ucation develops goals and strategies to achieve educational success for the school district.
All are invited to participate in the Strategic Planning Event scheduled for March 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Manchester Township High School. It will be a time to reflect on where they are as a district and where they want to go. Those interested in
attending are asked to RSVP at bit.ly/StrategicPlanningEventRSVP/ to secure attendance.
The district has partnered with Dr. Tracey Severns of Teach4Results to facilitate the school district’s Strategic Planning Process. Dr. Severns will provide an interactive, transparent (School - See Page 4)
Members of the Gospel Chorus perform during this year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute program held at the Manchester Township High School.
By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTERored the memory of civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr at Manchester Town-
ship High School.
As per tradition, the celebration included a performance by the district’s
Gospel Chorus. It also featured keynote speaker Wincey Terry Bryant. (Tribute - See Page 4)
By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY
– As social workers are getting ready to count how many homeless people there are in each community, they also said goodbye to those they lost last year.
The Point In Time counts are at the end of January. It’s when sheltered – and un-
sheltered – homeless people are counted at various locations where they are known to gather. Although some homeless try to stay off the grid, these counts provide a reasonably accurate number of how many men, women, and children have no permanent housing.
While being counted,
they are also being evaluated to see what they need, whether it’s job training, addiction counseling, or help fi lling out government forms. They are also given food, warm clothing and other necessities.
Last year, there were 419 people listed as homeless in (Homeless - See Page 5)
LAKEHURST –
CouncilPresident Steven Oglesby feels things are getting too hot when it comes to the bills the borough is receiving for a municipal building.
He said at a recent Borough Council meeting that he’s been checking the heating bills on the bills list and “I see once again the emergency services heating bill was over $1,000. The Borough heat bill is $266 a month. The next big one is the public works building - which makes sense - which is a little over $900.
“I’d like to suggest a survey or something from New Jersey Natural Gas to fi nd out why it is as high as it is. We are bleeding money from that building, which is not occupied. I know it has to remain at minimum temperature but a $1,000 a month? There is something wrong here,” he added.
An ordinance regarding mercantile licensing and landlord registration was amended to raise the landlord registration fee from $100 to $200. It will also include the State Mandate P.L.2022, C.92 that requires business owners and landlords to maintain liability insurance for negligent acts and omissions in an amount of no less than $500,000 for combined property damage and bodily injury to or death of one or more persons in any one accident or occurrence.
Continued From Page 1
The Newark native rap and gospel singer belted out her fi rst solo in a small church in Jersey City in 1977. She went from the choir stand to the music and film industry and worked with Spike Lee, Sting and Tina Turner. She founded a performing arts troupe that educates audiences about serious social issues and academic subject matter in schools and churches throughout New York and New Jersey.
Bryant’s message during the program was inspired by Dr. King, in never giving up your dreams and not to listen to those who tell you that you will fail.
do it. What you have to do is work out that potential inside of you,” Bryant said.
“When I joined the choir, I didn’t even know I could sing. Some of you have books inside of you, or mysteries, businesses inside of you and I’m talking about everybody,” she said.
“He was an ordinary man who decided to take on an extraordinary mission. He didn’t let his humanity limit him,” she said of Dr. King.
Pastor Debra Davis served as this year’s master of ceremonies. She is the founder of the Church Beyond The Walls Inc. and recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden for her community work.
King Jr.,” Pastor Davis said.
The event, sponsored in part by donations from the Manchester Township Education Association and the Manchester PTA was held at the high school auditorium. Proceeds from the event’s ticket sales went toward covering the cost of the refreshments that were served up afterward.
the Gospel Chorus advisor. Joining them this year was The Jersey Shore Worship Gospel Singers. Pastor Davis gave the benediction with closing remarks by Manchester Gospel Chorus Director Jay Bullock as well as Chorus and Choral Director Taylor Bullock.
Taylor and Jay Bullock worked closely with their mother, former chorus director Selena Bullock who died a few years ago. They, along with Jadyn Bullock, the assistant choral director, have continued the legacy of the chorus and the tribute program.
“This is my first time here. I am so grateful and honored to be before you. It is an honor and privilege to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther
The program is believed to be the longest continually running tribute to Dr. King in the state and among the longest in the country. It has featured performances by the Manchester Gospel Chorus and a special Alumni Chorus. The ceremonies began the year after Dr. King’s assassination and was coordinated by chorus founder, Queen Cannon, with the support of the school district. She was a teacher and guidance counselor in Manchester for 35 years. Claire Rutz serves as
MTHS Principal Dennis Adams, who is also a pastor, said, “this is always an awesome event. Everyone comes together in unity and in love just like Dr. King would want us to. Next year will be 55 years and we will make it a big-time celebration for the Manchester community.”
Continued From Page 1
“The Lord made you to do something great and you have everything inside of you to approach in which all stakeholders of the school community will help to shape the future plans for the school district. According to a release from the School District, Severns is “a nationally renowned educator who has dedicated her career to students, teachers, administrators and school communities.”
She has served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, Chief Academic Officer for the New Jersey Department of Education, the Leadership and Learning Strategist for Rutgers School of Education’s Center
for Effective School Practices, and host of DisruptED TV.
Dr. Severn’s Strategic Improvement Plans use research-based strategies to achieve data-driven goals.
School Superintendent John Berenato said, “the strategic planning process is an opportunity for school and community stakeholders to look forward by identifying the district’s strengths, weaknesses, target issues and then develop and prioritize annual goals that achieve district success.
“The Strategic Planning Events are an opportunity for all students, staff, parents and residents to provide the school district with their feedback. We provide students
with services and they too will have the opportunity during their own strategic planning sessions to elevate their voices in the same way the staff, families and community will,” Berenato added.
He said, “by working together in this way, strategic planning will help the district to forecast and prioritize our district’s specific needs and then develop strategies that support these needs. We hope to have a large turnout and participation from all.”
The Strategic Planning Events support the development of a school district plan that meets the unique needs of our schools and community, builds on existing strengths, and draws from best practices. The events
are designed to provide the students, staff, parents, families and larger community with the opportunity to share their opinions on priority areas of focus to improve the Manchester Township School District.
The data that is collected by Dr. Severns at the Strategic Planning Events will be analyzed and those results will be presented to members of the Board of Education at their June public meeting. The Board will then come together with the school administration to lay out the goals and how to achieve those goals.
For further information or to request an interview with Mr. Berenato, Superintendent of Schools, please contact dsilvestri@ mtschools.org.
Continued From Page 1
Ocean County. Of these, 135 were younger than 18. Some of these children were with family. Some were on their own.
Recently, there was a National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service to remember those who were homeless or formerly homeless who died in 2022. The event is celebrated throughout the country, but this was the fi rst local one.
“Homeless persons are 3-4 times more likely to die than the general population. On average, people with housing in the U.S. can expect to live to age 78. Our long-term homeless neighbors can expect to live to about the age of 50,” said Tricia Bradly with Ocean’s Harbor House.
The opening prayer was delivered by Pastor Steve Brigham, well known for taking
care of people living in tents in Lakewood before that town bulldozed tent city and cut down trees just so the homeless wouldn’t have a place to sleep. Speeches were given by Anjelica Webber, a social worker and board member with OceanCares; Rev. Ted Foley and Pastor Sue Jones of the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition; and Pastor Rhetta Jackson, who runs an overnight shelter in Bayville.
While leaders spoke outside the Toms River Riverwood Recreation Center, and some gave testimonials, there were 23 people who stayed the night in that building for warmth.
Just Believe has been operating a Code Blue shelter at the Riverwood Park recreation building at 250 Riverwood Drive in Toms River for the last three years. Code Blue is the law that says towns should open its shelters once the temperature drops down to a certain degree.
