2021-05-01 - The Brick Times

The BRICK Times

Vol. 20 - No. 50

MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS

JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM

BlueClaws Celebrates 20 Years Of Family Fun

In This Week’s Edition

BREAKING NEWS @

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Dear Joel Page 25

─Photo courtesy Jersey Shore BlueClaws Bill Butler, the first groundskeeper in the Lakewood BlueClaws’ history, checks the lawn. He later served as the New York Mets’ head groundskeeper.

By Chris Christopher Lakewood is New Jer- early in 1998 when Island, N.Y., where LAKEWOOD - Mil- sey’s unofficial cap- Singer was contacted it was a New York lions of fans can’t be it al of professional by the local owners Yankees affiliate for wrong. baseball as they are of a New York-Penn many years.

In 19 regular sea- the third club to play Leag ue team based A group of investors sons, the Lakewood The Grand Old Game in Water tow n, N.Y. known as the AmeriBlue Claws at t r a ct- in the town.

The Getzler family can Baseball Compaed 7,711,681 fans to A major backer of - St a n, Phyllis a nd ny teamed with Singer regular-season home the birth of the Blue- Jo s e p h - h o p e d t o and other Lakewood games at FirstEnergy C l aw s w a s Ro b e r t bring the team from off icials to place a Park.

Singer, R-30th, state upstate New York to team in Lakewood.

Now in their f irst senator and a mem- Mon mout h C ou nt y Once upon a time, the ye a r a s t h e Je r s e y ber of the Lakewood where the family had large parcel of land at Shore BlueClaws, the Township Committee. a h o m e. T h e t e a m New Hampshire and team is a major reason The first talk began wound up on Staten (BlueClaws - See Page 8)

Pothole Filling Project Underway

By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - Spring brings blooming trees, nesting birds, and the inevitable abundance of potholes, caused by the expansion and contraction of water that has entered the ground under the road’s surface. Coupled with the weight of cars and trucks passing over the weak spot in the

road, the asphalt cracks and breaks down.

The township’s pothole repair program is in full swing. The pothole hotline gets some 10 to 20 calls a day this time of year, and crews can fill about 40 a day. Potholes can cause damage to tires, wheels, suspension and steering, and they are a danger to drivers

and pedestrians everywhere.

That’s true, said Depa r t ment of P ublic Works (DPW) Supervisor TJ Ventorino. “Potholes can become very dangerous, so we have to take care of them as soon as possible,” he said from the department’s Ridge Road facility recently.

The pothole “hotbox”

truck is currently out of commission for a couple of weeks, so while it’s being repaired, the department is running two mason dump trucks in its place - one on the north side of town, the other on the south side - that are strictly for pothole repair.

“We get a lot of complaints where the asphalt has become bro-

ken and cracked in a large area of a road, so what we do is make it safe for now and put it on the list to mill and pave it,” he said. “We know that just putting blacktop in an area that needs to be milled and paved is not going to stay.”

Ventorino said they try to let nearby residents (Pothole - See Page 6)

May 1, 2021

Brick To Get $7.5M In COVID Aid

By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - The Township will be the beneficiary of some $7.5 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill approved by Congress and signed into law by President Biden in March. In addition, Ocean County would receive approximately $117.7 million of the funds.

Mayor John G. Ducey said he is happy that Brick would be getting the money, but said the bill has “an odd restriction” that the money cannot be used for tax relief.

“That is something I would love to use it for,” the mayor said in a recent phone call.

“That was in the press release that was done - it said what every town was going to get, and that one of the conditions was that it cannot be used for property tax relief.”

The press release also said that no ARP funds may be used to fund pensions.

An estimated $10.2 billion is earmarked for New Jersey, which includes about $6.4 billion for the state, $192 million for broadband, $1.8 billion combined for all 21 counties, and $1.7 billion split among all 565 municipalities.

In comparison to Brick, Toms River will receive $10.1 million, Lakewood, $27.3 million, Jackson, $5.6 million and Point Pleasant, $1.8 million.

While there has been little guidance on how the ARP funds may be used, some broadly stated permitted uses of state and local aid include necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.

The funds may be used to respond to negative economic impacts resulting from COVID, including assistance to households, small businesses and nonprofits.

The money may also be used to aid impacted industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality.

ARP state and local aid may be transferred to a private nonprofit organization or a public benefit corporation involved in the transportation of passengers or cargo or a special purpose unit of state or local government.

Mayor Ducey said funding is always (Aid - See Page 6)

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Aid:

Continued From Page 1 needed for infrastructure, such as for roads and roadway elevations to help with f looding, and similar projects, which is always one of the township’s biggest expenses.

Brick Township CFO Maureen Laffery-Berg said she’s had Zoom calls about the spending bill, including one

with The United States Conference of Mayors.

“They’re still working out the kinks,” she said in a recent phone call. “The rules and decisions are being made now, and they’re thinking by the end of May they will have guidelines as to what they can tell us what the funds may be used for.”

She took part in a webinar that was designed to get input from different communities on how to spend and use

the funds.

The American Rescue Plan provides $1,400 direct payments to individuals making up to $75,000 a year, enhanced unemployment insurance, small business assistance, housing assistance, nutrition assistance, funding for health care, transportation, schools, child care, veterans, consumer protection, and much more.

In New Jersey, 3,691,546 eligible households would receive $9.62 billion

of the American Rescue Plan in direct payments, or an average of $2,605 per household.

Local governments would be required to provide periodic reports detailing how the funds were used. Violating any provision of the bill would result in repayment to the U.S. Treasury an equal amount to the funds used in violation.

Funds must be used no later than December 31, 2024.

Pothole:

Continued From Page 1

6

know that the fix is temporary, and that crews will be back to mill and pave. The DPW has purchased a paving machine and a small miller attachment that connects to a Bobcat and has the ability to mill and pave “decent sized sections,” he said.

It was Ventorino’s idea for the township to purchase an asphalt recycler, which takes stockpiled broken asphalt (blacktop from township road repair jobs), and millings, which are heated up, rotated, and sent down a chute into the hotbox truck.

“Anybody that uses cold patch - which is basically asphalt that has oil in it - you just basically throw it in the pothole and it gets packed down, but it really doesn’t stay,” he said. “You drive over it and it gets all over your car, and it’s not cheap.”’

The recycler, which heats the material to 700 degrees, saves the township some $60,000 a year in two ways: there is no need to buy cold patch fill, and there are no longer associated costs to dispose of the asphalt at the county recycling center, and the heated material lasts longer than cold patch, Ventorino said.

It can recycle about three tons of asphalt an hour. The hotbox truck holds five tons, so when it’s fully loaded it holds enough to last all day, he said.

The department fills potholes year-round.

Most other municipalities are forced to use cold patch since the asphalt plants close down during the cold months.

Ventorino is a co-supervisor at the DPW along with Steve Krakovsky since the director Ken Mathis retired earlier this year.

The two are ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently, said Township Business Administrator Joanne Bergin. The township would be appointing a Superintendent of Public Works sometime in the future, she said.

To report a pothole on a township road, call the DPW at 732 451-4060.

─Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn Millings, which is asphalt dust collected when they mill the roads, is put into the recycler where it gets mixed and heated and then reused.

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The Brick Times, May 1, 2021, Page 7

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

Kim: House Passes Small Business Assistance Bills

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1502, the Microloan Improvement Act of 2021, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) to help small businesses access much needed capital to help them through the coronavirus crisis. The bill passed by a bipartisan margin of 397 to 16.

“We need to do everything we can to help our small businesses in this critical

time,” said Congressman Kim. “We’ve seen too many times during this crisis small businesses that have missed out because the system simply doesn’t reach them. This bill will make a big difference for small businesses across our country, and I’m proud to work with this bipartisan team to have this bill passed.

I hope my colleagues in the Senate move quickly to take it up and pass it with the same bipartisan effort we showed

today.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02), and Congresswoman Marie Newman (IL-03).

The Microloan Improvement Act would increase the number of nonprofit, community-based lenders eligible for the lowest interest rate on loans from the SBA and allow these lenders to offer lines of credit to small busi-

nesses, while extending the maximum repayment term for loans. This would help cut through bureaucratic red tape identified as restricting lending to small businesses looking to grow and create jobs.

