2019-12-28 - The Toms River Times

Vol. 15 - No. 35

In This Week’s Edition

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The Biggest Stories Of 2019

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – Although there were some entries in the win column, there were some things that happened in 2019 that most people would rather forget.

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| December 28, 2019

—Photo by Bob Vosseller Nevaeh Wilson, 2 ½, Lacey, left, joins her mom Jackie Wilson who has served as the big sister to Samantha Brady, Toms River for 10 years as part of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ocean County program.

By Bob Vosseller TOMS R I V ER – Lacey resident Jackie Wilson and Samantha Brady, 15, of Toms River have a very special bond. They celebrated a decade of friendship and love as part of the Big Brother/Big Sisters of Ocean County program during a recent

holiday gathering.

Jackie (the big sister) and Samantha (the little sister) came together with more than a hundred others during the 19th annual Holiday Party of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County held at the Toms River Ramada Inn.

“It was right before my 5th birthday that we were paired up in the program. My parents felt that since I have older brothers it would be nice for me to have an older sister and it didn’t take long for us to be matched up and within a few weeks, we got very close,” Saman-

tha said.

“It worked out so well and we have done a lot of things together. She learns from me and I learn from her. Now I have a 2 1/2-yearold daughter, Nevaeh, which her mother pointed out is heaven spelled backwards,” (Holiday - See Page 4)

Protesters: Trump Is Not Above The Law

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – A group of residents gathered in Huddy Park supporting the impeachment of President Trump.

This was part of a nationwide protest called “No One Is Above The Law,” mobilized by Moveon.org.

Large cities had hundreds turn out.

Locally, protests were near two members of the House. Andy Kim (D-3rd) voted for impeachment.

Signs in Huddy Park near his Toms River office congratulated him on “doing the right thing.” Protestors

also went to the office of Chris Smith (R-4th), calling on him to “do his job” and vote for impeachment.

“The President should be held to the standards and rules set forth in the Constitution,” said Christine Luland, an organizer for the Toms River protest.

Ocean County is known as being a red county, despite the fact that Democrats have made gains in Toms River and especially Brick. The Toms River group had another reason: to show that the Democrat party in the county can unify and be visible.

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School Funding The top story of 2019 is not a happy one.

This will likely be the defining issue for the foreseeable future. It might even have a lasting impact on the town for a generation.

The school district continued to be hurt by a cut in state aid. The aid is scheduled to be reduced every year for the next several years.

According to district info, the aid for the 202425 school year would be $21 million, or one third, less than it currently is. If all of the cuts were added together, it would be a total loss of more than $90 million.

This has already caused dozens of jobs to be lost, and threatens higher class sizes and the loss of all sports and clubs.

(Toms River - See Page 6)

Parents Demand Action On Funding

By Patricia A. Miller TOMS RIVER - Don’t stop fighting.

That was the message a number of parents had for local residents upset about the state’s plan to reduce school funding for the Toms River School District.

They spoke in a hallway at Toms River North, before the Board of Education met for its monthly meeting on a cold Wednesday night.

The funding cuts will compromise the district’s extracurricular activities to the point where drug addiction problems could even increase and district students may find it harder to get in college, some speakers said.

“Toms River needs the arts now more than ever,” said parent Melissa Morrison, a candidate in this year’s election. “How can any Toms River student compete with other students?”

(Funding - See Page 27)

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Jackie said.

There was a time when Samantha required foster care and Jackie was there to step in at that time and serve in that role. “I couldn’t let her struggle. She went back with her parents and it all worked out.”

“We love each other and even when I age out of the program (at age 18) we’ll always be close,” Samantha said.

The two have enjoyed dinners together, movies, walks on the beach, trips to the boardwalk and “sometimes we just get together and talk,” Samantha added.

“It really has been a lot of fun and it remains so and she and my daughter love each other,” Jackie said.

“She is always honest with me and I admire that. She tells me the truth even if I don’t want to hear it,” Samantha added.

Santa Claus was of course the big star in the eyes of the many children present but he had a lot of help in providing the magic that took place.

Each little receives presents from Santa and a lunch. Music also sets the festive mood of the afternoon provided once again

by DJ Justin Love.

Jackson resident Scott Martin has played an active role in the the event since its inception, helping to raise money for the gifts for the children, as well as entertainment.

The party started as a gathering of 30 children, Martin said, and has grown incredibly over the years. “We have some great sponsors who each year are happy to write a check and help us provide a wonderful experience for these kids. There are a number of people here today that have put in a lot of time and effort to make this all happen.”

Among those people who brought the party to life were Patty Trustan and Jordan Lindquist who coordinated the event. Both noted that the party was all about making the children happy.

As per tradition, along with Santa himself who garnered cheers as he entered the room

Trump:

Continued From Page 1 On the national stage, the Republicans have painted the Mueller investigation or the impeachment with the same brush: that this is all a political hit job. Since the Democrats have said from the beginning that they want to get rid of Trump, Republicans said this is all a waste of time and money.

“They haven’t read the news,” she said.

“Anyone who read anything about Trump through the years - his bankruptcies, the failed casinos, his real estate deals with the Russians - knew it was just a matter of time before he did something shifty and corrupt.”

It doesn’t have to be political when the evidence is in plain sight, she said. The president asked the Ukrainian president “Do me a favor, though,” and investigate a rival’s son. (“Do us a favor, though,” is a quote from the White House’s transcription of the

carrying his big crimson bag filled with toys, a few warm up activities were held.

Members of the Manchester Township High School Girls Basketball team came out to get the children onto the dance floor and to help out the event where they could.

Children also enjoyed some the balloon animal creations of Rockin Roxanne’s Party Magic who returned once again for the event.

Cliff Baker, president of A Need We Feed, a non-profit charity which delivers free hot meals to those in need, was present for the event and his group has partnered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ocean County.

On December 17 his group provided meals for a gathering of “littles” at the Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School in Seaside Heights.

“We just provided meals at a Christmas party with Santa at the Walnut Elementary School in Toms River. I work in the restaurant supplies business and work with a lot of people from restaurants who provide us donations. We’ll also be providing 40 hot meals for Big Brother/Big Sister families again on Christmas,” Baker said.

For information on A Need We Feed visit ANeedWeFeed.org.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ocean County offers a scholarship program to Ocean County College sponsored by an anonymous donor. The program is for juniors and seniors and they get to tour OCC during the spring and attend class in September.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ocean County continues to work with the police departments of Toms River, Lakewood and Brick as part of the Bigs in Blue program which involves getting police officers involved with the organization.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is part of a national network of affiliates sharing best practices in order to ensure the safety and finest care for the children they serve. The program involves local volunteers mentoring local children in a program supported by local donors. For information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County call 732-505-3400.

phone call.) “However they want to spin it, he specifically asked a foreign government to investigate a political rival for his benefit.

It doesn’t get much more blatant and corrupt than that.”

The rainy day was probably not the best day to be standing outside holding signs, in the dark. And it’s hard to judge how much of an impact the group had on drivers in a conservative-leaning area.

Luland said she’s starting to see people being worried about our current political climate. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Trump will eventually be charged with crimes, though. There’s still a strong chance that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will protect the president. Earlier that day he told NPR that he’s not impartial, and that none of this is impartial.

If that’s the case, and Trump is still the nominee in 2020, Luland said the Democrats have to focus on voting him out.

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The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 5

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Toms River:

Continued From Page 1 The $147,148,269 referendum did pass by about 2,000 votes. This cost represents a list of projects to get every building up to par in areas such as roofing, security and HVAC. Softening the blow is a plan to bond it in portions to control taxes, officials said. Additionally, the state agreed to pay $47,281,593 of it.

Also, there were $17.8 million in energy projects. What happened was that the district bonded for the $17.8 million, and the projects being done are saving $1 million annually in energy costs, so it will be paid off without raising taxes.

A project labor agreement will require 88 percent of the workers to be local.

New Business, Old Business Some long-time businesses shut their doors for the final time this year, while some new ones came in.

The Route 37 Kmart closed. Floor & Décor will go in its place in 2020. It is described as “a leading specialty retailer of hard surface flooring, offering the broadest in-stock selection of tile, wood, stone, related tools and flooring accessories at everyday low prices,” according to the company’s website.

The gas station at the corner of Route 37 and Bananier Drive was torn down and a JPMorgan Chase Bank will be built.

The new Crossroads opioid treatment center opened at 751 Route 37 West.

A three-story charter school was proposed to be built on the Lakewood-Toms River border, on a section of Massachusetts Avenue that’s already known for being crowded.

