Of The Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON – On the oneyear 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, in- cluding 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 ac- cess 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 pharmacists 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.”

Goodbye:

Continued From Page 1 bid goodbye and recalled their time serving the community.

It was a packed crowd at the Town Hall courtroom for Martin’s last meeting as clerk. She will retire at the end of the month. Fusaro resigned earlier in January.

Fusaro joined the council in 1990 and was re-elected in 1994, 1998 and 2002. He stepped down for career reasons in 2006 but returned in 2011. “Sam served on various township boards, the municipal planning board, master plan committee, recreation committee and the Pine Lake restoration committee, coached Manchester Little League and was involved with Manchester’s open space referendum,” the proclamation read by Mayor Robert Arace stated.

“Sam retired from council on January 15, 2023 after more than 30 years of dedication to township of Manchester. I wish him good health and all the best in his retirement,” Arace said.

It was Fusaro’s time to speak and he opened with a good natured jab to Council Vice President Jim Vaccaro who was presiding over the meeting in the absence of Council President Roxanne Conniff who could not be present due to illness.

“I’m not going to make it as long as Jim,” he said. The two would often joke about the length of some of Vaccaro’s council reports during meetings. The laughter however turned to tears as he began to reflect on his many years on council.

“I’ve never been on this side of the dais before and it feels weird. We have wonderful employees. Time flies sometimes. I will remember my time here with joy, pride and tears and thank you all,” Fusaro said. Vaccaro told Fusaro, “I wish you the best in your retirement. Over the years we have worked together, when I was on the planning board as a member and subsequently as a councilman. I have respect for you as a person and as a professional. You have always been there for advice and direction.

“You will be missed by all of us,” Vaccaro added.

Members of the Manchester Coordinating Council also made a presentation to Fusaro thanking him for attending their meetings over the years and expressing their views on issues of the community. The MCC represents the senior development com- munities of the township.

Councilwoman Michele Zolezi noted how odd it was to see Fusaro in the audience and not sitting on the council dais.

“I want to say thank you Councilman Fusaro for all the years you have given Manchester. I know fi rsthand how passionate you have been about the town. I saw that when I was fi rst getting involved with the town on the planning board. You were extremely helpful and you were always passionate about doing what was right for Manchester,” Councilwoman Zolezi said. Councilwoman Zolezi said of Martin that while she had only worked with her over a short amount of time, (since the summer of 2021) that in that time period “you were very helpful to myself and the council and I have seen fi rsthand how you have jumped through hoops fi rst hand to help our residents. I want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication. You will truly be missed.”

“I thank you Councilman Fusaro for your service over so many years. You have been a tremendous asset to the town,” the mayor said.

Mayor Robert Arace said of Martin, “while our time together has been so short, it has been fabulous working with you over the last several weeks. Congratulations on your retirement and your service to the community.”

Martin also welled up as she was presented a bouquet of flowers. “Where do I start? My connection to Manchester started when I moved here in 1977, so I have close to 46 years invested in Manchester Township.”

“I was here as a resident that had a water contamination issue. I worked with many people including Councilman Fusaro in helping change the form of government to a non-partisan form of government and unveiling one of the biggest corruption cases in the state of New Jersey at the time,” Martin added.

“My children were born and raised here, I met my husband here, I served on the Planning Board for six years, vice chair for four of them, and worked with Councilman Fusaro to get the funding for our football field,” she said.

Prior to becoming clerk she was part of the Municipal Alliance. “I have a history with the town and I hate to retire here but I will always consider Manchester my home.”

Life Line Screening

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 in 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 plaqueone 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.

Children’s

Hands For All

A

Tax Accountant

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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree

Tax preparation experience: 5-7 years

CPA preferred

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• 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

PREFERRED SKILLS INCLUDE:

• 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.

A Valentine’s Celebration

WHITING – It would be wonderful if you could join us for a “new” event at St. Stephen’s being held on Valentine’s Day, February 14, from 3 to 6 p.m. Together we will celebrate the special people in our lives and invite you to bring your loved ones, friends or just bring yourself. You are guaranteed to have an enjoyable evening of delicious food and fellowship.

Plans ae underway to create a scrumptious menu of appetizers, entrees and desserts with a Valentine’s Day theme. Feel free to bring your favorite bottle of wine or enjoy the non-alcoholic beverages that will be provided.

Even though we just enjoyed a fun filled

Christmas and New Year’s, we want to keep that good feeling. So, in addition to the delicious dinner, the committee is working hard to put together a fabulous Treasure Auction to make the event even more fun. Tickets are $15 each or $25 for two people. To make your reservation and arrange to get your tickets contact Barbara Marshall at 732-778-2628

The Valentine’s Day Event Committee: Co-Chairs: Barbara Marshall & Linda Chiappetta Committee: Susan Quigley, Carol Torres, Johann Soriano, Tom Masiello, Bob Virtue, Roberta Mackay, Joy Frey, Debbie & David Fischer, Pat Guenot and Judy Thompson.

Crestwood Village 4 Flea Market

WHITING – Crestwood Village 4 located at 15E Moccasin Drive in Whiting will be hosting a Flea Market on February 4. Come and enjoy shopping. They have over 50 vendors with many great bargains. The ladies at the stage will have many reasonably priced items, all donated by village residents. Visit

Jerry at the kitchen end of the room for Pull tabs, you may be lucky. Stop by the kitchen for some tasty breakfast treats.

Village 4 has a Flea Market the fi rst Saturday of every month. If you are interested in renting a table, email carolmarsella2@ gmail.com.

Ragtimers Show And Lunch

WHITING – The Women’s Club of Deerfield Hall, Crestwood Village VI in Whiting will be presenting the Ragtimers on April 22. Cost is $17 and includes sandwich lunch, dessert, coffee/tea and show. Choice of sandwich, lunch 12 to 1 p.m.; show 1 to 2 p.m.

Send

Tickets available February 10 at clubhouse, 6 Congasia Road. Whiting, off Route 530. Call to make reservations for eight or more or to hold seats until you can pick up tickets.

For tickets or more information, call Rosie at 732-503-3043.