This is a digital issue of The Rossmoor News published during the pandemic shutdown.

VOLUME 57 / No. 5 Monroe Township, New Jersey MAY 2021 What you should know about the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine By Kaytie Olshefski, BSN, RN-BC The Johnson & Johnson the protein spike to the cells. (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine was This vaccine cannot give developed by Janssen Vac- you a cold or COVID-19. Like cines, a pharmaceutical divi- Pfizer and Moderna vac- sion of J&J, to prevent cines, the J&J vaccine helps COVID-19 in individuals 18 your immune system recog- years of age and older. The nize the COVID-19 virus by vaccine is also referred to as producing antibodies to pro- Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine tect you from future infec- and was voted unanimously tions. These three COVID-19 for Emergency Use Authori- vaccines do not have pre- zation (EUA) on February 28. servatives, antibiotics, or ad- The J&J vaccine differs juncts in them. J&J has been from the Pfizer and Moderna doing research on adenovi- COVID-19 vaccines in that it rus-based vaccines and has is given as a single vaccine, developed the Ebola vaccine not a two-step series. After using adenovirus. They are receiving the single dose, concurrently doing clinical Daffies in full bloom visited by little concrete critters. efficacy of the J&J vaccine is trials in making adenovirus 66% against moderate to vaccines for HIV, Zika, and severe illness and 85% ef- malaria. Mayor Dalina proposes creation of Township fective against severe dis- The side effects of the J&J ease. In clinical trials, the vaccine are like the Pfizer Economic Development Advisory Board J&J COVID-19 vaccine was and Moderna vaccines. Side tested in South America and effects include pain at the Mayor Stephen Dalina has Monroe while providing valu- Brazil. Protection starts injection site, headache, fa- announced that he is propos- able resources to existing about two weeks after receiv- tigue, fever, muscle aches, ing the creation of a Monroe Monroe businesses. The ing the vaccine. The storage nausea and possible swelling Township Economic Devel- Board also will study chal- of this vaccine is easier for and redness at the injection opment Advisory Board and lenges faced by commercial outpatient sites; the vaccine site. In the clinical studies, will work with Township enterprises in similar com- is not kept frozen but is some patients reported se- Council to move this forward. munities and propose poten- stored in the refrigerator at vere allergic reactions includ- The purpose of the advisory tial solutions. 36°F to 46°F. ing anaphylaxis. board is to promote eco- If approved by the Town- The J&J COVID-19 vac- If you receive the J&J nomic growth and job crea- ship Council, the Economic cine is not manufactured us- COVID-19 vaccine and ex- tion by aligning local busi- Development Advisory Board ing mRNA technology, as are perience side effects such as ness leaders with elected will consist of nine volunteer the Pfizer and Moderna vac- a fever, take Tylenol to bring officials to maximize the tal- members, with two co-chairs, cines. The J&J COVID-19 the fever down. If you de- ents of the community and its composed of both Township vaccine is manufactured us- velop generalized body workforce. The Mayor will residents and business lead- ing a viral vector, which aches and/or headache, take present an ordinance estab- ers. means that a piece of protein what you would normally lishing this advisory board to “This is yet another way for is taken from the surface of take for a headache such as the Township Council for more residents and busi- Stephen Dalina the COVID-19 virus. The pro- Tylenol or ibuprofen. introduction at its May 3 nesses to share ideas and tein is combined with the If you develop an adverse meeting. plan for the future of our business community to have modified adenovirus, is from reaction to the vaccine, call “We want to work collabo- great community,” Mayor a louder voice.” a large family of viruses that your physician and inform ratively with Monroe’s busi- Dalina said. “Monroe Town- Interested business own- includes the common cold. him or her of what you are ness leaders to attract busi- ship has a wealth of busi- ers and residents are invited This modified adenovirus is experiencing. Follow the ad- nesses that will add to the ness knowledge and talent to complete the download- used to shuttle instructions of vice of your doctor in what to Township’s already strong just waiting to be shared. able application found at do. If you develop an ad- and diverse economic com- This new advisory board will verse reaction after receiving munity. It also important for provide a conduit for the (Continued on page 3) Important notice the vaccine, even if you are all of us to support existing about income unsure if it was the vaccine local businesses that have tax filing that caused the adverse re- been impacted by the pan- action, it needs to be re- demic,” said Mayor Stephen SPECIAL ZOOM MEETING The IRS has extended the ported to the Vaccine Ad- Dalina. “This initiative will of Owners and Stockholders 2020 federal income tax th verse Event Reporting Sys- dovetail with our Master Plan Wednesday, May 5 at 10:00 am filing, payment, and IRA tem (VAERS). To report an efforts – where the Township contribution deadlines from Regarding the RCAI Tort Immunity Amendment is exploring appropriate April 15 to May 17, 2021. adverse event, please visit (Continued on page 15) plans for all types of land Reminder use, particularly commercial activity. Of course, new busi- Ballots MUST be received by ness opportunities in the Tuesday, May 4th at 5:00 pm Inside this issue Township lead to property tax relief, from non- Ballots may be mailed to RCAI Tort Immunity Amendment, Bits & Pieces ...... 2 New Neighbors ...... 11 residential tax revenue, and that’s a win for everyone.” 2 Rossmoor Drive, Monroe Township, NJ 08831 Bob’s Almanac ...... 5 RCAI Meeting ...... 2 According to the Mayor’s OR hand delivered to the Administration office Clubs ...... 9 Recycling Information ... 17 vision, the Economic Devel- opment Advisory Board will OR Culinary Corner ...... 9 Religious Organizations . 11 formulate and recommend deposited in any Rossmoor payment box at the policies and programs to the Clubhouse or Village Center Governors’ Meeting ...... 2 Transportation Tidbits ... 17 Township Council that en- Passing the amendment is a critical first step to Month in Pictures ...... 10 Website Notice ...... 2 courage desirable new busi- possibly reopening the outdoor amenities nesses to establish roots in

2 MAY 2021 The Rossmoor NEWS

Bits & Pieces Sue Ortiz

They are watching us. 1960 has Charlie Brown, No, I’m not talking about Lucy, and Linus lying on a Big Brother in George Or- hill, watching the clouds drift well’s “1984.” by. Lucy asks the group what at the governors at the governors improvements to the Pro Humans have an inclina- they saw in the cloud forma- March 25, 2021 April 15, 2021 Shop while it has been tion to see faces where there tions. Linus, being the little The RCAI Board of Gover- The RCAI Board of Gover- closed to the public. are none. “Face pareidolia” is philosopher that he is, said nors Zoom meeting was nors Zoom meeting was Mr. Georg (“Bob”) Buskett, the phenomenon of seeing he saw a map of the Carib- called to order at 9:00 a.m. called to order at 9:00 a.m. Operations Foreman, re- faces in ordinary objects bean, a profile of painter on Thursday, March 25, on Thursday, April 15, 2021, such as rocks, trees, boxes, Thomas Eakin, and a biblical ported on the paving sched- 2021, by Mr. Daniel Jolly, by Mr. Daniel Jolly, Presi- landforms, and wallpaper scene that included Paul the ule for Sussex Way, the Mu- President. The Zoom meet- dent. The Zoom meeting was patterns. Pareidolia, once Apostle. Lucy then asked tual concrete replacement ing was open to Owners and open to Owners and Stock- believed to be a symptom of Charlie Brown what he saw. project, line painting and the Stockholders that wished to holders that wished to partici- final phase of the HVAC re- psychosis, is now considered After hearing Linus’s re- participate. pate. to be a normal human ten- sponse, his answer was, placement project in the dency. “Well I was going to say I The Minutes of the Board The Minutes of the Board Clubhouse. For example, a tree with saw a ducky and a horsie, of Governors meeting on of Governors meeting on Mr. Thomas Tucci, Golf three conspicuous knots nes- but I changed my mind!” February 25, 2021 were ap- March 25, 2021, were ap- Superintendent, reported on proved 18-0. proved 17-0. tled halfway up the trunk Check your salad. Those the condition of the golf looks like it is staring down in sprinkles of oregano and The following resolutions The guest speaker, An- course, current projects and disbelief at the state of the black pepper might just be were approved by the board: nette Murray, CPA, with staffing. He also explained neighborhood. Once you smiling back at you. “Oh, no! A. Resolution #21-05, Au- WilkinGuttenplan presented the need for a new pump know it’s there, you will al- Don’t eat me!” That red pep- thorization to Purchase a the results of the RCAI 2020 station for the irrigation sys- ways see it. Maybe you’ll per or tomato you just sliced Replacement Server for Audit. The board had tem due its age and the hasten your steps next time open might be growling, “You the Maintenance Office planned for a break-even problems with the current you pass it. want a piece of me?” And, B. Resolution #21-06, Final budget in 2020 and the year pump station. Mr. Tucci and don’t even think of eating Accounting of Mutual Do- ended with a $356,174 sur- his staff were thanked for that piece of toast that looks mestic Water Line Repairs plus mainly due the mild win- assisting the RCAI snow re- like Jesus! in 2020 ter last year. She also ex- moval crew in the height of a C. Resolution #21-07, Re- plained that $300,000 of the large snowstorm this winter moval of Retired Items 2020 surplus and an addi- when several staff members from the RCAI Property tional $300,000 from previ- were unable to work due to List ous years’ surpluses was exposure to the corona virus D. Resolution #21-08, Au- transferred from the Operat- and had to quarantine. Mr. thorization to Contribute to ing Fund to the Reserve Tucci was also thanked for the New Jersey Commu- Fund at the end of the year his 30 years of dedicated nity Associations Political lowering the 2021 contribu- service to the golf course. Action Committee tions to the fund to offset the Mr. Gerald McQuade, E. Resolution #21-09, Au- increase in Carrying Charges RCAI Treasurer, reported on thorization to Purchase in 2021. She was pleased to the financial analysis for the Chemical Analyzers for the report that RCAI is in a period ended February 28, Main Pool and Hot Pool healthy financial position and 2021 and the positive vari- My tree was just as sur- received a “clean” audit re- Participants questions re- ance to date. prised as me at the last port. snow storm! garding street sweeping, re- The following resolution opening, and debris around Mr. Raymond Bridy, Head Darth Pepper was approved by the board: The “Man in the Moon” has the Community were an- Golf Professional, reported A. Resolution #21-10, Au- swered. on the increase in current been staring back at us for golf memberships and thorization to Replace the eons. It wasn’t until the late The neighbor’s shrub looks There was no further busi- rounds of golf as compared Golf Course Pump Station 1950s that we found out it like it has the weight of the ness for the Board to discuss to previous years, the com- for the Irrigation System was Jackie Gleason all world on his shoulders. and the meeting was ad- along. The “Face on Mars” is “What are you staring at? pletion of the pavilion and the Participants’ questions re- journed at 9:25 a.m. a strange land formation in You’d grow a unibrow, too, if garding the RCAI tort immu- nity amendment, and the the Cydonia region of Mars you just stood in one place

