2023-03-04 - The Jackson Times

Jackson Educators Receive Honors

Senator Switches Party, Anounces Retirement

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – A longtime Republican State Senator changed his party affiliation to Democrat - to the surprise of his former GOP colleagues - but then announced he won’t be running for re-election, after all. He changed his mind and is retiring.

Senator Sam Thompson has held the solidly-Republican Senate seat for over 11 years and defended his ability to run once more in a race that if successful would have kept him

─Senator Sam Thompson (Senator - See Page 9)

in his position until he was 92 years old. During Super Bowl weekend, he announced that he had left the GOP and was planning to

Charging NJ For Private School Busing Narrowly Supported

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Teachers and educational

During a Board of Education meeting, Board President Giuseppe Palmeri informed the public that “we have

the pleasure tonight of celebrating this year’s teachers of the year (Educators - See Page 4)

─Photo courtesy Jackson Schools Teachers and educational services professionals gather during a recent Jackson Board of Education meeting where they were honored for their work. awards and thanks from members of the township Board of Education and administration recently.

Manchester Hosts Roundtable Of Early Childhood Educators

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –

The

youngest students.

Director of Early Childhood Education Director Lori Burns said, “the Manchester Township School District’s Early Childhood Education team and I were proud to host this event for our county

colleagues.”

She explained, “(Preschool Expansion Aid) funded school districts must follow the language of the grant and the guidance of the Department of Education.

(Manchester - See Page 5)

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Township Council members endorsed a bill that would take some of the burden off paying for private school buses, but it wasn’t unanimous.

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-12 th ), a former councilman, drafted a bill which has been strongly supported by the Jackson Board of Education. It would establish a threeyear pilot program that would fund private school transportation with state money for certain eligible school districts in the state,

including Jackson. “Assembly bill A-4461 is the not the be-all, end-all solution but it is something and it will lessen the cost on taxpayers and remove the state mandate on public schools that pay for the transportation of non-public school students in our town and in other towns,” Councilman Nino Borrelli said.

He noted that the State mandates school districts pay for non-public school busing. However, he thinks that the state should pay for it since the state requires (Busing - See Page 8)

Township School District’s Early Childhood Education Department recently hosted fellow teachers from all over Ocean County to share ideas and solutions to teaching the

─Photo courtesy Manchester Schools Districts throughout Ocean County met in Manchester to collaborate and discuss best practices regarding early childhood education.

Educators:

Continued From Page 1

and educational services professionals of the year. The honorees are top notch educators who have absolutely mastered the art of teaching and supporting students.”

“They are models of excellence who have dedicated their lives to ensuring we are fulfilling our district mission of developing students’ scholarship, character and initiative. They are creative and energetic, smart and skilled, and they are truly a source of pride and inspiration for our district,” Palmeri added.

He noted however, “even those accolades don’t do them justice. What sets them apart is not just their ability to teach, to counsel, to support or to nurture. It is their ability to do all of that while modeling compassion, patience, and inclusiveness.”

Palmeri said, “they truly practice what they preach, and are proof that excellence is demonstrated in many ways. It is shown through a thoughtfully designed lesson that inspires students as they navigate through a rigorous curriculum and through a kind word or a smile to a student who needs a friendly face.”

The Board President noted that it was their “ability to engage students through creative lessons and compelling learning experiences and through a true commitment to students’ physical, social and emotional needs as well.”

“I think it’s this combination of grit and grace that makes our district staff so special. And the people we are honoring tonight possess the very best of both of those traits. It is truly our honor to recognize you for all that you are and all that you

do,” Palmeri added.

The winners from Crawford-Rodriguez Elementary School included teacher Gina Karatzia and paraprofessional Maria Montulet.

Elms Elementary School Special Education Teacher Elizabeth Sernotti and paraprofessional Marilyn Kish were also recognized.

Reading teacher Lisa Raney and paraprofessional Catherine Macor were the winners from Holman Elementary School.

Johnson Elementary School’s recipients were teacher Brittany Angiolini and physical therapist Debra Mooney.

Rosenauer Elementary School was represented by teacher Douglas Jackson and Title I Interventionist Frieda Bardales as this year’s winners.

Switlik Elementary School had teacher Abigaill Duffy and paraprofessional Eileen Camara as their recipients.

Goetz Middle School noted social studies teacher Steven Jackson and Guidance Counselor Melissa Brown as their winners.

McAuliffe Middle School’s winners were math teacher Nicole Clauburg and paraprofessional Lisa Menafra.

Of Jackson’s two high schools, Jackson Liberty High School recognized special education teacher Julie Sica and paraprofessional Tyisha Ramirez. Jackson Memorial High School noted the accomplishments of French teacher Nancy Mousavi and nurse Marites Delfin.

The district also has the very difficult decision of selecting a district Teacher of the Year and district wide Educational Services Professional.

Palmeri announced the recipient of this year’s award has been described as being “one in a million” and having “the patience of a saint. She has worked with a variety of grade levels

during her years here in the district and demonstrates great skill and love for helping students overcome their challenges.

“Each interaction with every child is always centered on being positive and supportive. Not only does she help students learn, she also helps them reflect on their behaviors and decisions, providing feedback in a nurturing and calming way,” Palmeri added.

He said the recipient “has a special gift for building self-esteem in students and building positive relationships among her peers. Her optimistic outlook on life adds to the climate at her school and has had a profound influence on students and faculty alike. For these reasons - we are proud to name as the District Educational Service Professional of the Year - From Switlik Elementary School - Paraprofessional Eileen Camera.

The award for the District Teacher of the Year

went to Jackson Liberty High School teacher Julie Sica who Palmeri described as “an extremely bright and sophisticated educator who is known as much for her organizational skills, ability to motivate students and peers, and intellectual vigor as she is for her compassion, dedication, patience and kindness.”

Palmeri added, “she is a wonderful example of how hard work, dedication, passion and adaptability bring success - and even more impressive is that these attributes come as second nature to her and genuinely cares about the success of students, whether they are in her class or not and she is known for going above and beyond to make meaningful connections with her students and mentees.”

He went on to say that in the words of her principal - she is the kind of educator who all administrators and community members would be lucky to have teaching their children.”

─Photo courtesy Jackson Schools

This year’s teachers and educational services professionals’ winners gather on stage during a recent Jackson Board of Education meeting where they were recognized for their achievements.

Manchester:

Continued From Page 1

Hosting this meeting enabled participating school districts to collaborate in order to ensure fidelity. We hosted over 10 school districts and there were about 30 educators and leaders from those school districts.”

