Around the JerSey Shore OHI To Host 20th Anniversary Emerald Gala Fundraiser

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home

Serving the community with dignity and compassion since 1869.

Susan C. Dunigan • Manager, NJ Lic. 4328

Frank T. Palino • Director, NJ Lic. 4359

Diana M. Daly • Advanced Planning Director, NJ Lic. 4920

3010 Ridgeway Road • Manchester, NJ 08759 www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com

732.657.5700

Annual Meeting Notice

In compliance with the open public meetings act of 1976, the following is a schedule of the meetings for the Island Heights Board of Education for the year 2023 to be held at the Island Heights Grade School, 115 Summit Avenue, Island Heights, NJ the meetings will begin at 6:15 P.M.

Regular meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of each month unless otherwise stated.

Regular Meetings

January 11, 2023

February 8, 2023

March 8, 2023

April 5, 2023*

May 10, 2023

June 14, 2023

*1st Wednesday

July 12, 2023

August 9, 2023

September 13, 2023

October 11, 2023

November 8, 2023

December 6, 2023*

HOWELL – Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc. (OHI) is set to host its annual Winter Fundraiser in celebration of its 20th year providing the highest quality healthcare to its patients, regardless of their background or economic status.

OHI is a federally qualified health center with locations in Ocean and Monmouth counties that provides primary care services to all people who come through our doors, but especially those who cannot afford to seek healthcare elsewhere. In support of our cause and in celebration of twenty years of operation, they will host their annual Winter Fundraiser and Casino Night on February 10 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, 20 Shore Oaks Drive, Farmingdale.

For the past two decades, OHI has been a staple in our community and has been in constant pursuit of its mission to cultivate happier and healthier lives for all. But their work is never done and OHI seeks to continue providing primary and preventative medicine for many years and generations to come. For us to do this, we need your help. Therefore, we have organized a variety of opportunities in culmination of this year’s glamorous Winter Fundraiser to contribute. These include the purchase of sponsorships and the donation of items that will be available for auction on this special evening. With your support, OHI can acquire better medical equipment, improve its community outreach and educational materials, increase its vaccination capacity, and heighten health awareness in our community.

The theme for this year’s fundraiser is The Emerald Gala and will include a delicious dinner, plenty of dancing, a silent auction, casino games, and a 50/50 raffle. The cost per ticket is $250. Sponsorships, donations, and 50/50 tickets are all available for purchase and are 100% tax deductible, excluding the cost of dinner.

They are so excited to celebrate such an impressive milestone with you and hope to see you in green on February 10. For further information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Nicole Jones at njones@ohinj.org.

Alternatively, you can visit their fundraiser website at ohinj.org/annual-fundraiser

The deadline for sponsorships and ad journals is February 3. Send all ad files to njones@ohinj.org.

In Celebration Of …The Groundhog

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

That’s right! Celebration. While there are many who complain about the groundhog, what they may not understand is how necessary they are. The services they perform benefit humans, farmers, gardeners, and even other species. Can their burrows cause problems? Yes. A burrow located under protective fences used to keep other pests out, now allows access. In fields where tractors are used, can cause the ground to collapse under the weight of tractors. In rare cases burrows can affect the foundation of building. In comparison to the advantages of having groundhogs, those risks are minimal.

The most obvious benefits would be that they are responsible for aerating the soil. The same soil that contributes to the growth of plants. Soil that is unturned becomes limited in oxygen, making the roots hard to breathe. Groundhogs burrowing helps to mix the organic matter that accumulates on top of the soil. Within that mix are carbohydrates which helps to feed organisms like worms and mites. Other nutrients such as phosphorus, iron and calcium will leach from the top of the soil as rainwater sends them deeper into

Send the ground. The groundhog digs its burrow, and this process delivers these nutrients deeper. As a result, this provides food for microorganisms, bringing minerals to the surface for plants to reuse them. It’s a process that is necessary.

The burrows of groundhogs are more than holes in the underground. While the groundhog gets the negative reputation, the reality is that other species will share these burrows, which are a network of rooms where animals such as rabbits, raccoons and skunks can occupy. Depending upon where you live, other larger creatures such as snakes, otters, foxes, will take over a burrow after a groundhog has moved out. These animals are natural predators who will prey on agricultural pests.

So, when you see a groundhog, maybe you will look upon them as an important resource and appreciate them for all the benefits they bring to many!

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.