“This bipartisan bill is straightforward and effective: it increases the number of nonprofit, community-based lenders that can offer loans through the SBA’s microloan program,” Congressman

Burchett said. “I’m proud to be a part of this effort that will help aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs chase down the American Dream.”

In addition to H.R. 1502, the House also passed H.R. 1487, the Microloan Transparency and Accountability Act. The bipartisan bill, which was co-sponsored by Congressman Kim, would enhance microloans in rural areas and provide new reporting

to Congress to ensure that the program is best serving America’s small business owners.

The Microloan Program in the SBA was created by Congress in 1991 to make funds available to community-based lenders, who in turn make loans to eligible borrowers. Many of these borrowers are underserved entrepreneurs who may not have a credit history or significant business experience.

Smith: Hospital System Awarded $82 Million FEMA Grant

WASHI NGTON, D.C. - Hackensack Meridian Health Systems (HMHS) received an $82 million federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the cost of many of the hospital’s extensive emergency measures taken as a result of the COVID pandemic, Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) said.

HMHS operates Hackensack Meridian Health Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center in Brick, H a c ke n s a c k Me r id i a n

Health Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City and other facilities in Rep. Chris Smith’s Fourth Congressional District.

“We’re grateful to Congressman Smith, who continues to fight to help ensure that our frontline team members are able to continue providing high-quality, groundbreaking care to more patients than any other health network in the state,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hack-

ensack Meridian Health.

Smith announced a grant award of $82,040,194.81 in federal funding to Hackensack Meridian Health to cover 100 percent of emergency protective measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is provided under the authority of Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. The award follows three grants of $18.1, $10.9 and $10.4 million awarded in mid-March, also for COVID expenses.

“Hackensack Meridian hospitals were at ground

zero of the COVID pandemic and met the challenge head-on with an army of talented, compassionate and courageous medical staff and hospital personnel,” Smith said. “They took care of patients during what can only be called an unprecedented national healthcare emergency and showed their commitment to the community they serve, even while placing their own health at risk.”

Hackensack Meridian Health is the largest health network in the state, having treated more than 10,000

COVID-19 patients. It partnered with businesses and schools in their reopening efforts based on its experiences and learnings during the COVID-19 crisis with its “Reopening A mer ica: Hackensack Meridian Health’s Assist Program,” desig ned to share best practices, regarding safety measures, cleanliness, education and testing with any organization trying to recover from this devastating economic and health crisis.

The federal funding comes from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, which received

supplemental funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020 which Smith supported and spoke in favor of during the debate on the bill last year. The grant represents 100 percent of reported costs incurred from the emergency measures executed by HMHS. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic created an immediate threat to the health and safety of the general public, requiring emergency response and protective measures throughout the State of New Jersey.

Menendez, Booker Demand Vaccinations At Fort Dix Prison

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker today led members of the New Jersey Congressional delegation in calling on the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to prioritize the COVID-19 vaccine program at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Fort Dix to ensure widespread vaccination among the incarcerated individuals and staff at the facility. Despite several coronavirus outbreaks within the facility that endanger employees and incarcerated individuals, as well as the surrounding community, only half of the incarcerated individuals at FCI Fort Dix have been vaccinated since the BOP vaccination program began in January.

“While the nation’s overall COVID-19 vaccine rollout has sped up significantly under President Biden’s leadership, the rollout at FCI Fort Dix has not kept pace,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to BOP Director Michael Carvajal. “[T]he vaccination program at FCI Fort Dix has been ongoing for three months, but today barely more than half of the incarcerated population has received all of the required vaccine doses. In light of these statistics and the repeated deadly outbreaks at FCI Fort Dix, we urge you to prioritize the vaccination program at the facility.”

Over the course of the pandemic, more than 65% of the facility’s incarcerated population has contracted

COVID-19 and there have been multiple outbreaks among both staff and incarcerated individuals. Aside from the BOP’s slow vaccine rollout to incarcerated individuals at FCI Fort Dix, the agency has had difficulty boosting vaccine confidence among staff.

There are currently 40 active COVID-19 cases among staff at the facility, indicating a significant portion of the facility’s employees have likely declined the vaccine to date.

Nationwide, approximately 51% of BOP staff have accepted the vaccine. The lawmakers encouraged the BOP Director to support efforts to increase vaccine confidence at FCI Fort Dix. “Vaccine hesitancy is certainly a complex issue. How-

ever, to protect the safety of staff, incarcerated individuals, and our communities, it is imperative that BOP moves quickly to overcome this challenge. As BOP notes on its website, staff come and go between the prison and their communities, presenting many opportunities for COVID-19 transmission to occur and cause an outbreak,” the letter continued. “We appreciate BOP’s existing efforts to improve vaccine confidence among staff in collaboration with the employee’s union, AFGE Local 2001. We urge you to continue to build on these collaborative efforts and take additional steps to encourage both your employees and the incarcerated people under your care to receive

the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The lawmakers demanded answers to a series of questions into BOP’s vaccine rollout both at FCI Fort Dix and at facilities nationwide.

U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (N.J.-06), Bill Pascrell, Jr. (N.J.-09), Donald Payne, Jr. (N.J.-10), Bonnie Watson Coleman (N.J.-12), Andy Kim (N.J.-03), Mikie Sherrill (N.J.-11) and Tom Malinowski (N.J.-07) also signed the letter.

The lagging vaccine rollout at FCI Fort Dix is just the latest misstep in the BOP’s pandemic response. Last month, Sens. Menendez and Booker questioned the BOP’s failure to provide the facility with any federal money from the CARES Act to help respond

to the health crisis.

In January, Sens. Menendez and Booker and Rep. Kim called for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General (IG) to investigate the BOP’s handling of the outbreaks at FCI Fort Dix. The senators then asked the FCI Fort Dix Warden for an update on the conditions at the facility and urged him to grant home confinement to eligible individuals. In November and December of last year, Sen. Menendez led members of the delegation in calling on the BOP to extend the moratorium of transfers to FCI Fort Dix, and requested their detailed plans for testing, vaccination, and implementation of home confinement.

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BlueClaws:

Continued From Page 1 Cedar Bridge avenues consisted primarily of sand, scrub oak and scrub pine. In less than one year, the land became home to a stadium, FirstEnergy Park, that cost an estimated $22 million to build. The Urban Enterprise Zone and the investors financed the stadium. The BlueClaws’ owners contributed $2 million to the ballpark’s construction, bringing their total investment to the team - after the $3.5 million purchase price and other various relocation and start-up costs - to $8 million.

Ground was broken on a rainy day with the temperature in the low 40s on April

17, 2000. It took just 359 days to build the stadium. The facility was dedicated as the Lakewood Municipal Baseball Stadium. It became known as GPU Energy Park, now FirstEnergy Park.

The team, which will open its regular season Tuesday, May 4, at 7:05 p.m. when it hosts the Hudson Valley Renegades, a New York Yankees farm club, in Hi-A East League action, set up shop in office space Feb. 1, 2000 on nearby Airport Road in Lakewood, site of its initial tickets promotion. The event took place on a Saturday. The first person to buy a ticket was Lakewood resident Rich Furrer. He began waiting in line at around 2 p.m. on Friday with hundreds of other fans for more than 20 hours. As

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Allison Gradzki

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the temperature fell, fans kept warm with heaters and grills.

The BlueClaws were named by Matt Koscielski, a 9-year-old from Wall Township’s West Belmar section. He won a ‘name the team’ contest that consisted of local elementary schools. BlueClaws was the most popular entry so team officials went with it. Now that the team had a name, it began its marketing effort.

“I think the biggest challenge was convincing the people who weren’t necessarily baseball fans that the product we were putting out was more than a baseball game,” said Mike Ryan, the team’s director of marketing from 2000-2011.

“In subsequent seasons, it was easier because we had examples, but the first year was a fresh slate. Luckily, we seemed to be able to use a lot of what Trenton (Thunder, then the Yankees’ Double A affiliate in the Eastern League) had done as an example.

“For me, the biggest challenge was learning the concept of minor league sports and the selling factors. I was one of the few employees who did not come from a sports background. One of the reasons I was hired was my local knowledge, connections and business experience. Being an avid sports fan, minor-league teams were attractive to me to attend because of the game itself.

I had been to many Buffalo Bisons (baseball), Thunder and Trenton Titans (ice hockey) games because I love sports.

Learning the marketing strategies that minor-league teams use to attract nonspor ts specif ic fans was my biggest learning curve.”

