Due to an anticipated Presidential visit in Middletown on Thursday, October 6th, TODAY, motorists should expect delays, intermittent road closures, and temporary frozen zones (no vehicles, pedestrians, or bikes on roadway) in the afternoon and early evening hours in the vicinity of the Lincroft, River Plaza, Oak Hill and Navesink sections of the township, as well as the Route 35 corridor near Red Bank.
Please avoid the area and plan alternate routes.
The Monmouth County Library is 100 years old this year, and each of the branches has done some pretty spectacular ways of celebrating it. By all means, stop in Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury and see the Dewey Decimal system creative display. Shrewsbury’s former Mayor Don Burden, who is also a former member of the Library Commission, said it’s fantastic and well worth everyone seeing.
Also fascinating was the talk County Commissioner Lillian G. Burry was scheduled to give. Unfortunately the Commissioner, who has rarely missed anything to do with the Library, was unable to attend, and the Executive Director read her talk. For those not in attendance, here’s a copy of what Commissioner Burry said. She has been the County’s representative on the Library for years and years. Also absent from the festivities was Renee Schwartz, that petite dynamo who headed the Library Commission for 50 years and made such an impression the children’s room at Eastern Branch was named in her honor.
Mrs. Burry, historian, library lover, scholar, and historian, wrote the following, giving all of us who could not attend the ceremony something to think about and learn.
“Every great civilization has had its own unique qualities but one thing they’ve had in common is a recognition of the importance of learning.
For the advancement of learning they all sought to acquire knowledge and to give it a home in a library.
Twenty-three hundred years ago, the greatest library in the Classical world was built in Egypt in the city of Alexandria which became the center of culture and learning for the Mediterranean world.
It is reported to have held the writings of all of the greatest minds of Antiquity…Homer, Plato, Aristotle and many more as well as texts from Egypt and many other cultures. It is reported that it met its final end in 391 AD because it was filled with the works of pagan writers and those in power wanted to put an end to pagan culture.
I’m reminded of this because the two ideas that built and destroyed the greatest library of its Age are still with us. One is the desire for knowledge, to possess it and to share it freely and widely. The other is the desire to limit the freedom to experience the words and thoughts of the great thinkers of every age and culture without bias or prejudice or censorship.
As freedom of speech is more than the right to say, “have a nice day,” implicit in that right is the right to be heard or read, as the case may be.
Values and beliefs change over time. But the right to express and share them must remain a constant in a truly free society
This is why we build libraries that are ‘free’ and ‘public’ so that everyone can come together and share in the vast diversity of thought and expression that is available to us now.
For a hundred years, we have been pursuing these values here in Monmouth County and it is my greatest hope that this pursuit will continue for many hundreds of years after all of us are gone.
And now allow me to go back in recent time and recognize several personalities that assisted us in the Library’s growth over the years. Some of the early directors include Livingston,– who brought jazz to Monmouth County, Ken Sheinbaum, and our current director, Judi Tolchin – who survived the pandemic.
Some of the early chairs of the Board of Directors include the outstanding Renee Schwartz, whom I have credited with taking us from the book mobile stops to 13 branches and one of the largest circulating libraries in the state.
Others that stood at her side:
Don Burden “Mr. Shrewsbury” himself and even more recent and current board members Nancy Grbelja and her outstanding leadership, Frank Wells, always Mr. Dependable, Grace Abernof and her large measure of common sense, Freeholder Ted Narozanick, who always kept the library in the hearts and minds of all, Peter Doyle with his devotion to Atlantic Highlands that resulted in Atlantic Highlands becoming a branch, Donald Burry, who has libraries in his DNA and became part of a group of Colts Neck individuals who built the Colts Neck Library with local donations.
There are more to whom we are all grateful, including Heidi Amici; Muriel Smith who wrote wonderful articles regarding the library, Brian Boms, the current chair , and ably assisted by Barbara McMorrow, not a new arrival to Monmouth County Library.
I hope I didn’t leave anyone out.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONMOUTH COUNTY LIBRARY – 100 YEARS!!
When is an author not THE author? When she’s an American romance novelist.