Currently, the land at 1650 Massachusetts Avenue is made up of a single home with a large amount of property. The developers want to build a 16,956-square-foot school that would have children ages kindergarten through eighth grade. The building itself would be in the Lakewood section of the property. So would most of the access drive and most of the parking. The development had to go before Toms River’s land use board since some of the parking and a little of a driveway would be in that town.

An addition to the OceanFirst bank on Hooper Avenue might be one of the tallest buildings in Toms River once complete.

The existing bank building will remain.

It will be joined by an addition that will be seven stories tall, reaching 98 feet, according to planner David Roberts. However, he noted that the seventh floor will be for mechanical operations, not office space.

The total square footage would be 79,405.

It will include a cafeteria and gymnasium for employees.

A solar farm has been proposed to be built on the former Ciba-Geigy property off of Route 37.

The property is known locally as the Ciba or Ciba-Geigy property, however, it is more accurately described as the BASF property, named after the current owners. Decades of dye manufacturing on the site created tons

of chemical waste that was dumped into the ground and into the Toms River.

The applicant is an LLC called Toms River Merchant Solar. It is part of EDF Renewables, a company that specializes in renewable energy platforms.

Burlington Coat Factory opened in the former Toys R Us building on Hooper Avenue.

The Ocean County Mall redevelopment continued, in the space where Sears used to be. LA Fitness and Homesense were two of the businesses announced.

Homelessness Issues The State Code Blue law opens up shelters when the temperature reaches 32 degrees with precipitation, or 25 degrees without precipitation. Local officials drafted an ordinance so that their shelters open at 35 degrees regardless of precipitation.

Following the township’s decision, Senators Robert Singer and Thomas Kean introduced a bill that would increase the temperature to 35 degrees for shelters in the state.

Meanwhile, volunteers for the homeless continually asked elected officials if they could build a homeless facility. They also complained about hotels being closed down because the homeless sometimes stayed there.

Hotels Closed The Parkway Motel, formerly the Americana, was closed indefinitely and will only re-open if considerable repairs are made.

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It was closed after inspectors visited the property located at 925 Route 166.

“We had an annual fire inspection,” business administrator Don Guardian said. Inspectors found parts of the ceiling missing, mold, electrical hazards, and trash littering the property. They returned with code enforcement. The property was deemed unlivable.

Recently, the town had also shut down the Red Carpet Inn in the downtown area and the Pine Rest Motel on Route 37. The Pine Rest had a similar situation, in which electricity was shut down and the hotel and cabins on the property were deemed uninhabitable.

All three of them had a history of police showing up for various reasons. When the Red Carpet was shut down, several people there were charged with drug possession and distribution.

Redevelopment Planned The demolition of the Red Carpet happened this year. There is a plan for approximately 560 new housing units in two new multi-level complexes being discussed for the downtown area.

They would be located on the block where the Red Carpet Hotel now exists, and on a parking lot that’s built on a hill up Irons Street, near the bank.

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Toms River:

Continued From Page 6 Music Academy, Ocean Mental Health and other places. There would be a two-floor restaurant with a roof-top lounge overlooking the water. This restaurant would be run by the redeveloper.

The property on Irons Street is currently a parking lot built on a slight hill across from Wells Fargo Bank. The plan, as it stands now, is to have an apartment complex there.

The Meridia Overlook is proposed to be a total of eight stories. However, since it’s built into a hill, it would only be six stories on the high side of the hill. Four of those stories would be parking.

A section of Hooper Avenue might one day be redeveloped for the relocation of a post office, veterans clinic, multi-family housing, and a fire house.

The redevelopment plan will be for about 12.5 acres fronting Hooper Avenue. The entrance from Hooper would be Caudina Avenue, which is at the light that people take to get to the back entrance of Seacourt Pavilion, driving past a bank on either side to get there.

The plan is contingent on a lot of approvals.

Two of the biggest ones would be the federal government’s OK to abandon the post office in downtown Toms River and build a new one here, and to give up the Veterans Administration’s clinic in Brick and build a new one here as well.

Changing of the Guard In case you didn’t notice, there was quite a

The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 7 bitter election this year. Maybe not Trump vs. Hillary levels, but nonetheless, it was not fun.

Mayor Thomas Kelaher announced he would not run for re-election. This led to a three-way race for the Republican primary between former prosecutor Joseph Coronato and Councilmen Maurice Hill and Daniel Rodrick. Each candidate had their own teams for the three council spots that were also on the ballot. Hill’s team ultimately won the primary and won over the Democrats in November.

Meanwhile, 10th District Assemblyman David Wolfe announced his retirement.

He had been in that spot since 1992. The 10th District is made up of the following towns: Bay Head, Brick Township, Island Heights, Lakehurst, Lavallette, Manchester, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, and Toms River.

Many Republicans stepped forward, wanting to take his place. Ultimately, it was John Catalano, head of the Brick Republicans, who got his spot on the ballot and won the election.

GOP Leader Indicted George Gilmore of Toms River, an attorney and leader of the Ocean County Republicans, was indicted by a federal grand jury for tax evasion, among other charges, the U.S. Attorney New Jersey District Office reported.

He is accused of evading more than $1 million in taxes.

Rather than paying his taxes, he is charged with spending the money on elaborate ex-

penses for himself and his family, which his attorney declared is part of a hoarding disorder.

Gilmore’s law firm did work for a number of towns, which dissolved their contracts with him. His partner, who was not charged, closed up shop.

He had to step down from being the chairman of the county Republicans. Frank Holman took his place in a vote held May 15.

“We have a common cause here,” Holman said in a phone interview the day after the election. “We have to unite.”

Striving For Unity Unity can be a bumpy road, especially when a lot of different cultures are put in one area, and put under pressure.

(Toms River - See Page 12)

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A social media site had been accused of stirring up aggression against Orthodox Jews in Lakewood and surrounding towns.

Orthodox Jews in the area see the posts it shares as hateful – and the angry, sometimes threatening tone of the people commenting, as proof of the fact that it was meant to be divisive.

The Ocean County Freeholders and other groups condemned the site by name. The Toms River governing body condemned hate sites in general, not wanting to be beholden in the future to condemning every site that pops up.

An unnamed representative from the site told JerseyShoreOnline.com that their efforts aren’t anti-Semitic, but focus on what

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The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 9

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY Letters To The Editor

F EATURED L ETTER Toms River Shows Unity Against Trenton This letter was addressed to the Toms River community.

On Tuesday, December 10, thousands of us students, parents, board members and district staff, business owners, and everyday Toms River residents - traveled to Trenton in order to get the attention of Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey lawmakers who hold the power to restore our state funding and revise the formula on which Bill S-2 is based. In doing so, we most certainly grabbed the attention of local media, and the coverage of our efforts was extensive and overwhelmingly positive.

The short- and longterm impact of the Rally to Save Toms River remains to be seen, but what is clear as day is the unity of this community and the quality of our collective character. I am tremendously proud of our students, whose righteous indignation was displayed with creativity, passion, and civility. Our message was heard loud and clear, and the positive impression we left on Trenton and on all who were present will resonate, and serve to enhance our reputation as a community that is equally strong-willed and respectful.

I am proud of our parents and community members who rearranged their schedules and altered their daily routines to come and fight on behalf

of our children’s future.

And I am proud of our board, my administrative colleagues, our faculty and staff, our PTOs, and supportive partnering organizations like Toms River Police Department and others who provided leadership, guidance, talent, and hours upon hours of work to help make Tuesday a success.

We did not ask to be placed in this position, and I understand how easy it is to become frustrated and fatigued.

But throughout this ordeal our message has been clear, well-documented, and supported by the hard facts, and I am further emboldened by the level of support I witnessed from this community yet again on Tuesday. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who attended Tuesday’s Rally to Save Toms River, and to every single person who played a role in making it happen.

We should all be proud of the work we’ve accomplished on behalf of our students, and that work continues unabated until our funding is restored. Our rallying cry and hashtag says it all: #WeAreTRschools!

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Don’t Change Immigration Laws I grew up on a farm in Mon mouth Count y and am a strong believer in that adage attributed to farmers: “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.” That is the ca se for why we don’t ne e d “ 287(g)” i n New Jersey, more specifically Monmouth County.

(Editor’s note: From the website of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: This sect ion of law author ize s the Director of ICE to e nte r into ag re e me nt s with state and local law e nforce me nt age n cie s, that per mit desig nated officers to perform limited immigration law enforcement functions.)