“It is in these gatherings where we can share the amazing progress that our school district has made in regards to early childhood education while assisting our colleagues in connecting with one another to support all of our students and programs,” Burns added. She said, “during this session we accomplished the task of connecting with fellow educators and district leaders who received the Preschool Education Aid (PEA) grant. Building principals, supervisors and district leaders were able to discuss best practices regarding curriculum, instruction, professional development and facilities.”

“The Preschool Instructional Coaches (PIC) were able to collaborate with neighboring school districts regarding curriculum, instruction and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS). Preschool Intervention and Referral Specials are able to collaborate regarding best practices for supporting all preschool-age students,” she added. Burns noted, “the Community Parent Involvement Specialists (CPIS) were able to discuss the many ways to involve

parents, guardians and community stakeholders in their preschool program in order to ensure success. Overall, all of the participating school districts benefited from sharing their experiences, ideas and best practices in order to support their programs.”

Participating school districts included townships in Manchester, Berkeley, Central Regional, Lakehurst, Jackson, Ocean Gate, Plumsted, Stafford, Barnegat, Lakewood, Brick and Waretown.

“We will have more in the future as the interest is building. The feedback from participants in this initial meeting was overwhelmingly positive,” Burns added. The Township School District’s Early Childhood Education Department plans to host the ECEC on a quarterly basis.

─Photos courtesy Manchester Schools

Manchester recently hosted Ocean County’s Early Childhood Education Collaborative (ECEC) meeting.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

When The Media Descended On Central Regional

This editorial might come off as strange since I’m the news editor of this publication. I read every single word in all seven newspapers we publish every week. Part of my job is to make sure that our stories are held to a certain standard.

Without naming names, due to professional courtesy, almost all of the stories I read about the Adriana Kuch tragedy had glaring errors, obvious bias, and even a lack of basic knowledge of how the world works.

I’m not going to use this platform to defend or condemn any member of the public or the school district. This is all going to be an insider’s look at how things went wrong in the media coverage.

If it bleeds, it leads: This is an unfortunate part of journalism. It’s a mantra you learn early in your

Jackson Residents Deserve Better

The open public meetings act in NJ was designed to create public access to the meetings of large government bodies at the state and local levels. NJSA10:4-6et seq section “Electronic notice requires governments to provide advance notice available to the public via electronic transmission of at least 48 hours, giving the time, date, location and to the

education for this field. A bus crash is going to be on the front page, but a story about a kid doing something nice might be page 3.

That’s why so many reporters descended on Berkeley. Like sharks, they smelled blood in the water. This kind of ambulance chasing gives the rest of us a bad name. These reporters wouldn’t be able to find Berkeley on a map. And they won’t come back ever again, unless something bad happens, of course.

They might say they’re doing a good thing by shining a light on wrongdoing. But they’re not going to stay around for what happens next. They’ll have moved on to the next tragedy by then. For them, and the rest of their readers, Berkeley will be the place where this horrible thing happened and nothing more.

Bias: Most of the writers had already made their minds up by the time they arrived on

extent known, the Agenda of any regular, special or rescheduled meeting which notice shall accurately state whether formal action may or may not be taken at such meeting.”

Jackson Township Council President Marty Flemming has been posting amending agendas well within the minimum 48 hour notice requirement. We have discovered that over half of the Jackson Council meetings over the last 2+ years have

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

The Jackson Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters.

scene. In print, you can tell by their choice of words. On TV, you can tell by their tone of voice. They weren’t here to inform the public, they were here to condemn and play hero.

We’re human. We can’t turn our emotions off, especially about a very emotional topic. But we’re also supposed to step back from the issue and challenge our own convictions.

There was a lot of information going around, but these reporters selected which parts fit their narrative. They edited video interviews to make some people seem good and some people seem bad.

In reality, no one is a hero or a villain – not in this situation or in any other.

Being naive: I feel like a lot of these reporters need to get out of the newsroom and live life. They had no idea how the world really works. They don’t know what really happens in a

school - in every school across America. Do they think online bullying is new? Do they think that violence doesn’t happen in every high school, every week of the year?

The reporters repeated rumors on Facebook assuming they were true. How can someone trained in the media have a complete lack of media literacy? There was a tornado of accusations – about the school, the family, the kids involved –and some of the reporters just took them as fact.

When the news of this tragedy first hit, the district stayed silent because it involved kids and an active investigation. Reporters said they were hiding things. Then, the superintendent tells his version of everything (which was the wrong thing to do), and reporters blasted him for sharing information about kids and an active investigation. You can’t have it both ways.

During the press conference,

Letters To The Editor

violated the 48 hour notice requirement. The majority of the amended agenda violations were posted the day of the Council meeting with some posted days after. This certainly makes it impossible for residents to determine what is going to be voted on prior to and during Council meetings.

a one-month timespan. This should not come as a surprise to us who live in New Jersey. I have lived in NJ 70 years. Living in Brick these past 50 years have shown me what chemical pollution has done to our planet Earth.

the reporters were literally shouting “what are you hiding?!” They know that the official isn’t going to suddenly open up. They shouted that for show. They were just playing up for their own cameras.

Preying on kids: The teens being interviewed were literally children. I watched as they were being paraded around, cameras shoved in their faces, told they were important, and then discarded.

One of the few rules these reporters actually managed to follow was to get names for the children speaking. This is a case that they shouldn’t have. A 14-year-old talking about cutting themselves because they’ve been bullied should not have their name in the paper for everyone to see. What do you think is going to happen to these kids when their bullies read this? Or when a future employer Googles their name? I admire these kids’ bravery, and society shouldn’t

Donate To The NRA

In these times, when our freedoms are being taken from us right and left, it is important to support one of the only organizations that is fighting for us.

condemn mental illness, but that’s what’s going to happen.

Lack of compassion : Ultimately, all of these criticisms come back to one point: compassion. This was a horrible situation – that’s one thing everyone agrees on. However, when you craft a story, you have to have a goal in mind. What good will come of it?

Most of the articles I read didn’t care about the people involved. You could tell by the way they played up the violence of it. They loved the salacious details. They just wanted the clicks.

The reporters can say that they did all these things because they care about the children, but in reality they were just preying on a bad situation and making it worse.

Chris Lundy News Editor

New York Attorney General Letitia James filed the lawsuit against them alleging “financial misconduct” that added up to a loss of more than $64 million over a three-year period.

The weekly deadline is 5 p.m.

Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

This issue was ignored when brought up at the December Council meeting and again at the February 14th council meeting. Council President Marty Flemming’s response “they will take it into consideration” is not good enough. Each violation could be subject to a $100 fine.

Raymond Cattonar Jackson

Water Pollution Is Killing The Whales

I am responding to your article in the Brick Times about the … dead whales that have washed up on the New YorkNew Jersey coastline within

One-third of our oceans are polluted and one-third of our land is polluted. It doesn’t make any difference if you live in New Jersey or California or Maine or Florida. All of our land on this planet is polluted.

Scientists have been telling us decades now that man is destroying himself by polluting the very air we breathe, causing diseases and sickness to ourselves and our families. We must stop this offshore wind development project, such as wind turbines that Governor Murphy wants to build. This does not help the environment. This causes harm to the endangered whales and the other sea creatures.

Rudy Ziadie Brick

That’s why they want to take down the National Rifle Association. They don’t want us to have our freedoms. The attorney general in New York is suing them. They are spreading a story that (the NRA) is crooked. They want to shut them down!

The Democrats are claiming the NRA did fraud, giving money to family members instead of using it for legislation, and other stuff. Well, you know what they say – it takes one to know one!

The NRA is under attack from the outside because the left knows that it’s strong. That’s why you should donate to the NRA. Your money will go toward helping 2nd Amendment policies. It will make sure pro-2A senators and congressmen are in office making decisions for us!

Of courses this is a political attack. The NRA said it was a “baseless premeditated attack on our organization and the Second Amendment freedoms it fights to defend... we not only will not shrink from this fight – we will confront it and prevail.”

The lawsuit tried to dissolve the NRA but luckily it was blocked this time. They’ll be back again and they’ll keep trying to dissolve it time and time again.

NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre has said that the NRA’s legal troubles have cost the organization $100 million.

That’s why we need to donate to the NRA in order to keep them in the fight for us. We need to give them the strength and money to fight for us.

Steve Alben Manchester

Capitol Comments

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

Something extraordinary happened in Trenton in 2014. A large, bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in a Legislature controlled by Democrats – working in the summer, no less – came together with Republican then-Governor Chris Christie and representatives of the state judiciary to devise and enact a monumental change in criminal law. This included a major amendment to the state constitution, which can only be done by the voters. The amendment was overwhelmingly approved by a vote of 62% to 38% after glowing editorial endorsements and little opposition.

The new law, commonly known as “bail reform,” was born of consensus and bipartisanship. But today, many are having second thoughts, at least about how some crimes should be handled.

The new law essentially ended the right to get out of jail before trial by posting cash bail. Instead, a system was created whereby arrested suspects are assessed on how likely they are to show up for their trials, to pose a threat to public safety, or to obstruct the criminal justice system. Based on the assessment, a recommendation is made to the judge on whether to hold or release the suspect.

The law requires the assessment to be done using a “risk assessment instrument.” New Jersey uses the Public Safety Assessment developed by the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, according to the state judiciary’s website. Stay tuned for a twist on this.

“Bail reform” is working extraordinarily

Reforming “Bail Reform”

well and it would be a mistake to try to improve it, a former attorney general under Gov. Christie wrote in a recent column. However, that advice came about seven months too late, after Gov. Murphy had signed a change to the law that passed by solid bipartisan votes, with several objections to be sure.

That change encourages the pretrial detention of those arrested for offenses that qualify under the “Graves Act,” which imposes mandatory minimum prison terms for people convicted of certain crimes involving a gun. The law was passed after a number of urban mayors, including those of Newark, Paterson and Trenton, pressed for its enactment. Momentum seems to be building for even more changes. I’ve heard from police, sheriffs, prosecutors and others that change is urgently needed. Mostly, that need is associated with the huge increase in carjacking over the past couple of years, although some dispute any connection with releasing suspects before trial.

At an Assembly committee hearing in December on carjacking, there was bipartisan agreement on the need for new reforms. As I write this, a Senate committee is scheduled to consider bills relating to pretrial release, including one that creates a presumption of pretrial detention for carjacking and burglary suspects.

That former AG’s column notes with apparent pride that only New Jersey’s “bail reform” received an “A” grade from the Pretrial Justice Institute (PJI). That sounds prestigious and suggests we should respect the institute’s opinion.

That’s why it’s interesting to note that, in February 2020, the PJI reversed its prior support of “pretrial risk assessment

Senators Oppose GOP Plan For 30% Sales Tax

Capitol Comments

Senator Robert Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), joined a group of Democratic colleagues in introducing a Senate resolution opposing the plan led by Congressional Republicans to impose a nationwide sales tax on all goods and services, which would increase prices for hardworking families by 30 percent. Instead of this misguided tax

increase, the resolution calls for supporting a tax cut that will help working families and grow the middle class while opposing cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, or cuts to pay or benefits for servicemembers, veterans, or law enforcement.

“As New Jerseyans - and Americans all over the nation - are struggling to make ends meet while the economic recovery continues to take hold, the last thing we need is to create an additional tax burden that will further raise costs and squeeze the pocketbooks of hard-working

(Government - See Page 17)

tools” such a s the one mandated in our law, because they “are derived from data reflecting structural racism and institutional inequity.”

Months later, the group elaborated with strong language, saying “these tools are not able to do what they claim to do - accurately predict the behavior of people released pretrial and guide the setting of conditions to mitigate certain behaviors. [They] simply add a veneer of scientific objectivity and

mathematical precision to what are really very weak guesses about the future, based on information gathered from within a structurally racist and unequal system.” I think we can dismiss that “A” grade, and work instead to get solid grades from the public on keeping them safe by punishing and deterring crime.

Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 13 other towns in the State Assembly.

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it. He urged Jackson residents and residents of other eligible towns in the bill to support the legislation and call for its vote immediately. It would benefit Howell Township in Monmouth County as well as Ocean County communities such as Toms River, Manchester, Lakewood and Brick townships.

Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn and Councilman Scott Sargent, a former member of the Jackson Board of Education, voted against the resolution.

In a joint statement to The Jackson Times, they said they fully support increased funding for the Jackson School District and would welcome increased state aid with open arms but they don’t believe this resolution is appropriate at this time for several reasons.

“This bill has no senate sponsors. Amidst the

current political climate in Trenton, a Republican sponsored bill with a high price tag has no path forward for eventual passage. The root cause of the school district’s financial woes is the S-2 funding cuts passed by Trenton,” their statement added..

