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Drive - See
Continued From Page 1 Jackie Farago, marketing director for WJRZ, said that the last few years have been diff erent for the drive, which has been around for a number of years. There were, of course, the challenges of COVID. People were out of work and donations were needed more than ever. People who usually would give more found it diffi cult to help out. During these years, Big Brothers Big Sisters was just accepting gift cards, she said. Now, they are back to accepting toys. This has delighted donors because everyone loves shopping for toys. Now, the eff ects of COVID are still lingering a bit and the economy is still troubled. She said she’s hearing people say “I wish I could give more but this is all I can do.” They received tons of canned food. They also were able to make special call-outs over the air. If something specifi c was needed, all they had to do was make mention of it between songs and listeners would bring it in. For example, most people wouldn’t think to bring in baking items or spices, so if they made a request for that, people would add it to their grocery lists, Farago said. The weekend was fi lled with stories of special people who made amazing donations. They would get a shout out by the DJ although most of them didn’t give their full name. One local resident, from Beachwood, has made it an annual mission to collect from her neighbors and brought a U-Haul truck with boxes of donations. Some of them came from organizations, such as the Bayville Elks or Veterans of Foreign Wars. Boy Scout Troop 83 of Bayville’s Scouting for Food on November 12 and 13 was a huge success and their donations were given to this event. Beachwood also has a friendly competition between its four zones – divided based on the day of their garbage pick-up. They competed to see which zone was the most giving. Some of them came from individual donations, such as a woman who gave $500 last year and came back this year with $1,000. She refused to give her name. “This is not an ‘I’ endeavor. So many people stood behind me,” she said. Many of them didn’t know Joe D’Ambro, her fi ancé who passed away recently, but the donations this year were made in his name. His brother, Phil, was one of several friends and family members who helped empty the U-Haul. The donations were boxed and labeled, and expiration dates were checked. Joe had been a realtor with Crossroads Realty. Last year, they made a donation of $2,000. This year, it was $6,000. Next year, all involved said that they hoped the donations would be even more.
Curriculum:
Continued From Page 1 about health issues, then they won’t know where to turn if something is wrong. They might not even know if something is wrong. Thus, there are topics for older kids about consent, sexting, and sexual assault. The lessons are split across age levels. The youngest is “by the end of 2nd grade.” The other steps are “end of 5th,” “end of 8th,” and “end of 12th.” For example, the core idea for sexual health by the end of 2nd grade is “Every individual has unique skills and qualities, which can include the activities they enjoy such as how they may dress, their mannerisms, things they like to do.” By 5th grade, that has evolved into “All individuals should feel welcome and included regardless of their gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation.” The points under that, for end of 5th grade, are: “Describe gender-role stereotypes and their potential impact on self and others; Diff erentiate between sexual orientation and gender identity; Demonstrate ways to promote dignity and respect for all people (e.g. sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, diff ering ability, immigration status, family confi guration).” One point of contention for some parents is that by the end of 8th grade, one of the guidelines is “Defi ne vaginal, oral, and anal sex.” The state’s guidance is based on best practices from throughout the nation. Educators have said that creating a place where schools welcome everyone regardless of gender identity will reduce suicide, drug abuse, and other harmful actions of teens who feel they don’t belong. In this case, it’s literally life or death for kids going through tough times. Children are being asked to “respect and accept diff erences of an individual’s race, religion, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic background, and perspectives of health-related decisions.” The state requires that schools include the contributions of African Americans, people with disabilities, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people “in an appropriate place.” While politically-motivated media reports have targeted model lesson plans prepared by third parties, these were often extreme examples. The State of New Jersey does not endorse any of them. The state’s guidelines can be found here:nj. gov/education/cccs/2020/2020%20NJSLSCHPE.pdf
Beacon Of Life Toy/Food Drive
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
$126M Will Support NJ Hospitals, Agencies For Covid-Related Services
Capitol Comments
Senator Robert Menendez
Capitol Comments
Senator Cory Booker
