2023-01-28 - The Jackson Times

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON

– Communication is key, and Township Council members said there is not enough of it between the elected officials who run the town.

Township Council President Martin Flemming noted to -

Education Association Distributes Over 1,000 Free Coats

Parents Concerned About Broken Buses And Junk Food

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Parents

brought up some diverse concerns during a recent Board of Education meeting that included a smelly, broken-down bus, and snack food availability.

During the public comment period of the session parent Nechama Goldstein thanked the Board for improvements to the system of securing bus transportation for students who attend private schools that are located outside of the township but expressed concerns about the status of one of the Jackson buses that transport students.

As the School District

─Photo courtesy Jackson Education Association Jackson Education Association members and district staff sort through donated coats which

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Winter’s

Jackson Liberty High School. welcome when the mercury drops. Thanks to the Jackson Education Association, many coats reached the hands

of township residents.

JEA President Lisa Crate recently shared the news of the success of their Community

Council To Work On Better Communication

ward the close of a recent council meeting that more discussion was needed regarding certain proposals. One in particular involved a plan to form a citizens committee to protect open space. Another was recent appointments. The issues suggest

a power struggle between two political groups, as fallout from a nasty election last year.

“As you can see, we need to do a better job of communication up here and we’re going to work on that as best we can,” Flemming told the public

present.

Earlier in the session, Council members disagreed on the introduction of an ordinance to form an Open Space Committee. Flemming, Council Vice Council President Steve Chisholm and Councilman Nino Borrelli voted against

Coat Drive during a Board of Education meeting.

“Our coat drive (Coats - See Page 4)

it while council members Scott Sargent and Jennifer Kuhn voted for it.

Flemming explained he had concerns over the committee. “I gave my concerns to the administration and I never got a response to my e-mail.

(Council - See Page 8)

cannot accommodate all students who attend schools outside the township with district buses, some parents must find transportation on their own and are provided a stipend to cover travel costs in lieu of transportation. Goldstein said that while her daughter has received transportation, her other children’s transportation had to be arranged and that this year, more lead time made arranging that easier.

“We are on bus 954, a Jackson school bus, which I feel should be put out of service. It has broken down numerous (Parents - See Page 5)

Why Were School Bathrooms Locked?

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Concerned about student safety and health, a parent asked officials why bathrooms were locked in her child’s school.

“There is a shortage of open bathrooms. They are locking the bathrooms in the high schools and I’m a little disappointed that there aren’t more parents here (about the issue),”

Parent Robin Friedman

said during a recent Board of Education meeting.

“My concern is that the students are going to the nurse’s office to go to the bathroom and are utilizing services that are needed for other students and being exposed to sickness and I’m surprised that isn’t a number one issue,” she added. “Apparently there is supposed to (Bathrooms - See Page 18)

started in the beginning of January and we had our coat distribution at Jackson Liberty High School on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. I want to thank Scott Brooks who was there for security who was a great help and Dee Anthony who was the custodian and she was fabulous as well. I wanted to thank them first,” Crate said. “We were able to collect in a two-week period somewhere around 2,000 coats and they all came from our school community, our parents and members of the Jackson community including those who don’t have students at our schools,” Crate added.

She noted that, “after weeks of collecting coats from our generous community donors, sorting through nearly 2,000 donations with students and faculty, and arranging them all for easy access, we were happy to open our doors at Jackson Liberty to over 250 people and their families.”

The coats came in every imaginable size, from infant to adult, she said.

“After we collected all the coats, we had staff members and students sorting so a special shout out especially to Heather Callahan, Sue Pennell and the members of the Builder’s Club at the (Carl W.) Goetz (Middle) School who spent a lot of time sorting coats,” she said. “We had help from the guidance department and some other staff and we thank those as well. Every time I turned around, I was shocked to see more coats coming in.”

The people who came out for the coats were able to pick out as many as they needed, she

said. Additionally, the Liberty Lion’s Closet was open and selling everything for a dollar apiece.

“Everything from shoes to pants to socks to shirts and suits. There were whole suits there and community members who came for coats also had the opportunity to shop at the Lion’s Closet and we sold over 1,000 pieces of clothing that day,” she added.

She told The Jackson Times that “providing this service to the community is just one way the JEA continues to carry out our commitment to families and students in our schools.

“The JEA was able to host this Community Coat Distribution through the generosity of public donations along with a Pride in Public Education Grant provided by the New Jersey Education Association,” Crate said.

She thanked the Board and administration for allowing use of JLHS facilities. “I also want to thank our members who worked so hard and helped us gather those coats and who came in on a Saturday to work to make sure that the school was open and the community was comfortable throughout the three hours we were there.”

Superintendent Nicole Pormilli applauded the effort and new Board member Brian McCarron commented, “great job by the JEA with their coat drive. They distributed a large amount of coats and there was a lot of positive comments on social media about that.”

Board member Megan Gardella said she was impressed by the Lion’s Closet sales and the JEA’s efforts.

“The JEA did a great job and I was happy to see that so many people donated coats,” Board Vice President Tina Kas said.

─Photos courtesy Jackson Education Association

(Above): Piles of coats are placed on tables prior to sorting by Jackson Education Association members and other volunteers for a community coat distribution. (Below): The Lion’s Closet located at Jackson Liberty High School sold over 1,000 pieces of clothing for a dollar each.

Parents:

Continued From Page 1

times. Even after it is repaired it comes back and smells terribly, I don’t know how the bus driver or the children are able to ride on it for over an hour,” she added.

“Besides the need for it to be replaced it has broken down with the children on the bus. We were not notified. I didn’t know how to get in touch with anyone. The bus broke down five minutes from my house and we were not told and were waiting and waiting. We did not know what was going on,” she noted.

Goldstein added, “the children had to stay on the bus for a half hour until another bus came to take the children to the rest of the route. I would have gladly driven to the bus stop and picked up my child and this has happened a few times.”

The parent asked if there was anyway to be notified and she was pleased to hear about a stop alert app that is being tested in the school district and was referenced earlier in the meeting. It is set to be used throughout the school district after its initial testing phase.