Open RCAI Meetings in May Governor’s Executive Orders that was first photographed for 30 years.” by the Viking 1 orbiter in that are still in place with re- 1976. The 1.2-mile-long strictions and strict rules to Thursday, May 20 mesa looks like a humanoid Board of Governors Annual Meeting...9 a.m. reopen any of the amenities were answered. face staring out into space. Election of Officers Since then, there have been Followed by the Board of Governors Meeting There was no further busi- many theories about the ZOOM Meeting ness for the Board to discuss “face.” Is it a natural forma- and the meeting was ad- tion or was it built by aliens? Please watch Channel 26 for any changes or cancellations journed at 9:40 a.m. The jury is still out on this one, although ancient astro- naut theorists believe it was built by Martians. Humans

have been seeing faces, ani- mals, and other earthy enti- Mr. Grumpy Shrub ties up in the heavens every night. Constellations such as Cassiopeia, Orion the You might see an unhappy Hunter, and Ursa Major all box awaiting its fate by a represent living (or mythical) dumpster. That growling face beings. on the carpet is warning you Big faces, small faces, not to step on him, or else! News Board: considered as space permits. The Rossmoor News and Princeton teeny-tiny faces. It’s a kind of You’re stuck in a traffic jam, Joe Conti, Chair Unscheduled volunteer writers should Editorial Services (PES) are not liable for visual illusion. and the rear end of the car in Carol De Haan contact Rossmoor News Chairman Joe any typographical or printing errors that New Hampshire’s “Old front of you is laughing at Myra Danon Conti about any article they wish to may appear, including in its display or Man of the Mountain” was you, as if to say, “I may be Bob Huber contribute. All copy and pictures are classified advertising, over the cost of the one of more famous rock slow, but I’m ahead of you.” subject to editing and are accepted with Jean Houvener space of the advertisement. formation pareidolia, until the According to research pub- this understanding. The advertisements here are, to the best of distinguished face crumbled lished in the journal Anne Rotholz the publisher’s knowledge, accurate Linda Bozowski Letters to the Editor must be to dust a few years back. “Psychological Science,” our emailed to PES at representations of the products and Walter Gryskiewicz services offered. However, no These types of rock faces brains process “pareidolia [email protected] and clearly are also called “mimetoliths,” faces” the same way as we Editorial Assistants marked Rossmoor News. endorsements are intended or implied. Alex Monaco Acceptance of all materials is at the from the Greek words mi- do real ones. Although hu- Editorial Office: discretion of the publisher. metes (an imitator) and lithos man faces all look a bit differ- Linda Monaco 2 Rossmoor Drive, (stone). ent, all consist of a basic pat- Email display ads to: [email protected] The Rossmoor News a monthly Monroe Twp., NJ 08831 Look up at the clouds, and tern of eyes, nose, and periodical is mailed to every home Telephone: 732-761-8534 E-mail: you’ll see facial profiles, bod- mouth. It’s this basic pattern within the Rossmoor community. News © 2021, PRINCETON EDITORIAL SERVICES, INC. [email protected] items are welcome. Appropriate news ies, dogs, and monsters. A that draws us to look for

items from outside organizations will be Visit the Rossmoor website at www.rcainj.com favorite Peanuts comic from (Continued on page 3)

The Rossmoor NEWS MAY 2021 3

May is a month of celebrations

By Anne Rotholz wildlife may sound like a May 1 or Mayday marks challenge, but that is not so. the beginning of summer in Wildlife needs three things to the Northern Hemisphere. It survive: shelter, water, and is one of the four “cross food. quarter” days we have each Almost all residents have year, days that come midway shrubs or flowers growing by between an equinox and a their homes. These plants solstice. give shelter to small animals, Many early cultures re- birds, bees, butterflies and garded the yearly calendar insects. You may not have a as a wheel and they had fes- birdbath but every time you tivals to celebrate all eight water your flowers and major points. They cele- bushes you are providing brated with dancing, music water for birds and insects. If needed (about twice a week and bonfires. you watch quietly, you might when the weather is very Some festivals to mark the notice some of them waiting dry). We can talk to them beginning of summer were for you to finish, so that they and become protective of the Roman festival in honor can take advantage of the them. After all the ancient of Flora the goddess of opportunity to get some Druids believed that every flowers, the Celtic festival moisture. tree has a spirit. Bealtaine and the Germanic I am always intrigued by On May 16, residents St Walpurgis Night the robins. They stay at a could show their love for (Walpurgis was the English safe distance but once I am our trees by becoming tree noblewoman who brought finished, they swoop in. They huggers, so go ahead, pick Christianity to Germany and are interested in the worms out your favorite tree and the surrounding countries). that come to the surface to give it a hug! In more recent times, avoid drowning. May 30 is Water a Flower May 1 has been associated Providing food may re- Day. No matter how many with the Maypole Dance, quire a little more planning, beautiful plants we buy for the crowning of a May but even if you do not plant our beds they will grow and Queen and May Proces- anything special you will get produce flowers only if we sions. insects, butterflies and bees water them. Gifts of flowers Mayday also celebrates coming to enjoy whatever for Easter or Mother’s Day the workers of the world plants and flowers you often come in baskets and and some countries have have. With a little coaxing need frequent water to sur- declared it a national holi- you can attract some spe- vive and flourish. If they are day in their honor. It was cial visitors. placed outside which they widely celebrated in this Plant some zinnias (they usually are, you might con- country in the early part of are easy to grow from sider watering them twice a the 20th Century but it be- seed). Later in the season day. came less popular later be- when they bloom, let them Last year we had one of cause of a perceived con- go to seed. You will soon the most colorful summer nection to socialism. In have an army of gold- showings here. Many resi- 1955 the Catholic Church finches coming to feed on dents could not go to work so established May 1 as the them. A few years ago, I they had more time to plant Feast of St. Joseph the planted a sea holly. This flowers and shrubs and to Worker. perennial grows in poor soil take care of their three-foot The arrival of May gives and requires very little wa- beds. While I do hope that us many reasons to cele- ter. It looks like a thistle and the coming months will be brate here in Rossmoor. it has a beautiful blue better for all, I look forward to After a year that has been flower. It attracts tiny bees another beautiful season particularly difficult because that I have never seen any here. of COVID and a cold, place else. Plant a butterfly Happy gardening to all! snowy winter we can look plant or bush and you will forward to warm sunshine, get lots of butterflies. green grass, lots of colorful May 16 is Love a Tree flowers and mornings filled Day. Here in Rossmoor, we Advisory Board are very proud of our beau- with birdsong. (Continued from page 1) tiful trees and we are well Local farmers will be https://www.monroetwp.com/ aware of how beneficial working long days to pro- index.php/boards - they are to our environ- duce fresh, healthy fruits commissions. Submissions ment. It is painful to see and vegetables for us to may be sent to the Municipal how many of them have enjoy as we go through the Clerk by mail at the Adminis- been lost due to the winter remainder of the year. trative Offices, email storms and for other rea- The May calendar has [email protected] or sons. many events to celebrate. fax to 732-521-3190. We can show our trees Here are a few of my favor- All submissions will be re- that we care about them by ites. May is Garden for Wild- tained for a maximum period giving them water as life Month. Gardening for of one year from the date of filing. Bits & Pieces

