2021-01-30 - The Howell Times

The HOWELL Times

Vol. 18 - No. 35

In This Week’s Edition

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Rescue Dogs Become Support Animals For Police In New Program

January 30, 2021

Howell’s First Female Mayor Dies From COVID-19

BREAKING NEWS @

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Dear Pharmacist Page 13

─Photos courtesy Eatontown Police Department

Classifieds Page 16

Inside The Law Page 18

Fun Page Page 18

Tala enjoying her new home at the Eatontown Police station.

By Alyssa Riccardi police department to M O N M O U T H become an emotional COU NTY – A new support animal. pilot program has been The fi rst participant you think about it. Anyannounced by the Mon- for this program was body can have a dog mouth County SPCA the Eatontown Police at home, but having a where shelter dogs be- D e p a r t m e nt whe r e dog at work has proven come support dogs for their Chief, Bill Lucia to be very impactful police. adopted a dog named in assisting officers This new program will Tala. coping with stressful place a rescue dog from “It is really such a situations,” Chief Lucia the MCSPCA in a local simple concept when said. “It has also had a

significant impact on the overall morale of the department.”

The purebred husky Tala was rescued from a hoarding farm in the south. The MCSPCA explained how Tala (Dogs - See Page 2)

─Photo courtesy The Lakewood Funeral Home, Howell Township Former Mayor Suzanne Marie Leonard Veitengruber died on January 20 as the result of the coronavirus.

By Bob Vosseller HOWELL – A pillar of the community has passed away at the age of 71 from the coronavirus. Suzanne Marie Leonard Veitengruber was Howell’s first female mayor.

Veitengruber died on January 20 and is survived by her husband, George E. Veitengruber, Jr., her children, George III, and Melissa Skrocki and five grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were made through (Mayor - See Page 4)

Doctors Address Why Some Officials Celebrate Completing Project On Routes 34 and 537 Don’t Want Vaccines

By Bob Vosseller NEW JERSEY – Hackensack Meridian Health leaders and affiliated health care providers recently held a webinar to discuss the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, the research and development process, and the latest information

related to these vaccines.

They urged people to get the vaccine even if their neighbors won’t.

Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Bindu Balani served as the principal investigator of the trials of the Moderna vaccine and works with coronavirus patients. She spoke

about the importance of receiving the vaccine, building herd immunity and for at least 70% of the nation’s population to be vaccinated.

“It really is a happy new year with the vaccines that we now have.

We need to have at least (Doctors - See Page 4)

By Alyssa Riccardi MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the State Route 34 (SR 34) and County Route 537 (CR 537) intersection improvement and bridge replacement project end-

ing successfully.

The project involved the widening of SR 34, widening of CR 537, replacement of the existing traffic signal with stateof-the art technology, replacement of the CR 537 bridge (1300-A18), replacement of the SR 34 bridge (1308-152) and installation of bio-reten-

tion basins.

“The intersection improvement project at State Route 34 and County Route 537 set out to improve the safety and operations of the intersection as well as decrease the use of local roadways as alternate routes to avoid congestion,” Commissioner

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Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering, stated at the ribbon cutting. “Throughout construction, the county worked closely with local businesses including Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck Stillhouse and the (Route - See Page 2)

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Page 2, The Howell Times, January 30, 2021

Route:

Continued From Page 1 Orchards at Colts Neck shopping plaza to minimize disruptions to their operations. At some points, work was staggered on certain sections of the roads based on their business hours to keep their driveways open.”

“For nearly two decades and throughout my time in public service at the municipal and county levels, I had the persistence of vision to bring this intersection improvement to the forefront of our priorities as elected officials and brought this essential project to fruition,” Commissioner Lillian G. Burry said. “For years, residents, business owners and motorists have experienced lengthy delays and hazardous driving conditions at one of the busiest intersections in Monmouth County.

The completed project has drastically altered how people travel in and through Colts Neck, especially during commuter peak hours.”

“As a resident of the township myself, I am personally gratified to see us reaching this significant milestone and I applaud our County Public Works and Engineering department and our partners on the state level for their tireless efforts to make this project a reality,” Commissioner Burry added.

With the county’s partnership with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), they were able to complete this project swiftly. This type of project would normally be run by the State since the intersection of State Route 34 and County Route 537 fall under NJDOT. Despite this, the County was allowed to be the lead for this project in order for it to be completed as quick as possible.

The majority of the project was completed with

Federal Aid Grant and State Aid Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) dollars under the NJDOT and County agreement. Totaling to $23.3 million for this project, the state provided 75 percent and the county provided 25 percent for the cost.

These costs included: Design totaling to $1.5 million, Right-of-Way acquisition totaling to $1.6 million, construction totaling to $17.7 million and construction support and inspection totaling to $2.5 million. The county share was $5.5 million.

Of the $5.5 million, the county used $5.2 million from State Aid TTF allocations and $300,000 from County Capital Funds to pay for non-participating construction items.

“I commend the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering, and all of our partners, for the successful completion of this intersection improvement project,” Commissioner Director Arnone said. “The county kept in constant communication with the community, such as disclosing that temporary lane closures or reroutes went into effect, and made this a continuous priority.”

The design team for this project included Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., Amy Greene Environmental (a Davey Company), and Prestige Environmental.

They were also awarded a construction contract for these improvements to Rencor Inc. of Summerville.

Alongside Rencor, Inc., the construction team included Pantaleo Electric, Inc., ML Ruberton Construction, Co, Protec Documentation Services, Clean Earth Matters, LLC, LC Equipment, Inc., The Vann Organization, ANS Consultants, Inc., and Multifacet, Inc. The Construction Inspection and Administration design consultants included T&M Associates, Inc., Amercom, Inc., and GTS Consultants.

Dogs:

Continued From Page 1 lived outdoors, with dozens of other dogs and rarely had the chance to interact with humans. Rescuing Tala and now fi nding her a home at the Eatontown Police Department has changed her life forever. She now receives all the love and care thanks to the Department.

Tala has no formal service training yet, according to the MCSPCA, but she behaves in public settings and ignores distractions and stays near her handler. The MCSPCA said in a press release, “When Tala is at the station you can usually catch her running up and down the hallways, taking long walks with her officer friends, or politely asking for treats with the signature husky ‘AH-WOOO’.”

The officers at the Eatontown Police Department expressed how much they love having Tala at the headquarters. With the high-stress calls the department receives, having Tala there has been very comforting to the officers.

“Tala allows the officers to relax and

de-stress in a way that they may not even realize, while not drawing attention to themselves,” Chief Lucia said. “Nobody thinks twice about an officer taking a dog for a walk, but that walk allows them to clear their head, calm down, or just escape for a little bit. It’s also great for the dogs because we can provide older dogs that are usually harder to adopt a great home. It really is a win-win.”

“We are tremendously proud to launch this program that not only gives a home and family to a shelter dog, but also supports our local police,” Executive Director of the Monmouth County SPCA, Ross Licitra said. “We are hopeful for this program to grow into many successful, mutually beneficial relationships.”

Many local police departments in Monmouth County have sparked interest in the program after they heard the successful story of the Tala at the Eatontown station.

The MCSPCA is inviting anyone interested in taking part in this new program to contact the shelter emailing info@ monmouthcountyspca.org or calling 732542-0040 ext. 7.

Residential Dementia & Alzheimer’s Community ─Photo courtesy the Monmouth County SPCA (Pictured from left to right) Eatontown Police Lt. Bryan Mullholland, Mike Goldfarb from the Monmouth County SPCA, Monmouth County SPCA Director Ross Licitra, Mikaela Milano, Eatontown Police Chief Bill Lucia and Eatonton Police Sgt. Jason Cardomoni pictured with Tala in front of the Eatontown police squad car.

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Mayor:

Continued From Page 1 the Lakewood Funeral home in Howell. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all services for her were held virtually.

Mayor Theresa Berger spoke about the former mayor on her social media page saying, “I come to you today with heavy heart. A pillar of our

community has passed away from COVID. Sue was the lady who you knew was there.”

“She and I sat on the opposite sides of the aisle but always spoke about how we could make the town better as a team. I want to thank the Veitengruber family for sharing her with us. Everyone who knew her knew the fiery vivaciousness that she had,” Mayor Berger added.