“If we have any issues with transportation, I was wondering who we are supposed to talk to? I have called the number on the paper and either no one responds or I’m told to e-mail and I’m waiting for responses to my e-mail. I just want to know what to do?” Goldstein asked.

Superintendent Nicole Pormilli said, “yes, you should be calling that number. I’m sorry you haven’t been getting replies. I am surprised it is a Jackson bus and we will

look into that and if you are not reaching anybody call our (Business Administrator) Mrs. (Michelle) Richardson and she will follow up with you and we will follow up with you.”

The Jackson Times was told by the district’s transportation department that the bus is currently out of service and is being serviced by the department’s mechanics. Bus 954 is a 2014 vehicle and has 1,413,367 miles on it.

According to the School district, the bus was taken out of service on Jan. 12 and prior to that, it was taken out of service for repair on October 27, 2022. Those are the only times it has been out of service recently.

The repair issue on October 2022 was a coolant leak. The issue on January 12, 2023 was an issue with the DPF, or Diesel Particulate Filter, which is part of the exhaust system. It is being repaired.

The school district currently has 143 school buses in service and School Transportation Director Kristopher Soto said, “residents are always welcome to bring their concerns to our attention so we can address them. We work very hard to keep our buses running well, however, with a fleet our size and traveling the distances that we do within a 100-square-mile township and beyond, sometimes things happen.”

He added, “when they do, we send out a new bus to retrieve any students who have not yet been taken home, as we did in this case.”

Too Many Snacks

Resident Chris Polic addressed what he

feels is a problem in the elementary schools. “There are cookies, ice cream and other snacks available for purchase and I have an issue with five-, six- and seven-year-olds being able to do this every day of the week.”

He suggested it be minimized to once or twice a week instead to eliminate the temp -

tation to the students who might make poor choices concerning their diet.

Superintendent Pormilli said, “in regards to snacks we encourage you to reach out to our food service to express your concerns so they can look into it and I will look into that situation as well.”

─Photo by Bob Vosseller Parent Nechama Goldstein speaks to the Jackson Board of Education about her concerns regarding a Jackson bus that has broken down multiple times.

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C ommunity n ews

JACKSON – Belmont has announced the list of students recognized on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester. Of the approximately 52% of Belmont’s 7,100 undergraduate students who qualified for the Fall 2022 Dean’s List, Samantha Schmidt of Jackson Township was listed.

Belmont Provost Dr. David Gregory said, “The Dean’s List achievement among a majority of Belmont’s student body exemplifies our campus commitment to exemplary education and

the successful matriculation of our students. It is a privilege to recognize the accomplishments of our students in the academic space, and the University looks forward to the continued support, education and growth of those who have entrusted Belmont to equip them with the necessary tools to thrive at the local, national and global level.”

Dean’s List eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

Volunteer Fire Company Seeking New Members

JACKSON – The Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 is looking for new members from the community. Call 732-378-9566 for more information, or email volunteer@jacksonstation55.com.

Besides helping your community, here are a few benefits that are provided!

• Uniform Allowance

• Gym

• LOSAP (retirement plan)

• Annual Physical

• NJ State Firemen’s Association Benefits

• Use of the banquet Hall

• Dress uniform

• Station uniform

• Free Training

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must have a valid State of New Jersey driver’s license. You will be required to pass a background check as well as a complete medical evaluation.

Applicants must also:

Be willing to attend the Fire Academy within one year of joining at no cost to the member

Be willing to attend meetings, drills, and work nights that take place every Wednesday night starting at 7 p.m.

Residency Restrictions: Applicants must live within five miles of 113 N. New Prospect Road or 200 Kierych Memorial Drive.

Fire & Ice Festival At New Egypt Flea Market Village

NEW EGYPT – Join for an amazing day filled with Fire, Ice and shopping!

The festival will be at the New Egypt Flea Market Village on February 4 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and February 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 933 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge.

Enjoy:

• Beautiful Ice Sculptures Created by

• Larry & The Bikini Boys

• Fire Pits

• Cream Ridge Winery

• Handmade Makers

• Food Trucks

• Village Shoppes Open

• Fire Juggling

• Music by DJ Lenny Lounge

• Fear Marvelous pics with Olaf, Pennywise & Jack Skellington (specifics TBA)

Added Surprises TBA. Pet Friendly. Admission is $5 per person. Rain date is February 11 and 12.

A Night In Portugal

JACKSON – The Jackson Elks #2774 is hosting a Friday night dinner “A Night In Portugal” on February 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Cost is $20 per person and includes salad; choice of seafood rice, pork and

clams, or pork and potatoes; bread; sides; dessert.

Tickets must be pre-purchased by February 11. See Tim Murphy, any questions call 732-740-6906. Open to all Elks and guests.

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This Is No Time For A Victory Lap On Education

Capitol Comments

By Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

to maintain and improve education in New Jersey.

As you already know, I was disappointed.

JACKSON

-

When you’ve already set your hopes and expectations low but you still end up disappointed, it’s very discouraging. But it’s no excuse to stop striving for improvement.

With all due respect to our Governor, I don’t agree with him on a number of major issues, so I didn’t expect to hear a lot I would like when I attended a State of the State address for the first time. As the newest elected member of the State Assembly, I was eager to hear his proposals on education, regardless of whether I’d like them, because the issue is so important.

Being the husband and the son of teachers, and the father of current school students, I have a strong interest in education as most parents do. As I listened to Gov. Murphy, I was hoping for a small slice of common ground, a nugget of good news, anything I could work with

The Governor mentioned education five times and schools twice, but more to pat himself on the back than to advance improvements. He spent far more time talking about alcoholic beverage licensing, certainly an important economic matter but not a foundational issue for the futures of children across our state.

While school districts around New Jersey, including several that I represent, routinely have state aid slashed by a funding formula protected by the Governor, he touted an overall increase in state education spending. That doesn’t address the staff and program cuts that too many students and schools suffer because of repeated state aid losses.

