NEW JERSEY -- The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted just about every aspect of life: shutting down businesses, closing schools, instituting remote learning, limiting social interactions, and preventing activities, such as sports, from taking place. While government leaders and the CDC report on the physical toll the pandemic is having, COVID is having a serious impact on mental ...

Since the start of the pandemic, many people are now working from home, caring for children, learning online and having reduced contact with extended family and friends. This social isolation and lack of stimulation can cause significant stress, leading to depression and problems with cognitive functioning. But the good news is that there are a few things you can do to prevent and treat these ...

An interview with Dr. Fares Samra and his father; Dr. Said Samra.

Samra Plastic Surgery. Left to right: Dr. Salem Samra, Dr. Fares Samra, Dr. Said Samra, Dr. Munjal P Patel, Dr. Asaad Samra. 

HOLMDEL, NJ: Chances are that if you live in or around the Holmdel community, you know one or more of the Samra's.  The father and mother and 3 of their 4 sons, are ...

NEW JERSEY - In an action that does nothing to help overcome 'vaccine hesitancy', a severe yet rare blood clot risk has stopped J&J's vaccine in its tracks until the matter is further reviewed.

"Out of an abundance of caution and following the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the ...

TRENTON, NJ -- Gov. Phil Murphy reported progress in getting shots into arms as he presented a vaccine update during his press briefing Wednesday. He said that the state has administered 4,892,598 total doses and that 1,896,442 New Jersey residents are now fully vaccinated.

"We are now 40% to our initial goal of 4.7 million individuals fully vaccinated by June 30th," ...

TRENTON, NJ – Gov. Phil Murphy announced during his COVID press briefing on Monday, April 5, that all individuals ages 16+ in New Jersey will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination on April 19 – two weeks ahead of the state’s initial target of May 1.

The state’s phased vaccination roll out has successfully administered 4.7 million doses of ...

No New Recreation Improvements Planned 

HOLMDEL, NJ - The annual process of designing, introducing and passing the municipal budget is underway in Holmdel. On Tuesday April13th, the Township Committee will meet to review and consider introduction of the 2021 Calendar Year budget.

Much will be similar to last year, a flat budget using similar surplus funds. A large capital budget (think ...

COLTS NECK, NJ - A public hearing has been set for the Colts Neck Township budget. The date is April 28th. During the public hearing process, the public is able to ask questions and make comments about what is generally the smaller portion of their property tax bill. The school portion of property taxes continues to dominate in New Jersey, one of the highest taxed states in the country.

With ...

The IRS continues to issue the third round of Economic Impact Payments to eligible individuals, with payments being issued as a direct deposit or by mail as a paper check or prepaid EIP debit card. No action is needed by most eligible people to receive a third Economic Impact Payment automatically.

Check Get My Payment to see if a third payment is scheduled
People can check to see if the ...

Students will still face a version of the mandatory exam in the fall. But questions on the details linger.

Special to TAPinto.net. This story was written and produced by NJ Spotlight. It is being republished under a special NJ News Commons content-sharing agreement related to COVID-19 coverage. To read more, visit njspotlight.com.

In a bit of a surprise, the Murphy administration ...

The Academy NJ is all about enjoyable, colorful learning spaces where the child feels physically and emotionally comfortable. The kids have "movement breaks" after each learning period, where they walk, run, play 15 min of sports, go outside... and return to fun learning. 

HOLMDEL, NJ: Bell Works brings so much to our community. Where else can you stop by for a business ...

HOLMDEL, NJ - The Holmdel Board of Education met on Wednesday evening. The new calendar for the upcoming year was accepted and can be found at the school website

According to highlights of the meeting, the public had two presentations:

1. Young Playwrights Competition- The Theatre Project Award

2. 2021 NJAGC Administrator of the Year~ Denise Wrubel

A number of retirements were also ...

"I don't know if these people have ever heard the gospel. Not only are they in bondage to their sin but they are in bondage to religion." Phil Rizzo 2011 Video on Catholics.

MIDDLETOWN, NJ - According to the Pew Research Center, religion of all types remains a major force in New Jersey communities. Christianity dominates and Catholics are a major part of ...

RED BANK, NJ — In a compassionate effort to promote goodwill among the arts community and help feed hundreds of community members in need, more than 30 artists are sponsoring the second annual online mixed-media art auction, "Artists Open Hearts for Lunch Break,” April 30th through May 9th, 2021.

These artists, among them legendary rock music and celebrity photographer Mark ...

RED BANK, NJ: The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, the Raritan Bay Ruckers and The Phoenix have joined forces to hold a Ruck March to help stock their baby pantry with essential items.

The Raritan Bay Ruckers is a group of people that like to strap on their rucks and put in some miles together offering ways to connect and engage.  To watch a short video on the Raritan Bay Ruckers, ...

