Halloween candy can contribute to tooth decay, and some candy can even damage orthodontic patients’ braces. Jackson orthodontist Dr. Miriam T. Furlong will help children avoid injury to their braces and teeth by buying back her patients’ Halloween candy.
Furlong is paying $2 for each pound of Halloween treats her patients surrender at her office. One dollar will go to the child, the other dollar will be donated to the Monmouth-Ocean County Food Bank, so funds can be used just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
"When we pay orthodontic patients for their Halloween candy, we help them avoid the potential for harming their braces or teeth. It’s a fun way to reward the kids for their efforts on Halloween. In addition, we help out an area charity," says Furlong.
Furlong recommends that children who wear braces avoid these foods or candies: caramel, taffy, bubble gum, peanuts, taco chips and unpopped kernels of popcorn.
Furlong’s office will accept her patients’ Halloween candy at the weigh-in, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 4-6 at the office of Jackson Orthodontics at 2200 West County Line Road, Jackson.
County officials await
funding for Route 571
Ocean County officials will apply for $2.5 million in federal aid to pave a 12-mile stretch of Route 571 in Jackson.
The county is in competition with 12 other counties for a share of $20 million available for road improvements from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, said Ocean County Engineer Ronald A. Lotrecchio.
"This money supplements our county dollars and allows us to repave additional roads each year," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari.
The county spends about $4 million a year to repave roads, in addition to any state and federal money received.
If approved by the NJPTA, the repaving would begin at Route 537 and continue to just west of Route 547 near the Manches-ter border.
Nominations sought
for ‘Heartsaver’ awards
The American Heart Association is seeking nominations for its third annual New Jersey American Heartsaver Awards, to be held on American Heartsaver Day, Feb. 4. The awards recognize and honor people who saved or helped in an attempt to save a life by performing CPR or by using an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Individuals, organizations or companies that have taken extraordinary steps to strengthen the American Heart Association’s "chain of survival" in their community or organization are also eligible for recognition. Last year more than 150 New Jersey organizations, companies, individuals and uniformed professionals were recognized at four American Heart Association New Jersey American Heartsaver Award events.
To obtain a nomination form, call the American Heart Association’s state office at (732) 821-2610. The deadline for submitting nominations is Nov. 15.
News briefs may be faxed to the Tri-Town News at (732) 780-4192.