2019-12-14 - The Jackson Times

Vol. 20 - No. 29

In This Week’s Edition

THE JACKSON

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Holiday House Brightens Up Yuletide Season

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON - The proposed Jackson Trails development was essentially denied a second time by members of the Township’s Planning Board.

During a December 2 meeting the application, which calls for 367 homes and a house of worship on South Hope Chapel Road near Jackson’s border with Manchester Township, was not entertained.

It was initially rejected on October 7 in a 4-4 vote which meant the motion did not carry and preliminary site plan approval was not approved.

Planning Board Attorney Gregory McGuckin said “two members of the board voted “no” because of reasons that they wanted more time to review some information and to get information about certain issues. The meeting was going on until 11 o’clock and they didn’t want to feel rushed but the applicant insisted on a vote being taken that night and it was a 4-4 vote. In reviewing state law that meant it was not approved.”

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Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16.

Dear Pharmacist Page 17.

Page 21.

Business Directory Page 22.

Fun Page Page 23.

Inside The Law Page 23.

Horoscope Page 27.

Wolfgang Puck Page 27.

—Photos by Bob Vosseller (Above) The Holiday House of Jackson’s Christmas Couple - Michael and Carol Cook - is located at 1 Carlson Ct. The show is free but the couple accepts donations which goes directly to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

(Right) Michael and Carol Cook are joined by Jackson’s own “Santa Jim” who visited their holiday house recently.

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – A holiday tradition has lit up the neighborhood for the yuletide season creating a Christmas light show - and also serves as a benefit for charity.

Michael Cook and members of his family started the decoration process of their home

on 1 Carlson Court before the weekend of Thanksgiving but it actually involves a yearlong planning process.

“We start working on this between building stuff and sequencing songs in July or August.

Some of the lights we have this year are all new and that took a

(Trails - See Page 5)

considerable amount of time to work and we start putting stuff up right after Halloween. We’ll be backing that up a bit next year because it has been taking longer and longer,” Cook said.

The holiday house hosted by the Christmas couple Michael

and Carol Cook has run for the past eight years.

“We are at about 30,000 lights, four singing trees, a 20-foot spiral tree and a 1,008-bulb pixel matrix which we can do imaging with,” Michael Cook said.

“All the lights are synchronized to music.

(House - See Page 4)

Town Wants Easier Rules For Releasing Public Records

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON –Township officials are not happy with how New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) is impacting its staffing time.

An OPRA request is a document filed by a person who is seeking the release of specific public documents from a government entity such as a munici-

| December 14, 2019

Jackson Trails Rejected Again

Letters

Classifieds

FOR BREAKING NEWS

Winter Forecast: December OK, Watch Out In New Year “Unwarmed by any sunset light The gray day darkened into night, A night made hoary with the swarm And whirl-dance of the blinding storm” –“Snow-bound, A Winter Idyll,” by John Greenleaf Whittier

pality, a school district or a utilities authority.

During a recent Township Council meeting, Council President Robert Nixon called for the state to form a study commission to review OPRA procedures.

Joining Nixon were Vice President Barry Calogero, Councilman Ken Bressi, Councilman Alex Sauickie (Records - See Page 10)

By Patricia A. Miller OCEAN COUNTY - The snarling blizzard of 1996 dumped several feet of snow on the ground, choked streets, and dropped temperatures well below freezing. Many Ocean and Monmouth County residents were trapped in their homes for days.

Whether we will see a storm like that (Winter - See Page 5)

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The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 3

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Page 4, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

House:

Continued From Page 1 The show consists of seven songs and runs for approximately 20 minutes. We went live on November 30 and we will run through Jan 1. The show will run nightly from 6 -10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The show is free but we do accept donations,” Michael Cook added.

When asked if the couple gets any help from other family members or friends Carol Cook responded with a smile, “it’s just us.”

A few days prior to Thanksgiving, the Cooks were outside admiring the brightly lit house. Michael Cook was sporting his bright orange Santa cap which featured the letters MS. The cap was presented to him by representatives of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an organization which has special significance for the family and where all donations made to the holiday house go. Orange is the color for the cause of curing MS. “My stepson was diagnosed with juvenile MS at the age of 13. They say that between 5,000 and 11,000 kids have MS. It is rare that they are diagnosed that young. His first symptom was that he went blind in his left eye. He got the vision back after some treatments but he’s doing great,” Michael Cook added.

“The MS Society is the primary driver of research. That is why we picked them to donate to because we don’t want better treatments - which is nice - but we want a cure. They are researching that and coming closer and closer to it,” Michael Cook added.

The couple said heading into this season they raised over $26,700 and hope to break $30,000 by the end of the year. “To us that is unbelievable. At night we come out I go running up and down the road, saying ‘hello’ to everyone and handing out candy canes. Just the idea that people are willing

to donate money to a cause like that because we have a house with a Christmas display is really overwhelming.”

The Christmas couple noted that this concept truly brings the spirit of the holidays home. “We can’t tell how many people stop by and see the house,” Carol Cook said.

“I wish we had a traffic counter but last year I handed out over 6,000 candy canes running up and down the road so if that is any indication as to how many people stop by - and not everyone takes a candy cane,” Michael Cook added.

Another commonly asked question of the Cooks was the cost of the electric from the display. Carol Cook said it wasn’t bad at all.

“The truth of the matter is our electric bill really isn’t bad. The new lights draw a little more power. I’m guessing for the month of December our bill will be maybe $50 or $60 higher than normal. Every single light out here is LED which draw a considerable amount less and when it is sequenced all the lights are flashing. Having all the lights on…is a rarity,” Michael Cook said.

“The percentage of lights on is relatively small. I suspect that the computer we have to run it draws more power then we put into the lights because the computer will run 24/7 until we turn it off. Some of the new lights are a bit more power hungry than what we had,” Michael Cook said.

“We try to be very mindful of the neighbors. When we start rolling a lot of people in the neighborhood come out to watch it which is what it is for - and it tends to cause a little bit of a traffic issue. We try to be mindful of them and direct traffic to make sure people aren’t blocking driveways. We try to keep the neighbors in a good light. We are now up to two miles of wiring that we have to run every year,” Michael Cook said.

“We are already working on ideas for next year,” Carol cook said. The holiday house has its own Facebook page, facebook.com/ cookschristmasnj

Holiday Hours At Ocean County Mall

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – Some people have already started their holiday shopping.

Most people still have a lot to still do.

If you’re in the second camp, you’ll be interested to know that the Ocean Count y Mall posted their hours for Thanksgiving through New Year’s (yes, they’ll be open both of those holidays, but Thanksgiving is a late night only).

The Ocean County Mall posted a list of “Special Hours” on its website. They are: • Saturday, Dec. 14: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 15: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 16: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

• Tuesday, Dec. 17: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

• Wednesday, Dec. 18: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

• Thursday, Dec. 19: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

• Friday, Dec. 20: 8 a.m.-11:59 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 21: 7 a.m.-11:59 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 22: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 23: 7 a.m.- 11:59 p.m.

• Tuesday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

• Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day): Closed • Thursday, Dec. 26: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

• Friday, Dec. 27: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Dec. 28: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

• Sunday, Dec. 29: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Monday, Dec. 30: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve): 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Wednesday, Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day): 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

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Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

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Trails:

Continued From Page 1 McGuckin noted that the vote did not necessarily represent closure for the application and allowed for a motion by a member of the board to either deny or to continue the process at a future session.

This led to the applicant’s attorney, Salvatore Alfieri, requesting a reconsideration of the denial.

According to state law such a reconsideration can be requested in cases where it is believed mistakes were made that influenced decisions made by board members.

Winter:

Continued From Page 1 during the coming winter months remains to be seen.

While Northeast residents might see a “touch of winter” in December, the worst will come in “full force” after the new year, said Paul Pastelok, the long-range forecaster for AccuWeather.

But the coming winter will be a busy one, he said.

“Whether or not it’s snowstorms, ice storms or mixed events, I do feel this is going to be an active year for the Northeast,” Pastelok said.

And that might include above-normal snowfall, he said.

Jersey Shore residents can also expect more nor’easters this winter. Nor’easters got their name from their location. They

The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 5 Chairman Joseph Riccardi, Michele Campbell, Township Councilman Ken Bressi and Leonard Haring Jr. each voted yes during the vote taken in October while Timothy Dolan, Martin Flemming, Township Administrator Terence Wall and Vice Chairman Robert Hudak voted no.

During the December 2 meeting when Board members were asked whether they wished to reconsider the application the board fell silent and no motion was made to take action, thus the application was considered denied.

McGuckin said that among the issues that two of the “no” voting board members

brought up in October, included the close proximity of the site to the Joint Base. “They questioned if the language of the deed would have to be changed or if they (Joint Base) needed to have a say in this as they were not part of the hearing.”

“There was also the dating of the environmental impact statement which was ten years old and the applicant said that was an issue of the Pinelands Commission not the board,” McGuckin said.

The applicant maintains that there has been conflicting testimony during the hearing and that the application was in compliance with the township’s zoning regulations.

Members of the public and township officials voiced opposition to the project. The citizen group Rise Up Ocean County also opposed the application of Jackson Trails.

The Major Site Plan included 367 single family homes and a house of worship. The applicant’s engineer is Professional Design Services, LLC. With this latest project rejection, the township could face litigation. McGuckin said while he couldn’t speak for the applicant he did say that a challenge by the applicant was possible. The next showdown between officials and Jackson Trails LLC could be before a judge, skipping the appeals process altogether.

are on the east coast of North America, and the winds over the coastal area comes from the northeast. According to Weather. gov, these damaging storms form between New Jersey and Georgia.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac is calling for colder than normal temperatures and above normal precipitation in the northeast.

“Our outlook forewarns of not only a good amount of snow, but also a wintry mix of rain, sleet - especially along the coast,” the website states.

