2024-12-14 - The Toms River Times

Toms River Filmmaker Provides Sequel To Holiday Favorite

from “Ebenezer

By Bob Vosseller JERSEY SHORE – Have you ever wondered what happened next for Ebenezer Scrooge after his epiphany about the spirit of Christmas and what matters most in life?

A New Jersey filmmaker is exploring that premise with “Ebenezer The Traveler” a film that premiered on Apple+TV on December 6. It will also be available on Amazon Prime and over

a dozen streaming services. Gravitas Ventures, an Anthem Sports & Entertainment Company has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to Joe Valenti’s holiday drama which he described as a charming family holiday film written by Leland R. Prater that stars Jerry Parisi, Amanda Rae Dodson, Leland R. Prater, Michael Bertolini, Austen Shane, Emily Jeanne Phillips, Christopher Brian Roach and Lou Martini Jr.

5K Held For Mental Healt H In Me Mory oF Ber K eley oFFIcer

By Chris Lundy

ISLAND HEIGHTS - It takes strength to be a police officer. It takes strength to put your life on the line as a first responder. It takes strength to ask for help.

The 5th Annual Survivor Day 5K Run/Walk was held in Island Heights as a fundraiser to promote mental health awareness. The walk is held on the third Saturday in November, recognized as International Survivors Of Suicide Loss Day.

This year’s race was dedicated to Berkeley Police Lt. Anthony “Butchie” Kurnel III. He was born and

The movie was direct ed, filmed, edited and produced by Valenti, a Toms River resident who heads Valenti Vision Films.

Following the merriest Christmas day of Ebenezer Scrooge’s long and miserable life, the day after finds him much less merry, and instead much more dead. Reunited with his old partner Jacob Marley, a no longer quite so Tiny Tim, and his beloved sister Fan, together they are tasked with earning their own redemptions, and regaining Scrooge’s second chance, by crossing over time and the mortal plane to help guide others who are in danger of losing their way. Their first journey leads them to modern day Oklahoma, and into the life of a young singer doing her best to support what family she has left. Angel Lynn dreams of something better, but sometimes dreams can turn into nightmares.

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School Aid Policy Proposals Fall Flat

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – Attempts to gather allies to improve the state funding formula for education failed because they were not endorsed by the New Jersey School Boards Association.

Toms River is one of several local districts that has lost millions in state aid over the last several years. The latest way to solve this problem was trying to change three things in the state that impact how aid is given. It was reported at a recent Toms River School Board meeting by member Anna Polozzo that several attempts did not pan out “because a couple of staff members” at the Association weren’t interested.

Toms River had sent three resolutions to the School Boards Association Delegate Assembly in October. In November, Business Administrator William Doering and Polozzo met with the Resolution Subcommittee. The Association is a federation of school boards throughout the state. If they endorse certain positions, it lends weight to them and could get policy makers in Trenton to listen. The association’s staff vets resolutions before putting it out to the rest of the boards. Then, the boards would vote on it. The three motions stalled out at the subcommittee. The first resolution would have asked for the SBA to advocate for a change in how equalized value is added together. When the state assesses how “rich” a town is, for lack of a better word, they add up the assessed

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raised in Bayville. He was married with three children and a grandchild.

“He was the cornerstone to his family and held such a bright presence in the community,” organizers said.

“He was 55 years old when he lost his life to the silent killer of mental health and suicide. His legacy will live on as we remember the countless lives he has touched, all the laughs we’ve had and all of the people he’s lent his hand out to help. We remember Butchie, not only for the challenges he faced, but for the joy (5k Walk - See Page 4)

A scene

The Traveler” made by local filmmaker Joe Valenti.

Photo courtesy Valenti Vision Films

Participants at the 5th Annual Survivor Day 5K Run/Walk was held in Island Heights.

Photo by Chris Lundy

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Bound under the thumb of a ruthless manager she finds herself forced into a situation where one wrong decision could ruin everything and cost them all dearly.

Ebenezer, Fan, Jacob, and Tiny Tim must work as if their souls depend upon it to save her before time runs out because they do.

Valenti noted, “what I love about this story is that it is not another reboot or remake of ‘A Christmas Carol.’ It is a continuation of the Dickens classic which will explore what happens next for Ebenezer Scrooge. We have an opportunity to learn so much more about these classic characters.”

“Ebenezer the Traveler” has screened in many festivals across the country in recent months and has picked up numerous awards including Best Family Feature, Best Actor and Best Costume Awards.

Valenti said Jerry Parisi, who plays Scrooge in the films “came up with the concept (for the sequel). He had been playing Scrooge at various festivals, fairs and private parties for 15 years. He came up with the idea and met with our writer and they are the ones who started the process seven or eight years ago. They did a

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concept video before I was even involved.”

“I don’t know if the rights have already fallen into public domain. There have been tons of remakes and retellings of the same story over and over again. That is what appealed to me. We are not doing a remake or retelling; we are continuing where they left off,” he added.

He noted, “there are so many characters that are brushed over in the book that you don’t know much of their back story. Scrooge is the only one people really know and the three ghosts in the book.”

The original story doesn’t touch on what happened with the other relatives so the film can delve further into that, he said.

“We started filming in January and ended a week before the SAG strike started, which was at the end of April or May,” he explained. They filmed over the course of four months, working around everyone’s schedule and shooting Friday, Saturday, Sunday or on a holiday weekend. “We filmed in Toms River, we used the Grunin Theater at Ocean County College, where the concert is set toward the end, and downtown Toms River for some of the outside shots.”

Other locations included Hopewell, a historic area of Staten Island and Long

he brought to everyone, his dedication to his family, and the care that he brought to every aspect of life.”

On a brisk morning, a large group gathered to remember his legacy, and to bring attention to the need for people to address their mental health as they would any other health

Island. “We also went to Oklahoma and filmed a bunch of scenes there. We shot some of the drone shots there. We shot on the same street as “Killers of the Flower Moon.” They built all those sets and that is what we used for some of the outdoor Oklahoma stuff,” Valenti added.

Valenti was born in Brick Township. “I was there until I was 25 and moved to Old Bridge for 15 or 16 years and for the past seven years, I’ve lived in Toms River so a life-long Jersey resident. My company does film and TV production but we do commercials and sports productions “corporate stuff in the city. It is all TV and production related and those jobs pay the bills. I’ve had movies in the past that have been on Netflix and late-night films on ABC.”

“When this project came up I said, ‘this is great.’ I loved the concept, the story, they had a lot of the costumes already so it all fell together. For this film we had a large cast and many locations which goes against the grain of a smaller budget film,” Valenti added. Valenti is looking forward to the holiday season even more now and said “we are already talking to investors about doing a sequel.”

The motion picture was produced on a

issue. The crowd symbolized that you are not alone. The run/walk provides momentum to the lives of those left behind, allowing them to move forward while remembering those they lost.

modest, independent budget of roughly $80,000. The film’s theme song, “How I Missed You Christmas” was written by Valenti and performed by Emily Jeanne Phillips. It is available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music and dozens of other music streaming platforms. The full motion picture soundtrack was released on the same platforms.

Other producers include Jerry Parisi, Joann Sciascia-Parisi, Leland R Prater, Todd Slater, Amanda Rae Dodson and executive produced by Jerry Parisi, Joann Sciascia Parisi, Joe Valenti, Leland R. Prater. Gravitas Ventures Acquisitions Manager Mackenzie Maguire negotiated the deal with Producer Todd Slater of Convoke Media on behalf of the filmmakers.

“Gravitas is excited to be bringing Ebenezer the Traveler to North American audiences this holiday season. This fun twist and continuation on the Ebenezer Scrooge story is the perfect Christmas watch that the whole family can enjoy,” Gravitas Ventures Manager Mackenzie Maguire said.

Gravitas is a leading all rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries. Founded in 2006, the firm connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe.

“Sometimes, the people you wouldn’t think need help are the ones who do,” Berkeley Police Chief Kevin Santucci said. “It’s important to recognize it and that we talk about it

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value of all property.

