to local restaurants as well as several other items for all tastes and hobbies or events.

The event is limited to the fi rst 150 tickets sold, said chairman Steve Bannetto, so interested persons should purchase their tickets soon. Tickets are available on the flyer which is available daily at the back of both churches, or by contacting Bannetto at stevebannetto@yahoo.com, or Louise Welch of the Columbiettes at columbietteLouu@aol.com. Gift chance tickets can be purchased at the time of reservations as well as at the event when it starts.

Further information about the Columbiettes is available from Welch or AnnDimaira at 732-500-1785 or visiting their website at vtlcolumbiettes6525.com. The Auxiliary meets the fi rst Monday of each month at St. Mary’s New Monmouth.

The dinner portion of the event is sponsored by the Knights of the Father Donnelly chapter and will be prepared by them. Because of their regular reputation for presentation of meals, this council of the Knights has been recognized for its outstanding food preparation and service, and on occasion, as is anticipated at the Italian night, includes the famed Red Gravy prepared by Capt. John Flynn.

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Monmouth County Historical Association presents Historically Speaking: A Virtual Lecture Series. Co-Sponsored by the Monmouth County Library.

Register today for free Zoom lectures given by Monmouth County’s most interesting and well-respected historians! You’ll even have the chance to engage in a Q&A at the end!

The next series will be on January 19 at 7 p.m. - Melissa Ziobro presents American Women and Royal Marriages: NJ’s Dollar Princesses.

“Downton Abbey” enjoyed immense popularity as the fictitious story of a fabu-

lously wealthy English noble family. Lady Cora Crawley was an American however, and embodied the real-life experience of many women of the Gilded Age. Advances in American industrialization created a sect of “new money” families; while they had wealth beyond belief, they could not compete with the social standing of the more established “old money” families. To remedy this, daughters from these American families traded wealth for titles as they married into the nobility of Europe...particularly those families who were experiencing a shortfall of cash.

Register at monmouthhistory.org/historically-speaking.

LAKE COMO – Linda’s Closet provides gently used clothing for the entire family at no charge. Pick up free clothes and shoes at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 703 17th Street, Lake Como, on January 28 from 12 to 3 p.m. For more information, call Deirdre Dunn 732-245-5105.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Our National Symbol –e Bald Eagle

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

Considered a ‘sea eagle’ they reside and hunt along large lakes and rivers. The conspicuous white feathers of its head are where the name ‘bald’ came from. The female bald eagle is larger than the male in size. Adult females will reach a length of approximately 43 inches with a wingspan of eight feet. Adult males reach a length of about 36 inches with a six-anda-half-foot wingspan. They will hunt fi sh out of the water using their talons (nails), but will also prey on other birds, snakes, turtles, crabs, and small mammals. They will also consume carrion As far back as 1782, the bald eagle has

been the United States’ national symbol, where at that time their numbers in the hundreds of thousands. It was due to human activities that their numbers declined over the next two centuries. Since they were a disturbance to livestock, our state and federal governments offered bounties to hunt them. Due to the devastating loss our government enacted the Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 making it illegal to kill bald eagles. In the period of 19171952, Alaskan bounty hunters had killed more than 100,000 eagles. This protection act does not regulate Alaska.

Despite this Act, the birds’ numbers continued to decline, mostly because DDT, a pesticide used in agriculture after World War II, came into use. Accumulating in the tissues of the birds, the shells of the eggs were thin and weak and easily broken. Fewer young could survive. The United States banned DDT in 1972. By 1978 our federal government declared the bald eagle endangered. All but a few northern states considered the bird endangered. The late 1980s saw the replenishment in numbers in the wild and reclassified their status to threatened in 1995. The U.S. removed the bald eagle in 2007 from list of endangered and threatened species.

Research for this article was gathered from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm infl icted upon any animal, are punishable under the law.

P OLICE B LOTTER

Monmouth Man Gets Prison For $2.8M Fraud Scheme

By Chris Lundy

RED BANK – Police said an investment advisor defrauded more than $2.8 million from clients, and will be serving 63 months in prison.

Mark Marchi, 55, of Red Bank, pleaded guilty to one count of securities fraud in a federal court. In addition to the prison term, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution

of $2.87 million.