The nynjpa.com website breaks down the winter months in terms of precipitation and temperatures. The snow threat for December is moderate.

However, that won’t be the case for January and February. There are two chances for major winter storms. One will be at the beginning of January and another during

the last third of the month, according to nynjpa.com.

“Look for the words Polar Vortex to be mentioned frequently with an arctic blast a high threat,” the website states. “The snow threat is very high.”

Snow will also be a major factor in February, with polar and arctic air masses making the threat very high. The snow threat for March (a wild card month) is moderate. But there’s a possible major winter storm in the fi rst half of the month, according to nynjpa.com.

Winter temperatures will be near or slightly above normal, with the coldest periods in mid-December, mid- and late January, Febr uary, and early March, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Precipitation will be below normal in the north and above normal in the south.

Snowfall will be above normal, with the

snowiest periods in mid-November, early to mid- and late December, January, and early February.

And it will be a long winter, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.

“Winter will hang on with stormy conditions up through the official start of spring, especially for the East Coast,” the Farmer’s Almanac website states.

The National Weather Service will release its winter weather predictions on Dec. 15, according to the NWS website. The NWS will also introduce its new “Winter Storm Outlook” webinar on that date.

The webinar will focus on the possibility of hazardous snow or ice events, by sending key messages about significant winter storm threats during the fi rst three days of the forecast period. The Winter Storm Severity Index will be extended to all 116 NWS forecast offices in the United States.

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OFFICIAL FIRE DISTRICT ELECTION FEBRUARY 15, 2020 VOTE BY MAIL NOTICE TO PERSONS WANTING MAIL-IN BALLOTS

If you are a qualified and registered voter of the State who wants to vote by mail in the Jackson Township Fire District Nos. 2, 3, or 4 Election to be held on Saturday, February 15, 2020 the following applies: You must complete the application form below and send it to the County Clerk where you reside or write or apply in person to the County Clerk where you reside to request a mail-in ballot.

The name, address, and signature of any person who has assisted you to complete the mail-in ballot application must be provided on the application, and you must sign and date the application.

No person may serve as an authorized messenger or bearer for more than three qualified voters in an election.

No person who is a candidate in the election for which the voter requests a mail-in ballot may provide any assistance in the completion of the ballot or serve as an authorized messenger or bearer.

A person who applies for a mail-in ballot must submit his or her application at least seven days before the election, but such person may request an application in person from the County Clerk up to 3 p.m. of the day before the election.

PO Box 521 • Lakehurst, NJ 08733 Phone 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 e-mail: news@jerseyshoreonline.com jerseyshoreonline.com

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Published Weekly Copyright by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All material printed in The Times’ is copyrighted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. unless otherwise noted. The reproduction of the contents, in full or in part, is prohibited, unless permission is granted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Voters who want to vote by mail in all future elections will, after their initial request and without further action on their part, be provided with a mail-in ballot until the voter requests otherwise in writing.

Application forms may be obtained by applying to the undersigned either in writing or by telephone, or the application form provided to the right may be completed and forwarded to the undersigned. You can also download the application form at www. njelections.org on the internet.

Dated:

SCOTT M. COLABELLA County Clerk - County of Ocean P. O. Box 2191, Room 107, Court House Toms River, NJ 08754-2191 (732) 929-2167 www.oceancountyclerk.com E-mail: SColabella@co.ocean.nj.us

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The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 7

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Page 8, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY Letters To The Editor

E DITORIAL Give Thanks, And Give Your Opinions I’m seeing a lot of articles online about how to deal with family members who don’t agree with your political beliefs during the holidays.

What’s supposed to be a nice time to get together tur ns into a Facebook argument in real time. Shouting, arguments of bad faith, “whataboutism.” It can spiral quicker than a spiral ham.

The other option could happen, too, when everyone is walking on eggshells because you’re never sure when your sister’s idiot boyfriend is going to open his trap and spew some conspiracy theory or something.

This opens the door to all the family turmoil you’ve kept buried. The fight quickly gets personal. Why waste your breath telling everyone about the ways they disappointed you over the year?

Don’t bother yelling.

Yelling never solved anything. If you feel strongly about something, register your dissention in a fair and open-minded way.

If that doesn’t sink in, that’s on them. You can always say you took the high road.

Then, afterward, when it’s still gnawing at you, get it off your chest in another way. Write us a letter. One thing you can be sure of is that there are a lot of other readers here who share your pain. And, there are probably a few who need to hear what you have to say because their own family won’t tell them the truth.

So, send us a letter talking about the things you shouldn’t talk about at the holiday dinner table (but please don’t write to us complaining about your sister’s idiot boyfriend).

Chris Lundy News Editor

Do you have something you want everyone to know? Is there an issue that needs to be addressed? Write a letter to The Jackson Times and make yourself heard.

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

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

reject letters.

The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail or bring typed letters to: P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732657-7388 or e-mail news@ jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

Slow Down, Make Your Own Holidays I have always preferred low key holidays.

I see friends and coworkers going crazy trying to organize some event and tr y to manage umpteen schedules of too many people. We need to stop doing this. Not everyone can get everywhere on the holidays, so my thought is, stop trying.

Pick a different day. It isn’t Christmas or Thanksgiving or whatever you celebrate that makes the day special and puts fond memories in your heart. It’s the gathering itself. Pick a different day. Get everyone together on a day that doesn’t have any impor t ance on the calendar. Those will be the memories you will cherish, instead of trying to get to three family dinners, packing up kids and presents and spending half the time in the car.

Just my opinion. I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season and don’t let yourself get too stressed out.

Greg Gale Toms River

Governor Has To Stop School Cuts My name is Andrea McEwan. I am born and raised in Toms River. I am also a mother with two students in Toms River Regional Schools, and an employee for the last four years. I represent 2,400 staff members, 15,500 students, over 30,000 parents, more than 110,000 community members - 76,000 of whom are registered voters in Toms River and its surrounding communities. Because of school funding cuts from Senate Bill S-2, I may lose my job, my child will see fewer educational opportunities, my property values will likely fall.

S-2 is causing Toms River

Letters To The Editor Regional Schools fiscal es! Athletic programs are cian in office now or retired distress. The District has already cut staff positions.

Funding for supplies and extracurriculars is reduced, and non-mandated programs like full day kindergarten are being considered for cuts in the near future.

If state aid cuts continue as planned, our district will be stripped of millions. 400 positions would be cut for the long term. Academic progress will be hurt for years to come. The impact will change not only our schools but our towns for generations to come.

All children deserve an adequately funded public education!

Ocean County has one of the largest concentrations of opioid overdoses, foreclosures, and homelessness. (We also have the highest number of veterans in any NJ county.) Our low income population has doubled in the past decade with some of our district schools now having over 50 percent free and reduced lunch eligibility and special education populations continue to rise as well, with related expenses. We were the region hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy, from which as a community we are still recovering fi nancially and emotionally. Many have yet to rebuild. Parents here rely on our schools to care for our children’s academic and social-emotional health. We know children learn best from teachers who love them, in classrooms with low student/ teacher ratios where differentiated instruction is well practiced. How will they feel that love and get the individual attention they need with student/teacher ratios increasing each year due to the cuts forced by S-2? Who will encourage our reluctant learners to go to class and get good grades when athletic and co-cur ricular programs are a thing of the past because we can’t afford to pay the staff? Who will keep our at risk youth off the streets? Kids need coach-

really character education in disguise and they change lives. Without them our children will suffer.

Toms R iver Regional School District has the second lowest cost per pupil (at $16,300) of almost 100 large NJ schools. We operate $37 million under adequacy for our current enrollment. Despite that, we win awards for excellence in education and financial practices. Our teachers have become masters of doing more with less and admin relentlessly pursues grant funding to fi ll the gaps but that can only go so far.

SFRA and S2 are pitting district against district and student against student.

All children deserve adequately funded schools. No child should lose access to educational programs and resources so another can gain.

As ou r gover nor and elected officials, you have the power to do the right thing. By acting now you will support all children in the state and prevent the destruction of real lives and communities. Please stop all state aid cuts for the Toms River Regional School Dist r ict. Please work with our administration on long term change.

Toms River Regional students, staff and the communities of Beachwood, Pine Beach, South Toms River and Toms River are counting on you.

Andrea McEwan Toms River

Liberals Need To Stop Already I am a 90-year-old Korean War veteran (1950-1952Honorable Discharge).

I am so disgusted with the liberals in our country who are ready to give everything to everyone, including illegal residents, the rights of prisoners in jail to name a few.

I agree that every politi-

should make known their taxes and their wealth.

Where will the Clinton Foundation be on this one?

(Speaking of Bengazi Hillary’s husband Slick Willie the draft dodger, who was legally impeached and got away with it.)

I now suggest these liberals and their Hollywood friends take their game out of our great country.

God bless everyone – white, black, Asian, Latino – as one nation under God. God bless our military, living and dead who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

My ultimate prayer is for all of us to agree and make things better for our country.

John C. Farrell Barnegat

The Death March Home Congestion from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Brick Boulevard in Brick to Hooper Avenue in Silverton...We all travel this road to nowhere. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., it’s a death march, let alone to make one light. It’s crazy.

Everyone traveling this road knows the pain to drive on it. Maybe at 4 a.m. or midnight is the best time to travel this heavily congested route with no plan to improve it.

How about making the traffic lights extended and timed to the other four lights in the area to get the traffic flowing?

Everyone young and old are st uck, cutting each other off and getting into altercations on a daily basis. The police in Brick do a good job in enforcing the rules of the road but the cars overflowing from all intersections to the main avenue is overwhelming to say the least.

Can Brick and Toms River fi x this problem?