The BlueClaws’ first slogan was Great Family Entertainment Just Got Closer to Home.

“We billed the experience as family entertainment featuring baseball, not baseball feat uring family enter tainment,” Ryan said. “Families were our base. We understood that in a family of four maybe only one or two of them were baseball fans so we wanted to make sure they understood there was something for each of them at the ballpark. Whether it was the inf latables, the outfield bar or the boardwalk style arcade, nobody would be bored. We tried a lot of things and stuck with what worked when it came to advertising. I was willing to listen to anyone who brought in a unique idea.

Some things worked great and others not so much.”

The BlueClaws played their first regular-season game April 5, 2001 against the Kannapolis (N.C.) Intimidators, a Chicago White Sox farm club, It was a 5-1 loss, but it was a beginning. It took the BlueClaws five games to win their first game, a 9-7 conquest of the host Greensboro (N.C.) Bats, on April 9, 2001. Lakewood’s first home game, April 11, 2001, was suspended in the fourth inning because of rain after a two-hour delay. The game, a Lakewood loss, was completed the next day.

Its second home game resulted in a seven-inning no-hitter thrown by Keith Buck t rot a nd a n 11-1 w i n over t he

Hickory (N.C.) Crawdads, a Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate, on April 12, 2001.

Lakewood was 28-42 in the initial half of its first season of play and 32-37 in the second half. It attracted 482,206 fans to FirstEnergy Park in the team’s first season.

“I can still remember our first opening day and hearing the call on the radio to open the gates,” Ryan said. “The second song the crew in the production room played was the theme from The Natural as the fans (7,512) were filing in. I literally got chills.”

Reggie Griggs hit Lakewood’s first home run in franchise history in 2001 in the BlueClaws’ third regular-season game.

The American Baseball Company sold the team to Shore Town Baseball. The new ownership was introduced July 27, 2017 - the same day the BlueClaws welcomed their seven-millionth fan.

The BlueClaws accepted their Player Development License from the Phillies in February, becoming Philadelphia’s High-A East League affiliate. The license runs for 10 years.

Shore Town Baseball has made numerous improvements, led by a Biergarten feat u r ing live music in back of the third-base line, a miniature golf course in back of right field and boardwalk style amusements beyond the outfield wall. They were installed prior to the 2018 se a son. T he A BC i n st al le d a berm, luxury suites, picnic areas and a 1,859-square foot video board. The latter was installed prior to the 2015 season.

The BlueClaws won South Atlantic League titles in 2006, 2009 and 2010 and advanced to its championship series in 2016 and 2018.

The team has put on numerous civic events, including a memorial in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 ter rorist at t a ck s on t he nat ion. Fi r st Ene rg y Park served as a staging area for area emergency crews af ter the at t acks.

Lakewood has worked closely with schools, veterans, law enforcement, f i r e m e n’s a n d c o m mu n it y g r ou p s .

Vendors showcase their wares on the concourse.

The facility recently hosted emergency crews that worked to extinguish the March forest fire that either destroyed or damaged dozens of structures and consumed almost 200 acres.

“Why has the team been so successful?” asked Ryan, repeating a reporter’s question. The answer is simple.

Good people. From the f ront off ice staff in its many incar nations f rom 2000 before the ballpark was even built until its current day, there have always been good people from the GM’s (general manager) office to the ticket takers. The Phillies have always put good people into the dugout ... managers and coaches who are happy to interact with the community and make sure that their example encourages the players to do so. This has continued since the beginning.”

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The Brick Times, May 1, 2021, Page 9

Photo Of The Week

The Jersey Shore is very picturesque. Look at this shot off the Atlantic Ocean in Asbury Park. (Photo by Brian Lundy, brianlundyphotos.com)

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To apply, contact Mark Steuer at MSteuer@co.ocean.nj.us or call 732-506-9090 ext. 5950 for an application.

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Around The Jersey Shore Locals Charged In $93 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

By Bob Vosseller NEWARK – Five people have been charged and two others have pled guilty in a $93 million health care fraud scheme.

The case involves a massive durable medical equipment and genetic cancer screening kickback fraud schemes according to Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig. She reported that Thomas Farese, 78, of Delray Beach, Florida; Pat Truglia, 53, of Parkland, Florida; Domenic J. Gatto Jr., 46, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and Nicholas Defonte, 72, and Christopher Cirri, 63, both of Toms River, are each charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Two additional individuals pleaded guilty: Brian Herbstman, 46, of Jackson, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute; and Sean Hogan, 48, of Old Bridge, also pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to engage in money launder-

ing. Sentencing for both is scheduled for August 3.

According to case documents and statements made in court: Each of the defendants played a role in defrauding health care benefit programs by offering, paying, soliciting, and receiving kickbacks and bribes in exchange for completed doctors’orders for durable medical equipment (DME), namely orthotic braces: • Farese, Truglia, Gatto, and their conspirators had financial interests in multiple DME companies, which paid kickbacks to suppliers of DME orders, including Cirri, Defonte, and Truglia. In exchange for DME orders, the DME companies fraudulently billed Medicare, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and other health care benefit programs. The defendants concealed their ownership of the DME companies by using straw owners, who were falsely reported to Medicare as the owners of the companies.

• Truglia, Cirri, Defonte, and their conspirators owned and operated multiple call centers through which they obtained DME orders for beneficiaries of Medicare and other federal health care programs. The call centers paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to telemedicine companies to obtain DME orders for these beneficiaries. The telemedicine companies then paid physicians to write medically unnecessary DME orders. The orders were provided to DME supply companies owned

by Farese, Truglia, Gatto, and others in exchange for bribes. The DME supply companies provided the braces to beneficiaries and fraudulently billed the health care programs.

• Herbstman and his conspirators had financial interests in multiple DME companies. The DME companies paid kickbacks to suppliers in exchange for DME orders, which the DME companies fraudulently billed to Medicare, TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and other health care benefit programs.

• Hogan and his conspirators agreed to launder the proceeds of the health care fraud conspiracy.

From March 2018 to October 2019, Hogan and others withdrew approximately $1.16 million in ill-gotten gains.

Herbstman and his conspirators had business relationships with call centers through which they obtained patient referrals for genetic cancer screening tests. Herbstman provided these patient referrals to others in exchange for kickbacks and bribes from companies that performed the tests and fraudulently billed them to health care programs.

The defendants caused losses to Medicare, TRICARE, and CHAMPVA of approximately $93 million. The charge of conspiracy to commit health care fraud is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greater.

Charges of conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, to which Herbstman pleaded guilty, are punishable by a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greater.

The charge of conspiracy to transact in criminal proceeds, to which Hogan pleaded guilty, is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greater.

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The Brick Times, May 1, 2021, Page 11

Around The Jersey Shore Vaccine Clinic Held At Senior Clubhouse

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Every few weeks, the state has expanded the groups who are able to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, which increases demand without necessarily increasing supply.

Most recently, it was announced that anyone 16 and older could be vaccinated.

Meanwhile, there were seniors who still had trouble getting their shots.

That’s what led to a vaccination clinic being held at the Holiday City West clubhouse on Cabrillo Boulevard. It was a spot surrounded by senior communities, and they wouldn’t have to drive to Toms River or Stafford for the county clinics, or as far as Atlantic City for others.

Richard Walker and Donna Lumia, both of HCW, said they came to this clinic because it was close and available. The fact that they were giving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was a plus.

“We wanted the one and done,” Walker said.

“We tried Walgreen’s, Ocean County Health Department, CVS…” Lumia said, but it was hard to get an appointment.

Marietta Kobus, president of Holiday City West, said so many of her residents had trouble getting the shot. A lot of them had trouble going online to register.

Two years ago, Congressman Andy Kim (D-3rd) held a town hall meeting in this building. She had kept the card of his chief of staff, Ben Giovine. She called him to ask if something could be done. Soon, arrangements were being made to set up the clinic.

Kim said his office has been hearing a lot of similar complaints from seniors – the lack

of vaccine availability, and the difficulty in registering online.

His office coordinated with Ocean Health Initiatives (OHI), a nonprofit federally qualified health center with a number of locations throughout Ocean and Monmouth counties.

Getting a thousand doses of the vaccine, together with the location, medical staff, volunteers, and all the other moving parts was like air traffic control at an airport, the congressman said. That’s why it was better that this was the one-shot vaccine; having to orchestrate this twice within 21 days would have been more challenging.

