Manahawkin, N.J. - August 31, 2026 - As the summer winds down, the familiar rhythm of the school year will soon begin &ndash; a great reminder to focus on safety. As emergency medicine physicians at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, we've seen firsthand the types of accidents and injuries that can occur. By working together, we can ensure a safe and healthy return to school for our children.

On the Move: School Bus and Pedestrian Safety

The journey to and from school presents some of the most significant safety challenges. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while school buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road and students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely on a bus than by car, the most dangerous part of the journey is getting on and off the bus. From 2014 to 2023, there were 209 school-age children who died in school-bus-related crashes, and 79 of them were pedestrians.

For younger bus riders, it&rsquo;s best to be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. This reduces the need to rush, which can lead to accidents. Teach your children to stay at least 10 feet back from the curb &ndash; about three giant steps &ndash; and to never walk behind the bus. It is within that 10 foot area that kids are in the most danger of not being seen by the driver.

Once on the bus, children should find a seat and remain there. This minimizes distractions for the driver. For drivers, the start of the school year means being extra vigilant. In New Jersey, the law requires drivers to stop at least 25 feet away from a school bus with its red lights flashing. On a road with no physical divider, traffic in both directions must stop. Failure to do so can result in fines, license points, and, most importantly, a tragic accident.

With many children walking to school, pedestrian safety is a major concern. In 2023, 17% of children aged 14 and younger who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians, according to the NHTSA. Drivers must slow down in school zones and should be prepared to stop for children at crosswalks even if it&rsquo;s not during school hours.

Beyond the Commute: Backpacks and In-School Injuries

Safety doesn't stop at the school door. Two common issues we see are backpack-related injuries and head injuries. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child's backpack should weigh no more than 10% to 20% of their body weight. A heavy backpack can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. When choosing a backpack, look for one with wide, padded shoulder straps, a padded back, and a waist strap to help distribute the weight evenly. And while your child (especially older kids) may not think it looks cool, always encourage them to use both shoulder straps.

Head injuries are also a significant concern. These injuries can happen on the playground or during sports.&nbsp; According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contact sports &ndash; including football, basketball, and soccer &ndash; are associated with <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6927a4.htm" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">45% of all emergency department visits</a> for sports- and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries and concussions among children ages 17 and under. While injuries can range from a minor cut on the head to more extreme cases that can cause bleeding on the brain or coma, it's crucial to seek medical attention any time a child has a blow to the head &ndash; and especially if they show signs of confusion, headache, or vomiting. Ensuring proper head and safety gear will help reduce your child&rsquo;s risk of injury.

The start of a new school year is a time of new beginnings. By taking a few extra precautions, we can help our children have a safe and successful year. For more information on children's health and safety, please visit <a href="http://hackensackmeridian.org/kids" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">hackensackmeridian.org/kids</a>.

<a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/marie-g-ponce/1318975?sort=networks%2Crelevance&amp;unified=pediatric%20emergency%20medicine&amp;page=3&amp;from=search-list" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Grace Marie Ponce, M.D.</a>, is the division chief of pediatric emergency medicine and <a href="https://www.getcare.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/provider/david-j-bergamo/2549993" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">David Bergamo, M.D.</a>, is associate director of pediatric emergency medicine at K. Hovnanian Children&rsquo;s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.&nbsp;

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(Photo: <a href="http://vecteezy.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">vecteezy.com</a>)

Ocean County

Veronica Flesher

New York City Metropolitan Area

Barnegat-Manahawkin

New Jersey

Back-to-School Safety Reminders from Hackensack...

Manahawkin, N.J. - August 31, 2026 - As the summer winds down, the familiar rhythm of the school year will soon begin – a great reminder to focus...

Back-to-School Safety Reminders from Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in September (locations vary):

BAYVILLE - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a Caregiver Support Group on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to Noon at the Berkeley Library, 30 Station Rd, Bayville.&nbsp; Join us for an open discussion centered on the unique challenges and rewards of caregiving. This group provides a safe, welcoming space to share personal experiences, exchange practical advice, and find emotional support among peers who truly understand the journey. No registration required.&nbsp; Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;

BAYVILLE - OCEAN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER is hosting FREE Wellness Screenings on Wednesday, September 19, 2026, from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Faith Community UMC, 526 Atlantic City Blvd, Bayville. Screenings will include Blood Pressure, Pulse, BMI, Glucose, Cholesterol, and Stroke Risk Assessment. *Fasting is not required. Visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990 for more information.&nbsp;
WARETOWN - SOUTHERN OCEAN MEDICAL CENTER is hosting a FREE lecture on Hypertension and Cholesterol on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. - Noon at the Township of Ocean Recreation Center, 239 11th Street, Barnegat. Join us and learn how to manage your blood pressure and control your cholesterol. Learn the difference between good and bad cholesterol, treatment options, and risk factors for heart disease and stroke. For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990.

