Officials Find Financial “Red Flags” Council Hires
By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – Council President Jennifer Kuhn has called for an internal review of several crucial departments of the township by Business Administrator Terence Wall. That request came during the latest meeting of the Township Council after Councilman
Giuseppe Palmeri brought up some concerns he had about the hiring of a temporary chief fi nancial officer.
Palmeri noted on the night’s agenda an open professional service contract with PM Consultants, LLC, in Brick Township. The fi rm is
(Red Flags - See Page 4)
Frozen Art Warms the Heart At Fire & Ice Event
(Above) Seaside Heights resident Tom Oldwurtel carefully chisels at a block of ice transforming it into a dragon during the 4th Annual Fire & Ice Festival held in Plumsted Township. (Right) Little Grayson, 2, of Manahawkin enjoys sitting in an ice sculpture car.
‘SHE
By Bob Vosseller
PLUMSTED – There was plenty of warmth felt during a cold day in the township with the 4th Annual Fire & Ice Show held at the New Egypt Flea Market. It was a chilly Saturday morning for the two-day event that featured a variety of ice sculptures,
(Frozen - See Page 16)
New Clerk, Tables Four Ordinances
By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – Four ordinances scheduled for a public hearing for their second reading were tabled indefinitely as they had not been advertised properly.
Council President Jennifer Kuhn announced during the council’s most recent meeting, which was a special session, “we have to revisit them at a future meeting.”
The most notable of those ordinances was Ordinance 04-25 that was introduced last month. If passed, it would establish code regulations for electric and motorized bikes. The ordinance was recommended by township police who had informed the council of an increase of incidents involving low-speed electric and motorized bicycles.
TOOK A TROPHY PHOTO’: WOMAN
By Stephanie Faughnan
SENTENCED IN KILLING
woman who admitted to shooting a man and helping to dismember and dispose of his body was sentenced to 25 years in state prison. Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act, Elizabeth
Mascarelli must serve at least 85 percent of her sentence before being eligible for parole.
Ocean County Superior Court Judge Ryan sentenced the 29-yearold woman of Seaside Heights after she pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the
death of her landlord.
The gruesome details in the death of Kerry Rollason, a 56-year-old Toms River resident, were so disturbing that a family member watching the sentencing by video link, signed off shortly after Mascarelli’s attorney began his
request for leniency.
Defense attorney Glenn Kassman detailed the horrific nature of Rollason’s death, which occurred
(SentencedSee Page 4)
Photo courtesy Tom Costello, APP
A solitary tear streamed down Elizabeth Mascarelli’s cheek as she faced those sitting in the courtroom galley who came to witness her sentencing in connection with the killing and dismemberment of Kerry Rollason.
Council President Kuhn previously noted that according to reports from the police department’s Traffic Safety Bureau, “They are operating without helmets. They are reckless. They go into the streets. They need to be regulated.” She noted that Brick Township had passed a similar ordinance.
Ordinance 01-25 would amend township code pertaining to land use and development regulations entitled, “property maintenance.” This ordinance further clarifies regula-
tions related to ground covering and planting. The ordinance would require sufficient notice to alleged violations for pleas of guilty for fi rst and second offense without the necessary court appearance. Also put on hold was Ordinance 02-25 that establishes “a salary range for all employees of the township for 2025. The township must establish a salary range through ordinance and any employee may only be paid within the salary range so designated.” If heard and passed, Ordinance 03-25 would have authorized the acceptance of a land donation for properties within the community shown on the tax maps on Wright De-Bow Road. Kuhn explained last month that “the property in question if left vacant would have been subject to numerous environmental constraints rendering the value as minimal. If the property owner pays a minimal property tax accessed, the township would bear the cost of the tax foreclosure.”
Kuhn said that the owner reached out to the township and “administration worked it out.”
The council unanimously voted to table all four ordinances
(OrdinancesSee Page 5)
TOMS RIVER – A
Photos by Bob Vosseller
:
Continued From Page 1
owned by John Barrett whose consultancy
all aspects of government fi nance for counties and municipalities.
A resolution called for appointing that fi rm as temporary chief fi nancial officer of the township at a cost not to exceed $175 per hour.
“In reviewing the resolutions, I saw that our CFO had resigned, so I guess we are looking at a temporary consultant. So I did some research into this particular consultant and I saw John Barrett is the owner of PM Consultants LLC and when I went in to research his experience - and I did see quite a bit - but a few things I found alarming that I’d like to bring forward,” Palmeri said.
Palmeri started to speak but was cut off after starting to read his remark about, “one of the articles I read from Jan. 16, 2019 was from NJ.com.”
Wall noted that Barrett was in the audience and asked if counsel should permit further reference to the councilman’s subject. Kuhn quickly responded that the councilman’s remarks should be heard. “A councilman can speak at a council meeting and it is something we are voting on.”
Palmeri himself asked Township Attorney Kelsey McGuckin Anthony if he was permitted to speak in regards to the online article to which the attorney replied, “the councilman has the right to comment on a matter that is on the agenda.”
He resumed reading the article which stated, “Barrett, Hamilton Township’s chief
fi nancial officer of a decade was spending more time away from Hamilton in the fi rst half of the year working as a consultant for other towns, abused his sick time to accomplish his side career.”
“That was just one article and there were many. A second article was from The Trentonian and administrative law Judge Jeff Mason wrote in a strongly worded 88-page slap down, found Barrett to be insubordinate and untrustworthy by abusing the township’s sick leave policy among other transgressions,” the councilman added.
Palmeri added, “I am quoting from Judge Mason, ‘I found John Barrett abused Hamilton Township’s sick day policy. I concluded that there can be no doubt whatsoever that Mr. Barrett engaged in conduct unbecoming of a public official.’ This is just some of what I found so it made me feel slightly uncomfortable to appoint PM Consultants, that the owner is Mr. Barrett as our chief fi nancial officer so with that I would have to vote no on resolution 91-25.”
Kuhn concurred that she had seen the same information online. “I do not feel comfortable with the stuff that was on the internet being our chief fi nancial officer department and our fi nance department and with that being said, Mr. Wall, I would formerly request that the administration conduct an internal review of several departments beginning with the department of public works, the police department, code enforcement and the building department as well as the clerk’s office. The focus of this review should be to staffing levels and other related concerns.”
The Council President read a statement from the dais saying, “it is of great concern that this company and this man was put on the agenda. I don’t know if the due diligence was done but the little I did, I was extremely concerned and I will also be voting no on resolution 91-25.”
“I concur also,” Councilman Nino Borrelli said. “I will also vote no on resolution 91-25 and I will also have to vote no on resolution 76-25 as well.” That resolution concerned the hiring of a foreclosure attorney.
“I also concur on that. I think we need a change with that in that department due to the recent ordinance and stuff we’ve been doing. I agree with you on 76-25,” Kuhn said. “That would be for foreclosure attorney and for the law office of John Novak.”
Novak is a member of the Barnegat Committee and his law office is based in Toms River Township.
Wall said, “you will be leaving the municipality, the township of Jackson without a CFO. You are putting us in a grave fi nancial risk, probably at odds with the state of New Jersey. I certainly appreciate any roll call or vote you wish to do but I want you to know that the Council will be leaving Jackson Township naked from a fi nancial standpoint. We have no CFO and I had no knowledge…”
Kuhn cut Wall off from his remarks saying, “Mr. Wall you are not stating facts. I talk to you 10 times a day. You said that we have part time staff. I have spoken to them. The bills will be paid. This man is not fit for our town. We need a change.”
