It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Monmouth Hills, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Monmouth Hills, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Monmouth Hills, NJ, including the following:
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Monmouth Hills, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
732-526-2497NEW YORK (WABC) -- Another winter storm brought some snow to New York City and the Tri-State on Friday.Preliminary snow totals from the National Weather Service showed less than a half inch fell in Central Park, just over an inch in Danbury, Connecticut, and almost 2 inches in Chester, New York.The highest snow total as of 5:00 p.m.: 5.6" in Whiting, NJ (Ocean County)Click here ...
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Another winter storm brought some snow to New York City and the Tri-State on Friday.
Preliminary snow totals from the National Weather Service showed less than a half inch fell in Central Park, just over an inch in Danbury, Connecticut, and almost 2 inches in Chester, New York.
The highest snow total as of 5:00 p.m.: 5.6" in Whiting, NJ (Ocean County)
Click here to share your snow totals and photos with us.
Here are the latest reports from the National Weather Service:
...Atlantic County...
1 NW Somers Point 5.0 in 0528 PM 01/19 Cocorahs
2 WSW Richland 5.0 in 0200 PM 01/19 Public
1 N Hammonton 4.5 in 0500 PM 01/19 CO-OP Observer
Egg Harbor Twp. 4.4 in 0340 PM 01/19 Emergency Mngr
1 WNW Hammonton 4.3 in 0518 PM 01/19 Cocorahs
Estell Manor 4.0 in 0420 PM 01/19 CO-OP Observer
Mullica Twp 4.0 in 0200 AM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Somers Point 3.0 in 0245 PM 01/19 Broadcast Media
Pomona 3.0 in 0200 PM 01/19 Broadcast Media
Ventnor City 2.6 in 0200 PM 01/19 Broadcast Media
1 NNE Somers Point 2.6 in 0200 PM 01/19 Broadcast Media
Atlantic City International 1.3 in 0100 PM 01/19 ASOS
...Burlington County...
Westampton Twp 5.2 in 0500 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Medford 5.0 in 0211 PM 01/19 Public
Marlton 4.6 in 0400 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Leisuretowne 4.0 in 0410 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Browns Mills 3.8 in 0400 PM 01/19 Public
1 NNE Burlington Twp 3.8 in 0355 PM 01/19 NWS Employee
Palmyra 3.6 in 0315 PM 01/19 Public
Delanco 3.5 in 0230 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Delran 3.5 in 0100 PM 01/19 Public
Mount Holly WFO 2.9 in 0100 PM 01/19 Official NWS Obs
...Camden County...
Haddon Township 5.0 in 0410 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
1 ENE Winslow Twp 5.0 in 0400 PM 01/19 Amateur Radio
1 NNE Gibbsboro 5.0 in 0345 PM 01/19 Public
1 NNE Stratford 4.9 in 0430 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Lindenwold 4.8 in 0400 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Cherry Hill 4.3 in 0300 PM 01/19 Public
Atco 4.0 in 0400 PM 01/19 Amateur Radio
2 SW Chesilhurst 4.0 in 0400 PM 01/19 Amateur Radio
1 SSW Pine Hill 3.5 in 0154 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Cherry Hill 3.4 in 0100 PM 01/19 Public
Greentree 3.1 in 0100 PM 01/19 NWS Employee
...Cape May County...
Wildwood 4.0 in 0400 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
...Cumberland County...
Vineland 4.0 in 0400 PM 01/19 Amateur Radio
...Gloucester County...
Gibbstown 5.5 in 0245 PM 01/19 Public
Williamstown 5.0 in 0350 PM 01/19 Broadcast Media
Malaga 4.5 in 0300 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Paulsboro 4.3 in 0311 PM 01/19 Public
Pitman 4.0 in 0130 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Woodbury 4.0 in 1245 PM 01/19 Public
Glassboro 3.3 in 0145 PM 01/19 Public
1 SSE Mullica Hill 3.0 in 0140 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
...Hunterdon County...
Flemington 2.0 in 0225 PM 01/19 Public
...Mercer County...
Woodsville 4.2 in 0400 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Robbinsville Twp. 4.1 in 0430 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Lawrenceville 4.0 in 0440 PM 01/19 Public
1 N North Princeton 4.0 in 0430 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Yardville 4.0 in 0351 PM 01/19 Public
2 SW Pennington 4.0 in 0250 PM 01/19 Public
Hamilton Square 3.8 in 0200 PM 01/19 Public
2 WNW Allentown 3.5 in 0315 PM 01/19 Public
Lawrenceville 3.3 in 0115 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Trenton Mercer Airport 2.8 in 0100 PM 01/19 ASOS
...Middlesex County...