Network Webinars
HMH Network- is offering a FREE Webinar: Beyond Cancer Treatment: Navigating Care &amp; Emotions During Post-Treatment Survivorship. Tuesday, September 15, Noon - 1 p.m. Join Crossroads 4 Hope Lead Social Worker Kyle Jachim for an informative and supportive discussion focused on life after a cancer diagnosis-post treatment. This session will highlight practical resources, supportive programs, and opportunities for connection. Kyle will discuss ways to navigate the next phase with confidence, access meaningful support, and stay connected to care. This Webinar is open to all&mdash;individuals impacted by cancer, family members, caregivers, and professionals. A space to learn, reflect, and journey forward. Crossroads 4 Hope helps individuals and families affected by cancer to receive free supportive cancer care.
To Register: <a href="http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/events" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">http://hackensackmeridianhealth.org/events</a> Left hand side, select Event Topic filter for Cancer Care
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(photo by shadowkill at freeimages.com)

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical...

The following community events are offered through Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center in September (locations vary):...

Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center September Events

An Essex County home inspector has built a free website that lets anyone look up the public records behind a New Jersey property &mdash; building permits, flood zones, fire history, property taxes, and more &mdash; by typing in an address.
The site, Permit &amp; Parcel (oprasearch.app), covers all 564 New Jersey municipalities and pulls only from official sources: state and county databases, FEMA flood maps, and the towns' own municipal codes. There's no account, no email capture, and no cost.
"I kept watching buyers fall in love with a house before anyone checked the paper trail &mdash; the open permits, the flood zone, what the town actually requires when a home changes hands," said Leo Betancor, a Certified Master Inspector based in Cedar Grove and the founder of the site. "All of that is public record. It just wasn't in one place anyone could actually use."
Alongside the main lookup, the site includes free single-purpose tools: a lead-safe inspection lookup showing which of the two state-required inspection methods each town uses under New Jersey's lead paint law, a searchable directory of every DCA-certified lead evaluation and abatement contractor sorted by distance, a fire-incident map built from more than 40 years of state fire records, and a radon map covering every municipality.
A companion site, njflood.zone, gives instant FEMA flood-zone answers for any New Jersey address &mdash; built after the federal government shutdown left FEMA's own map site unreliable &mdash; running on the site's own servers with the complete flood map data for the state loaded locally.
The project was recently featured in <a href="https://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-hanover-slash-florham-park/columns/at-home-with-holly/articles/deep-dive-conversations-what-the-house-won-t-tell-you" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">TAPinto</a>'s "At Home with Holly" column. Both sites are free at <a href="https://oprasearch.app" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">oprasearch.app</a> and <a href="https://njflood.zone" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">njflood.zone</a>.

Essex County

Eric Kiefer

Montclair

Cedar Grove Home Inspector Builds Free Property...

An Essex County home inspector has built a free website that lets anyone look up the public records behind a New Jersey property — building permits...

Cedar Grove Home Inspector Builds Free Property-Records Lookup for Every NJ Town

Lacey

Berkeley

Karen Wall

Toms River

Manchester

Atlantic County

Philadelphia Metropolitan Area

Galloway

Brick

Lakewood

Point Pleasant

Monmouth County

Howell

Sara Winick

Wall

<img alt="🕵️‍♀️" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/td9/1/16/1f575_200d_2640.png"><img alt="🍂" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t89/1/16/1f342.png"> FRIENDSGIVING MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW <img alt="🍂" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t89/1/16/1f342.png"><img alt="🕵️‍♂️" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tdb/1/16/1f575_200d_2642.png">Gather your friends for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, suspicious secrets, and hilarious mystery! Enjoy a festive Friendsgiving dinner while investigating clues, questioning suspects, and trying to solve the crime before the night is over.<img alt="🍽️" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t98/1/16/1f37d.png"> MENU • Jalapeno cornbread with Mathis House honey butter • Cup of soup • Garden Salad • Fresh Herb Roasted Turkey Breasts with Sage Gravy, Garlic &amp; Parmesan Mashed Potatoes, Traditional Green Bean, Mushroom &amp; Fried Onion Casserole • Gourmet iced/hot tea, coffee, and your own<img alt="📅" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t7e/1/16/1f4c5.png"> Date: Friday, September 25th <img alt="⏰" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t34/1/16/23f0.png"> Time: 7:00 PM <img alt="📍" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t2d/1/16/1f4cd.png"> Location: The Mathis House, downtown Toms River <img alt="🎟️" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/td8/1/16/1f39f.png"> Tickets: $75 plus tax and cash gratuities, 10% discount for Seniors 65+/MilitaryTickets can be purchases by calling 732-818-7580, or visit <a href="https://www.mathishouse600main.com/?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBvdUthNWRtVHFCRkVNNkltc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlFxaDeBoA3jFaFd4Ya6P64SPWjNsk_Hn3PCGgB6nIpuESL1ToHBO-Oj6qAF_aem_SaI2vP-XbeWlO4jbM4SOYg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.MathisHouse600main.com</a> using RESY or Eventbrite.Come dressed for the occasion, bring your best detective skills, and prepare for a night of mystery, laughter, and Friendsgiving fun! <img alt="🍷" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/teb/1/16/1f377.png"><img alt="🦃" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tc/1/16/1f983.png"><img alt="🔍" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tc1/1/16/1f50d.png"> The best dressed will win an overnight stay to the Mathis House or Huddy House! ($349 value)Reserve your spot today—before someone else gets away with murder!Overnight room packages available at the Mathis or Huddy House starting at $249.Parties less than 4 will be seated with other smaller parties. 24 hour notice of cancelation result in a credit to the Mathis House for 2 years to use towards another reservation