“The due diligence was not done. He is not
fit,” Kuhn added.
“I will be asking for a special meeting so we can appoint a new CFO at some point shortly,” Wall commented.
Palmeri noted that since the administration put this on the agenda the applicant should have been vetted before it reached the council agenda.
Barrett spoke during the public comment period saying, “I was looking forward to helping Jackson Township.” He told the township attorney that he and her father Assemblyman and sometimes Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin were friends. “I spent my career as a government auditor. I worked proudly in Hamilton Township for many years. I was a whistle blower in Hamilton Township but I am not here to defend myself I am here to introduce myself.” He noted the case of a sudden resignation of CFO and Deputy CFO in Jackson saying, “I came in here to help. Working in a town that Ms. Martin (new township clerk Sandra Martin) had worked, I was looking forward to working with her. The fact of the matter is the charges in regard to the Hamilton matter were dropped. The mayor lost her election and the new mayor who came in decided it was political revenge. It was something that did not match the charges and if you look at the detail of the 88 pages, the one thing they did say was that I did abuse sick time. The person who was in charge of monitoring my sick time was the brother-in-law of the mayor and involved in the retaliation. I hope that you and Mr. Wall can fi nd a replacement for the two people you lost.” (Red Flags - See Page 6)
Capitol Comments
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie
S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
The New World Of School Funding
TRENTON - Just about everyone in Jackson and Plumsted knows how badly state school funding policy has treated our students, their parents and teachers. The funding law known as S-2 ground both school districts down over its seven-year reign of pain, ending with the horrendous cuts to jobs, programs and busing that we saw last year.
The question now is whether the future without S-2 will be better or not. We’ll find out soon.
There are two things I’ll be on the lookout for. One is the governor’s budget address, scheduled for the last week in February. Traditionally, school districts are notified of their state aid amounts shortly after that address, and the speech itself may provide clues as to what he’ll do about school aid.
Unfortunately, with the awful record his administration has on funding schools, I’m not optimistic it will significantly change course on its own. That brings us to the second thing to watch.
As I mentioned in my recent column summarizing my work in 2024, I sponsor a bipartisan bill that – while admittedly not a full solution – moves things significantly in the right
direction. Of all the school aid proposals sitting in the Legislature, it probably has the best chance of passing, although it’s certainly not a sure thing.
Recently I met with top school officials from Plumsted and the town’s mayor. The end of S-2 implementation has left not just uncertainty in its wake, but also legacy problems caused by the cumulative effects of repeated cuts and some quick fixes needed to cover unexpected aid reductions.
These gentlemen were clearly determined to do whatever’s necessary to give their 1,000plus students the best education possible. But the lack of predictability makes it very difficult to plan for the next school year.
The experience with Jackson last year remains a bad memory for a lot of us. Imagine being in charge of a 7,500 student school system and expecting an aid cut of a few hundred thousand dollars, but instead getting an initial cut of almost $4.5 million.
Still dealing with the fallout of that and prior years of cuts that led to the closure of Rosenauer Elementary, Jackson has most recently announced the pending closure and sale of the Goetz Middle School, changing the five elementary schools to pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, and converting Christa McAuliffe Elementary to an upper elementary of fifth and sixth grades.
Memorial high school will be home to sev-
enth and eighth grades, leaving Liberty as the only ninth-twelfth grade high school. Superintendent Nicole Pormilli spoke for many of us when she said, “We are tired of losing things for students” and of the financial difficulties that the school district didn’t create.
The bill I sponsor addresses the main drivers of these wrenching changes that would be completely unnecessary if the state hadn’t slashed funding to suburban and rural school districts, only to send it to inefficient and badly managed districts, and done so in an unpredictable way. It’s the product of discussions among a bipartisan group of five legislators, myself included, whose schools have faced similar drastic effects of the current funding law.
The bill does a couple of things to avoid catastrophic aid cuts, and to make sure any changes in aid amounts are known to school districts with as much lead time as possible. It requires the state to provide districts a preliminary notice of state aid amounts by the first week of January.
Currently, the first notice of aid amounts must be sent within two days after the governor’s budget address, which is usually in late February. Nearly two months of additional time will make budget planning easier and more orderly for school districts.
Crucially, the bill also sets a two percent cap on the amount school aid can be cut from one year to the next. That will eliminate the kind of crisis budgeting that Jackson schools had to do last year.
Additionally, the bill protects against state aid cuts if the school district is in a town where the equalized total tax rate is at least 10 percent higher than the statewide average, and the district is spending below “adequacy” – the state-determined minimum amount the district should be spending. Similar protections are provided to regional districts.
Even with all of the above protections, the bill allows a district to apply for state stabilization aid if it has its regular aid cut, or otherwise is facing a structural budgetary imbalance.
Reforms to special education aid would also be made. Instead of assuming a certain percentage of special education students in each district, the bill requires funding based on the actual number of such students. This common-sense approach addresses significant costs that many districts face.
Finally, the bill requires state reimbursement for actual fuel costs for student transportation, addressing another major funding problem.
If this bill moves, it’ll be a sign of better times ahead for our schools. It won’t fix the damage already done, but it will improve conditions for the future. Then, we’ll have to work on fixing the political leadership in Trenton. Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 12 other towns in the State Assembly. Follow him on Facebook (/AssemblymanAlex) and on Instagram (@AssemblymanAlex), or visit his website at AssemblymanAlex.com.
Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.
Ordinances:
Continued From Page 1 which will be reintroduced at another time. Councilman Scott Sargent was absent for this session.
The second of two hearings concerning the township’s 2025 Community Development Block Grant was also unanimously tabled for the same reason. This year’s project concerned updating township buildings with equipment for handicapped accessible entry/ exit points. Several resolutions from the consent agenda were also tabled due to the lack of proper notice being issued.
New Township Clerk
This marked the first meeting of new Township Clerk Sandra Martin who was hired during a Thursday afternoon meeting on January 23. She replaced former clerk Mary Moss, who left the position after this year’s January 2 reorganization meeting and is now serving as municipal clerk of Red Bank in Monmouth County. She served as clerk in Jackson for two years.
Council President Kuhn, Council Vice President Mordechai Burnstein, Township Business Administrator Terence Wall and
Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin met in person and Councilmen Nino Borrelli and Giuseppe Palmeri voted through Zoom for that brief meeting.
Resolution R72-25 called for the hiring of Martin. She previously served as Seaside Park Borough Clerk from March 2017 to January 2024. Prior to that she served as Administrative Assistant to the Administrator/Municipal Clerk for the Township of Ocean (Waretown) from March 2010 to February 2017.
McGuckin told Wall - who had served in the role of the clerk at the council’s prior meeting - that the announcement had been made to the legal newspapers of Jackson prior to the meeting but “whether they published it or not we don’t know but per the statute we provided notice within the period of 48 hours.”
Wall added that the 1 p.m. meeting notice was also posted to the website. Burnstein made the motion nominating Martin’s hire as clerk. Borrelli seconded it. Councilman Scott Sargent was absent and those council members present voted yes to the resolution.