(Continued from page 2) room floor, your neighbor’s faces in common objects. tree, the clouds, your dirty Computers recognize faces, laundry, or even in your dish of too, using this pattern, plus ice cream. Don’t become para- the uniqueness of each face. noid. Don’t look away. Enjoy My smart phone’s screen the distraction. But you will unlocks only after it recog- start seeing them everywhere! nizes my face. Scary, huh? B&P There are several social “Vision is the art of seeing media sites dedicated to what is invisible to others.” – “things with faces.” I’m in a Jonathan Swift (Irish writer, fun Facebook group where 1667-1745) members share their parei- dolia pictures, and I post pic- “Discovery is seeing what tures of my “faces,” too. I’ve everybody else has seen, included a few of mine herein and thinking what nobody for your enjoyment. else has thought.” – Albert Don’t blame me if you start Szent-Gyorgyi (Hungarian seeing faces on your bath- scientist, 1893-1986)

4 MAY 2021 The Rossmoor NEWS

Is it possible? Did the Greeks build a computer 2,000 years ago?

By Carol De Haan economic crises Indeed, they did, claims intervened to Professor Tony Freeth, of slow investiga- University College London, tions. who headed an international By 2005, Pro- team of researchers who fessor Freeth, who used computers to recreate taught mechanical the missing parts of the engineering, put to- “Antikythera Mechanism.” gether a team of mathe- They concluded that it maticians and arche- worked as an analogue com- ologists from Greece, puter to predict eclipses and from the United King- other astronomical events. dom, and from the This is its story United States. They In the Aegean Sea south of analyzed data from mainland Greece and north of X-rays of the 82 the island of Crete lies the is- remaining frag- land of Antikythera. In 1901, ments that repre- near there, working at a depth sented only about of 150 feet, sponge divers re- a third of the origi- ported artifacts strewn on the nal mechanism. sea floor, suggesting an old Using computer shipwreck. Working with the modeling to com- Greek Education Ministry and pensate for the the Royal Hellenic Navy, di- m issing two thirds, they simu- vers brought up bronze stat- Antikythera mechanism ues, 36 marble statues of gods lated the probable and heroes, a bronze lyre, and functions of the some ancient glassware. mechanism. Reconciling of our far distant antece- These items and other com- their findings with the scien- dents. tific inscriptions engraved on mon artifacts were taken to the Was the Antikythera the mechanism, they were National Archeological Mu- Mechanism one of a kind? sure they had the answer: seum in Athens where they Not at all. It must have Yes, the Antikythera Mecha- remain today. been the culmination of a In 1902, archeologist Va- nism was indeed a 2,000- year-old Greek analogue long tradition of Greek me- lerios Stais noticed that a cor- chanical engineering, be- roded piece of bronze from the computer! Scientists now hope to cause it involved over 200 wreck had a gear wheel em- bronze moving parts in the bedded in it, along with inscrip- build a full-scale replica of size of one of our shoe tions in Greek. It was about as the device, using modern boxes. Only a sophisticated big as a shoebox. Only the materials. engineering industry could front of the mechanism and What was it doing at the have produced it. We do some connected parts sur- bottom of the Aegean vived. It was thought to be a Sea? not know if Archimedes had mechanized clock or perhaps Do you recall how the a hand in its construction, an old astrolabe, used for navi- Nazis went around their but he surely was involved gating before the sextant was conquered territories confis- in the development that led invented. cating works of art and high to it. Diving to depth of 150 feet culture? That’s exactly what Assembling over 200 bronze was hazardous and therefore those ancient Romans were parts in such a small mecha- infrequent. Nevertheless, up to, because they were nism means that each part over the years a few more besotted with Greek cul- was tiny and thin, so that few expeditions added to our ture. Since it was a Roman to none of them survived. It knowledge of the site, but ship that went down, histori- was only at the bottom of the two world wars and some ans suggest that Romans sea that this partially intact were absconding with some device wallowed in mud, wait- priceless Greek loot. It took ing for two millennia to be dis- a storm in the Aegean to covered. sink that ship and preserve After the fall of the Roman this example of the genius Empire in A.D. 476, complex

Monroe Township Partners with Local Pharmacy to Deliver COVID-19 Vaccines to Homebound Residents On April 26, Monroe Town- these individuals. ship EMS crews, accompa- “This morning was a big nied by Township police offi- step in our fight against cers and OEM, transported COVID-19 and keeping our pharmacists from Texas residents safe. The Township Road Pharmacy to the Council and I are thrilled that homes of ten Township the first ten doses of the cov- homebound residents who eted COVID-19 vaccine were each received their first dose delivered to our homebound of the Moderna COVID-19 residents,” said Mayor vaccine. Second dose ap- Stephen Dalina. “On behalf of pointments for in-home deliv- the Council and from the bot- ery already are scheduled for (Continued on page 17)

The Rossmoor NEWS MAY 2021 5

Bob’s Almanac—May 2021 Grandpa’s WWI reunion for each other during the re- By Bob Huber many others in the audience. By Ken Thomas ception, but the “Tommy, A few of the veterans spoke My grandfather served un- Tommy” question bugged der General Pershing in also. Of course, Grandpa me. It’s the merry month of proudly introduced us to eve- World War I. He fought in the I listened as the soldiers May, the true arrival of spring ryone. Most of these men at battle of the Argonne Forest talked to each other. Some in most people’s minds. the reunion were in their 70s. and in other places we read relived parts of those terrible Spring lambs are gamboling Gray was the color of the about in history books. Not days; “Do you remember?” “I on the green, and in many many of his original Com- day, but the smiles and every locations, there are special was scared too.” “I’ll never pany survived the war. genuine “good to see you” lit forget.” Then I realized why events to celebrate the arri- up the auditorium. Grandpa never talked about Grandpa did not talk about val of the new growing sea- Soon everyone moved to- his time in the army, so we the war. Those days could son, such as dancing around ward the elevators to get to were surprised to hear about only be shared by those who the Maypole. the large room Grandpa had the reunion of these veter- fought the battles and sur- No one knows for sure ans, officers, and enlisted reserved for the reception. why lambs gambol, but it vived. “Tommy, Tommy” en- men. About ten times, a veteran tered my head and heart as I appears that they’re simply said “Tommy, Tommy” while Grandma told us this par- listened. having fun. The source of shaking his head in a conver- ticular reunion was special, Noticing a quiet veteran Maypole dancing is equally sation with Grandpa. Tho- because Grandpa would be sitting alone, I walked over to obscure. Historians believe mas was my Grandfather’s hosting the reception after offer him a drink. We talked the custom began with an- Gamboling with the lambs their meeting, a reunion last name, but why “Tommy, cient Germanic cultures as or dancing around the May- for a few minutes and I honor. A general, whose Tommy” and the head shak- asked him about the a spring celebration. Sig- pole may not be your style, ing? name I can’t remember, “Tommy, Tommy” thing. He mund Freud felt that the but do something! May is a I was the oldest of the would be the guest speaker. told me about the heroism of dance had a sexual conno- great time to get out of the grandchildren, so my job was We, the grandchildren, vol- my Grandfather: his bravery, tation (he would), with the house and enjoy what the unteered to serve these men the bartender, offering alco- Maypole being a phallic season has to offer. And if fearless fighting, his friend- and their families at the reun- holic drinks. My younger sis- ship, and his luck. My Grand- symbol around which young you do feel inspired to ter and brother served the ion reception. father had saved this man’s maidens danced to promote make your own contribution catered soft drinks, food and The general spoke about life and others in the room. fertility to the season, why not dessert. The veterans and all the men who served, the “Tommy, Tommy” and the Whatever the reason, most plant a few flowers? Mother their wives filled the room. battles, heroism, and sacri- shaking of the head was their people look forward to May Earth would be pleased and Again, I was overwhelmed by fice. It was a history lesson (Continued on page 6) for its warmer weather and so would your neighbors. for the grandchildren and their comradeship and caring the bounty Mother Earth will bring forth. We also look for- ward to putting more than a year of COVID confinement behind us. May is also an important month for harboring many events which have illumi- nated and altered our times. A short list includes May 4, 1494 - Columbus discovered Jamaica on his second voyage to the new world. May 6, 1937 - The German dirigible Hindenburg crashed and burned in Lakehurst, N. J., killing 36 of the 97 people on board. The tragedy doomed the future of airship travel. May 8, 1884 - Harry S. Truman was born. One of the few American presi- dents not to have had a college education, he was faced with some of the most difficult decisions of his time, including dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan to end World War II. May 10, 1869 - the East Coast and West Coast of the United States were united by the railroad. The final golden spike was driven into place at a ceremony in Promontory Point, Utah. May 12, 1607 - the first permanent English settle- ment in the new world was established in Yorktown, Va. May 15, 1804 - the Lewis and Clark expedition opened the upper Midwest for further exploration and eventual set- tlement. May 20, 1862 - President Lincoln signed the Home- stead Act, opening millions of acres of government land for settlement. May 24, 1844 - Telegraph inventor, Samuel Morse, sent the first official Tele- graph message from the Capitol building in Washing- ton, D.C., to Baltimore, Md. May 25, 1787 - the first Continental Convention took place in Philadelphia with delegates from seven states forming a quorum.