JERSEY CITY – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) announced a combined total $126,278,315.30 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to reimburse public agencies and several hospitals across New Jersey for expenses incurred during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The early days of the pandemic proved challenging for hospitals across the country as they dealt with a spike in additional patients, less staff, and strapped resources,” said Sen. Menendez. “But our hospitals throughout New Jersey faced the challenge head-on, ensuring their patients and staff remained safe. This funding is critical so that these health care providers can continue providing quality care, while also taking care of the doctors, nurses, and administrative staff who keep their hospitals running every single day.” “Since the onset of the pandemic, hospitals in New Jersey have been on the front lines caring for people with COVID-19,” said Sen. Booker. “This important federal award shows that we have their backs. I will continue fighting to secure the resources they need to protect public health.” The following hospitals and agencies received funding: • Hackensack Meridian Health Inc. - $63,932,783.05 • Cooper University Hospital - $28,719,845.82 • Atlantic Health Hospital Corp. - $13,422,592.34 • Barnabas Health Inc.- $11,391,103.66 • N.J. Office of the Attorney General - $6,013,092 • Holy Name Hospital - $1,716,400.50 • Port Authority of N.Y. & N.J. - $1,082,497.93 In September, Sens. Menendez and Booker announced over $32 million in COVID reimbursement expenses to Cooper University. In October, they announced $7.6 million for Valley Hospital and $5.4 million for the New Jersey Department of Health for costs incurred during the beginning of the pandemic. Last year, Sen. Menendez, who led a years-long effort to reform how FEMA responds to disasters, announced that the agency answered his call to eliminate the cost-sharing requirements for disaster grants. The directive issued by President Biden allows states and local governments to be retroactively reimbursed at 100% for eligible expenses to combat COVID-19 incurred since Jan. 2020, and to apply for full reimbursement for additional eligible expenses going forward.
Health Department Encourages Flu Shot, COVID-19 Boosters Ahead of Holidays
TRENTON - With holiday gatherings being held by families, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is encouraging everyone 6 months of age and older to get their annual flu shot and COVID-19 booster when eligible, and is urging residents to take precautions as other respiratory illnesses, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV), continue to circulate. New Jersey, as well as much of the rest of the country, has seen an earlier start to the flu season this year. Respiratory Syncytial Virus as well as rhinovirus and enterovirus and COVID-19 are also circulating in the state. NJDOH is monitoring and watching hospitalizations and pediatric intensive care units daily throughout the state. “As New Jerseyans begin to gather with friends and family for the upcoming holidays, it’s important for everyone to continue taking the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Getting vaccinated when recommended, practicing good hand and respiratory hygiene, and staying home when sick are ways residents can work together to have a happier and healthier holiday season.” “Getting an annual flu shot will help protect everyone, particularly vulnerable residents such as younger children and older adults, from influenza,” said Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The Department is monitoring these respiratory illnesses closely, and their impact on hospitals and Emergency Departments.” The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group. Everyone 6 months of age and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 primary series and people 5 years of age and older are recommended to receive the updated booster at least 2 months after their primary series or last monovalent booster. RSV, which usually circulates in the state from late fall to early spring, causes common cold symptoms in adults and older children, while in younger children and infants, it can cause wheezing and pneumonia. However, it can also cause more severe infection. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. At the same time, the state is seeing many children with infections in the upper airways and lungs due to rhinovirus and enterovirus, which can result in wheezing and breathing difficulties. Parents should call their pediatrician or a healthcare provider if their child has any of the following symptoms: rapid breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath; ribs pulling in with each breath; is very ill or drowsy; poor eating; dehydration; vomiting for more than 24 hours; fever in a child younger than 12 weeks. While these are warning signs, please consult your healthcare provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning. Individuals can take precautions by continuing to wash their hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, cough into their elbows or sleeves, and get immunized for influenza and COVID-19. Individuals at high risk for severe illness and their visitors should consider wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask which may help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Individuals who are sick should remain at home. Flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. Despite these benefits, during the 2021-2022 flu seasons, only 57% of adults (18 and older) and 67.7% of children (6 months –17 years old) in New Jersey received a flu vaccine. Flu vaccination is available at healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers and local health departments. Many vaccines are covered by insurers at little to no cost to individuals. In addition, NJDOH’s Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP) helps to reduce economic barriers to childhood vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program which offers vaccines at no cost to eligible children through healthcare providers enrolled in the program. The VPDP also participates in the 317-funded adult program which provides vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults. COVID-19 vaccination locations can be found using the NJ Vaccine Appointment Finder or by calling the statewide COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center (855-5680545). The COVID-19 vaccine is available for free, regardless of insurance status. “Vaccines have proven to be safe and effective,” said Commissioner Persichilli. “We urge all New Jerseyans to get up to date on all recommended vaccinations to ensure a safe and healthy holiday season. We especially encourage all New Jerseyans, ages 5 and older, to get the new updated booster to ensure the strongest protection against COVID-19 variants.”
