2023-12-09 - The Jackson Times

The JACKSON Times Vol. 20 - No. 25

In This Week’s Edition

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Photos by Bob Vosseller From left: More than 1,000 lights went onto the Christmas tree. Mayor Michael Reina joins Olaf the snowman from “Frozen” as the two greeted visitors to the tree lighting ceremony. Members of the Jackson Liberty High School Choir rehearse a few holiday songs prior to their time on stage.

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By Bob Vosseller JACK SON – You couldn’t have asked for a mor e p e r fe c t December day for a town Christmas tree lighting.

Mild temperatures, no wind and the morning fog had long faded away by the time that singers, costumed characters and a whole lot of families filled t h e p a r k i n g lo t of t ow n hal l. Ja ck son

was lucky considering some Christmas tree lightings - like Manchester’s - were rained out the night before.

Mayor Michael Reina could n’t have been happier. He noted that his annual program to collect letters to Santa was complete.

There was a special crimson painted mailbox marked “Letters for Santa” which was placed by the outside

stage area.

“This is a perfect day for this,” the mayor said.

He was greeting residents near Olaf the snowman, a character from the popular Disney animated film “Frozen” who came for the occasion. Rudolph, that popular red nosed reindeer also greeted children and adults in the parking lot awaiting the start of the festivities.

This marked the first

year for the township’s new Recreation Director Anthony Horta and his assist ant Casey Wolfe to take charge of t h is c om mu n it y event which included students from the Jackson Liberty High School Choi r a nd the Jackson Baptist C hu r ch C hoi r who provided some holiday tunes for the occasion before and after the arrival of a certain red suited, white bearded visitor from the North

formed to make recommendations about how the property could best be utilized by the public. Recently, Business Administrator Terence Wall announced some upg r a de s for Rova Farms that will transform the open space area.

“Rova Farms, a cherished lakefront prop-

erty preserved for the Jackson community, is about to undergo a remarkable metamorphosis with an array of improvements that promise to elevate the overall recreation experience for residents and visitors alike,” Wall said in a statement.

(Rova- See Page 4)

Pole.

Horta said, “I took over at the end of August. I want to thank t he c o op e r at ion of public works for helping me to get everything together.”

“We’re in the mid-60s for the temperature.

My assistant and I are here f rom the Recreation Depar t ment and we have several township employees as well, some of whom are in costume,” he added.

W h ile Hor t a was outside looking over the wiring and layout for t he st ag i ng area, Wolfe was inside helping a member of the Jackson Baptist Church Choir with a sound check as that choir would be perfor ming in the court room chambers.

Township employees were trying on their costumes and setting up tables of free giveaways (Tree Lighting See Page 4)

First Book Brings Magic Of Reading To Children

Rova Farms To Get Upgrade

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Several years ago the township purchased the historic Rova Farms parcel as a means of protecting it from development and to repurpose it as a public recreation area.

An advisory committee that includes cit izens had been

December 9, 2023

Christmas Tree Lighting Returns For A Perfect Day

BREAKING NEWS @

Pages 7

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Photos courtesy Defiance Press And Publishing Jackson resident Lori Nates holds up her children’s book “Misty the Unicorn and the Magical Rainbow” that was recently published.

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – A township mom seeking to teach her child some strong morals and encourage her interest in reading found a way to do both through her own imagination and writing skills.

Now other children will also be able to enjoy meeting the characters of Lori Nates’ new book, “Misty the Unicorn and the Magical Rainbow.”

“Defiance Press and Publishing recently

Local News, Events & Advertising Solutions

(Author- See Page 4)

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Tree Lighting: Continued From Page 1

including Santa caps, special glitter lights and cups for hot chocolate.

The stage itself served to showcase the choirs and also featured the large light switch panel that was built by members of the Department of Public Works several years ago and is used to light up the large

Rova:

Continued From Page 1 Passive recreation such as picnic areas and benches are planned. A new sign is also included in these phase one priorities for the site.

Decorative aluminum fences and gates, a pre-fab fishing dock, and a concrete kayak launch will be added.

Nature-inspired trails and green spaces will include a crushed stone trail that winds through the park.

There will also be pedestrian-friendly features that involve promoting accessibility and safety. The site will boast a network of concrete sidewalks (4” thick) and reinforced concrete pads (6” thick).

There will be inclusive accessibility with public sidewalk curb ramps with detectable warnings, truncated domes, and composite tile.

Guidance and safety measures will also be focused on through regulatory and warning signs, 4” and 12” traffic stripes, and traffic symbols for both vehicular and pedestrian safety within the premises.

On an engineering standpoint, a stormwater system will ensure a sustainable management of water resources.

Author:

Continued From Page 1 published my first children’s book which is for children ages 5-12, and teaches kids good morals and patriotism in a fun and subtle way,” Nates said.

“I wrote the book mostly for my daughter. She is on the autism spectrum and she absolutely loves fantasy and adventure stories. She isn’t a great reader so I wanted to get her more interested in reading.”

I created characters that I hoped she would love and I wanted to write a book primarily for her and that is how it started,” Nates said. Later, however, the budding author had some second thoughts. “I thought maybe other children would like the story and maybe my book could help other children become more interested in enjoying reading.”

“That is what happened and I thought this could become a series and I am actually working on my second book right now,” she added. Her first book was published in September and it is available on Amazon.

Nates is currently planning a fourbook series “with these characters and hopefully there will be more after that.

Christmas tree.

There were over 1,000 lights on the tree according to Chris Lenahan an employee of Christmas Décor in Wall Township whose staff were busy putting up the lights in the morning. “I think we started doing it here in Jackson for the tree last year. We have purple, green, orange and red lights and there is a star on top. It is going to look really nice when it is lit up.”

In late October, the Jackson Township Council approved the Administration’s recommendation to award a contract to Remington and Vernick to perform services at the property including Phase 1 field surveys, base map preparation, Phase II Preliminary and Final Engineering and Design, Phase III Advertisement and Bidding Support and Phase IV Contract Administration and Construction Observation.

The amount of the agreement is $125,950.

The work of this agreement will tie to various improvements such clearing the site and earthwork with new landscaping.

“These improvements were the result of ongoing collaborative efforts with input from the community,” Wall said noting that Mayor Michael Reina’s administration, Township Council and Rova Farms Advisory Board, “ensuring that Rova Farms becomes a space that truly reflects the aspirations and needs of all its residents.”

A grand unveiling is being planned. Wall said, “the phased grand unveiling of Rova Farms is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024, marking the beginning of a new era for this beloved community space. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating these enhancements that will undoubtedly enrich the lives of all who call Jackson Township home.”

The main character is a six-year-old girl named Becka. My daughter’s name is Rebecca so it is based on my daughter.”

“Becka lives in Ohio and her mother gives her a unicorn toy for her birthday and one night in the summer she sees a shooting star and she wishes for her toy to be real,” the author said. “Later that night, she hears a knock at her bedroom window and there is a real-life unicorn there.”

Nates added, “the real-life unicorn looks exactly like her toy and the unicorn takes her back across a rainbow to a magical country for a visit and they meet a lot of characters. There are people and animals. There is a leprechaun, a prince and people who are all the different colors of the rainbow.”

Becka and Misty the Unicorn tours the country “and she goes to different places there. She goes to the farmers’ market, a park where she confronts bullies. She goes to her new friend’s farm. It teaches morals but it is really subtle. It isn’t in your face at all but it does talk about friendship and kindness.”

The book also speaks to the ethic of “responsibility, trust, honesty, acceptance but it is very, very, subtle and includes a (Author - See Page 5)

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Author:

Continued From Page 4 love of country,” she added.

Nates stressed that while the book presents many moral messages, “it is done in a fun way.” She took some inspiration to the Wizard of Oz books “which were some of my favorite books when I was a kid.”

She is busy writing her sequel to her first

The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 5 book that will involve Becka returning to the mystical country “and we’ll meet some new characters along with some of the old ones from the first book.”

Growing up, Nates said she always loved creative writing. “English was my favorite subject when I was in school and I was a big reader. I read all of the Wizard of Oz books, Nancy Drew and I wrote some Wizard of Oz stories myself. I have notebooks full of Wizard of Oz stories.”

“My daughter really loves Star Wars,” the writer said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, “I ended up writing a Star Wars novel, 150 pages and I published it online on a fan fiction site. I read that to her. She was only 10 at the time. She really loved it. That was really the first book I wrote but it was fan fiction. This was my first young reader book.”

“The feedback has been really good from both adults and children,” she said. “My

niece is five and a half and my nephew is nine and they absolutely loved it. I’ve gotten some good reviews on Amazon.”

