2024-01-06 - The Jackson Times

The JACKSON Times Vol. 20 - No. 29

In This Week’s Edition

MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS

JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM

Jackson Starts New Year With New Council Leadership

BREAKING NEWS @

Photos by Bob Vosseller

jerseyshoreonline.com

(From left)Councilman Scott Sargent is sworn in by Mayor Michael Reina as Township Clerk Mary Moss holds the Bible during the Jackson Township reorganization meeting. Jennifer Kuhn takes the oath of office in her new role as Council President.

Government Pages 7

Community News Pages 6-11

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12

Classifieds Page 19

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – A new ye a r bega n for t he governing body and town staff but some of the issues of 2023 were still seen during t h e r e o r g a n i z a t io n meeting.

Reorganizations are held at the beginning of every year. It’s a time to appoint new professionals and volunteers, and take time to reflect.

The meeting featured a strong presence

from several political dignitaries who came out to the meeting including Ocean County Commissioner Virginia Haines, Commissioner-elect Frank Sadeghi, Sheriff Micha el Ma st ron a rdy and County Republican Chairman George Gilmore. Also present were state representatives, 30 th Legislative District Senator Owen Henry and Assemblymen Alex Sauickie, (a former Jackson Coun-

cilman) and Rober t Clifton.

Mayor Michael Reina thanked the officials for coming and showing their support to the township and said he was looking forward to a positive and productive new year.

As there were no new council members to swear in this year, the first order of business was to select a council president and council vice president for the

all- GOP panel. The council president runs the meetings and sets the agenda. The nomination came up for Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn, who joined the council last year.

Cou ncilman Nino Borrelli voted against Ku h n’s nom i n at ion while Cou ncilmen Mordechai Burnstein, Steve Chisholm and Scott Sargent voted for her.

She introduced Justin, (Reorg- See Page 4)

January 6, 2024

Mayor Predicts Progress In 2024

By Bob Vosseller JACK SON – T he t ow n s h i p r e c e n t l y completed an interesting year filled with change, settling old lawsuits, finalizing a major recreation plan and expanding various mu n icipal se r v ice s but Township Mayor Michael Reina said more positive things are coming in 2024.

In an interview with The Jackson Times, the mayor said, “we have to move forward, one of the reasons I chose that slogan (du r i ng his 2022 re-election campaign) was that no matter what, we have to move forward. We did what we had to do and 2022 is over and what walled off into 2023 didn’t let that stop us from making the town a better place to live.”

“In 2024 we’re going to make it even better for everyone,” the mayor added. He

noted a number of enhancements to public safety such as a motorcycle unit and the reformation of a K-9 unit for the township p ol ice de pa r t me nt.

“These are all facets for public safety that I believe will enhance Jackson’s police department to the next level.”

Mayor Reina added, “we’ve always been concerned with that ( public safet y). We made sure the funding was in place. There is a lot of good stuff going on.”

L o ok i ng ba ck t o 2023, the mayor reflected on last spring’s tornados that touched down in several places in town, and thanked the township personnel who responded.

It wa s a l s o a ye a r with disag reements between the all-Republ ica n Tow n sh ip Council members. On (Mayor- See Page 4)

Assemblyman Hired To Run Town

Photo by Bob Vosseller The “In God We Trust” symbol is in town hall. Some audience members approved of it while some found some of the design features confusing.

By Bob Vosseller PLUMSTED - The Township Committee moved to hire a fulltime business ad minist rator during their last meeting of 2023.

The business administrator basically runs the day-to-day operations of the town.

Township Clerk Jennifer Witham served that role in a part-time capacity in recent years. Previously, Committeeman Dominick Cuozzo had promoted the idea of the township returning to have a full-time

township business administrator.

That subject had dropped but returned during a December 28 Committee meeting.

Mayor Robert Bowen voted against the resolution. Deputy Mayor Herb Marinari said, “this is one of the most difficult votes I have ever made. My vote is going to be yes, only because, I know that this lady sitting beside of me (Witham) deserves more than she is getting right now and my hope is that she takes care of

herself. Committeeman Leonard Grilletto voted yes “with regret.”

Cuozzo and Committeeman Michael Hammerstone also voted to make the business administrator a separate position.

Greg Myhre who served as mayor of Stafford was voted in for that position a few days later during the Township’s New Year’s Day reorganization meeting. He will perform the full-time job along with serving as the new 9th (Town- See Page 4)

Local News, Events & Advertising Solutions

Page 2, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 3

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 4, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

Reorg:

Continued From Page 1 a young member of her family “and future Republican” who held the Bible as she took the oath of office as council president administered by Mayor Michael Reina Sargent was then nominated to serve as vice council president by Burnstein and seconded by Kuhn. The vote repeated the same with Borrelli voting no and the other members voting yes.

Reina administered the oath of office to Sargent.

“I am honored to be here, although there is a lot of work to be done. I look forward for all of us to work together along w it h t he a d m i n ist r at ion a nd Mayor Reina. We all need to protect this great town and move it forward,” the new council president said during the public comment period.

Kuhn noted the council’s appointments to citizen boards stating, “our open space, economic development

Mayor:

Continued From Page 1 the positive side, there was also continued progress with land preservation and recreational plans for the Rova Farm property.

“In 2023, I think everybody turned a new leaf, meaning regardless of disappointments or not what you thought was going to happen politically, I think the town still benefitted from it because instead of what some people viewed as divisions or a divide, no matter what, things got done,” Reina said.

The mayor said, “lawsuits are being settled. A lot of good has come out of it and through it all we have done a lot of good stuff in lieu of all these so-called issues. Who’s not talking to this one and personal business aside - we have business to do and you can’t let that get in the way of the work. The oath you have taken is to serve all whether they supported you or not.”

“That is something we take pride in,” Mayor Reina added. “Right now, the township financially is in great shape.

Once these lawsuits are settled, which they basically are, you look forward - you don’t look behind you - we are

Town:

Continued From Page 1 District Assemblyman replacing fellow Republican DiAnne Gove.

“In God We Trust” During a portion of the meeting where members of the gover ning body can speak about any topic, Grilletto noted a

and public safety are prime examples of how we will bring more residents of Jackson together to help better connect the work of council and our community. I am committed as council president to have each of these committees meet regularly and to engage with as many residents as possible.”

Sargent remarked, “I want to thank Michael Reina for swearing me in this evening. His leadership has been unmatched and I want to thank Jennifer Ku h n and Mordechai Bu r nstein for working so hard to try and get Jackson where they want it to be and where I’d like to see it go as well.”

Borrelli said, “it is nice to see our residents and our elected county officials here tonight. I want to thank you for being here and coming to Jackson. To the residents of Jackson, I am honored and than kf ul to be ser ving as you r councilman and appreciative of serving as council vice president last year and I will continue to do what is in the best interests of all Jackson residents.”

He also thanked Chisholm and the

members of the Rova Park Advisory Committee for their work and the time they devoted to reser ve the historic property and “providing the vision for making Rova Farm Park happen.”

Burnstein congratulated Kuhn on becoming council president and Sargent as vice council president “and of course Mayor Reina. I am honored to work with you. Jackson is in great hands.

Cou ncilwoma n Ku h n is one of t he most hardest working people I’ve met since I became working in government for the last several months and along with Council Vice President Sargent and serving on various boards, I know we will continue to see great things in Jackson. We have a lot planned for the future of Jackson.”

“We very much appreciate all the residents who applied for various boards. I was very impressed by the knowledge and vision that ever yone shared and I look for ward to our utilizing all that talent going for ward. Jackson is the gateway to the enti re cou nt y and I want to thank everyone for coming and

showing your support. The room here is full of energy and excitement,” the councilman added.