However, some towns have PILOT programs (payment in lieu of taxes). When a developer is sinking a lot of money into a big project, they are not going to make money back on it right away. So, they cut a deal with the town that the town won’t tax them, sometimes up to 30 years. Instead, the developer pays an amount of money that grows every year until the end of the contract. Then, taxes take over.

The issue, as Toms River Schools sees it, is that these multi-million dollar PILOT developments don’t factor into a town’s assessments.

Toms River wanted the SBA to agree that PILOT programs should be included when determining how much state aid a district receives. Since this could hurt some towns, that new amount could be phased in over five years. For example, if a $10 million

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and not leave it in the dark. We should make people comfortable to talk about it and help them find the resources they need.”

Joe Chester, who spoke at the event about his uncle, said “Butchie was my hero. The reason I’m a police officer today is because of him.”

PILOT development is in a town, that town would have $2 million added to its assessments the first year, $4 million the second, etc.

The NJ SBA did not support this resolution because it would decrease aid to some of the towns, Polozzo said.

The second resolution would require the State Department of Education to annually provide documents explaining how state aid is calculated.

The lack of transparency has frustrated schools that lost aid. Toms River Schools has even sued for the information to be provided, but has so far been unsuccessful.

The SBA didn’t endorse this position either.

“Their opinion is that they already advocate for transparency,” she said.

The third resolution would prevent schools from receiving more aid if they aren’t up to date on revaluations.

Every town is supposed to have a revaluation whenever their property value is,

Kirsten Schenk first organized this event in honor of her nephew and godson, Christian Schenk, who passed away on April 12, 2020. He would have turned 33 this year. The Toms River High School South graduate had just become a Sheriff’s Officer. Christian left behind a wife and three young children.

Organizer Kevin Schmiegle said that suicide impacts police, firefighters and first

on average, more than 15% away from what they are supposed to be. Then, the town hires a third party company to look at every piece of land and any buildings on it. They determine the new valuation of that property. That new value will be what your taxes will be based on.

However, there are towns where the average property tax is way past these limits. In other words, as land becomes more valuable every year, towns that don’t revaluate them are still going by old values. That makes them look like a more poor town than a town that’s following the law.

One of the policy positions Toms River put forward would be that towns that don’t follow the revaluations don’t receive the aid based on old values.

Ultimately, a town’s average property should assessed at 100% of what the market dictates. If they drop below 85%, the state orders them to do a revaluation.

According to 2023 state statistics, many towns are less than 85%. A great many

aid members because they are under a lot of pressure and everyone depends on them. There are also people from the military who came home from combat and now are fighting battles nobody can see. They’re not looking for sympathy or pity but for understanding.

“Everyone knows someone who this impacts,” he said. “Suicide is endemic in this country.”

of them are in the 60s or 70s. Some more egregious examples are: Elizabeth, in which values are 7.02% of where they should be, Union – 10.41%, Scotch Plains – 18.74%, Kearny - 19.38%, East Brunswick – 20.35%, West New York - 22.8%, Plainfield – 29.81%, Hillside – 31.01%, Linden – 31.71%, Kenilworth – 32.68%, Old Bridge – 33.49%, Roselle – 35.04, Edison – 36.48%, Rahway – 36.95%, Milltown – 37.18%, Cranford – 37.45%, Wayne – 37.91%, and Clifton – 38.64%. The average percentage for Ocean County is 68.03% and the average percentage for Monmouth County is 90.9%. The average for the entire state is 71.28%.

If the School Boards Association had jumped on any of those policies, they would have put them out to their membership – school boards all over New Jersey. Those boards would have the opportunity to support them. Then, there would have been strength in numbers in getting change made.

At the front of the walk were members of NJ Cop To Cop, which provides 24/7 peer support to law enforcement and their families. Their goal is to help a fellow officer who is going through a tough time by letting them talk to another cop who understands what they may be feeling. They have ways to get a hold of them on their website at njcop2cop.com / which includes phone, email, chat and webinars.

Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

Bill To Create 250th Anniversary Revolutionary War License Plate Passes Committee

Capitol Comments

Senator Jim Holzapfel

TRENTON - Senator Jim Holzapfel’s (R10) and Senator Patrick Diegnan’s (D-18) bill commemorating the 250th anniversary

of the American Revolution with a special license plate passed committee.

“New Jersey played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, serving as a key battleground for many important conflicts,” said Senator Holzafpel.

“This license plate commemorates the state’s significant contributions to our nations fight

for independence and highlights the sacrifices made by New Jerseyans. I also want to thank Senator Diegnan for his partnership on this effort.”

“I commend Senator Holzapfel for celebrating our state’s rich history and New Jersey’s critical role in our nation’s independence,” said Senator Patrick Diegnan (D-Middlesex). “Not only will these license plates commemorate the 250th anniversary of the

start of the Revolutionary War, but proceeds from an accompanying fund will support the preservation of New Jersey’s Revolutionary War sites, including places where historic tide-turning battles occurred.”

July 2025 will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. New Jersey saw more military engagements than almost any other state, highlighting its significance in the birth of our nation.

Bill Would Improve Services For Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation to expand and improve access to critical support services for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. The EASE with 211 Act (Enhancing Access to Support and Emergency Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities through 211) would establish a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help states expand the capacity of 211 services to better support individuals with developmental disabilities.

The 211 system is a nationwide network of community service programs providing free and confidential information and referrals to callers on where to obtain assistance from local and national social service programs, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The 211 network can be an incredibly valuable tool to aid vulnerable populations in accessing essential services for their health and

The majority of the requests that 211 service lines receive are for essential needs like resources to reduce housing and food insecurity and ways to access basic utilities. For individuals with developmental disabilities, the 211 system can serve as an essential bridge to accessing specialized care, resources, and community support. By leveraging 211’s existing infrastructure, the EASE with 211 Act will ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities can more easily find the help they need.

“Navigating the complex world of health care, social services, and education should not be a challenge, especially for those who are already facing the obstacles that come with having a developmental disability,” said Senator Booker. “Improving and increasing the capacity of 211 services to serve individuals with developmental disabilities will help reduce the burden that so many individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers face when trying to find the resources that they need.”

“United Way brings communities together to find strength and share hope,” said Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of

United Way Worldwide. “The 211 network, supported by United Way Worldwide, is a lifeline for people and communities in need. The 211 system provides hope and support at moments when people feel most alone and unable to meet their basic needs. We are proud to support the EASE with 211 Act, which would establish a grant program to facilitate nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services for individuals with developmental disabilities so that they can access critical resources.”

“The Autism Society of America proudly supports the ‘Enhancing Access to Support and Emergency Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities through 211’ or the ‘EASE with 211 Act.’ This vital legislation will provide grants to states to enhance their 211 information systems, enabling better support for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities, as well as their families. Families often share how challenging it is to navigate the complex web of services and resources. By improving training, outreach, and system navigation, this bill will significantly reduce those challenges, providing much-needed relief. Additionally, the inclusion of data collection measures will offer valuable insights to inform future policies that better support family caregivers,” said Kim Musheno, Vice President of Public Policy

at the Autism Society of America.

“We are excited to see the introduction of the EASE Act and the inclusion of the navigator services pilot. This is a great first step in ensuring our community can access the services they are entitled to,” said John Poulos, Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Title is Policy Analyst.

Specifically, the EASE with 211 Act will establish a grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services to assist eligible entities in expanding capacity of 211 services to support individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Grants can be used for the following:

• Improving the 211 databases for developmental disability resources

• Hiring and training specialists to assist individuals

• Upgrading technology and conducting outreach to increase awareness of available resources

• Award grants to entities to provide peer or family navigators to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families access relevant services and resources.

The Ease with 211 Act is endorsed by the following organizations: Autism Speaks, Autism Society, Autism NJ, The Arc of NJ, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, NJ211, United Way Worldwide

Study For U.S. Citizenship At The Lakewood Library

LAKEWOOD– People who have emigrated to the United States and wish to become citizens may be eligible for free classes at the Ocean County Library Lakewood Branch, designed to help in passing their naturalization tests.

