Top Ten stories, 4 Online gambling, 9 | Sports, 16

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N o r t h B r u n s w i c k • S o u t h B r u n s w i c k

C h a n g in g tim e s c h a lle n g e re ta ile rsBy THOMAS CASTLESStaff Writer

Storefront vacancies have blemished many of New Jersey’s busiest retail corridors in recent years, and experts

say there is no shortage of reasons why.According to a report published by retail

broker R.J. Brunelli & Co., Old Bridge, the retail vacancy rate in central New Jersey climbed to 9.8 percent in the second quarter o f 2013, up almost a full percentage point from the previous year. That amounts to 2.95 million square feet of vacant space on routes 1 ,9 , 18 and 35 in Middlesex, Mon­mouth, Mercer and parts of Ocean counties. If added up, the unoccupied space is equiv­alent to the size o f about 20 vacant Walmart Supercenters.

But Walmart and other big-box stores of at least 20,000 square feet have been doing relatively well. According to Brunelli’s data, 225,000 square feet o f previously un­occupied big-box space was filled by ten­ants over the past 12 months.

However, that positive trend was not enough to offset increasing losses of smaller spaces.

“Much of the small-space woes can be attributed to ... the inability of small chains, mom-and-pops and franchisees to take ad­vantage of ... vacancies, because financing for new ventures or business expansion re­mains so difficult to get,” Brunelli’s report states. “Until the economy improves and banks genuinely start to loosen the spigots, it will be difficult to make much of a dent in the small-store inventory.”

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STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCARA sign advertises available space in the Epicentre shopping plaza on Route 9 in Manalapan. The vacancy rate for retail space in central New Jersey climbed to 9.8 percent in the second quarter of 2013.

Summit explores ways to combat poverty in N.J.Rv kathy chang Jersey residents struggling to meet basic and local policy makers, advocacy organi- face a financial crisis before were throwiBy KATHY CHANGStaff Writer

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the “War on Poverty,” where for­mer President Lyndon B. Johnson

called upon the nation to build a “Great So­ciety” that eliminated the troubles of the poor.

The war continues today. With one- fourth o f all seniors and one-third of New

Jersey residents struggling to meet basic needs, the Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey (APN) is issuing a “Call to Invest in the People o f New Jersey.”

“W hile we are still fighting it here in New Jersey, we are troubled by the ex­panded nature of the audience affected by poverty,” said APN Chairman Jim Jacob, who is president and CEO of NJ SHARES.

Some 100 people who represent a broad cross-section o f community leaders, state

and local policy makers, advocacy organi­zations, educators and faith-based groups convened at the annual APN summit held at the Crowne Plaza in Monroe last month.

Jacob said there were four primary top­ics discussed: housing, economic empow­erment, hunger and moving forward.

“By investing in the people o f New Jer­sey, we are calling on neighbors to help neighbors,” he said. “As an outcome of su­perstorm Sandy, people who never had to

face a financial crisis before were thrown into one. The economic downturn of recent years has led to many families and individ­uals finding themselves in need."

The panel discussions at the summit in­cluded Diane Riley of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey; Staci Berger of the Housing and Community Development Network o f New Jersey; Milly Silva of

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D O Y O U K N O W

A T E A C H E R

W H O R O C K S ?

95.9 WRAT- FM and 100.1 WJRZ-FM feel that excellent teachers are not receiving adequate recognition for their important contribution to our community.

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Every Friday beginning December 20,2013 at 9:20am on 100.1 WJRZ-FM and 1:20pm on 95.9 WRAT-FM we wiill announce 2 winners.

24 of these "Teachers Who Rock” will receive an award, a special gift and be honored at our awards banquet on April 9th, 2014

Superintendents, principals, co-workers and parents...Send us your nominations!

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Surge in snowy owl sightings is wintry treat for bird spottersBy JOSEPH SAPIACorrespondent

A bout 10 years ago, Kathy Krygier was at her kitchen sink, doing the dishes, when she saw a commotion of birds at a tall Norway spruce about

100 feet away.Then, she saw what caused the commotion: a large,

white bird that promptly started flying toward the win­dow she was watching from.

“It was like 15 feet away, then over the house," said Krygier, who lives with her husband Jimmy at their tree and plant nursery in South Brunswick. “I never saw a wingspan like that.”

She immediately checked her bird field guide and identified it as a snowy owl, a rare visitor to New Jersey from its Arctic habit.

“I saw it that time and never saw it again,” Krygier said.

It is likely many New Jersey outdoors people have never seen a snowy owl because only a few normally show up here each winter, according to experienced bird­watchers.

“A big year would be four,” said Sam Skinner, a natu­ralist for the Monmouth County Park System. ‘They were a rarity in New Jersey till this year.”

This winter more than 30 sightings have been recorded, Skinner said.

“In the lower part of North America, never seen any­thing like it,” said Skinner, noting the ecological irruption is not just in New Jersey. “Be talking about it for years to come.”

It has got the birding community aflutter.In the last eight years, Skinner figured, he has seen an

estimated seven snowy owls in New Jersey. But three of those seven he spotted on Dec. 18 — two at the Edwin B . Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge on the coast where Ocean and Atlantic counties meet, and another nearby in the Tuckerton 'area.

“You didn’t really have to hunt,” Skinner said.“You just looked for the crowds.”

Other reports from the northern Jersey Shore have come in from Keansburg, Sandy Hook, M onmouth Beach, Long Branch, Deal, As- bury Park, Avon, Belmar, Lavallette and Is­land Beach State Park. In mid-December, one was found electrocuted at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park in Long Branch.

They probably like a coastal area because it “looks more like their homes up there, I ’m guessing,” said Pete Bacinski, director o f New Jersey Audubon Society’s “All Things Birds” program.

“Usually, they’ll perch on a log or a pole,” said Roger Dreyling, a birder of 21 years who lives in Mon­roe. “There aren’t trees where they come from.”

The snowy owl likes “extensive marshes and grassland and, of course, beaches,” said

Rick Lear, head of the Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation.

“We look when w e’re out and about. We check the places they would [likely] frequent,” said Lear, an expe­rienced naturalist who has never seen a snowy owl in the wild.

In Middlesex County, Lear suggested looking for snowy owls at such county parks as Joseph Medwick Park on the Rahway River in Carteret, along with Raritan Bay Waterfront Park in South Amboy and Old Bridge Water­front Park on the bay.

But there have been inland sightings reported this win­ter — for example, in Hunterdon County.

An inland area that Lear suggested for possible sight­ings is the farmland along Cranbury Road and the New Jersey Turnpike on the bound­ary of South Brunswick, East Brunswick and Monroe — or, gen­erally. where Krygier reported her sighting of years ago.

“It would not surprise me if something showed up at the Van Dyke Farm,” said Lear, speaking of a county prop­erty in the area, along the Turnpike between Davidson Mill Road and Deans-Rhode

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Hall Road. "It's got fields there that have already been harvested.”

The bird is not difficult to identify: a bulky body about 2 feet tall, weighing 4 pounds, a white face, bright yellow eyes and. most notably, a wingspan of up to almost 5 feet. The adult male is generally all white, while females and juveniles have dark streaks. They hunt by day and night.

“Snowy owls are one of my very favorite birds,” Dreyling said. “To me, they look like a white fire hydrant [from the front], but the top swivels around and there are two bright yellow eyes looking at you.

“it’s a beautiful bird. It’s like nothing else you’ve seen.”

To some, the snowy owl may be most recognizable as the owl of “Harry Potter" movies.

Their normal time in New Jersey is November to March, according to Bacinski, who has been

birding for 43 years and lives near Sandy* Hook.

“Usually, when we see a drop in tempera­tures up north, we see some of them,” Skinner said.

Generally, they will winter as far south as the top half o f the continental United States. But this year, there have been reports from such places as North Carolina and Bermuda.

So, what is going on?One theory is there is a decline in lemmings

— the rodent that is the snowy ow l's main food source back home on the tundra — this year.

“Quite likely, the lemming population crashed,” Dreyling said. "They moved to where there is food.”

“That’s why snowy owls move south when they don 't have an adequate food supply," Bacinski said.

In New Jersey, they will eat such things as mice and voles, Bacinski said.

* Another theory is the snowy owl's food sup­ply back home was actually satisfactory, meaning

the owls were producing more offspring. They, in turn, spread to places such as New Jersey.

“Where they go [specifically] in an irruption can shift, but it’s always south," Dreyling said.

There is speculation that the snowy owls will not make it back to the Arctic because they might not find

enough food here, according to Bacinski and Skinner.But Skinner added. “They’re pretty tough birds. They

can survive on ducks, rats, mice |andj gulls."Skinner advised anyone viewing the birds to keep

a distance, so as not to upset them.‘T h e regal snowy owl is one o f the few' birds

that can get even ‘nonbirders’ to come out for a look,” Cornell U niversity’s www.allabout-

birds.org website states.Krygier recalled the mixed emotions she

felt when she spotted the bird — huge, fly­ing toward her. so white — a decade ago:

“It," she said, “was sort of scary and beautiful.”

Classified .......................................20 Entertainment ..............................14 Real Estate .....................................19 f l B ' i i lg m n e w s .c o m , . , , c . . , K 3 L ik e us onon the web Crossword ........................15 O brtuanes..................................... 11 Sports ............................................. 16 * J Fa ccb o o k

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CostcoiW H O L E S A L E

coming soon.

Costco and Target will be the first stores to join the MainStreetNB transit village in North Brunswick. NJ Transit approved a train station for the project earlier this year.

1. NJ Transit announces approval of train station

North Brunswick got excited when NJ Transit announced it went out to bid on the preliminary engineering, construction and design work of a new train station and “fly­over” tracks for the MainStreetNB transit village. The project, estimated to cost $30 million, will reinvigorate the former John­son & Johnson property on Route 1 north.

Jonathan Frieder, principal of North

Brunswick TOD Associates, said the fact that NJ Transit was going out to bid was big news because the overall transit village project, located at 2300 Route 1 on 212 acres, was contingent upon securing a train station on the property.