In the current school year alone, 189 districts statewide had their state aid cut, including nine of the 17 that I represent. In just one example, Jackson schools lost $4.6 million in aid. If schools have to cut staff, cut classes, and cut extracurriculars as a result, that suggests to me they weren’t overfunded.

The course we’re on needs correction, and it doesn’t help much to criticize without proposing solutions. Therefore, one of the first things I did when I joined the State Assembly was to take over common-sense legislation proposed by the late Assemblyman Ron Dancer, and also introduce new legislation to protect schools in our area and in other parts of the state.

The simplest and most direct bill (A3893) is a bipartisan proposal to provide school districts the amount of state aid in the current school year equal to what they received in the previous school year, reversing the latest cuts. Another fundamental bill (A3686) would create a school funding commission to study and report back on creating a new state funding formula. The current formula obviously doesn’t work and needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

Additional bills require full funding of extraordinary special education aid from the state (A4526), allow school district capital reserve account funds to be transferred to the general fund to offset state aid cuts (A5033), and let school districts increase their enrollment in the interdistrict public school choice program, also helping to offset state aid cuts (A3005).

In addition, I sponsor a bill (A5029) to make permanent “stabilization aid” that has been available for school districts suffering cuts in state school aid or other budgetary imbalances, and “education rescue grants” for school districts that have had to cut teaching staff.

Finally, as I’ve previously discussed in these pages, I sponsor a proposal (A4461) allowing Jackson, Lakewood, Howell, Toms River, Brick, and Manchester school districts to form a three-year, nonpublic school student transportation pilot program to tackle escalating busing costs. Districts are literally being bankrupted due to the current decades-old state mandate placing the costs of private school busing on the school districts and their property tax payers. This legislation seeks to fix that as well.

There is no shortage of ideas on how to improve education in New Jersey. Unfortunately, among some, there seems to be a shortage of will to act. We need to fight harder so that no student’s education will suffer from a lack of appropriate resources.

Alex Sauickie is a lifelong Jackson resident who graduated from Jackson schools. He represents his hometown and 13 other towns in the State Assembly.

Some Hormonal Contraceptives Can Now Be Purchased Without Prescription

From The Desk Of The Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON – On the one-year anniversary of Governor Phil Murphy signing the historic Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, the Governor signed additional legislation to further the State’s ongoing efforts to secure and expand access to reproductive health care. The bill (S-275) will allow New Jersey pharmacists to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without requiring a prescription.

Patients are typically unable to access self-administered hormonal contraceptives, including contraceptive pills, patches, and rings, in New Jersey without first obtaining a prescription from a licensed health care provider. To reduce barriers to access to this critical family planning tool, the bill requires the issuance of a

standing order authorizing pharmacists to furnish self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without an individual prescription and identifying the contraceptives that pharmacists are authorized to dispense.

“While many other states are working to restrict access to reproductive health care – including contraceptives – our state continues to protect this fundamental right and expand access to this critical care on behalf of all who need it,” said Governor Murphy. “The current requirement of an individualized prescription imposes an unnecessary burden on people who may be unable to afford or find the time to go to a health care provider for a prescription. Removing that requirement will promote health equity and ease of access to contraceptives in order to empower women to make their own reproductive choices.

This legislation comes at a time when other states are allowing health care providers, health care institutions, and phar-

macists to refuse to provide contraceptives or family planning care.

As such, access to contraception without a prescription will not be limited solely to New Jersey residents. New Jersey pharmacists will be permitted to provide these contraceptives to patients regardless of the patient’s residency.

“Since the Dobbs decision, state legislatures around the country have put a stranglehold on freedom, passing laws limiting access to abortion, with eyes on restricting the right to contraception! This from the states that use terms like freedom in their state slogans and government seals,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “But in New Jersey, we both talk the talk AND walk the walk. New Jersey has emerged as a beacon of light to people across the country fearing for their rights, for their health, for their future. This law will help that light shine just a bit brighter.”

In order to dispense self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without a prescription under the bill, pharmacists will have to follow standardized procedures and protocols adopted jointly by the Board of Pharmacy and the State

Board of Medical Examiners and complete a training program.

“New Jersey is a leader in protecting reproductive health and rights,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This law removes access barriers to hormonal contraceptives and puts in place the necessary safeguards and protocols that will protect patient health, safety and privacy for New Jersey’s residents.”

“The enactment of this groundbreaking legislation reaffirms New Jersey’s unwavering commitment to women’s reproductive health and autonomy,” said Senator Shirley Turner. “Since women are often juggling the demands of jobs and family responsibilities, going through the hassle, time, and expense of seeing a doctor for a birth control prescription rarely fits into their schedules. Removal of barriers to contraceptives is a great advantage to women, especially since there are pharmacies on nearly every corner, with some open 24 hours per day. We now join 20 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 100 countries around the world in freeing the pill, so that women can obtain birth control without a prescription.”

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

Council: Continued From Page 1

Of all these spots on this committee, only one got the approval of the council.” “We had no say on this at all. We need to address that and have a conversation. That is why I voted no,” Flemming explained.

Borrelli explained his negative vote

saying, “I feel there are some minor tweaks that need to be made to it. I have concerns as well. I just wish Council had more authority to appoint the volunteers.”

“I think it is putting too much power and control in administration’s hands and I think Council should have a say especially since we are elected representatives of our town and I also think some other language needs to be added,”

Borrelli added.

“Not at this time,” Chisholm said when it came time his vote on the measure.

Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn also noted the need for better communication. She voted no to Resolution 74-23 which concerned an appointment of membership to the Jackson Municipal Utilities Authority. “I was never shown Lewis Wilder’s resume or any other resumes so I can’t vote blindly,” she told The Jackson Times

School District To Hold Lottery For 2023-2024 Free Preschool Program

JACKSON – The Jackson School District will be holding a Pre-School Lottery January 19 through February 10 to offer open spots to residents interested in the district’s free Preschool Program for the 2023-2024 school year.

