2023-02-18 - The Howell Times

Beyond The Keyboard:

Tales Of A Local Writer’s Club

By Stephanie Faughnan

HOWELL – A medley of writers gather at the local library once a month and take the solitude out of their creative endeavors.

The four who made it to the February meeting of the Monmouth Writers came from backgrounds as varied as their imaginative works. Outsiders might wonder what a college professor, a self-proclaimed trophy husband, a one-time science journalist, and a nonprofit leader have in common.

As writers, the group shares a common bond in stringing words together to paint vivid pictures. Their agreement to exchange feedback serves to augment the limitations of self-assessment – and

Council Approves

Students Honored For Winning International Contests

By Alyssa Riccardi

HOWELL – Several students were recently honored for placing in the 6th Annual Howell Optimist Club Essay and Oratorical Contests.

Every year, the contest is held in partnership between the Howell Optimist Club, Howell Alliance, and Howell Township Public Schools. Farmingdale School has participated the past two years. The goal of the contests is to tie the Alliance’s prevention and well-being mission to the contests’

Contract

Town Manager’s $195K

By Stephanie Faughnan

HOWELL – The Township Council voted to approve Township Manager Joseph Clark’s contract with a starting salary of $195,000.

The township manager runs the day-today operations of the town. Clark’s tenure as township manager formally began on December 14, 2022, although he previously served as both acting and interim township manager starting last spring. For the five years prior, Clark was the Township’s inhouse legal counsel.

The employment agreement approved unanimously by the three council members present at the February 7 meeting and became retroactive to Clark’s start date as township manager.

According to state law, the employment of the township manager is considered indefinite with specific parameters. Clark must give 60 days’ notice should he decide to resign voluntarily.

Should the Township decide to terminate Clark’s employment, the Council must pass a resolution at least 30 days before its effective date stating the reasons for his removal. The Township Manager would then be suspended and entitled to a public hearing.

The removal process might sound familiar to Howell residents as it’s how the lead position in local government became open in the fi rst place. Clark stepped in when the governing body decided to terminate Brian Geoghegan in his role as township manager.

Some of the other terms of the employment agreement with Clark include the following:

• Annual reviews on or before the end of each calendar year. He will be entitled to the same raises provided to other employees in the Teamsters bargaining unit.

• Council maintains the option of conducting a performance review associated with a salary change at any time.

• Township health benefits with personal contributions.

• Continued enrollment in the Township’s deferred comp and retirement savings plans.

• Enrollment in the state pension plan should Clark become eligible.

–Photos by Stephanie Faughnan

(Above) A newcomer to the group, Susan Flynn, just donated her “A Journey into Serenity: A Personal Path to Self-Transformation” to the local library. (Right) Anne Morris provides some constructive criticism to James Netterwald, a songwriter and musician

(Club - See Page 3)

–Photo courtesy Howell Alliance Pictured are the 10 oratorical contestants selected based on their speech submission. (Contests - See Page 4) (Approves - See Page 2)

Approves:

Continued From Page 1

• Life insurance provided by the Township could later be changed to a policy offered by the state pension plan.

• Thirty-five days of paid time off per calendar year; up to 15 days of which can be carried over each year.

• Sell back of up to 10 days annually of paid time off – with the option of payment of

unused accumulated leave upon resignation or termination without cause.

• Time off for professional development, including CLE (Continuing Legal Education) and events such as the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

• Up to $5,000 in reimbursement costs for professional development and conferences, including those associated with Clark’s law license.

Howell’s fi rst ordinance of the year up-

dated salary ranges for certain officers and employees of the local government. The Township Manager’s minimum range stayed at $95,000 and saw a maximum range increase from $160,000 to $200,000. The maximum salary range for the Chief of Police is the highest in the Township, moving from $238,772 to $249,000.

“I couldn’t be more delighted that council made the decision to hire from within,” said Clark. “So, I can continue to work with the

qualified professionals of our team across all levels.”

Two prior council members spoke at the recent council meeting and reiterated the reasons Clark was moved into the position without consideration of an outside search.

“There was no reason to do a search,” said former Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond. “We had someone right here in front of us working hard every day, who lives here in Howell, cares about Howell.”

Former Councilwoman Suzanne Brennan was appointed to Council to fill a vacancy left by Deputy Mayor Thomas Russo. During her one year tenure, Brennan said she saw things change when Clark took over and demonstrated his passion for getting things done.

“I have to say the difference between when I started on the governing body and when I left,” said Brennan. “The trajectory skyrocketed – and it was under his leadership and the team that he was building.”

New Jersey state laws provide council members with broad discretion in the selection of a municipal manager. Accordingly, they may be chosen solely on the basis of their executive and administrative qualifications with special reference to the candidate’s actual experience or knowledge of accepted practices in the position.

Nonetheless, some Howell residents still maintain the governing body should have interviewed other candidates in addition to Clark. While not questioning the township manager’s abilities to do the job, the new focus is on the terms of his employment agreement.

Geoghegan was at the top of the pay scale when he left at $160,000. Clark’s salary of $195,000 is a $35,000 increase over the last manager. Additionally, had Clark stayed on as Township Attorney, the maximum range for that position is set at $155,172.

Flag Retirement Box

HOWELL – Do you have old flags? Flags can be retired outside of the Southard Fire Department in their flag retirement box.

This is maintained by a local Eagle Scout, Jacob Grdovic, who completed the project and donated it to the Southard Fire Department. He has been emptying it on a weekly basis and working with a local VFW to make sure the flags are retired in a dignified way.

Club

: Continued From Page 1 also provides some inspiration.

Jon Gibbs of Manalapan said the Monmouth Writers group began in October and sometimes had as many as 8-10 fledging authors in attendance at monthly meetings.

“What we do here is critiquing,” said Gibbs. “I think critiquing is a skill – and that being critiqued is also a skill.”

Gibbs pointed out that many people don’t realize how personal their writing is until someone else decides to comment on it. Therefore, the group tries to embrace what Gibbs called a “neggi sandwich approach” in providing peer feedback.

“That’s where you find something positive to say,” Gibbs explained, “Then you find something you feel might need a little work, and then end with something positive that works for you.”

Writers who attend the monthly meetings are encouraged to limit works for evaluation to 1,500 words and bring along copies for distribution.

Rather than read their own submittals aloud, writers can hear how someone else’s intonations make their work come alive.

Hazlet resident James Netterwald once worked as a journalist writing science stories for a prominent national publisher. Now disabled, Netterwald employs an alternative tone to his current endeavors.

As a songwriter, Netterwald not only puts together the lyrics; he also composes and produces the music and inserts his own vocals. The finished product stands by the old adage

that the best works come from what writers know best.

A romantic break-up led Netterwald to a meeting with a therapist, who the songwriter questions in a piece entitled “Dear Therapist.”

The commentary came after the group listened to the print version of Netterwald’s lyrics.

“I like the idea of addressing a therapist,” shared Anne Morris of Howell. “The whole narcissism thing is hot in the news now, so I think this is very timely.”

Morris said that she was a bit unclear about parts of what Netterwald was trying to convey. Was the songwriter’s intent to end a dysfunctional relationship or to break up with his therapist?

Netterwald responded to the feedback with some insight and considered some subsequent suggestions. The big treat came when he played the song, and the melodic tones provided another layer of meaning to the lyrics.

“It’s got a catchy rhythm,” Gibbs said. “I actually like songs when you’re listening to them, but you don’t really listen to the words. You’re getting hooked on the music…and then when you’re enjoying it, you stop and decide to pay attention to the lyrics.”