“I’m really excited to see this in person,” he said, looking around at the crowd.

People filtered in from the rain outside, and made their way to registration tables.

Once their identification and insurance information was taken, they were given their shots. Then, they had to wait 15 minutes to make sure there were no side effects.

There was no charge.

John Bonevich, director of marketing for OHI, said their organization changed some of their online registration to make it easier for people who weren’t too tech-savvy.

Theresa Berger, CEO of Ocean Health Initiatives, credited her staff for coordinating almost a thousand vaccinations in just one day.

Days after this event, the state paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to six women between the ages of 18 to 48 suffering blood clots 6 to 13 days after the inoculation. To put this in perspective, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 7.2 million doses of

the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had been administered as of press time.

OHI published a statement saying they would halt the administration of the J&J COVID-19 vaccines from its seven locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties as of April 13. Two weeks later, the state allowed the vaccine to continue.

OHI stated how they will continue to follow all guidelines set by the CDC, FDA and Department of Health. At this time, OHI vaccination events will only offer the two dose Moderna vaccine for eligible individuals in the community. You can pre-register for the vaccine at ohinj.org.

Alyssa Riccardi contributed to this story

─Photo by Chris Lundy Monty Pellegrini of Holiday City Carefree poses for a photo while getting his shot.

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Page 12, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

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Around The Jersey Shore Aid Available For COVID Funeral Costs

By Chris Lundy NEW JERSEY – Part of the American Rescue Plan is the ability for people to apply for aid for funeral expenses for someone whose death may have been caused by or was likely the result of COVID-19.

“While I wish I did not have to send this email and realize that no amount of money can heal the loss of a loved one, I want to let you know about a helpful FEMA grant program,” Congressman Andy Kim (D-3rd) wrote to residents.

People can apply for up to $9,000 for funeral expenses that took places after January 20, 2020.

To apply, call the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s dedicated call center at 844-684-6333; TTY 800-462-7585, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Multilingual services are available. There is no online application.

There are a lot of people calling FEMA these days so if you don’t get through, Kim recommended calling another day since there is no deadline to apply. He also

urged people to visit his website if there are questions about this program or if you need other kinds of aid: kim.house.gov Sadly, you can apply for assistance for multiple funerals.

In order to apply, you must have: • Social Security number for the applicant and the deceased individual • Date of birth for the applicant and the deceased individual • Current mailing address for the applicant • Current telephone number for the applicant • Location or address where the deceased individual passed away • Information about burial or funeral insurance policies • Information about other funeral assistance received, such as donations • CARES Act grants and assistance from voluntary organizations • Routing and account number of the applicant’s checking or savings account (for direct deposit, if requested)

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The Brick Times, May 1, 2021, Page 13

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

Mayor Honors Brick Native Marine

BRICK – Mayor Ducey recently had the honor of attending a Welcome Home Ceremony for 1st Lieutenant Philip Faccone. Lt. Faccone graduated with honors from Brick Memorial High School and continued his education at Wagner College, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree and then his Master’s Degree from Monmouth University. After completing his

─Photo courtesy Brick Township

studies he reported to Quantico to attend the United States Marine Officer Candidate School. Philip was promoted to 1st Lt. as an intelligence officer and spent the past seven months overseas in Japan and Guam. Philip is returning home to Brick until he will be deployed again in July for an unseen amount of time to an unknown location.

Fox News Anchor Gets Vaccinated Locally

BRICK – FOX News anchor and Bay Head resident Dana Perino got her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine recently at Ocean Medical Center in Brick Township.

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If you have hearing difficulties, you’re not experiencing them alone. Hearing loss is a family affair, which adds to the importance of addressing it early. Learn how your hearing loss may be affecting the person closest to you — and what you can do.

Has your beloved asked you one, two, or a ton of times to turn the TV down? It’s not uncommon for loved ones to have to deal with louder volumes when a significant other has hearing loss. In fact, it’s one of the potential signs of hearing problems.

What’s more, untreated hearing loss may mean your sweetheart has to: • Speak at higher-than-normal volumes to help you follow the discussion • Repeat themselves often, which can feel frustrating and tiring • Serve as a constant go-between to explain what others are saying Partners of those with hearing loss have also reported stress, isolation, and other challenges, according to research.* Plus, poor hearing can lead to miscommunication or the perception that the other person isn’t listening or engaged. It can all add up to a strain on the relationship.

The good news? Adults treated for hearing loss report significant improvement in relationships — and so do the people who love them.**

Here are some steps you can take: • If loved ones are complaining about your TV volume, schedule a hearing exam.

• Already have hearing aids? Wear them regularly and practice good maintenance.

• Explore your hearing aids’ streaming capabilities, sending customized audio directly to your ears — without changing the volume for everybody else.

• Speak honestly about how hearing loss affects both of you — and how you can support each other.

Hearing plays a big role in relationships, so don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with our caring team today! Toms River/Whiting call 732-8183610 and Manahawkin call 609-978-8946. *Sage Journals | Trends in Hearing. A Data-Driven Synthesis of Research Evidence for Domains of Hearing Loss, as Reported by Adults With Hearing Loss and Their Communication Partners. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/ abs/10.1177/2331216517734088. Accessed Nov. 9, 2020. **National Council on Aging. The Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss in Older Persons. https://www.ncoa.org/resources/the-consequences-of-untreated-hearing-loss-in-olderadults/. Accessed Nov. 9, 2020.

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The Brick Times, May 1, 2021, Page 15

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

Causes Of Muscle Twitching

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Do you ever get a little twitch near your eye, or on your ankle or calf? How about your finger or near your elbow? Almost everyone gets an occasional twitch and you feel it for a microsecond, then it goes away.

This is normal.

Muscle twitches are almost always benign issues and not based in serious neurological disorders. If you’ve ever had an eyelid twitch for 3 days straight, you know it’s more annoying than anything else. The medical term for this symptom is called “benign fasciculation.”

The typical eye fluttering you get, or thigh twitch is rarely a cause for concern.

Here are some of the most common causes for muscle twitching: Hypercalcemia - This means you have excess calcium in your blood and that will cause your muscles to contract and twitch. It can be from excessive calcium supplementation, overdoing vitamin D or magnesium supplements, or from elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH). There are other causes for hypercalcemia too. A deficiency of calcium will most often feel like a cramp, not a twitch.

Elevated Vitamin D - This causes more calcium to go inside the cells, causing hypercalcemia, then the twitching begins.

Hyperventilating - If you breathe very fast, you will hyperventilate. This occurs during a panic attack or while exercising very hard, and could trigger twitching too.

Hyperventilating can occur as a side effect of certain medications, as well as with asthma or emphysema.

Caffeine - Too much coffee will do it! It causes production of catecholamines in your

nervous system - think of dopamine and adrenaline- and these guys cause your skin to flutter and twitch like crazy, if you’re sensitive.

Medications for ADHD or Antidepressants Some medications excite the nervous system and trigger the twitch. Usually, a dosage reduction or discontinuation is necessary to stop this type of twitch.

Nicotine - If you smoke tobacco, you are apt to occasionally twitch due to the stimulant you’re smoking.

B12 Deficiency - You can take a blood test to determine B12 levels and if they’re low, just supplement. A B12 deficiency can also lead to high homocysteine levels.

Anxiety - This can become very pronounced in bed, as you’re trying to sleep but you keep twitching. Anxiety twitching stops while you’re sleeping and has to do with stress. It shouldn’t recur each night unless you’re constantly stressed and you’re dealing with insomnia.

Hyperhomocysteinemia - If you have constant, never-ending twitching, have your blood levels checked for homocysteine, and if they are high, you might need B12.

Pinched Nerve in the Spine - A gentle chiropractor or massage therapist or acupuncturist may be able to help tease this one out.

Exercising - Occasional muscle twitches will occur sometimes after doing a lot of physical activity or working out. These are frequently felt in the forearms, calves, thighs, tummy and back.

If you have muscle twitches that don’t go away after a few days and you are worried about them, please see a qualified physician for a proper medical work up to tease out what’s really going on.

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Page 16, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

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OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners have passed a resolution opposing what they call the “preposterous” 25 percent New Jersey Natural Gas rate increase.

“Ocean County is home to one of the largest senior citizen populations in the state.

Many of our seniors are living on fixed incomes and will face a financial crisis if this enormous increase is approved,” Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari said.