The mayor added, “I want to say for my family

and the many people in the town who have spoken to me and have this sense of sadness for her passing - we are here for the family. We are Howell and we love Sue. I want to say thank you Sue for all your kindness and support. You will be missed.”

“I wish R.I.P. meant return if possible. I will miss you,” Councilman John Bonevich said in a comment on the mayor’s post. “Howell will not forget you. Rest in peace Sue.” Veitengruber’s son also responded saying, “thank you on behalf of my father, my sister and her five grandchildren, Kate, Mia, Grayson, Jack and Jacob. We want to thank you and all of Howell for a lifetime of memories and support.”.

“She loved Howell Township and was proud to be a resident for 45 years. Please sign up for the vaccine, wear a mask and keep yourself safe.

COVID robs us all of time and hits closer to home every day,” her son added.

Deputy Mayor Thomas Russo also took to social media to convey his condolences about Veitengruber’s passing. “My wife Amanda and I send our love and condolences to the entire Veitengruber family. I had the pleasure of getting to know former Mayor Veitenbruber through my years of public service and will always remember her relentless commitment to community, devotion to volunteerism and her love for Howell.”

The former mayor had served on council for two years prior to being elected as mayor in 1991, she told The Howell Times during an archived interview. She had held positions as finance director in North Brunswick, administrator for Keansburg Borough and finance officer in Tabernacle Township.

She was married for 48 years and said she loved public events that brought so many Howell residents together for a good cause.

Veitengruber was praised for her devotion to the township and the various boards and committees she served on over the decades. She not only served as the township’s first female mayor but also served as a member of the Township Board of Education.

She cooked hundreds and hundreds of turkeys and sides for the Howell PBA for years at Thanksgiving. Those meals were delivered to homebound seniors and Veitengruber was a strong supporter of the Howell Education Foundation. She was also a professor at Rutgers University where she taught municipal finance courses.

Veitengruber was known for her love of volunteerism and the many boards and committees she served on which included, among other positions, the township’s planning board, environmental commission, transportation committee, ordinance review committee plus the Howell Rent Control Board and the Finance Review Committee.

Howell resident Marc Parisi, who serves on the Board of Education at Freehold Regional High School said of Veitengruber, “anyone who met Sue knew instantly she was incredibly smart and sharp. She literally knew everything about Howell and how it ran.”

“She was a dedicated public servant for many years and cared deeply about Howell. Her passing is a tremendous loss for our community,” Parisi said.

Doctors:

Balani explained.

The more that people get vaccinated, the slower the virus will spread, she said. “We will then be able and capable of getting better contact tracing to those who are then subsequently infected and hopefully not going forward. Having the public step forward to get these vaccines is going to be the key in making this particular vaccination strategy a success and getting this pandemic under control.”

Jersey Shore University Medical Center Internist Dr. Brian Roper addressed those in the community who are very hesitant to get the vaccine, particularly people of color, and he provided some reasons why this was the case.

“We are all well aware that the distrust and suspicion of our medical system in communities of color specifically the African American community is not without merit. It is well documented that with America’s original sin of chattel slavery that various agencies have sanctioned experimentation on African Americans,” Dr. Roper added.

He noted the most infamous case of this being “the Tuskegee syphilis experiment of 1932. This heinous act by the United States Public Health Service and the CDC involved 600 uneducated impoverished African American share croppers with the false notion that they would receive treatment for a disease when in fact treatment was never planned.

“I realize that America has a way to go in gaining the trust of African Americans,” he said. “This vaccine is not Tuskegee 2.0. In fact the disinformation that affects our community about this and other standards of medical care cause us not to seek treatment. That is actually Tuskegee 2.0.”

He added that as a trained physician and pharmacist with over 20 years of experience in the medical field, “I believe in the science and trust in the technology enough that I had the Pfizer biotech vaccination on the first Sunday of this year.”

Continued From Page 1 upwards of at least 70 % of people in public get vaccinated for this particular disease - the reason being is that there may be smaller clusters where they are more susceptible to this particular disease who are not vaccinated and it will still be around,” Dr. Balani said.

She added, “we also have to look at the small portion of patients who may or may not be able to get the vaccines for one reason or the other. We need to protect them in addition to ourselves.”

“We hope to decrease the attack rate on those who are not vaccinated and prevent this spread of disease process over a period of time. If you look at a population of 10 that are not vaccinated today - if those people are infected they are going to go an infect another 10 people. If eight of the 10 are vaccinated then you have only two people who will then go and have further spread of this disease,” Dr.

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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY Letters To The Editor

F EATURED L ETTER Monmouth County School Boards Association Honors Local School Trustees January marks School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey, and the Monmouth County School Boards Association adopted a resolution commending the dedication and effort of local school trustees throughout the county.

“School board members devote countless hours to their communities and public education, on behalf of children. They do this without receiving any compensation,” states the Monmouth County School Boards Association’s resolution. “Many local board members dedicate extraordinary amounts of time and effort to attend training and to reach out to state and federal lawmakers on behalf of their communities’ children.”

Since the first School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey in 2002, the State Board of Education, the state-level public body that regulates public education, has approved resolutions to honor the work done by local school board members.

“Local school boards oversee their communities’ education programs and work with chief school administrators to set goals for our children’s education,” said Al Miller, president of the Monmouth County School Boards Association. “With

more than 5,000 men and women serving on the state’s local boards of education, school board members constitute the largest group of public officials in New Jersey.”

“School Board Recognition Month was designed to thank current and former school board members for their dedication on behalf of, and service to, their communities,” said Michael McClure, New Jersey School Boards Association president. “New Jersey’s local school boards serve as the community’s voice in setting goals for their schools.”

As an advocacy and service organization for the state’s local boards of education, NJSBA is spearheading a statewide School Board Recognition Month effort.

The National School Boards Association began School Board Recognition Month in the early 1990s, and various other states followed suit by dedicating one month of the year to recognize the contributions of local board members.

Al Miller Vice President Howell Twp. Board of Education President Monmouth County School Boards Association

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

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them.

Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to

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The weekly deadline is 5 p.m.

Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, 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.

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

Defend Your Tax Dollars

A sign on the front lawn of our country will read: “America For Sale, Cheap,” because the majority of voters didn’t do the math in favor of diligent management of their hard-earned tax dollars. Seventy-million-plus Americans voted to put a businessman back in the White House, again.

This is some 7-plus-million more than in 2016. These voters could see the disparity of the USA paying the World Health Organization some 500 million dollars compared to some 30 million dollars that China pays, and yet China has 5 times more population than the USA. This disparity is an assault on the tax dollars of hard-working Americans. Biden has already announced re-entry of the USA into this Organization, without question.

Just as “yo-yo” dieting is dangerous, so too is “yoyo” governing that will be forced on Americans’ hardearned tax dollars. America cannot be the “piggy-bank” of the world, just as we cannot be the “policeman” of the world. Americans’ hard-ear ned tax dollars appropriated for support at home, or abroad, must mandate parity, accountability and recipient merit, without exceptions, but this rarely happens.

Biden wants to restore unity, but for the past 4 years he and “his party” have been doing the exact opposite with their mocking, purported lies and refusal to accept a duly elected president and his supporters, which is blatantly hypocritical. It is also hypocritical when they say abortion should be rare, but allow it to become abortion-out-of-control. It’s not fair that the defenseless, little human being in the womb, many fully grown, should have its life snuffed out. Perhaps, in place of abortion, women will be paid to bring their unborn child to term, if COVID continues to kill us at this

increasingly alarming rate.

Tell the “Big Guy” that all the men in our families served in the military before receiving FREE college, and there is no such thing as a FREE lunch. If he dares tell you that “yo-yo” governing is OK, because he has the legal right to print monies, he’s correct. But, printing money, taxing and spending to an extreme is not sustaining. Speak out!

Defend Your Tax Dollars!

Marie Pellicano Whiting

Vaccination Mega-Site Needed at the Shore The opening of vaccinations to people age 65 and up has caused an overwhelming crush of vaccination requests in the shore region, home of the state’s largest concentration of seniors.

Ocean County is the epicenter of this demand. The county’s Toms River vaccine clinic filled the first 2 months of its appointment schedule within minutes!

