The JACKSON Times Vol. 21 - No. 4
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Juneteenth Celebrated In Johnson Park
Parents Of Autistic Teen Discuss Coping Mechanisms During COVID-19
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Inside The Law Page 10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 15
Dear Pharmacist Page 15
Dear Joel Page 20
By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – We’re not quite there yet, but local businesses are welcoming the easing of restrictions to help summer get underway. Local businesses, especially the small ones owned by our neighbors, need help in rebuilding after being closed for months.
─Photo by Bob Vosseller Jamilah Rosemond, a former Jackson student and sophomore at New York University majoring in drama coordinated a Juneteenth Celebration in Johnson Park that drew around 100 people. By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Juneteenth is a histor ic eve nt t h at wa s not forgotten in the township this year. One of two Juneteenth events was held on June 20 in Johnson Park.
Another celebration that had been planned for Ju ne 19 by t he com m it t e e t hat organized the recently held Jackson Peaceful Protest was postponed due to the threat of inclement weather.
Ju ne 19 i s Ju ne - Independence Day. teenth, a holiday that This year it is also c om me mor at e s t he ser ved to celebrate end of slaver y with racial diversity in the the 1865 emancipation wake of hundreds of of enslaved African protests around the Americans. It is also world following the known as Emancipa- m u r d e r of G e o r g e tion Day and Black (Juneteenth - See Page 2)
How To Help Local Businesses Marina Papanikolas, director of business for the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce, said customers can help get the word out about their favorite businesses. They can share pages on social media, and let others know what they might be missing. She also encouraged people to buy gift cards,
even if they are not really a gift – even if you keep it for yourself. Buying a gift card injects a business with needed cash right now, and then you can redeem that card later when the business is on more solid footing. “If they are open, just encourage people to support all local businesses in any way they can,”
she said, which includes purchases, promoting, and sharing their pages on social media. While some restaurants have the option of providing outside dining, deeply restricted inside dining is starting on July 2. This might lead to scarcity in how many parties they can sit. Lori Pepenella, chief
June 27, 2020
executive officer of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, recommended calling restaurants to see if reservations are needed. Checking out a restaurant’s social media page or website might be a good idea as well, since there might be new hours, new menu items, (Local - See Page 4)
By Bob Vosseller NEW JERSEY – While conditions are gradually changing to allow more in person contact during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic quarantine, autistic children and their parents are are continuing to face new challenges. Not only are families suffering from reduced income, closed schools, and closed day programs, but individualized educational and vocational supports sometimes cannot be delivered remotely or are more limited in hours per week or scope. Donna S. Murray, PhD. is vice president of clinical programs and head of the Autism Treatment Network (ATN) at Autism Speaks. She recently spoke to Jersey Shore Online/Micromedia Publications about the issues facing families with autistic children. “Many appointments have shifted to telehealth, which is a great alternative but may not be the right fit for every child. There is also an overall lack of connection with the community.” Autistic adults are also facing unique challenges during this time. From appointments being cancelled, to work being closed, to classes being moved online, there are many different factors that are creating disruption. “In addition to changes in routine, adults may be experiencing unemployment and changes in independent living situations. For example, while getting groceries may have been a routine task before, that process looks different for everyone now,” Murray added. Murray noted that “some stores are directing traffic one-way through the aisles or requiring other new procedures, in addition to dealing with product shortages and purchase limits. These changes can quickly pile up and make it extremely difficult for someone with autism to navigate them and get what they need.” As to what the public can do to help those with autism as the pandemic continues Murray said, “be kind, now more than ever the autism community needs kindness and compassion. At (Reopening - See Page 4)
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