Chisholm said, “we might as well start the new year on the right foot as some of you may have heard the news today King Phillip (NJ Gover nor Phil Murphy) has a conundrum. There were busloads of people dropped off who don’t belong in our countr y. They are being dropped off in New Jersey and shifted to New York. Bad polices on the federal and state level trickle down and they will affect Jackson.”

Chishol m was refer r ing to im mig r a nt s seek i ng a sylu m who were transported from the border to resettle to var ious areas of the count r y but with little to no preparation for their living conditions or orientation into the United States.

He also cong r at u lat ed Ku h n a nd Sargent in their new leadership roles on council and noted it was “an honor serving as council president last year and serving all of you. God bless you all and god bless America.”

going to make this town a little more friendly on the outside. People think there is all this division between new residents and old residents, it’s not like that.”

“You speak to people on the street, they aren’t the people who come to the microphone (at Township Council meeting public comment periods) unfortunately. It is usually the same people who turn around and tell you that we have problems with this we have problems with that and no, you are not involved in the way you think you are.”

“Social media, you see how that rolls whenever you read that and say ‘I read it on social media.’ Well that’s not true,” he added.

Mayor Reina said the township is still looking at acquiring more open space land. “We did a land swap and were able to move things into areas that were better suited, warehousing for instance.

People looking into bringing in warehouses and now they are seeing the big picture. Warehouses do not work well with school buses.”

“We are doing more with our senior services. We put most of our permits and everything you do are online now.

We’ve come into the 21st century with

the programing. We are more in touch with the public than ever before. The stream of information that we provide on our website and to our offices and departments has never been clearer or easier to navigate,” the mayor added.

Mayor Reina said, “we have all these measures in place to make it easier to get information and to have things done. We are looking at the Department of Public Works and looking to expand that. Currently there is a study underway with all our buildings to see whether or not we can make them larger, expand them or basically tear them down and build a bigger building where it will be one-stop shopping.”

The mayor also touched on public recreation with the Rova Farms property that will be christened in the spring and enhancements to Rova Park that “will give the public more places to enjoy.

Hopefully we will see something with the hotels by Great Adventure. All our fields have been rejuvenated and they all had brand new turf installed” “On a positive side. I think we are growing quicker, more efficient than ever before and more user friendly. The positivity in Jackson is a lot more than people will give it credit for because of some of the things on social media and

that is why we always say, you want to come to a meeting and ask a question that is fine or give us a call reach out to us and set up a meeting with me or the administrator (Terence Wall) or both and we could introduce you to a department head who could answer all your questions,” the mayor added.

“Get the information right from the source. Ever ything we do is citizen oriented. There is nothing for us to hide from. I think we have the best of the best considering the size of the town.

We are even getting complimented on leaf collection. We still have to deal with the pending snow storms that are predicted but we are 100 square miles,” he noted.

Mayor Reina said, “we saw a drastic change post Covid, people don’t want to get in a large setting anymore as far as some of the Board meetings that we have, they would rather either Zoom it or just collect electronic correspondence.”

“I tell this to the public all the time, you don’t have to wait for a meeting to get an answer, our e-mails and office phone numbers are published. We are an accessible government. You want a meeting with the mayor, administrator or council member I assure you no one will reject that,” the mayor said.

winner was chosen for the “In God We Trust.” It was added to the wall behind the dais in time for the reorganization meeting.

The winner received 40 plus votes out of the three finalists. “The vote for the two others were in the single digits,” Township Public Information Officer Alan Drucker said.

Deputy Mayor Marinari commended

Drucker commended for his work in getting the word out to the public and the news media about township events and other information concerning the township.

officials.

Cuozzo noted that there had been an agreement two years ago to have steps added concerning police salaries.

“The step up, I think on the eighth level, already goes past the salary ordinance so in order to comply with the agreement we made with the unions we have to increase the salary ordinance for the police officers,” he said.

Police Salary The governing body voted to approve on second reading an ordinance that established salaries for various township

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 5

Officers To Train At Newly Bought Shooting Range

By Stephanie Faughnan LITTLE EGG HARBOR - Weeks before the ink dried on the ordinance approving its purchase, whispers of Ocean County’s intentions to acquire Shooters Sporting Center on Route 539 had already begun to ripple through the local community.

The news brought in a steady stream of patrons to the facility as 2023 came to an end.

The air buzzed with the rhythmic crackle of gunfire and the scent of gunpowder. While some braced themselves for their final rounds on the firing range, others milled about the retail store.

Four of the five Ocean County Commissioners voted to approve the $10.5 million purchase of Shooters as a dedicated training facility for local law enforcement agencies on December 20, 2023. Commissioner Jack Kelly, though supportive, recused himself from the vote because of a past business tie with Shooters’ Managing Director, Tom Gormley.

To finance the acquisition, the ordinance passed by the commissioners also authorized the issuance of $9.9 million in bonds or bond anticipation notes. With the purchase agreement and funding secured, authorities expect the deal to be finalized by the end of January 2024. This paves the way for the transformation of Shooters into a state-of-the-art law enforcement training facility.

“For the past ten years since I took office,

finding a range for our officers to qualify has been a constant struggle,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy. “The lack of one has cost us in both money and efficiency.”

Several challenges plagued the search for a suitable law enforcement training range.

Finding land that met safety and zoning requirements, particularly within environmental regulations set by the State Department of Environmental Protection and Pinelands Commission, proved difficult.

The emergence of Shooters Sporting Center on the market in August 2023 presented a rare opportunity to overcome these hurdles.

Mastronardy pointed out that of county employees alone, approximately 500 officers need regular firearms training and qualifications. This includes 170 from the sheriff’s office, over 200 from the county jail, and the balance from the prosecutor’s office.

The acquisition marks the end of a logistical headache for county law enforcement agencies, eliminating the need for last-minute scrambles to secure training facilities and significantly reducing overtime costs.

A survey of Ocean County police chiefs also identified a significant demand for a firearms training facility for local law enforcement agencies.

“We determined that 1,426 officers need to shoot twice a year, and that’s just with their handguns,” said Mastronardy. “We

have another 200 recruits at the Academy that also have to shoot.”

Over 20 of the county’s 31 police departments have already indicated they plan to participate in the use of the range once it opens up to law enforcement. The acquisition has also attracted the attention of outside sources, such as the state police and transit police, who have expressed an interest in the training facility.

Commissioner Gary Quinn said that making the facility available to outside agencies could be a potential revenue source to supplement the acquisition cost. He also shared an additional consideration.

“We’re hoping to provide this service at no cost to the local police departments,” said Quinn. “The Sheriff did some background work for me and determined that Atlantic County has a (police) range they don’t utilize on weekends. They open it up to the public during that time, so they come in and meet the requirements they need to qualify.”

Quinn said Ocean County is looking at a similar scenario with a nominal charge assessed to non-law enforcement officers looking to use the range. This will not go into effect until after operations have been finalized.

“We’re working with the Sheriff on a plan to have it in place before we take over the site,” Quinn said. “We are planning on retaining some of the people the current owner has in place because of

Shooters Retail Store While the echoes of guns hitting targets ceased fire on the last day of 2023, the retail store within the range remains open.

It is slated for a nostalgic relocation back to its original home at 218 Main Street in West Creek.

Brielle Hoffacker, the current Shooters store manager, is taking the helm as the new owner of “Shooters Hardware.” To ease the transition and show appreciation for its loyal customers, Shooters Hardware will be honoring all existing Shooters gift cer tif icates, layaways, repairs/warranties, and pending firearm transactions. Relocation is expected sometime this month.