6 MAY 2021 The Rossmoor NEWS

dioxide constituted larger Oxygen portions of the atmos- phere and nitrogen By Jean Houvener became the predomi- Most of us learned in high nant element. Meth- school biology that the ane and ammonia earth’s atmosphere contains were also present. 21% oxygen. We might well There was virtually no be excused for thinking that oxygen. has been true for most of As the earth cooled earth’s history, but that is in and volcanic activity fact not the case. The current lessened, the water atmosphere also contains vapor turned to liquid, 78% nitrogen and .9% argon, creating the seas, and as well as only small the carbon dioxide tended amounts of trace gases, the to dissolve into the water. most prevalent of them being The atmosphere became 10%, when there is very little carbon dioxide at .038%. almost entirely nitrogen. The evidence of wildfires. The The earliest atmosphere activity of clashing continents increased oxygen also gave was likely hydrogen, helium, and volcanic release of vari- rise to wildfires. Fire needs and gases containing hydro- ous nutrients gave rise to oxygen, which was now gen. This atmosphere was organisms that took in car- abundant, and fuel, which blown away by solar wind. bon dioxide and water, used plants provided. As oxygen Eventually the earth devel- the sun’s energy, and cre- levels have shifted between oped its magnetic field, ated glucose and released only 10% and over 30%, the which protects our atmos- oxygen as a toxic waste frequency of wildfires has phere from the solar wind. product. also decreased or increased The second early atmos- This began around 2.5 bil- accordingly. phere dates from around 4.5 lion years ago, initiating the The presence or absence billion years ago. At that time Great Oxygenation Event. of ferrous oxide in the layers water vapor and later carbon Over the subsequent time to of earth give an idea of the the present, the amount of presence or relative absence oxygen has varied consid- of oxygen. These are com- Reunion erably. The earliest known plex operations, including the organisms were cyanobacte- movement of tectonic plates, (Continued from page 5) ria, such as stromatolites, from a single large continent way of showing respect for which live in shallow seas. to multiple continents, cool- the unbelievable things he As some organisms devel- ing and heating of the earth, did during the war. oped photosynthesis, the glaciation, fire, and changes My respect for Grandpa amount of oxygen released in the percent of carbon diox- also increased as the vet- increased. This was particu- ide, all involved in the shifts, eran talked. One Tommy and larly true as new organisms with life adapting or perishing the shaking of the head evolved into land plants and accordingly. would have probably been greatly accelerated the proc- If we had Mars’s atmos- enough, if my Grandfather’s ess. Finally, over the same phere, the air would be only name wasn’t really Thomas period, multi-celled organ- around 1% of what we have Thomas. isms developed to make use on earth, and mostly carbon Later, Grandpa told us how of the oxygen, bringing it in dioxide, and temperature proud he was that his grand- and with water and other nu- from -81oF, compared to children served his friends. trients releasing energy and Earth’s average 57oF. If we Some occasions are very carbon dioxide, making a had Venus’s atmosphere, the special, significant and thou- cycle of mutual benefit be- air would be exceedingly sands celebrate. Grandpa’s tween plants and animals. dense and thick, again WWI reunion doesn’t quite The first multi-celled organ- mostly carbon dioxide with meet any of those criteria, isms are found in the fossil sulfuric acid, and tempera- but his grandchildren will record around 635 million tures of 847oF, and air pres- never forget this remarkable years ago. sure 90 times Earth’s. man, a Thomas. We loved The oxygen levels peaked Organisms have come and him. in the carboniferous period, gone as the levels of oxygen 350 to 300 million years ago, have risen and fallen, and at around 30 to 35%, giving other events have occurred. rise to gigantic dragonflies Interesting and humbling, and millipedes. It has fluctu- humankind is a mere dot at ated over this time period the end of this point in evolu- returning to lows of around tion.

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The Rossmoor NEWS MAY 2021 7

I couldn’t believe it

By Ken Thomas The first Sunday she ex- her was a sunny Sunday She joined my Sunday pressed an opinion during morning for me, and the sun School class late that year, class, I nearly dropped my did not shine often. the youngest student. Her Bible. Unfortunately, the les- The Junior High/Senior “thank you” prayer was son was cut short for Junior High Choir always re- barely audible. Even during High/Senior High Choir re- mained a problem for her. introductions, she spoke very hearsal. Always hidden in the back quietly. That Sunday, the As I watched, the Choir row of the choir, she never class was really into the les- Director handed out music looked up from her music son: voices rising, opinions and positioned the teenagers and I never heard her argued and beliefs ques- on the altar steps of the voice. When she graduated tioned. Our new classmate church. He played the organ. high school as valedictorian looked like she wanted to They sang. He played the and went on to college, I find an escape route. The organ and urged them to smiled four Sunday morn- make-up of the class was sing louder. They sang. ings in a row for her. going to be a problem for her None of those “theys” in- Years later, my wife and I also. The two other girls cluded my shy young stu- moved to Virginia (new job). were seniors and the remain- dent. No sound came from We still kept in touch with ing four boys were not intro- her place on the steps. She all our church friends. One verted teenagers. looked as if she was going to December, we were visiting Talking with her after class, cry at any minute; agony for New Jersey and decided to she was so sad, she was so her, agony for me. I called attend the Christmas Eve shy. Her Mom and Dad intro- her from the choir and we program at our old church. duced themselves and prom- went to the back of the During the service, a young ised their daughter would at- church in the last pew. Then, woman left the choir loft tend class every Sunday she cried. and stood altar center in morning. I wondered if they During the next two years, front of the congregation. had a clue. Sometimes words she grew and matured, so a The organ played an intro- fail me with parents. small portion of her shyness duction to “Ave Maria” and The next four to five weeks went away. More girls joined she began to sing. Her were awful for both of us. the class and three of the beautiful, angelic voice The other boys and girls al- older boys went off to col- filled the church. Guess most ignored her. I tried eve- lege, which improved her who it was? I could not be- rything to make her smile comfort level. Although less lieve it! and relax, but I’m not a child nervous, she was still so very When a shy, quiet little expert and probably did it all shy and quiet. Any contribu- girl joins the choir, we all wrong. tion in class or a smile from sing. It shouldn’t be this hard