The delay in getting access to vaccination appointments is unacceptable!

Meanwhile, it’s a hardship for seniors to travel two to three hours round-trip to get each of the two vaccination doses at the nearest state “mega-sites” in Gloucester or Middlesex County.

All Shore residents, especially vulnerable seniors, need the state to establish a mega-site in the region now.

Rich Wieland Toms River

Remote Schooling Can’t Go On Editor’s Note: This letter is in response to “Lakehurst Returns To School Despite Objections,” published January 23 in The Manchester Times.

Every other district in

this area needs to take note of all the concerns those parents stated. Every child right now is getting a subpar education and the school districts are doing a huge disservice by not allowing families who want their children to attend an in-person full week to go in.

Our society is not built to allow parents to stay home to teach our children full time, we pay taxes for schools and teachers to take this burden from us so we can work and be productive within the community too.

By keeping us all home our children are growing to be the most under-educated generation to date. This is not because parents do not want to teach their children (maybe some do not) but we do not have the time or resources to do it as well as a professional educator.

Jessica Smith Manchester

Chris Christie Get Off My TV I thought we had seen the last of Chris Christie. The useless former governor who did absolutely nothing for us. Even in a Republican county, he just said “thanks for the votes” and went his merry way. Can you think of a single thing he did for Ocean County?

And now ABC has him as some kind of commentator.

I thought maybe it was a one-time thing but he’s on there all the time now.

And he never has anything interesting to say. He just spews out talking points. I get that they need a token Republican, but couldn’t they do any better than him?

He was the first to try to glom onto Trump’s coattails. And since Tr ump kicked him to the curb, now he’s critical of Trump. Make up your mind. Whether or not you like Trump is a black or white decision.

It’s not something you can bounce back and forth depending on the mood of the country.

Obviously, he’s just positioning himself for another presidential run but don’t forget his terrible legacy.

He kicked people off the beach and then spent the day there with his family.

He caused the bridge traffic jam that could have killed someone if an ambulance got stuck. He tried school funding reform that didn’t really go anywhere. He’s a typical politician, and I’ve had enough of typical politicians.

So when I see him on the news I shout “Chris Christie get the hell off my TV!” David Rudrow Toms River

My Congressman Chris Smith I am so proud to be represented by Congressman Chris Smith in not only New Jersey, but also in Washington, D.C. I know I can always place trust in Congressman Smith to help me resolve issues and be there to support me. Congressman Smith and his staff have gone above and beyond to help myself and others through difficult times.

Nonetheless, Congressman Smith always keeps things in perspective.

Congressman Smith has been representing us since 1980. He has helped us by authoring over 40 laws and promoting human rights.

Also, he has used his leadership position to introduce laws focusing on autism.

In 2014, he brought in the Autism CARES Act of 2014, which improved the Public Health Service Act. Congressman Smith effortlessly fights for our rights and fights for justice.

I could not be any more thankful to have a congressman like him. His achievements in victim trafficking and prevention can be seen domestically and internationally. His humanitarian spirit is what continues to keep our country flourishing.

Barry Fisher Manalapan

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SPOTLIGHT ON GOVERNMENT Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

Arnone: Preparing For Winter, And New Vaccination Sites I hope everyone is having a great start to the New Year.

Amid the increasingly cold temperatures and chance of snowfall, I want to ensure everyone that our Department of Public Works and Engineering employees are prepared for any potential storms that may be heading our way. We have the best crews around who all have the same goal in mind – to keep our residents safe during any inclement weather. Our number one priority always has been and always will be safety.

Speaking of our Public Works and Engineering Department, I am excited to announce that my fellow Commissioners and I held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the completion of the State Route 34 (SR 34) and County Route 537 (CR 537) intersection improvement and bridge replacement project.

The project included the widening of SR 34, widening of CR 537, replacement of the existing traffic signal with state-of-the art technology, replacement of the CR 537 bridge (1300-A18), replacement of the SR 34 bridge (1308-152) and in-

WASHINGTON, D.C. Building on an amendment he wrote in 2004 to create a Special Envoy to combat anti-Semitism, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) successfully pushed enactment of his Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act that expands the authority of the office and elevates the Envoy to that of Ambassador-at-Large, granting the position added clout to fight the rise in worldwide anti-Semitism.

“My new law will raise the Special Envoy to the rank of Ambassador-at-large, a high-level position that will allow the Special Envoy

stallation of bio-retention basins. This intersection improvement project set out to improve the safety and operations of the intersection as well as decrease the use of local roadways as alternate routes to avoid congestion.

Throughout construction, the County worked closely with local businesses including Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck Stillhouse and the Orchards at Colts Neck shopping plaza to minimize disruptions to their operations. At some points, work was staggered on certain sections of the roads based on their business hours to keep their driveways open.

I commend the County’s Department of Public Works and Engineering, and all of our partners, for the successful completion of this intersection improvement project. The County kept in constant communication with the community, such as disclosing that temporary lane closures or reroutes went into effect and made this a continuous priority.

On a very important note, last week my fellow Commissioners and I held a

joint press conference with Monmouth Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, and Brookdale Community College to announce their partnership to provide a vaccination site at Brookdale Community College’s Robert J. Collins Arena.

I am very excited to announce the County’s partnership with Brookdale and Monmouth Medical Center to provide this vaccination site for our residents. We know that the rollout of the vaccine has been a frustrating process for everyone, but especially for our vulnerable residents who are seeking the vaccine.

Unfortunately, we had been receiving an extremely limited amount of vaccinations and have not been able to meet the demand due to the insufficient supply received from the state.

We have been advocating tirelessly for more vaccines for Monmouth County since the beginning and we will continue to seek more vaccines.

For the past several weeks, Monmouth County was receiving only 500 vaccines per week, but the county was informed that, begin-

ning this week, the County will receive 2,500 vaccines per week. Of the 2,500, 2,000 vaccines will be administered at the Brookdale site over five days per week.

The other 500 will be administered at the Monmouth County Agriculture Building in Freehold. All vaccines will be administered by appointment only. No walk-ins will be accepted.

The Brookdale site will be open five days per week, including Saturday, and offer later hours on Mondays. The hours, which are subject to change, will be as follows: Monday from 1-6 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The Freehold site will continue to operate five days per week, Monday through Friday, and the times will vary based on vaccine availability.

These hours are subject to change and likely will as the number of vaccines we receive, and guidelines continue to change. Initially, we will be scheduling individuals from the county’s waiting list, which currently has more than 11,000 names on it, until our new registration system is

ready to go live.

Residents who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can go to the county’s website at visitmonmouth. com and use the Monmouth County COVID-19 Vaccine Waitlist to be placed on the waitlist for an appointment for a vaccine.

While we do not have control over how many vaccines we receive or when we receive them, we will work tirelessly to distribute all vaccines as soon as they are received by the State and continue to advocate for more vaccines to be given to Monmouth County residents.

I would also like to take this opportunity to ask for volunteers. We are looking for volunteers to give vaccinations and to work registration.

Those interested in volunteering can call the Monmouth County Health Department Phone Bank at 732-845-2070 or email MonmouthCOVID19@visitmonmouth.com.

Additionally, I want to remind residents and business owners about Monmouth County’s “Keep Monmouth Safe” campaign to remind residents and visitors to wear a mask, social distance and

Smith: Ambassador-at-Large Position Created To Combat Anti-Semitism

to report directly to the Secretary of State,” Rep. Smith said. “The official rank of Ambassador comes with greater seniority and diplomatic access not only here in Washington, but equally important, overseas in dealing with foreign governments. In short, it gives the Special Envoy the clout required do the job more effectively.

“Anti-Semitism is on the r ise in many cou nt r ies around the globe over the past 10 years. We’ve seen members of the Jewish community harassed, intimidated, assaulted and even killed. We’ve seen sacred

places like synagogues and graves desecrated. We’ve heard the use of anti-Semitic slurs and threats, and the open targeting of the State of Israel with what the great Soviet refusenik and former religious prisoner Natan Sharansky told me are the ‘three Ds’– demonization, double-standards and de-legitimization of Israel.

