2021-02-27 - The Brick Times

The BRICK Times

Vol. 20 - No. 41

In This Week’s Edition

MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS

JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM

Huge House Near Beach To Be Replaced

BREAKING NEWS @

jerseyshoreonline.com

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12

Dear Pharmacist Page 13

Classifieds Page 18

Inside The Law Page 22

─Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn This large house overlooking the Brick Beach 1 parking lot will be torn down and replaced.

By Judy Smestad-Nunn tyhunk Road, appeared The couple needed sev- home covers 37 percent BRICK - The rede- before the Board of Ad- eral variances, including of the property. While velopment of Brick’s justment in February one for lot coverage in the proposed home calls oceanfront continues in with an application to re- the R-75 zone, which re- for 45.8 percent lot coverthe aftermath of Super- place their existing home quires a 7,500 square foot age, 9.5 percent of that is storm Sandy as older with a FEMA-compliant lot - or in this case, 9,000 for an uncovered, raised homes and bungalow shore-style, elevated ce- square feet - since it is a open deck, which would developments are being dar shake house designed corner lot. The existing make the new dwelling torn down and replaced by Bay Head architect lot measures only 4,170 36.3 percent, said engiby larger homes.

Jeffrey Schneider. square feet. neer Charles Lindstrom, Patricia and Gregory The back of the home Also, lot coverage in the who gave an overview Anagnostis, who own overlooks the parking lot R-75 zone is limited to of the project during the (House - See Page 8) an older home at 9 Cut- of Brick Beach 1.

30 percent. The existing

Governor Signs Cannabis Use Legislation

By Chris Lundy TRENTON – Following up on the referendum which passed last year, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older.

The laws will also decriminalize marijuana possession in small amounts and limit the use of previous marijuana convictions.

“Starting immediately, those who had been subject to an arrest for petty marijuana possession will be able to get relief and move forward,” Murphy said. “New Jersey’s broken and indefensible marijuana laws are no more.”

Many municipalities in New Jersey have discussed banning the sale of such material in their

towns. They would do this by amending zoning laws, which dictate what kind of businesses are allowed in certain areas.

Governing bodies like those in Berkeley and Manchester have spoken out against the legalization, but when it comes to writing their own laws, they had to wait until now because state law supersedes local. Now

that it is in writing, they reinvest cannabis revecan write their own local nue in designated “imlegislation to counter it. pact zones”; directs the On a state level, the CRC to promote diversity Cannabis Regulatory and inclusion in business Commission (CRC) will ownership; and protects be formed, creating reg- employees who engage ulations to govern the in lawful behavior with medical and adult-use respect to cannabis. industries and oversee Another bill would reform the applications for li- criminal and civil penalties censing of cannabis busi- for marijuana and hashish nesses. The law allows charges. The bill prevents the State Legislature to (Cannabis - See Page 11)

Februrary 27, 2021

Teachers Get Four-Year Contact

By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - District teachers and the school administration have reached an agreement on a new four-year contract, which mirrors the expiring contract of a yearly increase of 3.22 percent, or 12.88 percent over the four years.

“Coming out of a pandemic like this, I think the best thing we can do, in the best interest of everyone in the district, is to have stability, and that fourth year offers stability,” said Board of Education President Stephanie Wohlrab during the recent Board meeting.

She said the contract gives the staff the opportunity to work together and do what needs to be done to get the students caught up.

“Not only is this a fiscally responsible contract, but I think that our teachers are professionals to the nth degree, and this contract respects them as much,” she said.

(Contract - See Page 11)

Restrictions Rolled Back on Religious, Sports And Entertainment Events

By Bob Vosseller TRENTON – Religious, sports and entertainment venues will be able to accommodate larger crowds following Governor Phil Murphy’s announcement today.

The governor issued Executive Order No. 225, which increases capacity limits for religious services and large sports and entertainment venues.

Additionally, limited spectators will be allowed at collegiate sporting events, mirroring last week’s announcement on youth sporting events.

Governor Murphy said, “as our COVID-19 metrics continue to trend in the right direction and as we continue our aggressive vaccination effort, we believe we can safely take this step. We have always strived to make accommodations (Events - See Page 8)

Stay Connected www.facebook.com/jshoreonline

Page 2, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 3

Page 4, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 5

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 6, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY F eatured L etter A Reminder To Salute Veterans, And Find Help For Them Every year National Salute to Veteran Patients Week provides Americans the opportunity to express gratitude to the more than 9 million veterans who receive healthcare services from the Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers.

Special activities and events organized by the VA in collaboration with the general public take place throughout the week to raise awareness about the tremendous efforts carried out by the VA to provide our nation’s heroes with the highest quality of life and high quality healthcare.

In fact, research published by the Journal of General Internal Medicine indicates that in general VA hospitals provide a higher quality of

care than non-VA medical facilities.

This week also provides a platform for lawmakers and key influencers to reflect on the progress and innovation of VA, as well areas where the department could be better managed and improved.

While representing New Jersey’s 3rd district in Congress from 2011 to 2015, I had the honor of serving on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs where I interacted with the unique operational structure of the VA, which relies on a forward-looking design that functions best when it stays on top, if not ahead, of modern standards and demands.

In Congress, I tirelessly worked to improve quality and access to healthcare for veterans, particularly mental

health services with a focus on post-traumatic stress (PTS) treatment; worked on issues in the compensation and pension process of the veterans benefits system which were causing major delays in processing VA claims, sponsored and passed bills to make costof-living adjustments for veterans’ benefits automatic and to streamline treatment compensation.

Of course, with medical, economic and societal changes taking place at a rapid pace, there will continue to be times where certain areas of the department are unable to keep up with itself and the demands of its structure and the needs of our veterans.

During my time in office, I saw firsthand the power

of valuable public-private partnerships that can be leveraged to navigate some of these changes allowing us to create solutions for many of the challenges that change creates for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the care of our veterans.

Public-private partnerships are invaluable at leveraging resources, through the private sector or nonprofit organizations. One such example is SoldierStrong, a Stamford, Conn.-based organization, that provides revolutionary medical technologies, such as exoskeleton suits which help paralyzed veterans walk again and virtual reality technology which aids in the treatment of PTS, at no cost to VA medical centers.

These types of organizations allow veteran patients

greater access to cutting edge medical technologies, choices in their treatment options and remove some of the burden off the VA system health care system.

My experience in public office and the work carried out by nonprofit organizations also underscore a truth that National Salute to Veteran Patients Week reaffirms: we cannot place the burden on veterans alone to fight on behalf of other veterans or on a single government agency to offer solutions to all of the problems that our country’s veterans face daily. It requires a collective effort from lawmakers on both the local, state and national levels, civilians, private enterprises and nonprofits alike to ensure that our nation’s heroes have the highest quality of life and

care available.

That said, I acknowledge that the situation places most of the power and influence with federal lawmakers. I understand from my own experience that lawmakers and stakeholders must proactively anticipate medical and societal changes and leverage advantageous public-private partnerships to adjust accordingly so that the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs will be sustainable for generations to come. Veterans and taxpayers should expect nothing less from the men and women that they elect to represent us.

Jon Runyan Former Congressman, 3rd District SoldierStrong advisory board

Letters To The Editor Jackson Planning Board Stifles Residents This letter is in regards to a recent Jackson Planning Board meeting regarding the Adventure Crossing proposal.

At Monday night’s Planning Board meeting, the application for two warehouses off Route 537 near the I-195 interchange drew intense interest from residents, environmental groups and activists.

More than a dozen people opposing the project waited their turn to comment. They sat through more than four hours of testimony before the board determined at 10:50 p.m. it was too late to continue. No opportunities for public comment were provided. Now, the hearing and the public’s chance to be heard will be delayed for another 10 weeks.

Before the meeting was concluded, it was noted that there were 63 people on Zoom.

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

The Brick 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 verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them.

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

edit or reject letters.

The weekly deadline is 5 p.m.