When the project is completed, in a maximum of 20 years, there will be 300,000 square feet of freestanding, large retail es­tablishments; 450,000 square feet of mixed- use retail and commercial space; 50,000 square feet o f freestanding, commercial

space; 195,000 square feet o f office space; a 250,000-square-foot hotel; and 1.875 res­idential units, for a total o f 1.25 million square feet of development on the property.

W hat’s next; Construction of the Costco and Target have already started. The stores are expected to open this year.

2. Officer enters plea agreement in vehicular homicide case

Former North Brunswick Police Lt. Keith R. Buck­ley entered a plea agreement in Supe­rior Court on Nov.13 that will give him a three-year prison sentence in connection with the 2008 death o f po- Christopher Zerby lice Lt. Christopher Zerby.

Buckley, 45, a 19-year veteran of the North Brunswick Police Department, was charged with vehicular homicide and two counts o f official misconduct after it was determined that he was driving at a high rate of speed with Zerby in the vehicle when it

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crashed into a utility pole on Aug. 12,2008, on Route 130 in North Brunswick.

W hat’s next;Buckley will be sen­tenced on Feb. 27.

3. Robberies continue

Police have been investigating a rash of burglaries in the --•**Brunswick area. Keith Buckley

North Brunswick had at least 28 residential burglaries in No­vember and December. A number of car and residential burglaries have occurred in South Brunswick.

A few arrests have been made thus far.

W hat’s next: Police have increased pa­trols and redeployed manpower in an at­tempt to find the suspects responsible for the break-ins.

Residents are asked to call their local po­lice department if they notice any type of suspicious activity.

4. South Brunswick council “knocks” out terms of old ordinance

Residents told South Brunswick officials that they did not want solicitors knocking on their doors between dusk and 8 a.m.

The Township Council voted April 9 to create the South Brunswick “do not knock” registry, which is an amendment to the town’s peddling and soliciting ordinance.

The council began discussing the need to revisit its solicitation ordinance after 72 complaints were filed by residents in 2012. About two dozen of the complaints in­volved people knocking on residents’ doors at night.

W hat’s next: It remains to be seen how the ordinance will be enforced.

5. Retired police officers will guard North Brunswick schools

The North Brunswick Board of Educa­tion beefed up security with the hiring o f six retired police officers in March, one for each township school.

The officers began their positions in the fall for the 2013-14 school year.

W hat’s next: School officials are still in discussions on whether to allow the retired officers to carry guns.

6. Sentencing o f Spicuzzo

Former Middlesex County Sheriff Joe Spicuzzo was sentenced to nine years in prison for running a jobs-for-cash scheme on Sept. 20.

The 68-year-old Helmetta resident pleaded guilty over the summer to a charge

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M A R K E T I N G

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o f accepting$25,000 in ex­change for a job in his office.

Spicuzzo was the Middlesex County sheriff for three decades, from 1980 until his 2010 retire­ment, and was chairman of the M iddlesex County Democratic Organi­zation for 16 years.

W hat’s next: Spicuzzo will have to serve at least two years before becoming eligible for parole.

7. McCartney won’t seek renewal of his superintendent contract

A decade of service to the town­ship’s school district will come to a con­clusion for South Brunswick Superin­tendent of Schools Gary P. McCartney.

McCartney, who has an annual salary of $204,248, has served as an educa­tor for more than 35 years.

W hat’s next: Though McCartney did not officially announce that he will retire, he has indicated that he will not renew his contract in 2014. A new superintendent will be ap­pointed.

8. South Brunswick Family YMCA closes for good

After 15 years, the South Brunswick Family YMCA closed its doors on Sept. 20.

Jeff Hermann, YMCA board chairman, said declines in membership and donations over the past few years were the reason.

The YMCA filed for Chapter 11 bank­ruptcy in January with the intent of reor-

Gary McCartney

Joseph Spicuzzo

ganizing and strengthening the facility, but sufficient financial resources were not se­cured in time to sustain operations.

W hat’s next: M embers of the South Brunswick YMCA are entitled to visit other YMCA locations in the state.

Jay Soloway of the North Brunswick Humane Association (NBHA) holds Cubby during an adoption luncheon held by the NBHA in April.

9. North Brunswick bans retail sale o f dogs, cats

North Brunswick broke new ground in Middlesex County by passing a law that bans retail stores from selling dogs and cats.

The Township Council voted unani­mously to adopt two ordinances that pre­vents an outlet for so-called puppy mills.

W hat’s next: The North Brunswick Hu­mane Association encourages adopting or rescuing pets.

A bill is pending in the state Assembly that would make it mandatory for munici­palities to issue licenses to stores that ad­here to a set o f regulations.

YMCAs team up for Passport ProgramBeginning in January, five Middlesex

County YMCAs will join together to offer its members the ability to use participating YMCAs without an additional fee.

YMCAs participating in the Passport Program include the YMCAs of Metuchen, Edison, South Amboy; Raritan Bay Area YMCA in Perth Amboy; and Raritan Valley YMCA in East Brunswick.

“Our members are mobile. Whether working outside of their hometown or trav­eling for their children’s activities, members now have the opportunity to get healthy wherever they find themselves in Middlesex County at a time and place that is most con­venient for them,” said Scott Lewis, presi­dent and CEO o f the YMCA of Metuchen,

Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy. “I, along with my colleagues — Steve Jobin, president and CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA in Perth Amboy, and Gina Stravic, executive director o f the Raritan Valley YMCA in East Brunswick — are thrilled to offer this exciting member benefit.”

The YMCA network represents the largest provider of child care services, in­cluding summer day camp; aquatic pro­gramming and instruction; and wellness programs and services in Middlesex County.

For more information about the YMCAs of Middlesex County, visit their websites at www.ymcaofmewsa.org,www.rbaymca.org and www.raritanvalleyymca.org.

Student artwork on display in JanuaryPaintings, drawings and photographs

created by 49 M iddlesex County students will be on display at the North Edison Pub­lic Library, 777 Grove Ave., Edison, and the Highland Park Public Library, 31 N. Fifth Ave., Highland Park, throughout January.

The exhibit features works produced by students who participated in the Middlesex

County Arts High or Arts Middle School. Students admitted to the program through audition are released from their schools one afternoon each week during the spring se­mester to participate in various courses that are taught by professional artists.

For more information. visit www.artshigh.net.

Mentalist Anthony Rose to perform Jan. 4Playhouse 22, East Brunswick’s C om ­

munity Theater, located at 721 Cranbury Road, will present mentalist Anthony Rose for a one-night-only event at 8 p.m. Jan. 4.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.playhouse22.org, over the phone at 732-254-3939 or at the door.

Items for Community Bulletin Board may be e-mailed to nssent@gmnews.cmn. They also may be faxed to 732-780-4192 ornuiiled to North & South Brunswick Sentinel, P.O. Box 950, Manalapan, NJ 07726.

10. Princeton Nurseries grows colorful history over 100 years

Princeton Nurs­eries, now known as the Mapleton Re­serve, celebrated its 100th birthday.

Members of the Friends of Prince­ton Nursery Lands; the Mapleton Pre­serve Commission;South Brunswick Township Council;Mayor Frank Gam- batese; U.S. Rep.Rush Holt (D-12); state officials;Princeton Univer-sity representatives; Visitors at the Mapleton Preserve, at top, look at a 1961 tractor that and the Flemer fam- was on disPlay during the 100th anniversary celebration of the, , ■ , Princeton Nurseries on Sept. 7. Attendees, above, look over aily. which once histofjcal d|s ,

owned the business, gathered to cele­brate the site in September.

COVER STORY

Retail(Continued from page 1)

The impact of the 2008 financial down­turn should not be understated when analyz­ing data like Brunelli’s, according to New Jersey Retail Merchants Association Presi­dent John Holub.

“Clearly, the economic environment has changed since 2008-2009, and 1 think busi­nesses as a whole are continuing to scratch and claw their way out of the worst downturn in 70 years,” Holub said. “But it seems that every few years there are fits and starts and ebbs and flows, so I don’t think the [recent] decline fin occupancy] is entirely surprising.”

Economic uncertainty may just be another punch to roll with for area retailers, but com­petition from the Internet presents a much more sizable concern, according to Robert Burchell, professor and co-director of the Center for Urban Policy Research at the Rut­gers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, New Brunswick.

“A rising tide lifts all boats and a de­creasing tide puts all those boats back on the ground, so the economy is always present and a major influence on American life,” Burchell said, adding that Brunelli repre­sentatives and analysts are very well-re­spected in their field. “But there will be a long-term future increase in vacancy rates [no matter how the economy fluctuates] be­cause of the competition of the Internet.”

Right off the bat, many online retailers enjoy a 7 percent price advantage over physr ical stores, because they are not required to charge sales tax if they do not have a physical presence in New Jersey, Holub said.

“[They] have an unfair advantage. They’re able to exploit a tax loophole ... that does not reflect the 21 st-century marketplace. All brick-and-mortar shops are asking for is a level playing field,” he said.

About 20 U.S. senators support that idea and have sponsored the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2013. If passed, it would require out- of-state Internet retailers to collect state and local sales taxes, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, a nonprofit community advocacy group.

The legislation would address an issue that Debbie Schaeffer, third-generation owner o f Mrs. G TV & Appliance in Lawrence Township, has been trying to tackle for years.

“This issue is part o f the reason you’re seeing more empty [retail] spaces. In our business, 7 percent is a huge percentage of profit,” Schaeffer said. “Besides, if the retailer doesn’t charge the consumer sales tax, then the consumer is responsible for paying it within 21 days of the purchase date.”

According to a 2011 Rutgers University study commissioned by the New Jersey Re­tail Merchants Association, less than I per­cent of consumers declare their tax-free online purchases. The study concludes that, by 2015, the disparity will leave New Jersey with $300 million in uncollected sales taxes.

“When the Marketplace Fairness' Act passes, I truly feel that you’ll see retail start to come back, especially in the srnall-business sector," Schaeffer said.

Internet retailers get another leg up be­cause they trump physical stores in many of

the areas that consumers depend on most — product variety, ease of price comparison and overall convenience, Burchell said.

“If I want a workbench, I can go on Craigslist or eBay and get 50 times the variety I would at a [local department] store,” he said.

But computers, advanced as they may be, don’t stack up to the firsthand assistance of actual human beings when it comes to meet­ing customer needs, according to several area retailers.