“With the rise of online anti-Semitism, hate abroad knows no borders and poisons our communities here at home. We need to integrate our efforts both in the United States and abroad to stop the hate and keep our communities safe,” said

Smith, a founding member of both the House Anti-Semitism Caucus and the Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism, which is comprised of legislative-branch members from Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

The Special Envoy’s mission is to combat discrimination and hatred toward Jews, and develop and implement foreign policy to fight anti-Semitism. Under Smith’s new law, the Special Envoy position would also: be the primary advisor to the U.S. gover nment in monitoring and combating

anti-Semitism; not be saddled with duties irrelevant to combating and anti-Semitism, nor “double-hatted” with other positions or responsibilities that distract from the central focus of anti-Semitism.

Smith was especially grateful to one of his bill’s the 87 co-sponsors, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL), for working to pass the bipartisan bill, as well as Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jackie Rosen (D-NV) and Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), along with their staffs, for their hard work in securing passage on the Senate side, and numerous Jewish

wash their hands. We created several cohesive fliers with this important messaging for businesses to print – for free – and display in their establishments. Messaging includes: No Mask, No Entry Keep Distant, Keep Healthy Wash Your Hands, Guard Your Health The fliers can be downloaded by visiting KeepMonmouthSafe.com. In addition to the fliers, we’ve also purchased nearly two dozen billboards around the county with the same messaging.

We will also be using this messaging to remind people on our social media pages.

Lastly, I want to remind everyone that our Takeout in Monmouth initiative is back.

We have once again purchased thousands of takeout bags to provide to our Monmouth County businesses, for free, as takeout orders again increase.

Since our Takeout in Monmouth initiative began at the beginning of the pandemic, we have provided businesses with over 25,000 bags for free.

As always, it’s a privilege to serve as your County Commissioner Director.

groups who fought hard for this legislation.

Rabbi Aaron Kotler, President and CEO of Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood said, “Congressman Smith has been a world leader in the effort to combat anti-Semitism, keeping the spotlight on the scourge of global hate. In our troubled times, we need his leadership more than ever. Smith led the 2004 Congressional effort to create a U.S. Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism. Now he has strengthened the position of Special Envoy by legislation that accords the Envoy (Smith - See Page 10)

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 8, The Howell Times, January 30, 2021

The HOWELL Times MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS

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Deborah Heart And Lung Center Workers Get Second Dose Of Vaccine

─Photo courtesy Deborah Heart and Lung Center Employee health nurse Liz Foy, RN vaccinates environmental services employee Yvonne Coates.

By Alyssa Riccardi BROWNS MILLS – The Deborah Heart and Lung Center announced that they have administered the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to its staff members, who previously received the first dose 21 days ago.

“This is an exciting milestone,” said Joseph Chirichella, Deborah President and CEO. “Knowing we have staff that are fully vaccinated will bring peace of mind to patients, those employees and their families, and offers hope to all of us that we are on the path to eradicate the virus.”

The NJ State Department of Health had chosen Deborah to obtain the Pfizer vaccine since the Center has ultra-cold freezer storage. This allowed Deborah to be the first hospital in Burlington County to offer the vaccine.

“We had a bit of a learning curve working with this new vaccine and its different storage and use requirements,” said Deb Sadowski, RPh, Deborah’s Director of Pharmacy Services. “But we now have a good system in place for vaccine adminis-

tration, including staggering doses to build in a cushion if there are side effects. With over 600 employees vaccinated, there have been no significant side effects, primarily only soreness at the injection site. Our vaccine clinics have been running quickly and efficiently.”

“Like other institutions throughout the country who are administering the vaccine, we also have to do a fair amount of education to overcome fears about getting the shot,” Sadowski added. “I am proud of my team who are doing a great job of quelling vaccine hesitancy among our staff. This is the same messaging that we will be bringing to the community as New Jersey expands availability to the next tier of recipients.”

“I am very impressed with the staff at the Center managing through the pandemic,” Chirichella said. “They consistently use their training and experience to fi nd the resources and ingenuity to solve every new challenge we are presented. Their rapid deployment of the vaccine will hopefully help to get us to a COVID-free state as a reward for their commitments.”

Howell PAL Announces Flow Yoga Classes

NEW CLIENTS ONLY. Must mention ad when booking appointment and bring ad in at time of payment. Select stylists. You will get a highly trained and talented stylist. Limit one per client. Long hair extra. Single process includes one tube of color. 24 hour cancellation notice required. All services must be used in one visit. 15% gratuity required on regular price of services. Expires 4/30/21.

HOWELL – Don’t let the cold keep you from moving and giving your body the care it needs! Look no further, make sure you check out The Howell Township Police Athletic League Yoga classes being offered on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Flow Yoga is a relaxing workout that is a complete detoxification and toning of all the muscles in the body. It massages all organs in the body while increasing flexibility &

lubrication of the joints, ligaments, & tendons. Yoga improves circulation, stimulates the abdominal organs, and puts pressure on the glandular system of the body, which can generally result to better health.

All state mandated guidelines concerning COVID-19 will be followed! The class is $35 for five sessions.

For more information and to register, visit howellpal.org.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Howell Times, January 30, 2021, Page 9

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

─Photo by Keith A. Jones – Instagram: @jazzbirdphotography This little cutie was hanging out at the Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook. Known as the Horned Lark, its species name is actually Eremophila alpestris.

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

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 10, The Howell Times, January 30, 2021

Smith:

Continued From Page 7 ambassadorial rank. Good people of all faiths owe him a debt of thanks for helping keep racism at bay and for protecting civilized society.”

Nathan Diament, Executive Director for the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center, said, “The Jewish community is very grateful for Rep. Chris Smith’s leadership in getting this

legislation enacted. Sadly, we have seen a surge of anti-Semitic incidents around the world in recent years. With the passage of this legislation, Congress is providing powerful new tools to the State Department to lead impactful international efforts to combat what has been aptly called ‘the world’s oldest form of hatred’ and roll back the tide of anti-Jewish hate.”

Chaplain Yaakov Wenger, of the National Chaplains Association, stated, “The

National Chaplains Association applauds President Donald J. Trump for approving Congressman Chris Smith’s important bill which will help battle the scourge of anti-Semitism worldwide. Congressman Smith has been a staunch fighter of global hate and bigotry for decades, and true advocate for human rights. The president’s signing of the bill is a welcome step in battling divisiveness and hate.”

Rabbi Avi Schnall, director of the New

Jersey office of Agudath Israel, said, “We are very grateful for Congressman Smith’s persistence with seeing and ensuring this that bill became law.” At a time when anti-Semitism is on an alarming increase, now more than ever we need the Special Envoy to have the stature to be able to combat and do whatever we can to fight anti-Semitism.

Lakewood community leaders Eli Tabak and Eli Liberman, who spearheaded Special Envoy Elan Carr’s historic visit to Lakewood in 2019, said, “Congressman Smith’s success in elevating the position of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism to that of Ambassador is but the latest in a long and distinguished history of his efforts to lead the global fight against hate. We greatly appreciate his focus on rooting out anti-Semitism, and the need to address it publicly and forcefully. Seeing Congressman Smith take this initiative, especially during such tumultuous times, is so important to all people of good will. We are grateful for his leadership and proud that this champion of human rights represents Lakewood.”

On two separate occasions, the House voted overwhelmingly to approve Smith’s new law to elevate the U.S. Envoy to Ambassador-at-Large, once in September 2018 and the second time in January 2019.

Each time, the Senate stalled the bill despite widespread support from numerous organizations, including the Agudath Israel, Anti-Defamation League, B’nai B’rith International, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the Jewish Federations of North America the Orthodox Union.

The Senate finally approved the bill on December 16, 2020 and it was signed by the President.

Township To Collect Sunshine Cards For Seniors

FREEHOLD – Social distancing restrictions from COVID are increasing loneliness for many older adults. To help brighten their day and to let them know they are not forgotten, Freehold Township will once again be collecting homemade cards, letters, pictures or any creation THEY can fit in an 8” x 11” envelope.

Items can be dropped off in the Sunshine Card Drop Box located outside of Freehold Township Town Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza on the corner of Schanck and Stillwells Corner Roads.

For the youth that need volunteer hours, each item dropped off will be given 15 minutes of volunteer time. Those wanting volunteer hours, must include the volunteer form with the pieces you drop off in the drop box. The volunteer form can be found at twp.freehold.nj.us. A supervisor will confirm the items and sign off on the appropriate hours and email it back to the volunteer.