The preschool lottery form will be available after 9 a.m. on January 19 on the district website at jacksonsd.org/preschool The lottery sign-up form closes at 4 p.m. on February 10. Respondents will then be chosen at random, and contacted according to their lottery positions to be offered a spot in the district’s preschool program.

The district’s preschool program offers a free, full-day program to students who will be either 3 or 4 years of age by October 1, 2023. It is taught by certified teachers and features developmentally appropriate, fun and interactive learning experiences that transition easily into the district’s kindergarten curriculum. The program is free due to a competitive grant earned by the Jackson School District. This grant allowed the district to expand enrollment, however, spots are limited. The preschool lottery determines the order you will be contacted to register in our program. Families currently enrolled in our district preschool program do not need to reapply. More information is available on the district website.

Think Chess: Beginner And Intermediate

JACKSON – Master new skills, learn everything needed to start playing chess and take part in supervised play in our special 8-week chess class. Sponsored by the Jackson Friends of the Library. Open to ages 8 to 14. Class will be held on January 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please fill out one form per each child to be registered. Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Association

─Photo courtesy Jackson Firefighters Association

C ommunity n ews

Weekly Music Therapy At Manchester’s Regional Day School Really Sings Kara

JACKSON – Each week, Hannah from Mosaic Music Therapy visits Regional Day School students for fun, engaging and beneficial music therapy sessions.

“Music Therapy has had a positively profound effect on our students,” said Lisa Michallis, Principal of Regional Day School. “Although our teachers are always exposing students to rhythms, basic hand-held instruments and various genres of music, the addition of Ms. Hannah’s techniques brings the students joy and confidence in a different way.”

Music Therapy has been proven to increase social, cognitive, communication, fine and gross motor skills as well as improve the mental and physical help of individuals with special needs. It is fun, engaging, stimulates the brain and brings people together. Music Therapy is not only promoting music and movement, but it also promotes language, exposes students to different cultures and customs, some classes are even able to write music and perform for the staff and their families. The students at Regional Day School love their Music Therapy and the school is proud to bring this experience to their students.

JACKSON – Moravian University announced that Kara Vashey of Jackson was among the students named to the Dean’s Honors List for Fall 2022. Undergraduate students who carry three or more completed/graded (letter grade) course units in a fall or spring term and attain a GPA for the term of 3.50 or higher are placed on the Dean’s Honor List.

─Photo courtesy Manchester Schools

Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption

JACKSON – Calling All Cats is a cat rescue group made up of volunteers, some of whom work at a spay and neuter clinic. People would drop off unwanted cats. As a group, they save the babies that are left alone, the countless mothers that have had numerous litters and those that are losing or have lost their home.

Florence, a beautiful, sweet 8-monthold is still looking for her forever home, hopefully with her brother Rome. They are the remaining two of Clarissa’s seven kittens. She is friendly, outgoing, playful, quick to purr and cuddle on

your lap.

To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then find homes for the friendly adults and the offspring that have been born. The rescue works extremely hard to find the best homes for cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. While these cats wait, they are cared for in safe, loving, and nurturing foster homes

To start the application process, visit Calling All Cats on Facebook and Petfinder.com.

Wally Day Parade And Party

JACKSON – Jackson Police Department would like to invite everyone to attend “Wally Day” on February 18 at 11:30 a.m. This parade is in honor of Wally Jamison on his 100th birthday with an after-party at the Jackson VFW to follow.

Parade will start from Jackson Justice Complex, down Bennetts Mills Road, ending at 54 Magnolia Drive. After: parade events begin at 12 p.m. Enjoy live music, food and beverages. For more information, contact mbasso@jacksontwpnj.net.

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─Photo courtesy Calling All Cats

p oli C e B lotter

Door-To-Door Solicitor Indicted For Ocean County Stabbing Death

By Alyssa Riccardi

JACKSON – A Laurence Harbor resident has been indicted for manslaughter after stabbing a man during a fight that broke out while he was going door-to-door soliciting business, police said.

Michael Tsamas, 33, was indicted on the charges of Aggravated Manslaughter, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of Possession of a Prohibited Weapon

On May 26, 2022, Tsamas was working for a company hired by Verizon to solicit customers on a door-to-door basis. He knocked on the door of Joseph Delgardio, 44, of Jackson.

Delgardio told Tsamas he wasn’t interested and Tsamas left, police said. A short time later, Delgardio confronted Tsamas on the street on West Veterans Highway near Conor Road. They began to fight, and Tsamas took a knife from

his pocket and stabbed Delgardio in the neck.

First responders attempted to revive Delgardio, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. As a result, Tsamas was arrested without incident.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Veni who presented the case to the Grand Jury on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Jackson Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced are merely accusations and the public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Jackson Recreation Summer Camp Job Fair

JACKSON – Make a difference in the life of a child while having the time of your life! Jackson Recreation is now hiring for their 2023 summer camp. The job fair will be on March 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jackson Senior Center, 45 Don Connor Boulevard. Nights of weekends! They are seeking staff candidates for the following positions:

• Camp Counselors

• Camp Leaders

• Camp Head Leaders

• Bus Drivers

• Monitors

The minimum age to apply for any position is 14 years old. Applicants who are 18 and older and are hired will be required to complete a background check.

Learn all about the summer camp job opportunities available this year. Call 732-928-1260 for more information.

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Around the Jersey shore

Free Dental Care For Ocean County Children To Give Kids A Smile

TOMS RIVER – Local dentists, Dr. Elisa Velazquez and Dr. Matt Sones from Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates, will provide one day of free preventive and emergency pediatric dental care and, if necessary, make referrals for continuing treatment for children ages 12 and under as part of National Children’s Dental Health Month.

The one-day program, called Give Kids a Smile! (GKAS), will take place on February 3 and is part of the American Dental Association’s annual push to bring attention to the number one childhood disease, tooth decay. Dental decay is more common than common childhood diseases including asthma.