Cranbury 3.8 in 0521 PM 01/19 Other Federal
North Brunswick 3.8 in 0334 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Cranbury 3.4 in 0230 PM 01/19 Other Federal
South River 3.3 in 0445 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
East Brunswick 3.0 in 0145 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Highland Park 2.7 in 0257 PM 01/19 Public
Edison 2.6 in 0315 PM 01/19 Newspaper
1 S Iselin 2.5 in 0456 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Metuchen 2.3 in 0525 PM 01/19 Public
South Plainfield 1.0 in 0310 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
...Monmouth County...
Freehold 4.2 in 0427 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
2 SSW Farmingdale 4.0 in 0425 PM 01/19 Public
1 E Perrineville 4.0 in 0400 PM 01/19 Public
1 SW Howell 3.0 in 0300 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
1 SSW Freehold 3.0 in 0100 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
1 E Monmouth Hills 2.2 in 0515 PM 01/19 Public
Tinton Falls 1.4 in 0130 PM 01/19 Broadcast Media
...Morris County...
2 NNE Brookside 1.3 in 0400 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Butler 1.0 in 0315 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Pompton Plains 0.8 in 0513 PM 01/19 Public
...Ocean County...
Whiting 5.6 in 0519 PM 01/19 Public
Manahawkin 4.0 in 0500 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Little Egg Harbor Twp 3.5 in 0423 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Barnegat Twp 3.4 in 0500 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
2 ESE Ramtown 3.3 in 0500 PM 01/19 Public
Brick 2.5 in 0205 PM 01/19 Public
2 SE Forked River 2.4 in 0310 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Surf City 2.0 in 0330 PM 01/19 Public
Beachwood 2.0 in 0200 PM 01/19 Public
Point Pleasant 2.0 in 0200 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
...Somerset County...
Belle Mead 3.5 in 0412 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
Kendall Park 2.5 in 0110 PM 01/19 Public
...Sussex County...
4 WSW Wantage Twp 1.6 in 0300 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
...Warren County...
Hackettstown 1.2 in 0414 PM 01/19 Trained Spotter
RELATED | Watches, warnings and advisories from the National Weather Service
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Michael Reid is shown with Cardiac Rehabilitation RN’s, from left, Trever Ralph, Anne Nives and Mallory Collins.Long Branch, NJ, June 8, 2023 – June is National Men’s Health Month, an observance created to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases such as heart disease, cancer and depression.For Shark River Hills resident Michael Reid, it was heart disease awareness raised by his younger brother’s heart attack at ...
Michael Reid is shown with Cardiac Rehabilitation RN’s, from left, Trever Ralph, Anne Nives and Mallory Collins.
Long Branch, NJ, June 8, 2023 – June is National Men’s Health Month, an observance created to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases such as heart disease, cancer and depression.
For Shark River Hills resident Michael Reid, it was heart disease awareness raised by his younger brother’s heart attack at age 48 and encouragement from his middle brother that led him to see a doctor about his own heart health. “My doctor sent me to Monmouth Medical Center for a cardiac CT scan, which showed a 94 percent blockage in one coronary artery, and 50 percent blockage in two other arteries.”
A restaurant general manager for more than 30 years, Reid, 57, underwent a cardiac catheterization at Monmouth Medical Center’s (MMC) sister hospital, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick last July, where a stent was placed to open the blockage. He then turned to MMC’s Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, which is designed for individuals recovering from heart and lung disease.
Complicating his recovery was his long COVID diagnosis in November, which caused chronic fatigue as well as vision, hearing and short-term memory loss. “Long COVID is very serious—I was sleeping 12 hours a day and had to really push myself to get out of bed,” he says. “Now, thanks to the kind, dedicated and caring staff at Monmouth Medical Center, I am getting my life back.”
“These people really care about you—some people just go through the motions, but here they know everyone by name and they truly care about every patient,” he adds. “They are so extraordinarily kind; I know I have memory issues, and they are so patient and listen to my stories over and over.”
The Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program is the first program in Monmouth County to be certified for both cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Certification recognizes that programs reviewed by the national AACVPR board meet the highest standards of care, including a therapeutic plan, intervention and evaluation, certification of staff, preparedness for medical emergencies and physician involvement, explains RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group cardiologist Ajay Shah, M.D., Medical Director of Cardiac Rehab.
“The Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Monmouth Medical Center is designed for individuals like Mr. Reid who are recovering from heart disease, as well as individuals who wish to improve their cardiac health through disease prevention and health promotion,” he says. “Through education, exercise and counseling, participants receive instruction to prevent or decrease risk factors for developing heart disease.”
For Reid, the benefits of the program include significant weight loss and gain in strength.
“A year and a half ago, I weighed 342 pounds, and now I’m down to 238,” he says. “I have seen unbelievable improvement; when I first joined the program I started by lifting 5-pound weights, and now I am lifting 40-pound weights and doing an hour of cardio training every day.”
And to give back and help raise awareness of the debilitating effects of Long COVID, he volunteers with Pause to Thrive, an organization MMC has partnered with for more than two years on the wellness retreats offered free to those in the community coping with long-term effects of COVID-19.
Reid serves as a mentor to assist Pause to Thrive’s goal of providing individuals an opportunity to personally take charge of their health and move forward after experiencing physical and mental health challenges from illness and disease, a role he unofficially holds at MMC as well.
“I give pep talks to encourage other patients,” he says. “Everyone needs positive reinforcement, and we can all use help and encouragement, which is something I get every day at Monmouth Medical Center.”
For more information about the Joel Opatut Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Center or to schedule an appointment, call 732.923.7454. For a referral to an MMC cardiologist, call 732.440.7336.
It’s not a blockbuster snowstorm by any measure, but the winter coastal storm that swept across our region Monday night is lingering into Tuesday afternoon, and it has given New...
It’s not a blockbuster snowstorm by any measure, but the winter coastal storm that swept across our region Monday night is lingering into Tuesday afternoon, and it has given New Jersey its first statewide accumulating snow since March 2022.
Preliminary reports from trained weather observers across the Garden State show at least a half-inch of snow on the ground in all 21 counties, with some areas getting 2 to 3 inches of snow by late Tuesday morning. Hundreds of schools announced closures and delayed openings.
The snow has changed to sleet and freezing rain or has turned to an icy mix in some areas of central and southern New Jersey, as well as parts of northern New Jersey, including Essex, Hudson and Union. More than a tenth of an inch of freezing rain was reported in Mount Holly in Burlington County and Trenton in Mercer County Tuesday afternoon, with exactly a tenth of an inch reported in Millville in Cumberland County.
Temperatures are cold enough to support some additional snow in the state’s far northern and northwestern regions through this afternoon, forecasters said.
Gov. Phil Murphy is urging drivers to be cautious on the roads, especially with the possibility of icing making surfaces slick. The “main concern,” he said, is freezing rain.
“I’d ask everybody to be really careful,” the Governor said during an unrelated event in South Amboy. “Please remain cautious heading into the evening.”
Here’s a look at snow totals reported by the National Weather Service and the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network, known as CoCoRaHS, as of late Tuesday morning. (Note: Some of the numbers below were updated Tuesday afternoon, Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, after new reports came in.)
Current weather radar
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NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.
LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com or on X at @LensReality.
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For children hoping to use the sleds that have been gathering dust for a few light-snow years, two parks in Monmouth County were off limits after Wednesday's nor'easter because of Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order limiting outdoor gatherings.During the recent surge in positive coronavirus cases, Murphy lowered the limit on outdoor gatherings to just 25. As a result, the Monmouth County Park System said sledding will be prohibited at Holmdel Park and the Wolf Hill Recreation Area in Oceanport."Large crowds love to come to ...
For children hoping to use the sleds that have been gathering dust for a few light-snow years, two parks in Monmouth County were off limits after Wednesday's nor'easter because of Gov. Phil Murphy's executive order limiting outdoor gatherings.
During the recent surge in positive coronavirus cases, Murphy lowered the limit on outdoor gatherings to just 25. As a result, the Monmouth County Park System said sledding will be prohibited at Holmdel Park and the Wolf Hill Recreation Area in Oceanport.
"Large crowds love to come to these places so we are following the guidelines that were given to us by the governor," park system spokeswoman Karen Livingstone told New Jersey 101.5.
The wait in line to get up the hill and people that linger at the bottom of the hill after a sled ride are of concern.
