Eight teens (13-19) die every day in DUI crashes.&nbsp; Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and about a quarter of fatal crashes involve an underage drinking driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NATSA). Fortunately, these accidents are 100%&nbsp; preventable.

Just ahead of graduation season and summer parties, Neptune Township High School seniors&nbsp; engaged in &lsquo;Project Crash&rsquo; on June 2, a &ldquo;powerful high school awareness event," to help students avoid becoming a part of this sobering statistic. Several students served as actors to make the demonstration true-to-life.

The Neptune Township Police Department, in partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), Neptune Township EMS, and Neptune Special Operations Rescue Station 34-8 presented an interactive mock demonstration to educate students about the consequences of driving impaired or being distracted. Jersey Shore University Medical Center&rsquo;s (JSUMC) Level 1 Adult &amp; Pediatric Trauma Center&rsquo;s team prepared a video shown at close of the event.&nbsp;

"Preventing injuries from impaired driving is a responsibility we all share. As the only Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center for Monmouth and Ocean counties, we are committed to saving lives by demonstrating the real-world consequences of such choices,&rdquo; says Amira Johnstone, DNP, MSN, R.N., CNL, CEN, TCRN, NE-BC, director of Patient Care, Trauma and Emergency Services, JSUMC. &ldquo;Our video portrays the immediate and often tragic aftermath when a patient involved in this type of accident arrives at our trauma center. It shows our dedicated trauma team's efforts to save a life, but also depicts that despite our best efforts, the outcomes are not always positive. By showing these difficult realities, we believe we can prevent these tragedies from happening."

Neptune Township Police Chief Anthony Gualario says, &ldquo;Our goal is to give students a realistic understanding of the devastating consequences impaired driving can have on individuals, families, and the entire community. By partnering with Jersey Shore UMC and HMH EMS, Neptune High School and Neptune Township Emergency Medical Services, we hope this event encourages students to make safe, responsible decisions and never get behind the wheel while impaired. If even one life is saved because of what students learn, then this effort is worthwhile.&rdquo;

JSUMC is verified as a Level 1 pediatric trauma center, the first medical center verified in New Jersey, by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT). This premier Level 1 verification complements the ranking of Jersey Shore&rsquo;s pediatric facility, K. Hovnanian Children&rsquo;s Hospital - which along with Hackensack Meridian Joseph M. Sanzari Children&rsquo;s Hospital - is ranked #1 in New Jersey in U.S. News &amp; World Report&rsquo;s Best Children&rsquo;s Hospital Report, 2025-26 .&nbsp; For more information about JSUMC Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center, visit <a href="http://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/trauma-care" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/trauma-care</a>.&nbsp;

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‘Project Crash’ at Neptune High School Aims to...

Eight teens (13-19) die every day in DUI crashes.  Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and about a quarter of fatal...

‘Project Crash’ at Neptune High School Aims to Save Lives 

Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Wednesday, June 3, 8:30 a.m. - Noon at the Freehold Family YMCA, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Look for us in the HMH Community Wellness Van! No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Monday, June 8, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the ShopRite of Howell, 4594 US-9, Howell. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Look for us in the HMH Community Wellness Van! No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Tuesday, June 9, 2 - 5 p.m. at the Asbury Park Public Library, 500 1st Ave, Asbury Park. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the ShopRite of Belmar, 1735 NJ-35, Wall Twp. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Look for us in the HMH Community Wellness Van! No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is hosting a FREE lecture on Summer Emergencies, Wednesday, June 10, 5 - 6 p.m. at the Neptune Senior Center, 1607 Corlies Ave., Neptune. Join us to learn about summer health-related emergencies and how you can best prepare to keep yourself safe! Registration is required. Please visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 to register.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is hosting a FREE lecture on Leading a Healthy Lifestyle, Tuesday, June 16, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Tinton Falls Public Library, 664 Tinton Ave., Tinton Falls. Join us to learn about healthy lifestyle changes and ways you can start incorporating them into your everyday life! No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Tuesday, June 18, 12 - 2 p.m. at the CASA Freehold,4 Jackson St., Freehold. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Spanish interpreters will be available. Look for us in the HMH Community Wellness Van! No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Tuesday, June 23, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the ShopRite of Marlboro, 280 US-9, Marlboro. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Look for us in the HMH Community Wellness Van! No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Thursday, June 25, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at St. Peter&rsquo;s Church, 33 Throckmorton Street, Freehold. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Spanish interpreters will be available. No registration required.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Tuesday, June 30, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the ShopRite of Freehold, 3585 US-9, Freehold. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Assessment. A nurse will be on hand to answer questions. Look for us in the HMH Community Wellness Van! No registration required.

Hackensack Meridian Health June Community Events

Jersey Shore University Medical Center is offering FREE Wellness Screenings Wednesday, June 3, 8:30 a.m. - Noon at the Freehold Family YMCA, 470...

