Home Care In Howell, NJ

Much of the work to support those in need in our communities is performed by charitable organizations. Donations are critical to their work.

HOWELL, NJ — There’s no single way to show generosity on Giving Tuesday, which falls on Tuesday, Dec. 2, this year, but several nonprofits in Howell are counting on end-of-the-year donations and support.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday all focus on consumerism, while the idea behind GivingTuesday is to galvanize fundraising, rally volunteers and add momentum to their causes.

Since 2012, nonprofits, community and grassroots groups, and mutual aid networks worldwide have used the #GivingTuesday hashtag to encourage fundraising, rally volunteers and add momentum to their causes, according to the nonprofit of the same name behind the movement.

Local nonprofits remain heavily dependent on donor support. Charitable contributions increased 2.9 percent from June 2024 to June 2025, according to the Fundraising Effectiveness Report analysis.

Notably, although total dollars raised have increased, year-to-date performance among supersize donors has been softer than in 2024, making small contributions more important than ever.

In the United States, Giving Tuesday is led by hundreds of communities, networks and coalitions.

Here are five nonprofits in Howell that depend on community support (donations should be made directly to each of the nonprofits below):

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey: This organization helps senior citizens age in place and remain in their homes by providing caregiver assistance and programs to support them and their families. Operates in northern Ocean County and part of Monmouth County.

Meals on Wheels of Ocean County: Meals on Wheels delivers hundreds of meals daily to homebound seniors throughout Ocean County, providing not only nutrition but connection for people who are not able to get out often. Meals on Wheels drivers spend time with those receiving meals, providing wellness and safety checks.

Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity: The local chapter has been building homes in Ocean County for more than 25 years. They also help low- and moderate-income homeowners make repairs to their homes through the hand-up, not hand-out model in which homeowners invest both sweat equity and affordable payments to get the work completed.

Hope Sheds Light: The organization works to raise awareness and educate individuals, families and the community about the impact of addiction along with offering resources to help people achieve long-term recovery.

Animal rescues: There are several animal rescue organizations in Ocean County that assist with finding homes for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and other animals. Here are some to consider; click the names for more information.

The Giving Tuesday movement encourages “radical generosity,” the concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable to us as our own suffering, according to the movement’s website.

Giving Tuesday was created in New York City in 2012 with a simple goal: to encourage people to do good. Over the past nine years, the idea has grown into the global movement it is today.

Last year, Giving Tuesday participants raised a record-breaking $3.6 billion from 36.1 million participants, bringing the total raised on the day since 2012 to $18.5 billion.

HOWELL, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa Claus are treasured traditions for many Howell families.

In Howell, kids have several chances to see jolly old St. Nick in person.

Here are the details:

Dec. 2: Howell will hold its Christmas Tree Lighting celebration from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the municipal building, 4567 Route 9. Santa Claus will be on site with Mrs. Claus and their Elf. There will be hot drinks from The Caffeine Haven, cookies, games, inflatables, a petting zoo, hair tinsel and glitter by the Salon Professional Academy, musical entertainment by the Howell High School and Memorial 5th Grade chorus. Parking is available at the municipal building and there will be a shuttle service from Howell Commons Shopping Plaza, near Old Navy and The Salon Professional Academy.

Dec. 14: Pancake Breakfast with Santa at Ramtown Fire Company, 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Adults $10; children 3-12 years old, $5, children under 3 free. Photos with Santa. Call Pete Realmutto at 973-420-0437.

Santa is also holding court at several shopping malls in the local area, including:

Ocean County Mall: Santa Claus arrives at the mall on Hooper Avenue on Dec. 4 and will be welcomed with a celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. He will "make a grand entrance on a fire truck, followed by a holiday story time and a special surprise visitor you won’t want to miss," according to mall officials. There will be music, crafts, and plenty of holiday cheer, mall officials say. The celebration and the Santa Photo Experience are at Center Court at the mall. If you're looking to take photos with Santa, reservations are required. A special sensory-friendly Santa photo experience for children with special needs and their families is set for Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Reservations are required.

Freehold Raceway Mall: Santa Claus is welcoming children and families on the lower level of Freehold Raceway Mall in Zara Court daily through Christmas Eve. Mall officials recommend reserving your visit; doing so comes with a free personalized digital message from Santa before the visit, "powered by Portable North Pole," and a free 3-month trial to Crayola Create and Play, mall officials said. There also are two pet photo nights, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1 and Dec. 8, and the Santa Cares sensory-friendly event from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 7, for those with special needs and their families.

CAMDEN, NJ — A Howell Township man has man has admitted to taking part in a multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud scheme that and fraudulently obtaining more than $1.8 million in small business loans offered during the COVID-19 pandemic, federal authorities said Monday.