“Ocean County has made great strides by making the Code Blue system more effective so we are less likely to see more lives lost,” said Just Believe CEO, Paul Hulse. Hulse said homelessness was up in Ocean County 35% from 2021 to 2022. Part of this has to do with the moratorium on evictions being lifted. The moratorium was created to help people facing economic strife due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ocean County still has one more step to take which is to build a homeless shelter in Ocean County,” he added.
They are in the process of building the first transitional home that will be available 12 months a year – not just in the winter. The facility will be named after Hulse’s childhood friend Larry Robertiello. He served two tours in Kuwait and Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served from October of 2001 to July of 2004, reaching
the rank of Specialist in the Army and receiving four medals. He worked as a plumber in his civilian life. However, when he got home, he suffered from PTSD and addiction, which took his life last year.
Several religious and other welfare groups host overnight shelters, fi lling in the gap in service because Ocean County’s leaders refuse to establish a permanent shelter. Many have explained that it can be paid for by a fund fueled by a $5 fee on every real estate transaction but the County Commissioners said they didn’t want to charge people that.
A year-round shelter would be a transitional facility, because the goal is to make them independent. Additionally, having one location gives them the consistency that fosters safety, trust, and a home base for them to get the services they need to get back on their feet.
Continued From Page 1
were now archived on the borough website, lakehurst-nj.gov/.
The ordinance committee included Council President Oglesby, Hodges and Capasso.
“Getting the ordinance book on the website has been an ongoing project for many years, it started in 2018. We met many evenings,
and now it is fi nally on the website for all residents to view,” Capasso said.
“It was a tremendous amount of work and we’re very happy that it is now completed,” Hodges said after the meeting.
During the meeting, a resolution was passed appointing Anthony D’Angelo as a part-time police officer.
The Manchester Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!
OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.
Ninth District State Senator Chris Connors recently announced he will not seek re-election later this year. By this announcement, he is ending 33 years of exceptional public service in the state legislature, first as an assemblyman, and then later securing the senate seat formerly held by his late father and mentor, Leonard T. Connors.
As a consequence of our media presence in Ocean County for nearly 28 years, it has been my honor and privilege to have known both senators Len and Chris Connors, and to follow their deep commitment to constituent service, as well as the broader needs of the state, through the years. In fact, in his capacity as mayor of Surf City, Senator Len Connors was gracious enough to perform a wedding ceremony for my niece and former business partner Robyn many years ago.
In another trip down memory lane, shortly after we began our publishing business, we received a visit from former Ninth District chief of staff Gerry Little, who dropped by to hand-deliver a news release, explaining that the district office did not as yet have a fax machine for that purpose! Some years after that, Gerry was elected to the Ocean County Board of Freeholders (now Commissioners).
In closing, I would like to say that I am very grateful to have personally known Senator Chris Connors as well as his father, both of whom embodied all that is good and decent in public service. For more on some of the contributions made by Senator Connors, visit our web page news story at jerseyshoreonline.com .
Stew Swann President Micromedia Publications, Inc.The Manchester Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.
All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to
edit or reject letters.
The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.
The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.
The recent article, “Did You Walk Right Past History Today?” was very enjoyable and informative.
It reminded me of many comments I have heard regarding our Quaker meetinghouse in Tuckerton, such as “I never knew it was there!” even though it is right in the middle of downtown across from Wawa at 21 E. Main Street.
The original house of the Little Egg Harbor Meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers) was built in 1709 and the current building was constructed on the same site in 1863.
The fi rst English settlers of the Little Egg Harbor area (the land between West Creek and New Gretna) were all Quakers who followed pioneer Henry Jacobs Falkinburg across the pine forest from the Delaware River area to “the Middle of the Shore.”
The only villages in the area, such as Westeconk and Pohatcong, were inhabited by the Lenape people who were mainly summer residents.
The migrants bought land, starting farming, built mills for grain and lumber, and lived peaceably among the Lenape, often intermarrying with them.
Friends still meet every Sunday and provide free tours and talks on the property for both groups and individuals upon request.
Take a walk through history very soon! Our contact number is 609-857-1311.
Sean Kinnevy West CreekTwo years after the deadly attack on our country on January 6th, 2021, it’s hard to ignore that the House of Representatives is now controlled by those who embraced and fueled Trump’s Big Lie.
According to the Washington Post, over 70% of all House
Republicans are election deniers - 135 incumbents voted against certifying the 2020 election, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and at least 27 freshman members ran on the Big Lie. They might hold the title of “representative” but they have no intention of legislating on behalf of their constituents. Their top priority in the House will be sham investigations into the Biden administration and those who actually defended our democracy. We must speak truth to power in the face of all their lies. I’m pledging to do everything I can to protect our freedoms and our democracy against the House’s extremist attacks - I hope others will join me.
Katie Metzger BarnegatWithout foreknowledge and without any opportunity of voting for Congressman Andy Kim or for anybody else, I just lost the best Congressional Representative I ever had, a gentleman who for two terms of office faithfully looked after me and his many other grateful constituents and our interests in the House of Representatives. As I said, Andy was the best and I’m 85!
He even showed his humility and his love for the Capitol by personally pitching in to help clean the trashed Capitol Building after the insurrection on January 6, 2021! To my knowledge, no other member of Congress joined the maintenance crew in their important efforts to get legitimate government working again. Although I know a bit about the redistricting that inevitably follows the US Census, it feels very anti-democratic, as if imposed upon me and fellow citizens from above...and I am not talking about God!
The process of redistricting makes the proverbial used car salesman green with envy! As in a game of chess, we voterscall us “pawns” - are literally shuffled around; and, by the
magic of packing and cracking, electoral districts assume the oddest shapes and sizes.
I am now supposedly represented by a Congressman (Chris Smith) who has acted as if the job of Representative is a sweet sinecure. I can remember no significant achievement when he last represented Ocean County.
Nicholas Molinari BrickAnyone who claims the current border policies are working needs a reality check, which is available in the article “Sheriff’s Officers Detail Border Crisis on Recent Assignment” in the December 10th issue of The Manchester Times
Two Ocean County Sheriff’s (officers) agreed to go to Arizona to see for themselves by working alongside the Border Patrol. One officer, who speaks Spanish, communicated easily with migrants. To quote this officer: “The amount of illegal people coming across is just overwhelming.”
So, why can’t politicians increase the annual quota of legal immigrants, instead? As least, vetting would be practiced diligently. And why can’t politicians cease sending aid to these countries, while the surge continues, instead of further increasing the strain on hard-working Americans’ tax dollars? America will implode, if we don’t start using common sense.
Marie Pellicano ManchesterOne of the reasons that Mayor Reina was overwhelmingly elected recently was his policy of always looking to improve Jackson’s quality of life.
The preservation of open space is a key part of why this is such a desirable place to live. No matter the size, or even if it needs rehabilitation work as in the recent purchase of Rova
Farms for a park, it’s priceless. Land is not being created anymore. Keeping what we have is a public good, adding to our open space serves so many valuable purposes. By acting locally to save green and blue water areas, our mayor and supportive town council are thinking globally. Present day voters appreciate and approve this. Future ones should know whom to thank. The cost is minimal. The return on investment is immeasurable. We hope for many future acquisitions.
Susan Addelston JacksonYour printing of the Governor’s article concerning the recent passage of A4769/S3214 is a disservice to your readers. It fails to address the fact that the Democrats themselves admit it does nothing to counter crime and is targeted solely at law-abiding citizens. Assemblyman Danielsen is on record (available on YouTube) as saying “The last thing I want to say to people, and some of my own Democrats have committed to me, and commented that to me, this does nothing [to] stop the illegal gun trade, or the illegal criminal, illegal possessions, or criminal content and…you’re right. This doesn’t. It was never supposed to address that.”