Thursday. Mail 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 reflect 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.

Many more may have grown tired of waiting and signed off.

Given the level of opposition to this project, the board’s failure to invite public comment was outrageous. Opponents deserve to be heard – and not 10 weeks from now. The pandemic and the board’s decision to hold meetings remotely has made it even more difficult for the public to be heard. The board should do everything it can to provide opportunities to overcome the limits of remote meetings.

Unlike many other Zoom meetings I have sat in on, the people on the call Monday night could not be seen or identified. What we witnessed instead was a wide-angle shot of the municipal meeting room that filled about half of the screen; the other half was filled by a board member who was attending remotely. We could only see the backs of the people testifying and saw only a small percentage of the exhibits that were displayed on a screen for the board.

None of the board members identified themselves before

speaking.

One of the opponents to the application had hoped to present concerns about the hearing process itself prior to the start of testimony. Among other things, she wanted to ask the board to allow all participants to be seen on Zoom and to archive the Zoom meeting so it could be viewed by residents at their convenience. She “raised her hand” on Zoom but was told to lower it. Repeated attempts to be recognized failed.

The board’s failure to provide ample opportunities to comment feeds into the public’s distrust of government.

And rightly so.

There are several things we would like the board to do to facilitate public comment at all hearings on applications: 1. Don’t make members of the public sit through hours of testimony before being allowed to comment. Take comments at the start of the hearing so their concerns can be addressed by the applicants while they are testifying. Also, allow for public questioning at the conclusion

of each witnesses’ testimony, as is done in other towns. And allow sufficient time at the end of the meetings – perhaps cutting off testimony at 10 or 10:15 - to provide additional opportunities for members of the public to comment or ask questions.

2. All meetings, Zoom and in-person, should be recorded and posted online along with the meeting minutes.

3. Enable the comment feature on Zoom and respond to any questions during or after testimony has been provided.

4. Prior to the start of witness testimony on applications, the board should respond to any written questions that have been submitted prior to the meeting.

5. The board should accept written questions from the public at any time during the application process and require that staff professionals or the applicants provide written responses.

In the weeks and months ahead, the Planning Board will be hearing from several applicants whose plans threaten to further diminish

the quality of life in Jackson, including Jackson Parke South and Jackson Woods Southeast. Those with concerns must be given every opportunity to be heard.

As an aside, at Monday night’s meeting, only one of the dozen or so board members and associated staff wore a mask. They were sitting six feet apart, but that isn’t enough in an enclosed space.

Everyone is the room should be wearing a mask. The board should help set a positive example for the public.

Please respond to each of the five requests for making it easier for everyone’s voice to be heard.

Randy Bergmann, Jackson Doug O’Malley, Environment New Jersey Jeff Tittel, Sierra Club of New Jersey Britta Forsberg, Save Barnegat Bay Janet Tauro, Clean Water Action Marc Covitz, Crosswicks-Doctors Creek Watershed Association

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 7

Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Andy Kim (D-3rd) was joined on a telephone town hall by public health leaders to provide an update on COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Ocean Cou nt y. T he telephone town hall, the second of two this month to provide updates on vaccines, was the Congressman’s 31st since being swor n into Congress.

Kim: Health Officials Give Vaccine Update During Telephone Town Hall

“I hear and know the frustration so many have had in trying to get a vaccine.

It’s a frustration I share and one I’m dedicated to fixing,” said Congressman Kim. “These town halls were meant to deliver information people in our community can use to get a vaccine when it’s their turn. Tomorrow, I’ll head back to Washington, D.C. and continue to push my

colleagues in Congress to pass a recovery package that supercharges the distribution of doses so we all have the hope of being vaccinated quickly. I encourage everyone to sign up for my daily COVID-19 e-newsletter and continue listening to my town halls for updates.”

Joining Congressman Kim was Brian Rumpf, Assemblyman and Direc-

tor of Administration and Program Development at the Ocean County Health Department; Dan Regenye, Public Health Coordinator at the Ocean County Health Depa r t ment; and Dave Brimmer and Christine Betros Farrell representing the Department of Veteran Affairs.

After providing updates on vaccine distribution from the federal govern-

ment to New Jersey, and various ways in which New Jerseyans can sign up for a COVID-19 in Ocean County, Congressman Kim and the panelists took questions on: how residents without internet or computer access can sign up for vaccines, how homebound individuals will be able to access vaccines, how veterans can sign up for vaccines through the VA, and when

the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be made available.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Congressman Kim has held multiple town halls to keep residents of Bu rl i ng t on a nd Ocea n Counties informed on ongoing efforts to end the pandemic, including town halls on vaccine distribution, vaccine development, and increasing preparedness.

Booker: Biden Urged To Ensure Vaccine Access For Farm, Food Chain Workers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, led a letter sent to the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeff Zients urging the Biden Administration to take action to expand vaccine access for farm and food chain workers.

The letter comes in the wake of some state and local governments excluding farm and food chain workers from the first phases of COVID-19 vaccine eligi-

bility.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, we have seen COV ID -19 sicken thousands of frontline farm and food chain workers while hundreds have lost their lives,” the senators wrote to the White House Coronav i r u s Respon se Coordinator Jeff Zients.

“This includes independent farmers and ranchers, farmworkers, food processing workers, and last-mile food workers in grocery stores and rest au rants. T hese workers are disproportionately from low-income and

immigrant communities, shedding light on the exacerbated issue of long-standing racial and ethnic disparities we continue to witness.

And while these workers are critical to keeping our food system working, little has been done to keep them safe.”

“The Biden Administration inherited a patchwork vaccine distribution process, and this coupled with limited doses has created a system rooted in inequity, frustration, and uncertainty.

Current recommendations from the Advisory Com-

“The Place To Be” Event Will Benefit Food Banks

LAKEWOOD – The Jewish Federation of Ocean County will host an evening of entertainment on March 11 to benefit two organizations that help those suffering from food insecurity. The Place To Be, the Federation’s annual event, will be held virtually and feature piano bar entertainment. Chair of the event for the fourth time Fran Gimpel says she is “excited to bring quality entertainment to the community for a

great cause.”

The two organizations benef itting from the event are Leket, Israel’s national foodbank and locally, The Joel E. Perlmutter Memorial Food Pantry.

Attendees can designate which organization they want to suppor t when purchasing the $36 ticket for the event.

For more information and to register to attend visit jewishoceancounty.org/ TPTB.

Do you have something you want everyone to know? Is there an issue that needs to be addressed?

Write a letter to make yourself heard.

mittee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) call for the vaccination of “nonhealth care frontline essential workers” - which would include grocery store, meatpacking plant, and food processing and agriculture workers - in Phase 1b. However, as states and other jurisdictions continue to implement their specific distribution plans, we are seeing both the exclusion of

farm and food chain workers in some states and last minute changes in others,” the senators continued.

“As the Biden Administration continues to develop and implement its COVID-19 vaccine distribution strategy, we encourage you to address the specific needs of our farm and food chain workers and support states and other jurisdictions in ensuring

the swift vaccination of these workers,” the senators wrote.

This letter was also signed

by Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES President & Publisher Stewart Swann

Vice President/COO

Distribution Manager

Jason Allentoff

Laura Hoban

News Editor

Assistant News Editor

Sales Manager

Chris Lundy

Bob Vosseller

Lorrie Toscano

Production Manager

Graphic Artist

Layout Designer

Allison Gradzki

Adriana Starcic

Murphy Miranda

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 8, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

House:

Continued From Page 1 meeting.

The “rather large” existing home takes up much of the corner lot, which is surrounded by parking that extends into the right-of-way of Oceanfront Terrace, he said.

Building on a corner lot presents hardships since it requires two front setbacks, which limits the development ability on the lot to conform, creating a very small building envelope, Lindstrom said.

“The intention is to demolish this house and construct a new house, which we believe will be commensurate with the area and be a benefit to the area,” Lindstrom said.

The engineer noted that flood zones have changed, requiring homes to be more elevated.