Patrick Casterlin Toms River

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The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Memorial Student Athletes Sign To Schools

—Photo Provided By The Jackson School District Jackson Memorial High School seniors of the Class of 2020 gather for Signing Day.

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON –National Signing Day was observed at Jackson Memorial High School recently. The event focused on high school student athletes across the country.

The district held a special ceremony at Jackson Memorial High School on Nov. 13 when a dozen student athletes from the Class of 2020 signed letters of intent to various schools.

Those schools included Notre Dame, the Naval Academy, Lehigh, Wake Forest, Iona, Rutgers, and others.

Principal Kevin DiEugenio said “This was the largest group of signings of tier one schools in the history of Jackson Memorial High School.

It is great to have the community here including parents to celebrate such a great event.

“We commend the students for all their hard work and we look forward to following them in their college careers as they head off, but Jackson Memorial will always be there home,” he said.

The students represented multiple sports. Carmine Petosa, who plays baseball has signed to Wake Forest University. Ryan Lasko who also plays baseball signed to Rutgers University and Nicholas Beetel, another baseball player has signed to Lehigh University. Also playing baseball is Thomas Cartnick, who signed on

to the University of Rhode Island.

Kristina Donza and Bianca Giordano play basketball. Donza is heading to the United States Naval Academy after graduation while Giordano will be attending East Stroudsburg University Wrestler Kyle Epperly signed up to Rutgers University while Jamie Sheeran, who plays softball, is going to Iona College.

Daniel Russo, who plays soccer, is going to Notre Dame University while Daniela Plaganis, a softball player, has signed to Wilmington University.

Baseball player Jacob Wendell and lacrosse player Joseph Iacobone are both signed up to attend Caldwell University next fall.

DiEugenio stated in his monthly principal’s message that “seniors are putting the final touches on early action applications to universities around the country; while our underclassmen gear up for the many activities planned throughout the fall, including: the National Honor Society induction ceremony, powder puff football, senior cap and gown measurements, and a student versus faculty basketball game.

The principal added that the high school’s drama production of the musical “Mamma Mia!” took place on November 15 and November 16.

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Page 10, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

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and Councilman Andrew Kern who voted to approve a resolution.

Nixon said during the meeting, “if the Legislature wants to do anything useful with their time they can tackle this issue.” He told members of the public the township clerk’s office had received more than 1,100 OPRA requests thus far in 2019.

Township Clerk Janice Kisty said after the meeting that the number of OPRA requests have been very high and the majority had been made by individuals, not the media.

Kisty concurred with Nixon’s remark that the OPRA requests represented “3,000 hours this year” that her office has had to deal with.

“I feel and what I think we all feel is an abuse of OPRA,” Nixon added. “We want people to know what the government is doing, we want there to be transparency, but this law is broken and it has been broken and the Legislature needs to address this” Nixon added that the current OPRA rules were “crippling the clerk’s office. Those who abuse this law are doing a disservice to the taxpayers of Jackson.”

The wording of the council’s resolution includes the position that Jackson “strongly believes in and supports open, transparent government, and that citizens and residents have the right to be informed about the workings of government in order to best participate in a democracy.”

The resolution also reviews the history of the act stating that in 2002, Acting Governor Donald DeFrancesco signed OPRA into law.

The law mandates that government records will be available, with limited exceptions, for public access.

OPRA’s goal was to provide citizens and the media with easy access to government records through an uncomplicated process for obtaining the records and eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, according to the resolution.

Council members said in the resolution that during “the course of 18 years, OPRA has been a positive light, but it has also been fraught with abuse and misuse, and has become an unanticipated financial cost to the taxpayers of New Jersey.”

The resolution adds that “Jackson has labored under a well-intended law that has spiraled out of control due to the volume and nature of requests, the cost to taxpayers in responding to the requests, and the potential liability in Family Owned & Operated

having to pay disproportionate prevailing party attorney’s fees should the requests turn into litigated matters, as well as the liability in determining which documents shall be released, with or without redaction, while attempting to maintain individual privacy.”

Kisty also agreed with the resolution’s wording that it is not only the amount of OPRA requests that challenge her office’s resources, “but it is also the cost associated with reviewing, retrieving and processing the OPRA request(s) by public entity personnel and counsel, and possibly defending our action(s) before the Government Records Council or in Superior Court.”

“Some of them are easy if the information is easily at hand but it takes a lot of time to research some of the requests,” Kisty said.

In cases where the public is denied access to public records after filing an OPRA request, one avenue they have according to state law, if they feel their request was valid, is to turn to the New Jersey Government Records Council.

“The information provided by the GRC is guidance and does not constitute legal advice or a final decision of the GRC regarding whether a particular record is exempt from disclosure or not since the provisions of OPRA are applied to the specific facts of the request and/or complaint. Specifically, the GRC adjudicates denial of access complaints filed against state and local government records custodians,” GRC Executive Director Frank F. Caruso said.

Generally, OPRA provides that “government records shall be readily accessible for inspection, copying, or examination .... with certain exceptions,” Caruso said. OPRA defines a government record as a record “made, maintained or kept on file ... or that has been received in the course of official business.

OPRA further requires that custodians prove and inform requestors of the lawful basis for any denial of government records.”

Jackson is not the only governing body which has called for a review of OPRA. It is among 55 municipalities/counties which has done so. “The GRC has received a number of resolutions calling for study commission to review OPRA in recent weeks,” Caruso said.

As of Nov. 22, those communities included Toms River and Manchester townships in Ocean County, Bordentown City in Burlington County, and the County of Somerset and communities from nearly all counties in the state.

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The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 11

C O M M U N I T Y N E W S Plumsted Wine & Liquors C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Holbrook Little League Ex-Officials Plead Guilty, Prison Time Unlikely

By Kimberly Bosco JACKSON – The former president and treasurer of Holbrook Little League pled guilty today to the theft of $126,000 from the league between 2014 and 2017, announced Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

Anthony Del Vecchio, 64, and John Lehman, 56, both of Jackson, pled guilty to third degree Theft by Unlawful Taking this afternoon, but despite this, may not be facing any jail time.

The state is recommending a term of non-custodial probation for both men – probation without incarceration – conditioned upon the repayment of $63,085.41 by each to Holbrooke Little League and 100 hours of community service.

The pair is required to pay restitution upon their sentencing dates or they will go to prison. Del Vecchio is scheduled to be sentenced on January 24, 2020 and Lehman is sched-

uled to be sentenced on March 13, 2020.

“Both defendants will be required to pay restitution in full on or before their respective sentencing date(s), pursuant to the terms of the plea agreement. If they don’t come up with the restitution in full, we will be seeking a custodial sentence,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “This plea agreement was extended with the advice and consent of the Holbrooke Little League Executive Board.”

In November 2017, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received reports of theft from the Holbrook Little League by League President Anthony Del Vecchio. Further investigation revealed that Del Vecchio and treasurer John Lehman had converted over approximately $126,000 for their benefit.

Del Vecchio and Lehman were the only signatories on the account and both signatures were required on all checks, according to the OCPO. The pair was arrested in February 2018.

Town Urges Residents To Help Serve Community

By Kimberly Bosco JACKSON – The Jackson Township Mayor and Council are seeking residents to serve the community on one of the township’s advisory boards or commissions.

The following are the existing boards and committees: Veterans Commission, Rent Leveling Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board, Economic Development Commission, Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board, Pathfinders, Environmental Commission, Historical Commission, and the

Shade Tree Commission.

Any residents interested in serving can submit a Citizen Leadership Form, which can be found at jacksontwpnj.net.

“Please complete both pages and be sure to include any background experience you have or your reason for interest,” stated town officials.

Questions can be directed to the Mayor’s office by phone at 732-928-1200 ext. 1211 or email at snovak@jacksontwpnj.net. All requests for consideration should be received

by December 14, 2019.

Jackson VFW Seeks Funds For New Ice Maker

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Members of the township’s VFW Post 4703 are in urgent need of funds.

The Canteen and Hall rental proceeds are critical sources of income which the post relies on to help veterans who have fought overseas and without this money, the post cannot sustain a place for veterans to meet, find financial and emotional support, and provide information on resources available to veterans.

Presently, the post is without a much-needed ice machine to support the hall and canteen.

No funds are on hand to replace this machine.

Joan Montana, a U.S. Navy veteran and

VFW Post 4703 member serves as Auxillary Chaplain. She is also heading up a fundraising effort.

Montana said, “during this time of the year, while we celebrate our many freedoms and show appreciation to the women and men who made those freedoms possible, please take the time to make a donation and help us meet our $4,200 goal to replace the ice machine with a new one.”

Members of the post are asking the public to help out as this could have a great impact on the post’s ability to aid veterans.

To donate visit gofundme.com Help Veterans of Foreign War Post 4703

Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally

OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 856-547-0855.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 12, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

District Elementary Science Curriculum Wins School Leader Award

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON - If there is a “science” to district officials winning awards for its innovative and engaging programs, administrators seem to have the formula for it.

District administrators like to see the creation of programs that allows students of differing abilities to thrive and that is why the Jackson School District’s Elementary Science Curriculum recently earned the School Leader Award for Outstanding Program.

The school district received the honor from the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) for this school year. This award is part of the School Leader Award program, in which district programs are evaluated for the level of innovation, how well they meet the specific needs of students, the relationship of the program to the state’s curriculum standards, and program results.

Robert Rotante, the district’s director of Curriculum for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) said, “our curriculum was written by our very own staff, applying the very best lessons and approaches that are proven to really connect with the students of

Jackson.’’

“Instead of multiple-choice exams and vocabulary quizzes, students engage in problem-solving sessions that result in answers limited only by their imagination,’’ Rotante added.

Rotante explained that in the district’s science curriculum, every design challenge is constructed to allow groups of students to synthesize ideas and determine the best possible solution. Team-based decisions are used to scaffold concepts - which means breaking up the learning experience into separate parts, and then proving students support to learn each part. This helps to ensure educators are reaching students of differing abilities.