Marchi, who was previously barred from the securities industry, still offered investment adviser services to clients. Starting in December 2015, he managed and controlled Precipio Capital LLC, after previously managing and controlling a different investment company called Global Alliance Capital, LLC. Through Global Alliance, Marchi solicited investments, and when he

ceased operating Global Alliance, Marchi represented to those investors that he rolled over their accounts into Precipio. Marchi also solicited clients to invest directly into Precipio.

However, instead of using the funds on legitimate investments, he diverted approximately $2.8 million to pay back other investors and for his own use. He made false statements and provided fake

documentation.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited the special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas Mahoney; and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Postal Inspector in Charge Damon Wood, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation.

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

& Reasonable Accommodations For Breastfeeding Mothers

By: Christopher R. Shea, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) amended the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) to include pregnancy, including medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery, as well as breastfeeding, as protected classifications under the law. The PWFA:

• Prohibits employers from treating pregnant or breastfeeding employees less favorably than other employees;

• Requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation upon the request of employees and based on the advice of a doctor, unless the accommodation poses an undue hardship; and

• Examples of pregnancy-related accommodations may include permitting increased breaks for increased water intake, bathroom use, or rest; providing assistance with manual labor; restructuring jobs; modifying work schedules; and temporarily transferring employees to less strenuous work.

• Prohibits employers from penalizing employees who request such an accommodation. Unlike other NJLAD accommodation claims, the PWFA contains its own “analytic structure” to determine a claim for failure to accommodate. Under the PWFA, an employee must show (1) that she was pregnant or breastfeeding; (2) that she made a request for a reasonable accommodation; and (3) that the employer failed to provide a reasonable accommodation.

Critically, employers are required to make such accommodations when an employee requests them, however, once the request is made based on the advice of a physician, the employer in most cases must provide the requested accommodations. With a physician’s note, the only way an employer can avoid having to provide the accommodations is if the

employer can show that the accommodations would impose an “undue hardship” on its business operations. This is typically a very high burden under the law, and is not easy for employers to meet. Some of the factors in this “undue burden” analysis are the overall size of the business; the size of the budget; the nature and costs of the accommodation; and whether the employee can still perform the essential functions of her job.

Notably however the Supreme Court recently stated that unlike the undue hardship defense in other NJLAD accommodation actions; an employee’s inability to perform an essential function of her job is merely a factor to be considered when assessing undue hardship in PWFA cases. As such, the Supreme Court has determined that PWFA cases are the only category of cases where a jury should determine the question of undue hardship.

In summary the PWFA law goes beyond the normal protections extended to disabled employees. In the context of disability laws, such as the NJLAD and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, employers should be cautious in their treatment of pregnant or breastfeeding employees’ special needs and should consider broad any and all forms of accommodations presented. This is particularly true, in the post, covid era where telework has been recognized as a reasonable accommodation by the judicial system and the equal opportunity employment commission.

If you believe you are a victim of employment discrimination based on pregnancy or breastfeeding, contact the Employment Lawyers at R.C. Shea & Associates at 732505-1212, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.

Christopher R. Shea Esq.

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

How To Properly Take Gabapentin And Restore Lost Nutrients

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The focus of the blog today is on the number one selling anti-convulsant drug in America, and it’s known chemically as gabapentin. One popular brand name for gabapentin is Neurontin.

Some people take this prescription medicine even though they do not suffer from epilepsy because it seems to help other conditions like pain management, neuropathy or insomnia.

Some off-label uses for gabapentin include anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and possibly even hot flashes.

Gabapentin is a favorite among prescribers because it offers many advantages over traditional anticonvulsants, and sedative-hypnotics. The dosage can be easily changed and titrated upward since it has a wide variety of strengths. Gabapentin may be taken without regard to meals. Do NOT stop gabapentin without a proper taper and physician supervision.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsules, you can empty the contents of the capsule and mix it into applesauce, yogurt, pudding, or grape jelly, really whatever you like! Do not do this if your formula is long-acting or sustained-release.

Knowing what nutrients your drug is stealing (ie the drug mugger effect) can help you solve side effects and that’s my primary goal today. I wrote a whole book to help people on this topic entitled, Drug Muggers which is available by book sellers and Amazon.