“There is definitely a change going on in these types of developments,” he said.

Many of the new homes are full-time residences, he added.

The proposed home is more rectangular than the “oddly configured” existing house, and would have three gravel parking spaces facing Cuttyhunk Road, one garage parking space, and an open deck on the rear overlooking the beach parking lot, he said.

The impervious coverage would have a net reduction of 73 square feet with the new footprint, Lindstrom added.

“This house will actually make many of the setbacks that exist now, better,” Lindstrom said. “It will be fully flood-compliant, FEMA compliant, and it will provide the adequate off-street parking that is necessary without having parking necessary on the side street of Oceanfront Terrace.”

Board of Adjustment engineer Brian Boccanfuso said that a lot of the variances requested by the applicant is driven by the size and location of the lot.

He said the home would not create a larger footprint and is the same distance from the dunes as the existing home.

During public comment, John DeFrancesco of Cuttyhunk Road joined the Zoom meeting to ask if water from the roof of the new home would drain directly onto the street and cause flooding.

Lindstrom said that the applicant could install dry wells between the homes, which is a pit filled with larger stone.

Buccanfuso said it was his personal opinion that the water would infiltrate into the highly permeable beach sand, and he did not believe that a dry well would be needed.

DeFrancesco said as long as the water drains down and not out into the street, eroding the dirt road, his concern had been answered.

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved the application.

Event:

Continued From Page 1 wherever safely possible, be it with religious services, sporting events, entertainment venues, or in other sectors.”

He said he was also pleased “that we are able to increase these limits today and hopeful that the numbers continue to point in the right direction for further reopening steps.”

The changes include religious services effective immediately. Services and celebrations, including wedding ceremonies, funerals, and memorial services that involve a religious service, will be able to operate at 50% capacity of the room in which they are held, with no cap on the number of individuals permitted to attend.

Previously, services were limited to 35% of the room and up to 150 individuals.

As for collegiate sporting events, effective immediately, operators of indoor and outdoor collegiate sports practices and competitions may allow up to two parents or guardians per each participating athlete. Events include limiting the number of parents and guardians, the total number of individuals at an indoor practice or competition cannot exceed 35% of the capacity of the room, and any outdoor space needs to accommodate all attendees with appropriate room for social distancing.

The venue could impose stricter policies if they choose.

On March 1 at 6 a.m. large sports and entertainment venues will have a fixed seating capacity of 5,000 or more will be permitted to host a number of patrons and members of the public equal to 10% of capacity indoors and 15% of capacity outdoors.

Those facilities that host these events must ensure that all attendees at the event remain six feet apart from other attendees, except that individuals who purchase or reserve tickets together may be seated together.

Masks will continue to be required of all attendees within the facility, except when eating or drinking.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 9

Photo Of The Week

A flock of seagulls chill out on the Seaside Park Pier.

─Photo by Debbie Gentile

Do you have something you want everyone to know? Is there an issue that needs to be addressed?

Write a letter to make yourself heard.

FREE ESTIMATES

Replacements & New Install of Heating & Air Conditioning Units

BBB Rating: A+

HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING 891 Rt. 37 West • Toms River, NJ 08755

We Service & Install All Makes & Models

732-349-1448 • www.caretemp.com Central Air Conditioning • Boilers • Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Hot Water Heaters • Tankless Water Heaters Oil/Gas/Propane Conversions • Air Cleaners • Attic Fans • Dryer Vents • Humidifiers • Tune-Ups • Service Plans

FREE 2ND OPINION! √ SAME DAY SERVICE/REPLACEMENTS √ CERTIFIED & TECHNICALLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS √ CERTIFIED, LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED √ SERVING ALL OF OCEAN & MONMOUTH COUNTIES

FREE

AIR CONDITIONING

CONTRACT

(FOR NEW CUSTOMERS) Call for details.

$500 OFF

Gas Conversion

FREE

SERVICE CALL

(with repair made while there) Not valid after 4pm on weekdays or weekend services. Coupon must be presented at time of sale. Expires Mar. 31, 2021.

$100 OFF

Tankless Gas Hot Water System

OR

$50 OFF

Gas Hot Water Heater

Central A/C &/OR

AWARD-WINNING COMPANY

Replacement

NJ HIC #: 13VH02253000

$250 OFF

Fred Paprocky, Master HVACR Contractor Lic#: 19HC00878000

$150 OFF

Gas Boiler/Furnace

New Install of Air Conditioning or Heating System

COUPONS MUST BE PRESENT WHEN SIGNING CONTRACT and may not be used for prior services/installations.

Coupons do not expire, except service call coupon.

RT Brown, NJ Electrical LIC #: 10584

*FINANCING AVAILABLE*

Page 10, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Contract:

Continued From Page 1 Standard budget increases total about $4 million a year, but due to the two percent tax levy cap, revenue can only go up two percent, explained the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Farrell.

On top of that, due to the S-2 bill, this year’s state aid reduction during this budget cycle is $5.2 million, the largest loss to date, he said.

(NJ State Senate Bill S-2 modified school funding and eliminated over $20 million in state aid to Brick over a seven-year period).

The district has cut costs by closing, then repurposing two elementary schools to pre-k; utilized the two percent tax levy cap to the best extent possible; cut 150 jobs over three years; created a wellness center and a healthcare partnership, became self-insured; and initiated a comprehensive feasibility study and strategic plan, Dr. Farrell said.

“Some detrimental effects of the S-2 funding cliff continue,” he said. “Through and including this year, we have already been reduced $8.8 million and cut over 100 positions due to S-2,” he said.

“With the upcoming cut of $5.2 million, there will be further job cuts, which represents over a 10 percent cut in staff to date.”

The tentative 2021-2022 school year budget must be adopted by the March 18 Board of Education meeting, he said.

The filing deadline with the County Superintendent is March 19, and the public hearing on the budget and its adoption will be on April 29.

May 14 is the final deadline for adoption, Dr. Farrell said.

School Business Administrator James Edwards

Cannabis:

Continued From Page 1 unlawful low-level distribution and possession offenses from being used in pretrial release, probation, and parole decisions and provides certain protections against discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation.

The bill also creates a pathway to vacate active sentences for certain offenses.

Another bill will clarify penalties for use by people younger than 21.

“The failed War on Drugs has systematically targeted people of color and the poor, disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities and hurting families in New Jersey and across our nation,” said U.S Senator Cory Booker.

“Today is a historic day, and I applaud Governor Murphy, the legislature, and the many advocates for racial and social justice whose leadership is ensuring that New Jersey is at the forefront of equitable marijuana legalization policy. I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate to end the federal marijuana prohibition so we can finally begin healing the wounds of decades of injustice.”

“This is a historic reform that will have a real-life impact on social justice, law enforcement and the state’s economy,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “We can now move forward to correct social injustices at the same time that marijuana is made legal for adults. This will launch a new cannabis industry with the potential to create jobs and generate economic activity at a time when it is desperately needed. The decriminalization law is the most sweeping measure of its kind in the country and is a groundbreaking step in our continued effort to make criminal justice reforms that are fairer and more effective. This will help reduce the racial disparities and social inequities that have long plagued our criminal justice system.”

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 11 said Brick spends $15,101 per student, down from $15,257 last year. The state average is $16,750, he added, and Brick’s cost-per-student is 18 out of 94 lowest in comparably-sized districts, down from 25 out of 97 lowest last year.

In COVID-19 news, on February 22, all elementary school students could begin Phase 2 and attend in-person school, four days a week. After monitoring the elementary school students, Dr. Farrell said the district hopes that middle and high-school students could begin Phase 2 a few weeks later.

“As we assess in a few weeks, after Monday, how we’re doing with the elementary students with four days, we’re going to bring in middle school and high school, and again we would leave that for a few weeks and assess that,” he said.

If all goes well, a five-day week would follow, he said.