“Giving back to the community that has supported my practice is so important,” says Dr. Velazquez. “This program will touch the lives of so many of New Jersey’s children who need dental care, but cannot afford it. I am proud to be a part of it,” she said. Children who come to Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates (OPDA) for the program will receive a comprehensive dental exam, dental cleaning, oral healthcare instruction, fluoride treatments, and free dental hygiene materials including toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste. The dentists and staff of OPDA are donating their time to help the children of Ocean County.

Helping families in Ocean County with no insurance or with state insurance is the goal of Ocean Pediatric

Dental Associates.

Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates has three locations (Toms River, Manahawkin, and Cream Ridge) and the board-certified pediatric dentists provide comprehensive pediatric dental care, sedation dentistry, orthodontics, Invisalign and special needs dentistry for all kids.

The site for Give Kids A Smile is 368 Lakehurst Road suite 305 Toms River. Contact the office at 732-473-1123 to schedule an appointment and visit oceanpediatricdental.com for information on all our services.

Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture,”

By William J. Lewis

TOMS RIVER – Join the Ocean County Historical Society on February 5th at 2 p.m. for “New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture,” by William J. Lewis. Deep within the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the Piney people have built a vibrant culture and industry from working the natural landscape around them. Foraging skills learned from the local Lenapes were passed down through generations of Piney families who gathered many of the same wild floral products that became staples of the Philadelphia and New York dried flower markets. Important figures such as John Richardson have sought to lift the Pineys from rural poverty by recording and marketing their craftsmanship. As the state government sought to preserve the Pine Barrens and develop the region, Piney culture was frequently threatened and stigmatized. Author and advocate William J. Lewis charts the history of the Pineys, what being a Piney means today and their legacy among the

beauty of the Pine Barrens.

William J. Lewis is a lifetime resident of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, as were multiple generations of his family before him. He shares his Piney adventures on social media networks under “Piney Tribe.” He preaches exploration without exploitation and to teach our children to be tomorrow’s environmental stewards. After proudly serving as a U.S. Marine, William went on to graduate from Rider University; he founded an environmental nonprofit to get kids outdoors and has served in leadership roles for both governmental and New Jersey nonprofit organizations. His travel mileage stretches across the globe from many locations in the United States to the Horn of Africa, which has helped in enriching his perspective of our New Jersey Pine Barrens.

To register for this free program, send your name, zip code, email address, and the date of the program to oceancountyhistory.zoom@gmail.com.

─Photo courtesy Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates

“New

Dualdiagnosisisalargepartoftherecoveryjourneyfor some individuals. Mental health issues and addiction areoftenverydeeplyconnected.

Treatingtheunderlyingcauseofbothconditionssimultaneously, inintegratedtreatmentprograms,isthebestapproach.

THE QUANTUM PROCESS

OUTPATIENT REHAB:

• Have the ability to live at home or live in a sober home with the ability to see your friends and family

• Get the help you need without having to sacrifice your career, drop out of school, or miss out on important obligations

• Have more affordable addiction treatment & care options

Sound News

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

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

4 Reasons To Choose Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Better hearing should be as easy, accessible, and carefree as possible. So if you haven’t experienced rechargeable hearing devices, here are four reasons to give them a try:

CONVENIENCE No more frequent battery changes. Just store your devices in their charger overnight, and enjoy allday hearing power when you wake up.

STREAMING Using Bluetooth and streaming audio can drain hearing aid batteries more quickly, but a simple recharge puts you back in business.

SAFETY With the rechargeable battery sealed inside your device, there’s no worry about disposable hearing aid batteries getting into kids’ or pets’ hands, paws, or mouths.

SUSTAINABILITY Rechargeables

may go through a battery 1-2 yrs— give or take — compared to 100 or so disposable batteries with traditional devices. Much less waste!

RELIABILITY Traditional hearing aids that use disposable batteries (312, 10, 13, 675) are subject to moisture buildup which can destroy the hearing aid circuit. Rechargeable hearing aids have a “sealed” battery door thus moisture issues are dramatically reduced.

Call us for a closer look at rechargeable technology 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).

INPATIENT REHAB:

• Have full access to doctors, nurses, and medical staff 24 hours a day

• Live full-time inside the facility, with medication management & monitoring

• Have a more structured daily life, with the entire day planned out for you by professionals

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

What Causes People To See Or Smell Weird Things

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The first time I heard of a person smelling something bad that wasn’t actually there was when I worked in long-term care facilities in the 1990s. I knew several patients that would say they smelled “burned rubber” or “mold” or “something rotten” in the room, and asked if I smelled it too. I did not.

Phantosmia is the medical term for the perception of an odor that is not actually present. It is also known as an “olfactory hallucination.” The phantom odor can be perceived as pleasant or unpleasant and can vary in intensity. One possible cause for this is a temporal lobe problem/seizure. Your temporal lobes are on the sides of your head in the area where you get a tension headache. Other possible causes of phantosmia include:

• Upper respiratory infection or sinusitis

• Head injury

• Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins

• Certain medications

• Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis

• Certain types of tumors (olfactory neuroblastoma)

• Olfactory nerve damage or dysfunction

Photopsia is the medical term for the perception of flashing lights or sparks. It can also refer to visual disturbances that resemble flickering or flashing lights. One possible cause for this is a temporal lobe problem/seizure.

Other possible causes of photopsia include:

• Migraine headaches

• Retinal detachment or age-related macular degeneration

• Epilepsy

• Side effects of certain medications

• Vitamin deficiency, especially B12, folate, thiamine, vitamin A

• Alcohol or drug abuse

Temporal lobe seizures can cause both phan-

tosmia and photopsia and this condition is typically treated with medication, specifically anti-epileptic drugs. The most commonly used AEDs for temporal lobe seizures include carbamazepine, topiramate, lamotrigine and phenytoin.

Symptoms of a temporal lobe seizure can include:

• Sensory disturbances, such as a sudden, strange smell or taste

• Déjà vu or hallucinations

• Emotional changes, such as fear or anxiety

• Auditory symptoms, such as hearing noises or voices

• Visual symptoms, such as seeing flashing lights or hallucinations

• A feeling of rising or falling

• Numbness or tingling in the face or body

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Loss of consciousness or confusion

• Memory loss or confusion after the seizure. Other potential interventions for temporal lobe seizures include cannabidiol (CBD supplements), vagal nerve stimulation, and/or a strict ketogenic diet.