Registration will begin August 1 for classes that will commence September 19 and continue each Thursday through November 7. Classes will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m.

To be eligible for the classes, registrants

must be qualified immigrants at least 18 years of age. Attendance at all sessions is required. Class size is limited.

For more information or to register for this free series, visit the OCL Lakewood Branch, 301 Lexington Avenue, call 732363-1435, extension 2100. The Branch is open 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Keep up with Library programs and events at theoceancountylibrary.org.

Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.

KIDS COLORING RAFFLE

Please mail all artwork to: Micromedia Publications – Coloring Contest, P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. We wish everyone good luck in the contest and happy coloring!

Annual Jingle Bell Run 5k

Photo courtesy Toms River PBA

Flag Football Finale Is Flourish Of Fun

TOMS RIVER – One day away from Thanksgiving, no doubt many are thankful for Unified Sports. In its third official year, the program helps facilitate inclusive athletic matchups featuring students receiving special services. Not only are the games fun and inspiring; they bring schools and the community together for something larger than sports.

So far the Unified Sports program has included kickball and flag football, and the latter has defined the early part of this school year’s season. Yesterday’s season finale was the biggest draw yet - a Battle of Bay Avenue rematch between High School East and High School North.

Though these contests are typically held at the RWJBH Field of Dreams, weather brought the

Photos courtesy Allison Goodwin. game indoors, but the sponsor remained the same: RWJBarnabas Health Arena.

East has helped lay the groundwork for the Unified program since its inception, but North has made major strides over the past year.

“HSN has worked very hard to implement this Special Olympics program within their building this year,” said Supervisor of Special Services Catherine Mellon.

That hard work was manifested during yesterday’s big season finale. The Mariners and Raiders brought cheerleaders, fans, families, positive vibes, and positively impressive moves to a flag football game that ended the Unified season with a flourish. Those impressive moves included an impromptu dance party after the game. Because why not?

Model Railroaders Winter Open House

LAKEWOOD – The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, at 502 Country Club Road, Pine Park, Lakewood, is holding its Winter Open House, on December 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and December 15 from 12 to 5 p.m. The Model Railroaders are located in the basement of the Lakewood Historical Museum also known as the Sheldon Wolpin Historical Museum. A chair lift that goes to and from the basement is available. Admission is free but donations

are always gladly accepted.

Visitors to the Open House will see both modern and traditional trains running continuously on two large operating layouts.

Ted Bertiger, president of The Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders, said, “We will have trains running for all ages. Come see our model train club in action!”

For more information, contact Ted Bertiger, 732-363-7799 or at captnkraft@aol.com. Also visit ocsmr.com.

Breakfast With Santa

TOMS RIVER – Come see Santa before Christmas and enjoy a breakfast buffet cooked by the firefighters of Toms River Fire Company No. 2!

Breakfast with Santa will be on December 15 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Toms River Elks Lodge, 600 Washington Street.

Kids under 3 years old are free. Kids

under 10 years old are only $8. Kids over 10 and adults are $12. Breakfast buffet choices include: pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes, coffee, tea, orange juice, apple juice & water. Their super 50/50 raffle will also be drawn at the conclusion of the breakfast.

See a member for tickets. All proceeds benefit Toms River Fire Company No. 2.

Mariners Take State Title With 27-Point Win

TOMS RIVER – High School North football completed a historic three-peat November 29, winning the Group 5 state title for a third consecutive year.

They went big, too. The Mariners competed on the grand stage of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford and they left no doubts about their dominance, beating Union City 41-14.

The win completes an undefeated 14-0 season, the team’s second in three years. They are 40-2 across their past three state-championship seasons.

It was an incredibly impressive season for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the graduation of quarterback Micah Ford, now a running back for Stanford University. The team, however, didn’t miss a beat, as TJ Valerio, Ford’s replacement under center, balled out all season long,

including throwing for four touchdowns during Friday’s championship game. Three of those touchdowns went to Micah’s brother, Mordecai Ford. The beat goes on. It’s officially a football dynasty at High School North, and the accolades and numbers accrued throughout the past three seasons are staggering. Local and statewide outlets have it covered.

Congratulations to the High School North Mariners on their third consecutive Group 5 state championship! Their run of football dominance is already legendary, and showing no signs of stopping.

Congratulations as well to HSN student and photographer extraordinaire Luke Saglembeni of LukeSagsPhotography, whose stunning photos have been indispensable for the team, the school, and the district throughout this run.

Toms River First Aid Squad 2025 Operations And Executive Officers

TOMS RIVER – On December 2, the Toms River First Aid Squad held its elections for the 2025 Operations and Executive Officers. Also, as a preface, the squad has taken a vote to change the designations of their Operations Line to bring them into uniformity with other local first aid squads, while also aligning ourselves to be able to apply for government granting.

Please congratulate the following:

Operational Line:

• Chief (of EMS): Scott Stenerson

• Deputy Chief: Keith Rodriguez

• Lieutenant: Charles Elmer

• Sergeant: Rebecca Nagy Executive Line:

• President: Lisa Caputo

• Vice-President: Charles Elmer

• Secretary: Terry Nielsen

• Treasurer: Chris Golembeski

• Trustee: George Guattare

Congratulations to all of the 2025 Officers-Elect and huge thank you to all of the 2024 Operations and Executive lines for all your hard work and dedication to the Township of Toms River and surrounding areas.

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

Photo by LukeSags Photography

Senior Trumpet Player Performs In Thanksgiving Parade

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

TOMS RIVER – Congratulations to Hight School North senior trumpet player James Warren, who performed with the Macy’s Great American Marching Band during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC.

Winter STEM Programs

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Township is offering the following STEM programs during the winter season:

Lego Robotics and Coding – Science in our Lives: Enhance your child’s STEM knowledge while building and programming their own robots, unleashing their creativity along the way. This fun, interactive program will introduce students to coding and robotics using Lego Spike Essential Robotics Sets. Children will work in pairs on guided projects focused on the sciences - physical, life and earth & space - defining problems and brainstorming solutions, as they build prototypes simulating nature. Join us for an inspiring journey!

Open to grades 1 to 3 and held on Fridays, January 10 to February 21, from 5 to 6 p.m.

Lego Robotics and Coding with Scratch MIT – Science Connections: This fun and interactive program explores many aspects

of STEM using Lego Spike Essential Robotics Sets. Focusing on earth, physical, and life sciences, students will work in pairs to build prototypes as they learn the engineering design process. They will then code their designs with Scratch MIT, a block-based code, to perform various tasks and functions. Young engineers will build a wind turbine and an earthquake simulator as they learn and refine their coding and problem-solving skills while challenging their creativity. Join us for an inspiring journey!

Open to grades 3 to 5 and held on Fridays, January 10 to February 21, from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.

Held at Toms River Youth Services Building 1505 North Bay Avenue, Toms River. Limited space, 10 students max. sign up at register.communitypass.net/tomsriver or call 732-341-1000 ext. 8414

Annual Turkey Trot Raises Funds For Muscular Dystrophy Association

TOMS RIVER – Hooper Avenue’s annual Turkey Trot was a success thanks to Hooper students, families, staff, PTO, cross country team members, and T.E.A.M. volunteers. By working together, $1,500 was raised for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

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Turkey Donations Connect Community To School

TOMS RIVER – If Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what we are grateful for and to share that gratitude with others - and it most certainly is - then Intermediate North is experiencing the holiday to its full potential. The school’s guidance department received 15 turkeys donated by Fulfill through The Hope Center, which were provided to families in need within the school community.

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

“This generous donation is a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference,” said Assistant Principal David Fanslau (above left, alongside guidance counselors Dana Marquis and Nico Mercadante, and secretary Stacey Rose), who knows a thing or two about kindness. “We are thankful for the opportunity to give back and spread some holiday cheer.”