If you have any questions, you may contact Committee Member Maureen Fasano at Sunshinecards@twp.freehold.nj.us.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Howell Times, January 30, 2021, Page 11

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Vaccine Concerns Addressed By Hackensack Meridian Health Leaders

By Bob Vosseller NEW JERSEY – Hackensack Meridian Health held a webinar designed to alleviate the fears and address the concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccines.

The webinar was expected to be the fi rst of several to address the subject of the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

Among the topics covered during this fi rst one was the research and development process.

The webinar, called “COVID-19 Vaccines – What You Need to Know” included Dr. Ihor S. Sawczuk who serves as chief research and institutional officer at Hackensack Meridian Health. He was joined by doctors Brian Roper, the Center’s internist and Bindu Balani, who serves as the Center’s infectious disease physician.

Another member of the panel was Hackensack University Medical Center Respiratory Therapist Reyna Berroa. She was one of the fi rst team members to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Following the panelists individual presentations, they responded to a barrage of questions from the 100 plus member virtual audience.

Dr. Sawczuk started off and explained some of the history of the vaccines’ development. “Six weeks from now we’re going to be in March and that is going to bring us about one year ago when this whole horrible pandemic reached New Jersey.

March 3 or 4 is when the fi rst patient was admitted to Hackensack Meridian Health Center and at that time, we really weren’t sure what we were doing.”

“We had hundreds of patients coming to us with COVID and we didn’t have enough tests to be able to determine in a timely fashion who was infected with COVID and who was not. We were scrounging around to get masks to wear. We weren’t sure we should be wearing masks. We were all worried about our protective gear.

Our health care providers were stressed, our patients were dying,” Dr. Sawczuk said.

He noted Hispanics and African Americans “were devastated by this pandemic but at the same time that we were trying to determine what to do we were making progress. We were working with some new therapeutics and with companies who we had never heard their names before.”

He said that new therapies had developed during the course of the year to provide antibodies to COVID patients.

Dr. Sawczuk said as the months went by things began to stabilize and discussion of vaccines began to prevent people from getting the virus. Clinical trials began on vaccine development and two fi rms in particular were working with a new type of technology. “Pfi zer and Moderna were working with a technology called messenger RNA and they were taking parts of the genetic code and they were putting them within a lipid bubble and administering them to test volunteers.”

This led to trails to determine if the vaccines protect individuals from getting the virus and if they were safe to be administered. Thousands of individuals were part of the clinical trials and one of

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those trials was conducted at Hackensack Meridian Health Center “and I was fi rst volunteer to participate and Dr. Balani was the principal investigator in that trial and I received my fi rst injection at the end of August and my second at the end of September,” Dr. Sawczuk said.

“Then you wait and see if you have any symptoms or any potential side effects.

The two vaccines from Pfi zer and Moderna are effective. They are safe. They do have some minor side effects but the number of serious adverse effects are really quite low,” he added.

He said for those who feel the vaccines were rushed, he answered “the technology to develop these vaccines has been available for years. It just hasn’t been applied in a manner that we’ve seen now to get the products. We do have safe vaccines available for our populations.”

Berroa, a front-line worker who helps COVID patients on a daily basis and has seen the devastation of the pandemic spoke about how she felt receiving the vaccine. “I was one of the fi rst five to receive the vaccine here in December. I just received my second dose last week.”

“The reason that I volunteered to receive it is that I wanted to represent my community not only as a Latino and African American woman but to show that to get the vaccine was safer than not to have the vaccine,” Berroa added.

She said she had experienced a small pain in her left arm the fi rst time and a bit more pain there during her second inoculation.

“There were some chills, body aches, a fever in the fi rst 24 hours but I do have to say if that is what I choose to experience for 24 hours versus what I see day to day and the risk of me being infected and coming home to my household is way larger.

The reason I chose to do that is that I want health not only here with my co-workers and the patients that we see, my family, my husband, my grandmother.”

“I feel it outweighs the risk and everyone should be vaccinated. I feel we are ready,” Berroa said.

Further details and commentary from this first webinar by Hackensack Meridian Health will be presented in a follow-up article. For additional information concerning the coronavirus vaccines, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 12, The Howell Times, January 30, 2021

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Toms River Native Joins Kamala Harris’ Team

─Photo courtesy Rohini Kosoglu Rohini Kosoglu, Domestic Policy Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris, speaks with President Joe Biden.

By Chris Lundy WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rohini Kosoglu is bringing the voice of Toms River to the White House.

Kosoglu is the Domestic Policy Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris. Born and raised in Toms River, she attended Cedar Grove Elementary School, Intermediate East

and High School East in Toms River.

As the mother of three young boys, she’s looking forward to COVID to be over. D.C. is a long way from Toms River, and she misses Rich’s Ice Cream and Charlie’s Pizza.

After Toms River, she attended the University of Michigan and George Washington University. Then literally worked her way up from the mail room to be a legislative aide for Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow and then Policy Director for Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, where she oversaw economic, health care and budget issues. She joined Kamala Harris’ team when the vice president was a senator, eventually becoming her chief of staff. She has negotiated several bipartisan bills into law and served as a senior health care advisor during the drafting and passage of the Affordable Care Act. Her father, Dr. Wijeyadevendram Ravindran, has worked as an Emergency Room doctor at Community Medical Center for over 30 years.

He always stressed to her that a physician should treat people no matter what they are able to pay and she’s brought that ethic

with her.

She will be advising Harris on domestic policy – anything that could come in front of her.

“It’s a deep sense of responsibility, bringing voices of people who are not in the room,” she said. “We strive to elevate that voice.”

She was the first South Asian American woman to serve as Chief of Staff in the United States Senate. This was when she worked for Harris in California. Harris brought her on as Chief of Staff for her presidential campaign, and now to D.C. “I find the job a huge responsibility and also an opportunity,” she said.

Toms River – and the Jersey shore in general – is going through tough times. Not just the pandemic, but the opioid epidemic as well.

“So many local businesses and people are hurting. Our government has to work for these people,” she said. On a larger scale, the country is facing numerous crises: “economic, COVID, climate change, and a reckoning on race” to name a few. The federal government must hold itself to the highest standards to address these issues.

Howell PAL To Hold Arts And Crafts Class

HOWELL – The Howell PAL is hosting a six-week arts and crafts class. Join for six weeks of seasonal crafting fun! They will make decor according to the season and use a variety of mediums, and crafts are all new!

Classes will take place on Wednesdays,

Febr uary 10 through March 17 from 5:45 to 7 p.m. The class is for grades K through 5 and the price is $65 per person.

All state mandated guidelines concerning COVID-19 will be followed.

For more information and to register, visit howellpal.org.

P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com

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The Howell Times, January 30, 2021, Page 13

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

How Hawthorn Lowers Blood Pressure

this warning is that hawthorn is a diuretic.

Hawthorne was studied and compared to placebo and found to help people with type 2 diabetes who also had hypertension. The participants took 1,200 mg hawthorn extract in this particular study (doses vary greatly so keep that in mind), and those who took hawthorn had better (lower) blood pressures than those who took the dud pill. Hawthorn contains many polyphenols and antioxidants. It can be useful for many conditions including hypertension, a weak heart, congestive heart failure, shortness of breath and physical/athletic performance.

For that reason, you might consider taking hawthorn, but of course ask your doctor if it’s right for you. Because it reduces blood pressure, you will obviously see interactions with other medications used for hypertension. For example, hawthorn may exacerbate the blood pressure reducing effect of the following: • Beta blockers • Calcium channel blockers • ACE inhibitors • ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor blockers) • Diuretics • Digoxin • Others Side effects of hawthorn have been reported such as nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness and headaches. Side effects often occur when people mix the hawthorn with other medications which cause pressure to drop too low.

With hawthorn, it’s best to use lower dosages of the herb, and take it for a longer period of time, than to take high doses for a short term. Ask your doctor if it’s right for you.

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Hypertension refers to high blood pressure, and while doctors sometimes define this differently based upon your age, it is usually something like 140 over 90. These numbers are further defined as your systolic blood pressure over the diastolic blood pressure.