We Service & Install All Makes & Models

FREE ESTIMATES

Replacements & New Install of Heating & Air Conditioning Units

their qualifications. We have to ensure we have the right people who know how to run things and keep it to the standards the former owner has kept over the years.

He’s done a fantastic job.”

Beyond the immediate purpose of a law enforcement training facility, the 26-acre property presents a significant opportunity for future county development. With only 6 acres currently utilized, the remaining land holds potential for additional public buildings and infrastructure, offering flexibility for long-term growth.

Authorities believe that the acquisition acts as an additional resource as far as a presence in Southern Ocean County.

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

732-349-1448 • www.caretemp.com

MENTION JACKSON TIMES & RECEIVE ADDITIONAL SAVINGS!

Central Air Conditioning • Boilers • Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Water Heaters • Tankless Water Heaters Oil/Gas/Propane Conversions • Air Cleaners • Attic Fans • Humidifiers • Tune-Ups • Service Plans

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

FREE

HEAT MAINTENANCE

CONTRACT

(FOR NEW CUSTOMERS) Call for details.

$500 OFF

Gas Conversion

$25 OFF $150 OFF SERVICE CALL

(with repair made while there) Not valid after 4pm on weekdays or on weekend services. Coupon must be presented at time of service. Expires Jan. 31, 2024.

$100 OFF

Tankless Gas Hot Water System

OR

$50 OFF

Gas Hot Water Heater

Central A/C &/OR

Gas Boiler/Furnace

Replacement

$250 OFF

New Install of Air Conditioning or Heating System

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

Coupons do not expire, except service call coupon.

AWARD-WINNING COMPANY NJ HIC #: 13VH02253000

Fred Paprocky, Master HVACR Contractor Lic#: 19HC00878000 Michael Battaglio Electric, NJ Electrical LIC #: 17909 A-Jay Plumbing, NJ Plumbing LIC #: 12661

*FINANCING AVAILABLE*

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 6, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

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

Resident Donates Quilts To Children’s Hospital

Photo courtesy Jackson Police JACKSON – Sgt. Michael Grochwoski and P.O. Thomas Parise of the Jackson Township Police Department made a much-appreciated delivery to Centre State Hospital in Freehold.

Mary Ann Campagna, who is a resident

of Jackson, made all of these quilts in her spare time. She then in turn donated them for the children who were admitted to the hospital during the holidays.

Such a selfless act and so kind! Thank you so much Mary Ann!

Groundhog Day Jaunt JACKSON – Celebrate the day with an easy 3.0 mile walk on sand roads through uplands forest. Great hike for family and friends with kids, 10 years old and up.

Come meet on February 2 at 1 p.m. out f r o n t o f t h e Fo r e s t R e s o u r c e Education Center, 495 Don Con nor P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

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

Vice President/COO

Distribution Manager

Jason Allentoff

Laura Hoban

News Editor

Assistant News Editor

Sales Manager

Chris Lundy

Bob Vosseller

Lorrie Toscano

Production Manager

Graphic Artist

Layout Designer

Allison Gradzki

Adriana Miranda

Julia Wilkens

Send your news tips, copy & letters to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

Published Weekly Copyright by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All material printed in The Times’ is copyrighted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. unless otherwise noted. The reproduction of the contents, in full or in part, is prohibited, unless permission is granted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Boulevard, Jackson.

Pre-registration only, accepted on first-come basis. Accepting 25 people per hike. Registration is free. Please remember to cancel if unable to attend.

Register at: eventbrite.com/o/forest-resource-education-center-31858983647.

$6,450

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 7

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

The State Of The State Capitol Comments Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

TRENTON - As this column will likely be published just days before Gov. Murphy delivers the annual State of the State address, I thought it would be a good time to take my own look at how things are going in our state.

All in all, I’d have to say that New Jersey’s current state is: precarious. More on that later.

Let’s start with the good things. The Garden State is a beautiful place, with lots of open space which I hope will be increasingly preserved. In our local area, we have horse farms, crop farms and vineyards, and not far away there are cranberry bogs and orchards.

The great Jersey Shore is nearby, and in other parts of the state we have ski resorts and the rolling Highlands. We have golf courses, horse tracks, and the lively Atlantic City casinos with fine restaurants and top-notch entertainment.

Our state is rich with history, from Monmouth Battlefield State Park to the Old Barracks of Trenton to Princeton and beyond.

Jackson is not only home to family-friendly parks like Six Flags Great Adventure, but it’s also my lifelong home. It has wonderful schools from which I graduated, and to which I’ve happily sent my kids for a reliably good

education.

Having mentioned education, particularly the Jackson schools, I’ll move on to why the state is in a precarious condition.

Anyone even vaguely familiar with last year’s state funding cuts to Jackson schools, not to mention those in several other towns I represent, knows that the state school aid formula seriously harms Jackson. The state has been chopping away at Jackson schools for years, and last year the financial blow would have been devastating. Instead, it was “merely” terrible.

Most of the proposed cuts were averted by legislation I co-sponsored, but we can’t count on that happening again this year. Jackson, and other towns across the state, will go through at least one more year of cuts under the current formula, jeopardizing the quality of education and school activities.

In last year’s State of the State address, the governor touted spending $2 billion more on school aid and criticized other states for “taking away investments from public education.”

A formula for school aid that spends billions more while cutting millions from schools like Jackson’s clearly needs to be replaced. It’s putting education in a precarious situation.

Let’s zoom out and look more broadly at New Jersey’s financial status. A bipartisan group of state budget experts from Rowan University’s Steve Sweeney Center for Public

Policy recently reported that the state’s current tax and spending policies are likely to generate multibillion-dollar budget gaps within just a few years, according to its report and NJ Spotlight News.

“New Jersey faces a looming fiscal crisis, with state revenues projected to fall $3 billion to $4 billion short annually of the amount needed to continue state programs and state aid at current service levels” from the next fiscal year to four years later, the report warns.

While this group includes respectable people who aren’t backers of Steve Sweeney, a declared Democratic candidate for governor, it does bear his name so people are justified in questioning whether its conclusions are designed to help him. But I think nonpartisan analysts lend credence to the group’s findings.

Before the current state budget was adopted, the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services estimated revenues would fall almost $400 million short of projections for the previous budget and almost $700 million below what the governor predicted for the current budget.

There’s a common pattern of lower revenue compared to predictions and expenditures.

Switching from accounting data to real-world impacts, the United Van Lines annual study of migration into and out of U.S. states from, and to, other states found that almost 65% of total movers moved out of New Jersey, rather than into our state. They cited retirement, cost, and lifestyle reasons. This exodus of taxpayers and consumers, on top of declin-

ing revenue and a shrinking budget surplus, makes our state’s economic future even more precarious.

The cost of living in New Jersey isn’t entirely the fault of the state government, but unfortunately it certainly contributes. In addition to highest-in-the-nation property taxes and state taxes, other policies make things artificially more expensive here.

I’ve made it clear I’m not opposed to “clean” energy, but it remains a fact that when you see solar panels and windmills, you’re looking at costly things subsidized by your energy bill.

You’re forced to pay more for the electricity you use because those things cost more than private investors are willing to commit.

Further, as I’ve previously written, if the state proceeds with efforts to force homes that use natural gas appliances to switch to all-electric, the conversion of a single family home would cost about $20,000. When people hear this, it makes them even more pessimistic about our state’s future.

For all these reasons, I’d say the state of our state is precarious. We’ll hear what the governor thinks it is on January 9.

My guess is that the word I’ve used five times in this column won’t be in his speech.