‘The No. 1 thing [retailers] can do to dis­tinguish themselves is to provide unparalleled customer service,” said Stuart Davis, certified commercial investment member with the Na­tional Association of Realtors.

Superior customer service is what has al­lowed Mighty Young’s Appliance on Route 9 in Howell to thrive for seven decades, owner Gene Young said.

“We’re an old-style store, and we offer the same type of customer service we were of­fering in the ’40s and ’50s,” Young said. “We have [customer] trust built into us. The the­ory is: If you’ve been around as long as we have, you must be doing something right.”

In addition to his role as president of Mighty Young’s Appliance, Young comple­ments his income as the landlord of several area retail spaces. He said the capricious eco­nomic climate has stalled the flow of cash be­tween apprehensive renters and commercial landlords.

“It’s true capitalism when it comes down to it — you raise the price [of your property] and the market shrinks; you lower the price and you increase your market share, but maybe don’t make as much as you need,” he said.

Landlords will have to shoulder the blow and lower rental prices, Burchell said, if they want to their spaces occupied during what he believes will be a lengthy period of high va­

cancy rates.“It’s a new world out there, and a lot of the

space is not going to be used,” he said. “And it’s not only retail space. An attorney who wanted to have some visual presence on a busy street can now advertise on the Internet.”

Landlords who want to retain their tenants would also do well to ensure their buildings are attractive, inside and out, Davis said.

“If you want to attract good tenants, you need to be able to provide a nice building with good signage,” he said. “You see a lot o f new construction being occupied where old stores are getting passed up, because looks matter.”

Business housekeeping is an issue that both online retailers and storeowners face, but hiring a skilled web designer usually costs far less than investing in capital structure im­provements, so online retailers gain the edge once again, Burchell said.

However, there will always be retailers that consumers cannot do without, and for which the Internet cannot provide a substi­tute, he said.

“Stores that provide basic needs, like con­venience stores, seem to be doing well enough. We seem to need a deli, we seem to need nail salons and liquor stores,” Burchell said, adding that those types of stores face lit­tle online competition.

As the landlord of a local liquor store, Young supports that concept.

“It’s one thing to be a professor and look at theory, and another to be in business and look at reality. But I own a liquor store — and the worse the economy does, the better busi­ness is for me,” he said.

Other retailers, like Lighthouse Cigars in Hazlet, are able to weather the paradigm shift even while selling luxury products, because the aficionados that support the company want to see and smell cigars before buying

PHOTOS BY KAREN KESTEN/STAFFEmpty retail buildings sit alongside Route 18 in East Brunswick.

them. They also know that long shipping trips could compromise product quality, owner Ralph Seber said.

“We make sure our humidor is always set to keep the cigars fresh — the drawback of buying online is they don’t have anybody maintaining that,” Seber said.

Because the products he sells are so small, Seber’s modest shop provides plenty of space to house a large inventory, which is refreshed constantly and helps to keeps his customers coming back, he said.

For storeowners like Young and Seber, staying relevant means studying the art of customer service and scrupulously managing inventory. For others — like John Orlick, owner of Hy-Way Music, a musical instru­ment store on Route 18 in East Brunswick — it means completely shifting the focus of the business.

When national chain instrument shops like Guitar Center and Sam Ash moved to the area, Orlick started to see instrument sales — his former bread and butter— plummet. Not keen to throw in the towel, he adapted by marketing his business as the premier destination for mu­sical instrument service and repairs.

“You do things fair and honest, [because] a fair price keeps people coming back. If you figure the first time you see a customer is the last time, then you charge them as much as you can, but I go for the repeats,” Orlick said.

In an environment that favors the big-box over the mom-and-pop store, business owners will have to pull out all the stops if they want to survive as small fish in a big pond, Burchell said.

“The Internet is a reliable alternative means of getting goods to people and produces a lack of demand for retail spaces,” he said. “That’ll result in a high vacancy rate, and there’s not much good to be said about that.”

But the prospect of stiff competition should not be enough for diligent storeowners to board up the doors and apply for a job at the adjacent big-box, Holub said.

‘The best retailers out there are innovative and creative and do whatever it takes to at­tract their customers,” he said. “If they’re not going to sell online, brick-and-mortars have to harness the power of the Internet in other ways, like through social media. Those that are able to adapt will thrive.”

Poverty(Continued from page 1)

United Healthcare Workers East; Dena Mottola Jaborska of New Jersey Citizen Ac­tion; and state Assemblywoman Gabriela M osquera (D-Camden and Gloucester), who gave the keynote address.

In regards to housing, APN supports cre­ating a consistent and fair state housing plan to invest in housing for working families and homeless households; enacting legisla­tion to enable foreclosed families to stay in their homes as renters until their home is sold; and creating a funding stream that would allow nonprofits to rehabilitate fore­closed properties.

APN also supports expanding the state Rental Assistance Program by at least $10 million, with funding coming from the state budget and not taken from other sources crucial to providing affordable housing. The network is also an advocate for increasing funding for legal services to the poor. This

way, the more than 170,000 people facing summary eviction actions annually would have legal representation, according to the organization.

Since the recession started in 2008. the number of unemployed New Jerseyans has doubled to about 400,000. Although the un­employment rate has declined somewhat, it is due in large part to the growth of low- wage jobs, according to APN.

“New Jersey is a high-cost state to live in,” Jacob said.

Joyce Campbell, APN vice chair and as­sociate executive director for external af­fairs for Catholic Charities, said households deemed as part of the “middle class” just a few years ago are now facing the same struggles as those once considered poor.

“No matter what the official definition of poverty may be, when it becomes im­possible to meet everyday expenses, then people are, in reality, living in poverty,” she said.

Jacob said the APN is asking to increase the minimum wage and adjust for future in­flation to move toward the goal o f achiev­

ing economic self-sufficiency for working families; restore the earned income tax credit to 25 percent o f the federal credit; provide additional funding for outreach in the Affordable Care Act; and increase the eligibility levels in the WorkFirst New Jer­sey program, which provides temporary as­sistance for needy families.

More than a million New Jerseyans — almost 400,000 o f them children — lack food security, according to A PN’s latest data.

APN is recommending several steps to combat hunger. These include supporting the expansion of school breakfast programs both fiscally and administratively, and rein­stating supplemental funding of the pro­gram to provide fiscal incentives for districts to adopt a “breakfast after the bell'' approach. The plan also includes expanding access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assis­tance Program (SNAP) by applying to the Federal Food and Nutritional Services pro­gram for available waivers that increase el­igibility to 200 percent o f the federal poverty level.

APN will address the process delays being experienced by SNAP applicants at the county level, focusing both on improved business models and hiring staff to process applicants in a timely manner.

Jacob said the discussions will continue as they address the “Call to Invest in the People of New Jersey.”

For more information, visit www.an- tipovertynetwork.org.

Democratic Club seeks new members

The North Brunswick Democratic Social Club is seeking new members.

During the annual election held Dec.9 at A rthur’s Steakhouse in North Brunswick, the following positions were appointed: Nancy Nicola as president, Ann Lisi as vice president, Nick Arico as treasurer. Lisa Wills as secretary and Stan Levy as sergeant at arms.

For more information, call Arico at 732-322-0765.

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OPINIONResponses show far-reaching impact of drug addictionA fter I lost my 21-year-old

cousin Courtney to a heroin overdose in Sep­tember, Greater Media Newspa­

pers ran a column that I wrote about her life and the grief that overtook my family.

I received numerous responses from readers, most of whom knew well the wreckage and heartbreak that heroin addiction spawns. Some lost children, siblings or friends. Others remained sullen but steadfast in their quests to help their loved ones.

Their letters illustrated the wide reach that heroin forged in New Jersey. As county prosecutors throughout the state echoed last year, the drug does not choose its prey based on class, race, gender or personality. Anybody can fall victim to its deadly grip.

That is why we need to damn our pride and speak loudly when this illness infects our families. Heroin is a dirty drug — not a dirty word. Many of the people

SPEAKING OUT

who I exchanged emails with un­derstood this, but some did not find clarity until they arranged an untimely fimeral.

There is no magic bullet to cure an addict of this disease. Treat­ment takes time, money, support and a willingness to come clean. But the removal o f the social stigma that clings to opiate de­pendence can only benefit addicts.

As I write this, my friends and I are preparing to speak with a longtime pal who is in recovery. We learned that he is struggling to stay sober after the recent fatal overdose of one of his best friends. We plan to tell my friend that he is valued, and that we will be there whenever he needs us, even though we cannot comprehend his condition.

Our words might not save him, but the dialogue will be a step in the right direction, ju st like the heartfelt, reader-submitted letters that blanket this page.

— Jack Murtha

W riter offers support, resources

Jack, I am so sorry for your loss. My son was an intravenous heroin addict. I am one of the

lucky, grateful moms. He became clean just before he turned 21 and has continued to support his recov­ery for the past eight years. Because of my experience as a mom of an addict, 1 have been producing my radio show, “Addicted to Addicts: Survival 101,” weekly for the past three years. The website is w eb ta lk rad io .ne t/in te rne t-ta lk - radio/addicted-to-addicts-survival- 101/.

I found very little help for fami­lies, other than Al-Anon/Nar-Anon. (Statistics show only a very small percentage — about 3 percent — of people who need support attend these 12-step groups.) I have dedi­cated my time and effort to support

SentinelA Greater Media Newspaper

Jennifer Amato M an a g in g E d ito r

Tim MorrisS p o rts C o o rd in a to r

Donna Kenyon E xecu tive E d ito r

Ben S. Cannizzaro G e n era l M an a g er & P u b ll th c r

E d ito ria l: 732-358-5200, ext. 8233 Fax: 732-780-4192

Email: nssent@gmnews.com Sports Email: sports@gmnews.com

D isp lay A d v ertisin g : 732-358-5200 Fax: 732-780-4257

Email: gmsales@gmnews.com

D elivery problem s'/Call circulation at 800-989-9969 or email:

dparana@gmnews.com before noon on Friday.

Scholarship keeps daughter's m em ory alive

families and loved ones so they can cope better than I was able to. I’ve written a book called “Sweat: A Practical Plan for Keeping Your Heart Intact While Loving an Ad­dict,” and I speak to families when­ever I get the opportunity. I hope you will share these resources.