“We are certainly proud to have earned this Outstanding Program Award because it recognizes the hard work by our staff to imagine and implement this innovative curriculum,’’ Rotante said.

Rotante added, “creating it was both an art and a science - and the results in our classrooms have been extraordinary. Our science classrooms are truly alive with innovation, exploration and learning.”

Anti-Semitism Then and Now

Residential Dementia & Alzheimer’s Community

BRICK - The community is invited to attend a special presentation on “Anti-Semitism Then and Now” led by Paul Weinberg of Alden Films on Sunday, December 22, at 2 p.m. at Temple Beth Or, 200 Van Zile Road, Brick (corner of Route 70 and Van Zile Road).

The workshop deals with all the categories, types and forms of anti-Semitism from its earliest beginnings to the present. Included in the presentation will be handouts and a Prezi visual. There will also be a Question

and Answer session followed by light refreshments and Chanukah candle lighting for the First Night of the holiday.

Mr. Weinberg has been a presenter at many library and educational conferences on Jewish films and films on the Holocaust.

There is no charge for this event. Reservations are requested. Temple Beth Or is a wheelchair accessible building. For further information and to make a reservation, contact Temple Beth Or at 732-458-4700 or TempleBethOr@gmail.com.

Christmas Eve At DeBows UMC

JACKSON – DeBows UMC, located at the intersection of 571 & 537 in Jackson, invites you on Tuesday, December 24 at 6 p.m. to a

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Everyone is welcome to share the Peace of the season.

Visit debowsumc.org for more information.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 13

Jackson Pathfinders To Hold Annual Winter Party

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON - The Jackson Pathfinders will hold its annual Winter meeting and party at 7:30 p.m. on December 19 at the Jackson Township Municipal Building, 95 West Veterans Highway (Route 528).

“The Jackson Pathfinders invite you to join us for our upcoming events. We charge no dues or fees, and we do not sell anything. All we ask is your enthusiasm,” Dan Green, the corresponding secretary of the group said.

“We will be in one of the meeting rooms across the hall from the rest rooms. Bring along some food, snacks or beverages for sharing holiday good will with one another. Just choose something you enjoy and take home any leftovers,” Green said.

Green added that because of the busy holiday season, “we are skipping our Pathfinders trail event this month but please do save the morning of January 19 for next month’s trail event with the Pathfinders.”

The Jackson Pathfinders are comprised of men, women, teen and scout volunteers who mark, map and maintain local trails for hiking, nature appreciation, mountain biking and equestrian use. “We may also develop new trails on Jackson’s extensive and beautiful natural lands,” Green said.

Jackson Police and Fire Departments Hold Toy Drive JACKSON - Members of the township’s police and fire departments are holding a toy drive.

Needed items include unwrapped toys, canned food and children’s clothing. Look for drop off points around the township including the municipal building, police headqauarters and local business partners.

For information call 732-928-1111.

Water Available For Animals

PLUMSTED – The Plumsted Township Fire District is available to provide water to any local farms/animal lovers that need it for their animals. Please contact us at 609-758-2350.

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Green said, “we always appreciate help with trail maintenance such as trimming grass and weeds, removing discarded cans and bottles, repairing boardwalks, etc. We partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on special projects, large and small. For more information on projects, see the Volunteering page on our website.”

“The Pathfinders are proud to serve as the

community advocacy group for New Jersey’s Forest Resource Education Center, located here in Jackson, and we encourage public support toward preserving open space. The Pathfinders function in cooperation with the Jackson Township Recreation Department and Environmental Commission and receive support from the Town Council,” Green said.

“The Jackson Pathfinders are always interested in your ideas and suggestions, so please join us in this month’s activities. We look forward to sharing with you our love for nature and for the trails which lead us there,” Green said.

For additional information contact Karen Walzer, the group’s chair and publicity representative, at KAW920@Yahoo.com.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 14, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

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Long Branch Man Convicted Of Animal Cruelty

By Bob Vosseller FREEHOLD – A man who locked an 8-month-old pit bull dog in a small wire cage and left that cage in the rising tide of the Sandy Hook Bay in the Highlands has been found guilty of fourth-degree animal cruelty.

A Monmouth County jury delivered the guilty verdict of Aaron D. Davis, 36, of Long Branch, according to a statement by Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Davis heard the verdict after a three-day trial before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Marc C. LeMieux. He faces a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and up to 30 days of community service when he returns to LeMieux’s courtroom for sentencing on February 14, 2020.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Division conducted an investigation after a passerby spotted a dog in a crate on a small portion of sand between the bulkhead and the water at approximately 6 a.m. on July 30, 2018.

The passerby climbed over the ropes, down the rock barrier and onto the sand to rescue the dog, who was later named ‘River.’

Davis had taken the puppy following a domestic dispute in the early morning hours according to authorities. Highlands police responded to the domestic incident and captured video footage of the puppy which helped to identify the dog the next day.

“If it were not for the passerby’s actions, the dog would have likely drowned due to the rising tides,” Gramiccioni said.

The case was prosecuted by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Amanda Dalton Clark. Davis is being represented by attorney Adamo Ferriera of Hackensack.

Plumsted Township Is Looking For Volunteers

PLUMSTED – Plumsted Township has several boards/committees that play an important role in shaping our community and offer citizens the opportunity to give back and help move the Township forward. We encourage any person interested in serving our community to reach out. While efforts will be made to place residents on requested boards, it will not be possible in all instances due to availability.

There may be openings or appointments available for the following boards/committees: • Land Use Board • Municipal Utility Authority • Environmental Committee • Other committees within the Township Any citizen interested on serving as a member on one of the township’s various boards or committees should send an email with a resume and cover letter to municipalclerk@ plumsted.org.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 15

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

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Eartrak slowly moves through your ear canal ... with most of you noticing that your ear canal is composed of cartilage and bone, as well as glands, which produce earwax and help maintain the temperature within that space. Eartrak enters your tympanic membrane or eardrum, which vibrates in response to sound.

The tympanic membrane is composed of three layers of skin and attached to the membrane are three tiny bones (malleus, incus, stapes), which make up the ossicular chain. The ossicular chain vibrates in response to eardrum vibration and sends Eartrak through the middle ear space

into the inner ear space (i.e., cochlea) through the oval window. The cochlea is snail shaped and is composed of many labyrinths and hair cells, which move in response to sound vibration. Eartrak slowly moves through the hearing mechanism until it reaches the auditory nerve (i.e., the 8th cranial nerve), which takes the auditory impulses and sends it up to the brain for interpretation.

Your hearing mechanism is quite complicated. Although hearing aids will help compensate for your hearing loss (to some degree), you will never hear like you were 20 years old. That’s why it is important to have realistic expectations about the benefits of amplification. Before purchasing a hearing aid, it is important that you discuss (with your audiologist or dispenser) all the benefits and all the limitations of wearing a hearing aid. Being prepared (particularly if you are a first time hearing aid user) will significantly increase your satisfaction with your hearing instrument.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 17

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Recipe Hacks To Make Mealtime Healthier

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. This time of year is when families gather and eat a lot of food. And shop! Today’s focus is how to indulge without increasing the bulge! My intention is to give you some recipe tweaks to make your meals healthier.

Here are my best tips: Turmeric. A quarter teaspoon of this spice added to your green bean casserole will go virtually unnoticed from a taste perspective, but it adds some anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory benefits. It also reduces the build up of brain plaque according to some mice studies.

Shiitake mushrooms. Using these mushrooms in your stuffing adds some biologically active compounds that may protect against cancer and inflammation. A 2015 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that regular consumption of these mushrooms resulted in improved immunity, and a reduction in the pro-inflammatory compound C-Reactive Protein.

Cauliflower. Most people know about making cauliflower mash, as a substitute for the high-carb regular mashed potatoes.

This also prevents a big blood sugar spike!

But what about “Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese?” I have the recipe posted at my website and it’s awesome for both children and adults.

Coconut Water. In my cranberry sauce recipe, I always replace the plain water with a high quality coconut water and it doesn’t alter the flavor at all! Coconut water is hydrating and it contains compounds that are anti-fungal and antioxidant in nature. It may help if you are prone to kidney stone formation or if you have diabetes. You can

substitute coconut water in any recipe that calls for water.

Tea Seed Oil. Tea seed comes from the seeds of Camellia sinensis. That’s the plant that gives us green tea. The Tea Seed oil is cold-pressed and very popular in other countries. With a mild, neutral flavor this would be great to substitute for another inferior oil such as vegetable or canola. It has anti-fungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Pumpkin Seed Oil. Add 2 teaspoons to your pumpkin pie filling before cooking it for a profoundly richer flavor and powerful medicinal benefits. It’s rich in vitamin E, zinc, omega fatty acids and is well known to support prostate and breast health.

Dried tart cherries. Instead of cranberries (or in addition to), you can cut some dried tart cherries into your stuffing. These are known to contain natural melatonin which is deeply relaxing. They’ve been studied for their ability to support gout. Tart cherries reduce muscle breakdown and speed up recovery during fitness according to studies.

They have virtually no fat or sodium and taste very satisfying and not too sweet.

Almond Flour. To get the pain-relieving benefits of almonds, use ground almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for your gravy. If you want to reduce the sodium content commonly found in traditional gravy that starts with chicken broth, just substitute plain water! To avoid compromising flavor, you’ll want to add spices like onion and garlic powder, smoked paprika and fresh rosemary.

Avocados. Instead of mayo, you can use a crushed avocados as a spread. This might be something you do with leftover turkey subs.