Beam Aboard For Holiday Fun

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Santa Claus is beaming down to the Seaside Heights Community Center, 1000 Bay Boulevard, for the December meeting of the STARFLEET –USS Challenger, a Star Trek Science Fiction Fan Club that meets monthly. Visit: usschallenger.org or email BillSchmidt1000@aol.com or call at 732575-6904 for more information. Come join for the next Christmas Party.

The December monthly meeting for this event will be December 21 at 1 p.m. Please bring potluck dish and drinks optional some of us also exchange cookies. Regular monthly meetings are on first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. Come get a picture with Santa. We will be open to the public and Trekkers and you are very welcome to attend our Christmas Party as well, we are plaining to have a great time with Santa!

C ommunity n ew S

Students Nationally Recognized For Leadership

School

recognition for their leadership.

Cats Available For Adoption

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – An adoption center with a free roaming cat playroom is open in downtown Toms River on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. and also by appointment. How can you measure cuteness? Amelia

fell asleep on the scale that was set aside on some furniture. She’s a very gentle cat who has a close friendship with one of the other cats in your playroom. Please come out and meet her. Photos don’t do her justice. She’s a young adult longhaired calico who is looking to receive belly rubs in your home. We promise that once happily settled in your home she will greet you every morning requesting belly rubs, but don’t expect that kind of greeting at the adoption center where she makes it clear that strangers are not welcome in her personal space.

The center is located at 34 Main Street (Route 9), Suite 1B. The adoption center is run by the group called Lawyers In Defense of Animals. They can be reached at 908-9102522, or on Facebook at /lidarescue and on Instagram @lida_rescue.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

TOMS RIVER – High

North FBLA Chapter Officers Gabrielle Rizzo, Gabriela Kostova, and Joanne Chen achieved national

Congratulations, ladies!

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Photo by Chris Lundy

Around the JerSey Shore

Community Hope Holds Fundraising Gala

NEW JERSEY – Over 900 attendees gathered for Community Hope’s 28th Annual Sparkle of Hope Gala to honor Rob Davis, Chairman and CEO of Merck. Held at The Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, the event raised more than $1 million to support Community Hope’s mission of serving more than 1,100 veterans, veteran families, and individuals with mental illness each

year. The gala remains one of New Jersey’s largest fundraising events.

Launched in 1997 by Fred Hassan, then CEO of Pharmacia & Upjohn, the Sparkle of Hope Gala was created to expand community-based mental health services alongside advancements in pharmaceutical treatments. Over the past 28 years, the event has raised more than $22 million, uniting leaders across

the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in support of a shared cause. Mr. Hassan, currently Chairman of the Caret Group and Director at Warburg Pincus, continues to serve as Founding Chair and hosted this year’s event, with Brent Saunders, Chairman and CEO of Bausch + Lomb, serving as Leadership Chair.

Community Hope recognized Rob Davis and Merck for their long-standing partnership and dedication to supporting veterans. For over two decades, Merck has been a steadfast supporter of the Sparkle of Hope Gala and has worked with Community Hope and partners such as Legal Services of Northwest Jersey and Lowenstein Sandler to provide pro bono legal services to homeless veterans through the Veterans Justice Initiative. Since its inception in 2011, this program has delivered legal counseling on 946 separate matters, assisting over 400 veterans from Community Hope’s Hope for Veterans Program.

The 2024 Honorary Co-Chair was Adam Schechter, Chairman, CEO, and President of Labcorp. The event was co-chaired by notable industry leaders, including:

• Olivier Bogillot, Head, North America General Medicines

• Robert Bradway, Chairman and CEO, Amgen

• Victor Bulto, President, Innovative Medicines, US, Novartis

• Terrie Curran, CEO and President, Phathom Pharmaceuticals

• Kenneth Frazier, Executive Chairman, Merck

• Adele Gulfo, Global President and Board Director in the Healthcare Sector

• Christopher Hite, Vice Chairman, Royalty Pharma

• William Lewis, Chairman and CEO, Insmed

• Kevin Lobo, Chairman and CEO, Stryker

• Mark McKenna, Founder and CEO, Mirador Therapeutics

• Joseph Papa, CEO, Emergent BioSolutions

• Tarek Rabah, CEO, Otsuka America

• Brent Ragans, President, Ferring US

The Sparkle of Hope Gala serves as a premier networking event, bringing together leaders from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, finance, and related industries to champion Community Hope’s mission. For more information about the gala or Community Hope’s impactful work, visit communityhope-nj.org.

Photo courtesy Community Hope

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Give Tinnitus Stress The Boot

Do you feel like you always hear an unwanted, stress-inducing background noise, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing? It could be tinnitus — and spring cleaning is a great time to put your tinnitus stress out on the curb. Tinnitus isn’t a disease, but it may signal a health concern, such as earwax buildup or too much exposure to loud noise. Often, it goes hand in hand with hearing loss, so the best starting place is us! The Tinnitus Consultation First, we’ll provide a hearing evaluation to determine whether hearing loss is a factor in your tinnitus. If there’s an obvious physical cause, such as earwax buildup, addressing it should clear up your tinnitus. Often, though, the cause remains a mystery. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize your stress response. To determine how best to help you, we’ll evaluate your tinnitus. You’ll answer questions about your perception of the sound, and we’ll run tests to learn about its pitch and volume.

Treatment Options

Once we understand your needs, we can recommend a personalized treatment plan. It could include one of the following:

• Hearing aids: Wearing these has been shown to provide some relief, and they often

include tinnitus-management functionality.

• Masking: You listen to sounds that give your brain something to focus on other than your tinnitus.

• Habituation: You listen to a customized sound that leaves some tinnitus audible, which desensitizes you to your tinnitus and alleviates the associated stress.

• Coaching: We teach you skills that minimize your body’s involuntary reaction to your tinnitus.

• Lifestyle changes: For example, the sound gets worse for some people when they drink caffeine or alcohol. Removing these can provide some relief.

Often, the sweet spot is a combination of things from the above list. Everyone’s relationship with their tinnitus is unique, so each treatment plan is, too.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always here to listen to your hearing care needs. Take charge of your hearing health — call us and give tinnitus stress the boot!

Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com

WE HEAR YOU & WE ARE HERE For YOU!

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Sleep Compression: Maximizing Rest in Less Time

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Have you ever experienced waking up after just a couple of hours of sleep, feeling as refreshed as if you’d had a full night’s rest? I have, pretty frequently actually. This phenomenon, often referred to as “sleep compression,” involves achieving deep, restorative sleep in a shorter time frame. Unlike insomnia, where sleep is fragmented and leaves you feeling fatigued, sleep compression results in waking up energized and ready to tackle the day. Sleep compression is when your body gets all the benefits of a full night’s sleep in a shorter amount of time. This can happen because your brain skips quickly to the most important parts of sleep, like deep sleep or dreaming (REM sleep), where your body and mind recover. Sometimes, this happens naturally because of genetics, or it might be influenced by things like medicines or supplements that help deepen your sleep. It can feel like you’ve slept a long time, even if you were only resting for a few hours, because your brain packed all the good stuff into a smaller window.

Medications and supplements can influence sleep architecture, but not necessarily in a good way. These drugs may create the illusion of restorative, or deep sleep, but may disrupt it altogether. Prescription sleep drugs like zolpidem (Ambien), temazepam (Restoril), and alprazolam (Xanax) act on GABA receptors, inducing deep sleep quickly but often causing rebound awakenings or lighter sleep later due to their short half-lives or withdrawal effects. These

drugs interfere with REM sleep. Over-the-counter antihistamines with diphenhydramine also promote drowsiness, but can leave you groggy and brain-foggy. These drugs often interfere with REM sleep too. None of the above induce sleep compression, however several natural compounds can. Let’s talk about those now:

Chinese Skullcap: Known for its calming properties, this herb can enhance deep sleep phases, leading to a compressed yet refreshing sleep experience.

Melatonin: This hormone regulates sleep-wake cycles and can promote early deep sleep, sometimes causing premature awakenings with a feeling of restfulness.