Joshua Feldberger, 43, of Howell, pleaded guilty on Oct. 22 before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel to one count of bank fraud conspiracy, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Mendel Deutsch, 39, of Toms River, pleaded guilty on Nov. 13 before Kiel to one count of bank and wire fraud conspiracy and one count of wire fraud, authorities said.

Authorities say Deutsch and Feldberger conspired with a third man, Arthur Spitzer, in June 2020 to make it appear as if Spitzer owned three properties in Brooklyn, New York, and agreed to sell them to Deutsch, who obtained a $4.5 million mortgage loan in connection with the transaction.

Feldberger facilitated the fraudulent transaction as the owner of the settlement company that handled the transaction, authorities said.

The three created and sent letters stating that Deutsch had deposited significant funds into escrow toward the transaction, when in reality he had not; they created fake documentation purportedly transferring control of the properties to Spitzer; and they lied to the mortgage lender by stating that the settlement company had received more than $2 million from Deutsch at closing, which led the mortgage lender to fund the loan, authorities said.

Deutsch, Feldberger and Spitzer then used the mortgage loan proceeds to fund Deutsch’s down payment, which he had supposedly already provided, authorities have said.

Deutsch, Feldberger and Spitzer, 38, also from Toms River, were indicted in the scheme in September 2024. Authorities have alleged Spitzer identified properties that had either no mortgages or mortgages well below the property’s market value, then obtained mortgage loans secured by those properties and forged documents to make it appear control of the properties had been transferred to him.

The loan proceeds were disbursed to bank accounts controlled by Spitzer or were used to otherwise benefit Spitzer, such as to pay off his debts, and then he allowed the loans to default by not making the required payments, leaving the true property owners subject to foreclosure and eviction, authorities have alleged.

The charges are still pending against Spitzer, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Feldberger is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 23. He faces up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million on the count of bank fraud conspiracy.

If you find yourself enjoying a few extra cookies this holiday season, don't worry.

A popular gym continues to grow, opening in Monmouth County, and is ready to help jump-start your fitness goals and get you back on track.

The parties, family get-togethers, and those holiday cookies your co-workers insist on bringing into the office every year, we all know how hard it can be during the holidays.

Well, it's not just our waistline getting ready to expand. Real Estate New Jersey reports that Planet Fitness is also expanding, opening up a new spot in Howell.

The new gym will be located along Route 9 in the Aldrich Plaza shopping center.

According to Real Estate New Jersey, Levin Senior Leasing Representative E.J. Moawad represented ownership in the deal.

“Health and wellness concepts continue to perform exceptionally well across our portfolio,” Moawad said. “Planet Fitness is a premier national brand that drives consistent daily traffic and aligns perfectly with Aldrich Plaza’s position as a high-visibility, daily-needs destination along Route 9. This expansion underscores both strong local demand and Howell’s growing appeal as a fitness and lifestyle hub.”

No word yet on when Planet Fitness will open, but hopefully sometime in the new year.

Time to get outside in the Garden State. If you're in favor of some fresh air that doesn't involve heading to the beach, hit up any one of the beautiful hiking trails across the Garden State for some gorgeous outdoor therapy.

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

Not everyone wants to cook on Thanksgiving Day. Whether your choice is a traditional holiday meal with gourmet sides and an impressive wine list, a more casual atmosphere with a greater range of menu options, several restaurants in Howell will be open.

Reservations for Thanksgiving, which is on Nov. 27 this year, will fill up quickly. Some local favorites near Howell include:

Multiple chain restaurants will also be open. Many fast-food restaurants and coffee shops are also open to serve those on the go. Hours may be limited, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or verify online that your location is open. Some chain eateries open Thanksgiving Day in or near Howell include:

Casual Dining

Applebee’s: Select restaurants will be open; be sure to call ahead to confirm local hours.

IHOP: Restaurants will be open; however, hours may vary by location.

TGI Fridays: The chain will offer special holiday menu items, though it's best to confirm with your local restaurant for specific hours and offerings

Fast Food And Coffee

Arby’s: Most stores are open, but may be operating at reduced hours.

Burger King: Hours will vary by location.

Domino’s: Most locations are open for carry-out and delivery.

Dunkin’: Most locations will be open, but hours may vary by location.

McDonald’s: Most restaurants will be open, but hours may vary by location.

Popeye’s: Restaurants will be open, but hours may vary by location.

Starbucks: Store hours will vary by location.

Wendy’s: Hours will vary by location.

White Castle: Restaurants are open all day.

Sources for this report include emails, restaurant websites, USA Today and Cozymeals.com.