Morris was next in line to share her work but had to race out to a meeting before the others had the opportunity to review it. A college professor, Morris only had a few short moments to express her frustrations with the novel she’s been writing for the last five years.

“I’ll look, and I’ll see what sentence sounded better, “shared Morris. “I wrote this one and I recently wrote another one that’s describing the same thing. In the beginning of a book,

you want it to be snappy so that people will want to get in and find out what’s going on.”

The self-edits seemed to partially come from a friend who suggested that a portion of Morris’ book was akin to beating a dead horse with a rubber hose.

Blunt feedback can sting – especially when it comes to words rearranged to tell the best stories. And Morris couldn’t make it clearer how critical it is for her to finish her final chapters.

“I was in a car accident recently,” Morris said. “The first thing I could think of was, oh my God, I didn’t finish my novel.”

Gibbs said he was only half-joking when he described himself as a trophy husband. Originally from England, Gibbs and his wife decided it made economic sense for him to stay at home with their twin daughters with special needs.

Despite no formal education beyond the age of 16, Gibbs has been invited to give several workshops for budding authors. He also taught a creative writing course at Georgian Court University.

On his second novel intended for middle school kids, Gibbs said he’s alternated between titling his book “Dead Doris” or “The Ghosts of the Golden Mansion.”

Gibbs provided a brief summary of the novel whose lead character is a 12-year-old boy originally from England. The family owns a mansion in a state of some disrepair. While not giving too much of the plot a way, the child’s grandfather tends to be eccentric, albeit likable. “I like all the different references,” said Netterwald after reading the story aloud. “I like that you have older references and then some modern references like Netflix.”

“I liked the language, and I think the characterizations are very good,” Netterwald continued. “I would just like to see a bit more eccentricity in the main character though.”

Susan Flynn of Howell runs a nonprofit focused on helping women. She learned about Monmouth Writers when she came into the library to drop off a book already published with her byline.

As a newcomer, Flynn spent the meeting mostly observing rather than offering feedback to her fellow writers. She then shared the basis for her “A Journey into Serenity: A Personal Path to Self-Transformation.”

Again, the concept of writing about what you know best surfaced in the writer’s introduction to the group.

Flynn’s work is both reflective and inspirational and includes quotes from various sources. “I’ve been working on myself for the past 25 years,” admitted Flynn. “Over the years, I’ve read a lot of self-help books. I went to seminars and classes and am now a life coach.”

One other aspect of writers gathering together provided fruitful - the group spoke about different publishing opportunities and touched on aspects of copyright law.

Writers take to their craft for assorted reasons and can often feel alone in the process. Meanwhile, the concept of sharing feedback dates back to the times of Socrates and Plato. Some consider writers’ groups a support system for dealing with self-doubt and relief from writer’s block.

Monmouth Writers meets every second Saturday of the month at the Howell Library starting at 9:30 a.m. More information is available at njwritinggroups.com.

Contests:

Continued From Page 1 focus on optimism.

This year, the essay prompt was “Who is an everyday hero that brings out the optimism in you?” The oratorical topic was “discovering the optimism within me.”

The Howell Optimist Club winners advance to the district competitions, and winners from there go to the regional competitions, then possibly on to the international competitions. The scholarship awards grow as the contest level advances.

For the past two years, winning oratorical contestant Eliana Mandelberg of Howell High School returned as an oratorical contest judge. Once a contestant wins at the district level, they cannot compete again at any level.

Jane Losinger, Supervisor of Literacy, Gifted and Talented Programming, and District Assessments for the Howell Township Public Schools and her administrative assistant, Ramey Allen make this program possible, coordinating all of the students’ paperwork, submissions, and criteria compliance. The Howell Optimist Club’s president is John Alliano.

For 2023, two oratorical winners and one essay winner will advance to the district competition. There was a total of 76 essay entries and 32 speech entries.

Essay contest winners:

• 1st place: Cindy Wu, Middle School South (advances to district)

• 2nd place: Sofia Mendez, Middle School

South

• 3rd Place: Sandra Abuelyamin, Middle School South

Oratorical contest winners:

• 1st place: Justin Douglas, Middle School North (advances to district)

• 2nd place: Alexa Leone, Middle School North (advances to district)

• 3rd place: Michael Natilli, Farmingdale School

The Howell Alliance sponsors the club level awards for the top three essay winners and top three oratorical winners.

“Every year, we look forward to appreciating the writing and speaking talents of our youth contestants. The annual essay and oratorical contests would not be possible without the full support Howell Township Public Schools’ administrators and teachers give us,” said Howell Alliance Coordinator Christa Riddle, who also is a member of the Howell Optimist Club. “The contests take a lot of time and dedication from October through February from the Howell Optimist Club, Howell Alliance, and Howell Township Public Schools, which shows the power of community collaboration and support our youth to achieve, pursue their goals, and fi nd pleasure and accomplishment in the arts of writing and public speaking. We couldn’t be prouder of our contestants and winners who will represent Howell well at the district contests and beyond!”

For more details on the contests, visit optimist.org/member/scholarships1.cfm. For more information on the Howell Alliance, visit twp.howell.nj.us/169/Alliance.

–Photo courtesy Howell Alliance

(Above) The top three oratorical contest winners, Justin Douglas, Alexa Leone, and Michael Natilli, with Alliance Coordinator Christa Riddle and Optimist Club president John Alliano.

(Below) The top three essay contest winners, Sophia Mendez, Sandra Abuelyamin, and Cindy Wu, with Jane Losinger, Alliance Coordinator Christa Riddle and Optimist Club president John Alliano.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

e DitoriAl

Pause Off Shore Wind Projects To Ensure Whale Safety

What is killing the whales? There have been at least nine whale deaths along the Jersey shore recently and local politicians and environmentalists feel their deaths are tied to offshore wind projects.

It does seem extremely odd that over the past several months that there have been repeated instances of dead whales washing up on New Jersey’s shoreline in close proximity of nearby offshore wind development. It is also happening at some New York beaches as well. Could it be the cause or just some strange coincidence?

There is a proposal by Congressman Chris Smith backed up by a dozen shore area mayors and some environmental groups to put a pause to such activities until we learn more.

Paul Kanitra, the mayor of Point Pleasant Beach, is among the mayors who have envi-

Remembering

Adriana Kuch

I join our entire community and all of New Jersey in sharing great sorrow for the tragic loss of Adriana Kuch.

In unthinkable moments of grief like these, it’s difficult to convey the words that bring comfort. But as these are the darkest of days for Adriana’s family and friends, it’s important to remember the light that she brought into their world.

From so many accounts of those closest to her, we have learned of her happy and strong personality and her love of all animals and nature, her helping children with special needs, and how she liked jogging with her brothers or walks in the woods. What was loved about her is already missed about her by those closest to her - and that must always be remembered

about her.

ronmental concerns about the mysterious string of whale deaths that has left officials and the public speechless.

On average, the Jersey Shore coast and in the tri-state area, there are one, two, or possibly three whale deaths a year but since the offshore wind energy development started conducting sonar testing in December, nine whale deaths occurred.

“That seems a lot more than a coincidence to us,” Kanitra said in an interview on “America’s Newsroom.”

The Biden administration and federal scientists are blaming the deaths on blunt trauma, related to boat strikes but whales use echo sonar location to navigate and it isn’t a stretch to have concerns about the sonar use messing with that ability which might actually be causing the boat strikes.