“My parents’ friends thought it was very well written and they really loved the illustrations also,” she added. “Defiance has a wonderful illustrator. I thought the pictures came out really, really well. I am just hoping to expand my audience a little bit to more children so they could learn to love reading.”

Federal Funds To Pay For Local Airport Upgrades

By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – Federal funds will help supplement the cost of a new hangar at the Ocean County Airport, while Lakewood will receive funding for remov i ng obst r uct ion s such a s trees.

Ocean County will utilize around $300,000 from a federal grant to aid in funding the construction of the hangar buildi ng at the Berkeley Tow nsh ip based County airport.

“This new hangar, once completed will provide six units for storing larger general aviation aircraft,” said Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to the airport.

“The demand for hangar space continues to increase. This will be the sixth hangar to be constructed at the

airport,” Vicari added.

The federal funding comes from the Airport Infrastructure Grant program and was suppor ted by Congressman Ch r is Sm it h. “T he FA A g ra nt w ill support important upgrades to hangar space at the Ocean County Airport,” the congressman said.

Vicari said that Ocean County appreciated Smith’s efforts in securing the funding for the upgrades at the airpark.

“The Ocean County Air por t plays an integ ral role in Ocean Cou nt y’s economy and also our public safety,” Vicari added.

Ocean County plans to go out to bid for the new hangar in February 2024 and work could begin in the spring.

Const r uction is expected to t a ke around two years.

The new $4 million hangar will be

approximately 20,000 square feet and it will be a pre-engineered steel building on a concrete foundation.

“There is already interest from airplane owners for the f ut ure space,” Vicar i said, noting that since 1991, about $42 million has been spent on various improvement projects at the Ocean County Airport.

Vicari added, “about $32 million has come f rom g rants f rom the Federal Aviation Administration and the New Jersey Department of Transportation.”

Over the years, Vicari said, the county has constr ucted a crosswind r unway at the airport, a new terminal building and a host of other improvements.

“Safety is paramount at the Ocean County Airport. The County staff and the fix based operator work in partnership to provide the safest and best

(Airport - See Page 13)

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Page 6, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY E ditorial New Bill Will Help School Security Back in March I floated an idea for a new bill – one that would help school districts prepare for the worst.

In this unfortunate era, we have to worry about school shootings. When I go to pick up my kid from school, I have to push a button on an intercom outside the electronically locked front door. I have to show my photo ID. I have to get buzzed in.

Then, I usually pass a retired police officer who is working security near the front entrance.

All of these things cost money. However, districts are stuck because of a 2 percent spending cap.

Back when Chris Christie was governor, he saw

that some school districts were abusing their taxpayers.

But he responded by punishing everyone across the state. He limited spending increases by schools (and municipalities) to 2 percent.

Christie – and the Democrat lawmakers who actually passed the legislation, didn’t know or didn’t care that the cost of a lot of things go up more than 2 percent every year. Personnel is the biggest part of any school’s budget.

His cap was basically a way to force teachers and nonunion employees to receive less than a 2 percent raise every year.

However, all this really did was make districts decide what to cut. The state required the district to do a

million different things for our kids, and made it more difficult to pay for it all.

I’ve always thought that the way to fix problems was not to create more levels of complexity but to re-evaluate the current situation and see if we can peel away a layer.

That’s why I thought it would be best to amend the 2 percent cap.

Why not remove the cap all together? Well, that’s a tough sell. There are some good things that the 2 percent cap did and no one wants the good parts taken away. So, my solution was to have a bill that takes school security and puts it outside the cap – which means that districts won’t have to figure out how to shoehorn security costs

into their budget every year.

They don’t have to decide between paying a security guard and paying a teacher.

This could take many forms, such as police officers dedicated to a school district, subscriptions for security technology, and physical upgrades like vestibules or shatter-resistant coverings on windows.

How do you get a law made?

Well, if Schoolhouse Rocks taught me anything, it was to reach out to my representative.

I live in the 9 th District.

I’m represented by Senator Chris Connors, and Assembly members Brian Rumpf and DiAnne Gove. Connors and Gove did not run for re-election, so I reached out

to Rumpf. I first met him when he was mayor of Little Egg Harbor and I covered the town for the now-defunct little newspaper The Tuckerton Beacon. We’ve spoken once in a while with his job for the county health department so we have a good history of working together.

After some phone tag, I pitched him my idea and he loved it. He called me recently to let me know that the bill has been introduced, sponsored by him.

Will it become a law? I have a strong feeling that it will.

Mostly because I know all the local Republicans who could be voting for it – and they all have supported school security measures. And also because I know that I can

become a real pain when I want to. I’ll be hitting up all the other members of both houses if I have to.

One other item in the plus column is that the bill doesn’t ask much of the lawmakers. It’s not asking for money. It’s not changing the way we do business. School security isn’t controversial – not this part of it anyway.

In January, new members of the State Senate and Assembly will be sworn in and they’ll be eager to get to work. Therefore, I hope to use this space in 2024 to announce that this bill has become a law.

Our Press Is Paramount

At the very least, we should be advised that it was the opinion of the author if presented in reliable press.

The community needs facts concerning: Social Security Local health programs Youth and senior programs Available help with meals and SNAP Local low-cost amusement Above all, we need a platform to ask for and receive information or help. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners are able and willing to listen and provide help, if possible, for all age groups.

They can also steer us to other agencies that may help. Many of us without transportation or who cannot drive at night would welcome the Press to be our eyes and ears at their meetings.

We ask you to be our unbiased messengers as you have always been. Where else are we to turn?

Chris Lundy News Editor

Letters To The Editor Protect Our Drinking Water With Better Planning The League of Women Voters of Monmouth County urges everyone who cares about the quality of our drinking water to attend the County Commissioners meeting on December 14, at the Hall of Records, Freehold, at 1 pm.

New Jersey American’s Swimming River Reservoir, with about two-thirds of its watershed in Colts Neck and one-third in Holmdel, supplies water to approximately 300,000 eastern Mon-

mouth County residents. As all streams discharge directly to this reservoir, all land-use decisions in the watershed affect how much and how clean our drinking water is and how much it will cost.

Five planned eastern Monmouth County redevelopment projects will bring thousands of new county residents. One Colts Neck development will add 950 more residents and a package sewage treatment plant. To protect the amount and quality of our water supply, we must protect land use in these critical watersheds, limit imperviousness so streams get clean baseflow, and reduce polluted

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

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

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

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

edit or reject letters.

The weekly deadline is 5 p.m.

Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

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

stormwater carrying sediment to the reservoir.

Our aquifers were seriously overdrawn by the 1980s and were designated Critical Water Supply Area #1 in New Jersey. Since then, 50 percent of our water must come from streams and reservoirs.

Our residents have a role to play by letting the County Commissioners and Planning Board know their concerns.

Development must go where it won’t degrade and limit our water supply. We hope you can come and voice your concerns.

Evelyn C Murphy, PhD Sharon Steinhorn Co-Presidents, League of Women Voters of Monmouth County

How Can My Family Care For Me? “How can my family care for me?” is a question that so many people ask when they need care. Ocean County has an incredibly large population of seniors, many of whom are facing complex caregiving needs that fall to their family members. Many are struggling to take care of their loved ones while balancing careers, holiday responsibil-

ities and more, creating an intensely stressful situation where they are forced to choose between their job and a loved one.

But we shouldn’t have to choose. New Jersey has paid family leave benefits, but there is a major issue that I learned about recently (in the article, “More than 800K N.J. workers can get fired for taking paid family leave. This would end that”). Many workers in New Jersey are eligible for our paid leave benefits, but cannot take them because they risk losing their jobs for lack of legal job protection.

All NJ workers should be able to access their paid leave benefits to take care of themselves or loved ones. After all, we are contributing to the program, we should be able to take it when we need it the most. We need job protection when we need to take that leave, and these protections should be in place federally.

Family Caregiving Month (was in) November, but caregivers such as myself need these protections every day of the year. We need legislation and social change so that we can put our health first AND have an economy that works for everyone.

Catherine Galioto-Galesky Toms River

Editor’s note: This letter was sent to the Asbury Park Press, and was shared with us as a Letter to the Editor.

On October 2, 2023 at the opening ceremony of the Toms River Community Café at the Toms River Senior Center, which is funded by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, it was brought to our attention that none of the Press had been present at any of the Board meetings for the last six months.

This is extremely unfortunate. The public needs our press to inform us of things like this program that are available to us. The Café is a Meals on Wheels program provided for a very low price for seniors.

Many seniors are not computer savvy enough to be in touch with community events.

They, and other age groups would be open to fact-based coverage rather than a TV opinionated presentation.

Elsie De Pasquale Toms River

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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The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 7

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

Enhancing Safety And Security At Schools Capitol Comments Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

When we send our children off to school, we think about whether they are well-prepared for the day, whether they’ve done all their homework or studied enough for a test, and perhaps whether they will do well in after-school sports or other activities.