(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) ©2019 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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Page 18, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

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By Kimberly Bosco NEW JERSEY – New Jersey will be receiving over $4 million in grant funding from the Department of Justice to support public safety activities. This is part of a total $376 million in grant funding to enhance state, local and tribal law enforcement operations and reinforce public safety efforts in jurisdictions across the United States.

The $4,561,569 awarded to the District of New Jersey will be portioned out amongst various counties and townships, including $15,572 to Lakewood Township in Ocean County.

“These awards provide substantial resources to support important public safety initiatives sponsored by our state and local law enforcement partners,” US Attorney Craig Carpenito, District of New Jersey, said. “This kind of support from the Department of Justice encourages greater cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement, as we work together to protect the people of New Jersey.”

T he g r a nt s w i l l suppor t va r iou s “crime-fighting initiatives,” including: • The Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Program, which funds public safety efforts in 929 state, local and tribal jurisdictions.

• Sex offender registration and notification • Law enforcement-based victim services • The testing of sexual assault kits • Programs designed to address youth with sexual behavioral problems.

Other awards will focus on wrongful convictions, intellectual property enforcement, innovative prosecution strategies and the safety and effectiveness of corrections systems, according to state officials..

“Crime and violence hold families,

friends and neighborhoods hostage, and they rip communities apart,” OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan said. “These programs help restore the health and safety of crime-ravaged communities by supporting prevention activities, aiding in the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators, facilitating appropriate sentencing and adjudication, and providing communities and their residents the means for recovery and healing.”

In New Jersey, the following are the local recipients of the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program: • Union County, $167,387 • City of Passaic, $180,339 • Asbury Park, $51,346 • Mercer County, $131,756 • Newark Police Department, $434,882 • City of Camden, $208,291 • Vineland, $82,671 • Lakewood, $15,572 • Atlantic City, $68,318 • Perth Amboy, $86,689 At the state level, the New Jersey Division of Law & Public Safety was awarded $3,817,827 through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office was awarded $350,345 through the BJA Intellectual Property Enforcement Program: Protecting Public Health, Safety, and the Economy from Counterfeit Goods and Product Piracy.

The New Jersey Dept. of Corrections was awarded $246,146 through the BJA Implementing the Prison Rape Elimination Act Standards, Protecting Inmates, and Safeguarding Communities Program.

For more information about OJP awards, visit ojp.gov.

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

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 19

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Prosecutor’s Office Launches “Ocean County Cares”

By Kimberly Bosco OCEAN COUNTY – A new program launched by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is aiming to help kids that have been affected in some way by a traumatic event.

Ocean County Cares was created by the OCPO in cooperation with the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association and the Ocean County Association of School Administrators.

“OCEAN COUNTY CARES is based on a model presented to me by Christopher Jakim, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas of New York and New Jersey (HIDTA),” stated Prosecutor Billhimer. “It really works as a tool for our law enforcement officers and school officials to communicate after any child is exposed to an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) that involved the police.”

The Ocean County Cares program is meant to help local law enforcement and school administration with mitigating the negative affects experienced by kids that have been exposed to a traumatic event.

“A recent national survey revealed that 60% of children have been exposed to violence, crime or abuse. The data tells us that prolonged exposure to ACE’S can seriously undermine kid’s ability to focus, behave appropriately, and learn. Such exposure leads to difficulties in school, including truancy, suspension, dropping out, or involvement in the juvenile justice system,” Prosecutor Billhimer added.

Prosecutor Billhimer issued a Law Enforcement Directive codifying the process, which states that whenever an officer responds to a situation where a school aged child is present and may have experienced an ACE, the officer is required to complete a standardized form that is distributed to

a designated point of contact at the child’s school. No specifics or details of the incident are provided, instead, the notification only serves to alert the school about the student’s exposure to a potentially traumatic event and allows for the appropriate resources to be utilized to address the needs of the student.

“The good news is, a lot of our police departments and individual schools in Ocean County were already doing this, OCEAN COUNTY CARES just formalizes the process so that children can get the attention they need,” said Billhimer.

BIllhimer credited the Ocean County Chiefs of Police and the Ocean County Association of School Administrators for their help with this program.

“It is my understanding that Ocean is the second county to have a county wide program like this, Cape May was first with “Handle with Care,” he added.

“I’d really like to thank Chris Jakim, Special Agent in Charge, DEA/HIDTA, Anthony Pierro, Chief Juvenile Prosecutor, Chief Robert Tapp, President of the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Association, Will Smith, President of the Ocean County Association of School Administrators and Kevin Ahearn, Executive County Superintendent for their assistance in establishing OCEAN COUNTY CARES. Little Egg Harbor Chief of Police Richard J. Buzby, Jr. was a tremendous help in resolving some issues in towns where the New Jersey State Police have jurisdiction, so thank you to Chief Buzby and the New Jersey State Police. This was a labor intensive project.

We all shared the common goal of making sure that school aged children in Ocean County are afforded the services they need after experiencing a traumatic event,” Billhimer concluded.

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Page 20, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

jerseyshoreonline.com

This is a coloring raffle, meaning the picture will NOT be judged. Open to ages 12 and under.

All submissions due by January 31st, 2020. Please mail all artwork to: Coloring Contest, P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

We wish everyone good luck in the raffle and happy coloring!

NAME:___________________________ TOWN:________________________ AGE:________ PHONE NUMBER:______________________ SPONSORED BY JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 21

CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate

Auto For Sale

Help Wanted

For Sale Or Rent - NEW 1 BR/1Ba home. Homestead Run 55+ Community Toms River, NJ – www.home steadrun.com. Also NEW 2 or 3 Bedrooms homes! 732-370-2300.

(2)

2005 Mercury Grand Marquis - LS, V8, auto, all power. New tires. Leather seats. Only 90K. Senior owner. $3,200. 848-226-2474.

(51)

CNA/CHHA - The Pines Senior Living Community is currently looking for entry level and experienced Certified Nursing Assistants for our Skilled Nursing and Assisted Living Communities: Skilled Nursing Sign on Bonus of $1000 for FT 3-11 Skilled Nursing Hire (Payable in 90 days) Weekly pay coming in 2020! Full Time 3-11 (10 days per Pay) Part time and weekend commitment available for all shifts. $ Assisted Living Weekly pay coming in 2020! Full Time 3-11 (10 Days per pay) Part time and weekend commitment available for all shifts. All positions require every other weekend. Full Time positions offer competitive rate (based on experience), and excellent benefits including health, dental, life, paid time off and 401(K) with generous match after 1 year. Apply in Person to: The Pines , 509 Route 530, Whiting, NJ 08759 or email resume to rscully@thepinesatwhiting.org. (51)

For Rent 11'X11' Bright Office For Rent Main Street, Toms River. Professioal suite. Attractive waiting room. Available parking. $550. 732-600-8720. (51)

Personals Italian - American Gentleman seeks woman 65-75 yrs with same interest. I am loving, caring, and easy going. Loves music and dancing.

Give me a call 732-207-5338.

(3)

Items For Sale Full Length Mink Coat - size 14, dark brown. Silver blue fox cape fits any size. Both for $699 - negotiable. Call 732-477-3053. (52) Mausoleum - 3rd level, single, inside at Silverton Ocean County Memorial Park, $7,500. Call Al at 732-295-3284.

(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, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (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) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc.

Call 917-681-6809. (t/n) 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) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying Cash for Rock, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Metal, Punk, Elvis. Very Good Condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104 (3) 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 FOR VINYL REORDS - LP records, stereos, turntables, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items.

Come to you. 732-804-8115.

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

(52)

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

(2) Part Time Food Service - STARTING RATE OF $10/hr. Scholarship opportunities. Flexible Schedules.

We have immediate openings for the following positions: Part Time Server/ Wait Staff. Part Time Dietary Aide.

Part Time Utility Aide/Dishwasher.

Apply in in Person to: The Pines at Whiting, 509 Route 530, Whiting, NJ 08759 or email resume to rscully@ thepinesatwhiting.org EOE. (51) Now Hiring – The Goddard School on Route 70 is seeking full time Teacher’s Assistant and leads for the upcoming school year. We provide a warm, loving environment for children up to six years. Must have a flexible schedule, available Mon-Fri. Benefits include paid time off, 401k and paid lunch on Fridays. To learn more about these positions, email your resume to toms river2nj@goddardschools.com Need Auto Repair Man - To install a starter in a 2000 Ford Explorer. In my driveway. Call 718648-0705. Jackson, NJ. (1) Part Time Activities Assistant Skilled Nursing. Competitive Rate and excellent benefits The Pines is currently recruiting for a Part Time Activities Assistant to plan, coordinator, and implement activities in our Skilled Nursing Unit. This individual will work a schedule of 32 hours week Wednesday through Saturday. The hours are basically afternoon and evenings. Apply in in Person to: The Pines at Whiting, 509 Route 530, Whiting, NJ 08759 or email resume to rscully@ thepinesatwhiting.org. EOE. (51) 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) Home Health Care Company Now Hiring RN’s, LPN’s and CHHA in Ocean & Monmouth Counties! Flexible scheduling. Work in your community.

Weekly pay. Career advancement. Comprehensive benefits.

Call 732-505-8000 today. (t/n) Family Law Firm - Has an opening for an experienced Paralegal working Monday - Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This candidate must have a minimum of 3 years Paralegal experience in family law. If you do not have this experience, you will not be considered. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented self-starter with the ability to multi-task. You must have a proficiency in Word, excellent written and verbal skills. Must have the ability to work constructively with others in a high intensity team-oriented work environment and remain flexible, proactive and efficient with a high level of professionalism.

Please send your resume, which must include your salary requirement to be considered for this position. No phone calls will be accepted. Email: HR@greenbaumlaw.com with job code: RB2020. Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination.

Qualified minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

(2)

Services

Services Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (1) Affordable House Cleaning Free Estimates - Get your house nice and fresh and ready to be enjoyed. Very detailed. Flexible schedule spot available now. Excellent references. Call us now 305-8332151 - Cini.