If one looks at crime statistics, the trend in crime, including violent crime, is downward. Our county is, relatively speaking, a very safe one. Therefore, there is no demonstrable need for ICE (“I m m ig rat ion a nd C u st om s En force ment”) to deputize local law enforcement officers to perform federal civil i m m ig r at ion d ut ie s a s is the case if “287(g)” is implemented.

Fu r t he r more, “ 287(g)” ag reement s u nder m i ne public t r ust but do not enhance safety. Benefits are achieved through the Immigrant Trust Directive (to be referred to as the

Letters To hearings?

The HeEditor “Directive.”). is 75 and around the area, that is There is nothing in the Directive that creates a so-called sanctuary state.

If someone breaks the law they go to jail regardless of immigration status.

The Directive allows county jails to identify and refer violent offenders to federal authorities.

There is no reason, under the Directive to release dangerous offenders back into the community.

The Directive does draw a clear line between the responsibility of New Jersey’s law e n force me nt of f ice r s a nd i m m ig r ation authorities (including ICE). By doing so, immigrant communities are more likely to report crimes as well as come forward as witnesses. The Directive allows referral of violent offenders to ICE. Again, under the Directive: It ain’t broke. Changing it will muck up the works so don’t change it.

That is why a large number of Monmouth County residents do not support 287(g).

Margaret S. Beekman Freehold

Mueller Knows Nothing This letter is in response to a let ter praising the Mueller report.

D id you not s e e t he man on T V du r ing the

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The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail or bring typed letters to: 15 Union Ave., Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline. com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

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shows it: feeble, stuttering and confused. Even David Axelrod, President Obama’s advisor, could not defend the incohere nt t e st i mony Muel le r presented.

Mueller was asked about Fusion GPS and he answered that he was not aware of them!

Anyone who spent any time reading or watching the news they felt sorry for this spectacle. Mueller was just a figurehead and signed the document placed in front of him. It took over two years for this sham.

R. Mundie Brick

One Way To Stop Flooding Ever y week I am reading about the f looding a lo ng t he Je r s e y b a ck bays. Yet, our illustrious lea der s i n Wash i ng ton and Trenton have failed to realize what a re all the contributors to this problem. T hey cont i nu a l ly p oi nt t o cl i m at e change and the melting of the ice caps. Which in all fairness is part of the problem. What they are failing to look at is the geographic condition of the back bays. The back bays are f illing in with sediments from natural erosion of the shore line!

To put this simply the back bays are f illing in with sediment, making them shoal and causing the water levels to rise.

I have lived on the water for 40 yea rs and there are now places and can no lo nge r go w it h my boat. The inlets allow so much water on each tide change but when we have a wind out of the east the water is held back from f lowing out and then the next t ide cha nge more water is pushed in, rising the water level and you have f looding. One of the state’s ideas is to build a 10-foot-high wall

in ever yone’s backyard.

I ca n se e t he lawsu it s now!

Recently the state decided to dredge channels i n t he up p e r Ba r negat Bay and I ag ree they were needed for marine traffic. The problem was they took all the dredge spoils and dumped them into a large f ishing hole of f of Br ick Be a ch i n t he bay by t he condos f illing in the bay. Yes, I understand you are just mov i ng sa nd a rou nd.

But you d id de st roy a f ish habit. I was told the dredge spoils were f ine, so why did they cap the dredge spoils?

My proposal is to dredge the channels in the bay to a depth of 10 feet, dredge lagoons to a reasonable depth. Even with a bulkhead, soil is washed out under the bulkhead and through the seams f illing in the lagoons. Take all the dredge spoils and spread them in marsh areas to help stop f looding, build retention basins for t he d r e d ge s p oi l s l i ke they make for run of water along highways and use the spoils for land f ill in ou r dumps. You can use the dredge spoils to f ill in the holes that are being dug for beach replenishment instead of paying for product.

T he last quest ion is, where are they going to get the money? First, I would like to say Congress! Then there is the issue were does all that money go f rom boat r eg i s t r a t io n s? It ’s n ot for law enforcement or d redg i ng or buoy i ng.

Where does all that highway tax we pay on fuel for our boats go? Finally, what about a percentage of the higher t axes we pay to live on the water, do we get anything back from the government for that privilege?

Capt. Robert M. Silva, USMM Toms River

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Page 10, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

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Raising Money For The Happiness Of Seniors

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON - Members of the Adopt-ASenior Organization held their annual Tricky Tray fundraiser recently but more than raising money, the event was designed to raise awareness of what their group does.

AASO Director Margaret Morris said “this is our big event where we have the opportunity to raise awareness about our organization and what we do for the seniors living in long-term care facilities within the local community, as well as raise funds to buy all of the gifts for their birthdays and the upcoming holidays.”

Morris added “this is when we communicate that there are so many seniors living in long-term healthcare facilities that might not have visitors.”

“We look to the community to help us make sure that their birthdays and the holidays are happy ones. We look for volunteers who might want to adopt a senior or donate to help buy gifts for those seniors; we spread awareness about our mission of making sure ‘Seniors are not forgotten,’” Morris said.

The group held its Tricky Tray fundraiser at the Howell/Jackson Columbian Club Hall on Bartley Road.

Anne Cohen, the founder of the organization traveled from Brooklyn for the event and was seen greeting the many people who passed through the door at the club house.

Recalling the formation of the organization Cohen said “I ran a holiday party for seniors in Riverside N.Y. and after I lost my job, I thought this would be the perfect time to do something for seniors so I formed Adopt-A-Senior. In four years, we went from 400 seniors to 1,300 seniors.

Seniors at Sunrise of Jackson and The Orchards at Bartley are among those assisted living facilities in the township who benefit from the group’s efforts.

“We provide each senior resident there with a birthday present, holiday present and we give them a hand delivered card.

We get donations of $50 per senior which covers the cost of things like their presents, cakes, party hats and any special items they may need that we can provide.

(Seniors - See Page 15)

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The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 11

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

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COMPLETE EYE CARE SERVICES –Photo courtesy Northern Ocean Habitat For Humanity Donovan Catholic High School and St. Joseph Grade School students don hard hats and get a demonstration of how to build things from Habitat members.

By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER- Members of Habitat For Humanity recently enjoyed a special Christmas lunch provided by students of St. Joseph Grade School and Donavan Catholic High School.

The warm meal not only nourished their bodies but also their souls according to Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity Program Services Manager Christina Keresztes.

Keresztes said, over 50 volunteers and staff of Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity witnessed “faith in action” this Christmas season when the Donavan Catholic students served them lunch on December 16.

NOHFH volunteers share their time, talents and heart providing decent housing to their neighbors in need.

(Students - See Page 28)

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Page 12, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

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Continued From Page 7 they feel are immoral or illegal practices regarding such things as housing.

Toms River held its first Pride Festival to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community. It was held during Pride Month and to observe the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.

Another festival, Around The World In Toms River, was held on Labor Day. Arrivals were given an international passport and invited to visit other cultures that had set up areas.

The event grew out of meetings of Toms River UNITED (Uniting Neighbors In Town Everyday), a group of civic leaders concerned about growing hostilities between groups.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and some religious leaders put out messages and held events made to stop hate in all its forms.

The Beachwood representative on the Toms River Board of Education, Dan Leonard, said he would not seek re-election after being accused of spreading “hateful” posts.

There were a handful of posts that were described as “anti-Muslim” by detractors.

He had said his posts were against Sharia Law, not Muslims in general.

However, it should be noted that some of the religious leaders that came to protest anti-Semitism later badmouthed pride events on social media, so perhaps there is a lot more to be done.

Intersections Improved One of the top stories of 2018 was how work on the intersection of Routes 166 and 37 was lagging along at a snail’s pace, hurting businesses nearby. In the article reviewing 2018, it was mentioned that maybe this intersection could be finished and highlighted in the 2019 highlight reel.

The good news is that the intersection was finally completed.

A new traffic light on Hooper Avenue by Target has made those shopping centers much more accessible.

Drivers are now able to make left turns out of the busy parking lots where Target and Michael’s are instead of making jughandles or turning around in the Michael’s parking lot.

It was also announced that a long-sought widening of Route 9 is slated to begin in the spring of 2022. A number of intersections are expected to be improved.

Minimum Wage Increase A law increasing minimum wages went into effect July 1, and will top out at $15 an hour for most wage earners in 2024.

Those We Lost Not to belittle any other public servants or private residents who passed this year, but a few deaths made headlines.