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CLUB NEWS, ACTIVITIES, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community Honors Local Veterans
–Photo courtesy Staff ord Police
STAFFORD –For Veterans Day, several businesses and generous members of the community came together in honor of Army Corporal Jerry O’Neill for his time of service (1968 to 1970). Jerry was surprised at his home in Staff ord Township with the gift of a new roof from Mike Rank Roofi ng, as well as shingles from Universal Supply & GAF Timberline Shingles, power washing services from Precision Power Washing, a beautiful wooden flag from Patrick Mabie, a patriotic sign from The Stick Peoples Kidz, and several anonymous gift cards. The Staff ord Township Police Department would like to thank the generosity of all those who made this happen, and to Army Corporal Jerry O‘Neill for his service to the country.
Barnegat PBA 296 Annual Toy Drive
Family & Pet Photos With Santa
BARNEGAT – Barnegat PBA 296 will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for both boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 14 years old on December 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion Auxiliary Barnegat Unit# 232. Light refreshments will be served. Please come out and help us support the less fortunate children in our community! You can also drop off your toy donation at our collection box located at Barnegat Township Police Headquarters. They will be accepting toys until December 18.
for a $20 donation to Family Promise of Southern Ocean County. The Mainland will also donate $1 to Family Promise SOC for every special sold during the month of November and December. Stay for lunch after your visit with Santa.
MANAHAWKIN – Join Family Promise of Southern Ocean County for family and pet photos with Santa at The Mainland in Manahawkin on December 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. The pictures will be delivered digitally
Jingle Bell 50/50 Raffl e
WARETOWN – The Waretown Volunteer Fire Company is hosting their Jingle Bell 50/50 Raffl e on December 3 at 7 p.m. Cost is a $10 donation. Winner wins 50% of proceeds. Proceeds to benefi t Waretown Volunteer Fire Company. Support your local 100% volunteers in purchasing life saving equipment. See any local fi refi ghter for tickets. Contact Aundrea Munt at 609-2763314 for more information.
Lacey Township’s Annual Christmas Parade
LACEY – Lacey Township’s 37th Annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Lacey Elks Lodge 2518, will be on December 4 (rain date December 11). No registration required for participants. Staging area will be at the United Methodist Church on Lacey Road at 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. Parade kick-off is at 3 p.m. For more information call 603-693-9831 ext. 2.
C ommUnitY n eWS
CLUB NEWS, ACTIVITIES, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
2nd Annual Charity Soft ball Game
–Photo courtesy Staff ord Police STAFFORD – The Staff ord Township Police Department 2nd Annual STPD/SOMC Charity Softball Game for the Holiday Toy Drive was a big success! They thank Hackensack Meridian Health Southern Ocean Medical Center and everyone who came out and donated to the cause.
Staff ord PBA & Recreation Toy Drive
Barnegat Pop-Up Holiday Market & Tree Lighting
STAFFORD – Staff ord Recreation would like to thank all the local businesses, organizations and schools that continue to partner with us for drop off locations for the Staff ord PBA & Recreation Toy Drive. If you would like to donate, drop off new, unwrapped toys, coats, hats gloves and scarves throughout the season at any of these participating locations. They thank all of you for your continued generosity to our community year after year. All donations stay local and help make a magical Christmas and warm winter for so many right in our own backyard. Drop-off location can be viewed at staffordnj.gov/415/Toy-Drive.
BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Pop-Up Holiday Market & Tree Lighting will be in December 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Fred Watts Gazebo Park. Enjoy carolers from Water Street Musicians, Lighthouse Christian Academy; craft vendors; wreaths; Cream Ridge Winery; breads, pies, cookies and more. Tree lighting will be at 4:30 p.m.
Holiday Gift Fair
WARETOWN – The Waretown Volunteer Fire Company is hosting a Holiday Gift Fair on December 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy homemade chocolate, candles, jewelry, and home décor. Something for everyone. Find the perfect gift!
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CLUB NEWS, ACTIVITIES, EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Garden Clubs Join Together For Workshop
–Photo courtesy Staff ord Recreation
STAFFORD – On November 9, two wonderful garden clubs came together at the Bay Avenue Community Center. Members of the Long Beach Island Garden Club were on hand to present a fl oral arrangement workshop to the members of the Staff ord Garden Club. It was an afternoon of fl owers, friendship and fun. A huge thank you to our friends across the bridge for such a wonderful program and bringing fall to us! For more information on the Stafford Recreation Garden Club, visit staff ordnj. gov/229/Garden-Club.
Nature Walk With Santa
BARNEGAT – Let your child experience nature with Santa Claus this holiday season. During this program, Santa and his helpers will read a few stories to the children before taking them on a short ¼-mile nature exploration walk! Please dress for the weather as this is an outside program! Nature Walk With Santa will take place on December 3 and 4 from 9 to 10 a.m. and at 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Cloverdale Farm County Park, Barnegat. Fee: $5 per child, adults are free but must register. Open to ages 3 to 7 years. Register at bit.ly/39dKVn7. For more information call 732-506-9090.
P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com
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–Photo courtesy Seacrest Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center
LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Love is all around at Seacrest Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, where residents Donald and Teresa Pregler recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Team members at the Little Egg Harbor skilled nursing facility joined the special pair and their two daughters in festivities for the milestone occasion. The Preglers have called Seacrest home for close to a year. “Donald and Teresa are such a joy to have here with us,” said Seacrest’s Jacqueline Phillips, director of community relations. “It was our true pleasure to celebrate this anniversary with them and their family.” The Preglers’ love story began when Donald was on leave from military service and met Teresa and her friends one evening. Always a gentleman, Donald off ered them a ride; Teresa sat next to him and the rest, as they say, is history. Donald’s career as a traveling salesman off ered the pair the opportunity to travel the U.S. and Canada, making many lasting memories. When asked their secret to 70 years of wedded bliss, the reply from Donald comes quickly. “Simple,” he said. “We love our life!” Located at 1001 Center Street, Seacrest Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is a 171-bed skilled nursing facility, providing post-hospital care, short-term rehab and long-term residential care. The facility, which is in the midst of a multi-million-dollar enhancement, carries a fi ve-star designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for both overall quality and quality of resident care.
WHY ARE MY EYES SO RED?
Red or “bloodshot” eyes can have a wide variety of causes and symptoms, which is why it can be incredibly frustrating trying to fi gure out the source of the problem. Red eye occurs when the blood vessels in the eye become swollen, making them suddenly visible. For many people this occurs without any other symptoms, but more often it comes with eyes feeling itchy, burning, dry, and light sensitive, and accompanied by leaking tears or other discharge and pain. Your eye doctor can help in determining the cause of your red eyes, but you should watch for triggers such as airborne allergens, chemical exposure, contact lenses, or fumes from paints or solvents. There are many possible causes of a red eye or eyes. Some are cause for concern; some are medical emergencies. Others are of no concern at all. The degree of redness or appearance of blood usually does not correlate to how serious the situation is. It is generally more important whether you also have eye pain or impaired vision. SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES off ers a full range of care for your eyes, from your yearly vision exam to the treatment of medical eye conditions. To make an appointment, please call 732-349-5622.
P.S. Red eyes may be a sign of something serious like an infection, acute glaucoma or a corneal ulcer.
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