(52)

Services

Services

All American Home Health Associates - Expert, compassionate, trustworthy, hardworking care giver.

Proficient in all phases of Home Health Care. Skip the rest, come to the best. Guaranteed, you will be impressed Available hourly or live in.

Overnights in hospital or care facility.

Your loved ones health and quality of life is my specialty. Your stress levels will be lowered comsiderably with your loved one in experienced, expert hands. Call 732-664-3605.

(2)

Cheap Painting Done Rite Free estimates. Fully insured.

38 years experience. 732-5067787 cell 646-643-7678.

(37) Need A Ride - Senior discounts.

Airports: NEW, PHIL, AC, Trenton.

Tom. Save ad. 551-427-0227.

(4) Handyman - All masonry work, repairs, sidewalks, paving, stone, decorative stone. Call Andrew 848299-7412. Free estimates.

(2)

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

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

• Items Wanted

• For Rent

• Auto For Sale

• Help Wanted

• Real Estate

• Items For Sale

• Services

• Other

2.

Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

Don Carnevale Painting Specializing interiors. Some exterior.

Quality always. Very neat. Prompt courteous service. Reasonable-affordable. Senior discounts. Honest-reliable. Low rates. Free estimates.

732-899-4470 or 732-915-4075. (7)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention.

Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n)

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Roofing Repairs Etc. - Roofing, siding, windows. Repairs on small jobs.

Utility shed roofs replaced. Prompt service. Insured. Gutters cleaned.

Call Joe Wingate 551-804-7391. (48)

17

18

19

20

Clean Outs, Clean Ups - hauling, small moves, minor interior and exterior repairs. Honest and dependable. LIC 13VH05930800.

Tony 732-678-7584.

(3)

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

Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award.

Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience.

Call Jim 732-674-3346.

(45) Computer Tutoring for Seniors – Retired, “Microsoft Certified” instructor. Very Reasonable rates. Very patient with slow learners. I’ll teach you in the comfort of your home on your computer. I can trouble shoot your slow computer! I also teach iPhone and iPad. I set up new computers at less than half the price the retailers charge. Windows 10 specialist. I can also build a beautiful small business website at a fraction of the going rates. Special Projects always welcome! Tony 732-997-8192. (t/n) Handyman, Electrical, Construction Services, Dock Repairs - Abe is able to help your home upgrades & repairs. 305-246-9677.

(52) 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. 203 for more information.

Calculate Price As Follows: 3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ *In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad

Total = $ must run over the requested weeks.

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS info. below:

Credit Card#

Exp.

Cardholder Signature: Print Name:

TO: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

5. MAIL Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388.

Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

6. PHONE NUMBER

(THIS IS REQUIRED)

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 22, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

BUSINESS DIRECTORY LIC# 13HC00394800

FULLY LICENSED - BONDED - INSURED

ALL SYSTEMS HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING LLC

Residential: Serving Monmouth & Ocean Counties QUALITY WORK DONE AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

New Installs • Repairs • Furnaces • Air Conditioners • Boilers Heat Pumps • Humidifiers • Inspections • FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED FREE ESTIMATES for New Heating & Air Conditioning Equipment

WILL BEAT ANY COMPETITORS WRITTEN ESTIMATE

Veteran & Senior Citizen Discounts 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE – CALL 732.908.0428

JKD CUSTOMS LEONARDO LGD PAINTING .com GENERAL CONTRACTING

Specializing In: • Custom Building & Woodworking • Kitchens & Baths • Custom Deck Design • Custom Indoor/Outdoor bars

• Exterior Painting • Interior Painting • Power Washing • Wallpaper Removal

• Decorative Moldings • Faux Painting FREE • Deck Staining ESTIMATES • Floor Epoxy

We Also Do Sheetrock & Spackle Repairs!

With This Ad. Lic. No 13VH04848400

Call Joe for your FREE Estimate 732-232-7007 • Satisfation Guaranteed!

FULLY LICENSED & INSURED

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CAPITOL CONTRACTING LLC Kitchen & Bath Specialists FREE ESTIMATES Fully Insured LIC# 13VH05908000

Vinnie 973 -789-1293 • Al 609-384-4418 FREE

ESTIMATES

Replacements & New Install of Heating & Air Conditioning Units

891 Rt. 37 West • Toms River, NJ 08755 HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING Serving All of Ocean & Monmouth Counties

1-800-688-TEMP • www.caretemp.com

Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D. CCC-A, FAAA, NJ Lic. #678* Kimberly Rudolph, Au.D. CCC-A, FAAA, NJ Lic. #1258 Rachael Rennert, Au.D. FAAA, NJ Lic. #920 Amber Snyder, Au.D. CCC-A, FAAA, NJ Lic.#1530

COMPLETE LINE OF WINDOW TREATMENTS Commercial

Residential

Jersey Blind Design SHUTTERS - SHADES - FAUX BLINDS 35 YEARS

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Free Installation & Free In-Home Estimate SERVING THE SHORE SINCE 1987 North: 908-925-3939 • Central: 732-539-2714 South: 609-693-9305

732-928-9459 Dan Bergeron

BERGERON’S

Tree Service Tree Cutting • Stump Grinding Clearing • Underbrush Mowing Free Estimates • Fully Insured

Harry’s Custom Painting - Carpentry & Wallcoverings Free Estimates 30 Years Experience Fully Insured Lic #13VH09054200

Harry Wagner (732) 833-8617 Interior/Exterior

NEED A DUMPSTER?

10, 15, 20 & 30 Cu. Yd. Dumpster Rentals Clean-Outs • Demolition

732-833-8282

www.AffordableNJDumpsters.com

175 Bartley Road • Jackson, NJ 08527 732-370-4700 • www.bartleyhealthcare.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 23

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law UBER- LYFT Transportation Network Companies

Robert C. Shea Esq.

Are You Adequately Insured During A Ride Share?

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

Over the last few years, Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft have become the go-to livery service rather than the common taxi driver. Many people use these companies on a daily or weekly basis. But what happens when you are involved in a collision while a passenger in a Lyft or Uber rideshare vehicle? Are you covered?

Recently, the New Jersey Legislature defined the scope of mandatory insurance coverage for the transportation network companies and their drivers (such as Uber or Lyft). While an occupant of a prearranged ride, the transportation network company and or the driver shall maintain the following insurance coverage for your benefit: (1) primary automobile liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,500,000 for death, bodily injury, and property damage; and (2 uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in an amount of at least $1,500,000.

This insurance coverage, which is to me maintained by the transportation network company (Uber/Lyft), shall not be dependent upon your automobile insurer first denying a claim, nor shall your automobile insurance policy be required to first deny a claim. This means that the insurance provided by the Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft is primary.

However, the Transportation Network Companies are not required to provide medical coverage in the event you are injured while an occupant of the rideshare vehicle. Moreover, because Uber and Lyft are a form a livery service, the ride share vehicle is not covered under your automobile Personal Injury Protection (PIP) med-

Michael J. Deem

ical expense insurance coverage. Consequently, unless you have access to health insurance, you will be uninsured for your medical expenses although, if you happen to fall into the uninsured status, you are not without recourse. An uninsured passenger may recover his/her medical expenses from the party who caused the collision. This is a departure from the previous concept of the personal injury protection laws which prohibited recovery of medical expenses from the at-fault driver.

Finally, the Limitation on Lawsuit Option which ordinarily restricts an injured motorists’ right to sue for personal injuries, shall not be asserted by a transportation network company or a transportation network company driver in defense to any action for damages arising from a prearranged ride, nor shall it be asserted against any party not receiving personal injury protection benefits in any action for damages arising from a prearranged. This means that your personal injury lawsuit will not be burdened with the requirement that you prove that the collision caused an objectively verifiable permanent injury. Rather, any disability related to the collision will suffice, which is a much simpler burden of proof.

Ridesharing has become much easier and transparent with the advancement of technology. So it’s about time the Legislature has acted to protect the interests of the consumer by mandating insurance coverage and removing the obstacles of a lawsuit in the event of an injury while riding in a livery vehicle.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

Across 1 Workbench gadget 6 Antlered beast 10 Glasses, in ads 14 Popular depilatory 15 Campaign staffer 16 Rochester’s bride 17 Part of the soft palate 18 Lady of the knight 19 Concussions generally aren’t visible on them 20 Goal for some college-bound students 23 “What was __ was saying?”

24 Tie __ 25 Rat Pack member 29 Growing concerns?

33 Like a used hibachi 34 Record-setting slugger in the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame 38 General on a menu 39 Gadgets 40 One of 34-Across’ 2,170 41 Ocular organs of cephalopods, say 43 Aspirin target 44 Nocturnal carnivore 45 Perambulates 47 Piece of cake 51 Poet’s contraction 52 Period needed to fulfill a request ... and a hint to words hidden in three long puzzle answers 58 Homey 59 Pack firmly 60 “__ making this up” 61 Spigot issue 62 Site with tech re-

views 63 Trilateral trade agreement, briefly 64 Tag line?

65 Grinder 66 Speed units Down 1 Mštley __ 2 Fiery flow 3 Bleu hue 4 Placate 5 Beseech, as a deity 6 Anti-DWI gp.

7 Venetian valentine message 8 Ones in charge, for short 9 Sixth-day Christmas gift

10 Workshop 11 One who likes to light up?

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28 Brubeck of jazz 30 Like much of New York 31 Company with a longtime travel guide 32 They often have guards 35 Self-help letters

36 Super-duper 37 1959 Ben-Hur portrayer 39 Let out gradually 42 Use an Enigma machine, say 43 “Black Swan” Best Actress Oscar winner 46 Bad bottom line 48 “No prob!”

