AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Residents Warned About Major Delays In Passport Issuance

FREEHOLD – Monmouth County Clerk

Christine Giordano Hanlon is warning residents that the U.S. Department of State is experiencing major passport processing delays and is therefore advising residents to apply for passports well in advance of any planned international travel.

According to the most recent update on March 24, the U.S. State Department passport service times are as follows:

• Routine service – 10 to 13 weeks*

• Expedited service (for an additional $60) – 7 to 9 weeks*

*The U.S. State Department is informing that these service times do not include the estimated mailing times for the application to be received by a passport agency and then for the passport to be delivered to you, which can add up to another 4 weeks to regular and expedited service.

“We have been receiving a multitude of phone calls from concerned residents that they have not yet received their passports, and are unable to have their questions answered when they contact the National Passport Center,” said Clerk Hanlon.

“Unfortunately, my office cannot help once the passport application has been forwarded to the U.S. State Department, and therefore, those applying for passports must interface with the U.S. State Department directly or they may wish to contact their appropriate congressional representative,” said Clerk Hanlon. “Our constituents are understandably frustrated and we are hoping that the U.S. State Department will resolve these issues expeditiously.”

In order to avoid delays, residents are advised to plan many months ahead for international travel. Residents can apply for a passport at one of the County Clerk’s two Passport Offices in Freehold and Neptune.

To minimize customer wait times at the County Clerk’s Passport Offices, appointments are recommended, and are required for parties of 4 or more applicants. Priority will be granted to those with appointments. Walk-ins are welcome but should expect longer wait times. Appointments can be made by calling the respective passport office during normal business hours.

• Freehold - Monmouth County Clerk’s Office located in the Market Yard at 33 Mechanic Street (south of Main Street). The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 732-431-7324.

• Neptune - Monmouth County Connection at 3544 Route 66 (near Home Depot). The hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 732-303-2828.

To obtain a passport, it is necessary to have a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, social security number, and current identification such as a driver’s license or government identification. Passport photos are available for a fee of $10 at both locations.

Passport forms must be fi lled out prior to arrival at our offices and can be downloaded online on our website at MonmouthCountyClerk.com or on the U.S. State Department website at travel.state.gov.

Parents who are making a passport application for a child under the age of 16 are required to appear together or to submit additional documentation.

For more information about the passport application process, please visit the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office website at MonmouthCountyClerk.com.

Knights Of Columbus To Host Charity Golf Outing

JACKSON – The Jackson/Howell Knights of Columbus will be hosting their 38th Annual Charity Golf Outing on May 15 at Pine Barrens Golf Club in Jackson – 11 a.m. shotgun start.

The cost per player is $200 and the event is limited to the first 120 golfers. Your entry fee includes driving range, putting green, a hot breakfast before golf, and BBQ lunch after golf on one of New Jersey’s premier golf courses. There will be long drive and closest to the pin prizes, sports memorabilia, gift auction and other entertaining contests throughout the event.

This year’s event is being held in honor of Past Grand Knight Patrick F. Gallagher, one of the very active and dedicated Brother Knight. All proceeds will benefit the following organizations: Deborah Heart & Lung foundation, Catholic Charities, Tunnels to Towers Foundation, Operation Homefront, Autism Speaks and local charities in the area.

They are looking for sponsors and golfers to help make this year’s event the most successful possible in these trying times. If interested in playing or sponsorship, email Steve at staz811@aol. com or visit the K of C Council website at KOFC6201.COM for forms and more information.

Estate Sale

Estate sale April 29 10-3 at 2 Lilac Springs Court, Lakewood in Four Seasons. Beautiful furniture, clothing, decor, curtains, kitchenware, etc. Accepting cash only. (20)

Garage Sale

Garage Sale - Saturday, April 22

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rain date April 29. 13 Sheffield Dr. Forked River, 08731. Everything can go. (19)

Items For Sale

Dining Room Set - Like new, other items. 732-350-0190. (18)

68 International Step Van - Four speed, six cylinder, aluminum, clean, 110,000 miles. All guages work. $5K, Bob 732-774-9000. (18)

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)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (21)

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks

Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (22)

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)

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)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

Advertise in the main sections of Micromedia’s weekly newspapers. Your ad will be seen by thousands. Our skilled team of account executives can work with any budget. Call 732-657-7344 ext. 206 for more information.