As Mayor Kanitra and some environmentalists have said, “it’s too much to be a coincidence.”

There is obviously a great deal of rightful anguish and emotion with Adriana’s passing, from her family, friends and within our community at large.

I commend the students who had peacefully protested against harassment, intimidation and bullying in our schools. Working with our police department, we will continue to have a strong presence in our schools, so students, parents and staff have a safe and secure learning environment.

I have spoken to our prosecutor, board members, administrators, teachers, parents and students about this tragic incident. Together, zero-tolerance policies will be implemented, and programs will be launched immediately to address these challenges.

It is critical that as leaders, as administrators, as teachers, as

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Given the usual speed of government, this call for action by Congressman Smith seems right on the mark and prudent in order to act on the side of caution until a full scientific review can be made as to whether there is a connection to offshore wind projects and the deaths of the whales.

It is important get to the truth and as was said constantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to follow the science, so it seems like a smart idea to take a pause for the moment while a scientific based probe into their deaths takes place. Is the sonar work actually the cause? Let’s find out.

Doing so may ultimately save whales and other aspects of the environment. Smith’s request to suspend all work on such projects noted a time factor of “until such time that ecological safety can be assured.” I think we can afford to wait until this is done.

Likewise, it is gratifying to see our lawmakers

Letters To The Editor

parents and as a community as a whole, we unify and take this moment and try to learn and understand from it, so we can avoid future tragedies.

Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr. Berkeley

Teen’s Suicide Shows A Broken System

Been sitting on my feelings and emotions for several days as emotions have boiled over around me regarding the death of Adriana Kuch.

If you’ve heard the news reports about the 14-year-old who died by suicide after she was attacked at a New Jersey school, and who had been bullied relentlessly - that’s my town. That’s the high school my daughter graduated from.

I don’t need to add my opinions on how the school has handled this, because it was mishandled.

My opinion on why it was mishandled: Because the state’s Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying law is an utter disaster.

It does not address what is happening to kids in any meaningful way. It gives school districts cover to say “We followed the law.” That is all it does.

New Jersey’s HIB law tries to quantify bullying as being directed at “a protected class” - weight, LGBTQIA, people of color - and further tries to quantify it based on how the victim reacts. Did a straight A student have their grades plummet? Did they stop coming to school? Did they have to get counseling?

The reality is kids get bullied across a whole spectrum. Did you get a bad haircut? Are you poor? Are you wearing handme-downs and not the expensive Air Jordans? Do you have freckles, a big nose, are you short, are you tall? Are you a boy who loves theater, loves to cook, loves fashion? Are you a girl who loves to hunt, wants to play football, loves activities we ascribe to boys?

I’ve shared my personal experience with being bullied in the past. I was the new kid in a very, very small town in Pennsylvania.

My black, curly hair, contrasted with my more pale Irish skin drew comments from adults who said “it must be a wig,” and kids picked up on it ... I was called “Wiggy” by classmates. School and grades came easily for me, and that only added to the hate and the bullying. My hair was pulled in class. I was pinched. I was kicked and punched and chased regularly on the playground ... and it continued until my dad was picking me up from school one day and the two boys who were the ringleaders tried to physically attack me. That was what forced the school district to address it.

My grades never slipped. I never stopped going to school (even though I wanted to, even when I was miserable).

Under New Jersey’s HIB law, what happened to me would have been brushed away as not a problem.

THAT is a problem. And it is happening in school districts

in Trenton address another issue that involves animals. There is legislation addressing animals who are suffering on factory farms.

Mother pigs are artificially impregnated and confined to cages - known as gestation crates - that nearly immobilize them. Baby calves used in the veal industry are locked in similar cages, called veal crates. These crates are so small that the animals can’t even turn around. New Jersey could make history in a positive manner though the passage of legislation that would help these abused animals by passing Senate bill S-1298 and Assembly bill A-1970. These bills that deserve our support, would ban the extreme confinement of mother pigs and baby calves in the Garden State.

Bob Vosseller Assistant News Editor

across the state. Reports of bullying incidents are taken in isolation instead of being addressed, and the resulting accumulation of trauma is having disastrous results. You have the bullies attacking - because they believe they can, because they have gotten away with it all along.

For those who are the targets, despondency sets in, because you are completely powerless to stop the bullying - because the HIB law does nothing to force action by the schools to really take action to protect those who are being bullied.

There were absolutely failures in what happened at Central and those need to be addressed, but the real issue is rooted in the very fabric of our society.

We have adults who bully others daily. How many videos have we seen of adults getting in people’s faces and screaming at them on the streets and in stores?

How many times do we see truly vile, hateful comments on social media mocking how someone looks, how they dress, what they eat, how they worship. We have an absolute unwillingness to learn about other people, and a knee-jerk nasty response to someone who doesn’t conform to our view of what should be.

The kids see our terrible example and they learn from us. They think it’s OK to just be hateful, to say whatever mean thing comes to mind, because they see adults do it - in the streets, in the stores, and on social media. And we as adults are completely unwilling to look in the mirror and see how the actions we take are teaching

our children to continue that culture of meanness.

We have people lying about what social emotional learning is - teaching children that people are different, teaching them to have empathy for others, and teaching them how to handle anger and frustration and disagreements CONSTRUCTIVELY - and trying to strip it from our schools, all while saying hateful, generalized comments about other people every day instead of taking people as individuals and learning about them.

This is what fuels the bullying culture every day.

We need to stop with the “just suck it up, we all went through bullying” mentality because we’ve NORMALIZED abusive behavior.

We have to stop normalizing being hateful and abusive to other people. Period.

We need school districts all across the country to have real policies that address these issues from the start and nip the bullying in the bud -rather than brushing it off as a child being oversensitive, or telling a child they are a tattletale. Parents have to stop with the “my kid would never” because EVERY child is capable of it.

We need to support the kids who stand up for others being bullied, rather than punishing those kids. (Yes, this happens.)

We need real conversations about our society.

No one is willing to have them.

Karen B. Bayville

U.S. Must Revoke China’s Trade Privileges

From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who was recently selected to chair the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), has reintroduced legislation (HR 638) to revoke China’s trade privileges - known as permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status—in response to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) atrocious human rights violations and ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other Central Asian minorities.

“Ever since President Clinton delinked trade with China from human rights in 1994, the Chinese Communist Party has been growing into an economic power, stealing American jobs and intellectual property

while getting an absolute pass for its heinous human rights abuses,” said Rep. Smith, who has chaired 76 congressional hearings on the CCP’s egregious human rights violations.

Additionally, Smith called for an immediate and bold response by the United States on the heels of the Chinese Communist Party’s spy balloon flight: “The United States must respond boldly to the Chinese Communist Party’s outrageous violation of our national sovereignty.

“We cannot afford the Biden Administration’s continued weak nonresponse to the great and growing threat posed by the CCP to our national security and the livelihoods of the American people.

“Congress should immediately pass my legislation - the China Trade Relations Act of 2023 - to strip China of its trade privileges in response to the CCP’s outrageous human rights violations and its systematic

economic espionage against the United States.

“If China wishes to enjoy normal trade relations with the United States, the Chinese government must first respect our sovereignty and cease its atrocious human rights abuses including pervasive religious persecution, forced organ harvesting, transnational repression, and ongoing genocide against Uyghurs and other Central Asian minorities.

“The Biden Administration must abandon its fantasy that the CCP wants to cooperate with the United States before it’s too late.”