As the liaison to both the Ocean County Department of Senior Services and the Department of Consumer Affairs, Vicari expressed how the rate hike would be a huge financial burden to senior citizens and young families alike.

“Our senior citizens saw only a 1.3 percent Social Security increase in 2021 but are now expected to pay a 25 percent hike in their gas bill,” Vicari said. “I fear some of our most vulnerable residents will be left with the tragic choice of paying this increase or buying necessary food and medicine.”

The resolution calls on the state Board of Public Utilities to reject the increase.

“A 25 percent increase is uncalled for during normal times,” Gary Quinn, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners said. “To ask for this large of an increase with many of our residents still facing the financial impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic is absolutely ludicrous.”

According to Quinn, the resolution was forwarded to state legislators in the 9th, 10th, 12th and 30th districts as well as to Stefanie A. Brand, Director of the state

Division of Rate Counsel.

On March 30, New Jersey Natural Gas had published a press release stating how they filed a petition with the BPU requesting an increase of approximately $165.7 million to its base rates.

According to the press release, “Since its last base rate filing in 2019, NJNG has invested nearly $850 million in the safety, reliability and environmental benefits of its delivery system and operations. These investments are already at work benefiting customers, but are not currently reflected in rates.”

This additional money will pay for infrastructure improvements, including the Southern Reliability Link transmission pipeline, New Jersey Natural Gas said.

“We take our responsibility to deliver exceptional service at a reasonable rate seriously. This is achieved through a rigorous approval process with regulators,” President and CEO Steve Westhoven said. “We look forward to a successful resolution of this petition that is in the best interest of our customers and our company.”

On April 18, Vicari sent a letter opposing the rate change to BPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. Vicari stated how the pipeline and other projects should be paid for by the utility’s profits, not by ratepayers.

“Many of our residents are struggling during this ongoing crisis,” he said. “They simply cannot afford this increase.”

A public hearing on the increase will most likely be scheduled by the BPU in the coming weeks before coming to a decision.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, May 1, 2021, Page 17

Around The Jersey Shore Library To Stop Quarantining Books

A library delivery truck makes a stop at the Brick branch.

By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – The county library system announced that they will stop quarantining books and other materials, however other safety regulations will continue.

The library had been quarantining materials being brought back by patrons, keeping them aside for some time so that they would be safe to handle. Based on Centers for Disease Control guidelines, this particular protocol is being stopped. The CDC reports that the

─Photo by Chris Lundy

virus is primarily transmitted through infected respiratory droplets rather than surfaces.

The library system will soon have print magazines and newspapers, such as The Toms River Times, available for visitors.

Cleaning and other disinfecting protocols are still in place. Library staff and patrons will continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.

For more information, visit theoceancountylibrary.org.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

Around The Jersey Shore Go Green: Ten Earth Day Tips You Can Use Everyday

By Alyssa Riccardi NEW JERSEY – Just in time for Earth Day, New Jersey American Water is reminding their customers of the value and finite supply of water, and give tips on how to help protect water sources, reduce water usage and save money.

“Earth Day is a great time to make a resolution to be more ‘green’ and to reinforce that commitment with our families. By incorporating these and other simple Earth-friendly practices into our regular routines, we can each have an important impact on the environment, now and for future generations,” Matthew Csik, Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance said.

According to a press release published by New Jersey American Water, here are their Top Ten Tips to help protect water resources for Earth Day and every day:

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• Pitch the Plastic: Choose tap water over bottled water. Tap water costs less than bottled and helps protect the environment, as most plastic disposable bottles are never recycled. Use refillable stainless steel or plastic bottles if you need hydration on the go.

• Clean It Up: Keep trash, pet waste and yard waste out of streets and storm drains.

Pet waste contains bacteria that can find its way into waterways through runoff, polluting source water and watersheds.

• Drop It Off: Use pharmaceutical disposal programs to help you dispose of unneeded or expired medicines safely and not down the drain. April 24 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and many local police departments provide drop offs. The DEA offers a location finder on its website.

• Water Smart: Watering your lawn uses a lot of water, so only water your lawn when it needs it. Generally, lawns only need an inch or so of water per week. Only water during the coolest parts of the day (early morning or evening) to minimize evaporation. Also, be aware of which plants don’t need to be watered every day, and group plants that have similar watering requirements together. These and more outdoor wise water tips can be found here.

• Water Even Smarter: If you haven’t already, consider installing a smart controller on your system. Smart controllers automatically adjust the irrigation sched-

ule based on weather conditions. The money you save on water will add up to help pay for the controller.

• Be a Leak Detective: Find and fix leaks and breaks in hoses, sprinkler systems and household pipes. For help, download New Jersey American Water’s Leak Detection Kit. • Fill it or Forget It: Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full and adjust the water level of your clothes washer so it matches your load size. Better yet, consider investing in water- and energy-efficient appliances and devices that make using less water easy and effortless. Products that have earned the EPA WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance, and EPA-certif ied Energy Star washing machines may use up to 35 percent less water per load.

• Teach Your Children: Learning about water – where it comes from, how it is treated and delivered, and what is required to help keep it f lowing – is key to understanding its value. Download and use this Education Toolkit in classrooms, at community events or even in your own home. The toolkit consists of 12 lesson plans to help teach young people about the importance of water in their lives and how to conserve it for future generations.

• Watch and Learn: Check out our “Flow of H2O” three-part education video series that uses an Enviroscape® mini model of a town to explain the effect of pollution on watersheds, the drinking water treatment process, and the wastewater treatment process. These can be found on our website and YouTube channel.

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For more tips and tools to help protect the environment and use less water, visit newjerseyamwater.com and select from a list of topics in the drop-down menu under Water Information.

Construction Drop-Off Day Is May 8

BRICK – Residents will be able to bring household construction material to the Recycling Center on Ridge Road on May 8 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Acceptable materials include cabinets,

sheetrock, plywood, windows, wood trim, tile and wood flooring, molding, doors, 2x4s, roofing shingles, outdoor sheds, ceiling titles and decking. No hazardous materials. Brick residents only; ID required.

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, May 1, 2021, Page 19

Around The Jersey Shore Beloved Rescue Tiger At Popcorn Park Zoo Passes Away

By Alyssa Riccardi FORKED RIVER – After calling the Popcorn Park Zoo his home for almost 20 years, a beloved rescue tiger has passed away.

On April 15, Popcorn Park Animal Refuge took to their Facebook to break some devastating news about one of their rescue animals.

“It’s with great sadness that we write this… Caesar has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge to be with those who once also called Popcorn Park their home.”

On June 18, 2002, Caesar was brought to Popcorn Park after being rescued from Harwood, Texas. When he arrived at the park, he was starting to grow back hair, as he was suffering ringworm since being born at a “sanctuary” called Noah’s Land.

“Hair or no hair, just traveling all that way, he was like a kid on a new journey, one that would bring him to Popcorn Park where he would be safe the rest of his life,” Popcorn Park said in a post. “Caesar quickly became everyone’s best friend. He loved to rub up along his fence and talk with his caretakers. Chuffing, moaning, and groaning, any sound that he could make in order to talk with us. He was two when he arrived, and he never seemed to get any older. He just acted like a 2-year-old ‘cub’ all his life. He loved to play hide and seek just before he was supposed to come in for his dinner; he would hide behind one of the bigger rocks in his yard, thinking we couldn’t see his ears or his tail flicking behind him.”

Although there were numerous amounts of happy moments, there was also sad times.

The shelter explained how when Caesar’s buddy Bengali passed in 2013. It was a sad time for everyone.

“When he lost his best friend Bengali, they were brought up from the same awful place in Harwood, Texas and then reunited here and lived next to each other the rest of their lives. His good buddy Bengali passed in 2013. Shortly thereafter Kya came and took up the yard next to his, they made fast friends and would paw at the shift door between their dens when they were done with dinner. They kept good company.”

In February of 2020, the shelter knew something was wrong when Caesar began only eating half of his dinners and he had started drinking a lot of water. After they performed tests, they discovered Caesar was in renal failure.

After two and a half weeks of supportive fluid therapy and care, Caesar was back to his normal self.

“He enjoyed his pond all summer after that and the great fall weather we had. We even had some snow that he played in, he loved the snow.”

In March the staff gave Caesar his dinner one evening, and the next morning they found him still asleep. When they couldn’t wake him up, they knew he had passed in his sleep.