Having met the brilliant British author of The Radium Girls, Kate Moore, and knowing she was coming out with a new book she couldn’t talk about at the time I met her, I was anxious and eager to read that book, “The Woman They Couldn’t Silence” when I finally saw it advertised.
I knew the reviews all said how spectacular it is; Kate’s Radium Girls had won dozens of awards and acclaims for her story of the women, mostly young, who worked at the factory in Orange, NJ in the early 1940s painting the faces o watches so the numbers cold glow in the dark. No one told the girls the paint was radium and the cause of their broken bones, pains, agonies and terrible deaths.
I also knew Kate was more than a sensational author; I knew she loved theater and wrote The Radium Girls because their story was in play and she was drawn to tell the story of the horrors of their life. I also knew she was an actress, was an editorial director for a leading publishing company in England and had written an earlier book published as “Roses are Red, A Book for Lovers.”
And after meeting and chatting with her, I knew she was an incredibly wonderful person with as much kindness and British sophistication as she had talent in her writing.
The library had a waiting list for the newest historical novel, so in waiting for that, I heard of two other titles by Kate Moore that were in the library, “To Tempt a Saint” and “To Seduce an Angel.” Unusual titles, it’s true, but after the Lovers Book, I figured what the heck.
Starting to read “To Tempt a Saint,” I immediately saw Kate’s different writing style; great, an easy read, set in the 19th century, and interesting. I marveled at Kate’s ability to be able to write in a completely different style. I didn’t know the history of the setting for the story, so I liked learning some more about the English courtiers of the 1800s. But the book had a lot of sex and sex related interludes in it as well and I was surprised that this very proper British wonder woman could write the heartbreaking story of the Radium Girls as well as the sex-laden story of the wealthy in England and their habits.
I wrote to Kate to tell her I had to wait for that newest book, and that I had been thinking of her on a recent trip to Ottawa, Illinois, which Kate had also visited because of the girls working in that city’s radium painting factory as well. I told her how touched I was by the statue in a park in Ottawa commemorating the Radium Girls.
Then I told her how exciting “To Tempt a Saint” was, what a great book it was, and how much I enjoyed her different writing style, even though I was still waiting for “The Women They Could not Silence.”
That’s when Kate wrote back: She referenced the time we met, when I brought Rose Penta from Highlands to chat with her when she was in New Jersey a few years ago. Rose’s mother and four aunts were among the Radum Girls Kate had written so well about and Kate wanted to talk with Rose as well.
So here I was. Praising my favorite author for a book she did not write simply because I admired the fact that she I thought she could write in two different styles. So I researched “the other “ Kate Moore.” She identifies herself as “the American Kate Moore” and does indeed write romance novels, a lot of them, though I do not know how historical they are.
In the meantime, The Woman they Could Not Silence became available at the library, and I began reading immediately.
As much as I loved The Radium Girls possibly in part because it was about a friend’s relatives were the basis of the story, this newest novel is hands down even better!
The Woman They Could not Silence” is set in the 19th century, Civil War era, in Illinois. Elizabeth Packard is a women married for 21 years with six children. Her husband, a preacher, had her committed to an insane asylum because he felt she talked too much, disagreed with him too much, and dared to have her own opinions! Men could do that to their wives in the 19th century in the United States.
But the likes of Elizabeth Packard, housed in an insane asylum or not, would not let this happen and indeed, she would not be silenced. And Kate Moore, the British wonder, tells her story with heartbreaking detail and empathy.
You have to read it! It’s one of those books you simply can’t put down!
That American Kate Moore? She writes well and holds your interest.
But that outstanding British Kate Moore? She is simply spectacular.
With nothing to report from the Harbor Commission attorney and no unfinished business to report by commissioners, tenant Harold Smith was advised he has to wait even longer for repairs to be made in the $1.5 million building he has complained about for the past 20 months.
The building, which houses Towboats US and a unit of the NJ State Police, was built by Kappa Construction, the firm currently building the more than $10 million new Borough Hall in Highlands.
Construction of the harbor building was deemed complete in 2020 and Smith was permitted to move in in January, 2021. He had been conducting his business in a trailer art the harbor for eight years after the original building was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy. While his rent was frozen during the time he operated from the trailer, he has been paying an increased rent since moving into the new building.