They noted that, “the S-2 bill has trimmed approximately $15 million dollars from next year’s budget alone. We need to spend any political capital we have fighting the root cause of the issue instead of shifting the blame for

the budgetary woes onto the tax paying private school parents.”

“Private school transportation is about 2% of the district’s total budget. The S-2 cuts have trimmed close to 10% off the total budget. The Democratic leadership in Trenton calls the Jackson School District ‘overfunded.’ For the sake of the next generation of leaders being educated in the Jackson school system it is time to focus on the real culprit which is the S-2 cuts,” they added. The statement adds, “we would be wiser finding other townships with similar cuts (Democrat towns such has Jersey City) and make a stronger coalition to reverse the S-2 cuts.”

“I want to echo Councilman Borrelli’s support of Assembly Bill A-4461 which is on our resolution 119-23,” Council Vice President Steve Chisholm said.

The resolution was approved in a three to two vote as Council President Martin Flemming also voted in favor of it.

The vote fell upon party lines, so to speak. Although they are all Republican, there has been a division between the council majority, who voted for it, and the council minority, who voted against it. Kuhn and Sargent aligned themselves with Mayor Michael Reina and county GOP leader George Gilmore. Saucikie wasn’t Gilmore’s pick for the Assembly. He wanted Plumsted Committeeman Dominick Cuozzo, who is currently facing strong opposition by the public.

In other news, Councilman Sargent noted his disappointment that his request to trash the “Dumpster ordinance” that was approved last year wasn’t on the night’s agenda.”

“I wanted to once again express my displeasure with that ordinance. It is an undue tax on the residents of Jackson and once again I want to ask the Council President (Martin Flemming) to review that ordinance,” he added.

The ordinance requires the rental of large garbage containers when work is being done.

Rova Farms Committee

Sargent also reported on a meeting of the Rova Farms Committee. “I think there is a lot of work that can be done.” He said he would be voting against an item on the agenda that pertained to Rova Farms “based on the idea that we need to re-review all the people on that committee and make sure we have the right people in place.”

In contrast, Chisholm said, “I will be voting for the Rova Farms Committee reauthorization and their members. They have been a great group to work with. They love our town. They love the community.”

“They work hard and show up at every meeting and they all contribute one way or another. They are a hard-working bunch and I thank them for their service,” Chisholm added. That measure was also approved in the same three to two vote.

George And Abe

Chisholm also reminded residents that February features, in addition to Valentine’s Day, President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays which he noted in irritation had been merged together as President’s Day as the legal holiday.

Chisholm urged parents to let their children know about the character of Washington and Lincoln and “the greatness we used to know and what America was founded on not the nonsense and tripe we hear today in schools. That isn’t a knock on the teachers but the curriculum forced on us by (Washington) D.C. and Trenton.”

Senator:

Scutari had described Thompson as being “a hard-working legislator who has demonstrated an ability to work in a bipartisan way in support of many shared New Jersey priorities.”

view Commission 2017-present and the Fire Safety Commission 2018-present.

Advisory Council on Elder Care 1998-2000. He also served on the N.J. Turnpike Authority from 1994 to 1997.

run, bypassing a GOP primary challenge, but as of Feb. 27, he decided to change plans again and simply retire from public life.

He explained his switch from GOP to Democrat to Jersey ShoreOnline.com, prior to that announcement saying, “I didn’t leave the Republican Party. The Republican leadership left me.” He noted that the 12th District encompasses four counties, Middlesex and sections of Monmouth, Ocean and Burlington.

“The Republican chairman of Middlesex County, Robert Bengivenga, told me I should not run and that I would die in office. He nor anyone else questioned my mental acuity or my physical health. There are 90-year-old people running marathons. Age is just a number,” the 87-year-old Senator said.

Bengivenga, a councilman from South Plainfield was 38 years old when he was elected Middlesex County Republican Chairman in June of 2021. He is the second-youngest GOP county chairman in New Jersey. This newspaper reached out to Bengivenga for comment through the Middlesex County Republican organization website but did not receive a response at press time.

“There are laws against age discrimination,” the Senator added. He said he’d be up to challenging the man who would have been his primary election opponent and now general election challenger, Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry, to a 20-mile hike. He also said his announcement has prompted some of his 35,000 constituents to change their own party registration.

Thompson said he now wants to spend more time with his wife and that she needs him more. The announcement came after comments that he was a “full-time legislator and I work full time for those constituents. I don’t want anything to do with my former party leadership.”

Sen. Thompson stated his party change had been more to a strategy of winning re-election than about any broader ideological difference with his former party.

Senate President Nick Scutari had issued a statement officially welcoming Thompson to the New Jersey Senate Democratic Caucus. “After a multitude of extended meetings with Senator Sam Thompson, as well as members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, we want to extend a warm welcome to Senator Thompson as he joins our Majority Caucus.”

Thompson currently serves on the state Mandated Health Benefits Advisory Commission

2012-present, the state Commission on Capitol Budget and Planning 2014-present, the State Museum Board of Trustees 2014-present, the Public Safety Communications Commission 2016-present, Pretrial Services Program Re-

He was the Republican National Convention Delegate during the years of 2020, 2016, 2012, 2008, 2004, 2000, 1996, 1992 and 1988.

From 2014 to 2016 he served on the Task Force on Health Insurance Exchange Implementation Commission and from 1998 to 2002 served on the Continuing Care Advisory Council.

Continued From Page 1 (Senator - See Page 18)

Thompson was on the State Council for Adult Literacy Services 2000-2002 and the N.J.

He was the co-chair of the Governor’s Education Task Force in1994 and was with the N.J. Department of Health from1972 to 1994. From 1983 to 1990 he was on the U.S. Armed Forces Epidemiological Board.

The Senator’s military service includes being a Specialist Third Class in the U.S. Army from

3rd Annual You’ve Been Egged Fundraiser

JACKSON – It’s back! The 3rd Annual You’ve Been Egged Fundraiser sponsored by the Jackson Liberty Band Parent Association is starting soon. Order now so you don’t miss out on the fun. Eggs will start appearing on lawns after March 5.

You can have fun “Egging” friends and family in Jackson. Once you place your order, we will schedule your “victim” in our next available slot. They will then place these colorful eggs in their yard for approximately 24 hours. These eggs will lay on their lawn until they mysteriously migrate to another friend’s (victim’s) lawn. Important information to make note of:

The egg batches are not able to leave Jackson Township and can only be placed on residential properties. Some adult communities and townhome communities don’t allow for the “egging” to spend the night. Please confirm that the eggs are welcome

before placing your order.