Magnesium: Supports deep sleep induction, sometimes creating the sensation of shorter yet restorative rest.

It’s important to note that while sleep compression can leave you feeling refreshed, true rest involves a complete progression through all sleep stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM. Shortened sleep cycles might leave your body missing out on essential processes like memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and physical repair.

If you experience this phenomenon regularly or if it disrupts your overall sleep quality, consulting a sleep specialist is advisable.

If you’re interested in a deeper dive and more details about sleep compression, sign up for my free newsletter at my website, suzycohen.com

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2024 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Dr.Bartisshasoftenbeenreferredtoas“adoctor’sdoctor”,andisfrequentlycalled upon for his diagnostic skills. He is founder and Medical Director of ICAM and a member of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine, the American AcademyofAnti-AgingMedicine,theAmericanAcademyofOzoneTherapists,and adiplomateoftheAmericanAcademyofFamilyPhysicians.Dr.Bartissisamedical writer, lecturer and author who is recognized as one of the top ten specialists in thefieldofBio-IdenticalHormoneReplacementTherapy(BHRT).

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• Hormone Replacement • IV Therapies

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week, Jersey Shore Online is featuring a photo taken by a valued member of our team. Ali Gradzki has been working for Micromedia Publications for the last 20 years. Gradzki is our production manager, responsible for overseeing the department and producing our high-quality newspapers. Recently, Ali celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary on a trip to England and France. Here is an amazing shot of the Tower Bridge over the River Thames in London. Have a picture to share? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com

Holiday Toy & Food Drive

ISLAND HEIGHTS – The Leave Life

Better Foundation is proud to announce the start of their Annual Holiday Toy & Food Drive! This drive is in partnership with Island Heights Police Department and Retro Fitness - Toms River, NJ to help replenish local food banks and bring toys to the children at Prov-

idence House Catholic Charities and Dottie’s House Charity! Drop off new, unwrapped gifts and any food at either the Toms River Retro Fitness, 1214 Route 37, or the Island Heights Police Department, 1 East End Avenue. Donations accepted through December 20. No used items will be accepted.

This

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Your Last Will And Testament And The Role Of Your Executor

By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

The Executor is the person named in the Will to administer the estate. Upon the death of the person who made the Will (the Decedent), the Executor has to go to the Surrogate in the county in which the Decedent resided at the time of the death and file the Will for probate. Probate is the process by which the Surrogate admits the Will and qualifies the person named to be the Executor. Once this is done, the Surrogate will issue Letters Testamentary to the Executor. These Letters allow the Executor to stand in the place of the Decedent to perform all the tasks that the Decedent could perform.

It is the job of the Executor to determine the assets of the Decedent, collect them into one place, usually an estate checking account, and determine the gross value of the estate. Next, the Executor is obligated by statute to pay the outstanding debts of the Decedent including funeral debts, last medical expenses and administration expenses, including any death taxes that may be owed as a result of the estate. Finally, the Executor is responsible for distributing the assets as directed in the Will. Obviously this is an oversimplification of the Executor’s tasks. In some cases the collection of the assets can be complicated when there may be real property to be sold or when there are assets that cannot readily be converted to cash.

In performing its tasks, the Executor must always act in the best interests of the estate and the beneficiaries named in the Will. The Executor

is empowered to act on its own. This means that the Executor does not have to obtain the consent of the various beneficiaries.

The Executor is entitled by statute to compensation for its performance of the administration of the estate. This compensation, referred to as a commission, is based upon the value of the estate and upon the income the estate generates. The commission is 5% of the estate up to $200,000.00 and 3.5% of the estate between $200,000.00 and $1 million. The Executor is also entitled to a commission of 6% of the income generated by the estate. The Executor is not obligated to take the commission, but if it does, the commission is taxed to the Executor as income in the year in which it is received. Thus, the Executor must pay income tax on the commission received.

In choosing an Executor in your Will, you should choose someone who is trustworthy and can make financial decisions. In some cases, it may be advantageous to use a bank or trust company as the Executor, rather than a family member, because they are more experienced and perform these tasks as a business. In many cases they will charge the same fees as are allowed by statute.

The Executors responsibilities are complete when the assets are all fully distributed pursuant to the terms of the Will.

Please contact the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for all your estate planning needs. (732) 505-1212.

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTS & ORTHODONTISTS

368 Lakehurst Road | Suite 305

Toms River, NJ 08755 732-473-1123

1301 Rte 72 | Ste 305 | Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-597-9195

211 W Millstream Road Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 609-758-9595

A MESSAGE FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR:

Rose Garden is one of the few “mom and pop” skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers left ... in the state of New Jersey. The world has turned “corporate;” we have not.

It has been our core belief that the delivery of healthcare is quite personal. That “intimacy” is in danger when 5 to 100 facilities are operated in multiple states by large corporations.

We have always strived for a close “family” atmosphere and believe we have succeeded. The environment is warm and inviting and exceedingly clean and spotless. Our homemade food and soups are outstanding, and the care is thoughtful, kind and productive.

We have been called the “Hotel of Healthcare.”

Please ask your friends, neighbors and, most importantly, other healthcare professionals. We are here, in your neighborhood, to serve you!

p oli C e B lotter

Killers Identified In 2010 Toms River Homicide Cold Case

By Alyssa Riccardi

TOMS

RIVER

– Ten years later, authorities have identified the individuals responsible for the murder of a young man in Toms River.

Maurice Cole, 36, and Jerron Evans, 41, both of Lakewood, have been charged with Murder in connection with the death of Rondell Proctor, 22, of Arkansas, which occurred on May 27, 2010.

On that day around 12:45 a.m., officers responded to Winteringham Village Apartments located at Route 166 in Toms River regarding a shooting. Police found Proctor with several gunshot wounds to the torso as well as a gunshot wound to the face. He was transported to Community Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased, officials said.

The case then went cold for several years. However, continued investigation as well as testing of evidential items unavailable at the time of the original investigation resulted in Cole and Evans being charged.

On December 3, Cole and Evans were taken into custody without incident. They were transported to the Ocean County Jail,

where they are presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan, Jr., acknowledged the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Gangs/Intelligence/Homeland Security Squad, Toms River Police, Lakewood Police, Brick Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Osceola County (Florida) Sheriff’s Department, and Kissimmee (Florida) Police Department, for their very thorough, combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Ocean County Homeless Persons Memorial Service

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Homeless Persons Memorial Service, to remember our neighbors who have died homeless in the past year, will be held on December 19 at 7 p.m. at True Vine Ministries at First United Methodist Church, 129 Chestnut Street, Toms River.

Donations welcome: gift cards (Wawa, 7-11,

Walmart, Uber, Lyft); non-perishable food; cold weather apparel; blankets; toiletries. In collaboration with Ocean County Homeless Prevention and Assistance Coalition/ Ending Homelessness Group.

For more information contact Laurie Singer at 848-223-7284 or outreach.trhhc@ gmail.com.

p oli C e B lotter

Aggravated Manslaughter Is First Plea In Two Ocean County Deaths

By Chris Lundy

SEASIDE

HEIGHTS

– A woman originally indicted for Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder has plead guilty to a lesser charge.

Elizabeth Mascarelli, 29, of Seaside Heights, pled guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter in connection with the death of Kerry Rollason, 56, of Toms River, on or about July 3, 2024, in Toms River.

At the time of her sentencing on January 31, 2025, the State will be seeking a term of 25 years New Jersey State Prison, subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act.

The charge stemmed from a standoff and two deaths in the area.

On July 5, local authorities as well as the United States Marshals Service responded to a home on Ravenwood Drive in Toms River to locate 35-year-old Maxwell Johnston of Manchester. Johnston was wanted in connection with the murder of Gabriella Caroleo, 25, of Seaside Heights, which occurred in Manchester on June 27.

During a standoff, officers successfully called out three of the occupants. Johnston and Mascarelli remained in the home, however, and officers learned that Johnston was armed.