We certainly shouldn’t have to think about whether they will be physically safe from intentional harm at school.

New Jersey has taken security in our schools seriously. The state Department of Education has an Office of School Preparedness & Emergency Planning (OSPEP) to help ensure proper planning for the safety of students and staff. That office helps schools create and maintain a security plan that covers the phases of crisis management planning: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

In its mission, the OSPEP works with other agencies dedicated to public safety: the New Jersey State Police, the NJ Domestic Security Preparedness Task Force, and the NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. Also, the department’s website provides resources and informa-

tion for schools to utilize in their efforts to maintain proper security.

While it’s comforting to k now that there are so many on the state and school district levels dedicated to safety and security, it’s also important to recognize changing circumstances and account for them. I’m sure the professionals are doing that, but as a legislator it’s my job to make sure they have the resources to adjust whenever necessary.

In late October testimony to a U.S. Senate committee, FBI Director Christopher Wray said the war between Israel and Hamas has led to a spike in threats against our country. “The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole other level,” he said.

Wray made it clear that the FBI has no evidence of an imminent threat, but noted that since the October 7 attack by Hamas, al-Qaida has issued its most specific call for violence against the U.S. in years. In addition, the Islamic State has urged the targeting of Americans as well as Europeans, particularly Jewish communities.

It’s not only organized terror groups that could pose a threat. In Indianapolis in early November, a woman purposely

crashed her car into what she thought was a Jewish school. Cour t records st ate that one adult, a 7-month- old baby, and th ree child ren u nder age t h ree were i n side t he school when it was rammed. Fortunately, I’m not aware of any injuries to the innocent.

At around the same time as Wray’s c om me nt s , New Je r sey’s At t or ney General, Matt Platkin, said that since October 7, “there has been a marked increase in bias targeting Jewish and Muslim community members in K-12 schools and on college and university campuses across our state.”

“The rise in bias in our schools threatens the safe educational environment to which all our students are entitled,” the statement continued.

This is not a time to panic or be overly fearful, but rather to respond to events with calm and reasoned measures.

According to the nonpar tisan legislative research off ice i n Trenton, t h i s ye a r’s s t at e bu d ge t i n c r e a s e d public school security aid by almost five percent, to nearly $305 million.

That seems appropriate given Wray’s com ments about an elevated th reat this year.

However, security aid for nonpublic schools re mai ne d t he sa me a s la st year’s amount, $30.55 million. Given current events and the FBI director’s assessment, it would be prudent to pro-

vide more resources to ensure students and staff remain safe.

Therefore, I’ve proposed legislation to i ncrease f u ndi ng for secu r it y at nonpublic schools. I don’t think it’s fair, or makes sense on a policy level, to increase security assistance for some schools but not others. Kids are kids, no mat ter where they go to school.

Similar consideration should also be given to those who teach and do other work to support a school’s educational mission.

My proposal would increase funding by about $20 million. Given the nature of some threats, and considering inf lation as well, that seems reasonable to me. I’m happy to hear from others on what the right amount should be, and that’s why we have a legislative process – to work with others toward consensus.

My bill would assist nonpublic schools of any type or denomination. I’m glad we have dedicated professionals i n schools a nd i n Trenton focused on school security, and as a legislator – and a father of five – I want to do my part to help keep kids safe.

Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 13 other towns in the State Assembly. Follow him on Facebook (/AssemblymanAlex) and on Instagram (@AssemblymanAlex), or visit his website at AssemblymanAlex.com.

State To Solicit New Offshore Wind Projects In 2024 From The Desk Of The

Governor Phil Murphy TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy directed the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to launch New Jersey’s fourth offshore wind solicitation in early 2024. The Governor’s action reaffirms the State’s commitment to achieving a 100% clean energy economy by 2035 and underscores the strength and promise of New Jersey’s clean energy economy, including the critical importance of the state’s supply chain facilities to the regional offshore wind industry.

“I have directed the BPU to take this action in recognition of the strong future of New Jersey’s offshore wind industry,” said Governor Murphy. “New Jersey can – and will – continue to remain a burgeoning offshore

wind development hub that attracts new projects and their accompanying economic and environmental benefits for generations to come.

These new projects, along with the Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind project awarded in 2021, will support tens of thousands of good-paying, family-sustaining jobs for New Jerseyans while protecting the quality of the air our children breathe and making good on the promise of affordable clean energy produced right here in the Garden State.” “(This) announcement affirms New Jersey’s commitment to offshore wind and to meeting Governor Murphy’s clean energy goals,” said NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy.

“Offshore wind is vital to our clean energy economy and our efforts to mitigate climate change, and we are resolute in our efforts to ensure New Jersey realizes its benefits.”

New Jersey’s fourth solicitation project awards are expected in early 2025.

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

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Page 8, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

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

Annual Toy Drive Receives Large Donation

Photo courtesy Jackson Police JACKSON – Special thank you goes out to Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn who delivered a large assortment of items for the Jackson Township Police Department’s Annual Toy Drive.

Looks like she took advantage of those Black Friday deals! Thank you also to P.O. Tom Parise and P.O. Scott McIvor for helping unload these awesome gifts!

Jackson Elks Collect Food And Present Donation JACKSON – Members of the Jackson Elks Lodge #2744 recently collected food for holiday food baskets and the Jackson Food Pantry.

This year members collected holiday meals for families in the community and during the weekend before Thanksgiving delivered the meals.

They successfully collected enough to give to the Food Pantry also. Jackson

Elks’ Exalted Ruler Betsy MacDonald Cotter and lodge members also presented a monetary donation to The Jackson Food Pantry Director Joy Rende which was made possible by grants from the Elks National Foundation.

For more information about the Elks or about becoming a member, contact them at Jacksonelks2744@gmail.com or call 732-363-4101.

Crestwood Village 5 Resident Club Upcoming Events WHITING – Crestwood Village 5 Resident Club has announced the following upcoming events: Tribute Elvis Show by Evan Mills: December 18 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. Cost is $10. Cutoff date is December 12. Nonrefundable unless cancelled.

Includes snack and soft drink. For more information, call Debbie at 201-618-8514.

New Year Gala: December 31 from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Music by “Don Pesce.” Cost is $55 per person. No tickets sold at the door. Cutoff date is December 19. Includes buffet: baked ziti, meatballs, eggplant parm., chicken

Francese, sausage and peppers, pasta primavera, tossed salad, bread and butter, coffee, snacks, soft drinks, tea, and dessert.

There will be noise makers, hats, and tiaras.

For more information, call Debbie at 201618-8514.

Karaoke Night: January 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. Music by “DJ Howie.” Cost is $5 and includes a snack and soft drink. Non-refundable unless canceled. BYOB. All events are at Crestwood Village 5 Clubhouse, 325 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting. Purchase tickets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call Debbie at 201-618-8514 for all events.

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 9

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

Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home Serving the community with dignity and compassion since 1869.

Susan C. Dunigan • Manager, NJ Lic. 4328 Frank T. Palino • Director, NJ Lic. 4359 Diana M. Daly • Advanced Planning Director, NJ Lic. 4920

3010 Ridgeway Road • Manchester, NJ 08759 www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com

732.657.5700 Photo courtesy Calling All Cats JACKSON – Calling All Cats is a cat rescue group made up of volunteers, some of whom work at a spay and neuter clinic.

People would drop off unwanted cats. As a group, they save the babies that are left alone, the countless mothers that have had numerous litters and those that are losing or have lost their home.

Boots is an adorable 10-week-old boy who just wants to be your best friend. He’s extremely friendly and would love to have your attention as much as possible. Boots has beautiful, soft fur and markings. He is affectionate and playful & gets along

well with his three siblings, Ralphie, Crystal and Ember.

To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then find homes for the friendly adults and the offspring that have been born. The rescue works extremely hard to find the best homes for cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. While these cats wait, they are cared for in safe, loving, and nurturing foster homes To start the application process, visit Calling All Cats on Facebook and Petfinder.com.

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

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 10, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

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

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

How Are Hearing And Cognition Related To Each Other?

We HEAR with our ears and LISTEN with our brain. Our brain plays a significant role in our ability to hear.

With untreated hearing loss, you have to work harder to make sense of what people are saying. This is called having a higher “cognitive load”.

Having a higher “cognitive load” can affect your memory and how you process information.

Be empowered to make changes!

Lifestyle factors can impact cognitive impairment. Address these risk factors: • Hearing Loss • Vision Loss • Medication Side Effects • Vitamin B12 Deficiency • Diabetes • Cardiovascular Issues

• Sleep Disorders • Poor Lifestyle Choices • Brain Fog • Sports that Impact the Head Stress Your Hearing Healthcare Professional’s assessment includes a cognitive screening that will help you understand how you are processing information, organizing your thoughts, and remembering things.