“America should never let genocide and slave labor become a ‘permanent’ or ‘normal’ part of U.S. trade,” said Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI), a cosponsor of the legislation. “It’s time we stopped overlooking widespread human rights abuses as just the ‘cost of doing business’ in Communist China and restored the annual congressional review of China’s ‘most favored nation’ trade status.”

The Smith-Tiffany legislation would relink

China’s trade status with its record on human rights and require annual affirmation by the President that the CCP is making serious and sustained improvement in respecting human rights in order to achieve preferential treatment in trade protocols, sometimes referred to as most favored nation (MFN) status.

“We must correct President Clinton’s horrific mistake and return to the pre-Clinton norm by making annual renewal of normal trade relations contingent on concrete progress on human rights,” said Smith, who has been targeted with sanctions by the Chinese government and banned from China for his tireless advocacy and legislative work to promote human rights.

Smith, who was tapped by Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to chair the CECC, said “exploring how to strengthen the linkage between human rights and trade and placing human rights at the forefront of all aspects of US policies toward China” will be one of the top priorities for the China Commission in the 118th Congress.

Police – Mental Health Collaboration To Expand With $10 Million Investment

From The Desk Of The Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy announced that his upcoming budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024 will include $10 million in funding to expand the ARRIVE Together program to the entire state, creating the first statewide law enforcement and mental health co-responder collaboration in the country.

Governor Murphy, joined by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, also announced the upcoming expansion of the program, which connects mental health professionals with law enforcement officers to more effectively respond to mental-health-crisis calls, set to take place this year. Utilizing $2 million in funds set aside by the Governor and state lawmakers in the current FY2023 state budget, over two dozen municipalities in 10 different counties will be joining ARRIVE Together starting in May 2023.

“The ARRIVE Together program is a game changer, and I am incredibly pleased by the success the program has had during its pilot stages in connecting those experiencing behavioral health crises with a certified mental health professional,”

said Governor Murphy.

“This proposed investment and the expansion of the program will help our efforts to enhance law enforcement’s servicing of neighborhoods and will strengthen the bonds between our officers and the communities they serve. Attorney General Platkin, Colonel Callahan, and I will continue to work with our state’s law enforcement and mental health professionals to ensure these crises are de-escalated safely, fairly, and efficiently to protect individuals in mental distress.”

“ARRIVE Together began as a State Police pilot program, and through partnerships forged between law enforcement and mental health providers we are building it into a statewide program,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “It has been a transformative and powerful model, consistently de-escalating situations that could have had far worse outcomes for everyone involved. With the support and vision of Governor Murphy, I am committed to continuing to grow this program and improve services for our most vulnerable residents.”

That imminent expansion will bring the total number of law enforcement agencies involved in the initiative to over thirty. In most jurisdictions, mental health professionals will accompany plainclothes officers in unmarked police vehicles to respond to 9-1-1 calls for service relating

to mental or behavioral health crises, although each county may employ a slightly different framework of interaction between the mental health and law enforcement responders. Nine different health care providers around the state have signed on to dedicate their resources to work with police on this effort, which is designed to form relationships between individuals needing help and law enforcement and mental health professionals, in order to de-escalate situations and transition away from law enforcement relying on emergency rooms or use of force.

“The deployment of mental health professionals, in concert with New Jersey State Troopers, has provided vital services to those in mental distress at the time where it is needed the most,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “We have taken the program to the forefront as an investment into the well-being of the citizens we are sworn to serve. Just as emergency medical services are summoned to a scene to serve as a higher level of patient care, the State Police recognizes that the trusted partners of the ARRIVE Together Program have the ability to mitigate crisis, reduce the risk of physical harm, and potentially bridge the gap into continued compassionate care for citizens struggling with mental health issues. We celebrate the expansion of this indispensable plan of action and look forward to joining new law enforcement partners as they join in this altruistic project.”

The teams of law enforcement officers paired with mental health screeners have made over 300 contacts with residents suffering from mental health disorders or co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. During those interactions, there have been no injuries, and no response by an ARRIVE Together team has escalated into an arrest. Responding officers have only used force for involuntary transports of individuals ordered by the mental health professionals who co-responded.

Police officers from the following local municipalities and agencies will soon be participating in the program: Beachwood, Berkeley, Ocean Gate and Pine Beach.

“We are pleased to see the steady growth of the ARRIVE Together program in New Jersey, as an increasing number of municipal police departments are collaborating with mental health providers,” said Thomas Dellane, president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. “While this program is only in its infancy, it has enormous potential. ARRIVE Together has already demonstrated itself as a vital tool for law enforcement, as we respond to incidents involving individuals suffering from mental or behavioral struggles. We salute Attorney General Matthew Platkin’s commitment to this initiative, as well as the State Police and local police departments that are already involved. We look forward to its steady expansion across New Jersey.”

School District

Present Golden Apples

Howell PAL Summer Camp

HOWELL – Listed below are the options for child care throughout the summer of 2023 offered by the Howell PAL for grades K-5.

June 26 to July 28 (5 Week Camp): Register by April 30 for a reduced registration fee of $50. After April 30, the late fee is $125.

Full Day (8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.): Middle School North or South $425

Extended Day (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.): Middle School North or South $730

June 26 to August 4(6 Week Camp): Register by April 30 for a reduced registration fee of $50. After April 30, the late fee is $125.

Full Day (8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.): Middle School North or South $510

Extended Day (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.): Middle School North or South $875

August 7 to August 25 (3 Week Camp): Howell PAL Summer Camp (located at Southard School). Register by May 31 for a reduced registration fee of $50. After May 31, the late fee is $125. Registration fee is

waived if child is already registered for July program.

Full Day (8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.): Southard $345

Extended Day (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.): Southard $595

Regular fee covers both July and August camps with a max of two registration fees per family. CCR and CHS are accepted. (10% sibling discount applied for every child after the fi rst)

Counselor in Training program participants should register by April 30 for a reduced summer cost of $150. After April 30 the cost will be $225. Registration is to be completed at howellpal.org. No discounts will be applied. Email info@ howellpal.org or call 732-919-2825. Register at howellpal.org starting March 1. No walk ins - all registration is done online. Includes daily activities, indoor and outdoor play area. Arts and crafts, trips (at an extra cost), and much more! You must register by April 30 to guarantee a spot!

Howell Township First Aid And Rescue Squad 3rd Annual Golf Outing

HOWELL – The Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad #1 are calling all golfers, whether you’ve never played before or can qualify for the PGA.

The HTFARS#1 is proud to announce that they are hosting their 3rd Annual Golfi ng. They will be at a new location on April 21 at the Pebble Creek Golf Club in Colts Neck. Past years’ events were a huge success. This year they are hoping for the same

outcome so if you are going to, register fast! They take and welcome all players. It’s a great event for an even better cause. If you have interest in playing, donations or sponsorships towards the event, feel free to reach out. For any questions or inquires reach out to Htfarsgolfouting@gmail.com or 732-378-9344. Don’t forget about the BBQ afterwards which will be held at the course!

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!

–Photo courtesy Howell Schools

HOWELL – The Howell Township School District is proud to present golden apples to Jain Miller and Jennifer Davidson for their 25 years of outstanding service to the students of Howell Schools!

Busy Bee

HIC #13VH06729000

Annual State Elks Path To Leadership Conference

HOWELL – On February 2, the Howell Alliance, Howell Township Public Schools District middle schoolers & SAC Jeanna Ribon, Howell Township Police Department’s SRO Officers Higgins & McBride & Sergeant Hochhauser, and members of the Howell Elks attended the annual state Elks Path to Leadership Conference.