At first, Smith advised the Harbor Commission of five major problems in the building all related to problems with construction, ranging from the main door failing to open, close or stay in a stationery position all the time, to a malodorous smell in the bathrooms and gas heaters and emergency shutoffs improperly operating or in the proper place.. When no permanent corrections were made, nor the gas heater problem resolved, despite numerous notices to the Harbor Commission, he appeared at a borough council meeting last month to say the Commission was acting like they wanted him to leave. Council promised some action and did make some temporary fixes.
But at last night’s harbor commission meeting, Edward Washburn, standing in for the commission’s attorney Michael DuPont, advised commissioners not to answer any questions pertaining to the issue and said he himself would also not answer questions because of the possibility of litigation once new information received is reviewed. He indicated he was giving this advice since the Harbor Commission could possibly be drawn into the litigation if it became reality. The information is so new, he said, it is still being reviewed. There was no executive session after the meeting, so no apparent discussion with the Commission on the new information.
During the public portion Smith said he had sent a formal request to the Harbor Commission and had not received any comments or response to that. After the meeting, he indicated that request was that the Harbor release him from his contract effective Jan. 1, 2023, if the repairs are not paid. He said Attorney Dupont had advised him he should seek an attorney to represent him in the matter.
“I hope we can work this out,” Smith said, That is my standard goal, I really would rather than that being released from my lease”
Ever the optimist, Smith added that “they’re trying,” praising Harbor Chairman Thomas Wall for all his efforts. “They’re trying,” he repeated, “but I’ve heard that before. And nothing’s been done.”
The tenant has not ever asked or received for a reduction in his monthly rent he has been paying over the past 20 months saying, “I’m not that kind of person. I have to put my head on the pillow and sleep every night.”
Washburn could not give any indication when any information could be released or what action is being considered. The only response to Smith’s letter asking for release from his lease was the fact that decision had to be made by the Harbor Commission.
One thing that makes me happiest today is that I have a Guardian Angel smarter and more careful that I am. It’s bigger than any other two or five or ten things that will also make me happy today, I’m sure.
With a long-term visual problem that makes it impossible to drive at night , I am watchful of sunrise and sunset times and check them regularly to be sure I’m not behind the wheel when there isn’t enough sun to let me see clearly.
It’s my habit to walk the under half mile to St. Agnes Church four mornings a week, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’ve only been doing that since May and realize that as the days get shorter, I’ll either have to miss some of these masses or walk in the dark.
But this morning was the first morning since May that it has been raining before 7 a.m. At least raining hard enough that I didn’t think it wise to walk that almost half mile.
The sun rose this morning at 6:55, a minute later than yesterday, and I saw and heard the heavy rainfall. There was too much rain, I decided, to walk, but I could drive two or three minutes before sunrise, I figured. So I did.
Concerned with the water building up along the side of the road, I didn’t give much thought to starting the car, putting on wipers and headlights, and pulling away from the curb. I was in the middle of the street when I realized in spite of the sunrise within two minutes, I simply couldn’t see clearly enough to drive. I panicked! I knew I couldn’t back up to get back to the curb, and couldn’t stop in the middle of the street or pull to the side since it’s a narrow one way street with no parking on one side since it would block all traffic on the road.
Smart or not, full of faith or not, I made the decision to go slow and go forward, knowing I only had 2 turns to make to get to the church and into a parking area. I said a few prayers to my Guardian Angel and decided God and the Angel would protect me since I was heading to church.
It took me longer to drive to church than it does to walk! But I made it safely, encountering no other vehicles on the way.
Once inside church, I simply fell apart. Not literally, just figuratively. I don’t scare easily, and I don’t scare often, so the emotional toll it took on me when I got inside church forced to sit down in the nearest pew rather than proceed to where I usually sit. (Doesn’t everyone who goes to church on a regular basis have a “regular seat”? )
That’s when I remembered. I had just gone to the eye surgeon three days before and was diagnosed with a second visual problem, Dry Eye Syndrome. It makes everything blurry. I received an eye drop medication for that I have to put in my eyes five times a day! I have done it regularly for the three days as well as once this morning before leaving the house. I knew I had gotten immediate release from some of the blurriness after the first two days. But apparently, I reasoned, between my own blurriness from this added diagnosis and a heavy rainfall, I am going to be dealing with that syndrome as well as my long time visual problem.