The systolic is always the first number, whereas the diastolic is the second number and it’s most important because it shows what the pressure is at rest.

Hypertension occurs due to several factors, usually not just one. You might see this condition occur in people who are sedentary and eating too much salt or drinking too much alcohol. You might see it in a smoker who is stressed and getting older. Your genetics play a role too.

There is age-old herb that I trust for all kinds of heart conditions including hypertension. It’s called hawthorn and it is in the same family as roses. Hawthorne is available widely at health food stores and online e-tailors in all kinds of forms like pills, powders and extracts. It’s not so much the leaf, it’s actually the berry of the hawthorn shrub that does the heavy lifting. The berry contains a high concentration of natural compounds which support your entire cardiovascular system.

Hawthorn has been used for centuries to support all kinds of cardiovascular disorders, and it can relax tight, constricted blood vessels. By relaxing them, there is less pressure inside, and therefore blood pressure comes down over time. Hawthorn does affect the nervous system, it is calming and has a mild sedative effect. But I do not recommend hawthorn at bedtime though. The reason for

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Page 14, The Howell Times, January 30, 2021

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE What Phase Are You In For The COVID-19 Vaccine?

By Chris Lundy NEW JERSEY – Once word spread about a vaccine being made available at the end of 2020, there was a collective sigh of relief. But it came with a challenge. How do you vaccinate millions of people?

Health officials broke down the populace into phases based on how likely they are to come into contact with the virus, how severe the virus is to that particular group, and how necessary an occupation is to society. This is why health workers and those who live in long-term care like nursing homes were in the first phase.

This was coined Phase 1A. It includes paid and unpaid health care workers. For example, doctors, custodial workers, and volunteers who work at a hospital would be in this group. It is described as those with “potential for direct or

indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials as well as residents and staff of long-term congregate settings.”

These began on December 15. Those living and working at more than 500 long-term care facilities and homes for veterans were scheduled for vaccinations through the beginning of February.

As of January 7, the state also allowed police officers and firefighters to sign up for vaccinations.

Gov. Phil Murphy announced on social media that residents ages 65 and older will be able to register to get the COVID-19 vaccine starting January 14. Additionally, anyone between the ages of 16-64 can sign up as long as they meet the medical conditions defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These groups were originally Phase 1B, but the vaccination schedule was opened to them as well.

The rest of Phase 1B includes frontline essential workers (educators, food and agriculture, manufacturing, corrections officers, post office, public transit, grocery store).

Phase 1C includes other essential workers (transportation and logistics, food service, construction, finance, IT and communication, energy, media, legal, engineers, water and wastewater). This phase has yet to be finalized.

It will be informed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce” advisory list, ACIP recommendations, and recommendations of the NJDOH COVID-19 Professional Advisory Committee.

After this is the general public. They are all in Phase 2.

The State Department of Health’s goal is to vaccinate 70 percent of the adult population within six months. This amounts to 4.7 million people.

New Jersey received 400,000 vaccines in December. Of those, about 120,000 were reserved for long-term care facilities while 280,000 were provided to hospitals and community sites.

The state has not publicized a solid timeline for how they will cycle through the phases. A number of things could happen which could change any timeline, such as availability of the vaccine.

Since there are 650,000 people eligible for Phase 1A, it could be some time before Phase 1B starts.

The vaccines have not been made available for the those younger than 16 yet. Testing is underway on younger age groups.

How To Register In order to get the vaccine, some local facilities have their own registration system. You’ll have to contact them or read their websites to learn more.

To register with the state, visit covidvaccine. nj.gov/ Even if you are not in the phase to get vaccinated, you can be put on a list to be notified when the vaccine is available for you.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Howell Times, January 30, 2021, Page 15

Governor Gives Optimistic State Of The State Address

By Bob Vosseller TRENTON – It was a pre-taped presentation shot before an audience of empty chairs due to the coronavirus pandemic but Governor Phil Murphy’s State of the State Address was largely optimistic and focused on a variety of topics.

The governor reviewed the devastating impact of the health crisis, tax incentives planned for this year, an ambitious infrastructure plan, racial equity, reproductive rights protection for women and how legalized recreational marijuana use would be implemented.

Noting the sagas involved in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy said, “they are stories that show our grit and reveal our heart.

They echo the pain of 2020 and they preview the hope of 2021.”

He said they are tied in a common thread. “We are all in this together. Although deeply wounded we enter 2021 tougher than ever, wiser than before and ready to move forward together. New Jersey was one of the earliest and hardest hit states, that our communities of color have been disproportionally impacted and that we are currently battling a second wave which is just as brutal as the first.”

Governor Murphy that as the state has for nearly a year, “we face the challenge head on…to make the right decision to public health and the vitality of our families. We weigh every pro and con to ensure that not only is every decision effective but equitable.”

He said that in typical Jersey style “we are leveling with each other and making sure that no one is left behind. We are facing this pandemic with a full scale counter attack. We are making the fight against COVID-19 one that engages every

New Jerseyan.”

The governor commented that three years ago he took office pledging to rebuild the state “the middle out and bottom up and to change the way Trenton works not simply for the sake of change but for the sake of people to put middle class and working-class families first.”

He said decisions such as raising the minimum wage, passing earned sick leave and expanding family medical leave and “making those at the very top pay their fair share with a millionaires tax while at the same time cutting taxes for working families with either a larger income tax credit or a direct rebate or both.”

Governor Murphy listed off what he said were accomplishments made in the state. They included protecting health care from attacks from Washington, reducing premiums for hundreds of thousands of state residents and expanding pre-kindergarten education.

He also noted that making investments in public education and stabilizing property taxes along with making community college tuition free and expanding job training programs were “accomplishments that help people across our state.”

Governor Murphy credited State Senate President Steve Sweeny and “colleagues on both sides of the aisle” for achieving those accomplishments.

“Together we will continue moving forward, grounded in our shared everyday reality yet propelled by our optimism about tomorrow.”

He added that there was hope with the arrival of safe, approved vaccines to fend off the coronavirus and noted the efforts of the State Health Department. “Despite many obstacles we have in place a plan to vaccinate every willing New Jerseyian

and hundreds of thousands have already rolled up their sleeves. Six vaccine mega-sites are opening across the state.”

“We will be able to see our economy recover and flourish. You have heard me say public health causes economic health. Our commitment to this ideal is unwavering,” the governor added. “The pandemic has slammed small businesses across America so our economic focus has been squarely where it should be on helping our hard-hit small businesses and encouraging new ones to grow.”

The governor said he was excited about a new business and job creating recovery plan that he recently signed. He said it was “a package that I was proud to work on alongside numerous lawmakers, progressive advocates, private sector leaders, union leaders and indeed small business owners.”

“The old ways worked for too few,” the governor said regarding corporate tax incentive programs.

“They left too many behind so we set out to create a new system that is transparent and fair which focuses not on huge corporations but on job-creating small businesses and innovative start-ups.”

An inspector general would be established to “safeguard every penny of taxpayer money,” the governor added regarding the plan. He said brownfields and long neglected areas into “new walkable and inviting communities.”

The governor said that through the plan the state sought to “create the state’s first historic preservation tax credit so our future can be rebuilt by repurposing the buildings that made us an economic power in the first place.”

“This is what change looks like. This is what putting the people ahead of the powerful looks like. This is protecting today and planning for

tomorrow looks like. The current economic crisis is like something we haven’t faced since the Great Depression of 90 years ago,” the governor added.

“New Jersey now has a new model that sets the standard for inclusive and statewide economic growth and job creation, growth powered by women, minorities and lesser-known smaller businesses and by innovative entrepreneurs,” Governor Murphy said.

He also praised NJ Transit saying it was safer and more accountable noting that the state beat the deadline on federally mandated train safety technology “completing 11 years’ worth of work in less than three.”

Governor Murphy said many new union jobs would be created from the infrastructure upgrades and was anxious to see with federal partnership new tunnels being built under the Hudson River.

The governor said his administration was committed to protecting school funding. He also denounced efforts by high ranking officials who would diminish democratic institutions “to try and use baseless conspiracy theories into court challenges and to silent the voices and throw out the votes of many Americans.”

“We were all shocked to witness a mob incited and supported by politicians at the highest levels of government shamefully try to invalidate the votes of 158 million Americans through insurrection,” Murphy added.