The state now will spend countless hours, resources and money to defend what is, by their own admission, probably unconstitutional.
The arrogance and abuse of power will be opposed, defeated, and ultimately addressed in next year’s elections. With every seat being contested, these mostly north-Jersey Democrats will have to answer for their unethical failure to uphold their oath of office, abandoning both the U.S and State Constitutions.
Dominic T. Lupico WhitingTRENTON – Senator Jim Holzapfel and Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and John Catalano (all R-Ocean) introduced legislation to ban TikTok on all State government devices. The bill was announced by the legislators last month amid rising concerns about cybersecurity risks associated with the social media platform raised by the FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“We were the fi rst to raise concerns about the cybersecurity risks associated with the use of TikTok on state government devices in New Jersey,” said Holzapfel. “We’re glad Governor Murphy listened and issued a directive to ban the app on Executive Branch devices. Our legislation goes even further and would prohibit TikTok on devices across every branch of government, including the Legislature and the Judiciary.”
On Monday, the Murphy administration announced a directive that prohibits the use of TikTok on Executive Branch devices. The legislation (S-3462) introduced by the
10th District legislators would prohibit the download or use of the TikTok application or visits to the TikTok website on all State-issued or State-leased electronic devices across all three branches of government.
“The governor took a good fi rst step in banning TikTok from Executive Branch devices, but more needs to be done,” said McGuckin. “I’m hopeful the Legislature will take the next step and enact the comprehensive ban we proposed that would apply to every branch of State government.”
The new legislation follows growing concerns by state and federal lawmakers, law enforcement, and military officials that TikTok is a Trojan horse for the Chinese Communist Party that’s designed to collect
data on its billion users worldwide and to influence public opinion in ways that serve the Chinese government’s interests.
TikTok is operated by ByteDance, a Chinese Internet technology company. The company recently confi rmed that its China-based employees are able to access U.S. user data, despite prior claims to the contrary.
“Security researchers have warned that TikTok could potentially log a user’s keystrokes and take screenshots that are reported back to the company’s servers,” added Catalano. “When State workers have a lot of sensitive information on their devices, we can’t risk that being accessed in Beijing. It’s an unnecessary risk that we need to fully shut down.”
of the sizable relief.
TRENTON – During his State of the State Address, Governor Phil Murphy announced that, in concert with Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, the State of New Jersey is extending the application deadline for the new ANCHOR property tax relief program to ensure every eligible New Jerseyan takes advantage
The new application deadline is being extended to February 28, 2023, giving taxpayers an extra month to apply. The deadline was previously extended to January 31 to allow tenants who had been ineligible because their unit is under a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement to apply for the benefit.
“This is money going right back into the pockets of roughly two million New Jersey middle-class and working homeowners, seniors, and tenants – households in which well more than half of all of our residents live. For more than a million homeowners,
ANCHOR’s direct relief will effectively undo years of property tax increases - even up to a decade’s worth. And for nearly one million renters, ANCHOR’s tenant relief will cushion rent hikes,” said Governor Murphy. “The response to the ANCHOR program has been outstanding, and I am very glad we can extend the deadline so even more New Jerseyans can take advantage of this game-changing program,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “There are still thousands of renters and homeowners out there who haven’t been eligible for property tax relief for nearly a generation who can apply and receive the rebate. We want to make sure we provide every chance for people to get their applications in and get
the relief they deserve.”
“I’m proud to work with the Murphy Administration to extend the qualifying deadline for the ANCHOR program,” said Senate President Scutari. “We want to ensure that everyone who qualifies has the opportunity to take advantage of the property tax relief it offers. This is direct financial support that will help make the lives of homeowners and renters more affordable and provide a boost to the economy.”
“Affordability is a top concern for New Jersey residents and property taxes create a significant financial burden for working and middle-class families across the state. The ANCHOR program aims to deliver (Government - See Page )
Manchester Accounting Services – Whiting, NJ 08759
Are you a CPA wanting to be your own boss versus a larger firm environment? Set your own schedule! CPA Owner is seeking other CPAs to responsibly team up and get the work done. There are fulltime, part-time or seasonal positions with a business that is 35+ years in the same established location.
Bachelor's Degree Tax preparation experience: 5-7 years CPA preferred
• Primarily responsible for preparation of 1040 tax returns
• Additionally responsible for preparation of tax returns for S corporations, C corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts and not-for-profits
• Preparation of federal and state quarterly estimated income tax payments and annual extension payments
• Tax planning
• Respond to inquiries from the IRS and other tax authorities
• 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
• Working knowledge of ProSeries (or comparable) and Microsoft Office applications
• Personable and quick-witted
Please submit resumes including salary requirements –INFO@ManchesterAccountingServices.com
No calls please. EOE
Potential candidates will be contacted to interview.
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.
WHITING – What means comfort better than SOUP? The Whiting United Methodist Church wants to help with that! We are again collecting cans of Soup for the local food banks for our annual Souper Bowl. Collections of canned soup, protein, vegetables or stews can be dropped off at our church now through February 9. All donations will be blessed on SuperBowl February 13. Maybe you need some comfort too? We can also help there. Join us every Wednesday in
March beginning on March 1 at 5 p.m. for our Lenten Soup Suppers with devotions. The community is invited to attend this annual free event. We will be taking a free will offering. Our congregation is providing their homemade soups and deserts. And you will find comforting fellowship when you join us!
We are located at 55 Lacey Road in Whiting. Our office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MANCHESTER – Do you know that Manchester Township has its own Democratic Club? We have been in existence since late 2021. Our goal is to provide a place of camaraderie where fellow Manchester Democrats can have a platform for their voices to be heard. Each month we have guest speakers who address issues of interest to our residents.
Our meetings are held monthly, on the 3rd Saturday of every month, at the Presbyterian Church of Lakehurst, 101 Orchard Street, Lakehurst.
Join us this month, on January 21 at 9:30 a.m. for a light breakfast ($5 donation requested). Our meeting starts at 10 a.m. Contact us at info@manchesterdems.com with any questions, or to get on our email list.
MANCHESTER – The Manchester Township School District is creating a plan for our future. We need you to be an active participant! The strategic planning event that is planned for March 16, 5:30 p.m. at MTHS is designed to provide
parents, families and the community with the opportunity to share their opinions on priority areas of focus that drive the future of the Manchester Township School District. Please RSVP at machestertwp. org/news.
MANCHESTER – Come join the Manchester Township Police Department at Toast Café and Restaurant for Coffee with a Cop on January 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grad a cup and speak
with members of the Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Division, and Investigations Bureau to discuss various topics concerning the community. Location: 1900 Route 70, Manchester.
WHITING – Crestwood Village 1 will be hosting a Casino Bus Trip to Harrah’s Atlantic City on February 23.
Bus departs at 10 a.m. at Friendship Hall. Arrives at Harrah’s at 11:15 a.m.; Leaves Har-
rah’s at 6:30 p.m.; Arrives at Friendship Hall at 7:45 p.m.
Tickets on sale at the Crestwood Village 1 Auditorium, 92 Fairway Lane, on Tuesday’s from 9 to 11 a.m. No refunds unless trip is cancelled.
MANCHESTER - Last month, Manchester Township Middle School and Manchester Township High School students participated in the Ocean County College Mindstorm Robotic Competition.
The Manchester Township Middle School students participated in the Bulldozer Event. Each team designed and built an autonomous Lego Mindstorm robot at school and brought it to the competition in a ready to run configuration. They also prepared a three-minute presentation on their project.
The high school found out about the event with a little over a week’s notice and did their best to prepare (and it paid off !) Maxwell Anderson, Kaye Ysabel Huet, and Andrew Jiang, did come in fi rst place in the presentation of The Prometheus Robot. The team presentation was led by Kaye Ysabel Huet.