For you and your family, I’d like to share with you a support group specifically for those who have lost a loved one from addiction or alco­holism. The members found that they were judged in conventional grief groups because of the stigma of addiction. Please share this with your family: grasphelp.org.

Please offer my condolences to your family.

Denise KrochtaCarlsbad, Calif.

I just read your article about your cousin Courtney. I lost my daughter Morgan to heroin in December 2008. She was 22.Before that, whenever I would

hear or read about a death of a much-too-young person, I would wonder how the parents must feel. How do they deal with tragedy so deeply sad? I no longer wonder. It takes you into the depths of despair so foreign, it defies description. Six rehabs only gave us hope that she, too, would get clean and stay that way. How did this happen? She was beautiful, an athlete, popular, funny. She was a four-year varsity starter

on Manalapan High School’s soccer team, and was a co-captain two of those years. My wife and I still can­not figure out what went wrong. Her two brothers are fine — no prob­lems. lt is an unsolved mystery I will take to my grave.

I do not know what your aunt and uncle will do, but this is what we have done. We could not let it end this way. So we established a scholarship in her name — a very modest $1,000 awarded to a gradu­ating female soccer player from Manalapan High School who is going on to college. The coaches and faculty choose the candidate.

We have presented five so far. We finance it with fundraisers. It does nothing to ease the sadness, but it is nice to keep her memory alive out­side of our home. The Manalapan Soccer Club, which Morgan played for also for 12 years, presents a scholarship in her name.

Your testimony of Courtney speaks volumes about how your family felt about her. Maybe what we have done can trigger an idea as to how you can keep her memory alive. Visit our website, mbms- goals.org, to see what we have done.

Kevin Ball Englishtown

Column should bring com fort to those struggling

Thank you for writing about your cousin. Everyone ad­dicted to drugs has a story. They are so much more than “an

addict.” They are people we know and love.

I hope sharing about your cousin brings some comfort to other families still struggling. They need to remember not to focus solely on the addiction; they

must celebrate the life.Too often we see the ugliness and

feel the shame. We think no one else would understand. Yet, everyone knows someone affected by addic­tion. I am working for the day when speaking out as you did will come naturally, including for those in re­covery. When this is the case, people will get care sooner; the care they get will actually be what they need, as

opposed to what they can afford; families will receive support from the community in more than just hushed tones; and those in recovery from addiction can be just as proud as those in recovery from cancer.

If there is anything I might be able to do for you, please ask.

Steven G. Liga CEO & Executive Director

NCADD o f Middlesex County

Drug addiction m ust be acknowledged as a plague

NJPAVolume 21, Number 23 Online at www.gmnews.com & ws.gmnews.com

The Sentinel is published Thursday by the Sentinel Publishing Co., P.O. Box 950, Manalapan, NJ 07726. For mall subscription information, call 800-989-9969.

I just read your article. I’m sure you must have received many responses to it, as this dreaded disease has struck many people in

our area — children, teens and adults alike. My family, too, has had the pain of losing several loved ones to drugs. My brother-in-law fought his addiction for over 15 years and was in and out of close to 25 rehabilitation programs. Like you said, we question what more

could we have done or said to pos­sibly change that terrible outcome. I have learned from my son, who is 2-and-a-half-years clean from opi­ates, that there isn’t much we could do if the person does not want to stop. It is after they realize they can’t do it by themselves that we must support them and let them know they are loved even though they are addicted. Drug addiction is a plague that we must acknowl­

edge. We can’t let embarrassment or our pride stand in the way of let­ting others know they are not alone in their struggle to help their loved ones or try to kick the habit. I have seen many lives lost to drugs, and hopefully someone has read your article and can start on a path to change their life. I will keep you and your cousin in my prayers.

Scott D. Titmas Sr.Old Bridge

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Online gambling may be a roll of the diceThe recent launch of online gambling

represented a chance for Atlantic City to reclaim its top-dog status after at­tacks on the city’s revenues by an influx of

new casinos in the region. A law signed ear­lier this year allowed New' Jersey casinos to team up with Internet-gaming providers to offer poker, slots and table games to of-age individuals within the state’s borders.

The move proved popular for Garden State gamblers, who created 91,531 accounts as o f Dec. 15 — up from 54,852 in less than two weeks, according to the state. I joined their ranks on Thanksgiving night, when I plunked $70 into an account with Party- Poker, a partner of the Borgata.

Casual entertainment spawns few mo­ments tenser than during the spin of the roulette wheel. As the tiny white ball darts across the field, imp­ishly grazing those elusive win­ning numbers, my muscles tighten and my eyes zip between the table and the floor. All the while, a pile o f chips hangs in limbo.

But during one afternoon early last month, the wheel failed to halt and the ball didn’t drop. Instead, my entire balance — the initial $70 and nearly $480 in profits — van­ished into an electronic wasteland.

PartyPoker booted me because its system detected that I was not in New Jersey, according to a mid­spin notification that froze the game. That came as a surprise, considering how I was in my parents’ home in Brick Township, Ocean County.

I called the website’s customer-service de­partment several times, to no avail. I emailed the office, and about 24 hours later I received a response from a representative who pinned the problem on a “temporary glitch.”

The culprit turned out to-be- a -geo- loca­tion plug-in. Online gambling websites use these tools to identify the exact location of a player so that out-of-state individuals cannot illegally pony up to the poker table. During my game, the plug-in mistakenly took me for an intruder.

The technical hiccup locked my $550 into the roulette game, according to the Party­Poker customer-service representative, who then credited $20 to my account for the headache. He suggested I roll the dice with a few self-administered fixes to process the payment, but I didn’t succeed.

PartyPoker added the missing $550 to my coffers about two days later. I was pleased with the end result, but bothered that hun­dreds of dollars could idle in the unknown for three days.

Statistics on the number of players who landed in the same unsettling conundrum are tough to come by. Still. I learned of similar mix-ups from friends and scattered Internet posts and news reports.

Lisa Spengler, a spokesperson for the state Division of Gaming Enforcement, said her office has not encountered any “signifi­cant regulatory issues” that stemmed from the new online casinos. But the state regards geo-location and payment-processing hitches as customer-service matters, rather than reg­

ulatory concerns, she said.“With that said, the division remains in

constant contact with the operators, and we encourage the customer to contact the site operator.” Spengler added. “ ... The division works directly with all of the operators on all customer-service issues, including geo-loca­tion settings.”

Although I overcame my setback by con­tacting PartyPoker, I wondered if people who remain quiet about technical dilemmas ever recover their cash.

Joe Lupo, Borgata’s senior vice president of operations in Atlantic City, said his team has repaired some technical issues that casino executives "fully expected this short in the game.” That led to a better understanding of how to quell geo-location problems when

they arise, he said.“We have installed extensive

reporting that allows us to learn of the deficiencies and therefore act upon them immediately, [and] we see geo-location is working accurately and with less intrusion,” Lupo said.

After I recouped my money, I risked my luck at the roulette table again. The geo-location component soon freaked out, and my funds disappeared. “Shame on me.” I thought, in a less-wholesome vein. But, like Lupo said, the system quickly noticed and reversed the error.

Stay-at-home gamblers can also fiddle with their connectivity to discover which rooms best satisfy the geo-location ping, Lupo said.

Borgata’s tech gurus plan to continue to gather user feedback and wipe out any snags, he said, adding that disheartened early birds should take another tour of the revamped vir-

- tual casino floor. ------- . -----Truly unlucky customers with lingering

technical troubles — who probably should stick to playing 52 Card Pickup — should first reach out to the operator’s customer-ser­vice department. Spengler said each casino boasts effective means to handle complaints.

“Additionally, the division performs a thorough regulatory review and investigation o f all matters pertaining to the integrity of casino operations, both for land-based and Internet game play. If we receive a patron complaint [that] a casino cannot resolve, we would examine the issue,” she said. “ ... We are all committed to making Internet gaming work in New Jersey.”

It’s comforting to hear that hope for dis­tressed gamblers exists at the state level. With Gov. Chris Christie’s talk o f $1 billion in revenue for online casinos by next sum­mer and $160 million slated to support the state budget, there better be strong protec­tions in place for the people who actually foot the bill.

Officials from the governor’s press office did not return multiple requests for comment on this story.

Jack Murtha is a Greater Media News­papers staff' writer. He may be reached via email at jmurtha®gmnews.com.

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Law and orderMiddlesex County Sheriff Mildred S. Scott, .center, stands among the 19 new recruits for the Sheriff’s Office — 18 officers and one investigator — during a Dec. 20 ceremony at the Middlesex County Administration Building in New Brunswick.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM RYAN

St. Bart's Buffalos have a lot to cheer aboutThe St. B art’s Buffalos cheerleading

team has been crowned national champions.

The undefeated team is made up o f 24 girls, ages 10 to 12, from East Brunswick, Spotswood, Helmetta, Mill- town and North Brunswick.

Coaches C helsea M ueller, Darlene Prott, G ina Naccarato, Jordyn M ueller, Allison Ricci and Ashley Sosa, along with student demonstrators Alyssa Mar­tinez and Emily Henry, decided that the them e for this year’s routine would be “Rock ‘N ’ Roll.”

“Our music was made up of songs such as ‘Jailhouse R ock’ and ‘Rock Around the Clock.’ These girls took this

theme literally and rocked the crowd at each competition,” said Chelsea Mueller, head coach.

In October, the girls won first place at the Jersey Shore com petition. A month later, they competed at the Big East Re­g io n a l and won for the second time, earning the opportunity to compete in the nationals in Florida.

During the weekend of Dec. 14, the Buffalos were named national cham pi­ons.

“We are so proud of these girls and how much they have improved since Au­gust,” Chelsea M ueller said, explaining that half of the girls had no experience cheerleading prior to this season.

You better watch outThe South Brunswick PBA and VFW Post 9111 stand with Santa Claus during a meet- and-greet on Dec. 22. Dozens of youngsters came to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, later receiving a gift.

Registration open for yoga, tai chi classesClasses for beginner yoga, mixed-level

yoga and tai chi will begin Jan. 6 at the South Brunswick Library, HO Kingston Lane, Monmouth Junction.