“Thank you, Caesar, for allowing us to be a part of your life, for greeting us every morning, for talking with us all day and for wishing us a good night each night.

You were and will always be the ‘cub’ at the heart of our family,” Popcorn Park said.

Help Wanted – Lifeguards For Summer 2021

OCEAN COUNTY – Certified lifeguards needed for Ocean County Parks, Lakes and Beaches. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and fully certified in Advanced Lifesaving, First Aid and CPR. There is a NEED AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR? WE’RE HERE TO HELP AT NO CHARGE

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To apply or for more information, contact Brianna Blank at BBlank@co.ocean.nj.us or call 732-506-9090 ext. 5956.

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Page 20, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

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Around The Jersey Shore Ocean County Fair Canceled Again Due To Pandemic

By Alyssa Riccardi and Chris Lundy BERKELEY – For the second year in a row, the Ocean County Fair has been canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The event was to originally occur July 14 through 18 at the Robert J. Miller Airpark.

On April 20, the Ocean County Fair took to their Facebook page to break the upsetting news. Organizers stated how they’re unable to hold the event because capacity restrictions are still in place.

“Sadly, once again we must cancel the Ocean County Fair. COVID restriction placed on us by the state and 4H being limited from having large gatherings make it impossible for us to safely host our 2021 County Fair.”

Although the Ocean County fair is canceled this year, organizers are already looking forward to

planning for 2022, aiming towards a scheduled date of July 13 to 17.

Last year, organizers put out a similar statement: “Rutgers Cooperative Extension/4H has put a hold on all 4H activities through August. 4H is such a strong partner of the fair that we cannot see a way forward without them this year.”

The organizers are volunteers, and they rely on the assistance of 4H and other groups.

The 2020 fair would have been the 73rd year of the fair. The only years they missed were 2020 and 2021.

According to its history, the Ocean County Board of Agriculture held the first annual “4-H Achievement and Agricultural Ocean County Field Day” on September 6, 1947.

It started at the Ocean County Park in Lakewood, but outgrew it in the 1980s. It was then relocated to the Robert J. Miller Airpark in Berkeley Township. The first four-day fair was in 1982.

It used to be an agricultural show for local farmers to show off their crops. However, as farming gave way to housing and commercial development, there are very few farms left locally.

The 4-H has taken on the agricultural aspect of the fair, showing off what families have grown and nurtured.

Safe Exchange Zone Available At Brick Town Hall

BRICK – The Brick Township Police Department is reminding residents that they have a Safe Exchange Zone behind Town Hall that’s monitored by camera 24/7.

Use it for those Craigslist, eBay or Marketplace exchanges, or custody changes, or any other situation where you need a safe spot to meet.

It’s located right next to where the ballot drop box is. Look for the Safe Exchange Zone sign, and park right there to make your exchange.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, May 1, 2021, Page 21

Online Book Club Discussion: “The Alice Network”

OCEAN COUNTY – Have you always wanted to join a book club, but couldn’t find the time? The Ocean County Library extends an invitation to enroll in the free One Book OCL Online Book Club, and take part wherever you need to be.

T he next novel u nder discussion, through May 20, is “The Alice Net-

work,” by Kate Quinn.

Goodreads calls “The Alice Network” “an enthralling new historical novel.”

It centers on two women in 1947 London - one an embittered World War I spy, the other a scandalized American socialite – whose encounter changes the trajectories of their lives.

Ocean County Library cardholders

and non-card holders are eligible to participate. Cardholders can download digital versions through the Library’s Freading, OverDrive and hoopla services, or reserve print or audio versions.

One Book OCL is a private, moderated online forum in partnership with PBC Gur u. Community members discuss

books and network. Members participate according to their schedules, day or night. Each title undergoes discussion for about two months.

Register for this free program at pbc. guru/One_ Book_OCL. Keep up with library events and programs at theoceancountylibrary.org, or visit the Library on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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.

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Page 22, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS Misc.

Help Wanted

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)

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.

Items Wanted 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) $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ 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) 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, Blues, Reggae, Metal. Very Good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104.

(21) 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)

Auto For Sale Pick Up Truck - FORD RANGER 2006. Good Shape but no reverse! Needs work. $800 or Best Offer. Brick Area Call 732-920-6066 Evenings. (20)

Laundromat Attendant For FT/PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (17) Needed Aid/Companion - Part time. Probably only a few days a month to start, for a 57 year o l d v e t e r a n , v e r y l i g h t d u t y.

Must have drivers license and be readily available if needed. In my home in Holiday city Toms River, $10 hour, please call Gabriel at 201-306-6839.

(21) 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) 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) Senior Living Community Cook/Dishwashers/Maintenance Technician/Restaurant Servers/Bus Drivers/Lifeguard (Indoor Pool). 1700 Rt. 37 West ∙ Toms River, NJ 08755.

Call or email for details 732-341-4825 info@Silverwoodsliving.com. (t/n) 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

Garage Sale

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)

May 1, 2021 - Garage Sale at 1175 Bay Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plumbing supplies (new copper pipes), fireplace mantel, antiques, (metal wagon wheels), bike, TV, snow blower, pallets of tile flooring and subway stone tile, piano, tools, iron/metal pieces, collectibles and much more.

Will accept cash, checks, Venmo. (20)

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 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000.

NO JOB TOO SMALL! (52)

Advertise in the main sections of Micromedia’s weekly newspapers. Your ad will be seen by thousands. Our skilled team of account executives can work with any budget. Call 732-657-7344 ext. 206 for more information.

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-833-901-0309. (t/n)

Services

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

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. 732899-4470 or 732-915-4075. (t/n)

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DIRECTV - Watch your favorite live sports, news and entertainment anywhere. More top premium channels than DISH. Restrictions apply. Call IVS - 1-844-945-4510. (t/n) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience.

Call Jim 732-674-3346.

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

Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n) Roofing Repairs Etc. - Roofing, siding, windows. Repairs on small jobs.

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

Call Joe Wingate 551-804-7391. (16)

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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) APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. No job too small. Give us a call. Fully licensed and insured. 908-278-1322. Senior Discounts. Now offering 10% off of any job over $1,000.

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The Brick Times, May 1, 2021, Page 23

Around The Jersey Shore Volunteers Clean Jersey Shore With Beach Sweeps

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law How Can An OPRA Request Assist A Home Buyer?

Dina M. Vicari Esq.

By: Dina M. Vicari, Esq., of R.C. Shea & Associates

─Photo by Alyssa Riccardi Sirena and Dylan Romeo found a big piece of broken wood amongst the washed up debris on the beach.

By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE – Jersey Shore beaches had a huge “clean sweep” as volunteers from Clean Ocean Action’s (COA) 36th Annual Beach Sweeps removed debris from beaches and waterways.

Clean Ocean Action is a leading national and regional voice working to protect waterways using science, law, research, education and citizen action. Their annual Beach Sweeps is held every April and October and is the state’s largest volunteer driven, citizen science and environmental event.

The Beach Sweep took place on April 17 with over 5,500 volunteers removing harmful debris throughout 67 site locations around the Jersey Shore. Over the years, 147,860 volunteers have contributed 864,688 volunteer hours to remove and record debris from NJ’s beaches and waterways, according to a press release.

“It is a fantastic day for the ocean. The amazing turnout for the Spring Sweeps is testament to the love and commitment people have for a clean ocean! Everyone complied with safety rules, many brought buckets and all removed thousands of items, mostly plastic from the beach. The data they collected will help us continue to make progress to reduce marine debris,” Cindy Zipf, Executive Director, Clean Ocean Action said.

At the Ortley Beach, 3rd Ave. site location, about 42 volunteers arrived to pick up trash and debris on the beach. Beach Captains Crystal DeCaro and Ryan Carr have been volunteering with COA’s Beach Sweeps for eight years, and have been the captains at the Ortley Beach site for the past five years.

“We tend to notice a lot of items we pick up are PPE (personal protective equipment) unfortunately, but really it’s a big assortment,” DeCaro said. “Some items we’ve already picked up today, a lot of it being fishing lures, plastic bags, rubber bait. A lot of things tend to be fishing related, but you also notice things like food wrappers,

plastic bottles, aluminum tins. Cigarette butts are probably the number one item picked up unfortunately. Water caps, bottle caps, ribbons from balloons are just a few of the many items.”