Phase 1 was hybrid, or a mix of virtual and in-person learning; Phase 2 is four days, in-person, with an early dismissal; Phase 3 is five days with early dismissal; and Phase 4 is five days, all day, the superintendent explained.

“Each stage, or iteration, we monitor and assess before moving on to the next stage of the plan,” he said.

The next Board of Education meeting will be on Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m.

Preferred Company

Live Talk Radio!

On Air and Online

Hosted by

Joel & Fran “Great show this morning...great conversation.”

- Adrienne, Red Bank

“I love the show!

I wake up every morning with you.”

- Jill, Bricktown

Monday-Friday 8 AM-10 AM 1160 & 1310 WOBM-AM

“LOVE THE SHOW!” - Anne, Lakewood

800-603-CARE PreferredRadio.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 12, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

H ere ’ s T o Y our H ealth •

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

Hearing Aids & Face Masks Face masks may be the new normal, but many people are still getting the hang of wearing them with hearing aids. From falling out during mask removal to being obstructed by the mask itself, hearing aids — specifically behind-the-ear styles — can become lost or damaged. In fact, at Garden State Hearing & Balance Center, since June 2020, we have had over 45 patients lose their hearing aids due to wearing masks. The majority of them were covered under their 3-year loss policy.

What can you do? As your hearing care team, we want to make sure nothing stands in the way of communicating your best. That includes helping you protect your devices. With these quick and easy tips, we’ll have you handling your face mask and hearing technology together like a pro.

Tricks for Wearing a Mask Pull long hair into a bun and wrap the elastic of the mask — if it’s long and strong enough — around the bun, instead of your ears.

Sew a button on either end of a 4-inch piece of fabric.

Wrap the mask elastic around the buttons. The fabric sits at the back of your head and eases the strain on your ears.

Sew a button on either end of a soft headband. Position the headband above your ears and wrap the mask elastic around the buttons, removing the strain from your ears.

Choose masks that tie in the back. You can find videos online showing how to create your own that don’t place pressure on your ears.

Tip for Safely Removing a Mask Take your mask off slowly and mindfully, making

sure your hearing technology remains positioned in or behind your ear as intended.

Communicating While Wearing A Mask Speak clearly and slowly at a natural volume.

If not understood, repeat rather than rephrase.

Ensure hearing aids are turned on.

Avoid or minimize background noise.

Face your conversation partner.

Keep your smartphone or pen and pad handy to write or type out a note if needed.

Choose a well-lit area to aid in making eye contact, interpreting expressions and — if clear masks are used — reading lips.

I lost my hearing aid should I do?

First, you need to take a deep breath and retrace your steps. Most hearing instruments are found if you give it at least a few days. Many hearing aids allow you to “LOCATE” their hearing aids through their APP. There is a build in GPS that will allow you to “Find Your Hearing Aids.” Check to see if your hearing instrument has that feature, and if it does, make sure you properly download theAPP to take advantage of the GPS locator.

Please remember that once your hearing aid battery loses charge (if you’re wearing rechargeable hearing aids) or loses power (zinc air batteries last about 4-7 days), you will not be able to locate them.

Dr. Izzy and his staff are always available to answer any questions you may have regarding your hearing care needs. We hear you and we are always here for you in 2021. Please feel free to contact our office at 732818-3610 or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

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

PEDIATRIC DENTISTS & ORTHODONTISTS FOR YOUR CHILD! WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! 368 Lakehurst Road | Suite 305 Toms River, NJ 08755

732-473-1123

1301 Rte 72 | Ste 305 | Manahawkin, NJ 08050

609-597-9195 211 W Millstream Road Cream Ridge, NJ 08514

609-758-9595

www.OceanPediatricDental.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 13

H ere ’ s T o Y our H ealth Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

How To Make An Herbal Immune Tea

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Upper respiratory tract infections often necessitate the need for time off work, and various non prescription medications to help relieve symptoms.

But how would you like to make a tea that helps? Teas are very easy to make at home. Everything in my recipe below can be purchased at a health food store, or online apothecary. My video for this recipe is on my website by the way, you can search it by the title, “Make Your Own Immune Tea.” Ingredients 5 cups water 1 Tablespoon Elderberries 1 Tablespoon Echinacea 1 Tablespoon Orange Peel 2 teaspoon Licorice Root Optional: Honey to sweeten Directions: Pour 5 cups of water into a pot and stir the herbs in. Over medium low heat, bring the water to a soft boil and then reduce heat to a very gentle simmer. Continue simmering for about 20 - 30 minutes. Strain the herbs and pour the tea into a glass jar to store.

Sweeten if desired. Store in refrigerator for 3 days. Drink 1 cup daily.

Here are the benefits of each herb in the tea: Elderberry. Elderberries (Sambucus nigra) have been used as a natural defense against virus and bacteria for centuries. Studies prove that it can even help inhibit growth of certain influenza strains. Furthermore, studies suggest that this herb can help with obesity, insulin signaling and various other

biomarkers of endocrine dysfunction.

Echinacea. This herb has been used for centuries to help control symptoms of the common cold, inf luenza and other pathogens. Most consumers and physicians are not aware that commercially available products containing “echinacea” differ appreciably depending on what species, and part of the plant is used. Echinacea inhibits hemagglutinin, and neuraminidase, controlling spread, and severity of influenza.

Orange Peel. This is dried orange rind, and it imparts vitamin C which is useful as a strong antioxidant. A lot of research has been conducted on C because it is known to help shorten duration of misery. As a side note, you cannot synthesize collagen without vitamin C, and it’s not made in the human body either! Wrinkles are more profound when you run low on collagen, and it starts to slowly decline after age 20 or 25 in most people.

Licorice Root. This contains an active compound called glycyrrhizic acid, which is known to slow down the growth of many viruses. It can also directly kill certain viral particles. What I am talking about here is not candy, it’s an herbal extract from the plant called, Glycyrrhiza glabra.

Honey. Unprocessed (raw) honey has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that can serve to improve immune system function, and so don’t feel guilty if you want to sweeten your tea. Just use a good brand such as Manuka, or similar.

PHOTO

OF THE

WEEK SHOWCASING The Best Of The Shore In Print & Online!

Send your pictures to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com

NURSES, IT'S TIME

TO CA$H IN! WORK

200 HOURS GET

500*

$

WORK

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2020 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

400

HOURS BONUS PERIOD:

January 1 - March 31, 2021 *Managed Care Organizations (MCO - NJ Medicaid) Insurance Clients Only.

Overtime and non-MCO hours not included.

GET

1000*

$

800-603-CARE (2273) PreferredCares.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 14, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

SNOW PLOWERS WANTED! Around The Jersey Shore MUST BE AVAILABLE 24/7 MUST HAVE YOUR OWN

TRUCK, PLOW & SHOVELERS

WORK LOCATIONS: TOMS RIVER/BRICK

IF INTERESTED EMAIL TONYD@DECARLOSERVICES.COM

BlueClaws Opening Night Set For May 4 With Special Event

By Bob Vosseller LAKEWOOD – It may be the dead of winter but thoughts of spring are in the air as members of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws plan to kick off their 20th anniversary season.

The minor league baseball team will begin playing ball on May 4 by welcoming the Hudson Valley Renegades, affiliate of the Yankees, to the ballpark. The team’s opening night will be presented by Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.

The season opener marks the return of baseball to the Jersey Shore for the first time in 614 days.

The BlueClaws will host Hudson Valley for a six-game series that will include the debut of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, freshly re-branded in October.

“We are thrilled to be able to release our 2021 schedule and officially start the countdown of both the BlueClaws’ return to the diamond and the debut of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws,” Managing Partner of Shore Town Baseball Art Matin said.

The 2021 schedule is 120 games in length and runs from May 4 through September 19 with the BlueClaws home for 60 games. Each series will be six games in length and run from Tuesday through Sunday with teams off each Monday.

Game times will be announced at a later date.

The BlueClaws will welcome seven different teams to the Jersey Shore, including the Brooklyn Cyclones (Mets), Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees), Wilmington Blue Rocks (Nationals), and Aberdeen IronBirds (Orioles).