Daniel V. Foley, 23, and Braden De Martin, 22, both of Toms River, died on Nov. 10 when they lost control of their sports car, (Toms River - See Page 13)

jerseyshoreonline.com

Toms River:

Continued From Page 12 which left the roadway and crashed into the second floor of a building.

The two men graduated from Toms River High School East, and were active in the community, according to their obituaries.

Carol Wolfe, 80, had been the founder of Dottie’s House and Homes Now. She passed away after a life well lived.

Dottie’s House, named after her own mother, started in 1999 as a program for women and children to gain independence after domestic violence. Homes Now, started in 1997, is a non-profit that has built and monitors more than 200 quality affordable housing units. According to her obituary, she raised more than $30 million in funding through grants for her programs.

She retired from Homes Now in 2017.

The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 13 She was married to Assemblyman David Wolfe (R-10th).

Timothy E. Ryan, patriarch of the funeral home, passed away at the age of 68, surrounded by his loving family.

In addition to the care he gave to grieving families, he was known in the political realm. He had been a councilman in Seaside Park, and he was a candidate for U.S Congress in the Third Congressional District of New Jersey and for an Ocean County Freeholder.

On November 22, legendary Brick Township High School football coach Warren Wolf died. His wife passed away a month later.

Wolf, 92, was well-known in Brick having served as deputy superintendent of the school district, mayor from 1971-1975, councilman, Ocean County freeholder, and a member of the state’s General Assembly.

Sen. Singer Named Board of Health Member of the Year

By Kimberly Bosco TOMS RIVER – Senator Robert W. Singer was recently recognized for his extensive volunteer service to public health with the 2019 Local Board of Health Member of the Year award.

Senator Singer has served Ocean County as a member of the Ocean County Board of Health for 37 years. He still serves as Vice Chairman.

The Senator was awarded this title by the New Jersey Local Boards of Health Association (NJLBHA).

“For me there is no one more deserving of this award than Senator Singer. I know very few people who are more dedicated and passionate when it comes to the health and welfare of the residents we serve here in Ocean County and, of course, around the state as well,” said Daniel Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator.

Over the last four decades, Sen. Singer has initiated and supported countless important programs and services provided by the Ocean County Health Department. For example, he was a strong proponent for offering dental services to eligible residents at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC). He also supported the emergency response efforts to ensure important resources were available for the agency during Superstorm Sandy. Singer has also proven to be a passionate advocate for animal welfare and promoting the agency shelter adoption and volunteer programs.

“There is absolutely no doubt Senator Singer’s experience and leadership helped shape the Ocean County Health Department to what it is today,” said Ocean County Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “As freeholder liaison, I’ve witnessed firsthand for years the many ways the Senator - all on his own time - has worked diligently to protect the public’s health and safety. It’s his understanding of the diverse local health issues that has helped him advocate for so many of these issues in the legislature and statewide.”

During his 32 years in the New Jersey State Legislature, Senator Singer has served on the Senate Health Committee and is the senior ranking member of the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

Today, Singer is facing down the vaping crisis by supporting the regulation of the sale of e-cigarettes by currently co-sponsoring Senate Bills.

“The e-cigarette and vaping issue is a perfect example of Senator Singer recognizing early on that this crisis had to be met head on,” said Regenye. “He and the rest of our board backed our initiatives and programs and to ensure we had the resources available to follow through.”

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Page 14, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

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Send your letters, copy and news tips to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

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AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE 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.

Holiday Heights 2020 Men’s Golf League

TOMS RIVER - The Holiday Heights Men’s Golf League is open to all male players in all communities and new members are being sought.

The group plays every Wednesday at the Lakewood Country Club in Lakewood and both two-man teams and single players are

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The league plays for 22 or 24 weeks starting in mid April weather permitting. You can join as a “regular” player or as a “substitute” player who will fill in (almost every week) when regular players can’t make it.

For more information call 732-349-6580.

Fire Dept. Warns Against Scam Calls TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Fire Co. 1 is warning residents to be wary of phone calls from a group stating they represent the “area volunteer fire department” asking for donation. Toms River Fire Company 1 does not solicit donation via the phone calls from second party groups. We only ask for donations through mail out letters with

self-addressed envelopes or in person at fund raising events.

If you should have any question about a group that has called you asking for a donation for any of the Toms River Companies, please feel free to call your local fire house to ensure that any donation requests are real and they get to the proper organization.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Seniors:

Continued From Page 10 Luilliana Borghesi serves as director of activities at Orchards at Bartley and she was present to support the fundraiser.

“The seniors are overwhelmed with how they get gifts and attention. Some of them have no families of their own. It becomes their special day and it is individualized for everybody.”

“It is very touching when the volunteers of Adopt-A-Senior come to visit. Some actually cry because they are so happy,” Borghesi said.

Borghesi recently responded to a survey concerning a grant application for the organization which she hopes they receive.

Jennifer Schoepl serves as activities coordinator at Sunrise of Jackson and she was also busy putting in gift tickets into baskets to win prizes and support the fundraiser.

Schoepl described the members of AdoptA-Senior as “phenomenal. I am so happy that they are here doing this and we see them come in on a monthly basis. They also ask what they can do to assist us.

They come in with gifts, party hats and they fulfill special wishes of some of the residents and they come out on the holidays and make their time here special.”

The reactions we see from the seniors when they enjoy their special moments are wonderful. They enjoy playing the kazoo and wearing funny party hats. When you see them smile it shows how truly grateful they are,” Schoepl said.

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The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 15 Schoepl added that volunteers of AdoptA-Senior helped with a family event of one of the residents out of the kindness of their hearts. “They really make everything so much more memorable for them.”

“We had so many wonderful prizes that were very generously donated to us by many local businesses, individuals, and corporations who believe in our mission,” Morris said.

There were prizes for young and old ranging from one gift basket filled with sports memorabilia to another that included an autographed photograph of Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak. Children and comic book fans could try their luck at winning a superhero basket that featured a variety of items including a Wonder Woman photograph, Batman T-Shirt and Spider-Man coloring book among other items.

Morris added, “this a passion that is so near and dear to us all and one that most people never stop to think about.”

For information on the program and how you can become a volunteer or donate toward its activities, e-mail mmorris@ adopt-a-senior.org or visit adopt-a-senior. org.

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The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 17

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—Photo Provided By A Need We Feed Students join Santa during the recently held “Meal and Meet Santa” party at the Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School in Seaside Heights.

By Bob Vosseller SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Members of the non-profit organization A Need We Feed brought not only food but some holiday spirit to the borough’s Hugh J. Elementary School on December 17.

The organization’s president, Cliff Baker said, “today’s event was our “Meal and Meet Santa” for the littles of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Ocean County organization. at Hugh J Boyd School in Seaside.

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On the menu during the December 17 party was chicken fingers and French fries from Mulligan’s of Farmingdale and milkshakes from Burger 25.

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Hear Better In A Down Economy

We would all agree that millions of Americans are struggling to hang onto their jobs in this economy. It is a fact that early treatment of hearing loss is critical for optimal job performance. Unaddressed hearing loss has a negative impact on overall job effectiveness, opportunity for promotion and even lifelong earning power. Now, even more than ever, people in the work force need to put their best foot forward and address untreated bearing loss which accounts for over 24 million in the United States. A recent Better Hearing Institute national study found that wearing a hearing aid reduces the amount of income lost. Specifically, untreated hearing loss negatively affects household income, on average, by nearly $23,000.00 per year depending on the degree of hearing loss. The continued use of amplification mitigates those negative effects by about 50 percent.

Additional research by the National Council on the Aging (NCOA) demonstrates that hearing aids are associated with improvements in the social, emotional, psychological and physical well being of people with hearing loss - regardless of whether their hearing loss is mild or severe.

Hearing aid use improved earning power, communication and relationships, intimacy and warmth in family relationships, ease

in communication, sense of control over life events, emotional stability, perception of mental functioning, physical health and group social participation. Those with untreated hearing loss suffer from hearing loss compensation behaviors such as pretending to hear, which results in anger and frustration in relationships, Depression and depressive symptoms, feelings of paranoia, anxiety, social phobias and self-criticism.

Too often, people with hearing loss delay the decision to get hearing aids because they do not realize that taking a hearing test and receiving early treatment has the potential to transform their lives and livelihood.

The hidden statistic, which people never think about, is the toll that untreated hearing loss takes on our overall economy. The estimated cost in lost earnings due to untreated hearing loss is 122 billion dollars, which is roughly 18 billion in unrealized federal taxes. With the current national debt in excess of 10 trillion, that is a number that we just can not afford.