McGuckin posted this had been done “in order to comply with the notice provisions of the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act.” He added that the annual notice of meeting
dates adopted by the Township Council at their 2025 reorganization meeting was apparently not provided to the Township’s Official Newspapers.
Kuhn said during the latest meeting, “we are excited to work together to work with her and to modernize and process the procedures in the clerk’s office.” Kuhn noted the goal to expand online services that allow residents
to access services “without needing to come into the office for small quick tasks that can easily processed online.”
Such services would include park and ride, retail food licenses, food vendors, campgrounds, junk yards, kennels “and much more,” she added.
The next meeting of the Jackson Council will be held on February 11at 6:30 p.m.
Sentenced:
Continued From Page 1 on July 3, 2024. He acknowledged that Mascarelli fired three shots into Rollason’s body at his Ravenwood Drive residence in Toms River.
“After Rollason died, Mascarelli and her co-defendants Jared Krysiak, Danielle Bolstad, and Jared Palumbo, at the direction of the now-deceased Maxwell Johnston, cut Kerry Rollason’s body into pieces, put those pieces into garbage bags, and took them to an area in Jackson where they were burned in a burn barrel,” Kassman said.
A solitary tear streamed down Mascarelli’s cheek as she faced those sitting in the courtroom gallery who came to witness her sentencing in person.
“Were it my task to ask you for compassion or leniency based solely on those facts, I’d have an absolutely impossible task,” Kassman admitted. “The acts committed by my client are inarguably heinous.”
Kassman then pivoted, arguing that Mascarelli herself was also a victim in the twisted scenario, stopping short of saying his client should not be punished. Johnston, known on the streets as “Caesar,” was out of prison for just a year and was a fugitive. He was hiding at the Ravenwood address, wanted for the June 27, 2024 murder of 25-year-old Gabriella Caroleo in Manchester.
Painting Johnston as a volatile and paranoid man who brandished a firearm and stabbed mattresses because he thought someone was hiding in them, Kassman said Mascarelli and her co-defendants were all terrorized. Threats against all their lives included not only Mascarelli – but also her five-year-old son. Kassman characterized Johnston’s final demonstration of instability as killing himself rather than being taken into police custody on July 5.
“Danielle Bolstad, one of the other defendants in this case, described the state of
living in the home,” said Kassman. “As a hostage situation where no one could leave unless accompanied by Caesar.”
Ocean County Assistant Prosecutor Julie Peterson, arguing for the 25-year sentence, vehemently rejected the defense’s portrayal of Mascarelli as a victim. She dismissed the claim that Mascarelli was held hostage by Johnston, citing evidence that Mascarelli left the Ravenwood Drive residence to visit her son and sent texts and photos to a co-defendant without supervision shortly before the killing.
Addressing character letters submitted on Mascarelli’s behalf, Peterson argued that Mascarelli’s actions demonstrated her true character as someone with a “complete and utter disregard for the law and for anyone else besides herself.” She pointed to Mascarelli’s “life of continuous illicit activity,” including drug use and dealing, her decision to harbor a wanted murderer, and, most chillingly, her role in Rollason’s death.
Peterson described how Mascarelli shot Rollason, left his body in the basement, then went to McDonald’s with a co-defendant before returning to mutilate the body “like an animal carcass at the butcher.” She further emphasized Mascarelli’s callousness, noting she took a photo of the dismembered body as a “trophy photo”… something to save on her phone because she was proud of it. Peterson said the next step was to transport Rollason’s body to burn it in Jackson.
“Her character was really demonstrated when police were surrounding this home on 1905 Ravenwood Drive, engaging in an active shootout in that neighborhood,” shared Peterson. “And she was in a bedroom with Maxwell Johnson engaging in sexual activity, live streaming photos and videos of herself with him licking and kissing the gun that he was using to open fire on multiple numbers of law enforcement.”
Although not initially charged with Rollason’s murder, Mascarelli’s behavior after
her arrest further solidified the prosecution’s case. According to Peterson, upon arriving at the Ocean County Jail, Mascarelli showed no remorse or self-reflection. Instead, she bragged to anyone who would listen, claiming she deserved more credit for Rollason’s death and boasting that she was the one who “pulled the trigger.”
Referring to the victim impact statement submitted by one of Rollason’s survivors, Peterson said their family was ripped of any closure they could possibly get because of the underlying vast circumstances of the case. They were not only horrified but are also haunted by all of the defendants’ actions. They also did not believe Mascarelli would ever understand the gravity of what she did.
“Nothing can justify the way Kerry died, and the way Kerry’s moments were after that,” Mascarelli stammered as she faced not the judge but those assembled in the courtroom. “This is something I often look at every night…something that happens in my mind.”
Mascarelli apologized to both her family and the victim’s family, while admitting she knew saying sorry still didn’t allow Rollason’s survivors any type of closure.
In his sentencing remarks, Judge Ryan acknowledged Mascarelli’s decision to plead guilty to aggravated manslaughter, a charge carrying a sentence of 10 to 30 years. A jury trial for murder could have resulted in a life sentence. The case moved swiftly, with Mascarelli entering her guilty plea less than two months after her indictment - a rare occurrence in such serious cases.
“I was very surprised when the attorneys told me this could be scheduled for a plea hearing so soon,” Ryan said. “I had her sit next to me on the stand when she waived her rights and provided a factual basis. Very few people do that.”
Red Flags:
Continued From Page 4
Kuhn noted that Barrett’s signature was on the township’s bank account “even before you were officially appointed. That doesn’t raise a red flag? That was enough for me.”
Palmeri asked McGuckin-Anthony if that was even legal for this to have happened and she noted it may have been done by a mayor’s declaration.
Wall however said that the banking statements Kuhn saw and refused to sign with Barrett’s signature were part of advance paperwork put in place were he to be approved. Wall tore them up at the dais and noted urgency in moving forward on the work with the retirement of Sharon Pinkava, the township’s Chief Financial
Ryan explained that in most murder cases, there are extensive pretrial motions to suppress evidence or statements, which lead to significant delays. The judge also emphasized that Mascarelli was not pressured to make a quick decision - she wanted to provide some closure to the family.
Mascarelli’s record since the age of 21 revealed numerous drug convictions, starting with illicit possession and ultimately escalating to distribution and manufacture. Ryan addressed the complexities of addiction and the criminal justice system’s approach to drug offenses. He noted that while probationary treatment often aims to help individuals struggling with substance abuse, the tendency to treat these offenses as non-violent can sometimes be problematic. Such leniency can be insufficient, particularly when drug use contributes to violent behavior, as it clearly did in Mascarelli’s case.
“I think Ms. Peterson so accurately described the circumstances of the offense. I’ve seen those videos and those photos,” said Ryan. “It almost appears to be an enjoyable experience to the participants. It’s something that you see posted online, and if you did, you probably would say… it’s two people in the bedroom engaged in an intimate act. And there’s a SWAT team surrounding the house, and there’s an exchange of gunfire to police at that time.”
With Mascarelli’s sentencing complete, the cases against her co-defendants are nearing resolution. Krysiak, who pleaded guilty to Desecration of Human Remains on December 16, 2024, before Ryan, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 7, 2025. Bolstad, who also pleaded guilty to Desecration of Human Remains, and Palumbo, who admitted guilt to Hindering Apprehension, both before Ryan, will be sentenced on March 14, 2025.