RED BANK, NJ: The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has announced its annual Spring Golf Tournament taking place on Monday, May 17 at the Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale, NJ.

The Y is asking for your help to enrich their children’s summer camp experiences by participating in the tournament as a player or sponsor.

All sponsorships include admission to reception, ...

BARNEGAT, NJ – A United States Army veteran plans to donate 36 acres of land on Route 72 in Barnegat to set up transitional housing for homeless vets.

Martin Weber and his late partner, Jeff Poissant, purchased the property in October 1994. Weber attributes Poissant’s death a few years ago to delays in receiving medical care from the Veteran’s Administration.

“Our ...

NEW BRUNSWICK - As the minutes ticked away in the second half of last night's NCAA basketball tournament game between Rutgers and heavily favored Houston, all were wondering: Could it be?

Could Rutgers be heading back to the Sweet 16 - the first time since the 1970s? At Tavern on George, the outdoor white tent was buzzing with more than 100 fans glued to a large screen, as ...

An Easter Poem 

Awaken Me  

Risen One,

come, meet me

in the garden of my life.

Lure me into elation.

Revive my silent hope.

Coax my dormant dreams.

Raise up my neglected gratitude.

Entice my tired enthusiasm.

Give life to my faltering relationships.

Roll back the stone of my indifference.

Unwrap the deadness in my spiritual life.

Impart ...

ASBURY PARK, NJ -- Heather Brittain O’Scanlon spoke to TAPintoTV’s Executive Producer, Brian Brodeur, about her latest film, which premiered at this year’s Garden State Film Festival. O’Scanlon is the leading actress and co-producer of “Victim No. 6,” the latest production from SOS Productions.

In the film, a woman meets a random person at a New York bar, ...

ASBURY PARK, NJ -- TAPintoTV caught up with David W. Schoner, Jr., Associate Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, at the 2021 Garden State Film Festival. 

Schoner, a board member of the festival, spoke about this year’s hybrid format necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and what we can look forward to in 2022 when the festival celebrates its 20th ...

...

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Phil Murphy today signed into law S-3523, which provides $25 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid for small businesses throughout New Jersey. The bill provides a lifeline to microbusinesses with five or fewer employees. The bill is part of a five-bill, $100 million relief effort aimed at helping the state’s economy recover from the year-long ...

WATCH RIBBON CUTTING: 

HAZLET, NJ: Today, April 1, Chick-Fil-A, opens its 48th location in New Jersey, and that's no April fool's joke!

The mouthwatering moment so many locals have been waiting for is happening now! Thursday, April 1, from 6:30 a.m. (yes they serve breakfast too) until 10:00 p.m. So get your appetite on and drive over to 2819 Route 35 (in the Hazlet ...

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey was ranked as the seventh highest state with the overall tax burden with a 9.98% overall state tax according to personal finance website WalletHub’s  2021 Tax Burden by State report. Nearby New York was the highest taxed state in the nation.

What accounts for New Jersey's top 10 ranking? Property taxes.

"New Jersey has the third highest ...

RED BANK, NJ: Whales were fairly plentiful off the Jersey coast from the 17th century to the early 19th century with Colonial settlers posting lookouts from Sandy Hook to Delaware Bay.  Once sighted, whalers would set off in small boats to harpoon and kill the mammal, tow it to shore, cut it up and boil the blubber down into oil. Whale oil was used principally as lamp fuel and for ...

RED BANK, NJ: One of the best games ever invented for the young, old and in the middle – Pickleball!

Take a tennis court, divide it in half, lay down new, tighter lines, slightly lower net, use a wood or composite racket and smack a wiffle ball back and forth to your opponents.

Fast, furious and fun!

Best of all, you can play at the numerous courts provided by the YMCA of ...

Above photo: Hazlet file photo of local and county officials at Aumack Family Burying Ground. 

HAZLET, NJ – As a former Navy SEAL, Committeeman James “Skip” McKay has always had a deep gratitude for those serving in the armed forces. He is now transforming his appreciation into action by initiating Honoring Hazlet’s Heroes, a program that will ...

MIDDLETOWN, NJ -  This a story about Prancer. He's a bit angry. However, he needs a little love and maybe it's going to come from you. Regardless, Prancer is helping the great work at The Second Chance Pet Adoption League - they are a place to check out, so you can rescue a furry friend. You can find them right here on Facebook Groups.

This story and is sure to ...

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ Monmouth County is hosting a free, drive-thru rabies clinic on April 24th. This is a DRIVE- THRU CLINIC- All owners and pets must remain in their vehicle until instructed to proceed to veterinarian area. Owners must be able to properly restrain their pet, otherwise services may be refused in the effort to maintain the safety of all.

Details are a available at ...

NEW JERSEY — Although beautiful, especially during the Easter and spring seasons, lilies are poisonous and potentially deadly to cats. All species — and parts — of the plant are considered toxic, including petals, stems, pollen and water in the vase. Even sniffing a lily can be dangerous.