For those individuals who suspect hearing loss, the next step would be to contact their local hearing healthcare professional for a complete evaluation. Dr. Izzy is always available to answer serious questions regarding hearing loss as well as other audiological issues,

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

ALOPECIA AREATA

Hair loss can be a sign of age, a symptom of an illness, or it may be caused by alopecia areata. Alopecia areata can cause hair loss anywhere on the body, and in five percent of people, everywhere.

Usually beginning in childhood, alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own hair follicles. Hair usually regrows but eventually falls out again. It is possible for alopecia to disappear completely, but the greater the area where hair loss has occurred, the less likely this is. People with other autoimmune conditions, like thyroid disease and vitiligo, are more likely to have alopecia as well. It is not contagious, however, and occurs mostly in otherwise healthy people.

P.S. Corticosteroids can treat alopecia areata by suppressing the body’s immune system to keep it from destroying hair follicles.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 19

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

Natural Solutions For Burning Mouth Syndrome

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Holiday foods are all around us at this time of year! And enjoying these pies, cakes and delicious meals is taken for granted by most us. But what if you had chronic mouth pain? This occurs with a condition called “Burning Mouth Syndrome” which feels like its name! There are usually no sores in the mouth, it is just the sensation of burning, or heat, or pain. The medical term for people who suffer with this is called “idiopathic glossopyrosis.”

Burning Mouth Syndrome or BMS is common in people who take medications for blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.The nutrient depletions that cause neuropathy are fully discussed in my paperback book, Drug Muggers.

There isn’t a lot that conventional medicine offers. There aren’t a lot of drugs to try, just a handful. Physicians work you up for the obvious, like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux) or Sjogren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. Some doctors admit that they don’t know what is causing the pain (termed “idiopathic”) but they’ll still try to help by prescribing a medication called gabapentin. This reduces the sensation of pain, but its use is limited due to side effects.

You will be told to drink plenty of fluids (to avoid dry mouth), suck on ice chips and avoid acidic foods that could aggravate the pain. Some acidic foods include tomatoes, citrus fruits, soda/carbonated water, sauerkraut, pomegranate juice and coffee.

A study once determined that B12 deficiency was definitely associated with BMS.

They also checked levels of iron, folate, calcium and magnesium but none of those were deficient in the patients they checked.

So if B12 is deficient in people who have this type of oral pain, it begs a new question about their intestinal microbiome. I say that because B12 is manufactured in the human body from your gut flora, and if you have an unhealthy probiotic stash down there, you won’t make adequate B12.

Could probiotics help? I think so, they’re worth a try anyway.

I can confirm that high levels of homocysteine are associated with BMS and the only way to lower homocysteine is with high quality B vitamins, not medicine! In 2013, researchers found that reducing high homocysteine could improve things. But be careful about the type of B vitamin you choose to take.

Some reports suggest that elevated blood levels of B6 are seen in patients with BMS. Higher serum levels of B6 imply lower cellular levels. Why isn’t the B6 getting inside the cell? You could exacerbate the pain if you don’t take a biologically active form of B6, or other Bs. Research has found that hypothyroidism (often undiagnosed) reason for both depression and oral pain. There’s a lot more information regarding low thyroid (and another vitamin that helps) in the longer version of this article (which I’m happy to email to you) after you sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com.

I truly hope this information helps you feel better and makes mealtime more enjoyable.

(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 20, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

R.C. Shea & Assoc. AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Inside The Law Protect Yourself And Your Family By Choosing The Right Automobile Insurance

Robert C. Shea Esq.

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

A significant percentage of the motor vehicles that travel though our community are either uninsured or underinsured.

To protect against the harms and losses caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists, automobile insurance companies are obligated by law to provide uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to those motorists who purchase Standard policies.

Although underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is not mandatory, typically they are sold hand-in-hand with UM endorsements and are found in virtually all Standard automobile insurance policies in New Jersey.

As the name suggests, UM /UIM coverage is that element of an insured’s own policy of insurance under which he or his family may be compensated for injuries and losses suffered at the hands of an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

This coverage also applies when you are injured as a passenger in someone else’s vehicle.

UM/UIM insurance is very inexpensive yet very important. It is designed to protect you and your family. For in-

Michael J. Deem

stance, you are sitting at a red light minding your business when all of the sudden a drunk runs a red light, crashes into your vehicle and causes you to spend the next week in the hospital with multiple permanent, internal injuries. Your only source of compensation for pain, suffering and unpaid medical bills may come from your UM/UIM insurance policy if the drunk was uninsured or underinsured.

Automobile insurance is mandatory in New Jersey. And although the failure to carry automobile insurance may be punishable by imprisonment many people deliberately do not carry insurance or do not realize that their insurance policy has expired or been cancelled.

Never rely upon a stranger to protect you and your family.

Selecting the correct insurance coverage is your responsibility.

Call the Attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for a free evaluation of your automobile insurance policy.

Law Enforcement Personnel: Join Our Group TOMS RIVER – Our goal is to bring together Retired Law Enforcement Officers, Corrections Officers, State Troopers, Prosecutors Investigators and Career Firefighters living in and around Ocean County.

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month meet at noon at the Moose Lodge 399, 1801 Bay Boulevard, Ortley Beach. Yearly dues are $20 in addition at each meeting we charge $5 to cover lunch.

As a chapter of the statewide organization, we discuss issues related to our pension and benefits. We also share a lot of war stories and

brotherhood. If interested in joining, please let us know and an application will be forwarded.

Please keep the posts related to our common retiree issues and other information for the good of our professions.

Remember, you do not have to be retired from an Ocean County department to join. Out of state retirees are also welcome to join as long as you meet the above criteria.

We have a yearly picnic and Christmas party.

We try to have guest speakers when available.

An application may be downloaded at njrpfa. org.

Toms River To Receive $365,000 Road Grant

By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER – Toms River will soon receive a $365,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation as part of the New Jersey 2020 municipal aid grant program.

This grant is among more than $161 million in grants being provided to municipalities across the state for a variety of local transportation projects. New Jersey’s Transportation Trust Fund is covering the funding for the grants, according to the DOT website.

Toms River officials will be using the

$365,000 grant for the elevation of Harbor Court, Canal Lane and Harbor Drive. All three of the projects are based on the barrier island, in Normandy Beach and Ocean Beach.

Allotments to municipalities that receive the grants are based on proportions determined by the Department of Community Affairs, and the aid is allocated through a county-based formula that takes into account population and the number of municipal roadway miles.

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The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 21

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TOMS RIVER – On Saturday, December 14 The Goddard School had its annual Breakfast with Santa. The children had a blast. They got to enjoy a nice breakfast and then got to take their pictures with Santa. After getting their pictures taken, they got a gift from Santa. The

—Photo courtesy The Goddard School families look forward to this event every year.

The children get so excited seeing Santa and they tell him everything they want this year.

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Page 22, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

CHIMNEYS • GUTTERS • ROOFING • MASONRY

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AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE FanNation V Held At Toms River Library

By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER – There was plenty of geekery going on during the 5th Annual FanNation: The Geekstravaganza which was held on Nov. 23 at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library.

The free event featured all manner of fandom ranging from characters from Star Wars, Star Trek and there was some slime making Ghostbusters called up for the event as well.

Panels, meetup sessions, games, crafts and scavenger hunts were all part of the event which culminated with a cosplay contest.

Other activities included an artist alley, video games, a trivia contest, board games, various panels related to science fiction, fantasy, horror and comic books plus fandom meetups.

Author Andrea Towers discussed her new book “Geek Girls Don’t Cry: Real Life Lessons from Fictional Female Characters” which focused on how women can overcome obstacles and asked the question, “what does it mean for a woman to be strong--especially in a world where our conception of a “hero” is still so heavily influenced by male characters like Batman, Spider-Man, and Superman?”

“I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember and I always wanted to write a book. I never knew how to get into it,” Towers said. Towers worked in public relations at Marvel Entertainment and has written about superheroines for outlets such as Entertainment Weekly.

She said that her non-fiction book involved looking at how fictional characters such as her favorite Marvel Comics heroine, Black Widow had to deal with her own anxiety and obstacles and how they could be applied to real life. “Whether it is anxiety, or isolation or PTSD or from a certain situation they were in or something they were exposed to when they were young this is how we can learn from what they went through and how we can apply it to our own life,” Towers said.

“We know about Batman and Spider-Man but a lot of people don’t know about more prominent female characters and their struggles and I wanted to shine a light on that in my book,” Towers added.