Cognivue Thrive is a personalized, consistent and reliable way to receive an overall screening of your brain health.

• Self-administered 5-10 minute assessment • Non-invasive • Interactive • Immediate results with a simple report Call 732-451-3962 today for an appointment!

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Jackson EMS Seeking Volunteers JACKSON – Make a difference in your community! Jackson Township EMS is currently seeking volunteers. No experience needed. Must be 16 years or older. Free first aid training. Learn

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Now hiring EMTs. Paid holidays. Healthcare benefits. Competitive pay. Flexible schedule. To apply, visit JTFAS.org.

Ceramics At Jackson Senior Center

JACKSON – Join on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for ceramics. The instructor is here from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and check it out! If you would like to register

for ceramics or any of their other wonderful activities, call the Jackson Senior Center at 732-928-2313 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 11

Here’s To Your Health Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Holiday Heart Health: 5 Important Tips To Enjoy Festivities Safely

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, unfortunately, potential health pitfalls. While indulging in festive treats and enjoying time away from routine, it’s crucial to remember the importance of your heart health.

Holidays bring increased stress and tempt you with unhealthy foods. It also is a time when people take a break from regular exercise routines. People drink more too. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that instances of heart-related issues tend to peak during the holiday season. This uptick is attributed to stress, dietary indiscretions, and cold weather, which can all strain the heart.

Let me help you mitigate some holiday-related risks with some tips. I know you know all this, but reminders can’t hurt: 1. Dietary Choices: Opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.

Incorporate fish, nuts, berries, and leafy greens into holiday meals. Watch portions closely.

2. Physical Activity: Engage in daily physical activities like brisk walking or cycling. Even short bouts of exercise can be beneficial.

3. Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to manage holiday stress effectively, especially when faced with people or topics that upset you.

4. Moderation in Alcohol Consumption: Drinking in excess doesn’t help anything, it will make things worse on your liver, not to mention your relationships. Besides, there isn’t enough resveratrol in wine to do anything good for your heart. Furthermore, it interacts with heart medications, analgesics, sleepers, and anti-anxiety meds.

5. If you happen to catch a cold or flu, be

mindful of how quickly this situation can go south. It can take a toll on your heart, so protect your immune system by making sure you sleep well, have enough vitamin D on board, and that you stay away from people who have a known illness.

See your doctor if symptoms get serious.

Let’s talk about prescriptions now. If you have an existing heart condition, your doctor may have prescribed a statin for cholesterol management, or a beta-blocker or ACE inhibitor for blood pressure, or perhaps aspirin for circulation. Sometimes nitroglycerin is used for chest pain (termed angina). It works because it is a vasodilator.

Speaking of medications, you may not realize this but some can make you more susceptible to heart disease. For example, popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen and COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib) may increase blood pressure and fluid retention in some individuals. This can increase blood pressure and add to a pre-existing cardiac problem. Some antidepressants and oral decongestants have been linked to increased heart rate and blood pressure too!

I’ve written about natural heart-healthy remedies like hawthorn, potassium, garlic, ubiquinol, and many others. Those articles are posted on my website, suzycohen.com.

Just use my search box because I have over a thousand articles posted there.

The point of this article is to remind you that during the holiday season, maintaining your heart health is important. There should be judicious use of medications, especially the ones I mentioned earlier that contribute to hypertension. Hopefully, my article will encourage you to get through the holiday season with excellent heart health.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2022 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Jackson Township To Form Multicultural Committee

JACKSON – Jackson Township is announcing the formation of the Jackson Township Multicultural Committee, dedicated to fostering unity, celebrating diversity and ensuring an inclusive community for all.

This Committee will consist of approximately 34 members, one from each voting district, that will meet regularly to create and organize community events in building bridges and bringing together residents from different religious, non-religious and

cultural backgrounds, as well as create and implement a public education campaign that will focus on highlighting diversity within the Township and promoting cultural and religious sensitivity and acceptance of all members of the Township.

If you are interested in shaping a more inclusive and harmonious future for our community, send an email to officeofadministration@jacksontwpnj.net. Please be sure to include name, address, email and best contact number.

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

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 12, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

NOTICE OF MEETINGS

Around The Jersey Shore

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE COUNTY OF OCEAN, in accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Law”, P.L. 1975, c. 231, hereby establishes the following schedule of meetings to be held during 2023-2024. All meetings shall commence at 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.

What Is A ‘Big Cat’? Which Cat Is The Largest?

Regular

November 27, 2023

Monday

Regular

December 14, 2023

Thursday

Regular

January 18, 2024

Thursday

Regular

February 13, 2024

Tuesday

Regular

March 21, 2024

Thursday

Regular

April 18, 2024

Thursday

Regular

May 23, 2024

Thursday

Regular

June 20, 2024

Thursday

Year End

June 28, 2024

Friday, 12:00 Noon

Regular

July 18, 2024

Thursday, 12:00 Noon

Regular

August 15, 2024

Thursday, 12:00 Noon

Regular

September 19, 2024

Thursday

Regular

October 17, 2024

Thursday

Reorganization November 1, 2024

Friday, 12:00 Noon

Meetings will be held in the Conference Room in the Administration Building, at 137 Bey Lea Road, Toms River, New Jersey unless otherwise indicated.

PLEASE NOTE FURTHER, that the public shall not be permitted to actively participate in the Executive Sessions and that the Board of Education of the Vocational School in the County of Ocean in its discretion may prohibit or regulate participation at any meeting.

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator The common term ‘big cats’ refers to the largest wild cats. These are lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars. There is an expanded definition list of big cats, which includes subspecies, but for now I will focus on the tiger – the biggest cat of the four. Big cats are the only ones that roar. They can be found in North, Central, and South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Tigers, (Panthera Tigris) is India’s national animal. It is estimated that India is home to 70% of the world’s tigers. An estimated 80,000 tigers were killed between 1875 and 1925 by bounty and sports hunting. By the 1960s, the number of tigers had dwindled suddenly. The latest census (April 2023), according to the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), indicates there are 3,167 tigers in India. In 1973 Prime Minister Indira Gandhi launched Project Tiger when the tiger numbers became dangerously low.

Other initiatives by the government put into place included the banning of hunting and conducting village drives for the purpose of spreading awareness.

The tiger is a solitary predator, sharing that lifestyle with leopards and jaguars. Of

the four big cats, the lion is the only ‘big cat’ that lives within a group, referred to as a ‘pride’ where they share the responsibilities of hunting, raising, and teaching their young, with alpha male(s) as their protectors. Solitary living for a female presents more challenges as she hunts for food, leaving cubs alone and vulnerable to attacks by other wildlife. A litter consists of two to four cubs.

An injured female may be unable to care for her young. The mortality rate of tiger cubs is high. Many are lost within the first few weeks of life. Those surviving will remain with her until 18 months of age when they are independent of her, having to learn survival skills on their own. Tigers can live as long as 15 years in the wild. Unfortunately, today more tigers live in captivity than in the wild.

The information for this article was gathered from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/ or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm inflicted upon any animal, is punishable by law.

Holiday Toy Collection JACKSON – AmVets Post 2 is a collection site for Toys For Tots. If you can find it in your budget, they are looking for unwrapped toys for children in need for Christmas.

Have all donations at the post, located at 1290 Toms River Road Jackson, by December 10 so they can deliver them to headquarters. Any questions, call 732657-0894.

Menorah Lighting JACKSON – Bat Shalom Hadassah presents a Menorah Lighting on December 11 from 4:30 to

5:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 95 W. Veterans Highway.

Candles will be lit by Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Airport:

Continued From Page 5 Civil Air Patrol, the Ocean Air Support Squadron, and the emergency medical transpor t of both the Monmouth Ocean Hospital Service Cor poration (MONOC MedEVAC) and Hackensack Meridian Health (AirMed One).

Tenants include the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, the Civil Air Patrol,

Fundraiser Held To Spay And Neuter Strays, Pets OCEAN COUNTY - The principal purpose of Animal Birth Control, a volunteer non-profit established in 1969, is to help reduce the number of unwanted animals by providing financial aid to those that cannot afford to pay the veterinary fees for spaying and neutering as well as helping those who provide TNR (trap-neuter-return) for their community strays.

“We have helped over 2,500 animals this year alone. WE NEED YOUR HELP.....For over 50 years, ABC has been helping fund the spay and neuter of community strays and pets. We are almost out of funds and we desperately need your help. Please help us by donating so we can continue helping the animals.”

A fundraiser selling raffle tickets is going on now. There are three $250 Visa gift cards to be won. The drawing is on January 19 at 2 p.m. at 519 Monmouth Avenue in Pine Beach. The winner need not be present. A donation of $2 to attend the drawing is appreciated, but not necessary.