49 Origami staple 50 Reason to trot 52 Corrida beast 53 Israeli weapons 54 Until 55 Scoop 56 Suffragist Lucretia 57 RR station predictions 58 Govt. health org.

(c)2019 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SUDOKU

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 24, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

BUSINESS PROFILE Bella Terra, Also Known As Home

By Michael Vandenberg “This is their home. We’re guests here,” said Kim Greer, Executive Director of Bella Terra, a beautiful senior living community which happens to be an independent and assisted living community in Jackson. When you’re a resident here, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of home and some extra amenities. Kim Greer and Paula Douglass, Director of Sales and Marketing, were happy to discuss the incredible amenities of Bella Terra.

Established over 20 years ago, the Senior Lifestyle Community took the name Bella Terra, which is Italian for “Beautiful Earth.” The name fits: the building is surrounded by preserved wetlands where no construction is permitted. The result?

Even though it’s off of Route 526/West County Line Road, it’s hidden away from the hustle and bustle of that busy highway thanks to a serene, quiet setting of beautiful trees. It also boasts amazing views from the upper floors.

Bella Terra’s atmosphere is certainly a main reason why people want to come here, and it was no different for Kim and Paula.

Kim was hired six years ago into her current role,

leading an impressively low-turnover staff. Many of the managers have been here over two years, and Paula herself has been warmly welcoming newcomers for almost 16 years!

The staff’s longevity makes things run smoothly, helpful when you need such a wide variety of people to make it completely all-inclusive: housekeepers, dishwashers, servers, chefs, and nurses, just to name a few. Independent living is essentially, “a next step up from a 55 plus,” Paula explained. They have a concierge and offer continental breakfast and an elaborate, chef prepared, served dinner.

They also do housekeeping and the linens once a week. You’ve spent enough time worrying about house chores your whole life; it’s time to relax!

Assisted living provides an additional level of care for residents, including 24 hour nursing care. Add-on features are mostly customized to the specific resident, but examples can include medication assistance, bathing, dressing, and extra security. Memory care goes even further on the security front, but in a way that never jeopardizes residents’ comfort and sense of freedom.

Here in the memory care neighborhood residents are in a safe area that is still part of the rest of the building, but with its own courtyard. They can go in and out of the courtyard during the day and evening as they please.

Visitors are encouraged, and scheduled trips occur on a regular basis.

Although at Bella Terra, fun is available to everyone! You’ll never be bored here; there are organized trips to Atlantic City, an exercise program, an indoor pool, floral groups, arts and crafts, and educational pieces. A travel log often stops by to teach residents about states and countries all over the world. Bingo, Mahjong, and Canasta are big hits.

They even do a happy hour with drinks and host entertainers.

Twice a year, Bella Terra hosts a vendor fair inside the building. Without leaving their home, residents can buy crafts, food, and personalized items. It’s a huge event with, “anything and everything,” said Kim. Also, residents often form their own bible studies and other social groups as well. There are too many fun things to list here, but suffice it to say there is always something to do at Bella Terra.

It’s all because the staff

truly believes in going the extra mile to make this a fun, stress-free place to live. Prior to moving in, you’ll have a conversation with Kim and a member of the frontline staff so they can make sure they know all about your wants and needs. “The day of move in, everybody meets the family and resident,” said Kim. “Honestly, throughout their entire lives here, every single resident gets to know pretty much every staff member in this building.”

That happens when you live here for many enjoyable years, like most Bella Terra residents do. Currently their oldest resident is 105

years young, and it’s not uncommon for people to be here 8-10 years or more. After all, moving here changes your life for the better. One woman who moved into assisted living temporarily while she rehabbed an injury loved it so much that when she got healthy she decided to move into independent living permanently.

Kim also remembers one couple who moved into an independent living apartment together.

The wife unfortunately suffered from dementia, and taking care of her consumed most of her husband’s time. With the help and guidance of the Bella Terra staff, the family decided to move the wife into the memory care neighborhood. It turned out to be the best decision they could have made: the wife was able to get the round-the-clock care she needed, and the husband

was able to have some free time to be himself again. “He got to live his own life,” said Kim. Rather than constantly being a caregiver, “he got to be the husband for a change”.

Even though they slept in different sections, they were able to see each other plenty because they still lived under the same roof.

It’s convenient having the comforts of home and more in one place, especially when primary care doctors, eye doctors, dentists, podiatrists, and chiropractors come here and do house calls! And of course, if you prefer your own doctor, they’re more than happy to provide transportation for you.

Apartments are available now so give Bella Terra a call today at732-730-9500 or visit seniorlifestyle.com/ property/bella-terra/ for more information. They’re located at 2 Kathleen Drive, Jackson, NJ 08527.

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The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 25

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Officials: Protect Your Pets This Holiday Season

By Kimberly Bosco TOMS RIVER – While you’re scurrying around to grab those last minute holiday gifts or stringing up the Christmas lights, Ocean County officials remind you to keep your pets and their safety in mind!

“The Ocean County Health Department wants you to consider the potential health hazards that come with decorations, food, road trips, parties or having relatives and friends staying at your home during this festive time of year. Many of these things you may not think twice about until it’s too late,” said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “Pets really are creatures of habit, so a change of routine or environment can be stressful.”

Officials offer the following tips to keep your furry friends happy and healthy this holiday season: Keep people food out of the reach of your pet, and ask your guests to do the same Make sure your pet doesn’t have any access to treats, especially those containing chocolate, xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions or other toxic foods Don’t leave your pet alone in the room with lit candles, a decorated tree or potpourri Keep holiday plants (especially holly, mistletoe and lilies) out of reach of pets Consider leaving the tinsel off your tree if you have a cat Secure your tree to keep it from falling over if your dog bumps it or your cat climbs it.

Hanging lemon-scented car air fresheners in the tree may deter your cat from climbing it.

Pack for your pet as well as yourself if you’re going to travel together: i.e. food, medications, copies of medical records, information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost, first aid supplies, etc.

Pets in vehicles should always be safely restrained and should never be left alone in the car in any weather.

Provide a safe place for your pet to escape the excitement (such as a kennel, crate, perching place, scratching post shelf or hiding place) if you’re entertaining guests.

Keep an eye on pets when people are entering or leaving your home. While you’re welcoming hungry guests and collecting coats, a four-legged family member may make a break for it out the door and become lost.

Make sure your pet has proper identification with your current contact information – particularly a microchip with up-to-date, registered information.

“Unfortunately we see an increase of pets that are brought to the county animal facilities because an owner loses their cat or dog while travelling or visiting,” said Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator. “That’s why it is so important to microchip your pet.

The Ocean County Animal Facilities have reunited hundreds of pets with their owners over the years because of the microchip.

Otherwise many of those dogs or cats would never have been found by their owners.”

In any situation, it is important to be prepared. Officials advise that you know how to get to your 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before there’s an emergency, talk with your vet in advance to find out where you would need to take your pet, and plan your travel route ahead of time.

Always keep these numbers posted in an easy-to-find location in case of emergencies: Your veterinarian’s clinic phone number 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic (if different) ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 1-888426-4435 “Don’t let a mishap that you could’ve easily avoided ruin your holiday,” Regenye added.

“Pets can sometimes find trouble but it’s our job to keep them from harm’s way.”

For more information about pet health and safety, visit ochd.org.

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity Wants To Help

OCEAN COUNTY – Do you know someone in need of home repairs? Are you or a neighbor struggling to maintain your home?

If so, Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity has various home repair programs available to the community including Aging in Place, Critical Home Repairs, Veteran Repair Program, Neighborhood Revitalization and Weatherization. These variety of home repair programs help low-income homeowners in northern Ocean County restore and maintain their homes. Habitat will partner with homeowners to alleviate critical health and safety issues and complete needed home improvement projects.

The selection of homeowners and repair applications is done by the Homeowner Services Committee in a way that does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or national origin.

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope and a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

The criteria for selection is based on income, need and willingness to partner. We are here to help you, a friend or a neighbor complete the application process. Please call our construction office at 732-998-8638.

GEORGE S. HASSLER FUNERAL HOME George S. Hassler, Owner & Director, NJ Lic. No. 3193 Brian T. Hassler, Manager, NJ Lic. No. 4054

Celebrating 40 Years of Serving the Community Family Owned & Operated Since 1978 Second Generation Serving All Faiths with Personal Service Traditional Burial & Cremation Options

Prearrangement and Prepayment Plans Available 980 Bennetts Mills Road • PO Box 1326 Jackson, NJ 08527 Tel: 732.364.6808 | Fax: 732-364-8592 www.hasslerfuneralhome.com • contact@hasslerfuneralhome.com

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Page 26, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Whipping Up Cookie Challenge

FARMINGDALE – Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore is excited to announce a cookie dessert competition among chefs in Ocean and Monmouth counties to raise support that will give girls in need access to Girl Scout leadership experiences.

“TopCookie: A Girl Scout Cookie Competition” will take place on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, 6-9 p.m., at Asbury Lanes, a vintage bowling alley and entertainment venue in Asbury Park.

The delicious fundraising event will feature desserts created by local chefs using iconic Girl Scout cookies, including Do-Si-Dos, Tagalongs, Samoas, S’mores, Trefoils, Thin Mints, and a new flavor that will be introduced at the start of Girl Scout Cookie season in January.

“Girl Scouts get their first taste of entrepreneurship from the Girl Scout Cookie Program,” said Eileen M. Higgins, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. “We are pleased to introduce a fun way to highlight this signature program, which has become the largest girl-led business in the world and make it possible to raise funds so more local girls can benefit from Girl Scout activities.”

Guests and celebrity judges will sample the tasty desserts and cast their vote for their favorite concoction, while the community will also be invited to weigh-in on their favorite participating restaurant by purchasing votes.