Each year, the Howell Alliance sponsors middle school students to attend this event, as well as a few Howell High School students who will participate in the weekend-long Peer Leadership Conference. Middle schoolers joined others from across the state to learn about resilience, self-care, vaping, and internet safety.

Howell Township Teen Summer Camp

HOWELL – Camp dates: June 26 to August 4 (6 Weeks). Register online: howellrec.org. Teen Expedition is a summer travel program with limited supervision for teens. All trips will require additional fees and must be paid.

Trips may include: indoor & outdoor laser tag, indoor rock climbing, mall, Six Flags Great Adventure, swimming, Hurricane Harbor, beach, arcades, bowling, river tubing, trampoline park, Dave & Buster’s.

Teen Expedition: Mondays through Fridays. Pick up and drop off located at either Middle School North or Middle School South.

Teen Expedition Registration: (completed

6th grade through 12th grade) Early registration fee is $200 from March 1 to April 28. Regular registration fee is $225 from May 1 to May 26. Late fee is an additional $25 fee. All trips will require additional fees. Register: online 24/7 at howellrec.org; by mail (4567 Highway 9 North. 2nd Fl); in person Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. only.

Special In Person Registration Dates: April 28 & May 26 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (cash, check, credit cards accepted; convenience charges apply).

Contact Steven Fecher, Community Relations Department, at 732-938-4500 ext. 2106 or email sfecher@twp.howell.nj.us.

Breakfast Bonanza Networking - Speaker Christopher Guzman

HOWELL – The next Howell Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Bonanza Networking will be on February 21 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Big City Bagels, Route 9, Aldrich Road, Howell.

The guest speaker will be Christopher Guzman (Express Employment). Christopher will discuss “The Challenge in Finding Employees.”

Meet other chamber members, network with local businesses, share what’s happen-

Send

ing with your business and any upcoming events/promotions.

Cost to attend is $7 for members, $14 for not yet members, whether you eat or not (cash only). Includes coffee/tea and a bagel with butter or cream cheese. If you wish to order a different item, you will have a $6 credit (the additional $1 is gratuity for staff ) and you pay the restaurant the difference over $6. Not yet members are welcome to attend up to two Chamber meetings/events.

Photo courtesy Howell Alliance

n

Random Acts Of Kindness Day

HOWELL – Thank you to the Howell Senior Center for welcoming the Howell Alliance and Howell Police Department’s Officer Jayme Higgins on February 7 for their quarterly presentation and unwanted medications collection!

The theme was “Random Acts of Kindness” in honor of “Random Acts of Kindness Day Is February 17!” They

shared ways they can be kind to ourselves and others each day, as well as the health benefits of kindness and how small acts of being kind can make the world a better place.

Seniors covered a “Kindness Starts Here!” poster with ways they spread kindness to their families, friends, and neighbors, as well as themselves!

Howell Township Special Needs Summer Camp

HOWELL – Camp dates: June 26 to August 4 (6 Weeks). Register online: howellrec.org. Teen Adventure participants must be able to function in at least a 1:4 staff to participant ratio. All trips will require additional fees and must be paid.

Trips may include: indoor & outdoor laser tag, Jersey Shore Pirates, the Music Man, arcades, boardwalk, swimming, zoo, bowling, mall and movies, iPlay America, trampoline park, Dave & Buster’s.

Teen Adventure: Mondays through Fridays. Pick up and drop off located at Alfred C. Sauer Park at Echo Lake.

Teen Adventure Registration: (special needs ages 16 to 40 years old). Early

registration fee is $250 from March 1 to April 28. Regular registration fee is $275 from May 1 to May 26. Late fee is an additional $25 fee. All trips will require additional fees.

Register: online 24/7 at howellrec.org ; by mail (4567 Highway 9 North. 2nd Fl); in person Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. only.

Special In Person Registration Dates: April 28 & May 26 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (cash, check, credit cards accepted; convenience charges apply).

Contact Steven Fecher, Community Relations Department, at 732-938-4500 ext. 2106 or email sfecher@twp.howell.nj.us.

Designer Bag Bingo And Tricky Tray

HOWELL – The Mackenzie Blair Foundation is hosting a Designer Bag Bingo and Tricky Tray on April 21 at Southard Fire House, 4611 Route 9, Howell.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the games will begin at 7 p.m. They will be a cash only event so please make sure that you bring

your money.

Tickets will be $35 and will include your admission and a sheet of bingo (three games per sheet) for 10 games of bingo.

Visit thembfoundation.org for more information or contact mackenzieblairfoundation@gmail.com.

Volunteer Today!

HOWELL – The Farmingdale-Howell First Aid Squad needs you! Members are needed so volunteer today. You can call 732-938-3161 or check them out on Facebook.

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.

– Photo courtesy Howell Alliance

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

Students’ “We The People Team” Go To Nationals

County Awarded $1.18 Million For Street Safety

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce that the County has been awarded the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Action Safety Plan Grant in partnership with Bradley Beach, Highlands, and Holmdel, totaling $1.18 million in funding.

“Monmouth County is thrilled to be awarded the SS4A grant which will be used to develop, complete, or supplement a comprehensive safety action plan,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “The action plans will seek to identify and implement low‐cost, high-impact strategies, and will explore innovative technologies and strategies promoting safety and equity.”

“As the lead applicant, the County will provide guidance for planning and administration to the towns included in the application,” said Commissioner Lillian G. Burry,

liaison to the Division of Planning. “Once an Action Plan is complete, the County can apply for funds for an Implementation Grant which would be the implementation of the recommendations in the Action Plan.”

“Safety of our residents and visitors is one of our highest priorities,” said Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, commissioner liaison to the Planning Board. “Bradley Beach, Highlands, Holmdel, and the Monmouth County Division of Planning will develop Comprehensive Safety Action Plans for each of their jurisdictions addressing issues related to speed and infrastructure, as well as detailing and recommending behavioral and policy interventions that encourage sobriety, patience, focus, seatbelt use, and modal choice.”

For more information about the Monmouth County Division of Planning, go to visitmonmouth.com/planning.

TJ Fallon Of Dead History To Again Visit Howell Heritage & Historical Society

HOWELL – T.J. Fallon, founder and creator of the Dead History YouTube Channel, traveled throughout the United States in 2020 in search of visiting all the gravesites of our US presidents and vice presidents. During this adventure, T.J. decided to visit the gravesites of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, and all 39 signers of the Constitution, as well.

Come to the Howell Heritage and His-

torical Society meeting on February 24, beginning at 7 p.m., to hear about the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. The meeting is held at the Ardena Baptist Church Gym. Light refreshments are available following the meeting. More Society information can be found at howellheritagehistoricalsociety. org or Facebook: Howell Heritage and Historical Society NJ.

–Photo courtesy Freehold Regional High School District MARLOBORO – Congratulations to Marlboro High School’s We the People Team on qualifying to compete at Nationals!

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

First Tee – Jersey Shore is Recruiting Part-Time Coaches

JERSEY SHORE – Jersey Shore coach is more important now than ever before. Kids and teens are facing challenges unseen by previous generations. First Tee – Jersey Shore is looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals to serve as positive mentors and role models to kids and teens in the program. These individuals should have a desire to help kids discover what’s inside of them, guide them to strengthen it and mentor them to put it into action in everything they do.