Officer of 27 years. She is also a resident of the township.
McGuckin-Anthony clarified Township Clerk Sandra Martin’s call for the two resolutions to be removed off the consent agenda so that they could be voted on separately. Resolution 76-25 was reworded by the clerk to deny the contract to Novak’s reappointment which Kuhn, Borrelli and Palmeri voted for but which Council Vice President Mordechai Burnstein voted against with a no vote. Councilman Scott Sargent was absent from the meeting. That motion was approved.
The same rewording was done for resolution 91-25 denying the contract to PM Consultants LLC and that motion was unanimously passed. Neither firm will be working for Jackson Township.
School District In Need Of Transportation Aides
JACKSON – The Jackson School District has a serious need for Transportation Aides for the coming year. Please share this information with anyone who might be interested in earning $18.50 per hour with
flexible hours while helping students! HS Diploma or GED and criminal background check required.
See the job posting and job description to apply ASAP! Visit jacksonsd.org.
C OMMUNITY N EWS
Mayor Proclaims Great Kindness Challenge Week
PLUMSTED – At the New Egypt Primary School, Plumsted Mayor Robert Bowen is shown alongside Kristen Bowen, and Committeeman James Hagelstein. He has proclaimed “January 27 to 31, 2025 as the Great Kindness Challenge Week, where ‘kindness matters’ in Plumsted Township and beyond.”
Students Cook Up A Delicious Fundraiser
courtesy Manchester Schools
fundraiser for upcoming excursions by making and serving pancakes. The pancake fundraiser was a full experience for Ms. Ellie’s class. They first advertised during the morning announcements encouraging donations in exchange for fluffy flapjacks. Students then went around to take orders and get a count to determine who wanted blueberry, chocolate chip, or plain pancakes. After collecting orders and donations, students returned to the classroom where they helped teachers whip up the orders. Soon thereafter, students from B-Pod began delivering pancakes with a smile in appreciation for the donation to their fundraiser. Thank you to all who participated and continue to support our students!
Photo
Photo courtesy Plumsted Township
George S. Hassler, Owner & Director, NJ Lic. No. 3193 Brian T. Hassler, Manager, NJ Lic. No. 4054
Jackson Students Perform At Region III Honors Band Concert
JACKSON – Two Jackson Memorial High School musicians just came off a great weekend playing among the very best students in the state at the Region III Honors Band Concert.
Mariella Morales and Vanessa DeSouza earned this incredible honor by learning a professional-level solo on their respective instruments during their audition in December
courtesy
earn a spot among these elite
was accepted to BOTH the Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, on French horn. Vanessa was accepted into the Symphonic Band. They performed with the best high school musicians in south Jersey while being led by the best conductors in the region and are also now eligible to audition for the New Jersey All State Bands!
Jackson Fire District 2 And 3 Partner To Provide Weekend Coverage
JACKSON – Jackson Fire District 2 and Jackson Fire District 3 have partnered to provide weekend coverage to its residents. Weekend coverage began in September 2024. Each district takes a turn alternating weekends and staffs an engine company that responds to calls in each other’s response area. Crews are on duty from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Jackson Fire District 3 also provides a staffed engine company on holidays effective November 2024.
Crews have responded to 50 emergency calls on weekends since September 14,
2024. This includes two working structure fi res, nine fi re alarms, four appliance fi res, six brush fi res, along with gas leaks, CO alarms, MVAs, open burns, and utility emergencies, etc.
Our holiday crews have responded to 18 emergency calls. These holidays include Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. This includes one working structure fi re on Thanksgiving Day, three appliance fi res, six fi rst responder calls, two CPR calls, fi re alarm activations, MVAs, water leaks, etc. This is done in cooperation with Jackson Station 55 and Station 57.
Photo
Jackson Schools to
ensembles. Mariella
Jackson Volunteer Fire Co. Hosts Annual Installation Dinner
courtesy Jackson Volunteer Fire Co.
JACKSON – Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. Station 55 held their annual Installation Dinner at the Clarion Hotel in Toms River.
During the dinner, our line officers were sworn in, Chief James Loiacono, Assistant Chief Carl A. Halpin Jr. and Lieutenant Christopher Drury. Next, two new members were sworn in, Eli Bursztyn and Edgar Gallegos.
President Chris Drury, Vice President Anthony Salas, Secretary Anna Turner and Treasurer Eddie Salgado were all sworn in (not pictured, Assistant Secretary Paul Navarro) and Firefighter of the Year Award for 2024 was given to Anna Turner.
Also not pictured were our Top Five Responders for 2024, Frank Hruschka, Chris Drury, James Loiacono, Eddie Salgado and Dennis McGuire.
Free Nature Programs At FREC
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.
Pre-register at: eventbrite.com/o/forest-resource-education-center-31858983647. Below are the following events for the month of February:
Maple Sugaring at the Shack – February 8 & February 15 at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. Come out and see a demonstration of tapping trees to collect sap, boiling down maple sap to make syrup. There’s also a demo on how to tap trees and learn interesting facts about this amazing part of nature. Following the demonstration, there is the option of a 45-minute walk with Duffy along our tree products trail that is guaranteed to entertain and educate. Meet at the Sugar Shack located at the NJ State Forest Nursery: 370 East Veterans Highway, Jackson. The event will be outside, rain or shine.
Full Moon Hike – February 12 at 7 p.m.
Embrace the chill with a Full Moon Feb-
ruary walk at the Forest Resource Center. This is an easy 1.5 mile walk through the State Tree Farm. Dress for the weather and cancel for rain or ice.
Come meet at the Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson.
Pre-registration only, accepted on fi rstcome basis. Accepting 25 persons 8 years and up hike. Registration is free.
The Telling Of Legendary Hessian Island – February 22 at 10 a.m. The program will be the telling of Legendary Hessian Island which is one of the 30 stories told in the author’s 4th published work, “South Jersey Legends & Lore - Tales from the Pine Barrens and Beyond.” The author will assume the dress and role of legendary John Bacon one of many cast in the Pine Robber vain of the American Revolution.
Program will at the Forest Resource Education Center, 495 Don Connor Boulevard Jackson. Pre-registration only, accepted on fi rst-come basis. Accepting 25 people. Registration is free. Please remember to cancel if unable to attend.
Photo
Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption
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.
Meet Levon. This adorable boy is wonderful. He is a friendly boy who loves to play, explore and interact with other cats and people. He is about 2.5 months old and is currently being fostered along with his
Photo courtesy Calling All Cats siblings – EmmyLou & Waylon. He will be ready to go to his forever home shortly, so get your application in for Levon.
To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then fi nd 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.
Oliverie Funeral Home Presents: Preneed Planning Seminar
JACKSON – You are invited to a Preneed Planning Seminar on February 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Wisteria at Oliverie Funeral Home, 125 S Cooks Bridge Road, Jackson. Learn about:
• Relieve you family of stress and planning
• Veteran benefits
• Pre-register for Nj vet cemetery
• Medicaid spend-down
• Prepayment options
Guest Speaker: Geraldine Oliverie CFSP. A light lunch will be served. To RSVP, call 732-719-7250.
Jackson School District Preschool Lottery
JACKSON – The Jackson School District Preschool Lottery Form for the 2025-2026 School Year is open.