The 80th anniversary of Batman was noted during the day with a meetup discussion. Pint sized caped crusader, Adrian Raspas of Little Egg Harbor darted around the second floor of the library as in pursuit of the Penguin or Joker. The three-yearold was there with his parents who also enjoyed looking back to the Dark Knight detective’s varied career in comics, television and feature films.

“FanNation always brings people together. People see each other dressed up as their favorite character or go to a panel about a subject they love and have an instant connection or friendship,” Cecilia Pasqualicchio, Librarian II – Teen Services and even co-chair said.

Pasqualicchio said, “this year we opened the event to families featuring more activities (Fan Nation - See Page 23)

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Fan Nation:

Continued From Page 22 for children. These activities included a mermaid story time featuring a mermaid from the costuming company A Land and Sea Mermaid and a Jedi Training session for kids run by Saber Guild, a Star Wars costuming group that specializes in choreographed lightsaber shows.” ..You didn’t need to be a kid though to enjoy some fan based theatrics. Brick res-

The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 23 ident Steven Lance appeared as an extra 40 years ago in “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” portraying an alien but during the event he traded a toy phaser on loan from the USS Challenger, Star Trek fan club for a Star Wars blaster owned by a member of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costume club who was in full Stormtrooper gear. The two posed for photos in front of a backdrop of the Deathstar corridor. “You can be a fan at any age and my fiancé Lisa and I are having a great time today,” Lance said.

LA Fitness Opens At Ocean County Mall

By Kimberly Bosco TOMS RIVER – Now you can get your holiday shopping AND a workout in! LA Fitness has officially opened a state-ofthe-art facility at Ocean County Mall, Simon properties announced.

The new LA Fitness is a 34,000 sq. ft. fitness center featuring cardio areas, group fitness classes, free weights, a swimming pool and personal training.

“We’re excited to have LA Fitness opened as part of the redevelopment and excited for the future of Ocean County Mall,” said Tara Melodick, Mall Manager. “We are working full steam ahead to have the redevelopment completed by summer 2020.”

Planning on getting fit for the New Year? You can stop in today to check out memberships for 2020.

Creativebug Project Platform Now Available Through Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – Want to get more in touch with your creative side? Ocean County Library resident cardholders now have access to art and craft educative resource Creativebug.

Creativebug is a website and mobile app which offers thousands of free online art and craft classes, available anytime, anywhere. Its videos are produced by renowned artists and creative experts. Class categories include sewing, quilting, paper, knitting,

crochet, food, jewelry, kids, and more.

Creativebug is simple and intuitive, with features like chapter divisions, notetaking tools, 20-second rewind, saving classes, recommendations, and more.

This free resource is accessible to all Ocean County Library cardholders starting Jan. 2. Visit theoceancountylibrary.org on or after this date to join Creativebug.

For more information, call the Ocean County Library at 732-349-6200.

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Page 24, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Blood Drive To Be Held At Ocean County Mall

FIXING TWO PROBLEMS WITH ONE LENS

As we age, our eyes’ lenses begin to lose their flexibility, giving rise to “presbyopia” (Greek for “old eye”) and the need for reading glasses. At the same time, eye lenses are also likely to become progressively cloudy, a condition known as “cataracts,” which causes blurry vision. “Lens replacement surgery” (LRS) has been developed so that ophthalmologists can take care of both problems with a single procedure. It involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with a synthetic substitute called an “intraocular” lens. While LRS may be described as cataract surgery, it also serves to correct vision by changing the lens’ focusing ability. The technique can correct eyesight for far- and near-sightedness as well astigmatism.

Intraocular lenses come in different focusing powers, just like prescription eyewear or contact lenses. Your ophthalmologist will measure the length of your eye and the curve of your cornea. These measurements are used to set the focusing power of your lenses. When you need the best eye care in the area, look to SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES. Please call 732-349-5622 to schedule an eye exam. For our patients who wear glasses and contacts we offer an array of options, from fashionable eyewear to comfortable contact lenses.

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P.S. Lens replacement surgery is typically performed one eye at a time as an outpatient procedure.

NEW JERSEY - New Jersey Blood Services announced that it will be conducting a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 5, at the Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Ave., Toms River.

Blood products have a short shelf life – from five to 42 days, so constant replenishment is necessary. Each day there are patients who depend on the transfusion of red blood cells, platelets and plasma to stay alive. But blood and blood products can’t be manufactured. They can only come from volunteer blood donors who take an hour to attend a blood drive or visit a donor center.

To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive call Toll Free: 1-800-933-2566 or visit: nybloodcenter.org

Any company, community organization, place of worship, or individual may host a blood drive. NYBC also offers special community service scholarships for students who organize community blood drives during summer months.

Blood donors receive free mini-medical exams on site including information about their temperature, blood pressure and hematocrit level. Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 (with parental permission or consent), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria. People over 75 may donate with a doctor’s note.

Ocean County CERT Meetings WARETOWN – Ocean County Community Emergency Response Team has meetings the second Wednesday of every month except July. Meetings /training will take place at O.C. Fire & EMS Training Center, 200 Volunteer Way, Waretown, NJ.

Courses include: Disaster Preparedness, Fire Safety, Medical Operations, Search & Rescue, Disaster Psychology, Terrorism, Hazardous Materials, and Incident Management.

For information, call Jim Spataro at 347524-7916, jamesspataro37@comcast.net.

Toms River Elks Vendor Fair

TOMS RIVER – Save the date for the Toms River Elks Vendor Fair, hosted by Toms River Elks Lodge #1875. The vendor fair will take place on February 14, 2020 at 5 p.m. at the lodge.

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The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 25

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Page 26, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate 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)

For Rent Seaside Park - Yearly 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartments. Super clean and cozy. No Pets. Application and credit check - from $995. 908-278-5491. (4) Seaside Heights - 3BR, 2BA, furnished condo apartment. A/C, W/D. Available 12/15/2019 – 1/5/2020.

No pets/no smoking. $1950/month + utilities. 732-822-7688.

(4)

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 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) Buying World War I and II Helmets, hats, swords, daggers, medals, flags, Marine uniforms, women's uniforms, etc. All Countries.

Call 609-581-8290.

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

(52) 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.

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Items For Sale Help Wanted Mausoleum - 3rd level, single, inside at Silverton Ocean County Memorial Park, $7,500. Call Al at 732-295-3284.

(52) Tr a n e X R 9 5 - G a s H . V. A . C 5000 BTU 6 years old. $1000 OBO. 732-370-8628.

(2) $20 Seamless 55 Gal Tank - Fully equipped. $10 motorized Treadmill. $5 Free Standing Bicycle.

Formal Dining Room Set. 908305-4830 Leave Message.

(1) Troy Built Snow Blower - 28 inch. Runs. Needs repair on track. $300 OBO. 732-370-8628.

(2)

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) 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)

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)

Services Don Carnevale Painting Specializing interiors. Some exterior. Quality always. Very neat. Prompt courteous service.

Reasonable-affordable. Senior discounts. Honest-reliable. Low rates. Free estimates. 732-8994470 or 732-915-4075.

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

Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n) 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) Clean Outs, Clean Ups - hauling, small moves, minor interior and exterior repairs. Honest and dependable. LIC 13VH05930800.

Tony 732-678-7584.

(3) 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) Paint Your Rooms, Fast Clean Neat Starting @ $50. Per room, wall paper removal, power washing, exteriors, free estimates, 732864-6396 leave voicemail.

(1)

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)

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Funding:

Continued From Page 1 Morrison said she sent out 250 emails to politicians and local officials over the weekend for help with the school funding issue. She got one answer.

Bill S-2, proposed by Senate President Stephen Sweeney and signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, will reduce state aid by more than $70 million over the next several years.

In 2018-2019, 68 certificated positions were eliminated along with 55 assistant coaching positions and across the board supply cuts. Over the course of four more years of state aid cuts, the total loss will be over $90 million, according to trschools. com.

The impact on staff and programs will be catastrophic and could include the elimination of over 400 positions, expanding class sizes to 30-40 students; a return to half day or the elimination of kindergarten; and getting rid of non-mandated programs and services like athletics, band, musicals, robotics, courtesy busing, and more, the website states.

“Other districts may have fat to cut to weather a fiscal storm, but TRRSD has always operated lean. No combination of cuts, savings, or other actions can make up for this loss,” according to the website.

Morrison has a 5-year-old daughter in the Beachwood Elementary School and an adult daughter who went through the Toms River school system.

