Howell P.A.L. Partners With Local Wrestling Club Program Helps Drivers With Autism Interact With Police

– Photo courtesy Monmouth County Chiefs Association The Blue Envelope program calls for placing special blue envelopes in any motor vehicle where police should be aware of communication or sensory issues related to autism.

By Mark Bator HOWELL –

The physical competition known as wrestling extends back thousands of years, even predating the early Olympic Games in Ancient Greece. Of course, the rules have been modified since the brutality of the ancient games, and while learning the basics is necessary to becoming a successful wrestler, mastering the proper techniques is pivotal to becoming successful in competition.

In an effort to always expand its list of program offerings to the greater community, the Howell P.A.L. has partnered with a local wrestling coach with a program that teaches youngsters the basics of wrestling.

The partnership is truly a unique one, bringing together members of the Howell community to put this program in place. In fact, the end result was the combined efforts of P.A.L. head Chris Hill, local Howell businessman Bill Stanton, and former Deputy Mayor Pam Richmond.

Former high school and college wrestler Pete Riley serves as the head coach of the Reilly Wrestling Club, which seeks to help uninitiated youngsters learn the basics they will need to pursue wrestling at higher levels. Reilly, who has worked as

(Wrestling - See Page 3)

By Stephanie Faughnan

HOWELL

– April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about autism and promoting a more accepting attitude. To that end, local police are doing their part - by participating in an initiative known as the Blue Envelope program. Earlier this month, the Monmouth County Police Chiefs Association announced its participation in the program. The Howell Police Department was among the countywide law enforcement agencies

(Autism - See Page 2)

Student-Led Podcast Becomes A Success At Memorial Elementary

By Alyssa Riccardi

HOWELL – After launching their very own student-lead podcast, 5th graders had the opportunity to explore a podcasting studio to see professionals live in action.

Students from Howell Township’s Memorial Elementary School visited “A Shared Universe” Podcasting studio as part of the school’s new podcast “A Bulldog’s Passion.”

They met with Ming Chen, a professional podcaster and owner of the studio. During the field trip, Chen shared his experiences working as a podcaster and students got to learn different roles and were shown all the equipment it takes to run the show. Additionally, students had the chance to recorded material for two upcoming podcasts.

The initiative is led by educators Erin Cutillo and Jennifer Stenard, who said the goal of the trip was for students to have a hands-on experience and expand their creativity.

“Our trip was especially exciting because the students had already published a few episodes so they were able to get feedback and see all the things they were doing right as podcasters. It was so encouraging and exciting to be able to learn from someone who also started from scratch and found such great success,” Cutillo said. “Visiting the studio was an unforgettable experience that we were so lucky to have been able to share with the kids in this group!”

About 15 students are involved in the “A Bulldog’s Passion” Podcast. They take on roles such as hosts, sound engineers, media directors, and more while also preparing, recording, editing and then publishing the weekly podcast on Spotify.

(Podcast - See Page 4)

Autism:

Continued From Page 1 to receive blue envelopes for distribution among drivers on the autism spectrum disorder.

The envelope is designed to alert law enforcement authorities to critical information in both traffic stops and accident calls.

Most people admit that flashing lights coming from behind them creates a sense of anxiety. However, for someone with sensory issues, the problem intensifies. The outer envelope also contains basic reminders for the driver, including the possibility of the officer shining a flashlight into the vehicle. Bright lights can trigger sensory overload, further adding to confusion and discomfort.

“The directions also detail the process of events that should occur during the stop and how the driver should proceed,” shared Howell Police in a Facebook post. “The envelope will hold a copy of their license, registration, and insurance card, along with a document that explains their medical diagnosis and provides contact information of family or another person, if needed.”

Drivers are also asked to mark the envelope as to whether they are verbal or non-verbal. This information can be crucial for law enforcement officers, as it helps them better understand how to better interact with the driver. Officers can avoid potential misun- derstandings and de-escalate potentially volatile situations by being aware of the driver’s communication abilities, promoting greater safety for all involved.

Fortunately, there have been no reported issues between drivers on the autism spectrum and law enforcement officers at both the local and statewide levels. Authorities attribute this to an emphasis on police training and education in dealing with people in all types of situations.

“Our department places great value on training,” said Howell Police Chief John Storrow. “We’ve participated in several trainings to bring awareness to interacting with people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

In 2017, Howell Police designed a special autism patch for department members to wear on one side of their uniform sleeves, along with another for cancer awareness.

Anthony De Franco, 34, was born deaf and on the spectrum. When De Franco fi rst earned his driving privileges, his license was marked with a sticker saying he was deaf. He now has a cochlear implant and the back of his license states he is hearing impaired.