Orders will be scheduled as they are received and unfortunately due to the volume of requests, they cannot accommodate specific date requests.

Please be sure to carefully enter the address of your “victim.” The egg batches will be delivered to your victim’s lawn in the evening (after 6 p.m.) by one of the parent volunteers and then picked up the following evening (after 6 p.m.) to be moved to their new spot.

They know the eggs are cute - but they are not for sale as they love each one and need them for their future fundraisers!

Order online today at forms.gle/CR4bv8BQXobFZHXn6 or fill out the attached order form and return it to any band board members or any band student to give to Mr. Katona. If you have any questions - contact fundraising@libertylionband.com.

Jackson Receives $209,000 Road Improvement Grant

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON - Drivers will soon have a smoother ride while traveling on certain roads thanks to a $209,000 grant the township has received.

The municipality recently received the $209,000 award from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, which will be used for pavement, drainage and traffic safety upgrades to Anderson Road, from Cassville Road at Route 571 to Monmouth Road at Route 537.

Design work for the 1.6-mile-long roadway project is anticipated to start this summer with construction commencing in the fall.

Mayor Michael Reina said, “investing in Jackson Township’s infrastructure remains one of our top priorities. We are pleased to partner with the state Department of Transportation on this initiative, which

demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring that our roads are in top-notch condition.”

“This latest road improvements project builds on the significant amount of road upgrades we did last year, both on our own and in collaboration with the county,” the mayor added.

The Township Engineering Department is interested in hearing public input about the Anderson Road improvement project. Send emails for consideration to Township Engineer Stephen Schreiber at engineering@ jacksontwpnj.net.

Jackson Township covers more than 100 square miles and is a growing, suburban community. It is the fourth largest municipality, as measured by area, in New Jersey, and is home to approximately 60,000 residents.

Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption

JACKSON – Calling All Cats

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

Baxter Boo is still waiting for his furever home! This once shy boy has blossomed into a sweet and outgoing fella with the loudest purr and desire for belly rubs. He has become very attached to his buddy Britt and would love to go home with her or to a home with other kitty friends.

He’s UTD on all medical and ready to go home asap. Please give him a chance, you won’t be disappointed!

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

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

─Photo courtesy Calling All Cats

The Jackson Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

Resident Completes Eagle Scout Project

Volunteer Fire Company Seeking New Members

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

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

• Uniform Allowance

• Gym

• LOSAP (retirement plan)

• Annual Physical

• NJ State Firemen’s Association Benefits

• Use of the banquet Hall

• Dress uniform

• Station uniform

• Free Training

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

Applicants must also:

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

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

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

2023 Spray Park Dates

JACKSON – Weekends only - May 27 through June 18. Open 7-days a week beginning June 19 until September 4. Closed for the season on September 5. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The park will be on sensor mode, you must

walk in front of the red fire hydrant for it to turn on. To review spray park rules and regulations visit:

jacksontwpnj.net/DocumentCenter/ View/220/Spray-Park-Rules-and-Regulations-PDF.

JACKSON – Aiden Snedeker from Troop 204 in Jackson completed his Eagle Scout Project on February 7. He oversaw the

building of seven trash can enclosures at Patriots Park. View Patriots County Park: bit.ly/3Idpmac.

─Photo courtesy Ocean County Parks

C ommunity n E w S

Summer Camp 2023

JACKSON – Program dates: July 3 to August 18, Monday through Friday (no camp July 4).

Camp location: Jackson Memorial High School.

Registration will not be accepted after camp begins. Children must be registered to be engaged in any activity. There is not a nurse on site during camp. Registration fee is for the entire 7-weeks.

Children will be grouped as follows:

• K & 1st graders

• 2nd & 3rd graders

• 4th & 5th graders

• 6th, 7th & 8th graders (grade currently enrolled in)

Camp Only: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 1st child $500

• 2nd child $475

• 3rd child $450

With Morning Care: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 1st child $575

• 2nd child $550

• 3rd child $525

With After Care: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• 1st child $600

• 2nd child $575

• 3rd child $550

Full Day: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• 1st child $675

• 2nd child $650

• 3rd child $625

Trip information: trips are optional; trips are subject to availability; trip fees are not included in registration fee; no trip refunds - if child does not attend, disciplinary action, suspension or withdrawn from camp; trips are non-transferable; once camp begins trip sign ups can only be done at camp, if they are open. Payment must be made at the time of registration

Refund information: $10 fee per refund/deducted from refund; no refunds after program begins; if the township cancels a trip a full refund will be issued; refunds are done by voucher and take approximately 4 to 6 weeks; $5 credit card fee is non -refundable; refunds cannot go back onto your credit card; if you are notified that your child has to quarantine due to COVID, and was scheduled for a trip, you will be offered a credit or a refund for the trip(s) only

Register beginning march 1 at: register.communitypass.net/Jackson . There is a $5 fee per transaction when paying online with a credit card - $25 additional fee for non-residents. After June 20, a $50 late registration fee per family.

Jackson Recreation Summer Camp Job Fair

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

Nights of weekends! They are seeking staff candidates for the following positions:

• Camp Counselors

• Camp Leaders

• Camp Head Leaders

• Bus Drivers

• Monitors

The minimum age to apply for any position is 14 years old. Applicants who are 18 and older and are hired will be required to complete a background check. Learn all about the summer camp job opportunities available this year. Call 732928-1260 for more information.

3rd Annual Comedy Show

JACKSON – Come out and support some great causes this year and have some laughs on April 1 at the Cassville Fire House.

Proceeds are to benefit The Jackson Elks Club to help Ethan who has Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome, Jake’s Got this

Send

Foundation who is helping Ariana who has Cerebral Palsy.

Pasta dinner, cash bar, 50/50 and gift basket auction right after the event. See any member for tickets; $35 a ticket. They only have 200 seats available. Contact Cassville Fire House at 732-928-9100.

Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

Sound News

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

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

4 Ways Hearing & Vision Work Together

Hearing actually enhances sight, According to a UCLA study, both senses work as a team to help you perceive and participate in the world around you. Study participants ran through a series of trials to correctly identify the direction in which a display of dots moved. Hearing the direction in which the dots were collectively traveling enhanced participants’ ability to see the direction of the movement.

Visually challenged seniors are more likely to experience hearing loss, A study published in the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology uncovered links between age-related vision and hearing problems. Researchers found that even after considering age, the two conditions are somehow linked and “have a cumulative effect on function and well-being, significantly affecting both physical and mental domains.”