Individuals of all golf skill levels are encouraged to volunteer as coaches at First Tee – Jersey Shore. Coaches are trained to deliver First Tee golf and life skills curriculum. This training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included and empowered.

Time commitment options vary by location and time of year for small group sessions and team play on the various golf course locations. To serve as a coach for First Tee – Jersey Shore, individuals must complete SafeSport training and pass a background check.

For over 15 years, First Tee — Jersey Shore has been committed to helping kids build character strengths and important life skills through the game of golf and providing all kids with access to opportunities for personal growth in a fun and safe environment. Through introspective questions, interactive games, and immersive golf exercises, each lesson is designed to help kids build a better understanding of themselves and empower them to strengthen their values and character that they take to everything they do.

Not only do participants and alumni credit their coaches with empowering them to dis-

Scout Award Nominations

Deadline Soon

FARMINGDALE – Nominations are now open for the 2023 Regional Adult Awards and Recognitions for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.

Deadline to nominate for the Regional Awards is March 1.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Girl Scout organization. As mentors to girls, they inspire, motivate, and are instrumental in delivering the Girl Scout program. This year, more than ever, Girl Scout volunteers shared their time, creativity, and boundless energy to keep girls engaged and connected.

2023 Regional Awards Nomination Form: jerseyshoregirlscouts.wufoo.com/forms/ r1kz17af0mnmsk9. Learn more at gsFun.org/volunteerawards.

cover their character strengths and develop life lessons, but coaches reap the benefits as well, experiencing their own personal

growth and transformation. Individuals who have a passion for impact and want to become a coach can contact

First Tee – Jersey Shore at 732-759-2170 and visit firstteejerseyshore.org for more information.

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Court Orders Sanctions:

Vincent J. DelRiccio, Esq.

Lakewood

Banquet Hall To Pay $12,000 In Attorney Fees

By: Vincent DelRiccio, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

On January 30, 2023, the Superior Court of New Jersey entered an order mandating that the Defendant in a contentious case pay attorney fees to the Plaintiff in the amount of $12,000. The case itself involves the roughly 40,000 square foot Lake Terrace banquet hall in Lakewood, New Jersey, which to date, has operated allegedly without the requisite land use approvals. Specifically, the Complaint alleged the property was approved as a school with an accessory assembly hall in 2005 and received a Certificate of Occupancy for same in 2007. Plaintiff alleges that the school has since ceased operation, and morphed into one of the largest banquet halls in Lakewood despite failing to obtain any further land use approvals. The fee award comes as a result of R.C. Shea and Associate’s successful Motion to Enforce the Court’s prior Order of February 3, 2021. The Court, in its February 3, 2021 Order, imposed restrictions on the use of the Lake Terrace property. The restrictions included: limiting events to a maximum of 700 patrons, prohibiting outdoor events, and mandating that all parking for events be limited to Lake Terrace’s own parking lot.

As per the allegations, throughout the months of May and June of 2022, Lake Terrace held roughly eleven (11) events in violation of one or more provisions of the February 3, 2021 Order. The Plaintiff stated that during the largest of these events, held on June 9, 2020, chairs, speakers, and a wedding tent were erected on Plaintiff ’s property by the organizers of a wedding taking place at Lake Terrace. Allegedly, when asked to vacate the premises, the wedding was moved into the street, completely blocking access to Plaintiff ’s adjacent businesses.

R.C. Shea and Associates, on behalf of the Plaintiff, fi led a Motion to Enforce the February 3, 2021 Order. The Court found that the Lake Terrace owner and operator had committed “repeated” and “bad faith” violations of the February 3, 2021 Court Order. The Lake Terrace Defendants were ordered to pay both $5,000 sanction to the Court, and $12,000 in attorney fees to Plaintiff ’s counsel.

If you are facing disruptions to your business as a result of a neighbor’s potential misuse of their property, please give the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates a call for a consultation.

30 th NJ Polar Bear Plunge Set To Return To Seaside Heights

By Bob Vosseller SEASIDE HEIGHTS – The borough

ocean front will once again serve as the entry point for thousands of Polar Bear Plungers who will enter the chilly surf for a good cause, Special Olympics New Jersey.

The 30 th annual benefit event will return to Seaside Heights on February 25. It will also mark the early start of a number of “spring” activities on the boardwalk.

Between the thousands of plungers and tens of thousands of spectators, the boardwalk venues end up hosting a number of after plunge winter parties.

The annual Polar Bear Plunge is one of the largest of its kind in the state and nation. The event raises on average around $2 million for Special Olympics, in partnership with state Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and Law Enforcement Torch Run.

This year, organizers have set a goal of raising $2,150,000. Even before the event had been formally approved, teams had already begun to organize and more than $640,782 has been pledged.

All money raised benefit thousands of athletes across the state through programming and activities. The plunge will take place on the beach between Blaine and Sumner avenues, directly in front of the Spicy Cantina located at 500 Boardwalk. Street closures in the area will be in effect until early afternoon and at 1 p.m., those who raised the plunge minimum will make their way into the ocean. Activities will run from 10:00 a.m. – 2 p.m.

For information about how to donate to the fundraiser, support a plunge team or to become a plunger, e-mail pbpinfo@ sonj.org.

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The Impressive Benefits Of Exotic Jackfruit

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit commonly found in South America, India, Africa, and Asia. It is a superfood based on its incredible vitamin and mineral profile consisting of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, manganese, copper, calcium, and potassium as well as fiber, protein, and phytochemicals!

Jackfruit, like many other fruits, is a powerful antioxidant. It is used quite frequently due to its antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic qualities.

The ‘meat’ of the fruit is eaten, but it can also be used topically. Extracts of jackfruit and jackfruit seeds are very high in vitamins C and A. Which reminds me, I have just created a brand new face cream using jackfruit extract. I call it a “sleep mask” and it’s essentially a night cream that heals your skin while you sleep. Gives new meaning to the term beauty sleep! More details are at my website.

Jackfruit extract -when applied to the skin- will improve skin tone and reduce wrinkle formation due to its antioxidant power and collagen formation. It’s been studied for crow’s feet wrinkle reduction. People have used jackfruit to improve scalp health too. When the fruit is applied directly to the scalp and allowed to soak in for about 30 minutes (then rinsed off ) it seems to help scalp problems. I would recommend you do your applications prior to a shower because things get sticky!

People eat jackfruit because it is good and it’s sustainable. Some people say it tastes like something between pineapple and mango. When cooked as a vegan meat alternative, it takes on the flavor of the spices you use, just like tofu. Jackfruit contains antioxidants that support and boost immune system health and functioning. It also increases white blood cell production. The calcium and magnesium in Jackfruit are great for bone health and muscle cramps. Eating Jackfruit may help with aches and pains.

Skincare is my interest because I’ve used this extract in one of my formulas. It’s amazing to think you can transform your skin while you sleep but I believe you can. Jackfruit contains vitamin C and antioxidants, which are anti-aging. Vitamin C is vital for collagen production, which you already know helps fi rm the skin and keep it looking supple and elastic. Not only that but vitamins A and C also help to repair wounds and aid in sun damage and UVA/UVB rays. This means that inflammation in the skin is reduced, and wrinkles are less likely to form.

What is “Sleeping with Jack” sleep mask? This is my custom face cream formula and I’ve named it “Sleeping with Jack” because it contains jackfruit extract. You apply it at night before bedtime just like any other night cream. It smells fantastic and promotes nighttime repair and renewal to give you soft, wrinkle-free radiant skin. I have more information at suzycohen.com.