Restaurants vying for the People’s Choice

Award and TopCookie title include: • Ocean County Center for Culinary Arts Training, Cuisine on the Green at Atlantis, Little Egg Harbor • Ohana Grille, Lavallette • McLoone’s Restaurants, multiple locations in Monmouth County and beyond • Nicholas Creamery, Atlantic Highlands and Fair Haven • Talula’s, Asbury Park Popular restaurateurs and philanthropists Steve Bidgood, owner of Salt Creek Grille in Rumson, and Tim McLoone of McLoone’s Restaurants, will be emcees at the cookie competition.

Celebrity judges include: world-renowned Chef David Burke of DRIFTHOUSE by David Burke in Sea Bright; Patty Caneda, owner of the Cuban- fusion restaurant Caneda’s White Rooster in Toms River; Jeremy Grunin, of the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation; Tom Hayes, director of Consumer and Community Relations at New Jersey Natural Gas; and Carol Stillwell, chief executive officer of Stillwell-Hansen, Inc. Tickets for the benefit are $75 and include tastings of dessert entries, light dinner fare and bowling. A cash bar will be available.

For event information, sponsorship opportunities and tickets, visit gsfun.org/topcookie, call (800) 785-2090 or e-mail topcookie@ gsfun.org.

Popular Magazines Available Digitally At Library

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home Serving the community with dignity and compassion since 1869.

Susan S. Dunigan • Manager, NJ Lic. 4328 Aimee C. Brunson • Director, NJ Lic. 4511 Diana M. Daly • Advanced Planning Director, NJ Lic. 4920

3010 Ridgeway Road • Manchester, NJ 08759 www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com

732.657.5700

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is expanding its digital magazine collection by adding titles to OverDrive and introducing a new platform through EBSCO, Flipster.

Combined with existing platform RBdigital, there will now be a total of 140 titles across the three platforms.

All Ocean County Library cardholders in good standing will have access to Flipster, OverDrive, and RBdigital.

Each of the three platforms contains its own unique selection of magazines.

The initial collection on Flipster will consist of 49 titles. Flipster users may download as many titles as they want, and re-download as often as they would like. Weekly magazines check out for two days; monthly issues for one week. Customers can log in to Flipster using their library card number.

The initial collection on OverDrive will consist of 50 titles. Magazine checkouts will not count towards a customer’s five checkout limit.

Magazines check out for 14 days and renewals are available. Back issues (from the date of the Ocean County Library’s subscription) will be available. Customers log in to OverDrive using their library card number.

RBdigital now has 41 active subscriptions.

Current issues of Macworld and TVyNovelas can now be found on OverDrive. Current issues of National Geographic Kids, Vogue, and Wired can now be found on Flipster.

Customers can check out an unlimited number of RBdigital titles for as long as they like and can also use RBdigital once they establish an account.

All three platforms have apps available for mobile reading.

New Egypt American Legion Post 455 Hosts Bingo Fridays PLUMSTED – Every Friday, members of New Egypt American Legion Post 455, host bingo starting at 7:15 p.m.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and early bird bingo starts at 7:15 p.m. The first number called for regular bingo is 7:30 p.m. The post is located at 2 Meadowbrook Lane, New Egypt.

Enjoy progressive jackpots, a 50/50 raffle and refreshments that are sold during the event. For additional details call the post at 609-758-8131 or e-mail event chairman Fred Schaber at bingochairman@alpost455nj.org.

For other post events you can visit www. alpost455nj.org/bingohome.php

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The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019, Page 27

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of DEC 14 - dec 20

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): History doesn’t need to repeat itself. If you see that you are headed down a similar, ill-advised path that has previously caused trouble, you could change your course of action. Trusted sources give good advice.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Help shoulder someone’s burden. Offer all the aid and support you can when it comes to the needs of a loved one or close friend. You may reach a breakthrough of understanding with a love interest.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): There’s no criteria for true love. Having preconceived notions about your “ideal” mate may lead you on a wild goose chase for a fantasy that doesn’t truly exist. Consider giving someone a chance before judging them.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You might notice a co-worker’s habits seem more productive than yours and try to improve your processes this week by emulating the work ethic of someone with a successful track record. Minor sacrifices could improve your personal economy.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Let it all hang out.

Dedicate your day to doing the things you enjoy most in life, as the week ahead may not be very generous with personal time. Look for projects that require creativity and imagination.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You don’t have to do everything yourself. Friends or loved ones could be more than happy to add their two cents about key decisions, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice. Give a love interest room to breathe.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): Welcome constructive criticism, as it may be to your benefit.

Run your ideas by friends or colleagues to get feedback as to whether you should greenlight a project. People with honest opinions are better than yes-men.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The early bird gets the worm. You can accomplish any objective you set for yourself by starting the day off with the right attitude and staying motivated and enthusiastic. Hang around positive, upbeat people to build your momentum.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Dare to be different. A little change in your appearance or style could go a long way toward improving your confidence, self-esteem and holiday cheer.

Look for bargains that might help ease Santa’s financial burden.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The best choice may not be the most popular one. The consensus may be against your better judgment, but in the end, you have an obligation to do what is right. Have faith that you’ll be proven correct.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stand on your own two feet. Others could follow you based on your obvious merits, rather than because of who you know. Be receptive to other people’s thoughts and ideas when faced with a leadership role.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Try it, you might like it. Be open to experiencing things that are new or different to you, and you may discover a whole new world you had no idea existed.

Public appearances may yield fringe benefits.

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wolfgang puck’s kitchen Chocolate Coconut Cookies Have Intriguing Spice Notes

By Wolfgang Puck If you’ve been a reader of my column these past many years, you know you can expect one thing from me as surely as the fact that I love to help people cook and eat the best food possible: When December rolls around, at some point I’m going to turn my attention to Christmas cookies.

My love of holiday baking goes back to my earliest childhood memories. Every year, the kitchen of our little home in the southernAustrian town of Sankt Veit an der Glan seemed always full of the rich, sweet, and spicy aromas of Christmas cookies being baked by my mother and grandmother. Guests who dropped by were offered cookies with coffee or tea.

When we visited friends, we brought assortments of our homemade holiday treats. And, of course, my brother, sisters and I ate plenty of the cookies ourselves at home, some of which we’d be served as snacks or desserts - and some, of course, that the four of us would sneak when the grownups weren’t looking.

This year, I’d like to share with you yet another cookie recipe you haven’t seen from me before in this column: Chocolate Coconut Spice Cookies, a classic from Spago. I think they make a great cookie to add to your seasonal repertoire, for a number of reasons.

First of all, they’re easy to make. I think that is essential not only because this is the busiest cooking time of the year but also because they are something the whole family can enjoy preparing together.

You probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry or can find them in any supermarket.And, being slice-and-bake cookies, the dough can be mixed in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator, ready for baking as needed.

Next comes the wonderful way in which these cookies are both familiar and yet different enough to make people open their eyes with surprise and delight at first bite. At first glance, they’re simply chocolate-flavored, buttery cookies with an attractive rim of shredded coconut. But the very first bite reveals a very pleasing surprise: very subtle but noticeable hints of black pepper and cayenne, not too spicy at all but just enough to counterpoint and emphasize the delicious chocolaty flavor.

When you think about how many other traditional Christmas cookies have the word “spice” in their names, you’ll instantly understand how perfectly appropriate these seasonings are here.

With the recipe’s yield of five dozen cookies, easily multiplied if you allow yourself sufficient time to make several batches, you’ll have enough to share as festive gifts. Pack the cooled cookies in colorful airtight containers, with single layers separated by sheets of waxed paper. They’re a gift anyone on your list will welcome!

CHOCOLATE COCONUT SPICE COOKIES Makes about 5 dozen

1 1/3 cups (335 ml) all-purpose flour 3/4 cup (185 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 6 ounces (185 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into small pieces 1 cup (250 ml) granulated sugar 1 large egg 11/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup (250 ml) unsweetened shredded coconut In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt, and black and cayenne peppers.

Set aside In the large bowl of an electric stand mixer, using the paddle or beaters, soften the butter at medium speed.

Sprinkle in the sugar and, as soon as it is incorporated, raise the speed to high and continue mixing until fluffy, stopping as needed to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

Reduce the speed to medium, add the egg and vanilla, and continue beating just until they are incorporated.

Reduce the speed to medium-low and, still beating, gradually add the flour mixture, continuing to mix just until combined.

Scrape the dough out of the bowl onto a clean work surface. If it seems too soft to shape, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate until it firms up a bit, about 1 hour.

With very lightly floured hands, roll the dough into an even log shape about 15 inches (37.5 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Sprinkle the coconut evenly on the work surface and then roll the log in the coconut to coat it evenly all around and from end to end. (Gather up and reserve excess coconut.) Wrap up the log in clean plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled and very firm, preferably overnight but at least 2 to 3 hours.

Before baking, position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 1 or 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

Remove the plastic wrap from the dough log. Sprinkle the remaining coconut on a clean work surface and reroll the log as needed to coat areas that don’t have enough coconut. With a very sharp knife, cut the log crosswise into slices about 1/4 inch (6 cm) thick, forming about 60 slices total, placing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on the prepared baking trays.

Bake until the coconut looks lightly toasted, about 10 minutes total, rotating the baking trays back to front about halfway through.

When the cookies are done, use a wide metal spatula to remove them from the baking tray, transferring them to a wire rack to cool. When completely cooled, store at cool room temperature in an airtight container in single layers between sheets of waxed or parchment paper.

(Chef Wolfgang Puck’s TV series,“Wolfgang Puck’s Cooking Class,” airs Sundays on the Food Network. Also, his latest cookbook, “Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy,” is now available in bookstores. Write Wolfgang Puck in care of Tribune Media Services Inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207) © 2019 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Page 28, The Jackson Times, December 14, 2019

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