Gabapentin is known to reduce or deplete the following nutrients:

• Calcium which leads to bone brittleness

• Vitamin A which leads to visual deficit

• Copper and zinc which leads to hypothyroidism

• B complex which leads to neuropathy

• Vitamin D which leads to immune challenges

Please note the following caution nowhere am I suggesting that you stop your gabapentin. The list of nutrients below and their related deficiency symptoms may lead you to think that the medication is somehow bad for you and that is NOT what I am saying. I am just informing you of the nutrient depletions so that you can supplement properly, and feel better while you take your medication. It’s really for educational purposes, and not intended as advice.

You should have a conversation with your practitioner about what vitamin and mineral doses are right for you, as well as if you should even supplement or not. As for supplementation, if you choose to do that, you should start only one formula at a time. Never begin numerous items at once because there are too many variables and if you are intolerant to something, or reactive you won’t be able to tell which supplement caused the problem. I have a much longer version of this article, along with more cautions. That is posted at my website, suzycohen.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Sheriff:

Continued From Page 8

operation, which include law enforcement, communications, corrections, correctional healthcare and public safety training at the Monmouth County Police Academy.

“I am proud to support Sheriff Shaun Golden and all members of law enforcement throughout Monmouth County for the work they do to defend and protect our communities,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, who was also sworn in to a three year term and re-appointed as Director of the Board. “The Monmouth County Board of County

Commissioners looks forward to continuing to work alongside Sheriff Golden to serve the residents of Monmouth County.”

“These accomplishments have been made through the dedicated efforts of employees from all of the sheriff ’s office divisions, who faithfully serve the people of Monmouth County, and, through the continued support of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners.” said Sheriff Golden.

“Public safety, the fight against drug abuse, auto thefts, emergency services, assisting our special needs community and veterans, among other important initiatives, will remain our main focus, as we move forward into the next three years.”

Rita English, a resident of South Plainfield, was in Brick Township last week and captured these Bufflehead Ducks taking off along the Metedeconk River. Amazing and beautiful! If you would like to see your pictures in our Photo of the Week feature, email them to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com - you may win a prize!

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

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

Pets For Sale For Rent

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

Items For Sale

Micromedia Publications is looking for a high-energy account rep to sell print and online advertising in Ocean County. Competitive base, bonuses & company benefits. Successful applicant should possess good communication skills & a desire to grow with the company. E-Mail resumes to jallentoff@jersey shoreonline.com. EOE. (t/n)

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)

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)

Services Services Services

Certified Home Health Aides - Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention. Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n)

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience. Call Jim 732-674-3346. (39)

Music Lessons In Your HomeBy state certified instrumental music teacher. Please call 732-350-4427 for more information. All are welcome. (3)

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com . Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

week* at $29.95

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

BlueClaws To Host Virtual Job Fair

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-game-day-staffb6832697c2c1ca04.

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

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

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

What Do I Do With My Unused Medication?

HOWELL – If you have any unwanted, unused or expired medication, the Howell Alliance has provided easy disposal options for you.

Anonymously drop off in the “project medicine drop box” at the convenient location

in the Howell Police Station lobby, located at 300 Old Tavern Road in Howell.

If you cannot get out of the house, the Howell Police Department can help. Call their non-emergency number at 732-9384111 and ask for a complimentary medicine

pick up. They will send an officer to your house to pick up your unwanted medication. No questions asked.

Situation where you may have unused or unneeded medication to dispose of:

• Death of a loved one

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.

• Past surgeries or dental work

• Veterinary medication

Please note: no needles, no syringes and no liquids. For more information, call the Howell Alliance at 732-938-4500 ext. 4012.

Wheaton who played himself on “The Big Bang Theory”

Farm:

Continued From Page 3

exception to language that said what they were doing was “endangering the welfare of the children.” They view their participation in Sprouts as having just the opposite effect.

According to Coffey, she and Houli are constantly at the farm to tend to the animals. However, that’s not to say children are always on site.

“On average, I’d say the children spend two and half hours here a week,” said Coffey. “We homeschool. We’re not schooling on a farm and aren’t set up or have the right academics there. They’re saying we are using one of the sheds as a classroom, and we’re not.”

Wefer sees the legal issues presented on behalf of the Township officials from a different vantage point. Her legal brief states

that the Township is “strictly seeking an order barring Sprouts from gathering on the farm.” The defendant’s attorney contends this would violate the constitution because Sprouts members are engaged in protected freedom of association.

In listing the various activities the children participate in on the farm, Wefer also pointed out that all activities are led by parents who are members of Sprouts. The attorney also specifically wrote that Sprouts is not a business, school, or a camp.