Vision and hearing loss accompany cognitive decline; Research shows that either condition is connected to reduced brain functioning over time. One study found that participants with the most profound vision impairment had the lowest average scores on cognition tests. And hearing-challenged seniors on average may experience signifi-

cantly reduced cognitive function at least three years before their normal-hearing counterparts.

Healthy eyes and ears help you keep your balance. It’s pretty obvious that seeing your best helps you stay upright, but many people may not realize that the inner ear also plays an important role in maintaining balance. Conversely, untreated hearing loss could nearly triple your risk of a fall, per a study from Johns Hopkins. We all know that eyes and ears play a huge role in experiencing life’s adventures. Seeing and hearing the people, places, and moments that matter create wonderful, lasting memories. What fewer people know is that sight and hearing are intertwined. Here are four reasons to make regular checkups for hearing and vision an important part of your wellness plan: Hearing and vision work together to help you live your best life, so remember to keep them both healthy. Start with a hearing checkup by contacting us today! 732-8183610 (Toms River & Whiting) or 609-9788946 (Manahawkin).

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer any hearing care questions you may have. Visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

Family Awareness In Addiction Recovery

TOMS RIVER – Join Quantum Behavioral Health Services every last Wednesday of the month for informative discussions surrounding the role of family in addiction recovery. They will discuss things like boundaries, rebuilding trust, and repairing relationships.

Meetings are in person at their facility and can also be attended via live stream, by visiting qtreatment.com/ family-awareness and clicking the link provided. They take place on the last Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-276-1011 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The treatment of thyroid disease has a long and rich history that spans a century. Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) medicine is made from the thyroid glands of pigs, termed porcine. It was first developed in the late 1800s which was a good thing because, at the time, doctors were transplanting thyroid glands from animals into humans via surgery, which in and of itself was dangerous!

The advent of pills - even those extracted from pig glands - grew in popularity for good reason until the 1950s when synthetic (T4 drugs) became available.

Today, both synthetic thyroid hormones and natural NDT drugs remain popular today, however, I have 5 important warnings for you if you take any type of thyroid medication. They are as follows:

1. Don’t Drink Coffee with Your Medicine. Coffee contains compounds called tannins that can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone in the gut. The tannins bind to the medication like metabolic ‘glue’ and prevent it from being absorbed properly so it doesn’t do its job or obtain proper blood levels. If you take thyroid medication, wait at least 60 minutes after taking your medication before drinking coffee.

2. Don’t Take Calcium Supplements with Your Medicine. Calcium can interfere with the absorption of all thyroid medications whether they are T4 drugs like Synthroid® or NDT drugs like Armour®. If you need to take calcium supplements for other health reasons like a parathyroid condition, osteoporosis, or hypocalcemia, take your medication 3 to 4 hours after

your medicine.

3. Don’t Eat Yogurt with Your Thyroid Medicine. Just like calcium supplements, eating calcium-rich foods right after you take your thyroid medication will interfere with absorption. So don’t take your pill and then eat a bowl of yogurt, a bowl of cereal, or drink a glass of milk! Wait about 3 - 4 hours after you take your medication.

4. Don’t Drink Green Juice with Your Medicine. Some people like to take their thyroid medication, then drink a green juice smoothie. This is almost always going to be a problem! Some examples of goitrogenic foods to eat in moderation include cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as well as soy products. Consuming goitrogens in moderation is fine, but don’t overdo it. Goitrogens may contribute to hypothyroidism as well as autoimmune Hashimoto’s flare-ups. This, and much more, is discussed in my book called Thyroid Healthy available on Amazon.

5. Don’t Take Thyroid Medication at Night. Thyroid medication is stimulating. This means that it will speed up your metabolism, burn fat, increase energy levels, and improve hair and nail growth. The best time to take thyroid medication is in the morning when energy is welcome. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating.

If this topic interests you, I have a longer version of this article posted at my website, as well as some free thyroid ebooks and magazines which I can send as a gift for you to download. To learn more or receive those, visit my website, suzycohen.com.

Dualdiagnosisisalargepartoftherecoveryjourneyfor some individuals. Mental health issues and addiction areoftenverydeeplyconnected.

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Open 7 Days

p oli CE B lott E r

Prosecutor: New Charge Against Central Regional Student Accused In Bully Incident

By Alyssa Riccardi BERKELEY – Ocean

County

Prosecu -

tor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that an additional charge has been filed against one of the four juveniles who are accused of bullying Adriana Kuch before she took her own life earlier this month.

An incident that took place at Central Regional High School in Berkeley Township on February 1 involved a group of girls attacking 14-year-old Adriana, as shown through a video that has surfaced online. The following day, Adriana was found dead in her home. Family and friends of Adriana said this

wasn’t the first time she was bullied, and claimed other incidents happened prior to this fight.

One student has been charged with aggravated assault, two were charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, and the fourth person faces a harassment charge, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor Billhimer announced today that one student is now charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated assault in addition to the previously filed complaint alleging harassment. The student was released pending future court appearances.

HUD FHA Helped 67,000 Homeowners During Pandemic

NEW JERSEY – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced that thanks to Federal Housing Administration (FHA) programs, approximately two million homeowners with FHA mortgages, including 67,000 in New Jersey, avoided foreclosure. They were able to stay in their homes from March 2020 through December 2022, ensuring the health and safety of their families. FHA borrowers struggling to make mortgage payments due to the pandemic received either COVID-19 forbearance or a permanent loan modification that allowed them to avoid foreclosure.

“Although the pandemic has ended, the economic effects will remain a challenge for the foreseeable future,” said HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “These impactful and effective foreclosure prevention tools will help struggling borrowers find the right option to help them get back on their feet and keep them in their homes. These tools have been so successful already, which is why FHA worked to enhance them further and include more borrowers.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of homeowners lost their jobs or saw their earnings reduced, making it difficult to keep up with their mortgage payments. HUD’s Federal Housing Administration assisted struggling homeowners by providing the following options:

1. Forbearance - owners received a paused or reduced mortgage payment for a period of time.

2. Home Retention Support – owners received an option designed to help them return to sustainable mortgage payments, bring their mortgage payment current, and avoid foreclosure. This includes options such as putting arrearages at the end of their mortgage or obtaining a loan modification.