Attempts to get Johnston to surrender himself peacefully failed, officials said. After several hours, Mascarelli exited the home and was brought to Community Medical Center in Toms River to be treated for injuries sustained throughout the standoff.

The home was ultimately cleared using a drone and Johnston was found in a bedroom, deceased, with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his head. Police found a defaced .22 caliber handgun and a 9mm handgun in the residence.

According to officials, Mascarelli allowed Johnston to stay at the home with her for four days – despite her knowledge of Caroleo’s murder and Johnston’s alleged involvement in it.

While investigating the death of Caroleo, detectives found evidence that a murder may have been committed at the Ravenwood Drive home on or about July 3. Additionally, authorities came into possession of information indicating that evidence of that murder might be found at a property in Jackson Township.

On July 12, detectives searched the property on Toms River Road in Jackson Township and discovered numerous body parts in black bags along with additional evidence connected to the murder, including a hatchet.

A post mortem examination of the body parts led authorities to identify the victim as the owner of the Ravenwood Drive home – Kerry Rollason, 56, of Toms River.

The cause of Rollason’s death was multiple gunshot wounds in addition to blunt force trauma, and the manner of death to be homicide, officials said.

On July 15, 2024, Mascarelli was initially served with the charges of Hindering Apprehension, Desecration of Human Remains, being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Defaced Weapon, at the Ocean County Jail.

Police now say that Mascarelli conspired with Johnston, and was, in fact, the individual responsible for Rollason’s death. It was also determined that Mascarelli assisted Johnston with dismembering Rollason.

The other three people who were in the house when the standoff began were Danielle Bolstad, 42, of Barnegat, Jared Krysiak, 34, of Brick Township, and Jared Palumbo, 36, of Manchester.

Bolstad and Krysiak also assisted Johnston with dismembering Rollason’s body. Mascarelli, Bolstad, Krysiak and Palumbo assisted Johnston in disposing of the body in Jackson, police said.

Charges of Hindering Apprehension and Desecration/Disturbing of Human Remains against these three are still pending.

“Although Mascarelli was originally facing more significant charges with greater sentencing exposure, this plea agreement has been entered into in the interests of justice and with the approval of the victim’s next of kin,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

He acknowledged the efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Manchester Police, Manchester Detective Bureau, Toms River Police, Toms River Detective Bureau, Toms River Police Emergency Services Unit, Jackson Police, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, United States Marshals Service, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Monmouth County Emergency Response Team, Howell Police, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Police K-9 Unit, New Jersey State Police Forensic Science Unit, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Newark Police Department, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collective assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Mascarelli’s guilty plea, and soon her state prison sentence.

Real Estate

House For Sale - Adult Community Pheasant Run in Forked River. $289,000. For more information call 609-489-9794. (1)

Misc.

Thank you St. Jude for an-swering my prayer. SR. (52)

Personals

Active Male, Age 60 - Fun, outgoing. Seeks female for dinner, movie, trips. Seeking stable well rounded female. Brick area. 973-270-4798. (52)

Items For Sale

Wheelchair Van, 2007 Honda Odyssey33,500 miles. Well-maintained, Carfax available. 848-240-7218. Great for wheelchair transport, deliveries, or your traveling band. (2)

Exercise Equipment - Precor EFX

5.17 Elliptical Fitness Cross Trainer. Ex Cond. $475; Schwinn 250 Bio Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike. Ex Cond. $175; 732-232-5016. (1)

Electric Scooter - New. Great for seniors. Rechargeable charger included. Front basket, air tires, red. Local. Can deliver. Best offer. 732-736-6583. (52)

Priced 2 Sell Musical InstrumentsEntry & Intermediate Banjos, Keyboards, Acoustic & Lapsteel Guitars. Ocean County Resident. Call Mike at 201-315-8608. (52)

Items Wanted

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ 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, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY

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)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (3)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums, Rock, Reggae, Jazz, Blues. Also buying Comic Books. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (51)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

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

WANTED TO BUY - Old Records for LPs & 45s Rock/Jazz/Soul/Blues Call Eddie (732-829-5908) For 45/78 RPM Doo Wop/Soul/R&B/Rockabilly Call Bob 909-938-4623. (1)

Help Wanted

R.C. Shea and Associates is seeking to hire a paralegal with civil/ commercial litigation experience as well as an administrative assistant. Pay and benefits commensurate with experience. Please call Pam Williams, office manager at (732) 505-1212 or email at pwilliams@rcshea.com (t/n)

Bus Driver NEEDED! - Flexible Scheduling. Perfect for Retiree in Retirement Community. CDL w/ Passenger endorsement required. Call SilverWoods Clubhouse for more information at 732-341-4825. (t/n)

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

Certified Home Health Aides - Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

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.

Services

ADVANCED BUILDING - HOME IMPROVEMENTS/REPAIRS • CARPENTRY • TRIM• FLOORING • BATHROOM AND KITCHEN UPGRADES• DECKS• DOORS• WINDOWS • TILE• MASONRY• SIDING • PAINTING• ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • AND MORE• HOURLY RATES FOR SMALL JOBS• LICENSED • INSURED • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP • CALL 609-384-9030 EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE • SENIOR AND VETERAN DISCOUNTS. (50)

Avon Sales - Eyeliner, eye shadow, perfume, men's cologne. Call for a brochure 732-330-4189 or 848287-3944. If you are interested in selling Avon contact 732-3304189 or 848-287-3944. (t/n)

Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n)

Reliable, Experienced, Private duty - (No agency fees.) Caregiver/ Home Health aide Available. Live-in, or hourly in Southern Jersey area. Call 732-867-6686. (48)

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-833-901-0309 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (t/n)

Services

Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)

Anyone Interested In Having Their - Office, home or apartment cleaned, contact Diane. Honest and reliable. Free estimates. 845-762-9952. (49)

Adult Care Provider - Filipino Woman seeking live-in job as home healthcare provider for elderly with 10 years experience, with excellent reference. Please call 973-454-6818. (46)

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 732-5003063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

When You Need A Caregiver

Call Lucy - European Registered Nurse, 25 years. US Eldercare experience, 19 years. Live in/out, hourly, negotiable. 732-657-1409 (H), 732-833-3273 (C). (47)

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICESOver 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267475-7962 or 732-477-0379. (43)

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213 (t/n)

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

Affordable Landscaping - Fall & spring clean ups. Shrubs & tree pruning, sod & seed lawns, retaining & stone walls, topsoil & mulch planting, & much more. 640-999-0072. (47)

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. Let's Go! (t/n)

Senior Campanion CaregiverRetired RN. Meal prep, transport to appointments, shopping, showering, light housekeeping. Contact Chris 845-430-1853. (48)

Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-691-0123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)

ANGEL APPLIANCE REPAIR732-403-6975. 50+ years serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Senior owned and operated. INSURED, RELIABLE AND HONEST. (47)

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! 1-844-897-8361. (t/n)

Italian/American Couple - looking to clean, laundry or drive. Please call Christopher or Mary Ann at 732-475-7770 or 732-948-2025. (49)

Services Services Services

Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)

MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting, roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwork, all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (4)

Learn To Play The - Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums, from a NJ State Certified Teacher of Instrumental Music, in your home! Call 732-3504427 for more information. (8)

HOUSE CLEANING - 848-3261907 KEVIN over 30 years professional cleaning experience Cleaned pediatric cardiology office over 15 years REFERENCES available $30.00 hour 848-326-1907. (46)

APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations, decks, finished basements and much more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (52)

Local Experienced Senior Care Giver available for work mornings til 12:00 and evenings after 4:30 pm. Please call Kathy 908-246-7896. (48)

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:

• Mail this form to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. OR

• Go to jerseyshoreonline.com, click classifieds, fill out the form and pay by credit card. OR

• Fax this form to 732-657-7388 ATTN: ALI.

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under: • Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

Items Wanted

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For Rent

Help Wanted

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You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads.

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Around the JerSey Shore

County Receives Federal Funds For Seniors

By Bob Vosseller

OCEAN COUNTY – County officials said federal funding amounting to $432,500 will be used to support senior programs.