Local Event: Friendsgiving Murder Mystery Dinner Show at the Mathis House

Friendsgiving Murder Mystery Dinner Show at the...

 FRIENDSGIVING MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW Gather your friends for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, suspicious...

Friendsgiving Murder Mystery Dinner Show at the Mathis House

Virtual

Are you a current or former smoker or just worried about your risk for lung cancer?


 Join One Or All Sessions!


 Join Hackensack Meridian Health expert pulmonologists, interventional pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons for a free webinar series designed to empower you with the knowledge to take control of your lung health.


 This series will provide a comprehensive overview of common lung and respiratory conditions, the critical importance of lung cancer screenings, and navigating a lung cancer diagnosis and more.


 Whether you are a patient, a caregiver, or simply want to be more informed, this session will provide valuable information. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the experts and have your questions answered.


 <a href="https://events.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/event/hmhlungwebinars/summary?utm_source=HMH-CVENT&amp;utm_medium=&amp;utm_campaign=PatchSOMCEvent" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Click here</a> to learn more and register!

<img src="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackimp/N1206502.274030PATCHMEDIA/B36626959.455675575;dc_trk_aid=650403802;dc_trk_cid=264387456;ord=[timestamp];dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;ltd=;dc_tdv=1?" attributionsrc="" border="0" height="1" width="1" alt="Advertisement">

Local Event: Living Well with Lung Disease: Webinars for Patients and Families

Living Well with Lung Disease: Webinars for...


    Are you a current or former smoker or just worried about your risk for lung cancer?


    Join One Or All Sessions!


   ...

Living Well with Lung Disease: Webinars for Patients and Families

Beach Haven Moose Lodge

Meet New York baseball legend and multi-time World Series Champion Dwight "Doc" Gooden at the Ocean County Card Show. Attendees can purchase autograph tickets at the door for $30.00, Photo ops for $30.00 and combos of one autograph and one photo op for $50.00 with VIP packages available for those seeking the ultimate fan experience including 2 autographs, photo ops and line jumping privileges. General admission to the card show is only $3.00.

Local Event: Dwight "Doc" Gooden Public Autograph Signing

Dwight "Doc" Gooden Public Autograph Signing

Meet New York baseball legend and multi-time World Series Champion Dwight "Doc" Gooden at the Ocean County Card Show. Attendees...

Manahawkin Municipal Center

MANAHAWKIN, N.J. — Runners, walkers, and community supporters will gather next month for the Second Annual "Race to Remember" 5K Run &amp; Walk, held in loving tribute to Frankie Petillo Jr. The memorial event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at the Manahawkin Municipal Center.
For Frankie’s family, the event represents a deeply personal mission: turning tragedy into future dreams and accomplishments. Frankie, a Stafford resident and Southern Regional High School graduate, was taken in the prime of his life when he was struck by an irresponsible student driver while walking on his college campus. Highly motivated to help others in need, his family established The Frankie-Foundation (The Frank A. Petillo Jr. Foundation) so that his memory could continue to uplift young people.
Because Frankie lived life to its fullest, the foundation's goal is to help others do the same. Organizers are working to fulfill that purpose by raising funds to support local students who are active in dance, theatre, and the arts. Each year, the foundation awards multiple scholarships to local music and dance schools as well as graduating high school seniors who demonstrate Frankie’s selfless, inspirational spirit.