“Sprouts is a private association of families, a community, who have come together to farm, appreciate nature, and pass those skills and values on to their children,” summarized Wefer.

Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Lourdes Lucas has scheduled a hearing for January 26, 2023 to hear the case after allowing the attorneys to submit additional briefs.

Local Animals Ready For Adoption

MONMOUTH COUNTY –

The Monmouth County SPCA has a number of pets available for adoption.

Pictured is Ghostbuster, a 1 ½ year old Brindle Pitbull weighing 57 pounds. He would do very well in a dog-savvy home willing to spoil him with toys, playtime, and long walks. A fenced backyard would be best. Children in the house should be 12 and older, and used to dogs. He could possibly live with another dog.

The MCSPCA only does adoptions in person (please bring all family members). They will ask you to fill out an Adoption Survey and speak with an Adoption Counselor to help fi nd your perfect match.

They are located at 260 Wall Street in

Eatontown. They can be reached at 732542-0040.

Construction Board Of Appeals Meeting

FREEHOLD – The next Monmouth County Construction Board of Appeals meeting will be held on January 19 at 9 a.m. at the Monmouth County Planning Board

Conference Room Hall of Records Annex, 2nd Floor, 1 East Main Street, Freehold and via WebEx Web Conference. For more information, call 732-431-7460, ext. 7462.

Stormwater Technical Advisory Commi ee Meeting

FREEHOLD – The upcoming Monmouth County Stormwater Technical Advisory Committee meeting (Reorganization) will be held on February 1 at 9:30 a.m. at the Mon-

mouth County Planning Board Conference Room, 2nd Floor, Hall of Records Annex Building, One East Main Street, Freehold. For more information call 732-431-7460.

Police Department Now Hiring

HOWELL – The Howell Township Police Department is accepting applications for Certified Class II Police Officers. Must be a graduate of a New Jersey Police Training

Commission Basic Course for Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers. Resumes can be sent to recruiting@HowellPolice. org or dropped off in person.

– Photo courtesy MCSPCA

Omarr’s Astrological

Forecast

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Using some initiative can make a positive difference in the week to come. You might dream or believe anything you are told. Develop constructive strategies and take practical steps to overcome any family problems.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Loyalty is more than skin deep. Dig deep and you might find that a close friend or cherished partner is a true treasure. You may feel pressured to keep up your end of a bargain as the week begins to unfold.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gratitude is a key ingredient for contentment. Enjoy the things that you already have rather than hoping for things you don’t have. Wait until late in the week to make major purchases or decisions about investments.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Postpone taking on extra obligations or commitments until later in the week. Right now, your efforts could be subject to misunderstandings or cause disruptions. Someone may give you a good reason to mistrust their intentions.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Look for the silver lining in every cloud of controversy. You might not agree on key issues but you can be tolerant of someone else’s point of view. Wait until late in the week to launch fresh initiatives or a new project.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Uphold high standards. Using substandard materials or cutting corners could ruin a project this week. Use a discriminating eye to help you achieve the highest level of quality. Being empathetic is a valuable gift.

By

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Consider who you are dealing with. Consider giving good friends more leeway than business contacts in the upcoming week. Uplift your spirits with a brisk walk outdoors, hitting the gym, or playing sports with friends.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Hit the ground running this week. Your kindness and understanding will likely be needed if a loved one is feeling stressed in the week ahead. If any key vulnerabilities are a concern, mastermind a solution.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If someone is coming on too strong, try to take it in stride. Focus on creative projects in the week ahead but do not ignore job-related obligations. Got paperwork to do? Get it done and enjoy the relief.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A partner may have high expectations so do your best to deliver. Don’t let dreams and wishful thinking curtail your progress this week. Once you’ve made a firm decision, go full-speed ahead or you might be stuck in neutral.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Preparation and planning can prevent a poor performance. Get organized before you begin a new project in the week ahead. Be sure to observe social cues, consider adding more warmth to your approach.

By America’s Test Kitchen

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Walk a balance beam in the week ahead. You can be generous with your time and talents without being extravagant or going to extremes. Don’t let misunderstandings fester this week; clear the air as soon as possible. (For 25 years, confident cooks in

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

For the week of jan 14 - JAN 20

Jeraldine Saunders

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.