He concluded saying “better days are coming.

While the calendar has changed our mission has not. Out of shared pain we forged a shared purpose and because of all here in New Jersey, 2021 can be the year when dreams can once again be possible and the wind is at our back.”

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Howell Times, January 30, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

Items Wanted

Seaside Heights - 3BR, 2BA, furnished condo apartment. A/C, W/D. Available 01/01/2021 – 06/30/2021.

No pets/No smoking. $2100/month + utilities. 732-822-7688 (8)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you.

732-804-8115.

(12)

Real Estate

Help Wanted

Bayville Waterfront Ranch Home For Sale - $385,000. 7 rooms, central air, fireplace, deck, etc. Dead end st.

201-364-7589.

(10)

HIRING NOW!! Looking for outgoing, positive, and engaging teachers to join our Toms River – Route 70 Goddard Family. We are primarily hiring teachers for our elementary school aged children to foster a learning environment in which these children can continue to do their elementary school work. This would include helping them with worksheets, zooms, google classrooms etc. Some of the great perks of being a part of the Goddard Family include a benefits package, paid time off, holiday events and free food and Goddard swag. Call today to inquire about this job posting and start as early as next week!

We can be reached through phone at 732-363-5530 or email at TomsRiver2NJ@GoddardSchools.com.

Personals Middle Age Lady - Great personality seeks middle aged man for travel and activity partner and hopefully a great friendship. 732403-0162.

(10)

Misc.

LOST KEYS - Christmas week.

Most likely in a store, parking lot in ocean county. One small gold key, one small key with black square top. ( also lost a bunch of store discount cards, the small ones, could have been separately? Not important to recover) RV keys. Reward. Please call or text Chris 732-664-3605. (7) Crafters and Vendors Wanted For craft fair $20. May 8th at New Egypt Elks. Please contact Nancy 609-903-2675, cassnan-66@ yahoo.com.

(7)

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

(17) 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 LP albums. Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Blues, Metal. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (8) 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) 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)

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) Floral designer/Florist - 2 to 3 yrs experienced. Part time and holidays. April Showers Florist Jackson NJ. 732-664-0546.

(7) Housekeeper Wanted - Older couple needs someone to clean home 1 day a week. You must be animal friendly. 609-758-9089.

(7) IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS Saba Home Health Care. Working with a quality team with over 25 years’ experience. NOW HIRING RN, LPN, Certified Home Health Aides, Live-ins, & Companions. FullTime/Part-Time. Flexible schedule.

Incentive Programs. Referral Bonus Paid time off. Fill application on-line at Sabahomehealthcare.com or call us at 732-797-0700. Please send resume to Ssalu@sabahhc.com. (t/n) Bodyshop In Howell, La kewood, Freehold Area - Looking for a bodyman, must know how to use a frame machine. Working papers a must. Excellent Pay. Call/Text 848-525-8282.

(7) Help Wanted: Rceptionist For Toms River CPA Office - (Through 4/15/21). Processing tax returns (will train), some typing, filing and clerical work. $ 15/Hr. Pleasant non-smoking office. Call 732-270-3966.

(8) 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)

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. (19) ALL American Home Health Aides Experienced experts in the field of trauma and recovery. Holistic approach to healing-nutrition, physical therapy, and quality of life improvements.

Hourly or live in. Honest, hardworking, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605 (t/n)

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

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

(50) 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) Cheap Painting Done Rite Free estimates. Fully insured. 38 years experience. 732-506-7787 cell 646-643-7678.

(37) LANDSCAPING - Fall Cleanups.

Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect.

MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000.

NO JOB TOO SMALL! (52) Landscaping - Fall Winter Cleanups, Snow Removal, Gutter Cleaning, Stone, Mulch, Tree Pruning, Pavers, Hardscaping, Hedge Trimming, Junk Removal. Insured.

609-994-3893.

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

Kerry 732-606-2725.

(19) $9.99/Room Universal Cleaning Services - APARTMENT • HOME • OFFICE. Services Offered – $9.99: Bedroom, Dining Room, Living Room, Foyer, Hallway, Basement, All other rooms $19.99: Kitchen, Bathrooms, Refrigerator, Deep Clean. ONE TIME • WEEKLY • BI-WEEKLY • MONTHLY. Coverage area: Ocean and Monmouth County. CALL NOW! 732-301-4111 Gaby Cohen.

(48) Nice Guy Car Service - 24/7 Service doctors, hospitals, shopping, all airports, weddings, N.Y.C., cruise, family functions, Alantic City. Call for reasonable rates. John 732-779-8366. (10)

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

Total = $ must run over the requested weeks.

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Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience.

Call Jim 732-674-3346.

(39)

Credit Card#

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

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

Print Name:

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) 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. (50)

Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

MAIL TO: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

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

Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

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Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publication) CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE. If you have any questions, please call Ali at 732-657-7344, ext. 203.

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The Howell Times, January 30, 2021, Page 17

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE COVID-19 Vaccinations Begin For Community Medical Center Staff

By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER – Domie Catipan, an Emergency Department nurse at Community Medical Center was all smiles when he received his first COVID-19 vaccine at his place of work from Chief Nursing Officer Donna Bonacorso.

The first round of vaccinations began at the Toms River hospital late last month.

New Jersey continues to have one of the lowest rates of COVID-19 transmission cases in the nation at .92 – which means ever y time someone gets sick, they transmit it to less than one other person.

It is the lowest since mid-September.

Anything below one indicates the virus isn’t aggressively spreading according to health officials. Health officials however are finding hope in the arrival of the vaccination process.

CMC Chief Executive Officer Patrick Ahearn said, “We have 192 (staff administered) a day. It is 24 an hour for eight hours. That is 192. We’ll be open longer than eight hours so you figure in a week there will be over a thousand people. We have over 3,000 employees, and volunteers (increase that number) so our plan is to vaccinate the first round within three weeks.”

The vaccine requires a second dose.

“The second round will be the next three weeks so in six weeks we expect all our employees to have the availability to be vaccinated,” Ahearn said.

He added that as for as any vaccine shortfall in the state, “there is no guarantee that we’ll have enough for everybody but what we did internally is three tiered it for those we felt were the front line as Domie is every day, the Emergency Room, the ICUs, people like that. Not just nurses but people who go in and clean the rooms. People around the real front line that are taking care of COVID patients.

“Then the rest of the nursing staff because even though you may be working in a non-COVID unit, you never know.

Then there are people like me, the administrators who take the third phase.

We’ve laid it out and it is by invitation only and only when we have the vaccine and know exactly how many. The first round we got 975 doses and if we get that three weeks in a row - which is what we are supposed to get - we’ll have our 3,000 or so doses,” Ahearn said.

Catipan, 53, of Toms River is already scheduled for his second dose. He has worked in the hospital’s emergency room for the last nine years. “I started in the emergency surgical f loor for the last 15 years so I’ve been here for the last 25 years.”

He has seen a lot in the last year surrounding the pandemic. He was excited about being among the first to be vac-

cinated having previously been tested positive for the virus earlier in the year.

“I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”

“I’m so glad that we now have the vaccine and having been sick last March with the coronavirus for five days and I am happy to get the vaccine. We want to get back normal with everyone getting vaccinated,” Catipan said.

“I didn’t feel a thing,” he said regarding his shot in the arm. He noted that unlike a time earlier in the pandemic there are less people worried about actually going to the hospital for needed treatments, checkups, procedures or surgeries not related to the virus. “More people go to the hospital to get tested. We’ve had some people test positive but they are not sick enough to be admitted to the hospital.”

“They are cases that have required their quarantine for two weeks. They wear the masks at all times in public,” Catipan said.

Ahearn said, “we are about 60% of what we experienced during the first phase (of the pandemic). We are still one of the busiest hospitals in New Jersey. I think we are sixth busiest COVID hospital in the state.”

“What we are seeing is that instead of people being admitted, they are treated and released and the pharmaceutical interventions have been very helpful.

That has really kept people out of the hospital and have helped them cope,” Ahearn added.

As to how front line fighters and hospital staff have coped with the ongoing pandemic personally, Catipan said “for me, I live on my own. I don’t have any kids so it is not as bad as for those who have kids at home. Before we leave the hospital, we wash our hands and decontaminate ourself and change our clothes and go back to our private life.”