Deadline is February 13 at 3 p.m. You must fill out this form by this deadline in order
to be included in our lottery. Names will be drawn at random to register for this free preschool program for the coming school year. See Preschool Page for details: jacksonsd. org/preschool.
Pork Roll Egg-N-Cheese Breakfast
JACKSON – The Jackson VFW Post 4703 will be hosting a Pork Roll Egg-N-Cheese Breakfast on February 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 54 Magnolia Drive, Jackson.
Cost is $7 per person and includes one sandwich (egg and cheese optional) and a non-alcohol beverage of your choice. Also $6 Bloody Mary special.
C OMMUNITY N EWS
First Responders Train For Ice Rescue
LAKEHURST – Members from Lakehurst, Manchester, Ridgeway and Jackson Mills Fire Departments along with Lakehurst First Aid Squad and Lakehurst Police Department, all got together for an ice rescue refresher drill.
Photo courtesy Lakehurst Fire Department
Members went over the proper way to rescue a victim in the event they fell through the ice.
As the ice may look like fun to play on, it is very unsafe and unpredictable. Never play on any frozen body of water.
Learn About The Jackson Pathfi nders
JACKSON – The Jackson Pathfi nders are a friendly group of men, women, teens and scouts who love to be out on a trail in the beautiful natural lands of our town. We charge no dues or fees. All we seek from our participants are interest and enthusiasm. Free and open to the public every day, our Pathfi nders trails are for nature appreciation, hiking and mountain biking (no bikes on Children’s Trail). Visit our website for downloadable PDF maps and interactive Google maps of these Pathfinders trails and of several other trails in Jackson, including those at the Forest Resource Education Center.
Trail Tips: Whenever you go out on any trail, wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring drinking water. Bring a trash bag with you in case you find something discarded on the trail. There is always a trip-and-fall risk, so have a friend walk with you. Never go out alone. For the best protection against ticks, mosquitos and chiggers, spray your clothing with Permethrin a day in advance. Then, when leaving home, apply Picaridin or other insect repellent to your skin.
You are invited to: the monthly planning meeting of the Jackson Pathfi nders, which will take place on February 20 at 7:30 p.m.
JACKSON – The Jackson VFW Post 4703 is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner on March 8 from 3 to 7 p.m.
Please come and share your ideas to make our trails even better! We meet at the Jackson Township municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway (Route 528). Look for us in the main auditorium; otherwise, you will fi nd us in a small meeting room adjacent to the restrooms. No reservation is needed.
More about the Jackson Pathfi nders: Our volunteers trim branches and briars, clear fallen trees, install trail markers and signs, maintain boardwalks and bridges - and much more. We love the beauty of nature and do everything we can to pass that love along to others. The Pathfi nders are supported by Jackson’s Town Council, Public Works Department, Recreation Department and Environmental Commission. We serve as the local advocacy group for New Jersey’s Forest Resource Education Center, and we gladly partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on their own special projects.
The beauty of Jackson’s natural lands calls to us. Out on the trail we experience the refreshing scent of the forest, the clean and awesome streams and the freedom from crowds and traffic. The Jackson Pathfinders look forward to sharing with you our love for nature and for the trails which lead us there!
Cost is $15 for adults, $8 for kids 12 and St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
under, and free for veterans. First come first served. All to-go meals are $17. Meal includes corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, soda bread, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921
Dear Pharmacist
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Pelvic Floor Health: Strengthening Your Foundation With Science And Support
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common yet often overlooked issue that can affect quality of life and cause incontinence. While many associate it with post-menopausal women, it also impacts pregnant women, men, and individuals across various life stages. Fortunately, there are ways to manage and improve pelvic floor health, including dietary supplements and innovative therapies like neurobiofeedback.
For those experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, the right dietary supplements can be a supportive tool in improving muscle function, tissue strength, and overall health. Magnesium is especially beneficial for addressing constipation, which can strain the pelvic floor over time. By promoting muscle relaxation and regular bowel movements, it alleviates unnecessary pressure. Collagen, a key component of connective tissue, may also help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, enhancing their resilience.
Vitamin D, essential for overall muscle health, has been linked to improved pelvic floor strength when levels are maintained. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids (as in fish oils), known for their anti-inflammatory properties, may ease conditions like chronic pelvic pain or interstitial cystitis. Probiotics also play an important role, as a healthy gut can reduce bloating and constipation, indirectly supporting pelvic floor function. It’s always important to consult a healthcare practitioner before adding new supplements, particularly if you have other health conditions or are on medication. The goal is to create a comprehensive approach that includes lifestyle changes, exercises, and other supportive measures.
One cutting-edge option for pelvic floor
rehabilitation is neurobiofeedback, a therapy that retrains the brain-muscle connection. Neurobiofeedback uses sensors and real-time feedback to help patients understand how to control and engage their pelvic floor muscles more effectively. By observing visual or auditory cues during muscle exercises or relaxation techniques, individuals learn to correct patterns of dysfunction over time.
This therapy is particularly effective for those with overactive pelvic floor muscles, chronic pelvic pain, or incontinence, as it combines strengthening and relaxation techniques. Neurobiofeedback is safe, non-invasive, and often facilitated by trained therapists. It acts as a “reset” button for the pelvic floor, allowing for better control and reduced discomfort.
Together, dietary supplements and therapies like neurobiofeedback offer a multi-faceted approach to managing pelvic floor dysfunction. Whether you’re dealing with post-menopausal symptoms, pregnancy-related strain, or challenges following prostate surgery, there’s hope for improvement. These tools, combined with lifestyle adjustments like maintaining a healthy weight, practicing Kegels (without overdoing them), and staying active, can make a significant difference.
Whether you’re exploring supplements, considering neurobiofeedback, or simply trying to understand your body better, know that there are solutions tailored to your needs. With the right approach, a stronger, healthier pelvic floor is within reach. If you’re interested in a deeper dive into this topic, I’ve written a longer, more comprehensive blog on my website 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.
H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH
Dr. Izzy’s
Sound News
Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
Child & Senior Proof Batteries
For those of you still using disposable zinc air batteries, the packaging has dramatically changed. For at least the past 25-30 years, you would be able to peel a TAB off a battery which activates the battery cell and insert the battery into your hearing instrument. These TABS were available in all battery sizes including 10, 312, 13, and 675. The TABS were color coded to make it easy know what size to pick up at most pharmacy stores, food stores, Walmart, Costco, etc. The color designation has not changed; however, each battery package is wrapped so tight, it requires the use of a scissors to open the pack to remove each battery. For seniors with poor dexterity or general weakness, it’s practically impossible to complete this task.
This new battery packaging rule was approved mainly because of the number of children and animals ingesting batteries. In my opinion, once the batteries are removed from the packaging, both children and animals can still ingest these batteries. This new law will FORCE the majority of seniors to
switch to rechargeable hearing aid models. This is not a bad thing since there’s no need to open or close battery doors or deal with packaging at all! You just put the hearing aids in a charger and in 3 hrs. you have a full charge for the rest of the day. The amount of money you would spend buying batteries offsets the cost of the charger which is normally included in the cost of the hearing aids. If you’re lucky enough to still purchase the older packaging, make sure that these batteries have not expired. If you’re up to the challenge of using a strong scissors to remove each battery independently from the packaging, my advice would be to remove all of the batteries and put them in a separate jar with the battery tabs still on them. The next time you decide to purchase new hearing aids, just go the rechargeable route and you will be significantly less frustrated. Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always here to listen to your hearing care needs. Please feel free to contact our offi ce at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at 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!