With the pandemic continuing still for over a year, volunteers have seen an increase of PPE items ending up on beaches.

“The PPE is one of the top things that we’ve noticed. Last year they had to cancel the spring Beach Sweep, but we had the fall one. We noticed during fall that we were picking up so many masks, gloves, etc., that they actually had to add it to the data card.

We definitely noticed gloves more than masks but still sadly we are finding more of these items,” DeCaro said.

DeCaro expressed why it’s so important to support and take part in events like the COA’s Beach Sweep.

“This is our home. It makes such a difference, to be a part of something that is going to make an effect not only in your own lives but at the same time it helps (people) realize that we’re cleaning this up so that younger kids and other people don’t find this or your pets don’t get into it,” DeCaro said. “You’re also saving the environment.

Especially now that ‘Seaspiracy’ came out, I think that there’s more awareness because of these Netflix documentaries and different things bringing awareness to it. People just want to make sure that if they’re going to be involved in any type of sea life or doing water activities, that they’re making sure they’re taking care of those animals too.”

Other locations such as Sandy Hook had a huge turnout, with 175 volunteers collecting debris. According to a press release, the top five items found at this location included: 4,254 food/candy wrappers/bags; 3,797 plastic pieces; 3,777 plastic bottle caps/ lids; 1,425 plastic straws/stirrers; and 1,019 foam pieces. Volunteers at Sandy Hook also found 63 disposable face masks, 8 reusable face masks, 16 disposable gloves and 27 disposable wipes.

As we reviewed in a previous article, it is essential for a home buyer to have the proper inspections. Once those inspections are complete the inspectors will provide a comprehensive report. This report will review the findings of the inspector including narrative describing the property, which may include the type of systems in the house, the age of the systems, how they are operating, and observations of the structure and surrounding property, with the inclusion of pictures for better reference.

The report will also include a listing and description of potential items of concern, defects that require immediate action, and recommendations for budgeting for future repairs. Each item will be outlined describing the defects, the plan of action to remedy the same and pictures depicting the concern.

Some reports also will advise of information that the potential buyer may not have been aware of and were not disclosed by the seller.

These findings are extremely important as the seller many not have been aware of those conditions that were discovered and the potential home buyer was not alerted of the condition.

Once the potential home buyer is aware of the removal of septic tanks, oil tanks, construction of additions, major renovations requiring permits and/or installation of pools/decks, the home buyer should go to the municipality where the home is located and request a form to make a request pursuant to the Open Public Records Act, (OPRA).

This allows the buyer to request the governmental documents that are on file to further investigate and educate themselves on the condition of the property. This will unearth

if the seller or past home owners obtained the proper permits, and/or approvals for improvements or remediation processes taken on the property.

The OPRA request form is a simple document to complete and can sometimes be completed on the municipality’s website. There are sometimes fees associated with making copies of the documents. This process can assist the potential home buyer to confirm the information including the seller’s disclosure, follow up on the homes inspector’s findings, ensure there are no open permits or open zoning, construction or code violations. It is important that the buyer performs all methods of due diligence during the inspection contingency period to obtain as much information relating to the home and the property.

Continue reading our follow up articles related to these important home buying tips. Future articles will review the process of obtaining contractor estimates, and the negotiation process with the seller for repairs or credits.

We at R.C. Shea and Associates can help you through the process. The law firm of R.C. Shea & Associates, Counsellors at Law, 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 and Planning Law, Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney and much more. Call or visit our office Toms River office at 732-505-1212, 244 Main Street, Toms River, 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

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732-290-CARE (2273) • www.alcoeurgardens.com Brick • 320 Herbertsville Rd | Toms River • 1126 Lakewood Rd

Page 24, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 25, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com

Around The Jersey Shore Locals Score Well On Shark Tank

By Bob Vosseller STAFFORD – A Manahawkin man’s connection with zombie apparel led him to inventing the Furzapper. His latest journey on bringing his product forward to a larger market came with his appearance with his business partner on the ABC TV show Shark Tank.

A few years ago, Michael Sweigart created an invention that picks up animal hair. He works in advertising and marketing, but he’s been working from home and typically, he’d be doing the laundry for the family.

“I’d do a wash and dry load every day and we had three animals in the house and all the laundry would still be coming out with all this fur on it. The clothes looked unkempt because there was so much hair on them. So, I tried to find a solution,” Swiegart said.

Sweigart said, “a few years ago, I was working at Frightfest for Great Adventure as a makeup artist. I would go in and make up all the zombies and clowns and all that, put masks on people. I had some familiarity working with silicone and experimenting with different mask-making techniques for fun.”

When Sweigart had dropped one of the masks that had ripped, he picked it up and noticed “there was hair all over it. This stuff just attracted hair like a magnet. I took that big chunk of zombie mask and threw it in the laundry with my clothes and it tumbled around and then I threw it into the dryer and it was tacky and soft enough to grab the hair but it didn’t hold onto the hair permanently. It wasn’t all stuck to it.”

Sweigart experimented further. “I bought a bunch of different kinds of silicone and a couple of different thicknesses, sizes and shapes and I came upon what we have now which is this nice round disk that is shaped like a paw.”

After doing some research on a patent he went to an attorney, Toms River’s Harry Levin, and found it was “very patentable and now we have several patents. His attorney not only provided him legal advice but was so taken with the concept that he joined him as an investor and partner in the company and currently serves as its vice president.

“We put it on Amazon and also got orders from there and were selling a couple hundred a month,” Sweigart said. It was a Walmart newspaper advertisement that got things rolling even further.

The full-page ad announced that Walmart was investing in American businesses. Apply now and get your product into Walmart. “We applied and were accepted and long story short they loved it, and said they would like to have our products for sale.”

“Everyone I talked to said this would be a great Shark Tank product and I said, ‘yeah it probably would be.’ Being so busy with every aspect of the business I didn’t have time at first to fill out this monstrously long application.” It took a year before his partner and members of his staff finally filled out the application.

He and Levin made a professional video to promote Furzapper for Shark Tank which is a reality show where entrepreneurs pitch their unique products before a panel who decide whether they want to invest in them.

Sweigart said he and Levin spent 10 days in Las Vegas last September for a segment on the show that aired on April 9.

During that segment the two men went before panelists Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, Barbara Corcoran and Kendra Scott.

Levin gave an enthusiastic greeting to the panelists at the start of the segment. The duo asked the panel

for $600,000 in exchange for 10% of ownership of their company. While Sweigart went over the origin of the Furzapper, Levin spoke about how it addresses the hairy problem of pet fur debris.

“The best part is this, you can reuse the Furzapper over and over again,” Levin told the Sharks. “With your help, we will be zapping the fur off pet owners’ clothes around the world.”

O’Leary was quick to jump in with an offer.

Corcoran expressed interest as well but it was Greiner who spoke up with the strongest desire to match O’Leary’s deal and go beyond it.

Levin said he expected to get over $4 million this year. “We are in every Walmart in the United States. Our two-pack is our top seller which sells for $14.99.”

He added that acquisition costs for the product is “a nickel.”

O’Leary said he was in the cat business with a firm that performs cat DNA testing. He made a two part offer. “I will offer you $600,000 to cover debt for three years at 9.5% and I will only take 5% equity in that scenario.”

His other offer involved, “if you want to go for equity, I’ll do the $600,000 for 20% and then I go to work expanding what you are doing to direct customers. That to me is far more interesting. There is an offer with some fur on it,” O’Leary said.

Levin said that was “a brilliant offer” but he wisely wanted to hear what Greiner had to say. Corcoran however spoke next. “I’d like to give you $600,000 for 20%.”

“I have fallen in love with you both but as I am sitting here in the tank today and while there are things, I am great at, there are Sharks here that have access to things that can give you things that I could not. I’m going to pass because I know it is better for you. I sure as heck would like to invest,” Scott said.

Grenier said each year she brings her pad to scribble notes “and all these years I have never written one thing. I wrote this time; this is so right for me.”

O’Leary joked saying “that is funny Lori I wrote that it was better for me.”

“I would give you the $600,000. I would give it for 19.99% Greiner said but a counter offer came in from Cuban for 15% ownership.

“Will you jump in with him,” Levin asked Greiner.

“I won’t jump in with him but I will match it Harry,” she responded. “I am the right person to pick. Sometimes when the Sharks work alone you can hit the road running and do great.”