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.

Homebuyers, Renters To Learn About Flood Risks From The Desk Of The

Governor Phil Murphy TRENTON – To address New Jersey’s increasing flood risks under climate change, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, Department of Community Affairs Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez, and Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Cari Fais unveiled new and enhanced tools and technologies designed to provide prospective homebuyers and renters with critical information needed to make better informed decision on where they choose to live and how best to protect their property from flood damage.

The measures, which include the publication of new and enhanced property disclosure forms notifying prospective buyers and tenants of a property’s known flood history and potential flood risks, as well as the launch of a user-friendly internet look-up

tool searchable by mailing address that identifies properties in flood hazard areas, implement provisions of flood risk disclosure legislation signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in June 2023. Pursuant to the law, sellers and landlords will be required to use the new forms, which are now available on the Division of Consumer Affairs and Department of Community Affairs websites, beginning on March 20, 2024.

“As we continue to live with the impacts of climate change in our communities, it’s essential that we inform prospective homebuyers and renters of the risks in areas where they are looking to settle down,” said Governor Murphy. “These new protections will enable prospective home buyers and renters to stay a step ahead when it comes to finding the safest residence possible for themselves and their families.”

“New Jersey is more vulnerable to storms, storm surge, and flooding by virtue of our geography and the changing climate. In the face of these challenges, it’s important for New Jerseyans to know and understand what the flood risk is where they live so they

can make sound decisions about how to best protect their loved ones and possessions,” said Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez.

Prior to the adoption of New Jersey’s flood risk disclosure law, sellers and landlords were under no obligation to disclose a property’s flood history to potential buyers and tenants or inform them if the property was located in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Hazard Zone Area. Now, they must make those disclosures prior to the signing of sales contracts, leases, and lease renewals.

In accordance with the requirements of the flood disclosure law, the Division of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the New Jersey Real Estate Commission, released an updated version of New Jersey’s Seller’s Property Condition Disclosure Statement, a required form in which sellers of residential properties report any defects or problems with the residence to potential buyers.

Under a new heading entitled “Flood Risk,” the updated disclosure form requires sellers to answer questions focusing on a property’s flood history and potential flood risk.

Also in accordance with the flood disclo-

sure law, the Department of Community Affairs posted on its website a model notice to be used by landlords to inform their tenants of the flood risk of rental properties. The model notice, which will also be published in the New Jersey Register, contains questions about the flood risk of the property and space for landlords to answer yes, no, or unknown, based upon the landlord’s actual knowledge. The model notice also contains basic information about flood insurance available to renters through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and about the effects of climate change on flood risks in New Jersey.

Landlords must notify tenants in writing of the flood risk prior to lease signing or lease renewal effective 90 days after the Department of Community Affairs publishes the model notice. Exemptions from the notice requirements include dwelling units in premises containing not more than two such units; owner-occupied premises of not more than three dwelling units; and hotels, motels, or other guest houses serving transient or seasonal guests.

To assist individuals with meeting the FEMA Flood Hazard Area disclosure (Government - See Page 18)

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 8, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

Community News

ATTENTION Free Nature Programs In January C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

JACKSON DOG OWNERS

Applications for dog licenses will be accepted for 2024 starting January 3, 2024 as required by ORD.#98-17 Any resident who shall own, keep or harbor a dog, over the age of seven months, must obtain a dog license in the month of January.

License applications can be found on the Jackson website: www.jacksontwpnj.net IF LOST, A LICENSED DOG HAS A BETTER CHANCE OF GETTING HOME! NOW LOCATED AT 10 DON CONNOR BLVD!

For further information call: 732-928-5780 JACKSON ANIMAL CONTROL

JACKSON – Tune into nature, it is the best way to relax! The team at Forest Resource Education Center are ready to show you how with many forest-focused educational experiences.

Peruse and pre-register for the small-group outdoor nature programs here: eventbrite. com/o/forest-resource-education-center-31858983647.

Below are the following events for the month of January: First Day Hike: Start the New Year off in the fresh, frosty Pineland air. The hike is an easy 3.0-mile jaunt through our uplands forest in the spirit of the season.

Come meet on January 1 at 11 a.m. out front of the Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson.

Pre-registration only, accepted on first-come basis. Accepting 25 people per hike. Registration is free. Remember to cancel if unable to attend.

Easy-Decorative Wood Carving: Looking for a new creative craft to try-out? This is a beginner’s workshop that will instruct you in handling various palm-chisels and in transferring a simple decorative pattern onto a wooden nameplate. The tools and wood materials will be provided by FREC and all carvers should

be able to complete a personalized nameplate during our two-hour session.

They will create a line carving on a 2”x6” wood block that can be personalized by using three to seven letters. Program will be on January 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Email your name/word so that they will print out your templet in advance. Email to: jane.mattson@ dep.nj.gov.

Duffy, the FREC naturalist, is the experienced wood carver that will guide you every step of the way and has tips to make an enjoyable craft experience.

Pre-registration only, accepted on firstcome basis. Accepting 10 people 16 years or older. Registration is free.

Holly Holiday Hike: Take a hike in the fresh, frosty air in search of their three native Pineland hollies. The hike is an easy 3.0-mile jaunt on sand roads through uplands forest.

Great hike for family and friends with kids, 10-years old and up.

Come meet on January 15 at 1 p.m. out front of the Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson.

Pre-registration only, accepted on firstcome basis. Accepting 25 people per hike.

Registration is free. Remember to cancel if unable to attend.

Staff Stories At Cattus Island County Park TOMS RIVER – The Cooper Environmental Center at Cattus Island County Park is offering a PowerPoint and lecture series during the cold days of winter. Come inside and join a park naturalist for a themed

presentation from 1 to 2 p.m. Fee is $5 per person per lecture. Open to ages 10 and up.

January 17 – Honeybees February 14 – Birds of Ocean County March 20 – Horseshoe Crabs

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 9

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

Knights Of Columbus Help Local Service Men And Women

RC R.C.SHEA S

&ASSOCIATES COUNSELLORS AT LAW

BUYING, SELLING, OR REFINANCING YOUR HOME? SERIOUS LEGAL MATTERS REQUIRE SERIOUS AND EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS

KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!

Photo courtesy Knights of Columbus #6201 JACKSON – Knights of Columbus #6201 council presented District Deputy, Dennis Gibson, a check for $13,500 for the send a hero home program which helps local service men and women get home for the holidays.

This money will help about 27 soldiers get home to be with their families. It is an amazing feeling one that never gets old helping those in need.

This is not a one-man job. They thank my brothers and sisters at Council 6201 for all the time they put in to help raise this money, also the brothers at St. Monica’s council 11529 their effort helped push past their goal by $1,500. Thanks to parishioners of Saint Aloysius, St Veronicas, and St. Monica and the people in our community for their generosity.

EMTs Read Handwritten Holiday Cards

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

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 Photo courtesy Jackson Township EMS JACKSON – Holman Elementary School sent Jackson Township EMS lovely holiday cards for all of the EMT’s to read by the fireplace!

Thank you to the wonderful boys and girls for your appreciation.

The Beatles Laser Show TOMS RIVER – The “Fab Four’s” best spanning six years and 11 albums becomes the background for dazzling laser-art and spectacular digital and analog effects. All ages and backgrounds will appreciate this fantasy tribute of music and light to The Beatles

and how they helped define a generation.

The Beatles Laser Show at Robert J. Novins Planetarium is on Januar y 6 and February 17 from 8:30 from 9:15 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit ocean. edu/planetarium.