Registration is now open. Payment is due at the time of in-person registration at the information desk. Space is limited.

OBITUARIESGreater Media Newspapers prints obituar­

ies as a free community service, at no charge to the families of the deceased or to the funeral homes that provide the information.

John Antonietti

Mr. Antonietti, 77, of Englishtown, for­merly of Linden, died Dec. 16, 2013, at Wedgwood Care Center, Freehold Town­ship. Prior to retiring, he owned and oper­ated East Coast Auto Repair, Staten Island, N.Y. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Mau­reen; two sons, John of Englishtown, and James of Hazlet; a sister, Ann Pozlusny of South Brunswick; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A funeral liturgy was celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Englishtown. Arrangements were by the Freeman Manalapan-Marlboro Fu­neral Home, Manalapan. Interment was pri­vate. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Mary A. Zangara Bonanne

Mrs. Bonanne, 76, of Monroe Township, formerly of North Brunswick, died Dec. 20, 2013, at St. Peter’s Hospital in New Brunswick. She worked as a receptionist at the North Brunswick Senior Center. She is survived by her husband Nicholas Bo­nanne; children Robert Neka, Michael Neka, Michelle Parnell, Amy Odato and Marie-Jo Neka-Day; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Selover Funeral Home followed by a Mass at Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church, both North Brunswick. Entomb­ment followed in Holy Cross Burial Park, South Brunswick.

Auditions for 'Younq Frankenstein' slatea

Vocal and dialogue auditions for the North Brunswick Department o f Parks, Recreation and Community Services’ pro­duction of “Young Frankenstein” will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 2 in the music room at North Brunswick Township High School, Raider Road, for the 10 principal and fea­tured roles, which include Dr. Frankenstein, The Monster, Igor, Inga, Elizabeth and Frau Bleucher.

No experience is necessary.Those auditioning should prepare at

least 16 measures of a song from any Broadway show — though songs from the show are preferred — and be ready to read from the script.

There will be open auditions for all re­maining character parts, and a meeting of the entire company and those interested in working behind the scenes will be held at 10 a.m. Jan 4.

Production dates will be Feb. 27 and 28, and March 1.

VFW to hold breakfast buffet this Sunday

VFW Post 9111, 11 Henderson Road. Kendall Park, will hold an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8-11 a.m. Jan. 5.

The buffet includes omelets, French toast and more. The cost is $9 per person. Children under age 5 are free.

Christm as tree collection to begin

Christmas tree collection will begin on Jan. 2 in South Brunswick.

Trees must be free of adornment, bags and metal items, including stands; and should be placed at the curb of single­family residences.

Those residents living in multifamily developments in South Brunswick should place trees next to the nearest dumpster enclosure.

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JUST GOSPECIAL EVENTS

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of MagicJan. 3 at 7 p.m.Jan. 4 and 5 at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.Izod CenterEast Rutherfordtickets: $25-$85800-745-3000www.ticketmaster.com

Great Train ShowJan. 4 and 5 ,1 0 a.m. to 4 p.m. Garden State Exhibit Center 50 Atrium Drive Somersetadmission: $8: free children under 12 good for both days 732-469-4000 www.greenbergshow.com

Advance Auto Parts Monster Jammonster truck show Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m.Jan. 4 at 2 p.m.Sun National Bank Center 81 Hamilton Ave., Trenton tickets: $10-$55 609-656-3234

Feed the Turtleshelp a park system naturalist feed the turtles Jan. 4 and 5 at 1 p.m. Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center 331 Georgia Tavern Road Howell free732-751-9453www.monmouthcounty-parks.com

Welcome Winter Walkmorning walk at Mountain Lake Preserve with the Stony-Brook Millstone Watershed education director Jeff Hoagland 34 Mountain Ave., Princeton 609-737-7592

Sky ShowsWonders of the Seasonal SkyJan. 4 at 1 p.m.Jan. 1 0 ,1 7 ,2 4 and 31 at 7 p.m.Laser HolidaysJan. 3 at 8:30 p.m.Season of Light Jan. 4 at 2:30 and 8:30 p.m. Legends of the Night Sky: Orion (age 8 and over)Jan. 11 at 1 p.m.Jan. 3 ,4 and 11 at 7 p.m. check website for other shows Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College College Drive, Toms River tickets: $10; $8 seniors; $7 for age 12 and under 732-255-0400, ext. 2111 www.ocean.edu/planet

New Jersey Bridal ShowJan. 5 at 1 p.m.N.J. Convention & Expo C e n t e r ■ * 97 Sunfield Road, Edison Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m.PNC Arts Reception Center , 1 Garden State Parkway Exit 116 < ■ Holmdelregister online at www.americanbride.com

Festival of Treesthrough Jan. 5 Wed. to Fri.11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Sat. and Sun., noon to 4 p.m.Morven Museum and Garden55 Stockton St. Princetonadmission: $5 and $6 609-924-8144, ext. 106 www.morven.org

24th annual Festival of Treesincludes traditions of

America, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latin America, Lithuania, Norway and Poland through Jan. 27Museum of the American Hungarian Foundation 300 Somerset St.New Brunswick 732-846-5777

Garden State Outdoor Sportsman ShowJan. 9 and 10,1-9 p.m.; Jan. 11 , 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Jan. 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.N.J. Convention and Expo Center 97 Sunfieid Road, Edison tickets: $15; free for under 11 732-417-1400; www.gsoss.com

24th annual Jersey Shore Home ShowJan. 10,1-8 p.m.; Jan. 11,11 a.m. to 8 p.m.;Jan. 12,11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Brookdale Community College Collins Arena765 Newman Springs RoadLincrofttickets: $4; free for age 17 and under 732-449-4004www.macevents.com

Roving Park System Naturalistwalk along the Henry Hudson Trail with the roving park system naturalist Jan. 11 at 9 a.m.meet at Popamora Point, Highlands freewww.monmouthcountyparks.com

Roosevelt Park Family Ice Skating Rink Open for Winter SeasonWed. through Fri. 5-9 p.m.Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.;Sundays, noon to 3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.151 Parsonage Road,Edisonadmission: $6; $5 children 15 and under; $5 seniors 732-494-3785 or 732-494-2980

Winter sports in Monmouth County parks:Ice skating:ice must be at least 5 inches thick Sun. - Thurs., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.,Fri. and Sat., 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.Holmdel Park, Longstreet Road, Holmdel Shark River Park, 1101 Schoolhouse Road, Wall Turkey Swamp Park, 200 Georgia Road, Freehold Sledding:open when 2 or more inches of snow cover the hill Holmdel Park, Longstreet Road, Holmdel Sun. - Thurs., 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.,Fri. and Sat., 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.monmouthcountyparks.com

WE CAN HELP YOU DEAL WITH

SANDY STRESS.

Call us: 866-202-HELP (4357)T T Y : 8 7 7 - 2 9 4 - 4 3 5 6 | n j m e n t a l h e a l t h c a r e s . o r g

We will help New Jersey residents who have ongoing Sandy stress get the assistance they need by

connecting them with professional guidance, counseling and substance abuse services. We're here for you.

N e w £ J e r s e y

Menta IH ea Ith Ca res

This message is brought to you by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey with Social Services Block Grant funding from the New Jersey Department of Human Services.

ON STAGEThe Underpantsthrough Jan. 25 Fri. and Sat. at 8:30 p.m.Sun. at 2:30 p.m.First Avenue Playhouse 123 First Ave.Atlantic Highlands reservations: $22 732-291-7552www.firstavenuepiayhouse.com

Biloxi BluusMonmouth PlayersJan. 3 , 4 , 1 0 , 1 7 and 18 at 8:15 p.m.Jan. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.Navesink Library Theatre Sears and Monmouth avenues Middletown tickets: $18reservations required: 732-291-9211

Love! Valor! Compassion!Jan. 10 and 17 at 8 p.m.Jan. 11 and 18 at 8 p.m.Jan 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre 1200 Old Trenton Road West Windsortickets: $18, $16 seniors, $14 students/children 609-570-3333

MUSICJazz Jam Session, Jan. 2, 7:30-10 p.m.Live Music, Dec. 24La Tavola Cucina Ristorante700 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River732-238-2111; www.latavolacucinanj.com

IthacappellaIthaca College’s all-male a cappella chorus Jan. 3 at 8 p.m.East Brunswick Performing Arts Center Cranbury Road East Brunswick

Viennese New YearOrchestra of St. Peter by the Sea conducted by Father Alphonse Stephenson Jan. 5 at 3 p.m.Algonquin Arts Theatre 173 Main St.Manasquan tickets: $48-$30 732-528-9211 www.algonquinarts.org

Anjelia Goes Country: The IndiegogoJan. 3 at 8 p.m.Strand Center for the Arts 400 Clifton Ave.Lakewood tickets: $10 732-367-7789

Royal Philharmonic Orchestraall-Beethoven programPinchas Zuckerman, conductor and violinJan. 10 at 8 p.m.Prudential HallNew Jersey Performing Arts Center 1 Center St., Newark tickets: $19-$129 www.njpac.org

Jimmy Webbpresented by Musicians on a Mission benefit for the Strand Jan. 10 at 8 p.m.Strand Center for the Arts 400 Clifton Ave.Lakewood tickets: $20 732-367-7789

Beethoven's 7th and 8th SymphoniesNew Jersey Symphony Orchestra Jan. 11 at 8 p.m.Count Basie Theatre 99 Monmouth St.Red Bank tickets: $20-$85 800-ALLEGRO

COMEDYJim GaffiganJan. 4 at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Count Basie Theatre 99 Monmouth Road Red Banktickets: $39.50-$59.50732-842-9000www.countbasietheatre.org

Joe DeVitoJan. 2 at 7:30 p.m.Jan. 3 at 7:45 and 9:45 p.m.Jan. 4 at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. tickets: $20 Ju lian McCullough Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m.Jan. 10 and 11 at 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. tickets: $20 Stress Factory 90 Church St.New Brunswick732-545-4242; www.stressfactory.com