Both the middle school and high school students placed at the competition on multiple categories:
Bulldozer Presentation (Middle School):
Manchester Shorebots Team 1 (Manch. M.S.), Manchester Shorebots Team 2 (Manch. M.S.), Manchester Shorebots Team 3 (Manch. M.S.), Manchester Shorebots Team 4 (Manch. M.S.)
Bulldozer Presentation (High School): Manchester Township Prometheus Brick Memorial Mustangs I, Lacey WALL-E
Bulldozer (Middle School)
Golden Eagles Team 3 (Central Regional M.S.)
Manchester Shorebots Team 4 (Manch.
M.S.)
Manchester Shorebots Team 1 (Manch. M.S.), Manchester Shorebots Team 2 (Manch. M.S.)
Bulldozer (High School)
The Not Negotiators (Brick Township H.S.) Dragon Bot (Brick Township H.S.)
Emilyisthebest (Barnegat H.S.), Memorial Mustangs 4 (Brick Memorial H.S.)
Wrestling (Middle School)
Golden Eagles Team 3 (Central Regional M.S.)
Golden Eagles Team 2 (Central Regional M.S.)
Manchester Shorebots Team 3 (Manch. M.S.), Manchester Shorebots Team 4 (Manch. M.S.)
Wrestling (High School)
The Not Negotiators (Brick Township H.S.)
Brick Memorial Mustangs I
Manchester Shorebots Team 3 (Manch. M.S.), Manchester Shorebots Team 4 (Manch. M.S.)
“The best part about the day was the way our students stood out as such positive individuals” says Patricia White, Manchester High School Teacher. “Before we had to leave to go home, our groups sat down on the floor at one of the courses and asked the (Manchester) middle school students to join in on an all out competition between multiple robots. It was so neat to see all the students who were not in the ring with their robots watching our students.”
Congratulations to all of the students and their teachers on their hard work and recognitions!
SUN. MAR. 5 PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW “GARDEN ELECTRIC” $88. 2023 SHOW RETURNS INDOORS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER. INCLUDES ADMISSION.
SUN. APR. 30 WIND CREEK CASINO $44. BETHLEHEM, PA. GUESTS RECEIVE $25-$30 SLOT PLAY.
SAT. MAY. 6 AMISH COUNTRY LANCASTER, PA. $85. Includes SHADY MAPLE Lunch, plus visit Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop and Kitchen Kettle Village. WED. JUNE. 7 DAY IN CAPE MAY, N.J. $99.
INCLUDES LUNCH AT LOBSTER HOUSE AND HISTORIC DISTRICT TROLLEY TOUR. WED. JUNE. 28 A BEAUTIFUL NOISE - THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL $175. 2PM SHOW - ORCHESTRA SEATS
THURS. JULY. 6 SIGHT & SOUND THEATER “MOSES” $137. MAIN FLOOR SEATS. INCLUDES BUFFET LUNCH AT SHADY MAPLE.
SAT. JULY. 22 NEW YORK YANKEES VS. K.C. ROYALS GOOD SEATS $133.
MAY 20-26 8 DAY KENTUCKY AND NASHVILLE’S “MUSIC CITY” $1079. GRAND OLE OPRY, GENERAL JACKSON LUNCH AND SHOW CRUISE, NOAH’S “ARK ENCOUNTER,” HISTORIC LEXINGTON, KY., BARDSTOWN DISTILLERY. 11 MEALS, TOO!
JUNE 18-21 4 DAY CAPE COD AND MARTHA’S VINEYARD $789.
JULY 11-13 3 DAY FINGER LAKES, N.Y. $675.
SEPT. 10-13 4 DAY COASTAL MAINE $799. KENNEBUNKPORT, OLD ORCHARD BEACH, PORTLAND, CASCO BAY CRUISE. NOV. 10-17 8 DAY ARUBA - ALL INCLUSIVE CALL FOR PRICE. 7 nts. Beachfront hotel. All meals, drinks, shows; INCLUDES AIRFARE.
FREE PARKING AVAILABLE. CALL FOR FREE BROCHURE (732) 278 - 2059
MANCHESTER – Did you know that the Manchester Library offers free programs for adults every month? They have something for every interest! Here is a list of the programs for February: Manchester Shore Memory Café – February 2 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Persons diagnosed with early-stage memory loss, and their care partner(s), are provided with the opportunity to engage with peers in a relaxed, unstructured environment that promotes social engagement and support. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater New Jersey on the first Thursday of every month. To register, call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 or visit their website (alz.org).
In the Driver’s Se at – Steering Finances for Caregivers and Survivors. February 6 at 2 p.m. Learn more about the responsibilities of caring for and protecting another person’s finances. Presented by M&T Bank.
African-American Contributions to Jazz – February 11 at 2 p.m. Celebrate Black History Month with a concert by the Florian Schantz Jazz Combo .
Preventing Medicare Fraud - Don’t be a Vi ctim – February 13 at 10 a.m. Find out how to protect yourself against Medicare fraud, waste and abuse. The presenter is Charles Clarkson, Esq., from Senior Medicare Patrol who will also answer your questions. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Manchester Branch . Matinee M ovie – February 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. The Manchester Branch will be showing a recent feature film in commemoration of Black History Month. Contact the library for specific details. How to Sleep When You Can’t Sleep: Holistic and Natural Ways to Overcome Inso mnia – February 16 at 2 p.m. A certified nutritionist will
teach you how to fall asleep naturally and holistically. The Friends of the Manchester Branch Library are paying for this program .
Calming Colo ring – February 20 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This meets regularly once per month on the third Friday. Coloring is a great method of stress relief for adults! Spend a relaxing afternoon creating art, listening to soothing music and relaxing with like-minded adults at the library! Coloring sheets and simple crafts are provided along with crayons, markers, and pens. Alternatively, you can bring your own coloring projects and coloring tools. For even more de-stressing, we offer aromatherapy and therapy animals when they are available.
From Click to Cart – February 21 at 10 a.m. Online grocery shopping overwhelming? Worried about shopping for food in the snow? Get the simple basics on what your favorite grocery stores offer online and get the convenience of filling your cart from the comfort of your home .
Make an Ice Cream Cone Bird Fe eder – February 22 at 2 p.m. February is National Bird Feeding Month. Help your feathered friends make it through the winter by creating cheap and easy bird feeders from grocery store items. We will be using bird seed, ice cream cones, oat cereal, peanut butter and string.
Registration in advance is required for all these programs. To sign up or obtain more information, call 732-657-7600 or go online to the library’s Calendar of Events at theoceancountylibrary.org. Registration for the Manchester Shore Memory Café goes through the sponsoring organization instead of through the library. The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive in Manchester Township.
Sunday Worship Services of Holy Communion at 10 a.m. &Wednesday spoken Holy Communion at 9 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church
The Rev. Dr. J. Francis Watson, Pastor 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759
Phone 732.350.0900 • Fax 732.350.0343
E-mail: christlutheranchurch2@verizon.net Website: christlutheranwhiting.com
WHITING – Crestwood Village 3 Travel Club will be hosting a Trolley Tour with lunch at the Lobster House on June 8. Don’t be green with envy on this trolley tour when you see how well the rich lived in the 1900s in the most elegant part of town. You’ll see the broad streets & summer “mansions” on the east side during your trolley tour – an area marketed as “New Cape May” at the turn of the 20th Century. Today, new beachfront second homeowners have continued the tradition, running the gamut from the merely wealthy to the fabulously rich. Time for shopping at the
quaint Washington Street Mall in Cape May is included in your day.