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

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 10, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

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

Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption Geraldine Oliverie, Mgr. Lic #3833 Michael Hennicke, Dir. Lic #3966

• Family Owned & Operated • Funeral, Cremation, Memorial Services • Funeral Directors Live On Premises • Serving the Area Since 1987 NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE

2014-2022 Pursuit of Excellence Recipient

Photo courtesy Calling All Cats

2015 & 2019 Community Service Award 10 Years in a Row!

732-719-7250

125 S. Cooks Bridge Rd., Jackson, NJ 08527

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.

Edith is a gorgeous dilute tortie with a sweet disposition. She has a playful side but would much rather hang out for all the pets and scratches. She loves her siblings and would do best with one of them, or to

a family with similar aged cat. She is up to date and ready for her forever home!

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!

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 11

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

Toy Drive Ends In Success

Photo courtesy Jackson Police JACKSON – What an amazing haul this year! This is a direct reflection of the amazing residents who took their time and spent their hard-earned money to help those in need!

Jackson Police Department thanked all of the officers, firefighters, residents, Township personnel and anyone else that may have not been listed, who organized and took part in all of the events this year.

Starting with setting up the drop off locations, to the fill a truck toy drive and personal deliveries, all which result in this amazing event where families get to choose items for

their children!

Thank you to Capt. Mary Nelson, Sgt. Michael Grochowski, P.O. Louis Notare and Det. Derek Gorski and everyone else who has helped for their tireless efforts and keeping this event going strong all these years. Thank you to all the fire departments, emergency services, township residents, and anyone else we missed that helped make this a truly amazing day. This could not have been so successful without you all.

You all helped many families this year have an amazing Christmas!

Travel Bocce Presents Upcoming Trips WHITING – Travel Bocce presents the following trips in 2024: Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard: five days and four nights, June 10 through 14.

Cost is $745 for double; $880 for single.

Pigeon Forge & Smokey Mountains: six days and five nights, April 15 through 20.

Cost is $869 for double; $1,058 for single.

Mount Rushmore, The Badlands, Black Hills Of South Dakota & Yellowstone National Park: 14 days and 13 nights, August

16 through 29. Cost is $2,495 for double; $3,692 for single.

Garden Of The Gods, The Royal Gorge & Colorado Springs: 11 days and 10 nights, September 13 through 23. Cost is $1,545 for double; $2,069 for single.

For a flyer or more information, call Debbie at 201-618-8514. Purchase tickets on Tuesday’s from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Village 5 clubhouse 325 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting.

A $75 deposit due upon sign for all trips.

EARN. GROW. THRIVE. STORE MANAGER $

75K - $100K/year

ASSISTANT MANAGER $

2300 - $2500/hr + potential bonus*

SHIFT LEADER & COOK $

2000 - $2100/hr*

SERVICE & KITCHEN TEAM $

1800 - $1900/hr*

*Total annual earnings will vary based upon numerous factors, including but not limited to, the applicable hourly wage rate; total hours worked; overtime pay; and the amount of any bonus(es) earned (if any). Panda makes no guarantee that any associate will earn any bonus and reserves the right to change or terminate any or all of its bonus programs at any time, with or without advance notice. See manager for details. Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. **Candidates must meet, and continue to meet if employed, eligibility requirements for each benefit to qualify.

From FORTUNE. ©2023 FORTUNE Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

FORTUNE and Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For are registered trademarks of FORTUNE Media IP Limited and are used under license. FORTUNE is not affiliated with, and does not endorse products or services of, Panda Restaurant Group, Inc.

HOW WE REWARD YOU** • Medical/dental insurance • Paid time off • 401(K) match • Free meals at work & associate discounts • Walk-in interviews every day from 11am-6pm • And more 515 Monmouth Road Jackson, NJ, 08527

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 12, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

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.

The Lyric Invisible Hearing Aid Revisted

Phonak is the manufacturer of the Lyric device which has been around for over a decade. The intent of this device is complete invisibility and you wear it 24 hours a day. That’s right, you can sleep with the hearing aid, shower with the aid, etc.

In my opinion, this is NOT a completely water proof hearing aid so be careful.

You must remove the devices if you’re getting an MRI (there is a removal tool for you to do this). Your hearing healthcare professional will insert this device deep into your ear canal about 4mm from your eardrum. Your ear canals need to be completely free of “wax” and there are many medical exclusions for wearing this type of device. For example, if you’re on a blood thinner you should not be wearing this device. If you have a hearing loss exceeding 80%, the Lyric is not strong enough for your hearing impairment.

In my practice, only 60% of all patients are truly candidates for this device.

The internal battery of the Lyric will typically last for about 2 months. At that time, you will need to return to your hearing healthcare professional for them

to remove the device and reinsert a new one. This is a subscription-based program whereby you pay upfront for a year supply of Lyric devices and service and you can renew your subscription yearly. The typical cost for a yearly subscription is $3000-3500 for Lyrics for both ears. Over a 5-year period, you will be spending about $17,000 which for most consumers is cost prohibitive. In addition, the Lyric does not utilize a Bluetooth signal and you can’t download an app on your cell phone for adjustments. The Lyric works very well in a “quite” environment because it uses a “linear” circuit, however, it does not work well in noisy areas!

In my opinion, you should explore more cost-effective digital hearing aids that have Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries. You will save between $7-$10,000 over a 5-year period and have a better listening experience.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to answer questions pertaining to your hearing health care. Please feel free to contact 732-451-3962or visit www. gardenstatehearing.com.

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!

Quantum Behavioral Health Services is now accredited by The Joint Commission!

We are a comprehensive treatment facility for individuals struggling with substance use disorders

THE QUANTUM PROCESS

Make the call

Partial Care (PC)

Complete Your Intake

Partial care is a daytime intensive programs that helps you navigate recovery with the highest level of support.

Get the Best Care Team Possible

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Delivered on weekends and before or after work to allow you to manage your recovery journey while maintaining your day-to-day life.

On-Going Support

Outpatient Care (OP) Outpatient treatments are designed to provide you with the level of support you need to maintain your recovery journey.

Qtreatment.com CALL TODAY - 609.308.7029

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 13

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

Balancing New Year’s Resolutions With Your Peace Of Mind

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

As the new year approaches, many of us embark on a journey of self-improvement by adopting New Year’s resolutions. Maybe it’s not you, but for many people, these resolutions, often driven by societal expectations, can inadvertently lead to increased stress, disappointment, and anxiety. Recent studies reveal that about one-third of American adults feel heightened stress during this period, primarily due to the pressure of meeting their goals.

In light of this, it’s crucial to approach resolutions with a mindset that prioritizes our peace of mind. One thing you can do is think through the steps required to meet your goal before deciding it must be done.

In other words, setting realistic, achievable goals can help you maintain a sense of balance and prevent undue pressure.

I’d like to emphasize the importance of mental health, especially in our postCOVID world and the reason for that is because there has been a notable 25% surge in global cases of anxiety and depression!

That’s unbelievable but true!

This rise has not been totally uniform in affecting everyone, but it has impacted a lot of people’s minds to some degree. Exploring natural alternatives can be beneficial but of course, ask your doctor if any of these are right for you. Remedies such as St. John’s Wort, B complex vitamins, CBD oil, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids seem to offer some relief to people with anxiety and depression.

Moreover, the health of the thyroid, a gland

significantly influencing mood and mental health, should not be overlooked.

I have a longer article about this topic posted at my website that discusses a bit more about mental health issues like insomnia, OCD, schizophrenia, Tourette’s Syndrome and bipolar disorder. These conditions, often complex and multifaceted, require more than just medication for effective management. A personalized treatment approach that may include psychiatric therapy, lifestyle alterations, mindfulness practices, and herbal remedies. And aside from supplements, maybe you don’t want to make any New Year’s resolutions at all this year. That’s okay. Give yourself permission to take a break this January.