“The high cost of living and property taxes

make living in New Jersey particularly challenging for struggling homeowners, especially during the pandemic when so many lost their jobs,” said Alicka Ampry-Samuel, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. “In addition to providing forbearance, HUD’s Federal Housing Administration, or FHA, provided nearly 50,000 New Jerseyans home retention support to keep families in their homes at a critical time when they needed to remain isolated and safe from COVID.”

Noting the effectiveness, last week FHA extended its COVID-19 toolkit at least for the next 18 months to help all eligible borrowers struggling to avoid foreclosure, regardless of the reason for their hardship.

Included in the new enhancements are updates that also increase the limit on the amount of interest-free arrearages that borrowers can pay at the end of their mortgage term to help maximize the number of borrowers able to retain their homes despite higher interest rates. The mandatory effective date of the changes is April 30, 2023, but mortgage servicers may begin offering these options to borrowers immediately.

In the last two years, FHA has helped 1,845,000 mortgage holders enter into an agreement with their mortgage servicer to have their mortgage payments paused or reduced (forbearance) due to COVID-19. Additionally, 1.2 million (most of whom obtained this help after a forbearance) were able to resume payments and put any arrearages at the end of their mortgage, or obtain a loan modification that reduced their payment to avoid foreclosure. Currently, another 58,000 borrowers are working with their servicer to finalize an option to avoid foreclosure. For borrowers of color specifically, FHA helped 800,000 individuals and families of color through forbearance, and almost 550,000 through a loss mitigation option.

How To Fight A Charge For A Prescription Drug DUI

By: Robert C. Shea, II, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

Most people know that DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence,” however, many people don’t realize that you can still be convicted of a DUI while being under the influence of legally prescribed drugs. This misperception comes from the fact that many people believe that a DUI is only based on a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This is actually not true.

In order to receive a DUI charge, the driver must be both: (1) operating/driving a vehicle; and (2) intoxicated or “under the influence.”

According to NJ law, “under the influence” applies to more than alcohol or illegal drugs; it is also applicable to any substance that can cause impairment in a driver, including prescribed or over-the-counter medications. These requirements lead to two different types of DUI charges: “per se” and “impairment.”

Per Se is a Latin term meaning “in itself” or “by itself.” Consequently, a per se violation of law means that the act itself is inherently illegal, without requiring proof of any surrounding circumstances. Thus, a per se DUI occurs if a driver’s BAC is .08% or higher, without needing any further evidence or proof of impairment.

When an individual has no BAC reading, the police must determine whether the driver is mentally and/or physically impaired. In order to do so, the police will typically request that a driver perform a field sobriety test (FST). The FST is designed to assess balance, coordination, and the ability of the driver to divide his attention to more than one task.

Government:

Continued From Page 7

families,” said Sen. Menendez. “This Senate resolution sends a clear message that Senate Democrats from all over the country are standing united in rejecting the misguided approach by House Republicans. Any legislation that cuts vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security or raises taxes to the middle class is dead on arrival in the Senate.”

The Senators’ resolution opposes the House Republican proposal to impose a 30 percent sales tax on all goods and services, which would raise prices for hardworking families and seniors. The

Robert C. Shea Esq.

The FST encompasses three (or more) separate tests that include the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand test. Over the course of time, these tests have been scientifically proven to validate the impairment of individuals “under the influence” of alcohol or drugs.

However, the FST does not distinguish between whether a driver is under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription medications. The FST simply determines whether you are mentally and/or physically impaired, and the source of the impairment is not taken into consideration. Therefore, even if the drug/ medication you are legally prescribed has resulted in your impairment, you could still be charged with a DUI.

Defenses to impairment DUI charges normally focus on providing innocuous explanations for observations the arresting officer attributed to intoxication. For example, providing evidence of physical disabilities to explain poor FST performance. Or, an appearance of intoxication because of nervousness or mental distress. These defenses, and others, considerably help in the plea-bargaining process, and can be considered mitigating circumstance justifying lenient penalties.

If you, or a loved one, are currently suffering through such a situation, the Law Office of R. C. Shea & Associates can provide the legal knowledge and experience required to defend you against such DUI charges, and seek the outcome that has the least adverse impact on your life.

resolution also supports the passage of a responsible tax cut to benefit hardworking families and grow the middle class, while ensuring that the ultra-wealthy and billion-dollar corporations pay their fair share.

Alongside Sen. Menendez in cosponsoring the resolution are Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

1955 to 1957.

He was first elected to the Senate in 2012 following his election to the General Assembly in 1998 to 2011.

His committees included the Joint Committee on Housing Affordability (JCHA), Joint Committee on the Public Schools (JPS), Budget and Appropriations (SBA), Education (SED), Military and Veterans’ Affairs (SMV).

Thompson sponsored numerous bills during his time in office including S-571that requires school districts to provide lunch period of not less than 20 seated minutes, S-572 that provides emergency State school aid to certain school districts located in historic communities, and S-573 which requires telemarketers making sales calls to display their name and telephone number on any caller identification service.

The senator also sponsored S-574 that requires

retail establishments to allow individuals with certain conditions access to employee restrooms, S-575 requiring all elections in New Jersey to allow voters to vote in person and S-576 which provides supplemental appropriation from Property Tax Relief Fund to DOE to provide additional State aid to certain school districts.

The conservative Middlesex County senator, whose district office is in Old Bridge, would have faced a difficult GOP primary challenge in June for another four-year term.

Thompson was a Donald Trump delegate in 2016 and 2020. Some political observers believed he may have had a better chance of winning a general election as a Democrat if he was able to draw in some Republicans during the fall election.

Some political pundits however, felt the senator switched parties to avoid a potential primary election loss but that he would have ultimately been defeated in the general election.

Henry, who is 25 years younger than Thomp-

son, was the guest of the Jackson Township GOP club on Feb. 22. That club is supporting Henry and Thompson’s two former Republican colleagues.

The 12th legislative district is staunchly Republican, and made up of Assemblyman Alex Sauickie, of Jackson, who took over the seat of Assemblyman Ron Dancer who died on July 23.

Sauickie was appointed in a three-candidate special GOP convention election in August and later elected during the November election to serve in that seat. The second seat of the district is held by fellow Republican, Robert D. Clifton of Matawan.

Assemblyman Sauickie told JerseyShoreOnline.com that upon learning of the Senator’s decision to switch party affiliation, he was “surprised and disappointed” and is looking forward to running with Henry.

Clifton, Sauickie, and Henry announced that they had received County GOP support following a gathering of the Ocean County

Republican Screening Committee last week. The three Republicans who are running to represent New Jersey’s 12th legislative district announced that they will run together as a united ticket in this year’s election.