Cost is $140 and includes: Mansion Trolley Tour, free time at Washington Street Mall, deluxe motorcoach transportation, lunch at Lobster House (menu choices - broiled flounder, broiled scallops or chicken francaise). Meet at Unity Hall, 250 Schoolhouse Road. Gather at 9:15 a.m. Return approximately 5:30 p.m. Tickets sold at Unity Hall on Monday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. No refunds unless trip is cancelled. For reservations or more information, call Rose Kantenwein at 732-408-5441.
MANCHESTER – Life Line Screening, the nation’s leading provider of preventive health screenings, will offer affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings on March 14 at 9 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Manchester.
A package of four screenings to identify cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions will be offered: Carotid artery ultrasound that scans the carotid arteries for buildup of fatty plaque-one of the leading causes of strokes.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound screening for an abdominal aneurysm that
could lead to a ruptured aorta.
Heart Rhythm Screening (AFIB) A quick and easy test using a 6-lead EKG placed on the arms and legs to identify the presence or absence of an irregular heartbeat. Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening-Evaluates for PAD in the lower extremities, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Schedule your appointment today and receive special package pricing. Register by calling toll free 1-866-964-1386, text the word “circle” to 797979, or register online at llsa.social/HC.
MANCHESTER – Crestwood Village 3 Residents Club will hold an Italian Dinner event on February 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Unity Hall, 250 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting. Cost is $15 per person. BYOB. Included: pas-
ta, meatballs, salad, bread, dessert, coffee, tea, soda and water. Tickets on sale at Unity Hall on Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. No refunds unless cancelled. For any questions, call 732-993-7100.
MANCHESTER
play-
Senior Softball League
play Recre-
ational Softball. Games are played Monday and Wednesday mornings, May through August. For additional information contact Fred Bohinski @ 848-261-1884.
One evening I received a call from another rescue person asking if I could help her veterinarian, I’ll call him ‘Joe’ - not his real name - with a particular situation. It appears there were a couple of squirrels who had found their way into his wood burning stove. Joe had hoped the squirrels would leave on their own, but seeing as that was not happening, he would provide them with some cat food and water.
I agreed to see what I might be able to do, so off I went. It was the start of winter, so it was rather cold outside. I learned when I arrived a few more
details. The squirrels had been in the stove for several days. It was obvious to me they’d be unable to leave the stove the way they came in, due to the height and pitch of the slippery exhaust vent. They were trapped. Since Joe handles domestic animals in his practice, he was unfamiliar with what he could do to set these squirrels free. Handling wildlife can be intimidating for even the most experienced handlers.
I knew I would have to directly handle the squirrels. After a few days confined, I’m sure these squirrels were extremely stressed, dehydrated and hungry. Upon opening the stove door, I quickly observed that one of them had passed away. With no time to waste, I quickly took hold of the other squirrel. Upon examination, I could see there was a lot of soot in the nostrils, ears, eyes and over the body. I knew the squirrel needed some TLC, recovery time, along with an overall cleaning before releasing, so I took him home. He recovered in no time, and I released him back to Joe’s house. Sometimes wildlife is unable to find natural shelter outside, so they do what any of us would do, and that is, the best they can. Lack of trees is a common problem for tree dwellers. When you take one down, consider replacing it. Wildlife has no desire to live with you.
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.
A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC.
A Not-For-Pro t A ordable Housing Developer 309 Hooper Ave. • Toms River, NJ 08753 Tel: 732.286.7929
• Fax: 732.286.9698
OCEAN COUNTY – If you have a private, potable well, it is extremely important that you have it tested regularly for quality to ensure the water you are drinking and bathing in is safe. It is important to remember that, as a homeowner or property owner, your private, domestic potable well is your responsibility when it comes to having it serviced, maintained and tested regularly. Ocean County Ordinance 94-1 also requires full testing and certification by this agency for drinking water standards in the following situations: 1.) a real estate transaction; 2.) prior to rental in a residence or business served by a private, potable well; and 3.) prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, if required by the municipality. In addition, if you are a landlord, you are required by the Ordinance to have the water tested. Once tested and all required drinking water parameters have passed safe
drinking standards, the well system is then certified by this agency prior to occupancy. This testing must occur prior to occupancy of a tenant, and at least once every five years if no new tenant (residential or business) occupies the property. A certification of the water system by this agency is good for six months from the date of the test.
Even if you had your well tested in the past and no contaminants were found, it is advisable that you have your well tested periodically. Should contaminants be found in this testing, a report of the found contaminant should be forwarded to this agency.
The Ocean County Health Department strongly recommends that anyone with a private well should have it tested annually for bacteria and nitrates, and at least periodically for the full range of contaminants required by the Private Well Testing Act (NJSA 58:12A-26 et seq).
OCEAN COUNTY – Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings are held at Commissioner Board Meeting Room #119 First Floor of the Administration Building 101 Hooper Avenue, Toms River on Wednesdays (unless otherwise indicated) at 4 p.m. Policy meetings shall be held immediately following the Regular Meetings of the Board of Commissioners, (if circumstances warrant such meeting and
time permits) in Room 304, Third Floor, Administration Building 101 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.
Commissioner Meetings Regular Dates: February 1; February 15; March 1; March 15; April 5; April 19; May 3; May 17; June 7; June 21; July 6 (Thursday); July 19; August 2; August 16; September 6; September 20; October 4; October 18; November 1; November 15; December 6; December 20.
OCEAN COUNTY – This year’s Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners wants more federal aid from Washington and so he wrote to President Joseph Biden to request it.
Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari, who is the longest serving county commissioner in the state, was recently sworn
in as 2023’s Director of the Board. One of his first actions was to write a letter to the President asking for more federal aid to benefit seniors in the county.
“We need assistance to ensure that our more than 200,000 senior citizens continue to receive the best possible care,” Vicari said in the letter. He also noted that Ocean County has one of the state’s
largest senior citizen populations, and has a growing number of adults aged 85 and older.
Vicari added, “the county already funds numerous programs to keep our older residents safe and healthy, but with Washington’s help I know we can do even more. For the same cost as a one-day stay in the hospital we can feed
a senior through our meals-on-wheels program for an entire year.”
The director serves as liaison to the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. Vicari said the county already funds a number of preventive health and nutritional problems for older adults.
“Please help us continue our work in protecting our vulnerable senior citizen population. I know you will agree with me that our seniors have given their all for their nation and they have earned our support and our help,” he added.
Vicari also asked for additional aid to help protect the Barnegat Bay which he said was “the true jewel of Ocean County. The County already works with the National Estuary Program to protect and preserve the bay, but I feel additional federal money can be earmarked to assist us in guaranteeing that the bay will be enjoyed by generations yet to come.”
The director added, “Washington’s dollars could further contribute to efforts such as the county’s pump-out boat program and new educational programs teaching residents and visitors alike the importance of bay protection.”
“We have always balanced the need for preserving the bay with the desires of residents and tourists who enjoy the bay for boating, swimming and fishing,” he said. He also asked for more federal beach protection and restoration aid.
“Ocean County also has more than 44 miles of oceanfront property, the most in New Jersey. The preservation of our coastline depends on further cooperation between our county, our towns and Washington,” Vicari added.
The official also said working with state and federal officials to bring more aid to Ocean County is one of his main goals for 2023.
“This county’s government has always delivered results for our residents. But we can’t do it alone. We need to continue and enhance our important partnerships with the State of New Jersey and Washington D.C.,” he added.
TOMS RIVER – Fifty years after its conception, Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon is still considered the most recognizable album in rock history. Spending a record-breaking 741 weeks on the US top albums charts, the release cemented Pink Floyd’s reputation as the premier rock band of a generation. What better way to celebrate the album’s 50th anniversary than to pair it with laser lights! After all, it’s the quintessential soundtrack to laser shows! Show will be on January 27 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Robert J. Novins Planetarium.