(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.

Dualdiagnosisisalargepartoftherecoveryjourneyfor some individuals. Mental health issues and addiction areoftenverydeeplyconnected.

Treatingtheunderlyingcauseofbothconditionssimultaneously, inintegratedtreatmentprograms,isthebestapproach.

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

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

Dr. Joseph Saka Dr. Hal Ornstein Dr. Dan Phan Dr. Samantha Boyd

photo oF the WeeK

Global Warming, Climate Change And Weather

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

We’ve all heard about global warming. Is it real? Maybe it’s just the Earth’s natural cycle of change affecting the climate and our weather. This subject affects the ‘global’ community.

Global Warming relates to the Earth’s rapid increase in the average surface temperature. Carbon emissions from fossil fuels are linked to global warming and as a result, to climate change.

Climate Change, according to National Geographic, “is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. Often climate change refers specifically to the rise in global temperatures from the mid-20th century to present.” Climate and weather are two different things. Climate speaks to the atmospheric changes referring to periods of time, typically 30 years or more. Whereas weather is the short-term change in the atmosphere.

No longer can we expect to wake up each day, think about what ‘season’ we’re in, but rather, expect our weather to be determined day-by-day. I remember as a child, in anticipation of entering each new season, people were putting away the clothing they were wearing, and refreshing their wardrobe with clothing appropriate for the expected change in

season. We prepared for our cooling and heating systems to be running according to seasons. Today, maybe we need our heating system in the morning, but when we return home, we fi nd that it would be more comfortable to turn on the air conditioning.

Whether you believe in ‘global warming’ or not, what’s occurring cannot be denied. The lives of every living organism on our planet is affected as we rely upon each other for our survival. That’s not, however, the entire story. Since our environment is changing, the Earth itself, beyond the living organisms we depend on, our homes and other structures that support life, are being destroyed. Landslides, sinkholes, rain, snow, winds are causing damage at alarming rates.

It’s clear this transformation is causing us to react accordingly. We are all in this together. We all matter and are connected to each other.

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 infl icted upon any animal, are punishable by law.

Middle School North Baseball Clinic

Players will have the opportunity to showcase abilities both individually and in a group setting, putting in the work

prior to tryout season. They will work on hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching, catching, conditioning and base running. Program runs on March 13 and 14 from 2 to 3:45 p.m. Cost is $75 per person. Head to howellpal.org today and check out the Spring Programs to register!

God Bless America! The American Flag fl ies over the Barnegat Bay in Long Beach Island. This photo was taken by Jo Lucas. It’s an amazing shot. Whether you are a pro or someone with a smartphone, we want your pix for our Photo of the Week! Email them to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you could win a prize!

HOWELL – Be prepared for the baseball season with Howell PAL’s Middle School North Baseball Clinic coming in March.

CLASSIFIEDS

Items For Sale Real Estate

Lakewood 55+ Covington Village - Newer construction, gorgeous 2BR/2BA Condo 1165 sqft, hdwd floors; CAC; Washer/Dryer; balcony, pool, gym/amenities; billiard/card/theater rooms; parking; $2,700/Taxes; $416/HOA; ONLY $239,000; 201 390-7377/Julianne_ matskin@yahoo.com (11)

Personals

Male 70s - Partially homebound looking for woman for companionship. I am onest, of good character and trustworthy. 732-930-6183. (10)

Bus Trips

Philadelphia Flower Show - Bus

Trip Saturday, March 11. $88 includes admission and bus fare. Toms River departure. Call Bill, Morano Tours, 732-278-2059 (10)

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. (10)

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. (13)

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)

Perfect Beige LaZBoy - Reclining loveseat with console and cupholders. 18 months old. Paid $1,200, asking $600 OBO. You transport. 404-513-8897. (9)

Kitchen/Dining Room Table - Oak, 60" x 40", 8 chairs and leaf. Like new $400. 201-755-8933. (9)

Pets

MISSING - Black and tabby female cat lost at 733 Old Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. Call 732-840-1434. (10)

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)

Part Time Bus Driver - 55+ Community in Brick looking for a CDL licensed driver for 22 passenger bus. 2-3 weekly morning trips to local stores & restaurants. For full details call 732-458-3400. (10)

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)

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

Home Organizer Wanted - Empty packing boxes, organize closets etc. Must be personable, competent. $20 per hour. Time is flexible. References required. Victoria 508-680-6088. (10)

Seeking Responsible Individual With Good Phone Skills - Experience In Hvac &

Services

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

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)

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)

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)

Services Services Services

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

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)

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)

Get DIRECTV for $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-877-557-1213. (t/n)

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)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

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

• Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

• Auto For Sale

•

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.

Services

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (28)

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 609335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (20)

Assembly Man I’ll Put Anything Together - At your home plus minor handyman service. 40 year certified mechanic. Free estimates. Flexible schedule. 973-459-8831. (13)

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)

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)

Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. 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 = $

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5. MAIL TO : PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388. Or visit jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

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

If you have any questions, please call Ali at 732-657-7344 ext. 203.

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

Monmouth Parks & Programs Guide For Spring

LINCROFT – This spring embark on a Leprechaun’s Pot O’ Gold Hunt, go on A Magical Moss Walk, and head out for a Family Bike Ride & S’Mores with the Monmouth County Park System. These are just some of the fantastic programs the Park System has planned for the season. Other upcoming offerings include An Afternoon Tea with the Victorian Lady, Forest Bathing at Freneau Woods, and Beginner Soapmaking. Check out the spring issue of the Park System’s Parks & Programs Guide for a full listing of

its arts & crafts, nature, recreation and sports programs planned for March, April and May.

Copies of the spring issue of the Parks & Programs Guide will be available at most county parks and online (MonmouthCountyParks.com). Registration will be available online 24/7; by phone by calling 732-8424000, ext. 1, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; or in person by visiting Park System Headquarters in Thompson Park, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sting’s “My Songs” Tour Returns To Hard Rock

ATLANTIC CITY – The Cherrytree Music Company and Live Nation have confirmed that Sting will perform a special My Songs concert at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City on September 3. Tickets are now on sale.

Sting’s My Songs concert is an exuberant and dynamic show featuring his most beloved songs, written throughout the 17-time Grammy Award winner’s illustrious career both with The Police and as a solo artist. Following a sold out six-night residency at the London Palladium, My Songs was hailed “a masterclass” by The Times; “Sting remains an undeniably

skilled performer with a gold-plated back catalogue.” A musical journey taking in hits like ‘Fields of Gold,’ ‘Shape of my Heart,’ ‘Roxanne’ and ‘Demolition Man,’ the concert was described as “a rare treat” by The Telegraph and saw Sting praised as “near peerless” by The Guardian with “sublime pop alchemy.” Fans can also expect to hear ‘Englishman In New York,’ ‘Every Breath You Take,’ ‘Message In A Bottle’ and many more.

Tickets are available at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com, Ticketmaster.com and 800745-3000.

F & G AMES S UDOKU

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

Across 1 Karate match exchanges

5 Exams for coll. credit

8 Hydro __: bottle brand

13 Perfect copy 14 __-portrait

16 Otherworldly 17 Wee

18 “Quite so” 19 Without exception 20 *Research on the ampersand?

23 Brief “If you ask me (and even if you didn’t)”

__

40 Chest of drawers

41 Valiant

42 Sound like a pig

43 Press coverage

44 *Folds?