Seaside Heights Cupid’s Undie Run
SEASIDE HEIGHTS – On February 15 – hundreds of people in Seaside Heights will brave the cold in just their undies during Cupid’s Undie Run, the nation’s largest pant-less party and mile-ish run for charity.
The event raises awareness of neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves
throughout the body and fundraises for NF research through the Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF).
In addition to Seaside Heights, Cupid’s Undie Run will take place in 33 other cities across the United States. More information regarding the event can be found here: my. cupids.org/event/2025-cupids-undie-runnew-jersey/e643595.
Ocean County Bereavement Groups
OCEAN COUNTY – Therapist/Clergy, Rev. Dr. Anthony Lipari, FCM, has been offering Grief Support Group sessions for over 21 years during the last week of every month. The sessions are offered at 1 p.m. throughout Ocean County. The locations are as follows:
• Mondays: Ocean County Memorial Park in Waretown
• Tuesdays: Timothy Ryan Funeral Home on Fischer Boulevard, Toms River
• Wednesdays: Quinn Hopping Funeral Home on Mule Road, Toms River
• Thursdays: Anderson Campbell Funeral Home on Ridgeway Road, Manchester
• Fridays: Manchester Memorial Home on Schoolhouse Road, Whiting
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.
Dr. Isidore Kirsh
Making Its Home In The Timbered Forest –Th is Animal Is A Member Of The Weasel Family
By Renee A. Thomaier
Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
This mammal can feed on almost any animal, large or small, dead or alive. The wolverine is generally a nocturnal solitary hunter. They will hunt voles, squirrels,
moose, porcupines, deer, sheep and other livestock. Being scavengers, which provides a large portion of their diet, they enjoy the carcasses of caribou, pumas and other animals.
Although the wolverine weighs only between 19 and 40 pounds, they have been known to guard their food or territory against small bears and wolves. Their legs are short and stocky, with a shoulder height is between 14 and 18 inches. Overall body length excluding the tail, is between 26 and 41 inches.
The predators of younger wolverines are cougars, grizzly bears, gray wolves and golden eagles. Human hunters are the primary predator of the adult wolverines with the occasional wolf hunting them. Wolverine fur is valued by humans as it is used for trimming parkas.
The wolverine can be found in the northern parts of North America and Eurasia. They are fearless, cunning, very strong and voracious, known for their ability to take down larger predators, twice their size, or even larger.
The courtship of the wolverine runs from May to August. Throughout their home range, they will mate with several females. A litter of one to five kits is raised solely by the female without any assistance from the male. Sexual maturity occurs between the ages of one and a half to two years of age. On occasions there have been adult males and females of the same litter observed traveling and hunting together. The general lifespan of the wolverine may range between 7 and 10 years in the wild. In captivity, that lifespan may reach a long as 17 years.
As of December of last year, wolverine numbers are sparse in Europe, along with eastern and southwestern parts of North America. This is due to hunting, poisoning and trapping. They require deep snow packs for food sources, which is decreasing. I gathered information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.
Jackson Recreation Yankees Game
JACKSON – Join Jackson Recreation for an American League East Division Champs NY Yankees Game on July 31.
Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays. Cost is $105 per ticket. Meet at the parking lot of Jackson’s Townhall, 95 W Veterans Highway, for bus pick up.
Game starts at 1:05 p.m. Snacks provided on the bus. No refund policy. Register at register.communitypass.net/jackson.
Real Estate
Trusted Local Home BuyersWe buy houses, any condition. A+ reviews. Get a fair cash offer today. Call 609-699-3767. (8)
Items For Sale
Norwell 9500DF Portable Generator - Gas or propane. Never used. Price negotiable. Afternoons only 732-941-4936. (8)
Items Wanted
$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n)
COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY
Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)
I Buy Records - Cash paid, we answer the phone. Call Eddie at 732-829-5908. Records 33/45.
Walt buys comics, toys & collectibles. Call 908-278-3782. (8)
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)
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)
Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)
Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)
CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (3)
WANTED TO BUY - Old Records for LPs & 45s Rock/Jazz/Soul/Blues Call Eddie (732-829-5908) For 45/78 RPM Doo Wop/Soul/R&B/Rockabilly Call Bob 909-938-4623. (6)
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CLASSIFIEDS
Services Help Wanted
Machinist Wanted 1st/2nd Class for Lakewood Machine Shop - 6 - 12 hrs./week. Days only. 732-367-3100, ext. 107. (8)
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)
Services
Handyman Solutions - Affordable prices that are budget friendly. All phases of Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Laminate Flooring • Painting • Drywall • Doors • Windows • Siding • Hand and Vinyl Railings • Decks • Minor Plumbing/Electrical and more. Licensed Insured. 609-384-9030 (50)
INCOME TAX ACCOUNTANTSPersonal and small business tax returns. Over 30 years of experience. Reasonable fees. Mention this ad and get $20 off. Call for an appointment. 732-270-6505. (11)
Retired Nurse LLC - Licensed and insured. Available for companion, assist for adult's care. Reasonable rates in Monmouth County 732-209-1837. (8)
Cleaning Service - Too tired or can't be bothered. Call Donna 732-3305916. Rentals, overturns, construction and residential. Insured and bonded. (9)
International Folk Dance Teacher Available - Beginners classes for adults/youngsters. Also chair-dance for seniors or developmentally disabled. Text 929-465-9773 for info. (7)
Avon Sales - Eyeliner, eye shadow, perfume, men's cologne. Call for a brochure 732-330-4189 or 848287-3944. If you are interested in selling Avon contact 732-3304189 or 848-287-3944. (t/n)
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-833-901-0309 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (t/n)
"Stick With the Man That Covers Your Can! - Residential and Commercia Pump-outs FREE 1 year supply of enzyme treatment with each septic pump-out. Septic Inspections. Septic System Installations and All Repairs. Grease Traps installation and pump outs. Tank Abandonment and Demolition. 24 Hours Emergency Service! 732-244-0189. (5)
ANGEL APPLIANCE REPAIR732-403-6975. 50+ years serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Senior owned and operated. INSURED, RELIABLE AND HONEST. (47)
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)
Anyone Interested In Having Their - Office, home or apartment cleaned, contact Diane. Honest and reliable. Free estimates. 845-762-9952. (49)
PQ Painting & Home Improve-
ment 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)
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)
A1 HANDYMAN SERVICESOver 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267475-7962 or 732-477-0379. (43)
DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213 (t/n)
Senior Campanion CaregiverRetired RN. Meal prep, transport to appointments, shopping, showering, light housekeeping. Contact Chris 845-430-1853. (48)
CAR SERVICE - Specializing in Newark and Atlantic City Airports, Point Pleasant and Bay Head Train Station. Call Kevin 727-396-7820. (8)
THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. Let's Go! (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. (8)
Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-691-0123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)
MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting, roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwork, all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (4)
CLASSIFIED:
• M ail this form to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. OR
• Go to jerseyshoreonline.com, click classifieds, fill out the form and pay by credit card. OR
Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring full time Cooks. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (9)
APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations. Fully insured and licensed. Seniors 10% off any job $500 or more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (7)
CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (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)
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Frozen
:
Continued From Page 1
demonstrations, food vendors and - to keep things warm - strategically placed camp fi res around the iconic grounds of the township’s 65-year-old flea market.