The team’s complete 2021 schedule can be found at bit.ly/3dmJKq1 “Being able to welcome in Brooklyn and Hudson Valley among several new teams to the Shore,

play in High-A for the first time, and simply the confirmation that we’ll be returning after a year away makes the release of the schedule a truly special day for all of us,” BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti said.

The team will be playing home games on July 3, July 4 as well as on Mother’s Day on May 9.

Updates will be posted to blueclaws.com.

The BlueClaws continues to work with state and local officials regarding a set of health and safety protocols for the protection of staff, players, coaches, fans and other personnel while attending games.

Ricciutti said, “we’re in constant communication with the appropriate authorities and health departments to best develop a strong set of protocols to enable fans to safely attend a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game.”

“We are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone when they come out to the Ballpark,” Ricciutti added.

In the coming weeks, the BlueClaws will release further information about the 2021 season, including a fireworks schedule and a theme night schedule. The BlueClaws will also begin the process of reaching out to ticket package holders and group leaders regarding date selection for the season.

All fans should exercise some patience during this process. Single-game tickets for all 60 home games will go on sale at a later date. In 2018, the BlueClaws opened a mini golf course, boardwalk game area, and Biergarten inside the ballpark that have all proven to be popular fan attractions over the last two seasons.

In October, the team changed its name from the Lakewood BlueClaws to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws starting a new era in the ball club’s history.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 15

Around The Jersey Shore State: Senior Care Company Made False Medicare Claims

By Alyssa Riccardi NEW JERSEY – A senior care company has agreed to pay $714,996 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act. According to Attorney Rachael A. Honig, the company allegedly made false representations in connection with submissions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The settlement agreement states that CareOne Management LLC, now known as ABC1857 LLC (CareOne), had submitted claims for payment to Medicare for reimbursement of Medicare bad debt from January 1, 2012, to July 2, 2018. Medicare will reimburse health care providers for uncollectable deductible and coinsurance amounts from Medicare beneficiaries.

According to the settlement, “the company made false representations of compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory criteria, including ‘criteria for allowable bad debt,’ which require a provider to ‘be able to establish that reasonable collection efforts were made’ of amounts owed by beneficiaries

before a provider submits the claim as bad debt to Medicare.”

Margaret Gathman had filed a lawsuit for these allegations under the False Claims Act. The Act allows private parties to sue for false claims on behalf of the United States and to share in any recovery. Gathman will receive $143,000 from the federal share of the settlement.

Any tips on potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-447-8477.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr. in Newark; special agents of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert; and special agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, under the direction of Supervisory Special Agent Thomas Mahoney, with the investigation leading to the settlement.

Ocean County Family Support Organization Holds Virtual Parents Support Groups

OCEAN COUTNY – The Ocean County Family Support Organization is holding virtual Parents Support Groups every Thursday at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

The virtual Parents Support Group is an informal support group of parents, grandparent and caretakers of children

with special emotional and behavior needs sharing concerns while supporting one another. The meeting ID for the Zoom call is 830-8271-1826.

Call or email to register; 732-569-6334 or email nina.sonatore@oceanfso.org. For more information, visit oceanfso.org.

RUN A CLASSIFIED AD IN ALL PAPERS! STARTI NG AT ONLY

$

29.95!

SUBMIT YOURS AT: jerseyshoreonline.com/classifieds

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

Around The Jersey Shore Spirit Of Children Donation Helps Hospital

NEPTUNE – For the seventh consecutive year, Spirit Halloween has provided a significant grant to Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, located at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. The recent gift, provided through the Spirit of Children program, represents collections during the 2020 Halloween season and totaled $85,562, bringing the organization’s overall donations to more than $366,000.

“Our partnership with Spirit Halloween is incredibly special,” says Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. “Their dedication to improving the hospital experience for children is truly heartwarming and we are so grateful for their support, particularly as it helps to fund our child life team, which plays an invaluable role in a hospitalized child’s care. I’d also like to express my gratitude to the community, who made more donations this year than ever before – despite the pandemic. We are so thankful to everyone who participated in the Spirit of Children program, and to Spirit Halloween for their continued dedication to our team and children.”

The funds distributed to partner hospitals such as K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital will be used to provide fun and funding for hospitalized children throughout the year.

Additionally, the resources will enable K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital to bring added child life support to the medical center’s surgical and emergency departments.

“Children who are about to undergo a surgical procedure, or who are coming into the hospital for an emergent situation, are usually very frightened,” says Harpreet Pall, M.D., professor and chairman, department of pediatrics, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. “To be able to add the child life team, who will be there to walk the child through what is happening,

intervene with distraction techniques, support their emotional needs to reduce stress and anxiety and serve as a resource for frightened family members is so important. We are thankful to Spirit Halloween and the community for recognizing the value of this program and for continuing to help us advance care and support for sick children.”

As part of the Spirit of Children program, Spirit Halloween stores in the local area conducted in-store fundraising campaigns specifically to benefit the Child Life Program at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital.

In addition to collecting in-store donations, when customers utilized Spirit Halloween’s 10-for-10 coupon, they received 10 percent off their purchase and Spirit Halloween matched every coupon purchase with a 10 percent donation. Participating 2020 stores included the following locations: Brick, Freehold, Howell, Holmdel, Manalapan, Tinton Falls, two Toms River locations, Wall Township and West Long Branch.

“It is gratifying to be able to partner with K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital,” says Richard Tereo, team lead, Spirit of Children and director, corporate administration for Spencer Spirit Holdings, Inc. “This year, we were able to support Child Life Services at 147 partner hospitals throughout the United States and Canada, providing them with costumes and treats to help children celebrate Halloween, and of course, funding to help their child life departments deliver children the special care they need during a difficult time. We were honored to be able to support the children’s hospital and look forward to a continued successful partnership for the 2021 season.”

To support the Child Life program at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, please visit give.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/ KHCH or call Ellen Hahn, development officer for Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health

SUPERIOR 50” SINCE 19 D E T A ER D & OP OWNE Y IL M A “F

Draperies • Shutters Blinds/Shades • Slip Covers Custom Upholstery Foam Cut to Order

FREE INSTALLS! CALL 732-929-0044 Visit our website: www.superiorupholsterydecor.com Victoria Plaza Unit #7 • 1594 Route 9 • Toms River

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 17

Around The Jersey Shore NJ Conservation Annual Poster Contest 2021

OCEAN COUNTY – The New Jersey Conservation Poster Contest is an annual contest sponsored by the NJ Department of Agriculture, the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts, the Ocean County Soil Conservation District and your local Soil District. The contest aims to promote a better understanding of the connection between natural resources and humans, in a fun and creative way that engages students throughout the county, state and nation. The information below is specific to residents of Ocean County. To find out how to enter this contest through your own local Soil District, visit the National Association of Conservation Districts info page and locate the contact information for your county.

The NJ Conservation Poster Contest is open to all students in New Jersey from grades 2 to 12, and is categorized according to grade groups.

At the county level, the Ocean County Soil

Conservation District will declare a First Place winner for each grade group. Our Grand Champion Winner is selected among the First Place winners, and is awarded a $50 prize. All First Place winning entries from Ocean County are submitted to the NJ Statewide Competition where they will compete for cash prizes. The First Place prize at the NJ Statewide Competition is $200, Second Place is $100 and Third Place receives $50. Winners from the Statewide Competition move on to compete in the Nationals.

Download the rules and entry form for the 2021 Poster Contest for Ocean County at soildistrict.org/educational-programs/ statewide-programs/annual-poster-contest.

All Ocean County entries must be hand delivered or post-marked by March 11.

Any questions, contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Specialist, 609-991-1534 or Education@SoilDistrict.org

Rapid COVID-19 Testing Offered To Employers And Businesses

NEW JERSEY – Create a safe work environment and minimize COVID risk!

Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services (PHHC), Eatontown, with offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, is now offering on-site rapid COVID-19 testing services for employers and businesses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

PHHC will provide on-site testing administered by a licensed nurse, with customized testing schedules and programs, for 10 to 1,000 persons, at business locations.

Jonathan Herman, COO of Preferred, said, “We follow all CDC guidelines because safety is of utmost importance to everyone at Preferred. We are so glad that we can offer this service to all employers and businesses.”

For information, call 800-603-CARE (2273). For more infor mation about Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, career opportunities, or training programs, contact Lisa Gallicchio, director of community relations, at lisa@preferredcares.com or visit PreferredCares.com

The structural expert the other pros trust

HOUSE RAISING & FOUNDATION REPAIR

An Industry Leader In: House Lifting & Moving • Masonry Demolition • Shoring • Leveling Timber Piles • Helical Piles Call us to meet with a licensed professional, not a sales person (732) 202-6207 • www.halebuilthouseraising.com

Does Your Home Have: □ Foundation Cracks □ Uneven Floors □ Bowling Walls

□ Moisture Problems □ Sinking Concrete □ Hard to Open Windows

We Offer Structural Engineering And: Helical Piles Joist Repair Micropiles Grinder Replacement Push Piers Waterproofing Carbon Fiber Strips Crawl Space Repair All New Foundations Encapsulation Underpinning Humidity Control NJ HIC 13VH08115000 | NJ HEC 13HE00001900

"Quality and Comprehensive Podiatric Medical Care for the Entire Family”

SERVICE HIGHLIGHTS: Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper!

Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

▶ HOUSECALLS ▶ Diabetic Foot Care ▶ Innovative Wound Care

NEED AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR? WE’RE HERE TO HELP AT NO CHARGE

▶ Foot/Ankle Surgery OCEAN COUNTY NJ ONLINE

▶ Orthotics ▶ Keryflex ▶ Shockwave

Your Gateway Resource to Ocean County NJ Information

HANDS FOR ALL A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC. A Not-For-Profit Affordable Housing Developer 309 Hooper Ave. • Toms River, NJ 08753 Tel: 732.286.7929 • Fax: 732.286.9698

♦ Ocean County Events ♦ Community Information ♦ Business Listings

www.OceanCountyNJOnline.com

▶ Cold Laser ▶ Homeopathic Options ALICIA ATTANASIO, DPM 186 Jack Martin Blvd B-1 • Brick, NJ 08724 P: (732) 835-8524 • F: (855) 858-5258 elitetristatefootcare@gmail.com www.elitetristatefootcare.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS 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.

Looking For Home - In Surrey Downs in Freehold under $200,000.

732-890-1330.

(14)

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

(10) Single White Male - Searching for female to stand beside me for love, romance. 53-63. Open to any race.

609-709-5087. I'm submissive. (16)

Misc.

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.

(13) 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) Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac.

Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n) CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you.

732-804-8115.

(12)

Property Caretaker - Cut grass, rake leaves, snow removal, tend gardens, light painting/ maintenance. Hours are inconsistent depending on projects.

Must live in 5 mile radius from 511 Herbertsville Rd. Perfect for someone looking for something to do. $15 per hour. 732-225-0009.

(11) 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) School Bus and Trip Drivers Wanted - Ocean County Runs And Athletic Trips Available. CDL with P&S Endorsements Needed.

We Are Willing To Train If You Are Willing To Learn! 732-9055100 $19.50-$24.50 an hour (12) 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) Go to a Party and Get Paid! Merri-Makers has part time employment for the "young at heart" individuals. You decide when to work, experience NOT required. $12 an hour plus occasional gratuity. Please contact Lauren Bott at laurenb@merrimakers. com or 609-494-9100 ext. 1.

(43) 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) $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) APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. No job too small. Give us a call. Fully licensed and insured. 908-278-1322.

(12)

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) 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) Landscaping - Fall Winter Cleanups, Snow Removal, Gutter Cleaning, Stone, Mulch, Tree Pruning, Pavers, Hardscaping, Hedge Trimming, Junk Removal. Insured.

609-994-3893.

(10) ALLAmerican 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) 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)

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

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

• Items Wanted

• For Rent

• Auto For Sale

• Help Wanted

• Real Estate

• Items For Sale

• Services

• Other

2.

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

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21*

22*

23*

24*

25*

26*

27*

28*

29*

30*

31*

32*

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

Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

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

Total = $ must run over the requested weeks.

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or

fill in Mastercard/Visa/American Express SORRY NO DISCOVER info below:

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.

6. PHONE NUMBER

(THIS IS REQUIRED)

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.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 19

NJ Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation To Hold Webinar

NEW JERSEY – Join the New Jersey Viet nam Veterans’ Memor ial Fou ndation for a monthly webinar series fe a t u r i n g a o n e - o n - o n e i n t e r v ie w w it h New Je r sey Viet n a m Vet e r a n volunteers.

T hird T hu rsday VetChats will be

held via Zoom and are free and open to the public. Each webinar will be m o d e r a t e d b y N J V V M F Tr u s t e e Melissa Ziobro, Specialist Professor of Public Histor y at Monmouth University. Each month, a different New Jersey Vietnam Veteran Volunteer will

share their story and memories of the Vietnam War. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions via the Q&A function, which will be answered throughout the program. In March, hear from Michael J. Coale, who was drafted into the Unit-

ed States Army in 1966 from his hometown of Glen Rock, New Jersey. Coale served in Vietnam from 1967 through 1968 in Reconnaissance Platoons.

The webinar will take place on March 18 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. To join, visit this Zoom link: zoom.us/j/94951767973.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

BUSINESS DIRECTORY BUDGET TILE GEORGE TROSKY Complete Bathroom Remodeling Ceramic Tile Installation Free Estimates • Expert Repairs Residential & Commercial Services www.budgettileco.com

Tel 732-833-8300

$25 OFF

PLUMBING • HEATING • COOLING

Replacements & New Install of Heating & Air Conditioning Units

891 Rt. 37 West • Toms River, NJ 08755 HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING

Lic.# 13HV01032000

Since 1928

FREE

ESTIMATES

With This Ad

Serving All of Ocean & Monmouth Counties

1-800-688-TEMP • www.caretemp.com

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

CALL TODAY FOR FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE

CHOOSE FROM ANY OR ALL PAPERS:

Instant Financing Available

Toms River Times • Manchester Times Berkeley Times • Brick Times • Jackson Times Howell Times • Southern Ocean Times

•Service Contracts • Water Heaters • Boilers • Furnaces • Air Conditioning • Gas Conversions • Tubs/Grab Bars • Sinks/Faucets • Bath & Kitchen Remodeling • FREE ESTIMATES

732-349-3322 • 732-892-3322 • 732-367-3322 Ronald Schultz NJ Master Plumber Lic #12170

NJ HIC Lic# 13VH01340700

www.lezgusplumbing.com

Suffering from back, neck or joint pain?

WE CAN HELP! Call Today!

732.202.3000

CALL 732.657.7344 TODAY TO SPEAK WITH A SALES REP!

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

LEONARDO LGD PAINTING • Exterior Painting • Interior Painting • Power Washing • Wallpaper Removal

.com

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

We Also Do Sheetrock & Spackle Repairs!

With This Ad. Lic. No 13VH04848400

732-300-6251

800.603.CARE (2273) 24 HOURS A DAY • 7 DAYS A WEEK LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED

Care for Seniors, Adults & Pediatrics • Skilled Nursing (RNs, LPNs) Adult & Pediatric Ventilator Care • Home Health Aides 24-Hour Live-In Aides • Private Pay & Most Insurances Accepted PREFERREDCARES.COM

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS!

EFFECTIVE › AFFORDABLE VISA, MASTERCARD & AMERICAN EXPRESS ACCEPTED DISCOUNT PACKAGES AVAILABLE!

CALL 732.657.7344 TO FIND OUT HOW! WE AIM TO PLEASE...