“The single most important thing that we can do to save animals from all the suffering and death that their overpopulation causes, is to spay and neuter them. If you need financial assistance to help spay and neuter, please call ABC for guidance and funding assistance.

Don’t wait until another litter is born or the neighbors complain when they see them multiplying!”

“We are running low on funding and depend on donations in order for us to help assist others with spay and neuter.”

For more information, visit ABC NJ on Facebook or email AnimalBirthControlNJ@ gmail.com

The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 13 the Ocean Air Support Squadron, and facilities to house aircrafts for emergency medical transports.

Lakewood Airport In related news, Lakewood Township will receive $144,000 for its municipal airport off Cedar Bridge Avenue.

“Lakewood Township plans to use its FAA grant to help enhance airport safety by removing obstructions and

trimming trees,” Smith said.

Steve Rei n man, Di rector of Eco nomic & Industrial Development for La kewood Tow nsh ip, said “We a re making numerous effor ts to remove obstr uctions along the south end of the r unway that will enhance safety and lead to more business activity in the airport. We are really pleased to receive this grant. Congressman Smith has been extremely helpful in our managing

this relationship with FAA.” Located in the center of the township’s industrial park, Lakewood Airport serves corporate clients, aviation enthusiasts, the township’s general population and even baseball fans.

Lakewood Airport (FAA 3 digit designation N12) is operated and managed by the Lakewood Township Airport Authority with aviation services provided the FBO, Aviation Charters, Inc. Chris Lundy contributed to this story

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 14, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

Around The Jersey Shore Low-Hanging Wires, Crooked Utility Poles Addressed

By Alyssa Riccardi OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean County Commissioner Director Joseph H. Vicari recently met with officials from the state Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to discuss efforts in reporting dangerously low-hanging utility wires and crooked utility poles.

Vicari suggested having a public 800 hotline where residents and government agencies can call to report low wires and bent telephone poles.

BPU officials said they already have two hotlines: one for strictly cable television complaints and a second for all other utilities. Either line will accept complaints about exterior cables and utility poles.

“I was very pleased with the response from the Board of Public Utilities. We want to work together with the BPU to solve this potentially dangerous problem,” Vicari said. “Some [wires] are so low that they pose a threat to motorists, bicyclists and even pedestrians.”

Vicari referred to an incident from earlier this year, when a truck became entangled in low-hanging telecommunications cables in Lakewood. As a result, the wires were ripped off of several poles.

Efforts to address the problem directly with utility companies such as Comcast and Verizon have been unsuccessful, Vicari said.

“This is a major health and safety issue,

but one company always blames the other and claims it’s not their wires. I can never get a straight answer,” Vicari said.

The BPU officials said they will directly contact the offending utilities if a complaint is forwarded to their 800 number.

Anyone who suspects live electrical wires are down should immediately call 911.

Vicari expressed how utilities need to inspect their poles at least twice a year, and made that request with BPU Executive Director Bob Brabston.

According to BPU of f icia l s , t hey currently have no legal authority to force telecommunication companies to complete such inspections.

The board is, however, currently working with state lawmakers to formulate legislation that would increase the BPU’s authority over cable television providers.

“These cable companies use our county roads for their poles and cables. They are making a decent profit and need to give some back. They need to maintain their infrastructure,” Vicari said.

The public is encouraged to report a problem with a pole or low-hanging cable by contacting the Board’s 800 number 1-800624-0241 for all utilities or 1-800-624-0331 for cable television complaints. If a resident is not sure of the type of wire or pole, they may call either number.

Fundraiser Held To Spay And Neuter Strays, Pets OCEAN COUNTY - The principal purpose of Animal Birth Control, a volunteer non-profit established in 1969, is to help reduce the number of unwanted animals by providing financial aid to those that cannot afford to pay the veterinary fees for spaying and neutering as well as helping those who provide TNR (trap-neuter-return) for their community strays.

“We have helped over 2,500 animals this year alone. WE NEED YOUR HELP.....For over 50 years, ABC has been helping fund the spay and neuter of community strays and pets. We are almost out of funds and we desperately need your help. Please help us by donating so we can continue helping the animals.”

A fundraiser selling raffle tickets is going on now. There are three $250 Visa gift cards

to be won. The drawing is on January 19 at 2 p.m. at 519 Monmouth Avenue in Pine Beach.

The winner need not be present. A donation of $2 to attend the drawing is appreciated, but not necessary.

“The single most important thing that we can do to save animals from all the suffering and death that their overpopulation causes, is to spay and neuter them. If you need financial assistance

to help spay and neuter, please call ABC for guidance and funding assistance. Don’t wait until another litter is born or the neighbors complain when they see them multiplying!”

“We are running low on funding and depend on donations in order for us to help assist others with spay and neuter.”

For more information, visit ABC NJ on Facebook or email AnimalBirthControlNJ@gmail.com

Vaccines are the easiest way to protect yourself and others from seasonal illnesses.

OCHD FLU CLINICS • 175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River EVERY MONDAY 11AM-6PM • ALL AGES 6 MONTHS &UP Visit our website at www.ochd.org for more clinic dates!

732-341-9700

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 15

Around The Jersey Shore Buying Local Makes For A Bright Holiday Season TOMS RIVER – Noting that this time of year has some of the biggest economic impact on the local economy and especially small businesses, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari is encouraging residents to shop local during the holiday season.

“When we shop local, we help the backbone of our local economy,” said Vicari, who is liaison to tourism and business development. “We want our business owners to know that we support them.

“Shopping at small, local businesses is a great way to show business owners that we understand how valuable they are to our communities,” he said.

Vicari noted the Ocean County Division of Tourism and Business Development highlights small businesses throughout Ocean County on its social media pages on Instagram and Facebook.

“It’s important that we feature local, small businesses,” Vicari said. “We are building momentum for the season.”

Vicari suggested shoppers check with local chambers of commerce and business associations to find out what might be offered by small businesses in their area.

“Small businesses are truly the heart and soul of our communities,” Vicari said.

“The Ocean County business community was uniquely impacted by the pandemic since tourism and hospitality represent such a high percentage of the economic activity here. Even with the pandemic behind us, it’s vital to our small businesses that we do all we can to patronize them.”

The holiday shopping season is a good time for consumers to tap into all of the great stores throughout Ocean County.

“We have a host of great downtowns, and main streets that are filled with local, small businesses offering up gift ideas,” he said.

Vicari said people can also shop local businesses online.

“I cannot stress enough the importance this holiday season of buying from small, locally owned businesses,” Vicari said.

“Gift cards for restaurants, electronics, clothing, toys, the list is endless. And remember to support other locally owned businesses like dry cleaners and hard-

ware stores.

“These business owners are the ones we turn to when we need help, whether supporting our local charities, a community member in need or during difficult times and our school teams,” Vicari said. “Their economic health is the county’s economic health.”

In addition, shopping local also ensures that if you have a problem, the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs can help.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the Department of Consumer Affairs at 732-929-2105 or visit the Ocean County Website at co.ocean.nj.us.

A Little Bit of Italy Around the Corner

Jackson Square Plaza

REGULAR STORE HOURS

(between Bartley Rd. & Harmony Rd.)

180 N. County Line Road, Jackson

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE: 8am-4pm

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY OPEN NEW YEAR’S EVE: 9am-4pm

CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY

Holiday Meats!

• Standing Prime Rib • Pork Crown Roast • Eye Round Roast Beef • Boneless Loin of Pork • Boneless, Stuffed & Seasoned Loin of Pork • Boneless Stuffed Leg of Lamb • Rack of Lamb • Fresh Ham • Rack of Lamb Crown Roast • Spiral Ham • Bell & Evans Fresh Turkey & Chicken

Hot Buffet (minimum 20 people) *Choice of 3 - $18.99 per person* (choose 1 pasta, 1 vegetable, 1 entree)

*Choice of 5 - $22.99 per person* (choose 2 pastas, 1 vegetable, 2 entrees) * Additional $5 per person for Fish or Veal.

Comes with dinner rolls only.

All Buffets on the 23rd or 24th will be prepared for you to reheat.