Rachel Remelgado’s son, a senior, and her daughter, a sophomore, are both students at North and are involved in a number of extracurricular activities.

She and her husband moved to Toms River in 2012 from Union County.

“We chose this town because of the great school system, affordable taxes and location,” she said.

But all that may change, if the funding cuts go through.

The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 27 “College scholarships or acceptances can’t be offered without a student’s ability to list high school accomplishments, awards or extracurricular activities,” Remelgado said. “Our kids will not be able to compete when it comes to college education.”

And Ocean County has one of the highest incidences of substance abuse in the state, she said.

“What do you think will happen when there aren’t any after-school activities to engage and occupy our kids’ time?” she said. “Please stand up and get involved.”

Former South Toms River Mayor Oscar Levant Cradle Sr., a graduate of the Toms River school system, said either state officials don’t understand the impact of the proposed cuts or “they just don’t care.”

“I cannot understand what they are doing to our school system,” he said. “This is not just a Republican thing or a Democratic thing. It’s about all of our children.”

Scott Campanile, president of the Toms River Educational Association, said district residents cannot handle the coming tax increases.

“It’s sad,” he said. “I would like to have seen more parents here.”

Parents are still waiting for the state’s funding formula on the proposed budget cuts, the speakers said.

Students and parents who attended a Dec. 10 rally in Trenton near the statehouse courthouse were not treated civilly by elected officials who watched the rally, Remelgado said.

“I was appalled by the callous behavior of our state ‘leaders’ as they snapped pictures, videotaped, pointed and appeared to be laughing at our kids, while others dropped their blinds all from the windows above us in their ivory tower,” she said.

“At no time during this event did a representative of the governor come out and acknowledge the students. They were left to feel insignificant and dismissed.”

Hospice Volunteers Needed

Compassionate Care Hospice is looking for Volunteers who are willing to give companionship to a patient and or their family. This is a gift one gives to his or her self as the rewards are

abounding - to help one at this time in their lives.

For more information please contact Kathleen O’Connell, Volunteer Coordinator 914-275-5766 or Kathleen.oconnell@cchnet.net.

SOLUTIONS

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

Across 1 Dench of “Philomena” 5 Alternative strategy 10 “Ladies First Since 1916” sneakers 14 Tourney format, briefly 15 Secretary Thomas Perez’s department 16 Chicken vindaloo go-with 17 Sister of Rachel 18 Jazz pianist Blake 19 Logician’s word 20 Sasquatch, for one 22 Rub the wrong away 24 Head covering 25 Walk of life 29 Home of the Oregon Ducks 32 Limited portions of 34 L.A. commuter org.

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54 With 57-Across, negotiate ... and what needs to be done to make sense of this

puzzle’s circles 57 See 54-Across 61 Poet Angelou 64 Dry up 66 Sing in the shower, say 67 Fivers 68 Bored with it all 69 Fingerprint feature 70 Skin condition 71 Sasquatch kin 72 Mid-month time Down 1 Crystallize 2 Film beekeeper 3 Laptop screen meas.

4 “Anybody around?” response 5 Certain campus newbies

6 Renowned ‘70s-’80s batting coach Charley 7 French friar 8 Roulette bet 9 Chicken serving 10 Desk space 11 Whisperer’s target 12 Hammarskjšld of the UN 13 __-Caps: candy 21 One with a habit 23 Spotted 26 Wrap around 27 “This Is Spinal Tap” director 28 Motown flops 29 War zone journalists 30 Ideal setting 31 Lawn maintenance accessory 32 __ to go

33 Sleek horse 36 Abruzzi bell town 39 Payment required of known deadbeats 40 1943 penny metal 45 Grain cutters 48 Pay a call 50 Awe-ful sound?

51 Breakfast mix 55 Word with bake or fire 56 Logician’s “E” 58 Yummy 59 70-Across application 60 Boston __ 61 Spoil 62 Esq. group 63 Assent 65 CBS series with a N.Y. spin-off

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Page 28, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

Students:

Continued From Page 11 As Christmas music played in the background, students scurried around serving a delicious Italian meal donated from Carlo Boemio; a teacher and owner of Attilio’s Pizza and Three B’s Restaurant.

The presentation started with a Christmas prayer from Father Scott Schaffer and words of gratitude from Executive Director of Northern

Ocean Habitat for Humanity Suzan Fichtner, and Donovan Catholic Campus Chapter Adviser Donna Milana.

Fichtner emphasized that “we can not be complacent with 30-35 homeless people (58 of which are new faces) seeking shelter at the Warming Center at Riverwood Park as part of Code Blue.” She also reminded the audience that Christmas is about “giving to others and it is with giving that we receive.”

“Our hearts grow when we show love and compassion for our neighbors and that is truly what Christmas is about,” Fichtner said.

Fichtner spoke about a toiletry wish list that is needed for the homeless which includes toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, shampoo, creme rinse, deodorant, chapstick, feminine hygiene products and socks.

Dick Read, a retired engineer and Habitat volunteer for 18 years joined Fichtner at the podium to share his story.

“I had a successful engineering business for over 50 years and retired to the South Carolina Golf Courses only to find that my life lacked purpose,” Read stated.

Read returned to the Garden State and spotted a flyer that called for Habitat construction volunteers. “I answered God’s calling and the rest is history. My life is fulfilled because I am surrounded by a wonderful group of compassionate and caring people (pointing to the audience) that live and work to make people’s lives better each and every day.”

Words of gratitude continued to flow as Eileen Smith, a volunteer and recipient of Habitat’s Critical Home Repair program shared her story.

“Life was good until I had a massive stroke that left me unable to work as a Real Estate appraiser,” Smith said.

“My life spiraled downward quickly and I lost everything until I found Habitat. Scraping together enough money to purchase a small neglected house in need of many repairs, I humbled myself and applied for help. It was transformative for my house and for my soul. It truly opened my heart again,” Smith said.

Smith added, “with a heartfelt thank you the act of giving back is so important. You, the volunteers are the backbone of Habitat.”

To bear witness through the eyes and the heart of the Donovan students, Milana invited Nicole Jimenez and Olivia Lechner to share their appreciation to the staff and volunteers of Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.

Olivia shared the faces of poverty that her father witnessed while deployed to Africa as a Navy Seabee but added that poverty housing is in her backyard.

“The need for low income housing and repairs in the area is incredible. More incredible, however, is the number of needs met by Habitat,” Nicole said.

Nicole added, “it is very easy to become distracted in our busy lives, especially as teenagers, but our club strives to teach young adults like myself that our community needs us and we can help. Habitat for Humanity has made me realize that when a group of people come together, great change can be achieved.”

The event concluded as everyone stood up and joined Pastor Sue Royle in prayer while singing and praising “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

The following day the students of St. Joseph Grade School under the leadership of Catherine Roth gathered in the gymnasium to build a Christmas garden bench for Gloria, Asiana and Monroe; the recipients of Northern Ocean Habitat’s 19th affordable home. Aspiring to be service leaders like their “sisters and brothers” at Donovan Catholic High School.

The students heard Arnie Oftedal, retired principal and valued volunteer share his story of “living his faith through serving others”.

Sporting hard hats, tool belts, safety glasses and hammers, Bob the Builder; Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity’s Construction Director, Arnie Oftedal and Keresztes, taught the fundamentals of construction while emphasizing the reality that many people live in poverty housing.

Keresztes said, “the students concluded their service-learning session by signing their names to the bench and writing tidings of great joy.”

For information about Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity or to become a volunteer, visit nohfh.com or e-mail Keresztes at programservices@nohfh.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 29

BUSINESS PROFILE Give Care Temp Heating And Air Conditioning A Call Now And They’ll Get Back To You Before You Even Finish Reading This Article

By Michael Vandenberg It’s the middle of February and it’s 15 degrees outside. A blizzard is forecast for later in the week. You’re at home, watching TV on the couch late at night, thinking about heading to bed.

All of a sudden, you hear a weird noise coming from the furnace room. You get up and go investigate, but everything looks okay from the outside at least. Before you know it, you can see your breath and it’s starting to get chilly, even though your thermostat is set at a cozy room temperature.

Your heat’s broken. But it’s 11:00 at night, what are you going to do? Easy! Call Care Temp: they’ll get back to you in seven minutes or less and try and do whatever it takes to keep you warm.