By Allan Kaufman When we purchased my vince my daughter to join I’ve been working in the wife’s car, I’m sure that I my wife and me at the deal- pharmaceutical industry my had a friend or son-in-law ership. I don’t want the entire career. As such, I’ve go with me to finalize the salesman to say, “Who did been very fortunate that I purchase. Basically, I have you say you are?” More have been provided with a not purchased a car since sweating. company car for the past 44 gas was 57 cents per gal- I shouldn’t have to worry years. The cars have typi- lon. That was my first car about such nonsense. I cally ranged from a 4-door when I got married and my should have a sign on my sedan to an SUV. At times, good friend sold me his car. sweater saying, “Take pity on based on my performance, I have not purchased a car me!” It shouldn’t be this hard. the car choices were up- in 44 years. I can be reached at graded. The cars were al- I’ve done some due dili- [email protected] ways in the mid-price range. gence and it is a royal pain om. Your comments are al- With some companies, like in the butt trying to read the ways appreciated. my current one, I do not have fine print. The deals vary to pay for anything. With from dealership to dealer- some of my other companies ship. I have to read the fine no more than $50 a month print; print that is printed in was taken out of my pay- 0.5 font. Superman couldn’t check. A small price to pay read the print with his X-ray when I didn’t have to pay for vision. If you come in be- gas, tolls, repairs or insur- fore the second Thursday ance. of the month, and Thursday That all came to an end on is followed by a Friday, then April 30 when my current the car is free. But you company decided to close have to read the fine print. down our fleet car program. I When I go into a dealer- work for a small company ship, the word “sucker” is where only nine of us were tattooed on my forehead. given cars. Going forward Yet, by the time you read the company is going to pro- this I will have, most likely, vide us with a monthly sti- leased a car. My wife likes pend. the idea of getting a new Right now, my time work- car every three years. It will ing in the field has been lim- be an SUV, probably a ited due to the pandemic, but Honda CRV, top of the line I thought this new policy EX-L. It’s good that my would be fine. For the two or daughter has a friend who three days a month I’m going is one of the general man- to be in the field I would use agers at one of the local my wife’s car. When I told dealerships. I need to con- them that my wife had a 2011 car, they said, the reimbursement would only be good for a car that was no more than five years old. I started to sweat.

8 MAY 2021 The Rossmoor NEWS

please be advised that to the “toad suckers” came in the toads secrete chemicals that best of our knowledge there Toad Suck Daze late 1960s when I engaged are highly toxic, so leave are no “suckable” toads in or the popular artist, musician, toad-sucking celebrations to around Rossmoor, and ex- By Bob Huber anyplace else, composer, poet and author, the folks in Conway and to perimentation could be Somehow, we’ve managed for that matter. The event is Mason Williams, to host and Mason Williams. deadly! Many species of to make it to the month of more like a county fair with narrate a TV Documentary I May, the fifth month of the all sorts of activities, espe- was producing. We were year, when nature bursts into cially great Blue Grass music meeting at his home in Los bloom. This also applies to concerts, but behind every Angeles to go over the Visit Bar Harbor us humans, as our activity folk tale, there is usually a script. During a break in the appears to reach a fevered kernel of truth. proceedings, Mason picked By Ken Thomas The captain steered the boat pitch. People who keep track The Colorado River toad up his guitar and began to We were young, newly among these huge mam- of such things tell us that (Bufo Marinas Secretes) is play and sing the most ri- married without an extra dol- mals. He remained calm and there are more than 500 na- a large greenish bumpy diculous and delightful little lar for a weekend movie. told us not to be frightened. tionally recognized events creature that secretes a ditty I ever heard. He called However, we found a used “They’re just showing off.” and commemorations sched- powerful hallucinogen from it “How ’bout Them Toad camper for sale, which was When a whale sounded uled this month. Your Ross- the glands that cover its Suckers.” He asked me nothing more than a metal alongside the boat, everyone moor News Editorial Board body. Sometime in the dim how I liked it, and I told him box with canvas on each gasped and stepped back. diligently scans this list for past, certain native tribes I thought it was great, but side. Our first big trip was He was bigger than our boat items that may be of special discovered they could take would it play to the sophisti- Arcadia National Park, Bar by an “X” number of feet, interest to our readers. One a real trip by merely licking cated Broadway crowd? It Harbor, Maine. With hopes of many X’s. Always start a va- particular item caught my the toad. Even some wild surely did when he intro- seeing spectacular spectacu- cation with whales. eye as I surveyed the list: and domesticated animals duced it a short time later on lars, we started up the coast. We toured the sights in Toad Suck Daze (the first followed the practice. One “Saturday Night Live.” Mason Many signs for whale watch- Bar Harbor. Each day, we weekend in May). lady who lived in toad coun- Williams had a hit on his ing lined the roadside. passed many lobster Since 1982, people from try reported that her dog hands. Finally, I decided whale shacks. Our budget didn’t all over the country have often came waddling home, There can be no doubt that watching was in the budget include lobster, but the gathered in Conway, Ark., on totally stoned, after a toad Williams’ simple country tune somewhere. The captain of prices in those shacks were the banks of the Arkansas licking expedition. The term was, in part, the inspiration our boat took us out of the not budget busters. For River, to attend this festival, “Toad Suckers” apparently for the annual Conway festi- harbor toward the open sea. many of our meals, we or- spawned from an old folk tale once referred to the val which was established Soon, we could see them: dered three dozen steamed about people in those parts drunken boatmen who hung more than a decade later. four whales straight ahead, clams (shared) and a lob- who used to suck on toads. around the banks of the Just in case the delights of blowing water, diving and ster each. Bar Harbor was No one actually sucks on Arkansas River in Conway. May urge you to establish actually talking whale talk. beautiful, just as adver- toads at Toad Suck Daze, or your own Toad Suck Daze, My own introduction to tised. Many boats were an- chored in the harbor, lined up like soldiers in a military camp, all sizes and shapes. The day before starting home, the budget was again dented. We went fish- ing. My wife selected a small rental and another couple signed on with us. Early the next morning, we met Captain Jack and he pointed out our places on his boat. The cursing be- gan. From his first greeting through the next three hours, every other word was triple “X.” Supposedly, sailors have a salty vocabu- lary, but Jack could fill the salt-shaker. My wife gave me that “Are you going to let this jerk talk like this?” look. Was I supposed to shake the “X” words out of his vocabulary manually? Other fishing boats were circling, but we headed in another direction. Captain Jack cut the engine and helped set the fishing lines. Shortly, all the rod lines were taut. The fish had found us. My wife reeled in fish after fish. She kept our captain very busy unhook- ing fish and again baiting her lines. Soon, fishing went from fun to work. Both camping couples couldn’t keep the fish, so our captain would profit from our catch. Peni- tent, he helped my wife onto the dock with one less curse than I would have expected. She gave him a snappy sa- lute. Before leaving Bar Har- bor, we stopped at our fa- vorite lobster shack and splurged: four dozen steamed clams and a lob- ster weighing about three pounds. The budget was now truly busted. The size of the lobster also busted our appetite, so we gave our leftovers to a surprised father and mother with three kids sitting next to us. The father responded with words rated “G.”

The Rossmoor NEWS MAY 2021 9

bread recipe in “The Christ- Clubs and Southern thing.” Here’s my CULINARY CORNER mas Pearl” is very much like version of Frank’s corn bread Organizations that of my Mississippi grand- recipe that I tried recently for Organizations By Sidna Mitchell mother so it must be “a croquet friends.

Book Discussion and Writers Groups Try these authors’ recipes Cast Iron Skillet Culinary are still meeting Corn Bread By Norman Perkus Reading is one of my fa- most of her stories centered Corner The Book Discussion vorite pastimes and obvi- around Charleston and its 1 cup flour 1 egg Group continues to meet vir- ously in this COVID-19 pan- islands such as Folly Beach, 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup milk tually once a month on the demic, I’ve had plenty of time Bulls, Pawleys, Sullivan’s, 1 tablespoon baking 2 tablespoons Mazola oil third Thursday of the month. to go through many books. I and Isle of Palms. While she powder 2 tablespoons butter, On May 20, at 3 p.m., they particularly like mysteries—- mentions meals in her books, 2 tablespoons sugar melted will discuss “I’ll Tell Them I not the gory, violent types but unlike Childs, she doesn’t 1 teaspoon salt Remember You” by William simple ones. Culinary myster- include recipes at the end of Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Peter Blatty. ies, especially those by Laura each book. In “The Christ- Combine all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Contact Norman Perkus Childs, are definitely entertain- mas Pearl,” however, Frank In another bowl, mix the egg, milk and Mazola oil. for the complete list of books ing and complete with recipes. did include recipes — crab Pour wet ingredients into the dry and mix well. for the year and for the ac- In her “Lavender Blue Murder” soup, potato salad, red rice, Put the melted butter in a cast iron skillet and place in cess code for the Zoom that I read back in the winter, corn fritters, shrimp Creole, the hot oven. meeting. she had a couple of recipes light fruitcake, and Finnish When the butter sizzles, add the corn bread mixture. The Writers Group has that I wanted to try — pear pancake, for example. Bake for 25 minutes until the edge is crispy and the top also been meeting monthly butter and Parmesan and The Parmesan and prosci- is golden brown. over Zoom. The next meet- prosciutto puff baby. utto puff baby and the Fin- Remove from oven and flip the corn bread onto a plate ing will be on Thursday, May Childs’ tea-series books nish pancake are both similar for serving. 27, at 10 a.m. Contact Nor- take place in Charleston, to the recipe for the apple Serve with more real butter, pork chops, blackeye peas man for more information. S.C., one of my favorite cities Dutch baby recipe I offered and collard greens. where there is so much his- back in November so I’ll hold NOTE: I just put about two tablespoons butter or bacon Dance Club wants tory. She also writes a scrap- off on sharing those. fat in a cast iron skillet and place it in the oven. When the booking series, situated in Unfortunately, Dorothea butter melts, I remove the skillet and add the cornbread to dance New Orleans, another one of Benton Frank died in 2019 batter, making sure it completely covers the bottom of the By Judy Perkus my favorite places. so we can’t expect any more skillet. Last month, Dorothea Benton Frank, of her excellent Southern I can be reached via email at [email protected]. you received a another favorite writer, has tales or recipes. Her corn letter from RCAI with a ballot enclosed asking you to vote yes or no. As we understand it, the pur- pose of this vote is to amend RCAI bylaws which will allow the Board of Governors to consider opening up activi- ties within Rossmoor. Dance Club President Ar- men DeVivo urges you to vote yes on this ballot and return it ASAP, if you haven’t yet done so. We are looking forward to more normal times when most everyone is fully vaccinated and we can be together indoors.