Please check your ad the first week it’s scheduled to run for insertion & accuracy.

Micromedia will not be responsible for errors occurring in an ad beyond the first week if we are not notified of the error.

GREAT RATES FOR BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADS! NUMEROUS DISCOUNT PACKAGES AVAILABLE! FOR DETAILS, CALL 732-657-7344 TODAY!

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

RC R.C.SHEA S

&ASSOCIATES COUNSELLORS AT LAW

WILLS, ESTATES, POWERS OF ATTORNEY, TRUSTS, LIVING WILLS, ESTATE LITIGATION AND GUARDIANSHIPS SERIOUS LEGAL MATTERS REQUIRE SERIOUS AND EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS

KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!

(House Calls Available By Appointment) TOMS RIVER OFFICE 244 Main St., Toms River, NJ 08753 • (732) 505-1212 BERKELEY AREA (800) 556-7432 MANCHESTER AREA (732) 408-9455 BRICK AREA (732) 451-0800 VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW. RCSHEA.COM

Around The Jersey Shore Raise Awareness For Kids Who Are Fighting HARD (Having A Rare Disease)

OCEAN COU NTY – The Fighting HARD Foundation will be hosting a Vir tual Run for Rare Disease Week and hope that you will join them to Run HARD for Rare Kids!

T hei r mission at Fighti ng H A R D Foundation is to help children with rare diseases and chronic illness to not feel alone. This year they want to do something special to get everyone moving and raising some awareness in a safe way. They may not be able to get together, but by coming together virtually, sharing some hashtags, and having some fun, they can hopefully continue to show these amazing kids that they are not alone!

Rare Disease Day is February 28, the rarest day of the year. They will be hav-

ing their Virtual Run for the eight days leading up to Rare Day. You can participate in any event that you would like during those 8 days. Are you a HARD core runner? Rock out 28 miles. How about 8 miles in 8 days? Or 2 miles? Or perhaps you just want to support kids and Relax for Rare Kids instead! Some of the kids in the foundation may not be able to run or even walk, so it would be a great way to show them that others are running or walking for them! Let’s all spread some love, raise some awareness and Run HARD for Rare Kids!

More race details and free registration: runsignup.com/Race/Info/NJ/Anywhere/ RunHARDforRareKids More info on Fighting H.A.R.D. Foundation: fightingHARDfoundation.org

Grant Funds Helping Those In Need

BRICK – The Township of Brick receives a regular allocation from HUD (Housing and Urban Development) CDBG (Community Development Block Grants) and provides up to 15 percent of those funds as grants to non-profit agencies for public services.

In 2020, the Township provided $44,000 in grants to non-profits from the regular allocation.

As part of the CARES Act, CDBG Entitlement Communities, including Brick, received additional allocations and the 15

percent cap for public services was waived.

The Township provided 100 percent of its first CDBG-CV (CARES Act) allocation to Public service agencies in the amount of $177,866 and the majority of the second allocation of $395,813 to provide Youth Counseling and Rent/Mortgage/Utility payment assistance.

One of the organizations that received CARES Act Funding - Homes Now, Inc - recently purchased supplies with the funding to be distributed to those in need.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 21

Around The Jersey Shore

BRICKTOWNONLINE.COM Information for Residents, 24/7 Exposure for Local Businesses

OCC Offers Workforce And Professional Education Programming

TOMS RIVER – Meeting the growing need for allied health professionals is one of the areas in which Ocean County College’s Workforce and Professional Education (WPE) excels. WPE delivers purposeful education in Healthcare, Business & Technology and Education, taught by industry-certified staff and instructors.

The aging population in the United States has created a demand and WPE is working hard to help meet it.

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) course is the program’s most popular and prepares students for careers in this expanding field. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, (BLS) employment of medical assistants is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations this decade, and OCC’s program offers three certifications — phlebotomist, EKG technical and clinical medical assistant.

“Students may be interested in a mid-career change or be re-entering the workforce after a time away, or may be looking for a pathway into nursing,” says Justin Zutski, career pathways coordinator at OCC. “We have a diverse group in this program; one nursing student took this certification program just as a way to gain more knowledge in her field.”

Graduates are in demand in hospitals, doctors’ offices and urgent care facilities. A high school diploma is required to register for the 4-month program, and scholarships are available to help cover some of the $4400 cost.

“Students are taught medical terminology, skill sets and more. They get hands-on training from skilled teachers,” says Gerald Mangino, manager of healthcare career programs. “We also offer externships, although they are on hold right now. We offer virtual information sessions and career days for students to allow different facilities to explain what they do.”

OCC’s Pharmacy Tech course is taught by a veteran pharmacist; provides funding through a Healthworks Grant; and offers apprenticeships through a partnership with CVS. Growth in this field is expected to be above the national average for all careers over the next 10 years, according to the BLS. “The beauty of this course is that students can go anywhere once they have the training,” says Mangino. “Shorter, condensed trainings are the wave of the future. There actually is a shortage of pharmacy techs right now, which is driving wages higher.”

“These training programs are a more cohesive way to begin a career or make a change,” adds Zutski. “Because they have a narrow focus, students get more out of the program in a shorter time.”

WPE also offers certifications in medical coding, phlebotomy, veterinary assistant, EKG and many other related certifications.

The next Pharmacy Tech course begins in March. Visit ocean.edu/ for more information.

The next CCMA course will begin on March 1.

LOCAL INFORMATION: • Area Events • Restaurants • Things to Do • Local Business Directory AND MUCH MORE...

www.BrickTownOnline.com » 732-929-0730

DeGRAFF CREMATION SERVICES DIRECT CREMATION $1575 Arrangements Available In Your Home, Removal From Place Of Death, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory Located at:

DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst

732-657-7868

www.degrafffuneralhome.com

Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921

Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certified Copies Of Death Certificates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services

BLOODY SPOT IN THE EYE

It can be quite disconcerting to look in the mirror and discover that you have a spot of blood under the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the surface of your eye. Called a “subconjunctival hemorrhage,” the condition can occur without you knowing it, following a forceful cough, sneeze, or straining effort. The conjunctiva contains tiny blood vessels that can break (or leak) after sudden increases in pressure. In these cases, the redness usually clears up within a week or two as the blood is reabsorbed.

However, if pain or any change in vision is experienced, the ophthalmologist should be consulted. Subconjunctival hemorrhaging is also related to “diabetic retinopathy,” which should not be allowed to go untreated.

Despite its bloody appearance, a subconjunctival hemorrhage should cause no change in your vision, no discharge from your eye, and no pain. Your only discomfort may be a scratchy feeling on the surface of your eye. SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES is dedicated to providing a full spectrum of high-quality personalized eye care. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 732-349-5622. Our doctors take the time to listen to and answer your questions so that you can make the best choices to fit your unique needs and lifestyle.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622

BRICK (732) 477-6981

BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020

www.oceancountyeye.com P.S. Rare causes of subconjunctival hemorrhaging include high blood pressure, taking blood thinners, and medical disorders that cause bleeding.

Institutionally Accredited by ABHES. Financial Aid available for those who qualify.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 22, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

C rossword P uzzle

Across 1 Hardly a routine favor 7 Rubs out 15 Project that led to the first moonwalk 16 “And how!”

17 Rounds of shots 18 Meditation goal 19 Money in music 20 “__: a Dog”: 1962 film based on a 1919 novel 21 Fruit with a Medjool variety 22 Fathers and sons 23 Portable Asian dwellings 25 “Live at Red Rocks” musician John 26 Fathers and sons, say 27 Tiny resistance unit 29 Petrol measure 31 Start of a Seuss classic 36 Galleria degli Uffizi city 37 Range in which 7 is neutral 38 “Swords into plowshares” prophet 39 Had difficulty 40 Maker of many jets 42 Fields of cookies 43 __ entry 47 Plant that has become invasive in much of the Eastern U.S. 48 One acting badly 49 “Swan Lake” maiden 51 Vitamin bottle abbr.