46 Must-haves

48 Shares again, on Twitter

49 Energy Star certifying org.

50 Tammy Duckworth’s title, briefly

51 “Oh, admit defeat already!,” and advice that was followed to form the answers to the starred clues

57 Shoyu __: noodle dish

60 Fallon’s predecessor

61 Tire swing holder

62 Peabody, e.g.

63 Shoots the breeze

64 Continent with 11 time zones

65 Insurance spokeslizard

66 Root word?

67 “To Kill a Mockingbird” star

Down

1 Pre-release software version

2 Asgard god

3 Leaf blower

4 Buffalo

5 Intro to physics?

6 Fringe benefit

7 Frozen drink

8 Nurture

9 “Schitt’s Creek” co-creator 10 “__ we done here?”

11 Lancelot or Mix-aLot 12 Vital

15 Really stinky 21 Unrealistically common affliction in soap

22 Positive shift 25 Scottish monster, affectionately 26 Rise

(c)2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

27 Baby birds?

28 Sagittarius symbol

29 Mum

30 Stockpiles

31 Beast of burden in many fables

32 Support for a proposal?

33 Hi-__ graphics

36 Tres __ cake: dairysoaked dessert

39 Sea plea, briefly 40 Took care of

42 Really hot

45 In a fitting way

47 Set up

50 Smidge

51 Weightlifting move

52 Reverse

53 “Eso Beso” singer

54 Sprinkler attachment

55 “Awesome, dude!”

56 Pipe problem

57 Tattered cloth

58 Blow away

59 Big name in laptops and lipstick

CROSSWORD PUZZLE S UDOKU

Local Man Sentenced To Life For Murder, Arson

By Alyssa Riccardi

OCEAN TOWNSHIP – A Township man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering a family friend over three years ago and setting her home on fire, officials said.

Ronald J. Teschner, 53, was previously convicted of first-degree Murder, first-degree Felony Murder, first-degree Robbery, three first-degree weapons offenses, second-degree Aggravated Arson, second-degree Desecration of Human Remains, third-degree Aggravated Assault, third-degree Burglary, third-degree Robbery, three counts of third-degree Theft, a third-degree drug offense, and fourth-degree Resisting Arrest, all in connection with the death of 65-yearold Jacqueline C. Terrulli.

On September 12, 2019, at about 7:30 a.m., the Wickapecko Drive residence was discovered to be completely engulfed in flames. Once the fire was extinguished, a joint investigation was launched by the Ocean Township Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Authorities quickly determined that Terrulli and Teschner were missing along with Terrulli’s 2019 Jeep Cherokee.

The following morning, Teschner was located in Paterson alone in Terrulli’s car. The car contained various items including shotguns and fentanyl. He also had jewelry belonging to Terrulli.

On February 24, 2020, a Monmouth County grand jury returned a 16-count indictment against Teschner for the murder of Terrulli.

The body of Jacqueline Terrulli was found on June 18, 2020. Her remains were discovered wrapped in plastic and buried several feet underground. As a result of the fire at the 6,000 square foot residence, extensive charred rubble had collapsed upon and cov-

ered the burial site.

On February 7, Teschner was sentenced to life in prison.

“[The] sentencing was commensurate with the abhorrent nature of these crimes,” Monmouth County First Assistant Prosecutor Julia Alonso said. “We again extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jacqueline Terrulli, with the hope that the conclusion of the criminal case brings them some degree of satisfaction in knowing that justice has been served on her behalf.”

The Prosecutor’s Office again sincerely thanks the numerous agencies that participated in this investigation and/or the extensive search for Terrulli’s remains, including the Ocean Township Police Department, Paterson Police Department, Wayne Police Department, Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, Monmouth County Public Works, Monmouth County Sheriff ’s Office K9 Bomb Squad, Bloodhound, Regional Dive and Search Team, and Drone; Bergen County Sheriff ’s Office K9, Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, a New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Division of Criminal Justice Recruit Class, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office and K9 Accelerant Dog, New Jersey State Police K9 Cadaver Dog, Missing Persons Unit, Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC), and Police Laboratory; New Jersey Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory, New Jersey Transit Police Dive Team and Police Boats, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Quantico Laboratory and Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) K9, Critical Research Group, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), and the University of North Texas.

Driver Injured In School Bus Crash

By Chris Lundy

HOWELL

–

A driver was the only reported injury in a school bus crash that happened on February 10.

At around 7:30 a.m., a bus carrying students to Marlboro High School collided with another vehicle at the intersection

of Georgia Tavern Road and West Farms Road, police said.

The driver of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries and was taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune by Howell Police EMS. There were no injuries reported for anyone on the bus.

The Mindful Moment

HOWELL – This program is offered at the Howell PAL’s main location, Southard Elementary! Yoga is an ancient Sanskrit philosophy, when translated this word means Union. With this clarity they are able to share, helping those around us. The Mindful Moment is a class designed to promote community as well as self-connection.

Join as they create a safe space to continue their connection to one another. As well as creating a stronger connection to our bodies and emotions through breathing, movement, and relaxation.

For more information and to register, head to the Spring Programs section at howellpal.com.

FRHSD 2023 Senior Scholarship

FREEHOLD – The FRHSD 2023 Senior Scholarship Offerings are now available!

FRHSD scholarship applications will be completed online using the FRHSD Scholarship

Application Platform. Please note that all scholarship applications must be completed online. The deadline for scholarship applications is March 31, at 3 pm. Visit frhsd.com to apply!

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of feb 18 - feb 24

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You might feel a real yearning to be pampered and to look forward to enjoyable pastimes and social activities. Set aside time for some self-care. Later, you may be in the mood to cuddle up with someone who tickles your fancy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You could feel you are living out a fantasy if a romantic partner or a loved one indicates that you are especially attractive. Never succumb to an urge to act on your worst instincts; nip these in the bud as the week unfolds.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : Think on your feet. You might be quicker on the uptake than usual for the next few days. Since you can work rapidly and accurately, this may be a good time to take the lead on projects that need attention to detail.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : Once a clear picture is in your mind, you can enthusiastically work toward manifesting it in the real world. You’ll eventually get there if you stay with it, even if you take baby steps. Start the week off with an energetic attitude.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Turn ordinary concepts into something more valuable. This is a week when you may find a new interest or study that can become your personal philosopher’s stone. Don’t let a past problem make you reluctant to try something new.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It is a good idea to read the fine print and analyze things before you make a financial commitment. You may be too interested in getting a good deal and ignore basic problems. Quick thinking is a great asset on any job.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Just wishing upon a star is seldom enough. You may be wrapped up in romantic fantasies now, but later in the week, you might find the real thing. Peer pressure may persuade you to alter or adjust your business habits.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Romantic feelings may arise, but you must remain realistic. Sometimes people appear more talented and honest than they are. You could be hesitant about giving a family member another chance at making amends.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) : Weigh your choices. Keep on track by listening to your heart and understanding the difference between right and wrong. Your week will go better if you concentrate on fulfilling your promises and commitments.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may look for ways to whittle down the demands on your wallet in the upcoming week. Pay off some debts and cash in any perks from your credit cards. A loved one might inspire you to be more creative.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Life goes on. Ponder recent events and put them into proper perspective so you can move forward. Follow the rules even if other people want you to bend them. Investing in the best quality can give longer-lasting satisfaction.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Focus on learning to love yourself unconditionally while holding yourself accountable. Today could mark the start of several weeks when you can display creativity and actively make your ideals a reality.

By America’s Test Kitchen

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.