PASTAS

Penne Vodka - Stuffed Shells - Manicotti - Baked Ziti Linguini Garlic & Oil - Cavatelli & Broccoli

VEGETABLES

Fun & Games Page 22

Eggplant Parmigiana or Rollatini - Oven Roasted Potatoes Sauteed Broccoli Spears

CHICKEN

Marsala - Parmigiana - Francese

MEATS

Sausage & Peppers - Meatballs - Roast Pork with Gravy Roast Beef with Gravy

FISH

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

P: 732-942-1151 • 732-942-1152

Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm Sunday 8am-4pm

Mussels Marinara - Calamari Marinara - Baked Clams Oreganata

VEAL

Parmigiana - Marsala- Francese

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED

Catering for Christmas & New Year’s Holiday A La Carte Half Tray Serves 10-12 People

PASTAS Penne Vodka.…………………………………$45 Stuffed Shells…………………………………$45 Manicotti……………………………………...$45 Rigatoni Bolognese (Meat Sauce)……………$45 Baked Ziti...……………………………………$45 Cavatelli & Broccoli...………………………… $45 Linguini Clams (red or white).....………………$50 Meat Lasagna.....………………………………$60 Cheese Lasagna.....……………………………$50 CHICKEN Marsala.………………………………………$60 Bella Italia (white wine & mushroom).………$65 Parmigiana.…………………………………...$55 Francese....……………………………………$60 Saltimbocca (Prosciutto, spinach, mozzarella)……..$65 VEAL Marsala.………………………………………$75 Saltimbocca (Prosciutto, spinach, mozzarella)……..$80 Francese....……………………………………$75 Parmigiana.…………………………………...$75 Bella Italia (sundried tomato, mushroom, white wine sauce, topped w/mozzarella)…………………$80 BEEF & PORK Roast Pork with Gravy..………………………$60 Baby Back Ribs……………………….………$70 Sausage & Peppers…………………………...$55 Homemade Meatballs..………………………$50 Roast Beef with Gravy...………………………$60 Steak Marsala (grilled)………………………...$65 Hot or Sweet Sausage w/Broccoli Rabe..……..$60

VEGETABLES Eggplant Parmigiana…………………………$50 Eggplant Rollatini.……………………………$50 Broccoli Rabe Sauteed...……………………...$55 Sauteed String Beans w/Garlic & Oil.………...$45 Stuffed Mushrooms (Oreganata)…………….$50 Stuffed Mushrooms (Sausage)……………….$50 Broccoli Spears (Garlic & Oil)…………………$45 Oven Roasted Potatoes………………………$45 APPETIZERS Mini Rice Balls...………………………………$35 Mini Sicilian Rice Balls.……………….………$40 Potato Croquettes……………………………$40 Prosciutto Balls..………………………………$40 Fried Ravioli..….………………………………$50 Fried Breaded Zucchini Sticks………………..$45 Mozzarella Sticks……………………………...$45 Chicken Fingers (approx. 40 pcs)…………….$60 Artichoke Oreganata………. . ……………….$65 SALAD Baby Green Salad…………………………….$35 Garden Salad.……………….………………...$35 Caesar Salad…………………………………..$35

Holiday Seafood Dishes Half Tray Serves 10-12 People

Baked Clams Oreganata...……………………$55 Seafood Fra Diavolo…….…………………….$75 (shrimps, clams, mussels & calamari) Zuppa Di Pesce ………………………………$75 Filet of Sole (fried or francese) ………….……$65 Shrimp Scampi..………………………………$75 Shrimp Oreganata...…………………………..$75 Seafood Salad...………………priced accordingly (a mix of calamari, scungilli, shrimp with celery & olives) Jumbo Shrimp Salad....………priced accordingly (Jumbo shrimp w/celery, olives, oil and lemon juice) Pulpo Salad ...………………priced accordingly (Tender chunks of octopus with celery, greata olives, garlic & virgin olive oil)

Antipasto

Small Serves 10-12 / Large Serves 15-20 SM LG

Cold Antipasto Platter ………………. . $60… $95 Crudite & Dip ……………….….….…. . $40… $70 Mozzarella & Tomato Platter …………. . $55…$90 Bruschetta Platter. . .…………………… $45…$70 Shrimp Cocktail………………………. . . $80…$145 Assorted Cheese Platter.. ……………… $60…$90 Italian Cold Cut Platter. ..……………… $75…$120 American Cold Cut Platter. ...…………… $65…$95

Wishing You & Your Family A Merry Christmas, & A Happy, Healthy New Year!

Visit our website or call us for the full catering menu: www.bellaitaliajackson.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law Identifying Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates Nursing Home Abuse can take many forms. It can be intentional, visible, obvious or it can be more subtle-abuse through neglect and general lack of care on the part of nursing home staff. Abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or even sexual. Each of these takes a heavy toll on any person, but nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect can be especially hard on the elderly -- some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Whatever form nursing home abuse takes, it is urgent that you and your loved one open a dialogue about this extraordinarily sensitive topic. Communication is necessary to end the abuse and let the healing begin.

The first step in opening a dialogue is identifying suspected abuse. There are many signs of nursing home abuse that you can look for. The first sign you may notice is a change in behavior. The emotional effects that often accompany abuse can manifest as sluggishness or depression, a lack of enthusiasm for things your loved one once enjoyed, or even a loss of interest in visits. The change in attitude can be significant and sudden, or it may be subtle and prolonged. The most important thing is to be observant and notice if the change is taking place on any level.

Of course, it is also possible that signs of abuse will be far more apparent.

Physical signs of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect can take the form of bruises, sores, cuts, scars, or any similar injuries. These may be from simple

accidents, but if there is anything suspicious about the injury, the problem should be addressed immediately. Suspicious signs might include a reluctance to talk about how the injury occurred or claiming not to remember the cause. Even more obvious signs are bedsores which are a common signs of nursing home neglect.

They are painful and, if infected, can be potentially lethal.

Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed.

The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse.

When abuse or neglect are identified or suspected it is important to notify the authorities and contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to discuss your legal rights.

Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of the local authorities and your attorney. Neglect can be just as harmful in the long run as abuse, leading to additional health problems and possibly death. Nursing home abuse isn’t limited to physical abuse; there can also be emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, where an elder is demeaned or humiliated in other ways.

If you think a loved one is the victim of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect, call the trial attorney’s at R.C. Shea & Associates for a free consultation to discuss their rights.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

$6,450

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 17

Around The Jersey Shore State: Dollar General Allegedly Overcharged Customers

Photo by Alyssa Riccardi

By Alyssa Riccardi NEW JERSEY – State officials have announced that Dollar General Corp. has agreed to pay $1.2 million to resolve allegations of overcharging customers.

The Tennessee-based retailer, which has 186 stores in New Jersey, violated New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act (“CFA”) and Weights and Measures Act (“WMA”). According to the State, Dollar General sold a variety of merchandise that scanned at the cash register for higher prices than what was posted on the shelf.

The Division’s Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) pricing inspections of 58 New Jersey stores in November 2022 and February 2023 found more than 2,000 instances in which the price charged at the register for a particular product was higher than the posted price, in some cases as much as $5.95 higher.

“New Jersey, under the leadership of Governor Murphy, has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting consumers from unfair practices that disproportionately burden low- and moderate-income New Jerseyans,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “This settlement advances those efforts by imposing a significant civil penalty against a national retailer for engaging in pricing practices that deceived and defrauded New Jersey residents.”

Prior OWM inspections of Dollar General stores statewide from 2018 to 2022 have led to a total of $43,678 in assessed fines against the retailer for pricing violations.

“Dollar General claims to provide everyday essentials at affordable prices in communities often underserved by other retailers, but time and time again the chain has been caught overcharging customers through deceptive pricing tactics,” said

Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “New Jersey is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in its marketplace. Today we hold Dollar General accountable for disregarding our consumer protection laws and unlawfully boosting its profits at the expense of consumers who can least afford it.”

In addition to paying a $1.18 million civil penalty and reimbursing the Division’s investigative costs and attorney’s fees, the settlement requires Dollar General to make changes to its business practices to prevent future violations.

Those changes, contained in a Consent Order filed with the Division, require Dollar General to: • Comply with all applicable state and federal laws and not engage in any unconscionable business practices or pricing violations as prohibited by the CFA and the WMA. • Ensure that all employees in New Jersey Dollar General stores who have pricing responsibilities participate in pricing training within 90 days of this agreement.

• Conduct internal audits for a period of three years, such that each New Jersey Dollar General store is audited at least once a year and that an audit revealing overcharge errors in more than 2% of the products sampled at any one store shall constitute a failed audit.

• Within ten business days of a failed audit, submit to the Division the report of the failed audit and a corrective action plan describing how Dollar General intends to prevent future pricing inaccuracies at the store location that failed the audit.

• Retain all reports and records of every internal employee training session and every internal audit for a period of three years and provide them to the Division upon request.

Fill-A-Truck Toy Drive JACKSON – Come see Santa on December 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Shoprite Plaza at the Annual Fill-A-Truck Toy Drive

hosted by Jackson Township Police and Fire. Come see Santa and make donations of Toys for those in need!