After mass, I stayed another 15 minutes just to be sure that I would be able to see with no problem to go the short distance back home. Hew rain had stopped, it was certainly lighter, and I had no problem getting home.
But the experience unnerved me. Stupid of me, I thought. I should have thought to take into consideration that of course the rain being as heavy as it was would make for a duller sunrise and fuzzy windows and the added syndrome would create almost the very same conditions that prevent me from driving at night.
I was stupid, I admit it. I may have made a poor choice in deciding to forge ahead rather than block traffic on my street, I admit it. Did it teach me a lesson? You bet it did! In addition to not driving at night, I cannot drive in heavy rain because of the addition of yet another visual problem.
Will I try it again? Absolutely not! My Guardian Angel might be very kind, observant, and helpful, but I’m not about to press my luck. I don’t know that the Angel would be as quick to protect me a second time once I had been warned, and without mishap, that my vision problem impacts me in heavy rains as well as nightfall.
The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) will host its Fall Taste of Highlands Saturday, October 8, from noon to 5:00 PM., a rain or shine date for the event. This is the first of two major October events sponsored by the Business Partnership this year. Oktoberfest will be celebrated Saturday , Oct. 22, at Veterans Park from noon to 7 p.m.
Tickets for the Fall Taste of Highlands, which can be purchased online, are $45.00 per person, and include a Fall Taste of Highlands map of participating businesses and free parking.
Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event from 11AM to 1 PM. At Huddy Park, Bay and Waterwitch avenues where the Farmer’s Market is held..
The Fall Taste will feature an autumn theme and offers food-lovers five hours to enjoy delicious samples of diverse cuisine as well as cocktails at 21 establishments throughout the town. Patrons must be 21+ with valid photo ID.
Participating establishments include Absolute Audio , U.N. Owens Musicafe, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Café La De Da, Dock Donuts at Captains Cove Marina, Chilangos Authentic Mexican, Chubby Pickle, Et Al Fine Food, Feed & Seed, Franny’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Fresh, Gert’s Snacks & Spices, Hinlickity’s Ice Cream Parlor, Inlet Café, Moby’s, Off the Hook, Porcini, Proving Ground, Sandbox at Seastreak Beach, Seafarer Bar and Spiritual Beauty.
Visit ALL stops and be eligible to win $200 in BID Cards, good at any participating establishment. All maps stamped by the establishments must be returned to Huddy Park by 5 pm. To be eligible for the award.
To purchase tickets online or for further information on the Partnership visit Highlandsnj.com. Participation ID bracelets are included in the ticket price.
Oktoberfest will also feature contests together with German foods, German bands, German beers and plenty of music and activities.
Two popular contests during Oktoberfest are the Steinholding Contest, a traditional Bavarian feat of strength. Entrants must hold a one liter stein of German beer in front of them in outstretched arm parallel to the ground., The holder who maintains the feat the longest will be declared the winner. Less stressful and strenuous are the costume contests for men, women and children, with prizes in each category for German finery from lederhosen to dirndls. Registration forms for the contests are available at the above links.
The Highlands Business Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Programs and events are made possible through sponsors including the NJ State Department of Travel & Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Captains Cove Marina, Char-Ron Construction, Feed & Seed, Fleur La Fete/Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Hufnagel Tree Experts, In the Garden, Inlet Café, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak Ferry and WRAT, 95.9.
For directions or any additional information on the Partnership’s events, please visit www.highlandsnj.com or call (732) 291-4713.
Those of the Jewish faith celebrated Rosh Hashanah last week, their New Year and a joyful two days of celebration, family, great food and looking forward to a new year filled with blessings and health. Ten days later, tomorrow ,Jews put aside those celebrations and observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, and one in which Jews feel closest to God and ask forgiveness for their faults. That day, observed this year on Tuesday, is also known as the Day of Atonement. While Rosh Hashanah is actually a two day celebration, Yom Kippur is a solemn day of prayer and atonement.