I think we need to move beyond a one-sizefits-all approach to the treatment of mental health, and also, we need to give ourselves a break from struggling with resolutions that may (or may not) come to fruition. If they don’t you will be even more disappointed in yourself.

Create a support system for yourself and seek assistance through local groups, online forums, and national organizations that can provide you with information, understanding, and maybe even a few new friends.

In conclusion, while New Year’s resolutions can be a positive start to the year for many people, but for some, it’s vital to approach them with a balanced mindset and only if you’re really ready. If you’d like to learn more, I have a longer version of this article posted on my website. Just sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com.

(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) ©2024 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 14, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

Masters Of Camouflage: The Potoo

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Found in Central and South America, this animal is a master of disguise. There are several species, and all are famous for their camouflage skills. Camouflaged by day, they hunt at night. Insectivores, their huge

mouths allow them to scoop up lots of flying insects. Even with their eyes closed, they can see you, sort of. They can sense your movement and detect for predators.

The potoo is a bird. They utilize dead tree branches to hide themselves. They virtually disappear into the wood. They will typically perch themselves at the top of a

dead branch, where they settle themselves at a sharp angle, staying completely still, eyes closed. They will remain still all day, barely moving, and practically invisible.

This is a behavior that starts at a young age. Meticulously clean, parents remove the chick’s poop so predators can’t smell them.

Nesting potoos will imitate their parents

by standing in camouflaged positions next to their parents.

Potoos have taken to hiding on human elements, for example, upright plastic bottles.

This is an indication of how wildlife adapts to changes in the environment. Perhaps a lack of dead trees forces some to seek a similar type perch, although they are not as camouflaged perching on a plastic bottle.

In that case diurnal (day active) predators would surely be able to spot and hunt them.

The night-time element is critical in hiding themselves.

Their huge eyes give them excellent night vision, able to spot insects from their perch.

They have a wide range of strange and wonderful calls. The common potoo’s calls sound a bit like ‘Ayaymama’. While the great ootoo has an eerie moaning howl.

The smallest of the potoo is the Rufous potoo, weighing about 50 grams. Rather than using dead tree branches to hide, it uses dead leaves – pretending to be one. It even sways its body back and forth slightly so it can resemble a leaf blowing in the wind.

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, wild or domestic, is punishable by law.

Rhythm Of The Dance At Grunin Center For The Arts TOMS RIVER – Rhythm of the Dance will undertake a Global tour in 2024 to celebrate its “25th Anniversary Tour.”

Featuring world class musicians who play live on stage, Star vocalists singing live and world champion dancers, the show is a completely captivating experience of pulsating rhythms performed at lightning speed and slick choreography by its ensemble of Champion step dancers and live band bringing who have brought audiences to their feet around the World.

Join on March 13 at 7 p.m. at the Grunin Center for the Arts, on a journey through Ireland’s history from the ancient, rich in legend and myth, to the modern, urban Ireland that we see today, bursting with talent.

It will be Irish in essence with a new edge from its roots in Sean Nos (meaning old style) to the modern style we see today, this new Production of Rhythm of the dance takes the audience on a thrilling breathless journey for two hours.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit grunincenter.org.

Fun & Games Page 22

jerseyshoreonline.com

2024 BlueClaws Charities Suite Raffle Tickets Now On Sale

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 15

Ballroom 101 At Ocean County College TOMS RIVER – This class is an introduction to partnered dancing. The focus of this course is to gain necessary partnering skills and foot patterns commonly used in social ballroom dancing like waltz, foxtrot, tango, cha cha, rumba

and swing. No partner or experience necessary.

Twelve scheduled classes: February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 10, 17, 24; May 1 (possible make-up/reschedule May 8).

End of Semester Practice Party at Le Fleur Ballroom, Bed & Breakfast May 1 or May 8. Instructor: Missy Piegaro, ISTD-International and Modern Ballroom Dance.

Questions or help registering? Call OCVTS Office 732-473-3100.

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

Photo courtesy BlueClaws JERSEY SHORE – BlueClaws Charities launched their annual Luxury Suite Raffle fundraiser, through which eight winners will each earn a 10-game share of a 2024 BlueClaws Luxury Suite.

Tickets are just $100 and only 300 raffle tickets are sold. Eight winners are selected through a drawing on March 22 that will be streamed live on the BlueClaws Facebook page at 3 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at: ticketreturn.com/prod2new/season.asp?sponsorid=16923&SeasonPassID=27.

“This has been one of our best fundraisers over the last few years and we’re looking forward to another great raffle,” said Jim McNamara, Executive Director of BlueClaws Charities. “Suite Raffle tickets make great holiday gifts while supporting a great cause.”

There are several benefits to participation in the Suite Raffle. Each ticket holder receives the following: Four reserve seats to Opening Night at the Jersey Shore (set for April 5th) Claws Cove coupon valid for 25% off.

Chance to purchase a BlueClaws Luxury Suite for special rate of $600 (an $850 value) The eight winners will participate in a draft to select their games for the season.

Each game includes 20 tickets in the private Suite. The BlueClaws season begins April 5th and runs through September 1st.

Ticket holders with multiple tickets can win multiple shares (for example, someone that wins with two of their tickets would win 20 games in a BlueClaws Luxury Suite).

Each Luxury Suite provides panoramic views of the stadium from a climate-controlled indoor area, which is completely furnished with cable and has 12 seats on the balcony. Luxury Suite ticket holders also have access to the Blue Wave Bar as well as wait service within the suite.

The proceeds from the raffle go to benefit BlueClaws Charities, a 501c3 organization and the official non-profit organization of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. BlueClaws Charities supports local organizations through their annual Grant Program, plus hundreds of other organizations and fundraising events with contributions throughout the year.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

Arm Yourself Against Human Trafficking TOMS RIVER – January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Just one unguarded moment can victimize people of any age, anywhere. Learn its effects, and ways to prevent it, when the Ocean County Library presents “Human Trafficking 101,” 6:30 p.m. January 18, in the Toms River Branch.

Susan Flynn of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking will describe how it became one of the world’s largest criminal enterprises locally and globally, who is impacted, how to safeguard against it, and what people can do to raise awareness.

Data compiled by the New Jersey Coalition

Against Human Trafficking indicates that it entraps an estimated 25 million people worldwide, that 75 percent of victims are women and children, and that it generates about $150 billion in illegal profits each year.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline has fielded 5,544 reports from New Jersey

SilverWoods Senior Rental Community offers an independent and vibrant, yet supported lifestyle for optimal aging in place.

Live in a relaxed atmosphere with premium services and amenities for your peace of mind.

CALL FOR NEW YEAR SPECIAL OFFER!

See the difference the Silverwoods Lifestyle makes

Spacious, ranch style garden apartments on 55 acre campus.

Newly renovated clubhouse, with restaurant, fitness center, pool & activity lounge includes health & wellness program & 24/7 emergency response.

Daily shuttle service to local shopping & other community destinations as well as trips & outings.

Trash & snow removal with housekeeping, maintenance & parking.

since 2007. Of the 567 reports received in 2021, 151 were verified and involved 466 victims.

Register at bit.ly/oclHumanTrafficking101 to attend this free program. It is strongly recommended that elementary- and junior high school-age students be accompanied by adults.

For more information, stop by the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call 732-349-6200, or visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Plumsted Receives Help From Lakehurst In Processing MUA Bills

By Bob Vosseller PLUMSTED – The township is receiving some help from the Borough of Lakehurst in providing a much-needed service concerning the processing of bills for the Plumsted Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA).