“We go to Trenton not for ourselves but to fight for the people we represent in the 12th Legislative District. We fight for you and for your families against the relentless tax increases and spending as well as the radical social agenda of the Democrats,” the three jointly stated.

“I’m excited for the campaign and promise to keep up the fight for you,” said Clifton, a six-term member of the Assembly, who was elected in 2011. He is also the former mayor of Matawan and a former Freeholder (now County Commissioner) in Monmouth County.

No Democrat candidate has won a Senate seat in the 12th district for two decades. The 12th Legislative District extends from Old Bridge in Middlesex County through sections of western Monmouth into Ocean and Burlington counties.

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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)

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITE -

Free 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 609-335-0330 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)

Male Companion/Caregiver - To assist you with all your needs except hygiene. All daily routines. Also, companion and helper for those on hospice care. $22/hour. 732-664-2833. (14)

PET SITTER My Home - Reasonable rates. MUST meet pet prior and pet MUST have current inoculations. Call 201-519-4659. (25)

MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (46)

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-855-634-0529. (t/n)

Donate your car, truck or van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patriotic Hearts Foundation. Fast, FREE pick-up. Max tax-deduction. Operators are standing by! Call 1-833-885-0359. (t/n)

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)

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)

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Ocean County Parks Announces New Trail App

OCEAN COUNTY – “Don’t hike alone...take your phone!” Introducing the Trail Tracker App to help you pinpoint your location on the trails of Ocean County. Follow the link to download: bit.ly/OceanCountyTrailTracker.

NOTE: This web app was created to

assist park visitors. It is currently in a beta test and may not completely, accurately depict information. To better improve this app and user experience, let Ocean County Parks & Recreation know your feedback here: OCParks@ co.ocean.nj.us.

A peaceful sunshine along the Barnegat Bay in Ocean County, captured by Olivia Bauso and shared with us on our Jersey Shore Online Public

F un & G ames S udoku

C rossword P uzzle

31 Creme Egg candymaker

35 Hearty holiday drink

36 *Body-lifting exercises

37 Spigot

40 Ambushed 41 Corn Belt tower 42 Storybook brutes 45 Tracks down 47 *Veers from the straight and narrow 51 Pet rabbit’s home 52 Wallop 53 Feel crummy 54 Carpenter’s clamp

55 Source of milk for pecorino cheese

(c)2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SolutionS

44 Ebb

46 Rather smart

48 Cook in some olive oil, say

49 Tugs at a fishing line

50 Choir section

54 November honorees

56 Pic taker

57 Shade on a color wheel

58 Plead

59 Big __ Country

Crossword Puzzle

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of mar 4 - mar 10

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Try not to lose focus; When it comes to navigating your life, a positive outlook and sincerity may be your best tools. This could be a wonderful time to be generous with your praise and thoughtful with your advice.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : You may find your aspirations grow stronger as the week unfolds. Hone your skills with diligent practice even if you are your own harshest critic. You should be well rewarded for every job done to the best of your ability.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : Trust in friends and loved ones to listen when you discuss your goals and issues. This might not be the time to obtain a firm promise, but you may gain the support and understanding of others.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : An argument could cause hurt feelings. A key relationship may settle down and become less challenging if you work to avoid confrontations and remain patient. Try not to read too much into an innocent gesture.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When you are enthusiastic about innovative ideas, there may be a tendency to make broad over-generalizations. You might want to avoid making promises that are well meant but could be hard to fulfill. The wisest people may offer the best counsel.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) : Making your mark in the material world could seem like a game to you. You may find yourself growing more ambitious. Using your charm and your common sense, you could develop successful strategies to reach your goals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If your committed relationship needs a little extra attention, offer it. If single, you could have the desire to tell someone about your feelings. Embrace your braver side and put yourself out there.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s always best for you to be sincere about what you do and do not say. It could be especially important when you are performing a job. Your coworkers might be depending on you to hold up your end of the bargain.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Good vibes may lead to victory, so allow yourself to get caught up in the rhythm of a project. You may remain upbeat and recharge your inner batteries by enjoying some indoor entertainment or a nature walk in the park.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) : Turn the kudos you can earn into cash. You could fill a quota or reach a milestone by being dedicated and persistent. There could still be time to perform favors and charitable deeds for loved ones.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Applying restraint and humility could put you on top if you face criticism from your boss or someone else. You can combat negativity by admitting mistakes and being committed to putting your best self on display.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You might want more than you can afford currently or feel you must be competitive. Remain contented with what you may already have. Trying to keep up with affluent trends may put you in a deficit and leave a dent in your wallet.

THIS CHEESY BEAN BAKE IS FAMILY-FRIENDLY

By America’s Test Kitchen

On busy weeknights, there’s nothing like a one-pan meal the whole family will love! You can even get the kids involved to help make this easy dish. All it takes is stirring white beans into a quick-cooking tomato sauce, topping the mixture with cheese and bread crumbs, then baking until it’s creamy and crunchy!

This recipe uses two types of cheese — mozzarella and Parmesan — so one way to get the kids involved in the cooking process is to have them taste each one and compare the different flavors and textures before sprinkling bits of cheese on top of the dish.

And while the kids are snacking, you can spill some facts about these key ingredients: Firm Parmesan has been aged, sometimes for more than a year, giving it a stronger flavor because it loses water through evaporation. Soft mozzarella isn’t aged at all, meaning it’s full of water and melts into gooey goodness. And just like that, in about an hour you’ll have made a scrumptious meal with your family. And because it’s in one pan, there’s minimal cleanup! No one has to fight over whose turn it is to clean a mountain of dishes.

CHEESY BEAN AND TOMATO BAKE

Serves 4 to 6

2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small onion, chopped fine

3/4 teaspoon table salt

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1/3 cup water

Pinch sugar

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 ounce)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees. In a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes (oil should be hot but not smoking).

2. Add onion and salt and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, oregano and pepper flakes (if using) and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.

3. Stir in tomatoes, water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

4. Add beans to skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are warmed through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Stir Parmesan and half of mozzarella into beans. Spread beans into an even layer. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella evenly over top.

6. In a small bowl, combine panko and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Stir until panko is coated with oil. Sprinkle panko evenly over top of cheese.

7. Transfer skillet to oven. Bake until cheese is melted and panko is well browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer skillet to a cooling rack (skillet will be VERY hot). Let beans cool for 5 minutes. Serve.

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

(For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2022 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.