County Commissioner Director Barbara Jo Crea said the money will go toward services seniors need most, including transportation, home repair and modification, legal services and medical alert/caregiver services.

The funding will support nine different groups, including Community Services Inc. of Ocean County, the County’s major home delivered meals and nutrition site provider, Brick Township, Lakewood Community Services Corp., Community Medical Center, and Point Pleasant.

“We directed a large portion of the additional funds to the priorities identified and also provided more funds for socialization and recreational programs to get seniors out and about again,” she said. “Since Covid, depression and isolation continue to be a problem with seniors and to combat it, we have directed additional dollars for socialization and recreation programs.”

Having them socially engaged helps their physical and mental health, she added. There is also a growing demand for medical alert

buttons to keep seniors safe in their homes. These are funded through the Caregiver Support dollars.

“The funding that allowed us to increase these contracts and in turn help more of our seniors comes from other counties that did not use all of the American Rescue Plan funds that were distributed by the federal government,” she said. “Ocean County was a beneficiary of this and is now distributing an additional $432,500 to increase some of our services.”

“Ocean County is home to one of the largest senior populations in the United States with more than 220,000 seniors living here,” she said. “Our office of Senior Services so far in 2024 has assisted nearly 10,000 clients and the total number of units of services provided is 14,413 so far this year. I am pleased that this Board is contributing to a better quality of life for so many of our seniors and we intend to continue to do so during the days ahead.”

“As a Board, we know it’s imperative we provide the funding needed for programs that help a high percentage of this population, who may be living solely on Social Security, to remain independent, with a secure roof over their heads, food on their table, the ability to access services and tap into recreational opportunities,” she added.

Around the JerSey Shore

Water Usage Tips Offered For Holiday

CAMDEN – With the holiday season in full swing, New Jersey American Water reminds customers to practice proper habits for disposing of fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) and conserving water, especially during the ongoing drought conditions in New Jersey. Small changes in your kitchen and around the house can go a long way in protecting your home’s plumbing, infrastructure, and the state’s limited water resources.

When washed down the sink, FOGs turn into thick sludge as they cool and stick to pipe interiors at the lower parts of the drain. Neither dishwashing detergents nor garbage disposals have the ability to properly break down these materials, which build up over time. Eventually, this sludge can cause sewer blockages, backups, and overflows, which pose potential health and environmental hazards.

Additionally, the state of New Jersey is under an active Drought Warning, and New Jersey American Water’s Mandatory Conservation Notice is still in effect for all customers. It is equally important for

customers to find ways to reduce their water usage as it is to dispose of FOGs properly during this season of increased cooking, cleaning, and hosting guests.

“As we head into the holiday season, it’s important to remember that our water and wastewater habits can have a big impact, for better or worse,” said Ben Morris, Vice President of Operations for New Jersey American Water. “Whether you’re hosting holiday festivities or traveling to New Jersey to celebrate, practicing smart water habits and proper FOG disposal this holiday season will help us all protect our plumbing, our environment, and our most precious resource—water,” said Morris.

New Jersey American Water provides the following FOG disposal and conservation tips for the holiday season:

Proper FOG Disposal:

1. The answer is not at your disposal. No matter how powerful your garbage disposal may be, it can’t prevent FOGs from sticking to your pipes. Never rinse FOGs down the drain.

2. Strain it, don’t drain it. To keep food scraps out of pipes, install a basket or strainer in the drain and empty the trapped pieces into the trash.

3. Let’s talk trash. Scrape all food scraps and FOGs from plates, pots, and utensils into the trash before washing.

For more information regarding wastewater tips and treatment, view the infographics on New Jersey American Water’s website, and the FOG disposal video on the company’s YouTube channel. A printable poster with proper FOG disposal tips for restaurants and businesses can also be found on the company’s website.

Holiday Water Conservation:

1. Turn off the tap. Don’t let water run while washing dishes, cleaning vegetables, brushing your teeth, or shaving.

2. Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.

3. Fix leaks promptly. Even a slow drip can waste gallons of water daily. For help,

download New Jersey American Water’s Leak Detection Kit at newjerseyamwater. com under Water Information.

4. Take shorter showers. Try to shower in five minutes or less, and don’t let holiday houseguests hog the water.

5. Sweep, don’t spray. Use a broom or rake, instead of a hose, to sweep away leaves, acorns, or debris on pavement.

6. Insulate exposed water pipes with preslit foam insulation to maintain warmth and avoid wasting water while it heats up.

7. Share these tips with guests. Encourage family and friends to adopt water-saving habits during their stay.

New Jersey American Water customers can monitor their water usage and find ways to use water more wisely online through their MyWater account. More indoor and outdoor water-saving tips can be found on New Jersey American Water’s website at newjerseyamwater.com/ conservation and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Conservation Website.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

By Bob Vosseller

The Law firm of Dasti & Staiger has a staff of young professionals who are veru familiar with the communities of the Jersey Shore they serve.

Christopher Dasti and Lauren Staiger both live in Ocean County and their office is located on 310 Lacey Road in the Forked River section of Lacey Township.

“Our firm is nearly six years old years old and we have an office here and an annex behind us. We have seven lawyers and five staff members. The majority of our business is representing public entities throughout the state,” Dasti said.

He further explained, “we serve as municipal attorneys to a half a dozen towns, in addition to serving as labor counsel, land use board attorneys, prosecutors, public defenders etc. to dozens more. We opened the firm in 2018 and it was just a secretary and I, then within a year we added two associates.”

“Our first office was maybe 1,000 square feet. It was cozy. Our two associates shared an office. We closed on this office the week before everything shut down from COVID-19 in March 2020,” he added.

Despite the challenges during the period of the pandemic, the law firm survived and thrived. “It worked out well because this used to be a dental surgeon’s office so downstairs the rooms were so chopped up and so I knew we had to rehab the whole downstairs so it worked out because due to Covid, everyone had to work from home anyway so we opened up the upstairs which was redone in April of that year and downstairs. We moved everyone back in August of that year.”

Staiger noted that the annex building was purchased “in January of last year.”

“One of the ways we have grown so much and so fast is that we are ultra responsive to our clients,” Dasti explained.

“We have continued to grow. You want to make sure you don’t grow too fast and all of sudden you are not doing as good of a job. We are young and tenacious and can keep

moving forward,” he said.

Dasti noted that among the areas of expertise, the firm covers includes personal injury cases, real estate transactions, estate planning. “We try to cover many different legal disciplines and be a full-service firm.”

“We all have strong ties to the community and a vested interest in staying here and doing a good job, A lot of our team serves on non-profit boards so we all try to be good community partners. It is more than just dollars and cents,” Dasti added.

Staiger said after working for two other firms during her career she got an offer she couldn’t refuse.

“Chris started something really great in 2018 and it continued to grow and he offered me the opportunity to come and I took it.”

“We’ve been friendly and have known each other for a number

of years between work and political things and when he offered me this opportunity, I couldn’t say no. It’s great. We work well together. We have a lot of the same clients and a similar mindset and it has been a great jump for me. I live in Manahawkin so the office is close to home, too,” she added.

“We have a great team of attorneys and staff. We think of our team as a growing family

and have built a team atmosphere,” Dasti added.

Members of the legal team also include Brigit P. Zahler who has litigated cases successfully in the Superior Court of New Jersey and the Supreme Court of New York, Jeffrey D. Cheney whose primary areas of focus are civil litigation, personal injury litigation, real estate transactions, public entity law, and land use

and Brian R. Clancy, a Lacey resident who has 25 years of law enforcement experience with the City of Elizabeth police department. His primary focus is land use, municipal court practice, estate planning, real estate and litigation.

Other legal team members include Christopher A. Khatami who has represented numerous public entities at the municipal, county, and state levels and focuses on state and federal court litigation and William J. Oxley, whose primary areas of focus are environmental law, land use, public entity law, and real estate transactions.