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law The Bulk Sales Act As It Applies To The Sale Of Real Estate

Robert C. Shea Esq.

By: Marc S. Galella, Esq.and Robert C. Shea, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

52 Marathoners’ sources of energy 54 Telemarketing tactic 56 “Scream” scream 57 Rule that keeps you from spelling weirdly?

58 With great intensity 59 Colonists 60 Dr. Scholl’s product Down 1 Stalwart political group 2 Apples since 2012 3 The best of times 4 Harmonica-playing chipmunk 5 Gin flavoring 6 Ring decisions 7 Off-the-wall 8 No longer fazed by

9 Time meas.

10 VA concern 11 Mount an attack on 12 Kiwi-shaped 13 Bashes 14 Just baked, say 20 Riches 23 1994 co-Nobelist with Yasser and Shimon 24 Fluffy toy 26 Ex-U.N. chief Annan 27 “Anaconda” rapper Nicki 28 Kenyan tribe 30 Worn welcome symbol 32 Game show VIPs 33 Enclave in Italy 34 Warning signal 35 High-tech capacity

units 37 Pie sometimes topped with pineapple 39 Gatherings before snaps 41 Salon device 43 Day of films 44 Brick of the Southwest 45 High land 46 Up in the air 48 Long-eared critters 50 Biol. branch 52 “Big Brother” host Julie __ Moonves 53 Terrier breed from Scotland 55 “What __ the odds?!”

56 Go downhill fast

(c)2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

Sudoku

Anyone selling real estate in New Jersey needs to be aware of the terms of the Bulk Sales Act. The purpose behind the Bulk Sales Act is to protect a purchaser from any taxes owed by the seller to the State of New Jersey. The failure to follow the Bulk Sales procedures could result in the State assessing any tax liability of the seller against the purchaser.

For the purposes of the Bulk Sale Act, the only real estate that is exempt from the Bulk Sales filing requirement is a simple dwelling house, which is a one or two family residential building, or condominium, if the seller is an individual, estate or trust. Almost all other real estate transactions are required to file pursuant to the Bulk Sales Act. The filing procedure for the Bulk Sales Act is relatively straightforward. At least 10 business days prior to the closing of title, the purchaser or their attorney must file a form with the State referred to as a C-9600 Bulk Sales Notice. The form contains information about the transaction including the seller’s name and tax ID number as well as the purchaser’s name and tax ID number. The terms of the sale must be disclosed by way of a copy of the real estate contract attached to the form.

Once the State receives that form, it will

then review its records Marc S. Galella Esq. to determine whether the seller owes any taxes to the State, including any taxes that may result from the specific sale.

The State will then send what is referred to as a Bulk Sales escrow letter to the buyer’s attorney. The Bulk Sales escrow letter will direct how much money must be escrowed from the seller at closing pending a determination by the State as to the actual taxes owed. The next step is for the seller or their accountant to submit to the State a form known as a TTD (Transfer Tax Declaration) form in which the seller discloses the taxes that may be due to the State as a result of the transaction. In some cases, the Bulk Sales notice and the TTD form can be submitted simultaneously so that the State can make a determination as to amount of taxes owed. Once the State determines the taxes owed, it will send a second letter directing the buyer’s attorney to release a specific amount of money from the escrow held at closing. Upon the State receives that money it will then send a third letter to the buyer’s attorney authorizing the release of the remaining escrow to the seller.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

Do you have something you want everyone to know? Is there an issue that needs to be addressed?

Write a letter to make yourself heard.

Solutions

Sudoku

Crossword puzzle

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, Februrary 27, 2021, Page 23

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of FEB 27 - mar 5

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your drive for a more fulfilling lifestyle and all the things that money can buy could occupy most of your time.

As the week unfolds, you might find more reasons to treasure your job and appreciate teamwork.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may be challenged to justify your actions during the week ahead, but rather than feeling defensive, you can take matters into your own hands. You may be filled with energy when faced with a subject close to your heart.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The spin of a roulette wheel can be exciting if you are willing to take a chance. Avoid wishful thinking when you and a partner get together. Your home could become the center of a friendly gathering in the week ahead.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Think through every detail. As the week begins, make sure everything you do demonstrates well-planned actions. Your busy partner might appreciate your ability to provide comfort teamed with prioritized efficiency.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): This isn’t the best time to make investments or major purchases, but it’s a good time to cultivate friendships. A busy schedule can prevent a partner from giving you the attention you crave. Opportunities for closeness arrive later this week.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s always darkest before the dawn. Pay attention to the details of something and by the end of the week you should be able to enjoy the rewards you deserve for your attentiveness. You might stand out in a social gathering.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your home life could be consumed with activities and responsibilities, putting a damper on your social life. During the week ahead, you may form new friendships and develop new objectives if you find the time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You could be so busy in the week ahead that you don’t realize there are increasing expenses. Focus on the particulars for each bill amidst economic uncertainty. You may see that you can make ends meet.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Supportive friends may offer a generous array of agreeable options as the week unfolds. You may daydream too much or get little accomplished if your movements are restricted. Tackle every task with gusto.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your impulse might be to manage people and control events in the first part of the upcoming week. If the reins of power are not within your grasp, tread cautiously. Focus on being friendly and upbeat.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): There’s no reason to merely survive when you can choose to thrive. Make an effort to handle your duties like a champ and by the end of the week you may find opportunities to expand your sphere of influence.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): There is no reason to hide your brightness, lightness and loyalty. You may be unaware that you are appreciated and valued. In the week to come, you can cement a relationship or benefit from your contact with others.

(c) 2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

FAST, EASY AND INCREDIBLY FLAVORFUL? THIS RECIPE HAS IT COVERED.

By America’s Test Kitchen

There are several steps you can take to elevate lean chicken breasts for a weeknight meal. We started with a bold citrus vinaigrette. For an intense hit of citrus flavor, we used lemon juice enhanced with both lemon and orange zest. Then, pounding t h e chi ck en br east s t o an even thickness ensured that they cooked at the same rate and stayed juicy.

A little cinnamon and cumin rubbed onto the chicken added deep flavor and the heady aroma of warm spice t o t h e di sh . Dr e dg i n g t h e s ea s on e d br ea st s i n f l ou r b e f o r e s ea r i n g p r o t e ct e d their exteriors from becoming tough. Plus, the seared flour created a textured sur face for the v inaigrette to cling to.

Slicing the cooked chicken before topping it w ith the vinaigrette made each bite well-seasoned. A sprinkling of ci l a n t r o a d d e d a f r e sh herbal counterpoint to finish the dish.

SPICED CITRUS CHICKEN Ser ves 4 to 6

For the v inaigr ette: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons minced shallot 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon grated orange zest 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons juice 1/4 teaspoon table salt For the chicken:

1 1/2 teaspoons table salt 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 4 (6- to 8-ounce) boneless, sk inless chicken br easts, trimmed 2 tabl espoon s ex t ra-v i r g i n olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves 1. Combine all the vinaigrette ingredients in bowl; set aside.

2. Combine salt, cumin, cinnamon and pepper in a small bowl. Spread flour in a shallow dish. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat pounder, gently pound the thick part o f t h e b r ea st s t o 3 /4 - i n ch thickness.

3. Sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken. Working w i t h one br east at a t i m e, dredge in flour, shak ing off excess, and transfer to a large plate.

4. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonst i c k s k i l l e t o v e r m e d i u m heat until shimmering. Add ch i ck e n t o t h e sk i l l et a n d cook un t il w el l br ow n ed and registering 160 degrees, abou t 8 m i n u t e s pe r s i d e .

Transfer to a car v ing board and let rest for 5 minutes.

5. Slice chicken crosswise on bias and transfer to a ser ving platter. Stir dressing to recombine and spoon ov er chicken. Sprinkle with cilantro and ser ve.

Recipe note: Use a rasp-style grater to grate the citrus zest.

(For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2021 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Page 24, The Brick Times, February 27, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com