There was face painting, a fairy hair event in the auction house, blacksmith demonstrations, Howling Woods Farm photo opportunities, and axe throwing. The ice sculptures were lit up at night.
“This is the fourth year and it just keeps getting bigger and better,” said Aaron Heller, whose family has owned the flea market for generations.
Little two-year-old Grayson Vlice of Manahawkin enjoyed sitting in an ice sculpture car. His family decided to travel to the western corner of Ocean County for the event and to browse around a bit during the chilly morning.
“Larry Watkins is the sculptor,” Talba Warner said. “He does wood carvings.” Some of those carvings were seen on the grounds of the flea market.
“We have seven that have been done right now,” Heller noted concerning the ice sculptures that were housed in tents around the flea market. “Every hour he will carve one while on the back of a truck out here.”
“That will start at noon,” Warner added. Heller added, “he has four or five guys helping him out.” Among them was Mike
Stone, Tom Oldwurtel and Dave Bobal. Watkins, of Seaside Heights was busy coordinating the event, moving materials to where they needed to be and enjoying the work being done by his fellow ice carvers. “We started with the Bikini Boys. Tommy and Dave live out there.”
Bikini Boys (Watkins, Oldewurtel and Bobal) are the artists behind numerous works of beach-based art, including the infamous and contest-winning 2017 sand sculpture of Chris Christie at Island Beach State Park. They teamed up to combat beach boredom through sand sculpting and at the time, and had no idea it would attract so much attention.
Stone was outside at his stand, Woodcraft by Mike Stone during the Fire & Ice Festival. The woodcrafter remarked, “I was here for this two years ago. I couldn’t make it last year. We spent all last week carving the ice house and we have tents set up with five or six sculptures in each. We have to keep them out of the sun as it crystalizes the ice,” Stone added.
“I’ve been doing the wood carving for a long time. I used to teach wood shop. I retired a few years ago and I started this again and Larry asked me if I’d help out.”
“We were hoping it would be a little colder today. Two years ago, it was brutally cold.”
Oldwurtel was busy inside a tent creating an ice dragon with a chainsaw.
Watkins said his fellow Bikini Boys live
on the same street in Seaside Heights and have entertained themselves with their kids’ abandoned sand toys for years. It was Bobal’s idea to compete. Coney Island, three years ago, was the fi rst official contest for The Bikini Boys.
“We’ve known each other for 10 years, “ Oldewurtel said.
“We started back in 2015. I moved down here from upstate New York where I did commercial diving. I came down in 2012 when SuperStorm Sandy hit. I was one of the divers that worked on removing the (Jet Star) rollercoaster from the ocean (in Seaside Heights) after the storm. I had to survey underwater all the debris and mark it,” Watkins said.
In his quest to fi nd an apartment in the borough he went door to door “no one would answer the door except him (Oldewurtel). “I asked what day is garbage day and he said come on in. I came on in and we became best friends. He did sand art before me, way before me and we started doing in 2014 when Sandy was just getting over.”
“We did the ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’ carrying a girl in a bikini, and we won fi rst place,” Oldewurtel added. He noted that Larry still seemed surprised by the win.
“We did some ice shows and carving and it has been nonstop. Tommy is a retired mailman,” Watkins added.
“He started with the wood carving years ago. They wanted to do a fi re and ice festi-
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
val here so he started doing ice carvings,” Oldewurtel said.
When asked about how long, approximately, a sculpture like Oldewurtel’s dragon takes to carve, Oldewurtle said, “it depends on who you talk to.”
Oldewurtel said, “this took 10 blocks of ice and it will take me a week but it would take him, (Watkins) two hours because he’s been doing it for years.”
Watkins said the blocks weigh 330 pounds apiece. Some require more time to carve the eyes and teeth and to add lighting behind it.
The wood/ice carver was recently honored for his work that can be seen on Main Street in New Egypt as a tribute to the military. “That was for the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. Six eagles. I donated it and it’s in the parking lot on Main Street. I am busy every day doing something,” Watkins said.
“I even did one for President (Donald) Trump that featured a flag and the Liberty Bell two years ago that is at his house in Bedminster. I also did one for the 100th anniversary of the state police which began in 1921 and I did it in 2021 that was a flying eagle for them at their Trenton headquarters.”
Larry also keeps busy with his Larry’s Wood & Tree Carvings business and utilizes the property on the grounds of the flea market where a lot of his work can be seen.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
A Jersey Shore sunrise is always a wonderful sight. Recently, local resident Thomas Olivari was at the Edwin Forsythe National Wildlife Reserve and took this great pic. Want to see your photos in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!
OHI’s 22nd Annual Valentine’s Day Fundraiser “Casino Royale”
FARMINGDALE – You are cordially invited to join us for OHI’s 22nd Annual Valentine’s Day Fundraiser on February 14 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, 20 Shore Oaks Drive, Farmingdale. The theme is “Casino Royale.”
Join as we celebrate 22 years of caring for our communities! Please RSVP to Renee, RNatale@ohinj.org. For ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities visit OHINJ. Square.site.
Held at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club, the event is set to be a swanky and glamorous affair, bedazzled in rhinestones and covered in glitter. All guests are expected to dress their best to add to the ambiance and make the night truly special and unforgettable. In addition to testing your luck at all the casino games including blackjack, roulette, craps, and all the other usual suspects, you’re in for a simply sumptuous meal, hours of dancing, a silent auction, a 50/50, and raffle prizes available to all.
At face value, events like this seem like just a big party we throw for our friends and family. But they actually serve a really important purpose. Ocean Health Initiatives works constantly in pursuit of its mission to provide the highest quality care to all of its patients, even if they can’t afford to pay a dime for their services. Many of our
patients are comprised of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our community: low-income households, struggling families, veterans, migrants. Proceeds from fundraisers like our Valentine’s Day Event are critical to making this mission possible by giving our organization a bit more wiggle room to purchase new equipment and supplies, pay our employee’s salaries, and cover some overhead costs. Healthcare in the United States is very expensive - and when patients aren’t charged for the care they receive, someone has to make up for the balance on the ledger.
While we do receive funding from government agencies and grants, these alone are not enough to maintain our patients’ needs or expand into new communities and new services. Donations from our community not only bolster our fi nancial situation but also show us the encouragement we need to keep going. In many ways, it is largely thanks to your unwavering support that OHI is able to thrive and keep our patients healthy.
If you’ve been enticed to purchase a ticket to this year’s event, they are still available! And even if you’re too busy that night, you can still donate to the cause by visiting our website, ohinj.square.site.
We’d love to see you there!
This article was brought to you by our advertisers.
Play Mahjong At The Jackson Senior Center
JACKSON – Come and play Mahjong at the Jackson Senior Center! Beginners welcome! Group meets on Mondays at
11 a.m. and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. Call the center if you’d like to register or have any questions.
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
Am I Eligible For An Expungement?