Jon RinemanJan. 3 at 8 p.m.tickets: $20.87Jan. 4 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.tickets: $23.54Geno BisconteJan. 10 at 8 p.m.tickets: $20.87Jan. 11 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.tickets: $23.54packages availableHyatt Regency Princeton102 Carnegie CenterWest Windsor609-987-1234www.catcharisingstar.com

Jackie MasonJan. 5 at 3 p.m.Count Basie Theatre 99 Monmouth Road Red Bank tickets: $25-$75 732-842-9000 www.countbasietheatre.org

FOR KIDSParent/Child Morning Choreshelp the staff with morning chores at the farm: milk a cow, collect eggs, feed the animals Jan. 4 at 8 a.m.Historic Longstreet Farm 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel cost: $15 per pair; $5 additional person 732-946-3758www.monmouthcountyparks.com

The Nutcrackerthrough Jan. 4, Saturdays at 1 p.m.Paper Moon Puppet Theatre 171 First Ave.Atlantic Highlandstickets: $9; free for children under 2732-775-0290: www.papermoonpuppettheatre.com

One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure(age 7 and under)Jan. at 11:30 a.m.Secret of the Cardboard RocketJan. at 5:30 p.m.Novins Planetarium atOcean County CollegeCollege Drive, Toms Rivertickets: $10; $8 seniors; $7 for age 12 and under732-255-0400, ext. 2111; www.ocean.edu/planet

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible,No Good, Very Bad DayTheatreworks/USA and Two Beans Productions Jan. 11 at 2 and 4 p.m.Kelsey TheatreMercer County Community College Old Trenton Road, West Windsor tickets: $12; $10 children/seniors 609-570-3333; www.kelseyatmccc.org

Please call or check the website lor the venue lo determine it the event is taking place or has been rescheduled

G re a te r M e d ia N e w sp a p e rs , H o w e ll Ic e W o rld ,

M id d le to w n Ic e W o rld and T h e B rid g e o f

B o o ks F o u n d a tio n a re e x c ite d to in tro d u c e

th is y e a r’s s p e c ia l c h ild re n ’s e ve n t.

Bridge of Books is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, all volunteer organization. Our mission is to provide an ongoing source of new books to underprivileged and at-risk children throughout New Jersey in order to support

literacy skills and to encourage a love of reading.

jm“The organization’s name conies from

the belief that a book, like a bridge,

can take a child to new places - today in his or her imagination and

tomorrow through literacy skills.”

PLEASE bring a Chrildren’s book (new or slightly used) to either Middletown Ice World or Howell Ice World during any public skating session from now through

January, and receive $2.00 off skating admission and a FREE public skate pass to return back to the rink on

another day. Total value is $10 per NEW book received.If you drop off the NEW book at Greater Media

Newspapers, you will receive a FREE public skate pass.

©Greater Media Newspapers198 Route 9 North, Manalapan, NJ 07726,732-358-5200, ext. 8288

w ww .m iddletow nnjsportscom plex.com

214 Harmony Road, Middletown, NJ 07748

(732-856-9700)

www.howelliceworld.com

FAMILY ICE ARENA 269 Squankum Road,

Howell, NJ 07731 (732-378-6600)

www. bridgeofboc >ksfoundat ion org

nan—

bNlbKIAINMENT'Disney on Ice' celebrates '100 Years of Magic' in skating spectacular

M ickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends from Disney’s “Mulan,” “The Lion King,” “Pinocchio,”

Disney/Pixar’s “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles” and “Toy Story” will take to the ice for a grand celebration in “Disney On Ice: 100 Years o f Magic.”

Produced by Feld Entertain­ment, the fanfare production fea­tures more than 60 Disney stars that span the decades, a sing- along score o f award-winning Disney music, stunning choreog­raphy and elaborate sets.

W ith M ickey and Minnie leading the fun, audiences enjoy

^breathtaking production numbers choreographed by Emmy Award- winner Sarah Kawahara.

Complementing Kawahara’s skate sequences are the mem o­rable tunes compiled by music directors Art Kempel and Stan Beard, which bring the wonder­ful memories o f Disney to life on

' ice. Scenic designer David Potts and lighting designer LeRoy

Bennett create the mood and set­tings that showcase extraordinary Disney moments.

O utfitting this cast o f more than 60 characters was the chal­lenge faced by costume designer Scott Lane. His designs range from M ickey’s M arching Band to the “It’s a Small World” dolls, to the stars o f “M ulan” and “Finding Nemo.” The bright col­ors and minimal structure in the Nemo costumes allow the char­acters to move freely in order to mimic the natural movement in water. Renowned designer Bob Mackie also lends his talents to a red, sequined evening gown worn by Minnie.

Scenic designer David Potts, who has worked on numerous Broadway productions, creates a theatrical atm osphere on ice. Skaters weave around and en ­liven the “I t’s a Small W orld” sequence amid sparkling floats that turn into a radiant light pa­rade. A blanket o f snow and an avalanche fall as Mulan battles

the Huns, and a giant present is opened to reveal Buzz Lightyear as he is first introduced to Woody and his pal Jessie.

The shows — scheduled through Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.; and Jan. 4-5 at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. — take place at the Izod Center, East Rutherford.

Tickets are $25, $35, $60 and $85, and are available through www.ticketmaster.com.

Children age 2 and older must have a ticket. The doors open one hour before the show.

Shows at the Prudential Cen­ter, Newark, are scheduled for Jan. 15, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m.; Jan. 18 and 19 at 1 and 5 p.m.; and Jan. 20 at 1 p.m.

Shows at the Sun National Bank Center, Trenton, are sched­uled for Jan. 29 at 7 p.m.; Jan. 30 at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.; Feb. 1 at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; and Feb. 2 at 1 and 5 p.m.

To discover more about “Dis­ney On Ice,” visit www.disney- onice.com.

N O TICE TO A LL R ES ID EN T S OF NORTH BRUN SW ICK TOW NSHIP

F R E E R A B IES C LIN IC FOR DOGS AND CA TS

All 2014 DOG / CAT L ice n se s are required to be renewed by January 31, 2014

After this date a $5.00 per month late fee (renewals only) will be imposed pursuant to Township Code 387:3(D).

LOCATION: MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT COMPLEX 710 HERMANN ROADIN THE GARAGE AROUND THE BACK OF THE BUILDING

DATE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 2014 1:00 P.M. TO 4:00 P.M.DOGS AND CATS ‘SNOWDATE: JANUARY 18, 2014

DOG AND CAT LICEN SES MAY BE PAID FOR AT THE CLINIC FOR THE REQUIRED FEE.

CH ECKS ONLY WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE CLINIC

DOGS MUST BE ON A SECU R E LEASH AND CAT OWNERS MUST USE A CARRIER.

Lisa Russo, Municipal Clerk 710 Hermann Road

North Brunswick, NJ 08902 732-247-0922, ext. 470

DEADUNE: MONDAY, 1 2 NOON( ’ Additional charges apply

for each additional line.)

RUNS IN ALL 10 PUBLICATIONS IN MONMOUTH &

MIDDLESEX COUNTIES TO PLACE YOUR AD

please call, fax or e-m ail

732-358-5200F a x 7 3 2 - 7 8 0 - 4 6 7 8

g m c la s s ifie d @ g m tie w s .c o mW E A C C E P T V -M C -A M E X -D IS

Greater Media Newspapers

News Transcript SuburbanTri-Town News iiM East Brunswick SentinelExaminer. Hub, No/So Brunswick SentinelIndependent Edison/tvtetuchen SentinelAtlanticville ws.gmnews.com

“\puin Jlocal Connection”

WINTER FUN JACROSS1. Kenyan warrior 6. That male9. *_____down snow pile to build fort13. Graven images14. Ein B.C.E.15. Coveted publicity spot16. Flooring choice, pi.17. Bag in Paris18. Get up19. *lce fisherman’s gear, pi.21. 'Christmas, e.g.23. Of a female24. Farmer’s joy25. Nile viper28. Famous bus rider 30. Comes clean 35. Denials37. “National Velvet” author Bagnold39. Like 1950s style, today40. Put one over41. Paisley in paisley fabric, e.g.43. Large aquatic tetrapod44. Impede46. Lush47. *”l flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the_____”48. Sci-fi weaponry 50. Snaky swimmers52. Yellow river tributary53. ‘Twelve_____” of “Gone with theWind”55. Feverish 57. *Cozy fabric 61. Dough64. Sanctioned by law65. Boiling blood 67. Pontifical69. Convex molding70. Convent dweller71. Manicurist’s file72. Pay for work73. Down Under bird74. Ranee’s wrap

DOWN1. Technology school2. Mine entrance3. Solo activities4. First in Hebrew alphabet5. Federal Reserve in relation to U.S. currency6. Hitler’s deputy7. George Gershwin’s brother8. “______ Man” (Village People)9. Reality TV actress Spelling10. Full of enthusiasm11 . Verde National Park12. Mouse to a snake 15. Less agitated 20. Intro22. Stupid person24. Groups of laypeople25. ‘Winged impression26. Composer of U.S. military marches27. 'Hides or skins used for hats and gloves29. 'From above in winter31. Shorter than seconds32. Scarecrow stuffing33. Jagged, as a leaf’s edge34. *2014 Olympic site 36. gin fizz38. Can be done in our out 42. Manuscript sheet 45. Quick, to Dora 49. Ed.’s request 51. 'To be hit in winter?54. “A Fish Called Wanda” star56. Andean animal57. Move like lava58. Bulgarian money59. All excited60. Cairo’s waterway61. Maitre d’s list62. Copycat63. Fabled racer66. 'Hot buttered___68. Caustic chemical

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A dish

As drivers age, big decision looms down the roadBy STELLA MORRISONStaff Writer

For elderly drivers, the decision to stop driving is often made in consultation with family members and medical

advisors.Representatives from the Automobile As­

sociation of America (AAA) Mid-Atlantic and the Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living, Somerset, discussed the challenges of initiating that conversation with an older fam­ily member at a Nov. 19 workshop at the Jew­ish Family and Vocational Service (JFVS) of Middlesex County Monroe branch.

“The senior population is the most self­policing out there, because folks realize that if they are not comfortable driving at night or in bad weather, they won’t do it,” Tracy Noble of AAA M id-Atlantic said. “Some­times, though, they don’t have alternatives, and if there aren’t friends and family nearby [to drive], isolation kicks in.”