Last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published fi nal rules establishing a new class of hearing devices — those available over the counter (OTC). Though specific to the United States, the new category may understandably spark questions for anybody seeking hearing care. What does it mean for you? More than ever, it’s important to seek hearing help from a trained hearing care professional. Hearing loss is complex, and self-treating could worsen an existing problem. Working with a highly trained provider can help you make safe, effective decisions for your ear health.
OTC Hearing Aids Are for Adults Only The new class of FDA-regulated hearing instruments will be approved only for those 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They will not be available for children and might not align with one’s actual hearing loss, which could be greater than perceived. The majority of the company’s offering OTCs do not require a hearing test so basically, you’re fitting yourself with a non-prescriptive hearing instrument!
The Right Fit Plays a Big Role To maximize comfort and functionality, hearing aids must be custom fitted to each individual and programmed to support their listening lifestyle. Hearing professionals
are especially skilled in helping ensure the right fit now and in the future as your hearing needs change.
You May Need Other Support Hearing loss can go hand in hand with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or balance issues and is also associated with serious conditions such as dementia. A comprehensive hearing evaluation may help uncover additional medical needs that self-treating would likely not detect.
Self-Treatment Bypasses Critical Diagnostics It takes a trained professional to get to the bottom of hearing loss, which can have causes ranging from earwax buildup to head trauma, noise exposure, infection, disease, or even some medications. Self-treating without the benefit of a diagnostic evaluation can mean missing key answers.
In a world of choices, deciding the right approach for your hearing wellness can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone. We’re here to help with the personalized advice and care you deserve. So don’t wait. Call to schedule your appointment today! Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to provide you with solutions for your hearing care needs. Please visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com or call 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin).
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!
OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Health Department has released the locations for prescription drop-off sites. The sites have drop boxes for unused, expired and otherwise unwanted prescription drugs, as a means to safely dispose of them.
For more information, go to ochd.org
The locations of the drop boxes are mainly held in police station lobbies. The sites include: Barnegat Police Department, 900 West Bay Avenue;
Berkeley Township Police Department, 631 Pinewald Keswick Road;
Brick Township Police Department, 401 Chambers Bridge Road; Jackson Police Department, 102 Jackson Drive;
Lacey Township Police Department, 808 West Lacey Road in Forked River;
Lakewood Police Department, 231 Third Street;
Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, 665 Radio Road;
Long Beach Township Police Department, 6805 Long Beach Boulevard in Long Beach Township;
Manchester Township Police Department, 1 Colonial Drive;
Ocean Township Police Department, 50 Railroad Avenue in Waretown;
Seaside Heights Police Department, 116 Sherman Avenue;
Stafford Police Department, 260 East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin;
And Toms River Police Department, 255 Oak Avenue in Toms River.
For more information, visit the county health department at ochd.org
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Our flaws can be beautiful because they tell a story about a chapter of the life we’ve lived. Scars are a part of our journey. But what if you don’t want your story to be told so boldly?
Treatments to minimize scars are available now. Always ask your practitioner when the time is right to begin applying topical treatments to a wound because it differs with the type of closure. For example, if you have visible stitches, versus those inside of you, or if you are glued together with SteriStrips, or other adhesives, and so forth. Let’s start with essential oils. Here are the 6 best ways to minimize scarring:
Carrot Seed Essential Oil - This contains incredibly powerful antioxidants that act as an antibacterial and antifungal. This oil can be applied topically to help with scarring and dark spots.
Frankincense Oil - This minimizes inflammation. Using this oil while a wound is relatively new may help to potentially prevent any scarring at all due to its anti-inflammatory properties. If using this oil with an existing or healing scar, you’ll likely notice the scar fade some.
Massage - Do not massage around the scar too soon as the pressure and kneading could reopen the wound! Massaging improves blood flow, which in turn promotes pliability within the scar and reduces inflammation. This increases flexibility and allows for better range of motion. After Sam’s knee replacement, I would gently massage around the area, and the back of
his knee to reduce his risk of arthrofibrosis.
Vitamin C - Helps minimize raised scar formations, and acts as a brightening agent. In a matter of months, you might notice some fading. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, however supplementation is better since you get a higher, consistent dose.
Bromelain - Derived from pineapples, this supplement is a digestive enzyme that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. If taken orally after your surgical procedure, it will help reduce pain and swelling. Bromelain breaks down fibrins which prevents clotting and improves circulation. The Bromelain enzymes essentially dissolve the fibrin thereby reducing the hard tissue surrounding a scar and allowing it to heal and repair itself resulting in a reduced appearance.
Silicone Scar Bandages - These are great bandages to put on a spot that needs to remain flexible and bendable, for example, your neck, or your knee, or your finger. The silicone sheet bandages protect the vulnerable tissue from getting scratched or nicked, plus it reduces itching. Even a scar that is a year or older and well-healed might be affected with the use of silicone gel sheets. Not all scars are the same, but it can’t hurt to give any of these scar-reducing options a try. If you gain back a little bit of your confidence, it’s rewarding. If you feel happier in your own skin, it’s worth it! If you’d like to read a more detailed version of my article which covers more specialized skin treatments, visit suzycohen.com and sign up for my free weekly newsletter.
(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2022 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.
to provide services to aid seniors are being approved
by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners
“If a senior in Ocean County needs food, we provide it, if they need outreach services, we can help, if they need legal assistance, we are there for them,” Director
of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari said. He is the chairman of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. “Ocean County does all it can to make sure our seniors continue to live independently in their homes.”
He added that with the largest senior population in the state, close to 200,000, “it’s imperative that our senior programs
and services deliver positive results.”
A significant contract is $3.4 million for Community Services Inc. to provide hundreds of thousands of home delivered meals, in addition to congregate meal services, weekend and holiday home delivered meals, social services support and evidence based health programs for the elderly.
Vicari said, “the home delivered meals and the congregate meals programs are truly the centerpiece of our senior programs.”
Maria LaFace, Director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services said that changes to the senior meals programs during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic assured the elderly living in Ocean County that someone would be delivering a meal to them - which also provided a wellness check - when others could not.
“During the pandemic we closed down congregate meal sites in order to minimize the spread of the virus. We however made sure that those seniors received a meal at their home if they decided to receive it,” Vicari added.
The congregate meal sites slowly began to reopen during 2022, he said. It amounted to almost 10,000 meals in Stafford Township, Waretown and with modified access in Brick and Jackson. Ocean County anticipates almost 324,000 meals to be home delivered this year.
Other providers getting contracts for senior services, in particular social support services and family caregiver support are Manchester Township, $115,000; Toms River Senior Center, $115,000; Long Beach Island Community Center, $225,000; Visiting Homemaker Service of Ocean County Inc., $319,882; Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton - Fix It Program, $69,000, and $94,713, social support services; Jewish Federation of Ocean County, $43,000; Brick Township, $165,500 including congregate meals; Preferred Behavioral Health of New Jersey, $120,000; Lakewood Community Services Corp., which also provides home delivered meals and social support services, $939,866; Community Health Law, $130,366; Southern Ocean Medical Center, $15,000; Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, $180,484; Monmouth Medical Center, Southern Campus, $65,000; and Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity, $79,293; Community Medical Center Foundation, $40,000; Interfaith Health and Support Services of Southern Ocean County Inc., $41,117; Plumsted Township, $10,000; Jackson Township, $17,700; Point Pleasant, $30,990; Compass 82 Inc., $100,000; Ocean Township, including congregate meals site, $107,845; Stockton University, $21,295; Inspire NJ including congregate meal services, $102,200; and the Ocean County Board of Social Services, $735,453, including funding for senior assisted transportation services, safe housing and transportation services, adult protective services, comprehensive care management services and caregiver support.