RC R.C.SHEA S

&ASSOCIATES COUNSELLORS AT LAW

HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT OR ON THE JOB? AUTO ACCIDENT, SLIP & FALL, DOG BITES, PRODUCT LIABILITY, MEDICAL MALPRACTICE AND WORKER’S COMPENSATION SERIOUS LEGAL MATTERS REQUIRE SERIOUS AND EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

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GREAT RATES FOR BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADS! NUMEROUS DISCOUNT PACKAGES AVAILABLE! FOR DETAILS, CALL 732-657-7344 TODAY! Please Check Your Ad The First Week It’s Scheduled To Run For Insertion & Accuracy.

Micromedia will not be responsible for errors occurring in an ad beyond the f irst week if we are not notif ied of the error.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 19

CLASSIFIEDS Misc.

Like To Support/Help Out A Small Family headed by a single mother. I am an old man. Tel. nuimber is 732983-1426, in Ocean County.

(52)

Estate Sale Brick - Estate Sale, December 16, 2023. 95 Brick Circle, Brick NJ. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(52)

For Sale Craftsman Table - 4 feet long, height 34 inches, 4 drawers and 1 large cabinet on left side. Wooden macinest tool box, 5 small drawers and 2 long drawers, all drawers have machine tools. 732-849-0003. (52)

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, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid.

Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n) Coins Wanted - I will buy all U.S. coins minted prior to 1965. Bill Nila The Coin Man 732-477-7225. (52) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Reggae, Blues, Jazz. Also buying Comic Books . Call Rick 908-616-7104. (t/n) CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (44) 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 - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc.

Call 917-681-6809. (t/n) 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) Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM Records. - R&B, doo wop, soul, early rock & roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call between 8AM and 8PM 909-938-4623.

(1)

Help Wanted Need Daytime Help For Personal Care - For elderly woman living at home, Manchester.

Female wanted, experience preferred. 732-998-6469.

(52)

Help Wanted Micromedia Publications is looking for a high-energy account rep to sell print and online advertising in Ocean County. Competitive base, bonuses & company benefits.

Successful applicant should possess good communication skills & a desire to grow with the company.

E-Mail resumes to jallentoff@jersey shoreonline.com. EOE. (t/n) R.C. Shea and Associates is seeking to hire a paralegal with civil/commercial litigation experience as well as an administrative assistant. Pay and benefits commensurate with experience. Please call Pam Williams, office manager at (732) 505-1212 or email at pwilliams@rcshea.com (t/n) Seeking Responsible Individual With Good Phone Skills - Experience In Hvac & Permits A Plus. Filing/Answering Phones/ Scheduling/Permits/Ordering Parts/ Customer Service. Great Work Environment. $15/Hour 7:30 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Paid Holidays. Call Care Temp Heating & AC at 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n) Bus Driver NEEDED! - Flexible Scheduling. Perfect for Retiree in Retirement Community. CDL w/ Passenger endorsement required. Call SilverWoods Clubhouse for more information at 732-341-4825. (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) Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n) PART-TIME BUS DRIVERS Wanted for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District: Pay Rate $20/hour. CDL License required, must have (B), (P) & (S) Endorsements. Daily transport of students on field trips in and/or out of State and job shadowing trips. NO PEDDLE RUNS. EOE. Please email resume to ecrawford@ocvts.org or call Ed Crawford at 732-473-3100 ext. 3110. (4) Experienced Receptionist in Adult Community. M-F $15 per hour start 12/15. Verbal, written communication, organization, time management, skills a must. Knowledge of business/ office equipment. Minimum HS Diploma, references required. Contact 732-244-8686 ext. 219.

(51) Full Time Housekeepers Magnolia Gardens - Family owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill full, and partime housekeeping positions. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (52) Dental Assistant - (Toms River, NJ) Under the supvn of the dentist, the Dental Assistant will be tasked with prep'g patients for dental treatment, incl welcoming, comforting, seating, & draping them; assisting the dentist during treatment at the chairside by handing instruments & materials & providing suction; informing patients about the procedures; taking dental photographs, incl w/ intra-oral cameras; maintaining accurate patient records; managing incoming & outgoing dental supplies; keeping track of apptmt scheds. HS Deg & 24 mos exp in the job is reqd. Send resume to David Basar, President, Advanced Dental Smile P.C., 224 NJ 37 E, Toms River, NJ 08753.

(52)

B2B Services

Services

Services

Services

SalesTeamStaffing.com A highly specialized, NJ based recruiting agency for companies seeking the top Sales Professionals in their field. Add significantly to your bottom line. Phone: 201-815-2636 Email: Reps@SalesTeamStaffing. com (Guaranteed Results).

(2)

ALLAmerican Home Health Aides Experienced experts in the field of trauma and recovery. Holistic approach to healing-nutrition, physical therapy, and quality of life improvements. Hourly or live in.

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

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed.

Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-791-2033 or visit dorranceinfo.com/micro. (t/n)

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)

Services Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n) Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n) CHEAP PAINTING Done RITE Free est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n) Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates.

Kerry 732-606-2725.

(42) APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations, decks, finished basements and much more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (52) Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-833-901-0309. (t/n) PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n) Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention.

Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n) MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home maintenance needs. $ave.

Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800.

(46) Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n) Learn To Play The - Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums, from a NJ State Certified Teacher of Instrumental Music, in your home! Call 732-3504427 for more information.

(50) Brazilian House Cleaner Available - Good References and Free estimate! All Ocean area. 732966-5142, Lucia.

(52) DIRECTV Sports Pack - 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213. (t/n)

Painting - Special Fall Pricing.

Interior/Exterior. Meticulous work.

All materials and jobs guaranteed. Fully licensed and insured. $ave. Call 732-850-5060.

(47) THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. Call Charlie 732-2163176 or Email: cr@exit109.com.

References. Let's Go! (t/n)

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

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

NO JOB TOO SMALL! (20)

Handyman Solutions. All Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry •Doors •Windows •Bathrooms •Kitchen •Tile •Flooring •Decks •Vinyl Railings •Masonry •Drywall •Painting •Electric •Plumbing •More.

Licensed. Insured. Emergency Service Available. 609-384-9030.

(3)

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

• Items Wanted

• For Rent

• Auto For Sale

• Help Wanted

• Real Estate

• Items For Sale

• Services

• Other

clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within 2. Print ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

1

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

Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

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

Total = $ must run over the requested weeks.

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS info. below:

Credit Card#

Exp.

Cardholder Signature: Print Name:

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

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

Or visit jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

6. PHONE NUMBER

(THIS IS REQUIRED)

Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (Ads will run the Saturday of that week)

If you have any questions, please call Ali at 732-657-7344 ext. 203.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

Photo Of The Week

Local resident Jennifer Morris sent in this great shot she likes to call “Forked River Landscapes.” Isn’t the Jersey Shore picturesque? Have a pic you want to share with our readers? Want to win a prize too? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may get lucky!

Holiday House Decorating Contest

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – The Jackson Education Foundation is promoting its first Holiday Decorating Contest throughout community.

Foundation President Tina Kas said there are two ways to participate and the first includes decorating your house with lights and accessories and join the contest for best-decorated house/yard. “The participation fee of $20 will get your house on the ballot. Register by Dec. 10 and have your decorations ready by Dec. 15.”

“We will have amateur (do it yourself) and professionally-decorated categories. The winner of each category will receive a $250 Shoprite gift card in January,” she added.

The second way is “to feed our souls and

minds: A $5 participation fee is requested to receive a ballot with the addresses of participating houses, ($2.50 will be donated to the Jackson Food Pantry and $2.50 will go to the Jackson Education Foundation for our teachers and students).”

“Ballots with addresses will be emailed to you by Dec 16. Drive around town admiring the wonderful decorations, and then place your vote for your favorite. You will be able to drive and vote anytime between Dec. 16 and Dec. 31,” she added.

Kas said funds raised will be used to support Jackson students through scholarships, grants, and more. Those seeking additional information can e-mail grants@jacksoneducationfoundation.org

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

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New Councilman Welcomed By County Officials Bob Vosseller JACKSON – A new member of the Township Council who was recently appointed to fill a vacant seat, received a warm welcome from several county officials and a party chairman during a special meeting of the council.

The primary purpose of that meeting was to determine who among the applicants who sought to fill the vacant seat of Councilman Martin Flemming who resigned in October, would get the job.

The Council had 30 days to fill that spot.

That seat was ultimately filled with Jackson GOP Club President and Planning Board member Mordechai Burnstein.

During this meeting, Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn made the motion for Burnstein’s nomination which was followed

by Councilman Scott Sargent’s second.

Council Vice President Nino Borrelli nominated Jeffrey Riker for the spot.

It was noted by Kuhn and legal counsel that the vote on the f loor concerning Burnstein’s motion had to be taken first.

Borrelli and Chisholm voted against Burnstein.