De Franco believes that the Blue Envelope program will be very helpful for individuals with autism. He was stopped on two separate occasions on the Garden State Parkway. “I stayed calm and didn’t get angry at the cop,” said De Franco. “I had my cochlear implant on and I was able to understand the orders from the cop. He was very patient with me because he understood I am deaf since I showed my license to him.”

The idea behind the Blue Envelope program was fi rst conceived in January 2020 in Connecticut and has since been incorporated into the state’s legislation. Bills have been introduced by both New Jersey’s state assembly and senate that would mirror Connecticut’s laws.

Local residents who would like a blue envelope should contact Howell Police Captain Mark Pilecki at 732 938-4575, Extension 2869.

2023 Bulk Pickup

HOWELL – Bulk trash is collected by appointment only. The program runs annually from early April through early October. Please call the Department of Public Works office for specific dates as well as to schedule an appointment: -732-938-4500 ext. 2450 or fill out the Bulk Pickup Request Form at twp.howell.nj.us/FormCenter/ Howell-Township-Community-Forms-3/ Bulk-Pickup-Request-Form-63

The bulk trash collection program is for household items such as: furniture, carpet, appliances and electronics. They do not accept construction debris, hazardous waste, car parts, tires, concrete, brick or any recyclable items. Bulk pick-up is limited to one pick-up truck load per appointment.

FUN & GAMES

Wrestling:

Continued From Page 1 a youth coach since graduating Johnson & Wales University, is currently the off-season training specialist for Howell High School’s wrestling program and will serve as assistant coach this upcoming fall season.

What began as a Sunday morning outlet for his young son’s excess energy during the COVID pandemic lockdown in 2020, soon morphed into something more as others got involved. Before long several of Reilly’s friends in the wrestling community with young children began to join him at the location near Casino Drive in Howell.

“When COVID shut [everything] down, my son was in kindergarten, and kindergarteners have a load of energy,” explains Reilly. “There’s a little wrestling barn on Casino Drive in Howell. The capacity might be about ten kids. So, we started out there every Sunday, and then we got too big for that [location]. The kids were all climbing on the walls, so we started calling it the ‘Reilly Wrestling Club Wall Rats’ because they were just a bunch of little guys climbing on the walls.”

When they outgrew that space, the group moved to the Impact MMA location in Wall Township, and before long, Reilly’s club had amassed close to 35 youngsters of varying ages. But when that venue became too small, the necessity for additional space brought about a partnership with the Howell P.A.L.

“Pete’s a long-timer here in Howell,” explained former Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond, “went through the ranks, wrestled here, [and] helps coach the wrestling. He’s like a four- or fiveyear-old himself sometimes. He called me and asked me if I had any ideas of where we could find a place for him to bring his kids. So, I called Sgt. Chris Hill at the [Howell] P.A.L. and set up a meeting.”

The characterization of Reilly as a man-child is one that he readily embraces. “I was basically just a freaking five-year-old out there in a thirty-sevenyear-old body,” says Reilly regarding his time as a youth wrestling coach.

“I’ve known Sgt. Hill for a while. Everybody’s been believing in me more than I’ve been believing in myself. I’ve always coached wrestling, basically for free, ever since I was 22. My [college] coach used to always tell us to pay it forward, give back to the sport that gave to you. So, I knew pretty quickly I was going to get into coaching. That’s all I knew, was to give back. It was really Billy and Pam basically contacting Sgt. Hill saying, ‘hey, we got something really, really great here going, and I think the P.A.L. would be a great fit for you guys.’ So, Pam is the one who actually told me about this.”

The Howell P.A.L. has a multitude of activities and programs, and is always looking to add more.

“We have programs with one kid,” continues Hill. “It’s not about size. It’s about what they want to do. These are kids from the community. They don’t have to be Howell [residents]. We provide for every other sport and every other activity, why not wrestling?”

But in order for Reilly’s wrestling club to be associated with the P.A.L., there was some basic housekeeping that needed to be addressed. The biggest concern was making sure that liability insurance could be extended to include wrestling, as well as covering the additional custodial costs and operating expenses for opening up the gym facilities on a Sunday.

“I can just add it, I have a lot of insurance,” jokes Hill about the additional expense. “So, [we added] that component under it, and the only thing that means is that all the kids have to sign a P.A.L. application. That way, they become P.A.L. kids, so they’re covered.”

In return, Reilly’s club, which has a membership fee to join, will pay the Howell P.A.L. to use the space.

“I mean if that’s the least I could do,” explained Hill regarding the mission of the P.A.L. “I want to save all the kids, not just some of them.”