In between those two days observing joy and atonement, the Jewish people reflect and repent, creating a time which makes those of other faiths realize and appreciate the depth of this religion. In reflecting and repenting, many Jews will call or write letters to friends or acquaintances of all faiths, asking forgiveness for any wrongs, hurts, or failures to help they may have committed, intentionally or not, throughout the year. It’s a practice everyone should observe at some time in their lifetime.
But the Jewish people are also people of great laughter and joy ,as has been evidenced by some of the best comedians we have ever known. Think of Red Buttons, Joey Bishop, Jack Benny, Rodney Dangerfield, Sid Caesr, Buddy Hackett, Groucho Marx, Jackie Mason, All King, George Jessel, Mel Brooks and Don Rickles, to name a few. Each of these was a headliner in keeping people laughing and appreciating a good joke, even if it was about themselves.
And what is probably a big shock to many of today’s comedians, they could do it all with a humor that made you think, that made fun of themselves and their spouses, and so many one-liners that made you stop and think but always laugh. Here is a small sampling of things that can make you laugh and appreciate Jewish humor. And also notice…..they didn’t use a single swear work to keep their listeners in high humor.
A belated Rash Hashanah to many Jewish friends and my prayers and thanks to you for friendship and understanding as you observe Yom Kippur.
May we all always laugh with the great comedians who brought us these: (and they really loved their wives and their doctors, in spite of their one liners!)
I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport.
* I’ve been in love with the same woman for 49 years! If my wife ever finds out, she’ll kill me!
* What are three words a woman never wants to hear when she’s making love?
“Honey, I’m home!”
* Someone stole all my credit cards, but I won’t be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did.
* We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.
* My wife and I went back to the hotel where we spent our wedding night. Only this time I stayed in the bathroom and cried.
* My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a waterbed. My wife called it the Dead Sea.
* She was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.
* The Doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn’t pay his bill, so the doctor gave him another six months.
* The Doctor called Mrs. Cohen saying, “Mrs. Cohen, your check came back.” Mrs. Cohen answered, “So did my arthritis!”
* Doctor: “You’ll live to be 60!” Patient: “I am 60!” Doctor: “See! What did I tell you?”
* Patient: “I have a ringing in my ears.” Doctor: “Don’t answer it!”
* A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says, “You’ve been brought here for drinking.” The drunk says “Okay, let’s get started.”
* Why do Jewish divorces cost so much? They’re worth it.
* The Harvard School of Medicine did a study of why Jewish women like Chinese food so much. The study revealed that this is due to the fact that Won Ton spelled backward is Not Now.
*There is a big controversy on the Jewish view of when life begins. In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until it graduates from medical school.
Q: Why don’t Jewish mothers drink?
A: Alcohol interferes with their suffering.
Q: Why do Jewish mothers make great parole officers?
A: They never let anyone finish a sentence!
A man called his mother in Florida, “Mom, how are you?” “Not too good,” said the mother. “I’ve been very weak. “The son said, “Why are you so weak?” She said, “Because I haven’t eaten in 38 days. “The son said, “That’s terrible. Why haven’t you eaten in 38 days?” The mother answered, “Because I didn’t want my mouth to be filled with food if you should call.”
A Jewish boy comes home from school and tells his mother he has a part in the play. She asks, “What part is it?” The boy says, “I play the part of the Jewish husband.” The mother scowls and says, “Go back and tell the teacher you want a speaking part.”
Q: How many Jewish mothers does it take to change a light bulb?
A: (Sigh) “Don’t bother. I’ll sit in the dark. I don’t want to be a nuisance to anybody.”
Did you hear about the bum who walked up to a Jewish mother on the street and said, “Lady, I haven’t eaten in three days.”
“Force yourself,” she replied.
Q: What’s the difference between a Rottweiler and a Jewish mother?
A: Eventually, the Rottweiler lets go.
Q: Why are Jewish men circumcised?
A: Because Jewish women don’t like anything that isn’t 20% off.
In addition to its being such a well run and organized picnic for the OLPH- St Agnes parish, and in addition to everyone having such a great time at the event, the Trivial Pursuit game event which most of the adults participated in as one of the many activities throughout the day has kept people chatting, researching and laughing ever since. Cheers to the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus for such a great day and more cheers to Jeannie and her crew for the Trivial Pursuit questions and answers.