Vicari encouraged seniors or their caregivers to contact the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 to determine what programs and services may be available.
A new procedure has amended the application process for gun carry permits. In December 2022, Governor Murphy signed A479/S3214 into law which lays out new procedures for carry permit applications for handguns in New Jersey. This new procedure removed the state’s judiciary from the initial permitting process, following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Prior to the United States Supreme Court’s decision , New Jersey law required submission of an application to a law enforcement officer, including a written certification of “justifiable need.” A Superior Court judge would then approve the application and issue the permit.
Although the new law established a list of places where, even with a carry permit, guns are prohibited and increased application and registration fees, the new law states that “showings of particularized need are no longer legally viable to determine whether a person may carry a handgun in public.” This subjective, “justifiable need” standard had been applied in six states throughout the Country and was coined by the U.S. Supreme Court as “may issue” licensing laws. These “may issue” licensing laws provided local authorities with discretion to deny concealed-carry licenses even when the applicant satisfies the statutory criteria, usually because the applicant
has not demonstrated cause or suitability for the relevant license.” The Supreme Court deemed these “may issue” licensing laws to be unconstitutional.
Under the new law, applications for carry permits will no longer be made by the judiciary. Law enforcement alone will receive, investigate, and determine all applications, according to the notice to the bar. For any pending applications before the Superior Court, judges may only rely on prior approval issued by law enforcement. However, the Superior Court will continue to hear appeals in cases of law enforcement’s denial of applications.
New Jersey’s new law prohibits concealed carry in a list of high-density locations, and places with vulnerable populations. The bill also made a default rule that prohibits carrying fi rearms on private property, such as in homes, businesses, stores, and houses of worship, without express permission.
R.C. Shea & Associates, 244 Main Street, Toms River, New Jersey 08754. (732)-505-1212.
Room For Rent - In Toms River, NJ. Couples allow. $1100. Call 201-844-5526. (7)
Philadelphia Flower Show - Bus Trip Sunday, March 5. $88 includes admission and bus fare. Toms River departure. Call Bill, Morano Tours, 732-278-2059 (9)
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. (9)
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)
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)
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)
Hair Salon - Part time salon assistant, part time nail technician. No nights or weekends. Must have license and experience. Please call 862-324-5914. (7)
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)
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)
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)
ESTATE CLEANOUTS - Properties, Houses, Attics, Garages, Sheds, Storage Units, ect. Handyman Disposal provided 901a Dumpster Service LLC. Licensed, Insured, call or text Jim 609-335-0330. (9)
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)
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)
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)
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and crafting supplies, and coloring books provide
our hospice patients with many joyful hours. They are also looking for hospice volunteers who would want to engage patients in art projects. If interested in making donations or volunteering, contact them by email at Volunteers@angelichospice.net, or call 609-515-3041.
LAKEHURST – Volunteer fi refighters and fi rst aid squad members are urgently needed. Staffing remains at an extremely critical level, which could affect the longterm future of these vital organizations. These organizations exist for you, but community involvement is required for them to
continue. Training is provided. Please consider helping your community as a member of either the fi rst aid squad or the fi re department.
Contact Borough Hall at 657-4141 or 657-4161 for additional information or to volunteer your services.
Continued From Page 9
meaningful property tax relief to two million New Jersey households, and we must ensure homeowners and renters who need relief are able to take advantage of the program,” said Assembly Speaker Coughlin. “Further extending the ANCHOR deadline will provide eligible taxpayers with the opportunity to claim their property tax relief, ensuring New Jersey families see money back in their pockets.”
Under the ANCHOR program, both the size of the benefit and the number of eligible applicants has increased substantially, compared to the previous Homestead Benefit (which ANCHOR is replacing), including double the amount of homeowners and nearly a million tenants who had not been
eligible for property tax relief in recent years.
Over 870,000 homeowners with incomes 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.
All payments will begin going out in late spring, regardless of when taxpayers file. Payments will be issued in the form of
checks or direct deposits and are not subject to federal or State income tax.
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.
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).
Applicants are encouraged to consult the detailed information posted on the Division of Taxation’s website, including an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions, before calling the ANCHOR hotline. For more information, visit nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ anchor/ or call the ANCHOR hotline at 1-888-238–1233.
LAKEHURST – The Lakehurst Police Department will be hosting recreation basketball at the Lakehurst Elementary School. This community youth event will be held on Mondays at 4 p.m. through the end of February. This is for students ranging from 5th to 8th grade that attend Lakehurst Elementary School. Participants must have a completed registration form to play. For more information contact LT. James at 732657-7812 or ijames@lakehurstpolice.org.
MANCHESTER – Manchester Township School District’s Superintendent of schools John Berenato’s next Java with John event has been rescheduled from January 25 to February 1.
These events are an opportunity for parents and community members to meet with the superintendent, ask questions and provide feedback about the school district. The next Java with John event will be February 1 at 6 p.m. at Whiting Elementary School. The event will be open to all Manchester parents and community members.
WHITING – Crestwood Village 6 Travel Club has announced the following trip: February 20: Resorts Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City. 9 a.m. bus departs Crestwood Village 6 Clubhouse. 9:15 a.m. Bus departs from second pick up at Birchwood at Whiting. 10:30 a.m. arrive at Resorts Hotel and Casino. Bonus: $20 slot credit. 4:30 p.m. depart casino. 5:45 p.m. approximate return home. Price $35 per trip. For additional information, contact Doris Penrose at 732716-1460. No refunds unless trip is cancelled.
By Stephanie Faughnan
TUCKERTON – It’s no wonder that Jon Miller is so into cars. No one would expect less from the owner of a popular car care center located in the heart of Tuckerton. Miller’s age, 40, puts him in the generation that made “Back to the Future” a box office hit. The movie made a star out of the time machine in it - the DeLorean.
“The DeLorean was the muscle car of my generation,” shared Miller. “It was either a white or red Lamborghini Countach or a DeLorean.”
DeLorean only built 9,000 cars and an estimated 5,000 have survived after more than 30 years.
Miller said he remembered the fi rst time he saw the DeLorean, his jaw hit the floor and the image became burned in his brain. He was probably not alone in that he had a craving to own the car with its iconic look and distinctive gull-wing doors. At the very
least, that was Miller’s vision and one he suspected was unattainable.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Back in 2013, Miller began chatting with one of his shop’s mechanics who was familiar with working on Volvos. The conversation shifted to DeLoreans as the two cars share the same engines and drive lines. A seed was planted as Miller reminisced and again wondered what it would be like to own his dream car.
“I searched on Craigslist and an ad popped up that was only online for 12 minutes,” Miller said. “It was a complete serendipity moment and even though the car was in Long Island, I knew it was my car.”
The fact that this particular DeLorean was abandoned in disgraceful condition and hadn’t run in ten years turned out to be fortuitous. A show quality car would go for top dollar and this one’s neglect made it affordable.
(DeLorean- See Page 29)
Miller put his ASE master technician skills and hard sweat to work in restoring the DeLorean and getting it in running order. He found himself on Cloud 9 with just having what he called a regular DeLorean. Miller signed up for gigs to showcase the car for different events and has enjoyed an assortment of appearances.
“In 2015, the anniversary for ‘Back to the Future’ was a big deal,” shared Miller. “I got a job with my DeLorean to shuffle celebrities to the red carpet at the Washington West Film Festival in Maryland.”
Other DeLorean owners also hit the scene, including a guy from Florida who restored his vehicle to include a flux capacitor like the one from the movie. Miller’s son Evan was six years old at the time and made a recommendation to his father.
“He said, ‘Dad, we need to take apart our DeLorean and turn it into a time machine,’” Miller said. “I said no.”