Noble suggested that if someone has concerns about an older driver, the first step is to ride in the car with them, pay attention to the driver’s reaction time, and ask ques­tions about what is happening on the road.

“One thing to ask is if the driver is con­

stantly on the receiving end of unpleasant gestures or people blowing the horn,” Noble said. ‘T hat might indicate that the driver is not keeping up with traffic, which can be just as dangerous [as speeding].”

Noble said drivers should continue to get regular eye exams and discuss driving with a doctor who can help determine if the driver should turn in the keys.

According to Toby Ehrlich, director of cor­porate marketing at the Wilf Campus, alterna­tives to driving should be presented as part of the conversation with an elderly driver. Op­tions include using a private driver-for-hire, a

car service or moving to a community that of­fers regular transportation.

If a driver’s behavior is severe and all avenues are exhausted, Ehrlich said drivers can be reported to the Motor Vehicle Com­mission anonymously, which would then force the driver to visit a doctor to deter­mine if he or she can continue to drive.

For those who are aging but are able to drive, Noble suggested items available for purchase that can tailor the car to the dri­ver’s needs, such as brake- and gas-pedal extenders and swivel seats.

For more information, visit www.aaa.com.

L o n c z a k , R a i d e r s o f f t o

7 - 2 s t a r t a t t h e l a n e sBy WARREN RAPPLEYEACorrespondent

NORTH BRUNSWICK

N orth Brunswick Township High School’s girls bowling team is off to a 7-2 start this winter thanks to an experienced lineup featuring six players with 150-pin or better averages.

The Raiders are also coming off a second-place showing on Dec. 21 at the Joe Romer Tournament, a baker-style event, at Carolier Lanes. Coach Paul LaMagra noted that the team returned its entire lineup, and the experience the players have gained over the years is paying off now, as the team looks to contend for the Greater Middle­sex Conference (GMC) title.

Kate Lonczak, the team’s only senior, is North Brunswick’s an­chor. The four-year starter is averaging just a shade under 200 pins per game. Lonczak has a 683 series to her credit and has a high game of 237 pins.

“Kate has been one of the top bowlers in the GMC since her fresh­man year,” the coach said. “When she graduates, we’ll have some big shoes to fill.”

The Raiders are also receiving solid efforts from junior Amanda Scharf and sophomore Elizabeth Ruffe. Scharf averages 187 pins and posted a 637 series earlier in the season. Ruffe, meanwhile, is aver­aging 176 pins and is coming off a 605 series in a Dec. 20 triumph over South Amboy High School. She also rolled a 676 series in a win over Piscataway Township High School.

North Brunswick’s lineup also includes juniors Alison Macko and Cassidy Frattalone, who average 167 and 153 pins, respectively, as well as sophomore Imari Perez, who averages 156 pins.

The team’s only losses have come against GMC Red Division rival South Brunswick High School, which also returned its entire lineup from last winter. The Lady Vikings, who;won the Red Division and overall GMC crowns a year ago, also finished ahead of North Brunswick in the Joe Romer Tournament.

“ I think beating South Brunswick is kind o f a mental hurdle for our girls To overcom e,” LaM agra said. “N ot to take anything away from them, but five out of the lowest six totals my girls have rolled have been against South Brunswick. 1 do believe, though, that my girls have more confidence and should be able to over­com e this obstacle.”

Boys bowling

On the other side of the lanes, North Brunswick’s boys team sits at 3-6. With its Dec. 20 victory over South Amboy, the much-im­proved boys squad exceeded its win total from last winter. The Raiders are coming off a surprising fourth-place finish in the Joe Romer Tournament, where they ended up downing perennial GMC power Sayreville War Memorial High School.

Captain Jeremy Mail has been North Brunswick’s top kegler, recording a 206 average. The junior has a 683 series to his credit and has rolled a 258 high game. M ail’s talent and presence have had a positive influence on his teammates.

Like the girls, LaMagra’s boys have just one senior, Ben Luciano, an experienced league bowler who is also a good influence on his younger teammates. Luciano averages 169 pins.

Junior Kevin Poli has provided consistency with a 173 average, and three sophomores — Akash Nayak (178), T. J. Frattalone (167) and Xavier LaMar (156) — have shown promise.

“The boys work well as a team, and they’ve come a long way," LaMagra said. “To have a chance at a GMC championship, we have to significantly improve our averages. Right now, w e’re just looking to get better every day — with an eye on making a bigger impact next season.”

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR

D riv in g t h e la n eSt. Joseph High School of Metuchen's Breein Tyree puts up a floater between East Brunswick High School defenders Billy Donahue (25) and Gary Baumer during the Dec. 20 game played before a packed gym in East Brunswick. The Falcons scored a big season-opening win, 46-44.

Zuber rememberedfor integrity, fairnessBy TIM MORRISS^ifi Writer

They were known as Big Walt and Lit­tle Walt. For close to 40 years, bas­ketball coaches would be at ease when -hey saw Walt Mischler and Walt Zuber

walk onto the court to officiate a game.; “We refereed games from Cape May to

Jersey City to High Point,” Mischler said.' Mischler, who stands 6 feet 5

ii^hes tall, was Big Walt, and Zuber, of Freehold, who died on Dec. 9, was Little Walt.

If you ask Mischler, the real giant o f the duo was Zuber.

“He was the No. 1 official in New Jersey,” Mischler said. “I modeled myself after Walt Zuber. I had so much respect for the man.When I started refereeing in 1964,Ehere were four people I wanted to emulate and learn from, and Walt was one of them. I asked Walt to critique me. He did a good job.Four years later, I was refereeing in front of 16,000 people in Atlantic City in a state final.”

In time, Mischler began teaming up with Zuber, and the rest is history. They became iwo of the most respected basketball refer­ees in New Jersey. As a team, they were sec­ond to none.

“We were very well respected,” said Mischler, who was an NAIA basketball All- American at Monmouth College (now Monmouth University), where he graduated in 1962, and the former athletic director at Neptune High School.

Why were Zuber, a Villanova University graduate who played football for the Wildcats, and Mischler such a good officiating team?

“We loved the sport. It wasn’t a second job to us,” Mischler said. “We took pride in what we did.”

They also had chemistry, which would make them a legendary officiating duo.

“The big thing [in officiating] is judg­ment,” Mischler said. “You have to look at the situation and decide what really hap­pened. We had that. We also knew how to cover the whole court.”

They also knew who they were officiat­ing for, and it was not the coaches or the fans.

“We were out there for the kids,” Mischler said. “We wanted to be fair to both teams.”

Fair to Zuber and Mischler was not an overzealous whistle.

. “We wanted to prevent fouls, not cure them,” Mischler said.

A good referee will see something like a player having his forearm on the back of a player in the box and tell him to keep his hands off the offensive player. If the player does not heed the advice, the next time he does it, the whistle blows.

At times, o f course, it could be lonely out there.

“Basically, we were two guys in black- and-white” out there by themselves, M is­chler said, and they had to take an “us against the world” attitude.

When Zuber died on Dec. 9 at his home in Freehold, Mischler lost more than a part­ner in officiating.

“He was a beautiful person, a classy in­dividual,” Mischler said. “This world would be a much better place to live in if all o f us could be influenced by and be a friend of a man like him.”

While Zuber was in a long battle with pancreatic cancer, Mischler would bring ref­erees and coaches Zuber knew to his Freehold home to shoot the breeze. It helped brighten

his day. Mischler said it was the least he could do for his friend.

The Freehold Regional High School District (FRHSD) lost one of its pillars with the passing of Zuber. He was a teacher, a princi­pal and an administrator (assistant supervisor of personnel).

Former M analapan High School and Howell High School basketball coach and teacher Jim Jannarone believes the FRHSD enjoys a fine reputation because of Zuber.

“His career in the district spanned its whole tim e,” Jannarone said. “He was the rock, the foundation, as far as I ’m concerned. He hired m ost o f the teachers through his personnel office. Everyone knew him for his integrity, dis­cipline and fairness.”

Because of his connection to the FRHSD, Zuber would not referee a game involving a district team. Jannarone, who coached the boys teams at Howell and Man­alapan, saw Zuber in action when he was scouting future opponents.

“The officials respected him ... He knew the rules, was in position all the time and called it as he saw it. He was a great offi­cial,” Jannarone said.

Jannarone agreed with Mischler that Zuber was not officiating just to pick up a second check.

“It was a commitment for Walt,” he said. Former Manalapan High School Athletic

Director Rich Kane knew Zuber as a teacher, an administrator and a teammate.

“Walt was my high school history teacher [at Freehold High School],” Kane said.

When Kane returned to the FRHSD after college and became a teacher — and later the athletic director at Manalapan and Colts Neck High School — he dealt with Zuber on a professional level.

“He could be very tough, but he was fair and loyal,” Kane said. “He explained what he disliked and what needed to change.

“Walt cared about people. He worked hard to make you better. It was important for him that you did well, whether you were an AD, a coach, a teacher or a student. He wanted you to succeed. He was a tremen­dous role model.”

Zuber was also Kane’s teammate on a softball team. Zuber played the outfield, where one player often has to call off another player while fielding a fly ball or a pop-up.

Kane said players w ould shout out each o ther’s first nam e if they had to field a fly ball. When a fly ball was near Zuber, the other players would call out “Mr. Zuber.” Such was the respect that every­one had for him.

Walt Zuber

VISIT NEWJERSEYDEVILS.COM OR CALL 1 -800-NJ-DEVIL

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Post-recession trendsHome values and

homeownership rates are down in more populous counties

Home values are slowly picking up after the recession, though they’re nowhere near pre-recession levels. A closer look at home values shows that

they declined in large counties but held steady in smaller counties after the most recent recession, according to new find­ings from the U.S. Census Bureau and American Community Survey.

The newly published survey reveals that, in nearly 67 percent of smaller coun­ties (with populations between 20,000 and 65,000), the median home value during

the recession period (2007 to 2009) was not statistically different from the period after (2010 to 2 0 12).

However, median home values in 43 of the 50 largest counties decreased after the recession.

At a national level, the median home value was $174,600 following the reces­sion — down $17,300 from the recession period.