It was John Wilkes Booth that drew a lot of attention. And the bottom line is, yes, it could be very true the man who assassinated Abraham Lincoln may have indeed spent a night or two at the Mantell home, currently the St. Agnes Thrift Shop.
Mantell was a renowned Shakespearean actor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and whether he built the house in 1854 or whether one of the Leonard brothers built it isn’t certain. But Mantell certainly lived there and certainly had numerous actors stay at his home during the summer when they were doing summer theater. Wilkes, being an actor, may have been one of those actors, but there doesn’t seem to be any proof, just great gossip and a wonderful legend to tell.
Mantell had built a dormitory on the top floor of the house, keeping tabs on actors so they wouldn’t sneak out for pursuits other than acting lessons or performances in local theaters. So perhaps Booth was a friend of Mantell or was one of those struggling actors who stayed there to learn more from him.
Mantell has been described as “a beast of an actor,” a tragedian whose troupe could perform a different Shakespearean play every night. He had four wives in his lifetime, and his middle name, Bruce, is reportedly because he was believed to be a descendant of Robert the Bruce. He called his home Brucewood
But Booth also had three brothers, and each of them was also an actor.
Each of them owned a beautiful home in Long Branch. Edwin Booth, who was probably the best performer in the Booth family, also had a mansion on Gramercy Park in New York; today it is the Players Club.
So you’re left to wonder…..if he were spending the summer in Monmouth County because of the heat of the city, would John Wilkes preferred to spend it sleeping in a third floor dormitory with a bunch or actors or in his own room overlooking the oceanfront in one of the palatial homes of his brothers less than ten miles away?
With the Knights of Columbus planning that great Comedy night at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Gym Saturday, Oct. 15, it might be worth it to get tickets to attend to see whether Uncle Floyd will have even more great stories to tell. Tickets are only $40 and include that Oktoberfest buffet menu that includes everything from Bratwurst to German Soup along with hot pretzels and a whole buffet of desserts along with a comedy night that had everyone laughing and clapping last year throughou9t the performance. Contact Mike at 862-368-0801 for all the details.
If you’ve had the problem of vision loss because of retinal disease or macular degeneration and go to one of Atlantic Eye’s four offices in Monmouth County, you have probably met or been treated by Dr. Guerriero.
If that’s so, you already know he is an outstanding eye surgeon, a brilliant physician and a man with deep sensitivity, great concern for others, and a strong desire to always help someone in need.
It’s because of these extraordinary feelings that Dr. Guerriero is also truly depressed, frustrated, and perhaps angry, though he displays none of these emotions, just does his job to the best of his ability. When I once asked him why he chose a field of work that includes sticking needles in peoples’ eyes, he simply smiled and said, “so I can help people.”
This week, I learned this doctor, and tens of thousands like him, are truly frustrated. They can’t always get the precise medications they order in order to cure their patients.
Is it Covid? Is it an inability for pharmaceutical companies to secure supplies? Is it a failure in shipment for whatever reason? Or is it something else.
The doctor said there are medications he has ordered more than a year ago that he has been unable to secure even now. There are medications that are simply not being able to be replaced once his supply runs out. Even samples, little packages pharmaceutical companies give to physicians and surgeons to entice patients to buy them in the future are being cut back, he said. Most physicians use the samples to let patients try a new medicine and save them the cost of filling a prescription before he can find out whether that particular medicine is the most effective for continued use. Even they have been cut back, and pharmaceutical companies aren’t giving so many to doctors’ officers anymore.
The surgeon is worried that some time he may have to tell a patient, “I’m sorry I can’t help you.” Because he knows from his years of experience and his close knowledge of a patient’s problems that one particular medication will help cure his problem. But if he has to wait a year or even months to get it, he knows neither he, nor any other surgeon, can help the patient. Medications, prescriptions are necessary in many cases where changing lifestyle habits, improving food choices or exercises of some kind or other simply won’t do the trick without some help from medication to fight the problem in the first place.