During the last Lakehurst Council meeting of 2023, borough resident Bruce Morrison asked about the shared services arrangement that was on the night’s agenda between the borough and the Plumsted MUA. Borough Clerk Maryanne Capasso explained that the staff member of the Plumsted MUA who had performed work on utility bills and bills for trash pickup in the township had passed away “and they asked if we would be willing to help with this.”

“They pay us money to provide those services to them. This is on a part-time basis. It is a couple of hours a week. We can do most of the work from our office. We are able to go into their system. It is a matter of picking up and processing the payments,” she added.

Borough Attorney Ian Goldman added, “what the borough is doing is basic work in the utility account services. Very basic processing services and CFO services and it benefits us financially and them as we are able to handle it.”

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 17

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

Government: Continued From Page 7

requirements, the Department of Environmental Protection developed the Flood Risk Notification Tool. This online tool enables users to search properties by mailing address to identify whether the property

overlaps with the FEMA Special or Moderate Flood Hazard Areas.

Users can also view additional f lood risk information that is not required for disclosure but that provides a fuller picture of a property’s f lood risk, including information on sea-level rise projections of 3 feet (likely by 2070)

and 5 feet (likely by 2100).

The tool offers users the ability to view a property’s f lood risk using the map legend and sidebar or request a detailed f lood report to be emailed to them. The report includes the property’s FEMA f lood zone information to satisfy the new disclosure requirements

as well as a description of what FEMA f lood zones mean and how they are determined.

The Flood Risk Notif ication Tool, lin ks to both disclosu re for ms, and information on how climate and f lood risks are changing in New Jersey can be found at f looddisclosure.nj.gov/

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

Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY 732-575-4081

GODFREY NICHOLS

PRESIDENT

IMMEDIATE SERVICE

G. NICHOLS

Specializing in All Types of Paving and Masonry All Work Guaranteed Free Estimates Call or Text

PAVING INC.

Licensed & Insured 13VH00396100

www.affordablegnicholspaving.com

EFFECTIVE AFFORDABLE WE ACCEPT: › Visa › MasterCard › American Express

CALL TODAY 732.657.7344 & find out how!

THIS SPACE

COULD BE

YOURS!

BUTTER ME UP! Gourmet flavored butter, scones and more

Bring this ad for a FREE SCONE with $10.00 purchase.

FREE

ESTIMATES

Replacements & New Install of Heating & Air Conditioning Units

891 Rt. 37 West • Toms River, NJ 08755 HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING Serving All of Ocean & Monmouth Counties

1-800-688-TEMP • www.caretemp.com

SUPREME MODULAR BUILDING VALUE

• Flavored Butter • Scones • Scone Trays • Scone Mix • Scone Parties • Butter & Scone of the Month Club • Holiday Trays & Gifts! • Party Favors • NATIONWIDE SHIPPING • Also Vegan & Gluten Free

Starting at $59/sq. ft. • Office locations in NJ, PA & DE Modular Home Construction • Prefabricated Home Construction Residential Construction • Commercial Construction

1575 Rte 37 W • Unit 11 • Toms River Northampton Business Park

1-855-MY-MODULAR (856-652-2382) SUPREMEMODULAR.COM

732-930-1116 • www.ButterMeUpNJ.com

Design Your Modular Home the way you like it!

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE! CHOOSE FROM ANY OR ALL PAPERS: Toms River Times • Manchester Times Berkeley Times • Brick Times • Jackson Times Howell Times • Southern Ocean Times

CALL 732.657.7344 TODAY TO SPEAK WITH A SALES REP!

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.

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

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 19

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

Help Wanted

Apartment For Rent - Brick NJ - 83 Brandywine Court. $2,450/per month.

2 BD's, 1.5 Bath, washer/dryer, access to pool, patio for BBQing. Contact Management company Ana Almonte 732-470-5796. email aalmonte njleasingagent@gmail.com.

(5)

Custodian Wanted/Part Time - Custodian wanted part time for adult community in Whiting. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday. Starting pay $15.13 per hour. Please fax resume to 732-350-2838 or call 732-350-2656. (3)

Seaside Park - 1 Bedroom apartment, $1300. Waterfront Marina 4 Bedroom Private Home with new floors, carpet and paint. Super Clean with beautiful sunsets from your deck, $2800. 908-278-5491.

(5)

Auto For Sale 2010 Buick Lucerne CXL - Special edition V8. 25,034 miles.

Garage kept. Beige. Mint condition. On star. CD player. $8,500 firm. 732-473-1938.

(3)

Items For Sale Zoomer Portable Folding Mobility Chair with Joy Stick - Used once $995 or best offer call 732-887-6408.

(3)

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) 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)

Help Wanted 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)

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) 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)

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) 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)

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (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)

B2B Services

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)

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)

Services Pastor For Over Four Decades Available for pulpit supply, evangelism, and prophecy seminars.

Preaching the glorious gospel.

908-343-5195.

(3) 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) Avon Sale - Eyeliner, make up, eye shadow, perfume, etc. For the Christmas shopping. Call for brochure at 732-773-5078.

(4) CHEAP PAINTING Done RITE Free est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience.

Call Jim 732-674-3346.

(39)

Services

Services

Services

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)

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)

Services

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 732-350-4427 for more information. (4) Housecleaning - Painting, shopping, laundry window cleaning, carpet cleaning. Very good prices. 732773-5078, 848-287-3944.

(5)

Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

1.• 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

5

9

13

17

2

3

4

6

7

8

10

11

12

14

15

16

18

19

20

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:

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)

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

Painting - Special Fall Pricing.

Interior/Exterior. Meticulous work.

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

(47)

6. ADDRESS

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@ exit109.com. References. Let's Go! (t/n) 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)

Print Name:

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

Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR BILLING ADDRESS (THIS IS REQUIRED)

TOWN

ZIP

PHONE NUMBER

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

If you have any questions, email Ali at agradzki@jerseyshoreonline.com.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law Choosing The Right Auto Insurance Will Protect Your Family And Assets

Photo Of The Week

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

By: Michael J. Deem Esq., of R.C. Shea & Associates In 1998, the State of New Jersey adopted the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act (AICRA) to reduce the cost of automobile insurance by reducing the benefits available to persons who are injured in automobile accidents. This means less coverage to pay for medical treatment and less rights to recover monetary damages from careless drivers who injure your family.

Protect yourself.

Automobile insurance is mandatory in New Jersey. The failure to carry automobile insurance may be punishable by imprisonment.

When purchasing automobile insurance, you have two choices; you are required to select either a Basic Policy or a Standard Policy.

We do not recommend choosing the Basic Policy.

The Basic Policy only provides minimal coverage and leaves you unprotected in several areas. A Basic Policy only provides you with $5,000.00 of property damage liability coverage if someone makes a claim against you and only provides $15,000.00 of medical expense benefits should you require medical treatment for your injuries.

The Basic Policy does not cover you if you injure someone else. The Basic Policy does not provide Uninsured Motorist coverage to protect you and your family if the careless driver who causes the collision is uninsured or is insured under a Basic Policy. Perhaps most importantly, the Basic Policy will not provide you with a free lawyer to defend any claim against your personal assets.

We recommend that you purchase a Standard Policy. A Standard Policy provides the best insurance coverage to protect your assets if you are sued and to provide com-

pensation to you and your family if you/ they are injured.

The Standard Policy does provide medical expense benefits (PIP) coverage which includes medical expenses up to $250,000.00 per person per accident. The Standard Policy also provides you with Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM Benefits), so if you are injured by someone who does not have automobile insurance, is insured under a Basic Policy or leaves the scene of the collision then you and your family are covered for your losses.