Players Pastimes By Sue Archambault This past O c t o b e r , 2020, the Players de- cided to ex- periment with an outside event in Thompson Park, since our Rossmoor facilities were closed. Our first outdoor Open Mic program took place on a beautiful day, as we were able to take advantage of the rain date provided by the Middle- sex County Parks events coor- dinator in the covered pavilion Section 4B. There were quite a few per- formers who presented songs, poems, amusing anecdotes, and jokes as well. In light of this successful venture, The Players are planning on utiliz- ing Thompson Park this month (May, 2021) for another Open Mic program. Dates cannot be requested before April 15, so check Channel 26 for updated infor- mation. We are hoping to be granted a date in the second or third week of May. All Rossmoor residents and friends are invited to attend. If you would like to perform a song, you will need to have a CD or music on your cell phone, (Bluetooth capable), as accompaniment. Any questions, call Sue Archambault at 201 981- 5959.

10 MAY 2021 The Rossmoor NEWS

This month in pictures By Joe Conti and Walter Gryskiewicz

Faces By Sue Ortiz

Albert Einstein or Walter Matthau? Please let me in ... I’m freezing my flaps off.

Spring colors By Y. A. Lee

My cup of hot chocolate was happy to see the light of day! Spring full of life

MAY 9 Spring life and death

The Rossmoor NEWS MAY 2021 11

Religious Organizations BE A A bit of Jewish comic trivia GOOD NEIGHBOR

By Adrienne Brotman Benny, Mansel Rubenstein May 29. There will be a If possible, park your vehicles in your One of my very good and so many others? Zoom Yizkor, memorial ser- Rossmoor friends recently Do you remember this fa- vice, Tuesday, May 18, at carport, driveway, or garage. shared this email with me mous joke, “I just got back 10:30 for the holiday of Sha- from one of her friends. I from a pleasure trip; I took vuot. This is the day the If you must park on the street, please thought you might find it in- my mother-in-law to the air- Jews were said to be given teresting. port.”? I’m sure many of us the Law at Mount Sinai. do not block driveways, mailboxes, Subject for this email is Co- have fond memories of these Please check Channel 26 for fire zones, or yellow curbs, and be rona Therapy. According to a famous individuals and I’m updated information. UC Berkeley Professor of Hu- sure we remember some of If you would like more in- considerate of your neighbors mor, a known fact is, that while their comic classics. formation about the Jewish Jews make up two percent of The congregation, at this Congregation contact Allan who might need to park by the population of the United time, will be zooming Sab- Kaufman, vice president of States, there was a time when bath services, Friday, May Membership at 732 690- their Manor entrance. they made up 50 percent of 14, and Friday, May 28, at 2145 or at allan.kaufman the famous comedians. 4:30 p.m. Torah Study will be [email protected]. Do you remember the old zoomed at 10 a.m. on Satur- Jewish Catskill Comics of the day, May 15, and Saturday, Vaudeville, entertainment in the United States and Can- ada from the early 1880s A Message from until the early 1930s? Do these names ring a bell: High Tech Shecky Greene, Red But- Landscapes, Inc. tons, Totie Fields, Joey Bishop, Milton Berle, Jan  We have completed bed Murray, Danny Kaye, Henny edging throughout the Youngman, Buddy Hackett, community. Sid Caesar, Groucho Marx,  Mowing has started Jackie Mason, Woody Allen,  The next round of Lenny Bruce, George Burns, fertilization will start end of Allen Sherman, Gene Wilder, May/early June. This will George Jessel, Alan King, be a liquid application of Mel Brooks, Phil Silvers, broadleaf weed control with Jack Carter, Rodney Danger- crabgrass preventer using field, Don Rickles, Jack an herbicide with a high potassium formula that will provide broadleaf weed control in warmer weather and a granular application of fertilizer.  Carport cleaning will start this month.  Summer flowers will be planted later in the month.  Spring pruning of the smaller shrubs will start By Christina Smith, Resident around mid-May/June. Services Manager  Please call the East Gate Troy and Cassandra Ger- phone and leave a main, 166A Portland Lane, message with any formerly of South Plainfield, questions or concerns at N.J. 609-655-5134. Don’t forget Sharif Malikah, 251A Mys- to leave your phone tic Lane, formerly of Brook- number. lyn, N.Y.  Please tune to Channel 26 Lionel and Carrol for any new updates. Bannister, 146B Old Nassau Road, formerly of Milltown, Please note that all of the N.J. above is weather pending. Alonso and Carmen Peralto, 196B Mayflower Way, formerly of Jamesburg, N.J. Barry and Patricia Feeney, 70A Gloucester Way, for- merly of Sayreville, N.J. Johnny and Angela Eng, 185C Providence Way, for- merly of East Brunswick, N.J. Lee and Beverly Webb, 370C New Bedford Lane, formerly of Plainfield, N.J. Bruce Gessin and Patricia Walters, 494B Newport Lane, formerly of Hacken- sack, N.J. Susan Donvito, 108P Hanover Lane, formerly of Garden City, N.Y. Philip and Scott Fisher, 729A Mount Vernon Road, formerly of Las Vegas, Nev. Denis Cheng, 605N Win- chester Lane, formerly of Baldwin Park, Calif. Gloria Henry, 340F Narra- gansett Lane, formerly of Newark, N.J. James Speight and Amy Cucurullo, 207D Madison Lane, formerly of Elizabeth, N.J.

12 MAY 2021 The Rossmoor NEWS

Tips for creating a healthier home

People are spending more provider of healthy, safe and cooler than you keep the time at home, where their sustainable building and cold home during the day, con- living spaces have become chain solutions. sider using a programmable classrooms, gyms, offices, If you’re looking to improve thermostat that automatically restaurants and more. The your living space, consider lowers the temperature at additional time at home pro- these tips for making your bedtime. Also, remove dis- vides a unique opportunity to home the healthiest it can tractions that may keep you make changes to create be: awake and, if necessary, use healthier living environments. Create an ideal sleep en- a white noise device for unin- In fact, a majority of Ameri- vironment. Most people terrupted sleep. cans (54%) report being sleep most comfortably when Improve indoor air qual- more concerned about hav- the air is slightly cool, so tar- ity. Maintaining heating and ing a healthy home since the get a room temperature be- air conditioning filters is a start of the COVID-19 pan- tween 65-70 F. If this is (Continued on page 13) demic, according to a recent online survey of 2,000 adults conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Carrier Global Corporation, a leading global