Nobody says why supplies aren’t there, not only in medication but in so many other products and foods as well. Are there not enough freight trains or trucks to transport the necessary products? Have supplies of something be cut for some reason or other? Is it a matter of competition between pharma companies or other manufacturers? Is it because they’re coming from a foreign country.
He doesn’t know. It’s not the foreign country aspect. He can cross that possibility off right away. He is dealing with American companies, American manufacturers, not other countries. He simply doesn’t know what it is but it’s been going on for more than a year. Nor is it a particular pharmaceutical company. They’re all the same, he said, it has nothing to do with competition. Yes, he’ll concede, since the start of the Covid pandemic. Could there be a connection? He just shakes his head sadly.
All of that, and not even addressing the cost aspect of drugs and everything else. Prices have risen drastically in recent months and yes, he could agree, some have always been terribly expensive.
As an example, there is one medication that is highly regarded for stopping the advancement of macular degeneration. For some cases, the medicine can halt it completely, for others, it is able to halt the advance before total blindness occurs. And that takes regularly scheduled visits for eye injections of the medication.
But it can only be administered to the very wealthy, or those with great insurance policies. That drug, for the few drops that are injected into the eye perhaps monthly, costs the patient $5,000. Per shot. It is made in the United States, but it’s cheaper in Canada by a thousand dollars. And even cheaper than that in Europe. But in the country where it is manufactured, that single shot costs $5,000. And that is without including the cost of the excellent pre-care the physician and his staff give even before the injection, to be certain it is needed, it is working, and it is the wrong medication. There is no shortage of that at the present time, the doctor explained. But should it happen, he would try another drug that is available and designed to do the same thing. But will it be as effective? Will it work as well? Will it continue to be available or will he have to find a third, then a fourth type that is on hand.
The doctor simply shakes his head, and you can almost feel the pain he is experiencing with the thought he might not be able to help someone in need.
He doesn’t say it. But you can see the sorrow, pain and frustration in Dr. Guerriero’s eyes when he talks about an inability to help a patient with the best care he knows how to give.
While we all know carrots are great for the eyes, we don’t often think of how beneficial they are for so many other parts of the body or health issues. And finding a variety of recipes from soup to Carrot Cake is a good way to ensure we all eat a healthy supply of this crunchy, inexpensive root vegetable.
Full of beta-carotene and Vitamin A, carrots may not fix eye problems, but there’s a lot of evidence they can halt them from becoming worse, especially aging macular degeneration and night vision. There is also strong evidence, because of the amount of Vitamin A and beta carotene, carrots may be helpful in preventing diseases since those nutrients build a strong base against harmful cells like cancer and slow down fat in the circulatory system which also makes them great fighters of stroke and coronary illness. Most surprising to me is how good carrots are for your teeth! The crunchiness of them scratches off plaque and food particles from teen, and chewing invigorates the gums. They also cause more salivation, which helps get rid of the bad stuff that causes cavities. That’s because of the minerals they contain. More reports say it’s also great in fighting diabetes, improving skin tone and health and improves memory! An apple a day isn’t a bad idea but a few carrots in a variety of ways every day is also a great idea.
Soups are also a good way to use carrots that may have been forgotten in the refrigerator and past their most delicious time. With fall coming on, soups are a great choice for lunch or before the entrée at dinner. What’ more, it’s easy to make a big pot of soup and simply refrigerate half for another day or evening.
CREAM OF CARROT SOUP
For those who want to add some cholesterol, heavy cream or half and half can be used, or simply leave it out. Instead, use a blender at high power for the mix and you’ll still get a creamy carrot soup.
Ingredients
1 Tbls. each butter and olive oil (EVOO is best)
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teasp. chopped parsley or fresh thyme
5 cups chopped carrots
2 Cups water
4 Cups chicken broth
Bit of salt and pepper to taste.
1/3 Cup heavy cream or half and half (optional)
Heat butter and oil in heavy pot until butter melts, add onion and celery and cook about 5 minutes until softened, stirring once or twice. Add parsley or thyme, and stir in carrots. Add water and broth and bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat to keep a mile simmer and cook until everything is tender, about half an hour. Put the soup into the blender, blending until smooth. If using, stir in half and half at the end.