Temporal lobe problems and seizures can go undiagnosed for years. They can cause a variety of symptoms that come and go such as sensory disturbances, mood swings, auditory or visual symptoms, difficulty speaking, confusion, and memory loss.

Temporal lobe seizures are one common cause of symptoms like phantosmia and photopsia. Getting proper treatment for the condition can limit the frequency of episodes that you have. Seeing an ophthalmologist, ENT doctor, and neurologist is important in order to have a complete workup. If you’d like to read the longer more comprehensive version of this article, sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com and I’ll email it to you.

Don’t Fear Probate!

By: Marc S. Galella, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

One of the most common statements I hear when I am discussing estate planning with my clients is: “How do I avoid probate?” or its alternative: “I want to avoid probate.” My answer to such comments is: “Why do you fear probate?” In most cases the response I receive is (1) “I hear probate is very expensive and can wipe out my estate;” (2) “I hear that probate can take a long time and tie up my estate for years”; or (3) “If my Will is filed for probate, anyone can see what it says.”

The reality is that none of these reasons to avoid probate applies to New Jersey. The probate process in New Jersey, and in Ocean County specifically, is simple, inexpensive and usually takes less than 15 minutes. In fact, it usually takes me longer to explain the probate process than it actually takes to do. In fact, many of the “horror stories” people hear about the probate process almost always occur in other states where the probate process can be both time consuming and expensive. In New Jersey to probate a Will, you will need the original Will, an original death certificate, the names and addresses of the beneficiaries named in the Will (and any other heirs not named in the Will) and the Social Security Number of the person named in the Will as the executor. With these documents in hand, the executor named in the Will must go to

the Surrogate office in the county in which the decedent was a resident at the time of death. In most cases it is unnecessary to make an appointment. After signing in with the receptionist, the executor will be called to meet with one of the probate clerks. The clerk will take the documents and then prepare the probate documents. In general, the executor will have to sign three different documents in the presence of the probate clerk. Thereafter, the Surrogate office will send the executor what are called Letters Testamentary which then allow the executor to act in place of the decedent to marshal the estate assets, satisfy the estate debts and then to distribute the estate assets as directed by the Will. The fee for probate is based on the number pages in the Will. For example, a four-page Will costs $115.00 to probate, hardly an expense that will wipe out an estate.

Although the Will becomes a public record after it is filed for probate, in my opinion this is of little concern. While it may be a concern for famous people, most of the people reading this article are not so famous that anyone would make a trip to the Surrogate office to read their Wills. The probate process in New Jersey is not a difficult or expensive process and no one should fear the probate process.

Sports Staff Needed For Ocean County Parks

OCEAN COUNTY – Are you looking for a fun summer Job? Do you like being outside and being active? The Ocean County Parks & Recreation Department has the perfect job for you! We are looking for friendly, motivated, sports-minded individuals to help instruct our sports programs to both children and adults throughout our Ocean

County Parks System. This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys working with the public and might be looking for some experience teaching or coaching.

Competitive salary, starting at $17.50 an hour. If you are interested or have any questions, contact Victoria at 732-506-9090 ext. 5951 or email vwagner@co.ocean.nj.us.

AAUW Northern Ocean County Meeting

OCEAN COUNTY – American Association of University Women (AAUW Northern Ocean County Branch) is having a Zoom meeting on February 13. After a short business meeting from 6 to 7 p.m., at 7 p.m. the Summit College Club Branch

will present our speaker, Edwina Sessons, on What Inclusion Really Means. Ms. Sessons is the AAUW NJ Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). For the Zoom Link, contact Program Director Beth Maher at bethmahe@gmail.com.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

Bathrooms:

Continued From Page 1

be a schedule for open bathrooms. When a teacher is out, there is a teacher who is supposed to have a key to open the bathroom but substitute teachers apparently have no idea what is going on as to who is to open the bathroom. Maybe it is a communication issue.”

Friedman added, “the other concern is that some bathrooms have feminine hygiene products and if the bathrooms aren’t open, they are being denied that.”

She also noted that with locked bathrooms “if something should happen like in other areas with shootings that are all over the news… children might have been saved if the bathrooms were unlocked.

“I don’t understand why the bathrooms are locked? I don’t know if it is a vaping issue or a destruction issue or the kids are cutting class. I don’t understand what is happening but why are we not punishing students who need to be punished and not punishing the good stu-

dents,” she added. “I know this is a national trend and that Jackson isn’t the only one facing this and are locking the bathroom.”

Superintendent Nicole Pormilli responded concerning the bathroom situation saying, “we do have some challenges in our bathrooms at the high schools and our administrators and teachers are working hard to monitor those things. We have students who are making poor choices.”

“Sometimes we don’t have the coverage to monitor all of that. We continue to teach and educate our students to please not destroy it and we continue to work on it,” she added. As vaping becomes more popular in schools across America, news publications report that students often go to the bathroom to do it. To keep from getting caught, they will sometimes flush materials down the toilet. For example, the Nantucket Current published an article on January 6 that the local school district recovered “hundreds” of vape pens from damaged plumbing over the last year.

-Chris Lundy contributed to this story.

─Photo by Bob Vosseller

Parent Robin Friedman presents her concerns about locked bathrooms at her child’s school during a recent Jackson Board of Education meeting.

For Rent

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

Bus Trips

Philadelphia Flower Show - Bus

Trip Sunday, March 11. $88 includes admission and bus fare. Toms River departure. Call Bill, Morano Tours, 732-278-2059 (9)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWEL-

RY 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)

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks

Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (8)

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)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (30)

CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)

Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM Records. - R&B, doo wop, soul, early rock & roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call between 8AM and 8PM 909-938-4623. (3)

Help Wanted

Animal Lovers - Volunteers needed to help feed homeless cats 1 or 2 days weekly. Call 732-3672932, leave message. (8)

Male Health Aide - Needed occassionally for senior male assisting with daily routine. $25 hourly. Call 732-319-6358. (10)

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

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)

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.