"It's a high number of people. It gets very crowded," Livingstone said. "We enjoy having our visitors but in this time we're really going to stick by the governor's guidelines."
All is not lost for winter activities as the Ski Hut at Thompson Park in the Lincroft section of Middletown will still rent cross-country skis.
"It's outside, there are far fewer people that come to that so that's not really a problem. Skiers go out one at a time," Livingstone said.
The decision did not sit well with people leaving comments on the park system Facebook page.
"This is ridiculous! Shoprite, Walmart, Target, etc. packed with people, but kids can’t go sledding outside in a park," one woman wrote.
The decision also had some supporters.
"Some of the comments here demonstrate why they have to do this. Americans just can’t or won’t follow directions or heed science. Sad," one of them said.
Former Oceanport borough council member Joe Irace said he wasn't sure how sledding could be considered a gathering.
"It's not 50 kids in an organized effort going to meet up and hang out. It's no different than kids walking over to Blackberry Bay Park here in Oceanport and kicking a soccer ball around or throwing a baseball around," Irace said, adding that it's a good place for children because they're outside getting fresh air.
"There's not going to be 20 kids going down on a sled," Irace said. He called on Murphy to consider offering a clarification on where an activity like this falls under the executive orders.
Irace remembered taking his own children to Wolf Hill and praised the parks for having a park ranger on duty and hay bales the bottom of the hill to protect sledders from trees. He is concerned that children will find someplace else to sled.
"All those other little hills not run by anybody. Is that any safer?" he said.
Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ
Yesterday, we officially acquired the Holmdel Horn Antenna along with the surrounding 35 acres. This effort could not have been possible without the support of the Monmouth County Commissioners and Director Tom Arnone who have committed to helping us purchase the property so that there will be no impact to the Holmdel taxpayers. This was a total team effort between the Township Committe, Crawford Hill Holdings, and Monmouth County and we are incredibly thankful for everyone's partnership.Here is the full statement fro...
Yesterday, we officially acquired the Holmdel Horn Antenna along with the surrounding 35 acres. This effort could not have been possible without the support of the Monmouth County Commissioners and Director Tom Arnone who have committed to helping us purchase the property so that there will be no impact to the Holmdel taxpayers. This was a total team effort between the Township Committe, Crawford Hill Holdings, and Monmouth County and we are incredibly thankful for everyone's partnership.
Here is the full statement from last night's meeting...
"Today is a day of mixed emotions. On the one hand, I am excited to announce that the Township filed a declaration of taking in Superior Court earlier today, which means that Holmdel has officially acquired the upper 35 acres of the Crawford Hill property, and with it, Holmdel Township now officially owns the historic Horn Antenna.
In that spirit, tonight, I am excited to announce that Holmdel will be preserving Crawford Hill as a park that will be named after Holmdel’s own Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Robert Wilson.
To memorialize this well-deserved naming, we will be introducing an ordinance tonight.
When I spoke to Dr. Wilson this morning, he said he was honored by our offer to name the park after him and gladly accepted. We expect to have a ribbon-cutting – likely some time in March – where we can all gather and celebrate the majesty of what’s to come.
I would be remiss if I did not thank Rakesh Antala of Crawford Hill Holdings for his partnership on this effort; as well as, former Mayor and current Committeeman DJ Luccarelli – who helped put the wheels of this initiative in motion last year.
And with the support of Deputy Mayor Foster, Committeewoman LaMountain, and Committeeman Romano we have managed to simultaneously honor our past, present, and future.
The Holmdel Horn Antenna serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts that drive scientific progress. It stands as a testament to the power of teamwork and the collective pursuit of truth. As we strive to preserve this beacon of scientific history, let us also commit ourselves to fostering environments that encourage collaboration and the free exchange of ideas.
In the face of technological advancements and evolving landscapes, it is our responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to marvel at the Holmdel Horn Antenna and appreciate the breakthroughs it facilitated. This preservation effort is an investment in the educational enrichment of our communities and a celebration of the human spirit's quest for understanding
Now, and forever, people of all ages will be able to stand atop the highest point in Monmouth County, dream of the never-ending cosmos, and reach for the stars."
To formally establish Dr. Robert Wilson Park, we passed a motion to introduce “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 13, TITLED "PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES," TO ESTABLISH DR. ROBERT WILSON PARK, COMPRISED OF BLOCK 27, LOTS 6 AND 6.01 IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HOLMDEL.”