Additionally, the survey indicated that the national homeownership rate was 64.7 percent in 2010 to 2012 — a nearly 2 per­cent drop from the recession period — with 49 out o f the 50 largest metropolitan areas (by population) experiencing a sig­nificant decrease in homeownership rates.

These numbers indicate that the in­flated home prices and homeownership

Orange Key Realty offers ideas for w inter storm protection

M ichael Matthews and Ofir Hil- lel, brokers/owners of Orange Key Realty, believe the follow­ing suggestions can make a big differ­

ence for protecting your biggest investment, your home.”

Keep your pipes warm. Some of the most expensive winter damage comes from burst pipes. Wrap the pipes in the cold parts of your house in insula­tion, and open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. Let water drip slowly from the faucets to help keep the water flowing.

Avoid ice-dam damage. Another cause of winter damage is from ice dams. This happens when the heat inside your house causes water to melt in the middle of your roof and then refreezes near the edges, creating a dam that can lead to leaks in your roof and damage to your ceilings and walls. To help protect against this problem, keep your attic cold, within 5-10 degrees warmer than the outside temperature.

Protect the outside of your house. Clean your gutters so water doesn’t back up and freeze. Check downspouts and make sure water will be diverted away from your house. Trim any low-hanging tree branches that can freeze, snap and

damage your house or power lines. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal drafty windows and doors.

Check your roof. If a lot of snow ac­cumulates, your roof could collapse — especially flat roofs or the roof over porches and additions. When heavy snow starts to build up, consider getting a roof rake with a long handle so you can remove packed snow while you are on the ground and out o f harm ’s way.

Buy a carbon monoxide detector. One of the biggest winter dangers is car­bon monoxide poisoning, caused by im­proper ventilation of furnaces, generators, charcoal-burning, propane- burning devices or wood-burning stoves.

Consider a generator. Something to keep in mind as you make longer-term preparations for the rest of the winter is a generator that can help keep your heat and power — as well as your sump pump and your fire and burglar alarms— running.

Orange Key Realty’s staff of sales professionals can be reached at either 863 Georges Road, Monmouth Junction (732-297-6969) serving Middlesex County and 60 E. Main St., Freehold (732-863-6969) serving Monmouth County, or visit www.orangekeyrealty.com.

rates prior to the recession was mainly in large population centers, says Greg Rand, CEO of OwnAmerica, a Charlotte, N.C.- based housing investment company. "By contrast, smaller population centers per­formed better over the last 10 years if you place a value on stability and predictabil­ity.”

Rand says the survey’s results repre­sent the importance o f knowing a local market and not relying on national in­dexes. He says, “Lots of small-town folks

were made to feel very insecure about the value of their homes, due to earlier alarm­ing housing reports, when they had no rea­son to be.”

The good news today is that the popu­lation nationally is growing, Rand says, which will lead to a continued increase in demand for housing.

“Increases in demand mean upward pressure on home values.” Rand adds.

— Erik. J. Martin © CTW Features

DAVISH E A t-tO R S '

C in d y R a z z a n oRoattot* Associate

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ailing A ddres

DEADLINES:LINE ADS MONDAY 12 NOON DISPLAY ADS FRIDAY 4 PM

BUSINESS SERVICE ADS FRIDAY 4 PM

EmploymentServices

Attention Greater Media

Newspaper ReadersNote that the title of this classification is Employment Services. Ads under employ­ment services are not job of­fers. These advertisements pro­vide a service, for a fee. they do not provide actual employment.

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Become an Aviation

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GeneralMerchandise

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DINING ROOM TABLE,Drexall 64‘x44' and opens to 100" with 3 leaves 6 chairs Table pads included. $250. 732-642-7066

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HOT TUB2014 - 5 person, brand new.

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Reach over 1.4 MillionHouseholds! Place your 2x2 display ad in over 125 NJ weekly newspapers for ONLY i 1.300. Call Diane Trent at H09-406-0600 ext. 24, email (ltrent@njpa.org or visit www. i ijpa.org. (Nationwide placement avail.)Ask about our TRI-BUY l.ackage to reach NY. NJ & PA!

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ALL LIONEL TRAINS ✓Flyer. Marx. Ives, old toys. Top Cash appraisal. 732-946-2893

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Call 1-800-290-5401

CASH for COINSI Buying ALLGold and Silver. Also Stamps and Paper Money, Entire Col­

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OLD GUfTARS WANTED!Gibson, Martin. Fender.

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PIANO LESSONSIn Your Home - All Ages

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LOCAL RESCUE overwhelmed with foster cats & kittens. Un­able to help more local resi­dents or cats until we can place some of our current fosters. Help desperately needed both through adoptions and finandal donations. We have dozens of cats and kittens to choose from and more growing up fast! PLEASE HELP. All kitties spayed/neutered, tested, vacd- nated. $50 adoption fee to helpcover part of completed medical

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PRAYER IS POWERFULOh. most beautiful flower of Mount Carmef. fruitful vine of splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the son of God. Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh. Star of the Sea, help me and showme herein you are my Moth­er. Oh. Holy Mary Mother of God. Queen of Heaven andEarth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this petition. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh. show me herein you are my Mother. Oh Mary conceived without sin pray for us who have recourse in thee (3Xs). Holy Mother. I place ttns cause in your hands (3Xs). Holy Spint. you who solve all problems, light all roads so I can attain my goal. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget an evil against me and that in all in­stances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eter­nal glory. Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine.+ Say this prayer 3 consecu- d{

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F.A.M.

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with Sharon Peters

Reader roundupI heard part o f a report that seemed to be indicating that Great Britain is

• banning all non-hybrids sometime in the future. Can this be true?

A No. One party in England proposed a ‘ bill that would, in effect, essentially • ban all non-hybrid cars by 2040. No

one is suggesting that will ever come into being.

QA

I read a lot about plug-in electric cars and how wonderful they are. I am

• wondering how many plug-in electric cars are actually in use in the U.S.?

Approximately 120,000 to 140,000 plug-ins have been sold in this

• country.

My husband runs his tires a little

Q ” “low” for what he says will be a• softer ride — about 5 or 6 pounds less

than recommended on the door. I’m pretty sure this isn’t good, but what are the po­tential problems with doing this?

\ The list is so long. Steering precision* is reduced, as is cornering stability.

• Tread life, in the long run, will be re­duced. There can be a buildup of heat, leading to tire failure in some cases.

A study a few years back by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that driving on tires under-inflated by 25 percent or more are three times more likely to be in­volved in a crash related to tire problems than vehicles with proper inflation.

Moreover, under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by as much as 6 percent. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 50 percent to 80 percent o f cars on the road are bouncing about on under-inflated tires.

© CTW FeaturesEmail Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.

Fanciful featuresFrom a built-in vacuum cleaner to seats that give

a hot stone massage while en route, automakers are luring shoppers into showrooms with an engaging

array of the latest high-tech systems.By Jim Gorzelany CTW Features

| — here’s no such thing as a “stripped down” new car any more. Even some of the smallest

and least expensive rides on the road come equipped with a modicum of features including air conditioning, an audio system and power windows and locks. W hat’s more, top-shelf items like a heated steering wheels and cooled seats, high-tech infotainment systems and sophisticated collision avoidance systems are fast becoming available on models in all segments for the pleasure of increasingly gadget-minded buyers.

And automakers are rolling out a bevy of new features that continue to push the proverbial envelope in terms of safety, comfort and just plain cool­ness to help differentiate their models in a highly competitive marketplace. Here’s a quick look at some of the

niftiest debuting for the 2014 model year:

• Auto Lane Keeping. Models from Infmiti and Mercedes-Benz bring the self-driving car one step closer this year, thanks to available systems that leverage cameras and sensors to keep an electric eye on the road ahead, and can automatically make minor steering adjustments to help keep a car centered between highway lane markers.

• Automatic Brake Hold. The Acura RLX luxury sedan includes a system that’s able to keep the brakes engaged for up to 10 minutes at a super-long stoplight or train crossing without the driver having to keep a foot on the pedal.

• HondaVAC. Developed in con­junction with the makers of the Shop- Vac, the 2014 Honda Odyssey minivan offers a built-in vacuum cleaner that’s housed in the rear cargo area, complete with a replaceable fil­

ter. canister bag, attachments and an integrated hose that’s said to reach into every com er of the cabin.

• Hidden Door Handles. For the sake of "design purity,” the new Jaguar F-Type sports car features door han­dles that remain flush with the body­work and deploy when touched or the car is unlocked via the key fob. Once the car is driven off, the handles retract back into the doors to leave a sleek aerodynamic surface.

• Hot Stone Massage. The re­designed Mercedes-Benz S-Class cod­dles its occupants with available automated heated and cooled front seats that pack 14 adjustable air blad­ders for customized back support and to simulate a shiatsu hot stone massage (a technique in which the spine is cov­ered with hot stones). As if that’s not decadent enough, the car also offers heated armrests on the doors and cen­ter consoles and a fragrance dispenser that sends a choice of ambient scents throughout the passenger compart­ment.

• Hydrophobic Windows. No,they’re not afraid of moisture, as the name might imply, but rather the spe­cially treated side windows of the new Kia Cadenza full-size sedan shed water like a duck to help preserve out­ward visibility in a downpour.

• i-ELOOP. Offered on the Mazda6 midsize sedan, this feature (borrowed from hybrid-powered cars) recovers kinetic energy that might otherwise be lost during braking and stores it to power the vehicle’s electrical compo­nents (including headlights, climate control and audio system) to help save fuel.

• i-Key. The 2014 Inflniti Q50 lux­ury sedan allows up to four motorists to customize a wide range of operating parameters, recognizing a user via his or her keyfob and adjusting everything from seat, mirror and climate control settings to radio presets and stored navigation destinations.

• Pedestrian and Cyclist Detec­tion with Full Auto Brake. The latest safety feature from Volvo can help pre­vent unfortunate encounters with those on foot and riding a bike. Available on the S60 sedan and XC60 crossover, the system alerts the driver if a bicyclist or pedestrian suddenly appears in the ve­hicle’s path in city traffic, and can au­tomatically apply the brakes if the motorist isn't reacting quickly enough.

© CTW Features

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