Per state regulations, Mayor Michael Reina was able to break the tie and voted in favor of Burnstein who was sworn in soon after by Township Clerk Mary Moss.

“I want to thank my colleagues Councilwoman Kuhn, Councilman Sargent and Mayor Reina for showing faith in me in giving me the opportunity to serve the residents of the township. I look forward to hopefully earn the respect and the ability to work with all my colleagues here on council over the next year,” Burnstein said.

He acknowledged the presence of Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore who was in the room along with Ocean County Commissioners Virginia Haines, Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea and Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy “and all my friends and family who are here or are watching online. I want to work for all of Jackson Township and make everyone proud.”

Councilwoman Kuhn added similar sentiments and also noted Commissioner Gary Quinn was also present. “I also wanted to thank the nine residents of Jackson who took the time to submit their applications to be considered for the vacant council seat.

I had the pleasure of interviewing each and every one of them.”

Kuhn congratulated Burnstein and made a motion for him to become the council liaison to the planning board which was seconded by Sargent. Kuhn noted that there was a vacancy concerning that. “It needs to be filled and he’s already there. I think it would be appropriate.”

Borrelli voted against her motion but Chisholm, Kuhn and Sargent voted yes. It was determined by legal counsel that Burnstein himself could also vote on the motion

The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 21 and he also voted in the affirmative.

Mayor Reina thanked the dignitaries who came out from the county. “It is always a pleasure seeing you and it is a nice surprise.

I think it has been 48 hours since I saw you Mr. Chairman.”

“I want to thank all the people who put in their resumes. I did read them all. It takes a lot to sit up here and go about the business of the town on a daily basis and I think this council now will be lock step and we

will move forward and continually make Jackson progress where it needs to go,” the mayor added.

Borrelli also thanked those who submitted their resumes.

Chisholm congratulated Burnstein adding, “thank you to all the residents who did put their names out there and several of you are already serving the town in some capacity and I hope you will continue to do that. We are certainly in need of volunteers

for all of these boards and committees that we have.”

“Several of you are not currently serving but I feel you would be a good fit and I spoke to a couple of the candidates and I think there are some open spots on a couple of those boards and committees and I certainly hope you get more involved and you will consider taking a spot on one of those committees and I look forward to speaking to you further,” the Council President added.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 22, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Where to hear cutting remarks?

6 Tiff 10 “The one over there” 14 “Gotta run!”

15 Sharpen 16 Corned beef __ 17 There’s an element of doubt to it?

19 Crazy about 20 Prosecco kin 21 Start to matter?

22 Sing smoothly 23 There’s an element of romance to it?

26 Increased 29 Carving of a Polynesian god 30 “Hips Don’t __”: Shakira hit 31 “Yikes!”

33 Nana alternative 37 __ pressure 39 Keebler baker 41 Gazpacho, por ejemplo

42 Fla. coastal city 45 “The Daily Show” correspondent Lydic 48 Fellows 49 __ Bradley bags 51 If nothing else 53 There’s an element of mystery to it?

57 Leg joints 58 Target on a putting green 59 “Got it” 63 Walkman descendant 64 There’s an element of humor to it?

66 Course catalog?

67 Father of Eros 68 Shoyu flavor 69 Cold spell 70 Action at the track 71 Analyze grammatically Down 1 Dancer/YouTube star JoJo __ 2 Reddit Q&A sessions

3 Ann Taylor __ 4 One end of some commutes 5 Org. with Giants and Titans 6 Tibia 7 Coastal city on the Iberian Peninsula 8 Choose, as a successor 9 Uniform number for Sue Bird 10 Decade that is less than a decade away 11 Location of Hoan Kiem Lake 12 __ Martin: British car 13 Flip-flop 18 Habitat for humanity 22 Celebratory slice 24 Big fuss 25 __ sum: bite-sized Chinese fare 26 Range for yodelers?

27 Nutrition regimen 28 Profound 32 Outdated 34 NYC home of Frida

Kahlo’s “Self-Portrait With Cropped Hair” 35 Chimps and gorillas 36 Desire 38 Really got going 40 Like skeleton racers, seemingly 43 Some concert merch 44 Mistakenly hit reply all, e.g.

46 Trusty mount 47 __ de la Cit : Paris landmark 50 On dry land 52 Puzzle 53 Leafs (through) 54 How contracts are usually signed 55 “Bleeding Love” singer Lewis 56 Cleaner sold in green canisters 60 Rocket 61 Shady bunch?

62 Singer Brickell 64 Taxi 65 “You betcha”

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SOLUTIONS

SU DOK U

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Jumble: FLOSS CRAZY INTAKE OCTANE - STAY CLEAR OF IT

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The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023, Page 23

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF DEC 9 - DEC 15

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may need to put the pedal to the metal this week to make progress within your job or career. You can address all the essentials and then enjoy some guilt-free relaxation or partake in some seasonal cheer.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Now may be the time to welcome something new with open arms. Do your best to adapt to a changing timetable that can impact established plans. Someone might bring you some advice or compel you to ponder some cosmic truths.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Tis the season where you may be searching your soul for answers to universal questions. Surround yourself with dependable friends who choose to take the most honorable routes.

Trust could be on your mind right now.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your people skills could be in high demand due to your cleverness with the details that may require thoughtful organization. Your daily balancing act with family and job-related obligations can be smoothly coordinated.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Important projects that may have been on hold for one reason or the other could start to move forward. You might need to operate under time constraints so do your best to be prepared to act quickly when needed.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Communications could run smoother than usual so now might be a fantastic time to contact friends and discuss upcoming plans. The clever ideas you have gathered can upgrade a family gathering or spark a creative project.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Someone could praise you for keeping up your end of your bargains. It could feel like a juggling act sometimes to balance what you need with what others expect. Do your best to show your loyalty when possible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A to do list can come in handy right now so you do not forget key details during the busiest days. Financial matters may need your attention and it might be wise to reexamine your budget, bills, or investment portfolio.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You may need to rearrange your schedule to fit in some upcoming vacation days or make room for additional appointments. You might need to shelve a home project that could take too much time to complete for now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Taking a gamble could end up being profitable. If you examine your passions and you may be able to pinpoint that path that can bring you happiness. Listen to your heart to make the best use of your time.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Careful planning can help you see the best course to make better use of your finances.

You could find discounts on daily necessities or find ways to be more economical by talking to people with expertise to share.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A creative project could benefit from some contemplation in a quiet place. Rely on your gut instincts after you have gathered all the facts. You might be on the right track even if someone doubts it, trust in yourself.

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THIS WEEKNIGHT COMBO IS EASY, PROTEINPACKED AND NOT AT ALL PREDICTABLE

By America’s Test Kitchen

ORECCHIETTE AND NAVY BEANS WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND SPICY MUSTARD BREAD CRUMBS Serves 4

2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/8 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon table salt, divided, plus salt for cooking pasta Pinch cayenne pepper 8 ounces orecchiette 2 slices bacon, chopped fine 10 ounces Brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved, and sliced thin 1 (15-ounce) can navy beans, undrained 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/3 cup sour cream 1. Bring 2 quarts water to boil in a large saucepan.

While water is coming to boil, combine oil, panko,

mustard, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and cayenne in a 12inch nonstick skillet. Cook overmedium-high heat, stirring frequently, until panko is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool completely (do not wash skillet).

2. Add pasta and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to boiling water and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water and drain pasta. Return pasta to pot and cover to keep warm.

3. While pasta is cooking, cook bacon in the now-emptyskillet overmedium-high heat, stirring frequently, until crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel to drain, leaving fat in the skillet.

4. Add Brussels sprouts, 1 tablespoon water, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir to coat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until sprouts are crisp-tenderand bright green, about 4 minutes. Stir in beans and theirliquid, 1/4 cup reserved cooking water,vinegar,andpepperandcookuntilbubbling.

5. Add Brussels sprout mixture and sour cream to pasta and stir until all ingredients are combined.

Adjust consistency with remaining reserved cooking water as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide among four shallow bowls. Sprinkle bread crumbs and bacon over pasta. Serve.

(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) 2023 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

George S. Hassler Funeral Home George S. Hassler, Owner & Director, NJ Lic. No. 3193 Brian T. Hassler, Manager, NJ Lic. No. 4054

Celebrating 45 Years of Serving the Community Family Owned & Operated Since 1978 Second Generation Serving All Faiths with Personal Service Traditional Burial & Cremation Options

Prearrangement and Prepayment Plans Available 980 Bennetts Mills Road • PO Box 1326 Jackson, NJ 08527 Tel: 732.364.6808 | Fax: 732-364-8592 www.hasslerfuneralhome.com • contact@hasslerfuneralhome.com

Page 24, The Jackson Times, December 9, 2023

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