Corcoran went down to 15% as well and offered an additional $600,000 credit line.

Levin went back to Grenier confirming the 15% and $600,000 “with the understanding that you may need to provide some additional funding if needed, we’re okay.”

“Good!” she said and with that Levin and Sweigart jointly said, “Lori you have a deal.”

Afterwards Levin said, “I’ve been watching Lori on Shark Tank all season and I’ve fallen in love with her and I respect everything she does. Making a deal with her - other than getting married, the birth of my children and my grandchildren this is without a doubt the best day of my life,” Levin said.

Sweigart said, “they did a great job protecting everybody including everyone behind the scenes as well. They treated us like royalty and it was surreal,” he added. He added that another Furzapper product would soon be added to the list of items that his company is providing in its never-ending battle against animal fur and hair in home across America.

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

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Page 26, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

Fun & Games

Sudoku

C rossword P uzzle

Across 1 Egyptian god with an ibis head 6 One who crosses the line 10 Blight-stricken tree 13 “Donnie Brasco” actress Anne 14 Flap 15 Corp. leaders 17 Lay to rest 18 With 42-Across, part of a psychologist’s battery 20 Seven-time Wimbledon winner 21 Wisconsin city on the Mississippi 22 HDTV part, for short 24 They may be civil 25 Singing stars 27 “60 Minutes” regular 31 Strong brew 34 Deadly

37 West Point team 38 Prom adornment 40 Hear about 42 See 18-Across 43 Stella __: Belgian beer 45 DŸsseldorf direction 46 Hard work 48 Bridge seats 50 __ Zee: Hudson River area 53 Divine fluid 57 Laszlo Kreizler, in a Caleb Carr novel 60 Nylons 61 Scream-evoking horror film technique ... and a hint to what’s hiding in five puzzle rows 63 Broadway orphan 64 US Open stadium namesake 65 Surrealist Paul 66 Paragon 67 It may be gross

68 Barrie pirate 69 Leaders of industry Down 1 Fried chicken choice 2 Painter __ de Toulouse-Lautrec 3 Two quartets 4 Jay Powell chairs it 5 That girl 6 Orchestra sect.

7 Not very friendly 8 “What __”: “Hohum” 9 Amazon crime series based on Michael Connelly novels 10 Satellite communications giant 11 Grazing sites 12 Soft shoes 16 That girl 19 Old PC monitors 23 Adidas rival 24 Yelp user, say 26 Brightest star in Lyra 28 River of Pisa

29 Gps. with copays 30 Ride-sharing option 31 Ballet divisions 32 Early movie mogul 33 Gaelic language 35 Take out __ 36 Island rings 39 Fox River, in TV’s “Prison Break” 41 Spot of wine?

44 Source of a homeopathic oil 47 They may be fake 49 Slangy nose 51 Chooses 52 Church song 54 Passport producer 55 Willow twig 56 Lively dances 57 “The Birth of a Nation” actress __ Naomi King 58 A deadly sin 59 “If u ask me” 62 Shoebox letters 63 “Breaking Bad” network

(c)2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

Solutions

Sudoku

Crossword puzzle

Jumble:

SPOIL CLASH COMEDY INVOKE - CLOCKED IN

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Page 27, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of May 1 - May 7

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Watch your money as this week begins and put your ambitions aside. You may not have the funds to embark on a new financial adventure, but you might make a successful change later in the week.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Some obstacles that block you in the week ahead may force you to wait until you find your way around them. This can be a good thing, as the experience can make you more efficient, grounded and organized.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Some difficulties are temporary, so patience might be the lesson to learn as this week unfolds. Although intentions are good, someone could easily misinterpret your meaning, or you may not understand theirs.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If someone lets you down, look for a soft, safe landing place. In the week ahead monitor, your own behavior; show respect for the rules and toe the line, but be forgiving and kind toward others.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Loved ones may not seem as affectionate as you might hope in the first half of the week. But just because someone is unresponsive or preoccupied doesn’t mean that they don’t love or care about you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): As the week begins, try to be above board rather than disguising your worries or ignoring problems. Be conscientious about your duties and obligations, and be protective of your health.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be more attentive on the job. In the week to come, you may ignore details or conflate instructions because you are distracted by fantasies. Pay more attention to your loved ones and friends.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You may be reminded in the upcoming week that you’re just one branch among all the trees of the forest. Do your humble part as a member of the whole, but don’t begin anything new during the next few days.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You may be swept away on a magic carpet ride of romance and wishful thinking as the week unfolds. The problem may be that others are serious-minded. Try to remain grounded and sensible.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may regret completing some major transaction or signing an agreement. Wait until the middle of the week to start any remodeling or major repair projects, as there should be fewer impediments to success.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If you can’t say something good about someone, say nothing at all. Praise is a more effective tool than criticism. You’ll be able to achieve your ends much easier in the second part of the week.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): As trees grow, they will provide shade and may bear fruit. But their value develops slowly over time. Anything worthy of your efforts may need more time to mature, so don’t expect quick results in the week ahead.

(c) 2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Dear Joel

By Joel Markel

Hey Ma?? It’s A SCAM!!

Dear Joel, My elderly mother has been receiving solicitation texts on her cell phone and I’m concerned that she is going to get scammed despite my warnings. Do you have any suggestions on how she can protect herself?

Answer: Remind your mother not to respond to texts from names she doesn’t recognize, and then make sure that her contacts are frequently updated with the names of family, friends, doctors, etc.

Show her how to block numbers and delete texts. Explain the importance of not sharing her cell number with strangers

or disclosing financial informat ion. A nd remind her that if the offer sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Thanks for writing.

Joel Write to joel@preferredcares.com.

His radio show, “Preferred Company” airs Monday through Friday from 8 to 10 a.m. on preferredradio. com and 1160 & 1310 WOBM-AM.

If you or anyone else is in need of home health care, call Preferred at 732-840-5566 (800603-CARE (2273). “Home health care with feeling. (“Home Health Care with Feeling”)

CELEBRATING A SPECIAL OCCASION? LET US KNOW ABOUT IT!

SEND DETAILS TO: news@jerseyshoreonline.com news@ jerseyshoreonline.com

OVERNIGHT WAFFLES ARE THE PERFECT TREAT FOR MOM

By America’s Test Kitchen

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Overnight waffles (also known as raised or yeasted waffles) are very old-school. They do require advanced planning, but they are the crispiest, tastiest waffles on the planet. They are very light and airy because they contain yeast -- the magic ingredient that makes bread rise.

Make the batter before bed (or even earlier in the day). When you wake up the next morning, all you have to do is heat the waffle iron, pour in the batter and enjoy. To make breakfast or brunch extra special for Mother’s Day, set up a toppings bar with a few different offerings, such as maple syrup, honey, cinnamon sugar, confectioners’ sugar, whipped cream, berries and/or softened butter.

You can freeze any leftover waffles for one month. Stack cooled waffles with parchment or wax paper between them and put the stack of waffles in a zipper-lock bag. Heat waffles one at a time in a toaster on its lowest setting until warmed through and crisp on the outside.

1. Place milk and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl.

Cover the bowl and heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir mixture with a rubber spatula. Continue to heat in the microwave until the butter is melted and milk is warm, 1 to 2 minutes. Let milk mixture cool, uncovered, until just warm, about 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast and salt.

3. In a small bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla until combined.

Slowly whisk the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture until smooth, then whisk in the egg mixture.

4. Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.

5. Heat a waffle iron. When the waffle iron is hot, remove the batter from the refrigerator and discard the plastic. Whisk batter to recombine (batter will deflate).

6. Use a dry measuring cup to pour the batter into the middle of the waffle iron. (Use about 1/2 cup of batter for a 7-inch round waffle iron or about 1 cup of OVERNIGHT WAFFLES Serves 4 (Makes 7 round or 4 batter for a 9-inch square waffle iron.) Close the waffle iron and large square waffles) cook until the waffle is golden brown.

1 3/4 cups milk 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 7. Use a fork to remove the waffle from the waffle iron and transfer cut into 4 pieces it to a plate. Repeat with the 2 cups all-purpose flour remaining batter. Serve waffles 1 tablespoon sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons instant or rap- with maple syrup, honey, cinnamon sugar, confectioners’ sugar, id-rise yeast whipped cream, berries and/or 1 teaspoon salt softened butter.

2 large eggs (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 28, The Brick Times, May 1, 2021

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