When you purchase the Standard Policy, you must elect a “tort option” that will determine your right to make a claim.

You must select either the “limitation on lawsuit option” or the “no limitation on lawsuit option.” If you purchase the Basic Policy then you are assigned the “limitation on lawsuit option.” We recommend that you choose the “no limitation on lawsuit option.” Ask your insurance representative what is the actual dollar amount that your overall premium will increase if you elect the “no limitation on lawsuit option.”

By choosing the “limitation on lawsuit option” you are limiting your legal right to make a claim for monetary damages unless you sustain one of the following injuries: Death, Dismemberment; Significant scarring or disfigurement; Displaced Fractures; Loss of Fetus or a Permanent Injury that can been diagnosed by credible, objective medical testing.

Selecting the correct insurance coverage is extremely important when it comes to protecting your family and personal assets.

Contact the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for all your legal needs. (732505-1212).

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

This is the first edition of 2024! Happy New Year everyone!! This photo was taken by one of our favorite photographers, Kylie Monica, on a Jersey Shore beach. We hope you all have a great new year. If you want to see your photo featured in this section, email it to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Family Owned & Operated

& ALLEN’S OIL PROPANE FREE

“Service is the difference”

*Some Restrictions Apply. Call For Details

Want To Save Money?

EST. 1919

INSTALLATION

Call Us Today!

Now Offering Propane Delivery and Service to Jackson!

Vincentown Plant 609-859-2334

www.allensoilandpropane.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 21

KIDS COLORING RAFFLE

Please mail all artwork to: Micromedia Publications – Coloring Contest, P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

We wish everyone good luck in the contest and happy coloring!

NAME:___________________________ TOWN:________________________ AGE:_______ PHONE NUMBER:__________________ EMAIL:_____________________ SPONSORED BY JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 22, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 “The Magic School Bus” airer 4 “Let’s take it down a notch” 10 Dropbox files, informally 14 Clickable link 15 Green, maybe 16 “Ocean to Ocean” singer Tori 17 Issa of “The Lovebirds” 18 Protection from bright flashes of light?

20 Caustic solution 21 Philanthropist Melinda 22 Tears 23 Amanda Gorman, for one 25 Support 26 Sparkly insects?

31 Puppy noise 34 Many tweetstorms 35 Actress Skye 36 Couch 37 “Bus Stop” play-

wright 38 Takes for a ride 39 Shades 40 Not biased 41 Decent plot 42 Blot gently 43 Spam holder 44 Sign on a sauna door?

46 Droid 47 Observe Ramadan 48 Just not done 51 Behavior pattern 54 Short-term sculpture material 57 Entry on a dating site for fireflies?

59 Machine part 60 Just chilling 61 Course requirements?

62 Commotion 63 Chow 64 Least significant 65 Take home Down 1 Pixar short about a ball

of yarn 2 Heehaw 3 Not setting an alarm, say 4 Denver team 5 Airing in the wee hours 6 Judicial order 7 “Enough” number of women justices on the Supreme Court, per Ruth Bader Ginsburg 8 Decides 9 “Rushmore” director Anderson 10 Had the nerve 11 Itchy ears, to some 12 Like many dorms 13 IRS IDs 19 NFL analyst Collinsworth 24 Critter that eats while floating on its back 25 Range listed on board games 26 Take for a ride 27 Island west of Maui 28 Christina of “Yellow-

jackets” 29 Wild hogs 30 Yet to be fulfilled 31 “Count on me!”

32 Lead-in to bad news 33 Fake jewelry 36 “__ of Sunset”: reality series featuring Persian Americans in Beverly Hills 38 Brine ingredient 42 Genealogy aid 44 Mucky stuff 45 Goes paperless at tax time 46 Bent in the wind 48 “Yay, the weekend!”

49 Montreal-based shoe brand 50 String tie 51 “Celebrity Skin” rock band 52 Miles off 53 Take the bait 55 System of rules 56 Four-award acronym 58 Turntable letters

(c)2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

SU DOK U

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Jumble: BASIC WRING ONWARD SPEEDY - DRY AS A BONE

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024, Page 23

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF JAN 6 - JAN 12

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): Family activities may have an impact on your reputation. Someone could feel left out or may be misunderstanding your intentions, Keep things as clear as possible.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may want to shake things up right n o w. d o n ’t l e t a l a c k o f e n t h u s i a s tic responses from friends or loved ones hold you back. consider diving into some new or exciting adventures.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Too much input can leave you confused and overwhelmed and some information may not be accurate. Sharing every thought may not be the best way to become your friend.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Fulfill your promises even if others don’t always fulfill theirs. Giving in to a romantic attraction could cause an impulsive reaction or influence a change that you may end up regretting.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Spending time with friends can be as informative as it is entertaining. You may have someone ready, willing, and able to help you complete a task or participate in projects that need to be done.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Avoid bickering by being more thoughtful. Misunderstandings and crossed wires may interfere with the abilit y t o c o m m u n i c a t e c l e a r l y. c l a r i f y things by focusing on shared goals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your

self-worth is not just in your relations h i p s : . Yo u r v a l u e i s n o t r e f l e c t e d by how others treat you, but how you treat yourself. If expectations are unrealistic, it would be wise to reassess.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A positive outlook and some open-mindedness can help sweep problems out o f y o u r w a y. T h e d e t a i l s m a y s e e m chaotic right now, but someone close to you could have plans in place.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You might feel like you do not have a choice but to go along with the crowd r i g h t n o w. b u t g o o d r e l a t i o n s h i p s don’t mean you need to agree blindly and give up your own perceptions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A chance taken on love might come up short. A strained relationship could be reaching its final breaking point, and you may have to move on. give yourself grace and time to heal your heart.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): This isn’t a day when you are likely to feel your most together and organ i z e d . H o l d o ff o n m a j o r p u r c h a s es for now. Home can be where the heart is;, spend time with loved ones.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Listen to trusted and accurate sources when you are trying to plot a safe course forward. few people may be skilled enough to read the compass or survey the trails.

Do your best to work together.

(c) 2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

THIS EASY PORK DISH GOES FROM STOVE TO TABLE IN LESS THAN AN HOUR

By America’s Test Kitchen

PORK CHOPS, POTATOES AND BROCCOLI WITH MUSTARD- GARLIC SAUCE Serves 4

1 1/2 pounds small red potatoes, unpeeled, halved 6 tablespoons extra-virg in olive oil, divided 10 garlic cloves, unpeeled 2 teaspoons table salt, divided 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, divided 1 pound broccoli florets, cut into 2-inch pieces 4 (8- to 10-ounce) bone-in pork rib chops, ¾ to 1 inch thick, trimmed 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons grainy mustard 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Toss pota-

toes, 3 tablespoons oil, 10 garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange potatoes cut side down and roast for 10 minutes.

2. Toss broccoli with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt and scatter over and around potatoes. Roast until vegetables are tender and browned, about 20 minutes. Squeeze garlic from skins and chop fine.

3. Meanwhile, pat pork dry with paper towels and sprinkle with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a 12inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add pork and cook until browned and reg istering 140 degrees, about 6 minutes per side.

Transfer pork to platter.

4. Add broth and cream to the now-empty skillet and cook over med i u m -hi g h h eat u n t il sl i g h tl y thi ckened, about 3 minutes. Stir mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and any accumulated pork juices into sauce. Ser ve.

(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) 2024 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

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

Page 24, The Jackson Times, January 6, 2024

jerseyshoreonline.com