The Rossmoor NEWS MAY 2021 13

Spring clean your home inside and out

Spring cleaning isn’t just tech. this will help take your chase top-of-the-line brands about purging dirt and grime. spring cleaning to the next without going over budget. It’s also the perfect opportu- level. You can make your From tech and small kitchen nity to take inventory of items money go further by choos- appliances to outdoor power around your home. As you ing certified refurbished prod- equipment, you can discover tackle this season’s cleaning, ucts; some marketplaces like a breadth of items often in look for ways to improve your eBay offer inventory that has like-new condition. overall living space, from been professionally in- Shop for Multi-Purpose getting rid of things you no spected by the manufacturer, Items: When upgrading your longer need to adding items or a manufacturer-approved arsenal of gadgets, tools and that can work harder for you. vendor, to look, feel and small appliances, look for Consider these ways to work like new. items that can serve multiple tackle your home inside and Commit to revisiting regu- purposes. For example, out this spring. larly. It’s easy to let clutter many vacuums can trans- Make organizing easier. As and disorganization slide form into steamers or include you clean each space, look when you get busy with life’s mop attachments and some for easy ways to reduce un- demands. Once your spring pressure cookers can also sightly messes and improve cleaning and reorganizing is be used as air fryers. organization. If your entry- complete, commit to reas- Keep Sustainability in way always becomes a jum- sessing your home on a Mind: Keeping functionality in bled pile of shoes and coats, monthly or quarterly basis so mind and buying like-new consider adding a storage you can make small adjust- items not only saves you bench and hooks to bring ments along the way, rather money now and in the future some order to the area. If than face a major project but can also help protect the accumulated items are in the every year. planet by extending the life of living room, add a storage Shop Smarter products and reducing un- chest or large baskets to Considering refurbished necessary waste. store them when not in use. products for your shopping Learn more about buying If tools and equipment make list can expand your options refurbished at eBay.com/ the garage unusable, install and make it easier to pur- CertifiedRefurbishedHub. shelving units to keep every- thing in place. Eliminate the excess. Spring cleaning is also an Healthier home level of your house and in- opportunity to declutter and side each bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and make way for something (Continued from page 12) new, either by donating or concern many homeowners replace batteries as needed. selling unused things. reported. According to the In addition, install a fire extin- Whether it’s last season’s survey, 49% of respondents guisher on each level and fashion and accessories or are concerned about reduc- consider one for the kitchen, unused tech and fitness ing dust, pollen and other as well. Make sure to check gear, that item you never indoor pollutants as part of extinguishers routinely and used – or haven’t used in a their filter maintenance. replace every 10-12 years. while – may be exactly what In addition to changing air Install carbon monoxide someone else is looking for. filters on a frequent basis, air alarms. Another cause for Online platforms can make purifiers and humidifiers can concern amid COVID-19 is the process easy and be a help make the air inside the potential for dangerous way to earn extra cash or homes fresher, cleaner and levels of carbon monoxide help fund other home up- more comfortable. For exam- (CO) in homes. CO alarms grades. Look for market- ple, third-party testing has should be installed on each places that help you maxi- shown the Carrier Infinity level of the home and out- mize your return; eBay, for Whole Home Air Purifier in- side sleeping areas, and it’s example, is giving sellers activates 99% of select vi- important to test them 200 free listings every ruses and bacteria trapped monthly. Consider installing month, meaning you only on the filter, such as those alarms with a 10-year bat- pay after your items sell. that cause common colds, tery, such as the Kidde Wire- Reimagine your living streptococcus pyogenes and Free Interconnect 10-Year space. If one area is becom- human influenza. The purifier Battery Combination Smoke ing too crowded or doesn’t was also tested by a third & CO Alarm for less hassle. serve your needs, consider party against the murine It offers wire-free intercon- items you can repurpose for coronavirus, which is similar nect capability, a voice warn- another part of the home. For to the human coronavirus ing feature that accompanies example, move an unused SARS-CoV-2 that causes the loud alarm tone and ver- chair in your living room into COVID-19. In that testing, bal announcements such as a bedroom to create a read- the purifier inactivated 99% “replace alarm” at the end of ing area. Keep your focus on of coronavirus trapped on the the alarm’s life. function as you make filter. To learn more about creat- changes that accommodate Update fire protection. ing a safer, healthier home, your lifestyle. Since the pandemic began, visit carrier.com/healthy Make smart additions. people are also more con- homes. Once you’ve cleared your cerned about fire safety pre- space, and sold things you cautions in their homes, such no longer need, you can con- as smoke detectors and fire vert that extra cash into reli- extinguishers. Smoke alarms able home appliances and should be installed on each

14 MAY 2021 The Rossmoor NEWS

How to combat social isolation

Even before COVID-19 limited social contact with friends, family and col- leagues, many adults experi- enced loneliness and de- pression due to limited con- tact with others. Now, a year after the pandemic forced many people into even greater levels of isolation, the issue of social isolation is especially prevalent in Americans over the age of 50. Despite the physical impli- cations of a global pandemic, research shows the mental health stakes are high, too. A adults are still isolated from on new accounts and eligible nationwide survey, commis- friends and family, and that purchases, up to $1 million sioned by Barclays, found takes a toll on their mental annually. that half of Americans over well-being” said Lisa Marsh A little creativity and a the age of 50 said the isola- Ryerson, president of the commitment to filling time tion from their friends and AARP Foundation. “We must productively can help reduce family has been more chal- do all we can to help older the strain of being alone until lenging than concerns over adults, who have suffered it’s safer to resume social health risks they may face. greatly during COVID-19, activities. Social isolation has pro- strengthen the social con- Use technology to connect vided plenty of time for nections that are so essential with loved ones. Video chats Americans to reflect on their to their ability to lead longer, and traditional phone calls priorities. The majority of healthier lives.” can help you feel connected Americans surveyed (90%) For example, AARP Foun- even when you can’t be to- have re-evaluated their post dation’s Connect2Affect plat- gether in person. While a age-50 goals and put spend- form equips older adults with drop-in call can be fun, con- ing more time with family at the tools they need to stay sider arranging regular visits the top of their lists. In fact, physically and mentally with kids and grandkids. If the most common first thing healthy and connected to you schedule calls through- 50-plus Americans will do their communities. The out the week, you’ll have once COVID-19 is over is to AARP Essential Rewards something regular to look see and spend time with their Mastercard from Barclays is forward to and can benefit families (41%). helping fund the foundation’s from a check-in that affirms “While restrictions are be- work to increase social con- everyone is healthy and safe. ginning to ease, many older nection with donations based Make time for physical ac- tivity. Staying closer to home may mean you’re not getting the exercise you once did, but it’s important for your health to stay active. Regu- larly using your muscles helps keep your body strong, and even light physical activ- ity a few times each week can help keep your cardio- vascular system fit for better heart health. Regular exer- cise can also provide a range of positive mental health out- comes, including reduced stress, anxiety and depres- sion, and improved memory. Volunteer in your commu- nity or consider virtual volun- teering. Helping others is a way to release feel-good en- dorphins for yourself. While your limited social calendar may afford you some extra time, inquire with local non- profits about how you can contribute to their causes. Especially as funding for charitable organizations has dropped, volunteers are still essential to most nonprofit organizations, whether the help comes in person or vir- tually. Even from a distance, you may be able to help with tasks like making calls to donors, assisting with mail- ings or planning fundraising campaigns. Learn a new hobby or skill. Another way to fill your free time, and reap some positive energy, is to explore a new hobby or skill. The personal satisfaction of learning and focusing your mental energy on something that interests you can help offset the dis- appointment of being away from those you love. Find more resources that support older adults at con- nect2affect.org. (Family Features) Photo courtesy of Getty Images

The Rossmoor NEWS MAY 2021 15

HEALTH CARE CENTER NEWS

What you should good protection from alert to possible symptoms. COVID-19 and keep people These could include a se- know about the from becoming seriously ill. vere headache, abdominal J&J vaccine pain, leg pain, and short- Update on the J&J ness of breath. (Continued from page 1) vaccine If you have had the J&J vaers.hhs.gov. Once on the I would like to bring you vaccine and develop any of site, choose either the up-to-date on the J&J these symptoms within online report or download COVID vaccine. It was put three weeks, please contact the PDF form to report the on hold in an abundance of your physician. adverse event. If you need caution and was under in- further assistance, call vestigation because six VAERS at 1-800-822-7967. women, ranging in age from The National Vaccine In- 18 to 48, developed a rare Please jury Compensation Program type of blood clot within six is a separate federal pro- to 13 days after vaccina- note gram. This program pro- tion. This was out of 7.2 Printed copies of vides compensation to indi- million J&J shots already the May edition of viduals whose injuries may administered. The Rossmoor News have been caused by cer- By late April, a panel of tain vaccines. Information Federal Health experts had are available for pick can be obtained by calling 1 reviewed the incidents and up at the Village -800-338-2382 or visiting authorized resumed admini- Center by calling Ad- hrsa.gov/vaccine - stration of the J&J vaccine, ministration at 609- compensation. with a warning to women 655-1000. There is no data available aged 18 to 50 to remain on the efficacy and safety of completing the second dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines with J&J COVID-19 vaccine. If you are having difficulty in getting an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, the Monroe Township Mayor’s Office has set up a new program called “Vaccine Angel” to assist residents in finding a site. To call the Mayor’s Office, please dial 732-321-4400, ext. 114. The New Jersey Depart- ment of Health has a phone line for seniors who are 65 or older. Call 856-249-7007 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. to register, schedule, or reschedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. At the time of this writing, the Monroe Township Mayor’s Office is launching a program for homebound seniors. If you or someone you know cannot get to COVID-19 vaccination site, please call Monroe Town- ship at (732) 521-4400, Ext: 114 for more information. Saint Peter’s University Hospital, as part of its con- tinued outreach to the Mon- roe community, is offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine by appointment to eligible Monroe seniors at vaccine clinics held at the hospital. The number of appointments is dependent on the amount of vaccine given to the hospital by the state of New Jersey. Dates for vaccine clinics and the link for registration are emailed to eligible Monroe seniors when vaccine be- comes available. Given the limited supply of vaccine, registration will close when all the available appoint- ments have been filled. There is no wait list. Do not hold out for a spe- cific vaccine – take which- ever COVID-19 vaccine is being offered, whether it is manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J. These three vaccines provide