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)

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. (27)

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)

Learn To Play The - Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums from a NJ State Certified Teacher of instrumental music, in your home! Call 732-350-4427 for more information. (11)

Custom House Painter - Pays attention to detail, interior, cracks, nail pops,wall repair. Benjamin Moore paints. Wayne 908-327-5471. (52)

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICESOver 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267-475-7962. (10)

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)

Services Services Services

Certified

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

1.

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

A+CLEANING SERVICE - Homes, Offices, Air BNB, Shopping, Thorough, Reliable, References, Senior Villages, Free Estimates. Call Barbara 732-948-4730. (8)

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)

Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

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)

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)

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Calculate Price As Follows:

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

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

3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

*In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks.

Total = $

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS info. below:

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

MAIL TO : PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

5.

6.

Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388. Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR BILLING ADDRESS (THIS IS REQUIRED)

Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (Ads will be running the Saturday of that week)

If you have any questions, email Ali at agradzki@jerseyshoreonline.com.

Around the Jersey shore

The Eastern Coyote – Elusive, Adaptable, And Opportunistic

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

The Eastern Coyote is considered a wild member of the canine family. They occupy most municipalities in New Jersey. Coyotes are extremely adaptable and maintain a low profile. They are wary of people and rarely display aggressive behavior. Property damage attributable to coyotes is low. They arrived in our state approximately 80 years ago. Coyotes grow to about three to four feet in length and approximately 20-24 inches in height. The weight of a male can range between 30-45 pounds, whereas the female, between 26 and 40 pounds.

Coyotes diversify their diet and are considered opportunistic omnivores, consuming small to large prey such as insects, voles, frogs, rabbits, young deer, injured deer, and raccoons. When they are unable to obtain meat, they will easily consume nuts, fruits, and eggs. Although not their first choice, during lean times when natural sources are not available, they will even consume pet food and bird seed. Chances of a coyote raiding your trash can is very rare.

Coyotes live as a lifelong bonded mated pair and occasionally with those young born of that year. Mating occurs during

the months of January to March and the gestation period is 60-63 days. Birthing is done in a den dug out by the female, but she often will search for an existing abandoned burrow. Four to seven pups are common but on occasion litters can range from one to twelve. Pups are weaned between five and nine weeks. Their first reproductive cycle occurs at 10 months, but more often breeding occurs at two years. Their lifespan in the wild is 10-14 years.

Since the gray wolf population was extirpated from most of the northeast, coyotes fill an important ecological niche, preying on similar animals as the wolf. They thrive in suburban areas and when no top predator is present, will feed on songbirds, turtles, cats and red fox.

Possession or use of any steel-jawed leghold type traps are illegal in New Jersey.

The information for this article from was gathered through 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 inflicted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

Vo-Tech Open House

OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Vocational Technical School would like to invite you to their Open House Event on February 2. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the diverse programs and career paths offered by OCVTS. The school is committed to their mission of preparing students for job placement or continuing education, including college.

Who Should Attend? High school students/ parents, graduating seniors and adult learners. Choose from over 30 Career Training Programs for High School Students & Adults.

Tour our State-of-the-Art Facilities

Meet & Talk with Program Instructors

Observe Student Demonstrations & More

Locations: Toms River Center, Brick Center, Jackson Center, Waretown Center, Grunin Performing Arts Center, Little Egg Harbor (Cuisine on the Green).

Graduating seniors & adults come to a special info session just prior to open house from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Toms River Location.

Have Questions? Email: admissions@ mail.ocvts.org.

Lakehurst Borough Historical Society Chili Cookoff

LAKEHURST – The Lakehurst Borough Historical Society is holding the annual Soup~R~Bowl of Chili Challenge on January 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Lakehurst Community Center across from the museum in Old St. John’s Church on Center Street.

Area clubs and organizations make soups and chili and compete for the trophies of People’s Choice. Some of the groups joining the challenge and defending their title this year are, the First Aid, Police, Fleet Reserve, Arista Care Cooking Club, and our own Historical Society. If your club or

organization would like to join in, please notify Kathy by January 23.

The donation is $5 a ticket, children under 3 years admitted free. A gift basket auction and 50/50 add to the festivities. All proceeds benefit the Lakehurst Borough Historical Society Museum. Tickets are available at the museum, Colonial Bouquet flower shop on Union Ave., and at the door. The doors open at 3 p.m. Come out and spend a cold afternoon with friends and great warm food! For more information call Kathy at 908-839-7388.

photo of the week

The Jersey Shore is known for its delicacies. There are thousands of places around to get a great meal. This Common Loon was recently spotted near the Barnegat Light -

house enjoying crabs. (Photo by Denise Maynard) Want to see your photos in our papers? Email them to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Break The Bleak Of Winter

BRICK – Are you down because of the dreary, cold, dank days of winter? Then join Angelic Health Speakers Bureau is offering Having a Bright Heart in the Bleak Midwinter February 17 1:30 p.m. Presented by Angelic Health spiritual care staff, the program will focus on embracing time for reflection, suggestions for spiritual comfort in aging, overcom -

ing the blues during winter feelings of isolation. Light lunch to be provided. Registration required by February 10 by calling 732-451-6185, or email nkinnevy@angelichospice.net. All sessions will be held at Town Square at the Jersey Shore Adult Day Care and Enrichment Center Laurel Square Plaza 1930 Route 88, Brick.