What does a top surgeon have in common with a champion ballroom dancer? More than you might think. <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/thomas-l-bauer/1319269" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Thomas Bauer, M.D.</a>, chairman of Surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, is featured in Hackensack Meridian Health&rsquo;s &ldquo;Off the Chart&rdquo; YouTube series for his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKW-x3XS9WE&amp;list=PLV6QUIdm9NEeMsm7obqEhx8g85EPm0HCs&amp;index=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">passion for competitive dance</a>. We asked him how the discipline of the dance floor makes him a better surgeon for his patients.
Q1: Dr. Bauer, your episode of &ldquo;Off the Chart&rdquo; shows a very different side of a surgeon. Why is ballroom dancing so important for you?
Dr. Bauer: Surgery is my life's work, but dance is my reset. It&rsquo;s a demanding physical and mental discipline that requires a different kind of focus. In the operating room, I am methodical and precise, and I find that the structured nature of ballroom dance complements that perfectly. It&rsquo;s an outlet that is both creative and highly disciplined, which helps me maintain the stamina and concentration my profession requires. As the series highlights, having this balance is key to avoiding burnout and staying at the top of your game. Furthermore, my wife of 38 years has stood beside and supported me through my training and every position that I have held since then. This pursuit is dedicating time to us as a couple to focus on a passion that not only makes us better as individuals, but also more importantly as a couple.
Q2: How do the skills you&rsquo;ve honed as a champion dancer influence your work as a surgeon?
Dr. Bauer: The parallels are undeniable. Both surgery and competitive dance demand precision, flawless technique, and the ability to lead with confidence. On the dance floor, every step, turn, and hold is deliberate and practiced to perfection. I bring that same meticulous attention to detail to every procedure I perform. Leading a surgical team or my department&nbsp; is like leading a dance partner&mdash;it requires clear communication, trust, and the ability to adapt in the moment, all while making it look effortless.
Q3: What can a patient who needs surgery expect from you and your team?
Dr. Bauer: They can expect a surgeon who applies the same level of discipline, focus, and commitment to their care as I do to my dancing. My passion for excellence extends from the dance floor to the operating room. My team is built on a foundation of precision and trust, ensuring every patient receives the highest quality of care. We are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for you. If you are seeking a surgical team with an unwavering commitment to excellence, I invite you to schedule a consultation.
For information about Jersey Shore University Medical Center&rsquo;s (JSUMC) surgical services visit <a href="http://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/surgical-services" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/surgical-services</a>. To make an appointment with Dr. Bauer or another surgeon at JSUMC, call 844-HMH-WELL.

From the Operating Room to the Ballroom: Q&A...

What does a top surgeon have in common with a champion ballroom dancer? More than you might think. Thomas Bauer, M.D., chairman of Surgery at...

From the Operating Room to the Ballroom: Q&A with Dr. Thomas Bauer

In the high-stakes world of neurosurgery, finding an escape is essential. For <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/shabbar-f-danish/2012713" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Shabbar Danish, M.D.</a>, chairman of Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, that escape comes with a bass guitar and a microphone. As featured in Hackensack Meridian Health&rsquo;s &ldquo;Off the Chart&rdquo; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38pl19c9uPY" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">series</a>, Dr. Danish unwinds by performing in a band. He discusses how this musical passion sharpens his skills as a surgeon. 
Q1: Dr. Danish, as a neurosurgeon, you perform incredibly complex procedures. How does playing in a rock band help you manage that pressure?Dr. Danish: It&rsquo;s the perfect counterbalance. Neurosurgery requires an intense, quiet focus, while playing music is a powerful, collaborative release. After a day in the operating room, creating music engages a different part of my mind and allows me to decompress in a productive way. The &ldquo;Off the Chart&rdquo; series does a great job of showing why this is so important. When we as physicians take time to pursue our passions, we prevent burnout and return to our patients with renewed energy and a clearer perspective.

Q2: How does the experience of playing in a band translate to your work leading a neurosurgery team?
Dr. Danish: The connection is incredibly strong. A band is a team where every member must be in sync, listening to cues, and working together to create a cohesive sound. The same is true in my surgical team. Every nurse, tech, and fellow physician plays a critical role, and seamless communication is non-negotiable for patient safety. Music is a constant exercise in collaboration and harmony, and I bring that same ethos to the operating room. It reinforces the teamwork that is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes.
Q3: For a patient facing a neurological condition, what does this balanced, team-focused approach mean for their care?
Dr. Danish: It means they will be cared for by a team that is not only technically proficient but also deeply connected and communicative. My philosophy is that every patient deserves a team that works in perfect harmony, just like a band. We are committed to providing compassionate, state-of-the-art care. My goal is to ensure every patient feels confident that they have a dedicated, collaborative team focused on their health.
For information about Jersey Shore University Medical Center&rsquo;s (JSUMC) neurosurgical services visit <a href="http://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/neurosciences/neurosurgery" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/neurosciences/neurosurgery</a>. To make an appointment with Dr. Danish or another neurosurgeon at JSUMC, call 844-HMH-WELL.