Staiger said having worked for other firms and other areas of the state provided her different experiences. “I can say it is more of a family being smaller and we are all kind of doing the same thing and are all in the same age group which helps as well. We all relate to each other on a professional and personal level.”

“You learn how to develop those relationships and they are part of what we do because obviously, times change and one of the things that helps with longevity is not only your professional ability but the interpersonal relationships you develop with your clients,” Staiger said. For further information about Dasti & Law visit their website at DastiLaw.com or call 609549-8990.

Photos By Bob Vosseller Attorneys Christopher Dasti and Lauren Staiger lead a team of lawyers who reside in Ocean and Monmouth counties and provide legal services to residents and municipalities of the Jersey Shore.

The Dasti & Staiger Law office located on 310 Lacey Road in the Forked River section of Lacey Township is the base for a legal firm who handles a wide variety of legal services with a hometown touch.

Around the JerSey Shore

Your Weekly Environmental Tip: Are Biodegradable Trash Bags The Answer?

By Chris Lundy

We produce hundreds of pounds of garbage a year. So, why not make a tiny dent in that by using biodegradable trash bags?

Fair question, until science happens. You see, for something to biodegrade, it needs three things: heat, moisture and oxygen. If your garbage bag is in the town dump, covered with other bags, it’s never getting the three things it needs to actually break down. You have wasted money on something that makes you feel like you’re helping the Earth.

There is such a thing as compostable bags. These you have to use in your compost pile, where they will be exposed to heat, light, and air if you do it right. You’re supposed to turn the compost pile certain times in order to make everything break down.

These compostable bags, however, also won’t biodegrade in the town dump. So, obviously, the only things you can put in compostable bags are other things that can be composted. And the only place you can put all this is your compost pile.

When an item is referred to as “compostable,” it leads you to think that it will degrade into natural elements in your back yard. The truth is that “compostable” usually means that it can be composted in actual factories where the items are provided with just the right conditions to have it

decompose in months, or even years. Some big cities have contracts with companies to take this stuff, but none of those cities are around here. If you put it in your compost pile, you’ll be turning it around for decades. Other bags are labeled as “degradable.” If a degradable plastic bag breaks down, you have to ask “what does it break down into?”

For a lot of them, it’s microplastics. These will wind up back in the environment.

A biodegradable bag, on the other hand, breaks down into organic matter. Instead of plastics, they use plant starch. This means they are more expensive and not as strong as plastic.

Some studies have shown that the process used to make these plastic substitute bags are just as bad as plastic. They are usually made from corn products. The corn must be grown – and not for human consumption. This includes the use of water, pesticides, and fertilizer. And then the material has to be harvested, shipped, and then a bunch of chemicals, electricity, and more water is used to turn it into something that is somewhat close to plastic. Is it worth it?

So, while you have good intentions of living a greener life with biodegradable or compostable bags, the fact is that the science just hasn’t caught up with it to make these products actually help the environment except under very specific conditions.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Starts a triathlon

Airplane assign

ments

Short lines at the register? 14 Chocolate source 15 “I’ve __ up to here!”

Swelter 17 *When “you can see forever,” per the classic song

Watch chain

Air purifying gadget

“__ I say more?”

__ power

Like some martinis

AirPods holders 8 Total 9 Hermana de la madre 10 Farm pen 11 Florence gallery with Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus”

Tried and true 13 Seven of Nine of “Star Trek,” for one 18 Founded, for short 22 Pewter component 24 Gumbo vegetable 25 Cold, slushy treat 26 World Cup chants 27 Network connec

tions

She/__ pronouns

“No question is too personal” session, for short

*Almost got the gold 2 Diminish 3 “Gosh, no one is happy with me!” 4 PC alternative

Get the better of

U-turn from SSW

Merciless

Gas up?

Hounded

Awesome, in showbiz

Etsy, e.g.

“Frozen” sister

Start of an address

ARIES (March 21-April 19): When you have a chance to mingle, consider extending your hand in friendship and making some new contacts. Being open to the latest technology may help you shift gears and focus attention on achieving success for several weeks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The more the merrier, they say. Invite someone along to a community event where a festive mood might remind you of the upcoming holiday season. Someone unexpected could jump at the opportunity to lend a helping hand.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Learn to let go of past mistakes and forgive. While minor errors might be highlighted, it’s important not to overlook them. A close friend or partner could help you find a positive solution, ensuring you don’t repeat the same mistake.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Aim to create a sense of serenity within your surroundings. While others might be rushing around or in a frenzy, you can be a source of calm and peace. Partnering with the right person could make your holiday outings even more joyful.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your aim in social settings might be popularity, and you may naturally possess a knack for making friends and entertaining others. By taking the first step when you meet someone new, you can break the ice in a warm, inviting, and friendly way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You might develop a festive sparkle in your eyes as the week unfolds. Your admiration could be soaring, so consider embracing invitations and having a great time. A new connection could blossom into a long-lasting relationship.

FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 14 - DEC 20

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Integrity means following through on your promises. You may feel called to ensure every detail is perfect before you move ahead with your plans for the best results. Make the provisions necessary to maximize your odds of success.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Show an interest in others and you could be exposed to something new. You may conduct a poll to gather diverse opinions that lead to you breaking away from your usual routines. There may be a chance to enjoy dinner at an exotic location.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Pay attention to all those minor details that could make the anticipated holiday delights a reality. Consider hanging some lights, baking some cookies, or buying extra wrapping paper. Add your own original touches to everything you do.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your desire to participate in social outings may be something that changes periodically. A friend might hope for a well-connected spot, but you don’t need to participate in the race. Handle a clash of opinions with good grace this week.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Remember to exercise tact and diplomacy. A busy upcoming holiday schedule at home may need careful planning and organization rather than daydreaming. Those around you might be willing to make changes and offer their support.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Think of ways to leverage your core competencies in the upcoming week. Take pride in your attentiveness while working diligently to finalize your holiday plans. While it may seem like you’re not doing much, you could be achieving a lot.

THIS LAMB IS FALL-OFF-THE-BONE TENDER AND DEEPLY FLAVORFUL

By America’s Test Kitchen

Braising lamb shanks turns this richly flavored but tough cut of meat meltingly tender. However, the high fat content of lamb all too often leads to a greasy sauce. We avoid this pitfall by trimming the shanks well and then browning them before adding liquid to get a head start on rendering their fat. We also de-fat the braising liquid after the shanks have cooked. We use more liquid than is called for in many braises to guarantee that plenty remains in the pot despite about an hour of uncovered cooking.

LAMB SHANKS BRAISED IN RED

WINE WITH HERBES DE PROVENCE

Serves 6

6 (12- to 16-ounce) lamb shanks, trimmed 1 teaspoon plus a pinch table salt, plus more to taste 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

3 carrots, peeled and cut crosswise into 2-inch pieces

2 onions, sliced thick

2 celery ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons tomato paste

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons herbes de Provence

2 cups dry red wine

3 cups chicken broth

Ground black pepper

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven

to 350 degrees. Pat lamb shanks dry with paper towels and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in Dutch oven over medium- high heat until just smoking. Brown three shanks on all sides, 7 to 10 minutes. Transfer shanks to a large plate and repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining three shanks.

2. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from pot. Add carrots, onions, celery, tomato paste, garlic, herbes de Provence, and remaining pinch salt and cook until vegetables just begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in wine, then broth, scraping up any browned bits; bring to simmer. Nestle shanks, along with any accumulated juices, into pot.

3. Return to simmer and cover; transfer pot to oven. Cook for 1 1/2 hours. Uncover and continue to cook until tops of shanks are browned, about 30 minutes. Flip shanks and continue to cook until remaining sides are browned and fork slips easily in and out of shanks, 15 to 30 minutes longer.

4. Remove pot from oven and let rest for 15 minutes. Using tongs, transfer shanks and vegetables to large plate and tent with aluminum foil. Skim fat from braising liquid and season liquid with salt and pepper to taste. Return shanks to braising liquid to warm through before serving.