F un & G ames S udoku

C rossword P uzzle

Across

1 Devices that may shed some light on a situation

10 “4X2=8” rapper from Korea

13 Got credit, in a way?

15 Consumed

16 Simple cocktail

18 Agcy. whose logo is an eagle holding a scale

19 Freelancer’s info

20 Event that might be called “morp”

22 Two dry gallons

23 “__ Ma–anitas”: Mexican birthday song

26 Artisan at Kells

27 De Armas of “No Time to Die”

28 Semisolid dessert

30 Flax fabric

31 Fast tracks?

33 Element of 1990s fashion

34 Sticks in windows

35 Stand in a painting class

36 Tries out

37 Handheld or holding hands, for short

40 Performs brilliantly

42 __ Moines

43 Did some digging

44 Many a Mugler garment

46 In the stars

47 Reddit Q&A 48 Celebration where many are out on the streets?

52 Bestie 53 Cry of horrible realization?

54 Class for some immigrants: Abbr.

55 Cool footwear

Down

1 Place for some nail

trims

2 Camp nurse’s item

3 Great Hill People

4 Flair

5 __ flare

6 Tally

7 Pilates roll

8 Employee’s perk:

Abbr.

9 Provided backup, in a way

10 Twosomes

11 Flashers in a club

12 Sycophants

14 __-variance tradeoff

17 Brooklyn MiLB team

21 Stripes, florals, etc.

23 “I got this!”

24 Herb honored with a National Medal of Arts in 2013

25 Sucked hard

28 Cancel one’s order?

29 Go against

(c)2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SolutionS

31 Paired symbols, for short 32 Seasons, as pasta water

33 Wants for nothing

34 Nation in the Lucayan Archipelago

35 __ room

37 Latke ingredient

38 “Dexter’s Laboratory” older sister

39 One of three snake species native to Britain

41 Assistant who can control HomeKit accessories

43 Cruel

45 Sturdy tan work boots, slangily

46 Album buyers, presumably

49 Auerbach of the Black Keys

50 Prefix with “pop” or “rock”

51 Hard-hitting sound

Jumble: BURLY CRUSH MIDDLE GRAVEL – SCRAMBLED

Crossword Puzzle S

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of jan 28 - feb 3

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Curate your contact list. Who you know might make a bigger difference to your success than what you know. Someone might work harder or do better just to earn your high esteem in the upcoming week.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Social get-togethers may revolve a businesslike purpose in the week ahead, so your love life may need to wait. Join forces with others to brainstorm a solution or find creative ways to make things efficient.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20 ): Think before you spend. You might need to stretch dollars further to pay bills in the week to come. Your ability to stay within the budget and handle obligations will improve if you keep longterm goals in mind.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Remain respectful of other people’s knowledge and experience. Conflicts may occur if you are too eager to air your opinions or jump into action. Be more thoughtful and there will be no need for a confrontation.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Listen to trustworthy advice from someone who has real experience and a deep understanding. You may be able to move forward now but possibly could encounter unexpected obstacles late in the week. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You should be able to achieve some near-term goals in the week ahead if you discipline yourself and focus on the important details. You’ll be able to produce better results through your own efforts rather than relying on other people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be kind and friendly, but don’t be afraid to set a boundary or say “no” if you can’t help out. Some people might expect you to do favors, donate your time, or offer free samples at your own expense in the week ahead.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Cross the finish line by being practical as well as clever. A loved one or partner might act as a mirror that shows both the flaws and the genius of your ideas. You should be able to handle any possible problems in the upcoming week.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Enjoy, but don’t let compliments go to your head. Just because you are having a great time doesn’t mean you can take someone for granted. Concentrate on upholding commitments to loved ones this week.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Complicated problems probably have a simple solution. Take advantage of flashes of insight as the week begins. You may be able to experiment or take advantage of interesting business trends in the upcoming week.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Set an excellent example by displaying a “can do” attitude. Discuss family issues today while the facts are clear. In the week ahead, use friendly give-andtake to break down barriers and build team spirit.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Accept what can’t be changed, at least for now. Focus on being sympathetic toward others and honoring their decisions. By the end of the week, you could be able to begin a new project successfully or fulfill your promises.

THIS SUPER SIMPLE DISH CAN BE SERVED MANY WAYS

By America’s Test Kitchen

Dried beans start out as the seeds of a bean plant that grow inside long pods. Those seed pods are dried in the sun until the water inside the beans evaporates, making the beans dry and hard. Drying beans this way allows them to last a long time on your pantry shelf. To turn them tender again, dried beans need to be cooked in liquid, or rehydrated, which can take hours and hours. One way to speed things up? Brine the beans.

Soaking dried beans in a saltwater solution does two things: It softens the beans’ skins (the seed coats) and it shortens the time it takes to cook them. The skins of beans contain pectin, a molecule that “glues” plant cells together. As the beans soak in the brine, sodium ions in the dissolved salt weaken the pectin in the beans’ skins, making them softer and able to expand (instead of explode) as the beans absorb water.

During their time in the brine, the beans start to absorb water, first through their hilia (the little holes on the curved parts of the beans) and eventually through their entire seed coats. This gives the beans a hydrating “jump start” and means you won’t have to cook them for quite as long.

SIMPLE WHITE BEANS WITH GARLIC Serves 4 to 6

4 cups plus 5 cups water, measured separately 2 1/4 teaspoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, measured separately

8 ounces dried cannellini beans

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley or basil (optional)

1. Day 1: Add 4 cups water and 2 1/4 teaspoons salt to a large bowl. Stir to dissolve salt.

2. Transfer dried beans to colander. Search through beans and pick out any small stones or broken beans and discard. Rinse beans with cold water.

3. Add drained beans to salt water in bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let beans soak at room temperature for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.

4. Day 2: Transfer brined beans to colander and rinse with cold water.

5. In a large saucepan, combine drained beans, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and remaining 5 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

6. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook at gentle simmer (small bubbles should break occasionally across the surface of the water), stirring occasionally, until beans are tender but still chewy in the middle, 25 to 30 minutes.

7. Turn off heat and cover saucepan. Let beans steep until tender, 5 to 10 minutes.

8. Drain beans in colander set in sink.

9. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, combine oil and garlic. Cook over medium heat until garlic begins to brown lightly at edges, 3 to 4 minutes.

10. Add red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds. Add drained cooked beans and stir gently to coat with oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley (if using) and serve.

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