“They tell us that as soon as they turn around to walk into another room, the phone is already ringing,” Jennifer Paprocky, manager at Care Temp, LLC, told me. Indeed the HVAC contractor based in Toms River prides itself on being able to help with all of your home gas heating and central air conditioning repair quickly, generously, and effectively. It’s no wonder they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Care Temp (Master HVACR Lic

#: 19HC00852400 and NJ HIC #: 13VH02253000) has been based r ight here in Ocean County since its founding 25 years ago this winter. In 2006, Jen was hired for the summer to help transition the company to electronic record keeping and establish their website. After a couple months, she was hired into her current managerial position. From the office, she has the tough job of coordinating Care Temp’s 15 certified and technically cross-trained employees on service calls, installations, and routine maintenance appointments all over the county and beyond.

Even when you factor in Care Temp’s 24/7 emergency service, technicians are scheduled flawlessly fast. While waiting for your installation during the wintertime, Care Temp will install strip heaters to keep you warm in the meantime.

Jen doesn’t want you, “sitting there in the cold, especially in the wintertime when your pipes could freeze. And that way you don’t have to go to a hotel or a neighbor’s house; you can still be in the comfort of your own home.”

Likewise, if your central air

breaks down during a July heat wave, Care Temp will happily hook up a window unit to keep you cool. “That way at least the customer goes into their bedroom or living room and has temporary relief while we’re installing it.” Or, if need be, you can make it through the night to the next day.

Treating people well like this results in customer loyalty. One person (whom we’ll call Sally) was originally referred to Care Temp for an estimate on an air conditioning installation. One day, in the midst of the project, Jen needed to drop off a part.

When she got to the house, Sally invited her inside for an iced tea. Jen remembers Sally telling her that, “we were the company she was looking for because we’re very personal and truly cared”. Sally went on to thank her that they were there right away and was very happy that she offered her a temporary window unit while the installation was going on.

Sally ended up getting a maintenance contract with Care Temp that she renewed every year, even after she stopped living in the house fulltime.

“Whenever she’d call she would

tell stories, and she would tell her friends to call and ask for me. She was just a wonderful lady that constantly recommended us and trusted us.”

Even further, Sally greatly appreciated that the technicians really took the time to explain everything to her and answer any questions with a smile.

For the people at Care Temp, being kind is just the right thing to do. “I can honestly say that I love what I do,” Jen said. “I like dealing with the customers, scheduling, and finances.” It’s a positive attitude that is shared by the whole team there.

It’s time to put your heating and air conditioning needs in the hands of the friendly professionals at Care Temp, LLC. Feel free to call 732-3491448 or their local Manchester number 732-657-1000 today.

You can also visit them online at caretemp.com or in person at 891 Route 37 West in Toms River. Right now, you can also take advantage of their current special: NEW CUSTOMERS-SWITCH FROM YOUR CURRENT HVAC COMPANY AND RECEIVE A FREE HEATING CONTRACT! (Call for details.)

Page 30, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

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The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019, Page 31

wolfgang puck’s kitchen

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

Special Occasion Announcements The Toms River Times welcomes your special announcements!

Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary, Birth, Birthday Wishes, etc.

Publication fee of $24.95 includes photo* and 200 word limit.

The announcement will appear in Color and on ourWeb site!!

Mail to: The Manchester Times, PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 or e-mail to agradzki@jerseyshoreonline.com.

Enclose check or Visa/MasterCard/American Express information.

For more information or questions, please call 732-657-7344. *Photos will not be returned unless accompanied by a self addressed, stamped envelope.

Classic Recipes Reimagined Have The Power To Surprise, And Delight, Unsuspecting Guests

By Wolfgang Puck

I’ve seen it happen many times in my restaurants, and you’ve no doubt been on the receiving end of this phenomenon: Guests order a classic dish, something they’ve enjoyed elsewhere many times before, and when it arrives it looks nothing like what they’d been expecting.

The first reaction may be puzzlement or consternation or delight - or a combination of all three. But most of the time they’ll eventually inspect the dish more closely and realize that it looks and smells delicious. Then they taste it- and realize it’s even better than they had imagined.

That’s a big part of the pleasure for a chef, or a home cook, in reimagining a classic recipe. Once you’ve decided to come up with a new version of a familiar dish, all the rules - except, of course, the fundamental ones of good cooking - no longer apply. You can alter - or maybe I should say “tweak,” because the changes are often subtler - the ingredients, the way you prep and cook them, and how you present them. Even the subtlest changes can add up to a dramatic new version of a dish that better suits the way people like to eat today.

Take, for example, the recipe I share with you here for Eggplant alla Parmigiana, as it’s prepared by executive chef Vincenzo Scarmiglia at my Cucina by Wolfgang Puck in Las Vegas. Ask most people who say they know this Italian classic to describe it, and they’ll tell you it’s an oven-baked casserole consisting of multiple layers of breaded and deep-fried eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan, served occasionally in individual baking dishes but more often cut into generous squares like a lasagna.

Your mouth is probably watering at that description, as mine is writing it. But let’s also admit that most versions of the dish are heavy, and the flavors blend together so much during baking that you sometimes can’t tell the eggplant from the breading, cheese or sauce.

That’s why I like how Vincenzo prepares it. He first makes an intensely flavorful tomato-basil-garlic sauce - a staple in many of my restaurants.

Then, he carefully coats the eggplant slices to keep them from absorbing too much oil during their brief frying. Finally, he tops each slice with its own dollop of sauce and cheese and pops a trayful of individual rounds under the broiler until the cheese melts, before arranging several slices side by side atop more sauce on dinner plates, topping each serving with a mound of simple baby arugula salad.

The results taste exactly like a great Eggplant alla Parmigiana - but cleaner, simpler and more focused than ever. I hope you enjoy this recipe, and that it will inspire you to try reimagining other classics in a similar spirit.

EGGPLANT ALLA PARMIGIANA Serves 8 TOMATO-BASIL-GARLIC SAUCE 2 cans crushed San Marzano tomatoes, each 28 ounces (794 g) 1/2 cup (125 ml) extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped garlic 1/2 pound (250 g) fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 cup (250 ml) tomato paste 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus extra as needed 6 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar FRIED EGGPLANT 3 large globe eggplants, each about 2 1/4 pounds

(1 kg) Kosher salt Canola oil, for deep frying 2 cups (500 ml) all-purpose flour 3 large eggs, beaten in a bowl with 3 tablespoons cold water 1 pound (500 g) packaged Italian-style dried breadcrumbs Freshly ground black pepper FOR SERVING 1/2 cup (125 ml) fresh basil leaves, cut into julienne strips 8 ounces (250 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1 pound (500 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced 8 ounces (250 g) baby arugula leaves, rinsed, drained, and patted dry 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper For the sauce, first strain the tomatoes in a colander over a nonreactive bowl. Set aside both the solids and juice.

Heat the oil in a saucepot over low heat. Add the garlic and basil, and saute, stirring, just until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir until it darkens slightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato solids and cook just until the mixture starts to simmer; then stir in the tomato juice, sugar and a little salt. Continue simmering gently, stirring occasionally, until reduced to a thick but still fluid consistency, about 2 hours.

Taste and add more salt, if needed. Then pass the sauce a ladleful at a time through a food mill with the fine disc; or carefully pulse in batches in a blender. Set aside.

Meanwhile, for the eggplants, trim off the stem ends and, with a vegetable peeler, remove the shiny skin. Cut crosswise into slices 1/2 inch (12 mm) thick. Layer the slices in a colander in the sink, sprinkling each lightly but evenly with salt. Leave for an hour. Rinse the slices with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

In a thermostat-controlled deep-fryer or a deep cast-iron casserole using a deep-frying thermometer, heat 2 to 3 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) of oil to 300 F (150 C). Arrange the flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls nearby.

One at a time, dredge the eggplant slices on both sides in flour, shaking off excess; then dip into egg; then dip in breadcrumbs to coat evenly; and, finally, gently drop into the hot oil. Continue with more slices, taking care not to overcrowd the fryer. Cook until each slice is deep golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes, using a wire skimmer or slotted spoon to turn them once halfway through and then to lift them out to drain on paper towels.

Preheat the broiler. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, gently reheat the sauce.

Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on 1 or more baking sheets. Spread each with some sauce and top with basil. Evenly distribute Parmesan and mozzarella on top. Cook under the broiler and cook until the cheese has melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Spread the remaining sauce on the bottoms of 8 large heated serving plates. Distribute the eggplant among the plates.

In a mixing bowl, quickly toss the arugula with the olive oil, balsamic, and salt and pepper to taste. Mound in the center of each plate. Serve immediately.

(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 32, The Toms River Times, December 28, 2019

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