Ahearn said in his case, “I was basically sequestered down here in Community for three and a half months because I have four children and two of them were having my grandchildren in the middle of all this.”

“I had two grandchildren born in the middle of the pandemic, one in March and one in May and the family was concerned that I am in the middle of this every day and I make it a point to travel through the hospital f loors. I’m not someone who will just sit in my office and my family was concerned that I would bring it home,” Ahearn added.

Ahearn said his wife “would leave my clothes and every week or so I’d go home and pick up clothes outside the house. It was very difficult. Now I’ve been home and the kids are all healthy and happy but it has affected life. The holidays were not what they were previously. It is very small, Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

“I have a daughter who is supposed to be married in October and so we wonder will that really happen? Maybe by spring or summer things will be somewhat back to normal and maybe this wedding will actually happen. If not it is all about plan B,” Ahearn said.

He added, “the thing I worry most about (concerning hospital staff) is there emotional wellbeing. It has been nine months

and people like Domie who are on the front lines every day it gets draining emotionally. I know I do I go home and I don’t even want to talk to anybody.”

“We love our jobs,” Catipan interjected noting though that the staff feels the stress as well.

“They all have a huge heart and they care for people fi rst and I see that every day here. They put themselves in harm’s way,” Ahearn added.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Howell Times, January 30, 2021

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

Across Across 1 Furniture chain that also sells lingonberry jam 5 Highlander 9 Irritable 14 December temp 16 Overseas coppers 17 March commander 19 Count who has a cameo in “Blazing Saddles” 20 Thus far 21 Airport with many connecting flights 22 Rathskeller rejection 25 Tenants 28 SFO overseer 31 Not just assume 33 Merit badge spot 34 Gaga over 36 Shellfish serving 38 Smug look 41 March composer 44 Fritters away time 45 French 101 verb 46 Old Russian ruler 47 Not demanding 49 Citrus peel 51 Greener Living org.

52 English blue cheese 55 Whiskey cocktail 57 Form 1099 org.

58 “Wonder Woman” actress Gadot 60 Run out 64 March creator 69 Hides in the shadows 70 “Shape of You” Grammy winner 71 Direct 72 “Gone Girl” ac-

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law Workers’ Compensation Basics

Robert C. Shea Esq.

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

tress Ward 73 “Queen of Country,” familiarly Down 1 Website for looking up “that actor on that show” 2 __ Zor-El: Supergirl’s name on Krypton 3 Yale students 4 Totally wiped 5 Moo goo __ pan 6 “Commonwealth” novelist Patchett 7 “Unique everything” online shop 8 “Gotta run!”

9 PC core 10 Copying button 11 Music to a bar customer’s ears

12 Really clean 13 Some Slavs 15 Stylishly smooth 18 GPS displays 23 Go very slowly 24 “I’m not kidding!”

26 Torments with reminders 27 Letter-shaped opening 28 “Natural artesian water” brand 29 Give __ to: okay 30 Fashionable sportswear portmanteau 32 Ballroom dance 35 Tatum who plays Amanda in “The Bad News Bears” 37 Tangle around a surge protector 39 Pronto

40 “Teen Titans” and “Teen Titans Go!” voice actress Strong 42 Hissed summons 43 100 centavos 48 Tranquil discipline 50 Veil material 52 Opera great Beverly 53 Brook fish 54 Identifies 56 Regatta entrant 59 Put on cargo 61 Peruse, with “over” 62 Wild guess 63 Italian peak 65 ‘50s prez 66 Pre-1991 atlas initials 67 Couture monogram 68 “I’ve got it!”

(c)2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SUDOKU

In New Jersey, if you sustain an injury arising out of or in the course of your employment, you are entitled to certain benefits under the law. This is more specifically set forth in the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act. Primarily, should your injury require medical attention, the Workers’ Compensation carrier for your employer is to provide this to you. The insurance carrier pays for reasonable and necessary medical care until you reach a medical plateau. In turn, however, the insurance carrier does have the right to direct your medical care. In other words, the insurance carrier has the opportunity to choose the physicians with whom you treat, as well as the facilities where any treatment or therapy is administered.

In the event that your injury is such that you are medically unable to work for more than seven (7) days, the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Act provides that the insurance company is to pay temporary disability benefits. This entitles you to seventy percent (70%) of your wages, up to the statutory maximum for the year in which you sustained the injury. These payments continue until the authorized physician permits you to return to work or until you reach a medical plateau, whichever is sooner.

Should permanent effects of your injury remain after achieving a medical plateau, you may be entitled to benefits to compensate for those permanent effects. This is based on a statutory value determined according to the part of your body which was injured and the permanent residuals of your treatment and injury. This process progresses after your physician has returned you to gainful employment. In the event that you are deemed medically unable to return to work, you may be entitled to total disability benefits.

The questions often arises, “What happens if I am injured during Michael J. Deem, Esq. the course of my duties as a volunteer for a municipality?” It has been determined that volunteer firefighters, first aid or rescue squad workers, ambulance drivers, forest fire wardens or firefighters, board of education members and auxiliary or special reserve police officers are provided for within the Workers’ Compensation Act in New Jersey.

Although, as a volunteer as listed above one would not have been compensated for the acts performed within the scope of that position, if injured while performing those duties, and medically unable to work, you would be entitled to compensation at the maximum rate for the year of that injury.

Furthermore, the injured volunteer is entitled to reasonable and necessary medical treatment as if an employee. In the event that the volunteer suffers permanent residuals from the injury in question, the volunteer would also have the right to seek payment for those residuals, the same as if a paid employee.

The law firm of R.C. Shea & Associates is a full service law firm representing and advising clients in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate Litigation, Personal Injury, General Litigation, Real Estate Law, Medicaid Law, Medical Malpractice, Workers’ Compensation, Land Use, Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney. Call or visit our firm at 732-505-1212, 244 Main Street, Toms River, Manchester Area (732) 408-9455 or our Brick Area at (732) 451-0800, email us at Rshea@rcshea.com or visit our website at www.rcshea.com

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Howell Times, January 30, 2021, Page 19

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of jan 30 - feb 5

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): A loved one could be more loving and thoughtful than expected in the week ahead. Since you may be the target of someone’s ardor and passionate affection, be prepared and set aside some extra time.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Life is full of surprises, and you may be the center of attention, especially in social settings. A restless urge to ignore the old and test-drive the new can motivate you to break from traditions in the week to come.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Following the rules of etiquette shows respect and consideration to others. You may not need to think of something to say when you receive a gift or a favor in the week ahead since it’s easy to remember a thank-you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Someone close could be preoccupied by thoughts of love or immersed in group activities. Either way, your presence may be needed. Earn a few brownie points by making inspired purchases for your home this week.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): An obsession with achieving your ambitions can make you appear insensitive. Avoid making any major decisions or drastic changes until at least the middle of the week, when you might get better results.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You seem more outgoing than usual and are not simply going through the motions when you extend your hand in friendship. In the week ahead, you may be at your best in social situations where you can expect to receive more support.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): There are times when you love being spoiled and coddled. You could receive your heart’s desires as the week unfolds since your strong feelings may easily be communicated. Focus on creating a happy home.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be prepared to adapt to changing conditions during the week ahead. Some changes should be for the better and uplift your spirits, but don’t launch anything of importance today or tomorrow.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In the week ahead, you may show resourcefulness when handling problems and possessions.

You might find an ingenious replacement for a potentially broken object. Find ways to satisfy a desire to learn, investigate or explore.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Romance may become part of your repertoire as this week unfolds. You may get all wrapped up in a relationship that seems merely friendly on the outside but is destined to aid you in expressing true affection.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t take your good luck for granted, especially in the first part of the week. Avoid taking risks with your money for the next few days. Before the week is over, you may be given an opportunity to make beneficial changes.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): There may be numerous occasions during the week ahead to meet new people who might become welcome fixtures in your life. You may be encouraged to adjust your viewpoint to accommodate someone’s beliefs.

(c) 2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

HALIBUT PUTTANESCA ADDS BIG FLAVOR TO MILD FISH FILLETS

By America’s Test Kitchen

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Page 20, The Howell Times, January 30, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com