“I lost,” smiled Miller.
“I then set out on a mission to make my DeLorean completely screen accurate to match the car in the movie,” continued Miller. “No questions, no arguments; it had to be exactly right.”
One of the steps Miller took to get a handle on the details included a trip to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. There, he carefully inspected and photographed the DeLorean used in the smash hit.
Miller said the quest to duplicate the original turned into an eight-year mission to fi nd all the original real parts that were used on the real time machine. These have included airplane parts and helicopter parts and even things that came from the Apollo space mission.
At one point, Miller was concerned TSA authorities would flag him as he was literally bringing home rocket parts.
The focus on detail might be insane for some, but Miller prides himself on being precise. He likened his drive to a Picasso ensuring that every inch of a painting was perfect.
After the job was complete, Miller’s end product became even more notorious and put his DeLorean Time Machine in the national spotlight. And, yes, young Evan was involved in the rebuild every step of the way.
“I was hired by ‘Back to the Future,’ the musical that is coming to Broadway,” Miller shared. “My car was on display at the New York Comic Con to promote the musical. It was a huge, huge honor with over 300,000 people seeing my car.”
When it comes to time machines, Miller estimated that the number has grown in the last five years from 100 to 300-400 in existence around the world. On a regional level, Miller’s time machine ranks as the best.
The DeLorean itself isn’t just novel because of the way its doors swing upwards. It’s also the only car that’s made out of stainless steel. Miller said he’s careful to avoid the elements as he would with any classic car and tries to refrain from taking the car out from November until March.
That’s not to say that Miller doesn’t ever venture out during those months. He’s always happy to fulfi l a dream wish for someone who has a special desire to be around a DeLorean.
In the meantime, the DeLorean isn’t the only car that has some kind of value in Miller’s life. He’s also restored a 1986 Pontiac Fiero that holds a special place in his heart. His work on that old-time favorite earned him the moniker of “Fiero Jon” well before he started with the DeLorean.
“My grandmother gave it to me as my fi rst car when I was 17,” said Miller. “It was a $700 car that had 130,000 miles on it in 1989. I still have it.”
Miller’s already working on his next project tied to the “Back to the Future” movie as he bought a vehicle with the intentions of restoring Marty McFly’s pickup truck.
The pickup truck shows up at the beginning of the movie and is something the character longs to own. However, McFly’s family is poor when they go back in time. It isn’t until the character is back in the present that he opens up the garage door and there’s his truck.
As he did with the DeLorean, Miller’s on the hunt for vintage aftermath parts like roll bumpers and rollbars. He’s gathered a few things like light covers in an original package that originally sold for about $4 and now have a $400 price tag.
George McFly had an amazing line in “Back to the Future” that bears a striking resemblance to the man set on replicating his truck.
“If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything,” said McFly.
OCEAN COUNTY – A $570,000 appropriation from the Ocean County Board of Commissioners to the anti-poverty agency OCEAN Inc. has resulted in the addition of a roof over the heads of disabled veterans.
Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea explained that “by using federal Housing and Urban Development HOME Investment Partnership Act funds, this Board was able to be part of a collaboration that has resulted in six affordable rental units specifically for our veterans with disabilities.”
Crea serves as liaison to the county’s HOME program. “This is the perfect outcome; this is what we always hope for.”
In June of 2019, construction started on the six rental units on land donated by Pine Beach Borough. Along with the HOME funding, OCEAN Inc. secured a Community Services Block Grant and a mortgage to move the project forward.
“Ocean County has maintained a long-standing partnership with OCEAN Inc. The agency has been a designated federal Community Housing Development Organization for more than 20 years,” Crea said.
Crea noted, “OCEAN Inc.’s work has resulted in the production of more than 153 permanent affordable rental units in Ocean County. I applaud their work and their continuing dedication to helping the residents of Ocean County.”
OCEAN Inc. partnered with Soldier On,
a private nonprofit organization committed to ending veteran homelessness, for the leasing of the units. Since 1994, the organization has been providing homeless veterans with transitional housing and supportive services.
Through the issuance of six project based Section 8 vouchers provided by the state Department of Community Affairs for income, eligible veterans were qualified and approved by Soldier On for a unit.
“Ocean County has the largest veterans’ population in the state,” Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn said. He serves as the liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau. “We will continue to work with agencies and organizations to provide help to these very deserving men and women.”
Crea said she was “pleased that all the units have been rented to low income veterans. With strong partnerships, hard work and dedication these veterans are now in housing that they may not have been able to access before.”
Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari applauded all the agencies involved in bringing this project to fruition. “Working together makes a real difference,”
“For these veterans, the threat of homelessness no longer exists. They are safe and secure. They are home,” Vicari added.
Supportive services also are being provided to the tenants by Preferred Behavioral Health.
BARNEGAT – Cloverdale Farm County Park was purchased from Katherine Collins in 2004, who operated the cranberry bogs and tree farm on the property for over 50 years with her husband William. The property has been continuously run as a cranberry farm since the late 1800s.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the park is its natural beauty. Besides cranberries, the bogs are home to wildflowers, birds, and a host of other flora and fauna. This provides an opportunity for photographers and nature enthusiasts in any season. The 1.4-mile self-guided nature
trail meanders through the farm into undisturbed woodlands that offer an escape from everyday life.
The Visitors Center opened in May of 2015, and contains exhibits that highlight the natural beauty and historical significance of the park. To schedule a group education program, please call the Visitors Center at 609-607-1861.
Facilities: Visitors Center, restrooms, self-guided nature trail, fishing, bird watching, photography, hiking and walking trails, cross country skiing, environmental education and picnic area.
For
contact Barbara Sprechman, Manchester Drug Alliance Coordinator, via email at bsprechman@aol.com.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Avoid working at cross purposes with faithful family and friends in the upcoming week. Exaggerating the details or going overboard to be friendly can throw you off your stride. Double-check information before acting.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Some people may admire your originality in the week ahead, but social activities could fall flat. Your unconventional attitudes, while sometimes misunderstood, are likely to be accepted by the people closest to you.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Even the most ambitious workaholic needs a break. If your time or energy are scarce, you might need to rely on friends to come up with fun ideas in the upcoming week. Remember you can enjoy yourself without spending money.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Someone might be triggered by your eagerness to take the lead in group activities during the week ahead. Otherwise, your sympathy and thoughtfulness could break the ice on many social and business occasions.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Treat everyone with the same respect and consideration that you expect to be shown in return. You and a partner will be able to make smart business and financial decisions later in the week if you avoid voicing unhelpful criticisms.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take advantage of the knowledge and innovative suggestions you receive from your supporters in the week ahead. Create practical strategies that will improve your future and make your dreams a reality.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): As the week unfolds, your business sense grows better and better, so plan accordingly. Generous and tolerant partners and loved ones could provide an opportunity for you to shine and the inspiration to be more ambitious.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Deploy diplomacy on a daily basis. You may think you have the freedom to express unvarnished opinions in the coming week but you should avoid confrontations and criticisms. Steer clear of gossip at all times.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Spending more dollars to prove a point is pointless; let go of the opinions and judgments of others. Do enough soul-seeking to understand your own values and let them guide you. Don’t overspend late in the coming week.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Turn on the cruise control once you are sure you are on the right track. A key relationship might experience ups and downs in the upcoming week. Do not let a family argument distract you from your goals.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A whisper in your ear from a detractor may mean the time is not yet ripe. Perfect details and polish your performance before you launch a new project. Your business sense is enhanced in the middle of the week.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Feeling gratitude for what you do have is more effective at both manifestation and feeling better inside than complaining about what you lack. Someone might share some excellent ideas and practical solutions in the week to come.
By America’s Test Kitchen
(For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2022 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