Organized in partnership with the Mayors Wellness Campaign and Stafford Recreation, the October 5K serves as the foundation’s primary community gathering and fundraiser.
Race-day check-in and packet pickup will open at 7:00 a.m., followed by the official race start at 8:00 a.m.
In addition to runners and walkers, organizers are welcoming community partners and local businesses through four tiered sponsorship opportunities:
<ul><li>Platinum ($2,000): Prominent company logo placement on race shirts, digital branding and links on the event website, verbal recognition during the opening ceremony, and five complimentary race entries.</li><li>Gold ($1,000): Logo featured on race shirts, company logo on the event website, opening ceremony recognition, and four complimentary entries.</li><li>Silver ($500): Business or individual name listed on race shirts and the event website, along with two complimentary entries.</li><li>Bronze ($250): Name listed on the event website and one complimentary entry.</li></ul>
Community members interested in participating can sign up online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https%3A%2F%2Fraceforum.com%2Fremember" rel="nofollow noopener">raceforum.com/remember</a> or by scanning the QR code featured on the event flyer.

Local Event: Second Annual 'Race to Remember' 5K Set for October 10 in Manahawkin

Second Annual 'Race to Remember' 5K Set for...

MANAHAWKIN, N.J. — Runners, walkers, and community supporters will gather next month for the Second Annual "Race to Remember"...

Second Annual 'Race to Remember' 5K Set for October 10 in Manahawkin

Toms River Area

Crisis Hotline Volunteer Training

Crisis Hotline Volunteers needed for CONTACT of Ocean &amp; Monmouth Counties’ training beginning Tuesday, October 20, 2026, twice a week, every Tuesday &amp; Thursday, for 6 weeks from 6:30 - 9:30 P.M. TRAINING WILL BE HELD IN PERSON in the Toms River area (exact location to be announced). CONTACT is a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline that also provides information &amp; referral to community resources. All calls are free, confidential and anonymous.&nbsp;Training is free.&nbsp;BECOME A VOICE TO THOSE IN DISTRESS--Make a difference in your community! – call 732-240-6104 or email contact@contactoceanmonmouth.org for additional information and registration.

Local Event: Crisis Hotline Volunteer Training

Crisis Hotline Volunteer Training

Crisis Hotline Volunteer Training

Crisis Hotline Volunteers needed for CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties’ training...

Custom awning and shade solutions in Ocean County, NJ

Liberty Door and Awning

Liberty Door and Awning is a trusted provider of custom awning solutions serving homeowners and businesses throughout Ocean County, NJ. Established in 1968, the company brings decades of experience in delivering durable, functional and visually appealing shade systems for a wide range of properties. The team offers a variety of awning styles, including retractable awnings, window and door awnings, exterior solar shades, retractable horizontal shades and pergola canopy shades. The company also provides free in-home consultations, so customers can receive accurate measurements and personalized recommendations. Its experienced technicians handle both installation and repair services to address issues such as fabric wear, structural concerns and motor malfunctions. Each awning type can be tailored to your property, helping you improve outdoor comfort, reduce heat exposure and improve overall curb appeal. Known for its reliable service and attention to detail, Liberty Door and Awning has built long-standing relationships across Ocean County. Customers often rave about the team’s responsiveness and commitment to standing behind their work, even after installation is complete. In addition to awnings, the company also installs and services garage doors, entry doors, windows and hurricane shutters.

Liberty Door and Awning is a trusted provider of custom awning solutions serving homeowners and businesses throughout Ocean County, NJ. Established...

Insurcomm Restoration

After everything goes wrong, you deserve the confidence and comfort of everything going right. 	 Insurcomm Restoration is your trusted local partner for full-service property damage restoration — from emergency response and mitigation through complete reconstruction, all under one roof. For over 30 years, we've helped homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and insurance carriers recover from water damage, fire and smoke, mold, biohazard incidents, and catastrophic events.	 Our Services: • Water Damage Cleanup &amp; Mitigation • Fire &amp; Smoke Damage Restoration • Mold Remediation • Biohazard &amp; Environmental Cleanup • Contents Cleaning &amp; Restoration • Full Reconstruction &amp; Rebuild • 24/7 Catastrophe Response	 	 Why Insurcomm: • 24/7 Emergency Help Line — fast response when minutes matter • IICRC-Certified Professionals delivering precision craftsmanship • Dedicated project management with a single point of contact • Clear, transparent communication from first notice of loss to final walkthrough • Trusted by national and regional insurers for day-to-day claims and complex losses		 Insurcomm is a Fortify Company, a national property protection platform with 100+ markets nationwide. Locally rooted, nationally backed.		 Call our 24-hour response line: (844) 424-9283

Burlington County

Burlington

Southampton

After everything goes wrong, you deserve the confidence and comfort of everything going right. Insurcomm Restoration is your trusted local partner...

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Barnegat-Manahawkin, NJ|Local Classified|Announcement|Aug 31