By: Robert C. Shea, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates
Did you know that even if you plead guilty to a non-criminal offense in Municipal Court, an expungement of your record is still required to prevent employers from seeing the original charges?
It is customary in Municipal Court for a defendant and a Prosecutor to enter into an agreement called a “plea bargain.”
A plea bargain is essentially a private arrangement with the Prosecutor for the defendant to plead guilty in exchange for a more lenient sentence. The terms of a plea bargain may involve reducing the charges from criminal to non-criminal in nature, minimizing fi nes and penalties, or a reduction in the number of charges.
A favored plea bargain by Municipal Prosecutors is to reduce a Disorderly Persons/Misdemeanor offense to a Township Ordinance violation. This in essence turns a criminal charge into a non-criminal penalty. Most people believe that when they agree to such a plea bargain, that they are doing so to keep the original criminal charge off their record. However, they are deeply mistaken.
the matter. The police report and the charges will still be on your record in their original form. Which is why you must be diligent in expunging the police report and charges subsequent to entering your plea arrangement with the Court.
When background checks are conducted there are three separate pieces of information that are looked for: (1) the police report; (2) the charges brought against the defendant by the state; (3) the fi nal disposition of the matter i.e. guilty/not guilty. When a defendant agrees to a plea bargain in Municipal Court to reduce their offenses from criminal to non-criminal in nature, this will only affect the fi nal disposition of
Expungement (also known as criminal record sealing) is a process by which you can formally have your criminal records treated as if they no longer exist. This includes the police report and the charges from the incident which are still observable even if your fi nal disposition indicates a non-criminal offense. Having a criminal record, no matter how long ago, can make obtaining a job or renting an apartment difficult. Therefore, expunging or cleansing your criminal record can provide you with a fresh start.
If you believe that you may be eligible and would benefit from an expungement, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.
The law fi rm of R.C. Shea & Associates is a full service law fi rm representing and advising clients in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate Litigation, Personal Injury, General Litigation, Real Estate Law, Medicaid Law, Medical Malpractice, Workers’ Compensation, Land Use, Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney. Call or visit our fi rm at 732-505-1212, 244 Main Street, Toms River, Manchester Area (732) 408-9455 or our Brick Area at (732) 4510800 or email us at Rshea@rcshea.com
Moderate Training Noise At Joint Base For February
By Alyssa Riccardi
LAKEHURST – Expect to hear moderate noise from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) throughout the month of February. Every month, JBMDL releases their “Noise Level Calendar” so residents know when to expect mild or severe noise. This is to deter calls to local 911 dispatchers. The calendar is labeled
with three different levels of noise: low noise, moderate noise and abundant noise.
Almost every day in the month of February is scheduled for “moderate noise.” February 8, 9, 15, and 18 are scheduled for “low noise.”
Noise levels are subject to change without notice due to training requirements and weather, JBMDL said.
“Friday Night Lights” Challenger Program
JACKSON – “Friday Night Lights” Challenger Program for children with special needs. Spring flag football and new in 2025 – cheerleading. Open to aged 5 to 21. Play flag football or learn some cheers at your own pace and have fun! Convenient Friday (one-day) sched-
ule trophies and pictures for all athletes. Games: Fridays only March 28 through May 16 from 5 to 6 p.m. location: 133 Manhattan Street, Jackson. Sign up at: jackson-jaguars.org. For questions email: challenger@jyfcjags. org.
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
8 Go as low as 15 Tightens, say 16 Observation when Porky leaves 17 Ready 18 “I’ll do it” 19 Pass with a wave?
20 Up to one’s eyeballs
21 “Street Scene” playwright Rice 22 Water line?
23 D.C. United’s first home 26 Obscures 28 Belinda Carlisle album with French songs and Irish musicians 30 Corkers 31 Pub freebie
Confection that reportedly improves heart health
“Never __ the comments”
Scoring instructions
Saved for later, in a way
One of the Istari, in Middle-earth
Tinkerer
Disinfectant distilled from needles
Feature of an assured
5 Party exercise
6 Rather 7 Suffix for records
8 Defeats soundly, in sports slang
9 Pi–ata feature 10 Look that causes discomfort
11 Member of the Siouan family
12 Images on Clemson Tigers merchandise
13 Cook with a lot of Apples?
14 Shout of support
20 “My goose is cooked”
22 Lead-in to draw or hold
24 Furnace part
25 Dennings of “2 Broke Girls” 27 Tear __
28 Midwinter honorees
29 Grated ingredient in cranberry relish, often
30 MVP of the first two Super Bowls
31 Clown whose voice inspired Krusty of “The Simpsons”
32 Binary
33 Down __
34 One of six in a fl. oz.
37 “Toss a can my way”
39 City on the Seine
41 Don DeLillo title inspired by an Andy Warhol print series
42 Hold dear
43 Runs without moving
45 Market unit
46 Singer-songwriter Suzanne
47 “Sideways” subject
48 S.A. country bordering five others
49 Novelist Rita __ Brown
50 Sound of a sock
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your popularity might be increasing, the week ahead may bring many chances to socialize and network for advancement. Your closest relationships might thrive if you hold heartfelt discussions and prove the sincerity of your commitment.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The future may not be as predictable as it once seemed. Past successes might not guarantee future wins, as circumstances are bound to shift. Be cautious about making sudden changes this week as conditions might not be in your favor.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Collaboration could be invigorating. A close friend might share some exciting news during the week ahead that could work to your advantage. It might be smart to consider your partner’s thoughts and advice if you’re facing a difficult choice.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): The more you know the more you may grow. Learn everything you can about finances, business, or career and develop practical skills that could help you succeed in any endeavor. You might be tempted to experiment with new ideas.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may light up someone’s day, your bright smile and warm charm could bring a whirlwind of energy. Give yourself permission to boost your self-image and let your self-esteem soar. Consider mingling and making new connections this week.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Make sure your actions contribute to the greater good. When you’re fueled by inspiration, you may have more power to introduce positive changes. Push past resistance; any complaints could likely be a reaction to the discomfort of change.
FOR THE WEEK OF FEB 8 - FEB 14 BY
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
JERALDINE SAUNDERS
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You might have a gift for leaving a fantastic first impression. There may be a way to use a bit of creative visualization to transform those mundane tasks into an exciting game. Go with your gut feeling when it comes to new things in your life.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stand firm against the temptation to follow the crowd. If you’re pushed to make a snap decision that feels off, trust your instincts and hold your ground. Be aware, there may be someone out there who’s passionately interested in you.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some opportunities are worth the patience. You may be celebrated as a hero when you confront a challenge head-on. Being courageous and protective of others in the coming week could bring significant benefits your way.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There might not be any real problems holding you back, but conditions could change swiftly. Consider waiting to make crucial decisions or changes in the early part of the week. Being sensible and practical may be your superpower.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your charm may be at its peak right now. Be careful not to pin all your hopes on just one romantic prospect. You might be eager for that special connection, but remember, the week could bring someone even more enchanting into your life.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A new person in your life could bring new thoughts and ideas to your attention. You may be able to discover dimensions to a relationship by opening up. Sharing your feelings, fantasies and passions with loved ones could bring you closer.
BUSY WEEKNIGHTS CALL FOR QUICK RECIPES
By America’s
Test Kitchen
CHEDDAR SCALLOPED POTATOES
(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) 2025 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