Neurosurgery & Rock ‘n’ Roll: Q&A with Dr....

In the high-stakes world of neurosurgery, finding an escape is essential. For Shabbar Danish, M.D., chairman of Neurosurgery at Hackensack Meridian...

Neurosurgery & Rock ‘n’ Roll: Q&A with Dr. Shabbar Danish

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RoBeans Mobile Barista is booking for the spring and summer

RoBeans

RoBeans Mobile Barista is a woman-owned coffee bus based in Asbury Park, serving handcrafted espresso drinks, coffee, and tea at community events, corporate gatherings, schools, and private celebrations. Known for its welcoming service and quality beverages. RoBeans brings "serenity in a cup" wherever it parks.

RoBeans Mobile Barista is a woman-owned coffee bus based in Asbury Park, serving handcrafted espresso drinks, coffee, and tea at community events,...

Early Morning & Late Night DEALS! 25% OFF Sale

Scarlet Reserve Room

We are independently owned, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Monmouth County cannabis community — not backed by multi-state operators or corporate investors. Our mission is to keep cannabis culture alive in New Jersey while providing safe, premium, and compliant cannabis products to local customers. For anyone who believes in second chances and social equity in the New Jersey cannabis market, our journey shows it’s possible — even when the odds feel stacked against you. We’re proud to lead by example and build a trusted Englishtown and Monmouth County dispensary for the next generation of cannabis consumers and entrepreneurs. Our journey proves that redemption and determination can break barriers. Once facing charges for the very plant now fueling an industry, our founder rebuilt from the ground up — earning degrees, mastering business, and creating safe, trusted spaces for cannabis and wellness. Today, Scarlet Reserve Room stands proudly as an independently owned, legacy-to-legal Englishtown dispensary, keeping culture alive and proving second chances matter.

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Englishtown

We are independently owned, family-driven, and deeply rooted in the Monmouth County cannabis community — not backed by multi-state operators or...

Be Supported, Be Successful, and Be Brookdale

Brookdale Community College

At Brookdale Community College, academic excellence, student success, affordability, and community impact are more than priorities. They are the foundation of who we are. Every program, partnership, and learning experience is designed to help students Be Supported, Be Successful, and Be Brookdale as they pursue meaningful and rewarding futures. Our commitment to quality is reflected in what our students experience every day: • 81 percent say professors put significant effort into teaching their classes. • 76 percent report it is easy to get the classes they need. • 92 percent feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation. • A 17 to 1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized support and mentorship. • Graduates earn a median salary of $50,836 five years out, well above the national average. With more than 60 degree and certificate programs, Brookdale offers flexible in-person, hybrid, and online options to meet students where they are. Our seamless transfer pathways—with Rutgers University, Georgian Court University, Kean University, and Monmouth University—allow students to complete their bachelor’s degrees right here in Monmouth County. We also offer more than 40 transfer agreements with leading four-year colleges and universities from Paris to New Jersey and beyond, guaranteeing qualified students junior-year status. Several agreements even provide three-plus-one pathways so your junior year can be completed at Brookdale for significant savings. Students also benefit from robust career services, workforce partnerships, and hands-on learning that prepare them for in-demand careers in nursing, business, engineering, information technology, criminal justice, cybersecurity, liberal arts, and more. Brookdale’s rigorous programs and dedicated faculty empower students to Be Bold, excel in a rapidly changing world, and graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.

At Brookdale Community College, academic excellence, student success, affordability, and community impact are more than priorities. They are the...

Now accepting Spring and Annual Storage reservations 

The NJ Paddock Car Storage Facility

An INSURED, Secure, Climate Controlled Antique, Classic and Exotic car storage facility.

Blossom (Divorce) Coaching, LLC

Blossom Coaching: Divorce Support, Recovery &amp; Empowerment Divorce can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and uncertain—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Blossom Coaching, I provide compassionate, expert guidance to help individuals move through the challenges of divorce with clarity, courage, and confidence. As a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and Certified Divorce Coach, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my work, helping clients untangle the emotional and practical struggles of divorce so they can feel empowered to create their best future. Blossom Coaching offers: In-Person and Virtual Divorce Support &amp; Recovery Groups – Connect with others who truly understand and find strength in community. Individual Coaching – Personalized one-on-one support to meet your unique needs and goals. Workshops – Interactive opportunities to learn strategies, gain tools, and discover your best self after divorce. At Blossom Coaching, you’ll find a safe, supportive space to move forward, rebuild, and blossom into the life that’s waiting for you.

Blossom Coaching: Divorce Support, Recovery & Empowerment Divorce can feel overwhelming, chaotic, and uncertain—but you don’t have to navigate it...

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