Cats can suffer kidney damage from eating even a small portion of any ...

BELMAR, NJ — Their beauty is fleeting, but well worth the wait. The cherry trees in Belmar’s memorial park on Main Street are in full bloom, bursting in delicate light pink blossoms that stretch for a block from 12th to 13th Avenues.

The flower-covered branches have created a canopy of pink over “Memorial Row” — home to several war monuments and benches honoring ...

NEW JERSEY  — Salads bars and buffets are making their return to grocery stores and retail establishments that sell food, as part of the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions by Gov. Phil Murphy.

But while these self-service food stations are once again allowed at supermarkets, convenience stores and bodegas, they are still prohibited at restaurants and ...

NEW JERSEY:  A local man has been charged with being in possession of more than 10,000 digital images consisting of child sexual abuse material, acting Union County Prosecutor Lyndsay V. Ruotolo announced Monday. 

Joseph Poutre, 55, of Middletown, is charged with a single count of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. 

An investigation into Poutre’s ...

Changes to NJ Law Do Not Address Possible Criminal Implications for Police in Conducting Vehicle Searches

TRENTON, NJ — Parents will be notified the first time their underage children are found in possession of marijuana or alcohol, under a change in New Jersey’s new recreational marijuana law.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law on March 26 a bill that requires police to provide a ...

Bright yellow daffodils, colorful tulips and fragrant hyacinths brighten our spring gardens. Give them the care they need to extend their spring display and keep them coming back for years.

Hybrid tulips and hyacinths are short-lived stars of the spring garden. They bloom profusely the first spring, but the number of flowers decline each year. You may want to treat these like annuals, ...

MIDDLETOWN, NJ: Yesterday afternoon at approximately 2:16 p.m. a three-car crash occurred at the intersection of State Route 35 and Crestview Drive in Middletown, said police. A woman, 30 years of age, was seriously injured, requiring a medical evacuation helicopter. According to reports, she was transported to Jersey Shore Trauma Center with unknown injuries.

If you have any details ...

HOLMDEL, NJ - Holmdel Fire and Rescue Company #2 shared its appreciation for teamwork during a recent call at the busy and often dangerous intersection of Laurel Avenue and Route 35. With business entrances and exits so close to the intersection, there are many close calls and, on occasion, accidents.

"At 10am, Wednesday morning, Holmdel First Aid Squad responded to the intersection ...

MIDDLETOWN, NJ - According to the Middletown Police Department, the pedestrian killed as the result of being struck by a car, at the intersection of Route 35 and Navesink River Road Tuesday evening, has been identified as William McAvoy, 62.

McAvoy, a Middletown resident, died after being struck by a vehicle in the northbound lanes of Route 35, according to Middletown PD. 

Police ...

WATCH: Take a quick video tour of Kevin Kelly Salon in Keyport in this quick video: 

KEYPORT, NJ: Kevin Kelly has it. He has the passion it takes to be successful in business. At the very young age of 22-years-old, Kelly recently opened up Kevin Kelly Salon, at 362 Broadway, in Keyport, NJ.  It's not his first location though. He started out even ...

All US flags will be flown at half-staff through Tuesday, April 6, as per the Presidential Proclamation, honoring the victims of the attack at the United States Capitol on Friday.

"Jill and I were heartbroken to learn of the violent attack at a security checkpoint on the U.S. Capitol grounds, which killed Officer William Evans of the U.S. Capitol Police, and left a fellow ...

MONMOUTH - After learning of the passing of Middlesex County Commissioner and Deputy Director Kenneth Armwood, Senator Vin Gopal and Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey released the following statements:

Senator Gopal said, “I am heartbroken over the passing of my friend Commissioner Ken Armwood. Ken was one of the nicest and most decent people I knew. He was a rarity in ...

HOLMDEL, NJ - March 24, 2021 - Holmdel High School senior, Bill Zhang, is one of 150 national winners of the 33rd annual Coca-Cola Scholars program. According to the Coca-Cola website, this scholarship program received 99,403 applications from high school students across the United States and “only ⅙ of 1% of applicants were chosen to receive this extremely competitive award”. In ...

HOLMDEL, NJ: Arbor Day is celebrated the end of April and Holmdel Township is celebrating Arbor Day by offering residents free tree seedlings!   On April 24th, the Holmdel Department of Public Works in partnership with the NJ Forest Service Nursery will be hosting a Community Tree Recovery Day event at Bell Works.

According to a press release by the Township, residents are ...

NEW JERSEY - While the rest of the state economy slowly returns to pre-pandemic levels, the New Jersey real estate market reportedly experienced “a year we’ve not seen before” with no immediate signs of slowing.

Two state real estate experts with national credentials participated in a TAPinto panel discussion Tuesday about the “Current State of the New Jersey Real ...