Always looking to expand, the Howell P.A.L. is piloting other ideas to involve the community’s youth, including another robotics course, high-tech courses about cyber security and anti-terrorism, as well as a broadcasting program in which adolescents and teens will record public service announcements about bullying or drug abuse for airing on the local Howell cable television station.

“My thought has always been,” says Hill about the myriad of P.A.L. programs, “if a kid wants to do it, let’s try.”

All the activities put forth by the P.A.L. have one common goal, namely, fostering an environment that helps steer the community’s youth from drugs, crime, violence, and other challenges they face in modern society. That goal was one that Hill believes the youth wrestling program could help the P.A.L. to achieve, which is what sparked the unique relationship.

“We got to talk about things outside of wrestling,” Reilly said, recounting his discussion with Hill. “and I got to tell him things that we do, and how our culture is. And ultimately, it got even more to drugs, and keeping kids off the street. My brother-in-law died of a heroin overdose. Chris Hill has been a part of this community for a long time. He’s seen the things that have happened to young people around here and once our conversation started heading in that direction, he was like, ‘oh, this guy is more than just trying to get wrestlers in the door’.”

Coach Reilly’s club currently meets on Sunday mornings at the P.A.L. facility at 115 Kent Road in Howell. The high-energy workout is geared toward fun while youngsters between the ages of four to 11 learn the basics of wrestling. Interested parties can contact Reilly at 732-966-4876 or peterr@ dynastymn.com.

Podcast:

Continued From Page 1

Podcast topics include anything students are passionate about, with topics as varied as sharks, baking, and mythology. Podcasts are typically in interview and discussion form, where they interview 3rd and 4th grade students on topics and then discuss the new knowledge learned.

Cutillo said they were able to leverage funds through New Jersey School Boards Association STEAM TANK, along with some creativity, to transform a storage closet into a podcasting studio. The studio even includes sound proofed walls made out of egg cartons.

“We are so incredibly proud of these students. They have been a part of the process the entire way through - from choosing and applying for roles to deciding the format and reaching out to students and staff for interviews, they have it all covered,” Stenard said. “This is the best kind of learning that can happen in school and we are so proud to be behind it. These students are working to their strengths and interests and have built our podcast from the ground up. They are doing some truly authentic work here where they can see positive feedback and results in real time.”

Currently, more episodes are in the works, as the podcast has become a huge success.

“This is what happens when amazing educators combine their passion and craft with awesome and motivated students,” Memorial Principal Ray Gredder said. “The quality of the podcast is astounding and the experience that these students are receiving is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity that only happens with hard work and care.”

“I love learning new things about other students, especially their passions,” said Olivia Callaci, 5th grade student and co-host of the podcast. “Building the studio was fun and Mrs. Stenard and Mrs. Cutillo are awesome!”

You can check out “A Bulldog’s Passion” on their Spotify at: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/ show/a-bulldogs-passion/episodes

Spring Ahead –Ready. . . Set. . . Go!

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

With spring arriving, we begin thinking about growth and changes outside our doors. The rejuvenation of trees, plants, foods, nesting sites, the birthing of many species – a spectacular time. The dormancy leaves us, for now. Here are some things to think about in preparation of the new season.

Safeguarding your home/storage units/garage: Fix those vulnerable places where wildlife can enter your house – animals are already looking for nesting places. Gutter cleaning, attics, roof repair, installing a chimney cap, closing open gaps around outdoor/indoor pipes, are all great ways to be proactive.

Planting trees/shrubs: Adding/replacing to help birds, squirrels, and raccoons. Remember, if they have somewhere natural to nest, they will be less likely choose your home. Flowers to assist bees and butterflies. When planting trees, choose sites away from your house as squirrels may use them as access points into your home. Tree/shrubs maintenance: Trim tree branches and shrubs near your house, as the overgrowth may give potential access to your home.

Cleanup: Those areas where debris is accumulated, making it less attractive to animals to nest in, as well as rodents, insects, who are drawn to them.

Windows: Windows can look like the outside to birds when the reflections of trees, shrubs, for example, appear on your window. As a result, some birds don’t realize the danger and fly into them, often resulting in death. Literally, billions of birds die annually from window strikes. How can you help prevent these? Close curtains/blinds as often as possible. If you are using bird feeders/ baths, place them 3 feet from the window. Further away allows birds to accelerate if they choose to fly towards a window. Hanging chimes that make noise when the wind hits them. Applying bird decals, white tape, or opaque film on the outside glass of windows. These type items are specifically designed for this purpose and should be available at garden centers.

Starting this process now will be something you’ll be thankful for later.

Remember - wear protective clothing/gloves when clearing spaces.

I gathered the information for this article using multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife, are punishable by law.