16 MAY 2021 The Rossmoor NEWS

The Rossmoor NEWS MAY 2021 17

Monroe Twp. ANNA’S HOME CARE – Cer- Classified tified professional caregiver is Partners with looking for live-in/live-out job in Monroe Township. Experi- Local Pharmacy Advertising enced, references. Driver’s to Deliver COVID- license. Accepts long-term Home care insurance. Low prices. 19 Vaccines to Private care option. Call Improvement & Anna at (609) 917-4208 or Homebound (908) 337-7462. Residents Services AT ANGEL TOUCH HOME (Continued from page 4) RELIABLE HANDYMAN CARE we provide excellent tom of my heart, I would like to SERVICES – Local resident. care for the elderly with li- thank Texas Road Pharmacy No job too small. All labor censed, insured and bonded for partnering with us on this guaranteed. Call me to discuss thoroughly screened aides. meaningful initiative. Special – no obligation. Reasonable We are a company that cares thanks to our highly skilled and Rossmoor News seeks photographs rates. Call (609) 409-7096 or for our patients and makes (908) 385-5869. very compassionate EMS and We need pictures. sure they are treated by the police crews for supporting Please send us pictures you’ve taken of any Rossmoor best. 24-hour care (living with event or personality. We’re also happy to print your lovely PAINT KING NJ — Concordia resident). Elderly companion- these efforts. It’s all about Resident. Fast service. Experi- working together to help those flowering tree, your new puppy, your graduating grand- ship. Call (609) 907-6059. enced. Ceiling & Wall special- in need.” child, a spectacular sunrise, the blossoms in your garden. Send them to [email protected] and include your ist. NJ LIC 13HV10937500. Each vile of the Moderna Call (609) 598-2221. Tax & Accounting COVID-19 vaccine contains name, telephone number, and a title for the picture. We’ll give you credit for it. 10 inoculations. The program MIKE THE HANDYMAN – Services to deliver vaccines to Monroe See my display ad in this edi- DON’T LET TAX QUESTIONS homebound residents began tion. (732) 780-0468. with a collection of names from add to your stress. Call me for Please wear a mask and stay a free consultation. In-home concerned residents through- T-K-S HOME IMPROVE- MENTS – Full service contrac- accounting services at reason- out the town calling the physically distant in public able rates. Rebecca Bergknoff, Mayor’s office since the begin- tor. Kitchen, baths, base- Coronavirus is transmitted primarily CPA. 732-718-4359 ning of the State’s vaccine roll- ments, painting, tile and more. out. This included the St. Pe- through droplets as we cough, sneeze, No job too big or small. Li- ter’s nurses working at each of talk, sing, and even breathe. Large drop- cense #13VH05970500. (609) Transportation the Township’s adult commu- lets generally fall to the ground within six 259-2574. LIMO GUY — Our 19th year. nities who were asked to sub- feet of our mouths, hence the six feet physical distancing. Smaller droplets re- Anywhere, anytime. Lincolns. mit names of homebound resi- Tax & Accounting Local, distance, anything. Call dents. In total, a list of 80 main in the air for a longer time and a greater distance. The masks keep exhalations closer to the 732-452-9222. homebound residents in Mon- Services roe was compiled. person wearing a mask. ARNIE’S DRIVING SERVICE. “I would be remiss if I did- When other people wear a mask, they are protecting DON’T LET TAX QUESTIONS 609-751-1612. Local - Airports n’t also thank Point of Care YOU. When you wear a mask, you are protecting THEM. add to your stress. Call me for - New York—Vaccination sites. Pharmacy in Jamesburg and Failure to do so is inconsiderate of all. a free consultation. In-home Covid Safety in Place, Sani- the County of Middlesex who accounting services at reason- tized, etc. initially stepped up to offer able rates. Rebecca Bergknoff, the J&J vaccine prior to the CPA. 732-718-4359 Position Wanted unfortunate recall,” Mayor Contact Waste Management Dalina added. 609-587-1500 Miscellaneous/ CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL Earlier this year the Town- CAREGIVER—Looking for a ship launched the Vaccine ID# 61565342007 Services job. Experienced, references. Angels program where vol- for pick up of household items Driver’s license. Anna, 732- unteers secured COVID-19 NO electronics COMPUTERS BUILT & RE- 715-0711. vaccine appointments for NO upholstered furniture PAIRED - RJF Sales Com- pany LLC. Is your computer senior residents and those No mattresses House Cleaning without family support or ac- running slow? It may need a tune-up. Desktop and laptop cess to technology. The pro- ANA’S CLEANING SER- repair in your home with pre- gram resulted in hundreds of VICES—Free estimates. Great cautions due to virus. Custom appointments for seniors and Recycle information from references. Call (732) 599-1106. built computers. Virus removal other residents. The Vaccine and protection. Free Cordless SEVERAL YEARS OF HON- Angels program continues to Waste Management Mouse with service. Monroe EST and quality work. Call help scheduling vaccines to  No caps on glass bottles/containers in the recycle bin. resident with over 20 years of Laura, 609-902-9951. residents on a regular basis.  No lids on plastic bottles. computer experience. (732) Any Monroe resident need-  Only #1, #2, and #5 plastic is acceptable in the recycle 723-9537 or (732) 967-3400. ing a homebound vaccination bin. Please leave message; all or assistance scheduling a  Plastics numbered #3, #4, and #7, etc. must go in the calls returned same day. vaccination appointment, household trash bin. please contact Eileen in the  Other plastic items as well as plastic bags, plastic wrap, TECH BUDDY – Simple step- Mayor’s office at 732-521- shipping film, and Styrofoam go in the household trash by-step help with smart- phones, computers and tab- 4400, ext. 114. bin. Please, no plastic bags in the recycling bin. You can lets. Large print solutions for use a plastic bag to dump your recyclables, but take the low tech problems. Beginner to plastic bag away with you. (Recycle it at the supermar- Advanced. Patience and en- ket.) thusiasm included. Wireless Mailing  Shredded paper cannot be recycled by Waste printers, Netflix, Amazon Alexa Management with their current equipment so put it in the setup and training. Have Alexa Addresses household trash bin. remind you of your appoint-  Aerosol cans must be empty and punctured before being ments, read audiobooks, If you are not receiving put into the recycle bin. more. $5 off setup. Free quote. mail from Rossmoor, (732) 589-4974. your Mutual, or The [email protected] Rossmoor News, it may be a matter of our not TRANSPORTATION TIDBITS having your correct mail- Important phone numbers: Help & Health ing address. Many resi- dents, over the years, Rossmoor Bus ...... 609-655-4401 Services filed “Winter Address” Hours 10:00 -11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. CARING ELDER CARE – We

forms with Administration Monroe Township Transportation ...... 609-443-0511 will help you with the care you and failed to specify a need including personal care, return date. If you did not Middlesex County household tasks and outdoor contact us when you re- Area Transportation (MCAT) ...... 1-800-221-3520 errands. Elizabeth (646) 413- turned, it might be possi- 0813. ble that we still have an St. Peter’s University Hospital alternate or winter ad- On Time Transportation ...... 1-800-858-8463 LEASE A NIECE HOME CARE AGENCY. Assistance dress in our system. All schedules are available outside the E&R office w/personal and household Please contact Resi- (near the copy machine) or via the Web at rcainj.com and activities – cooking shopping, dent Services manager, appointments, local transporta- at 609-655-1000, to ver- following the links Facilities, Clubhouse and Activities, tion. Companions. CHHAs, ify your address. and Bus Info. RNs. (732) 521-HOME or (732) 521-4663.

18 MAY 2021 The Rossmoor NEWS