2022-03-19 - The Southern Ocean Times by Jersey Shore Online

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SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 9 - No. 39

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Vo-Tech’s Chef’s Night Out Serves Up Delicious Food At New Venue

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Students and staﬀ served customers throughout the night.

Community News

By Bob Vosseller LACEY – It was one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School Foundation and if you went home hungry, it was your own fault. After a year’s absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual OCVTS Chef’s Night Out fundraiser returned recently and to a whole new venue, the Lacey

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Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14

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(Chef’s - See Page 4)

–Photos by Bob Vosseller

Waretown Looking For Daytime EMS Coverage

By Stephanie Faughnan WARETOWN – While emergency response times appear problematic in some neighboring communities, the Waretown First Aid Squad has its calls covered. That is, during the hours assigned to them. The local ambulance team made up entirely of volunteers performs vital community services daily from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. and throughout the weekend. According to Jason Dougherty, Captain of the Waretown First Squad, the team rarely calls for mutual aid during their assigned hours. “We’ve only had to ask for mutual aid when we’ve been on another call,” Dougherty said. “We generally work with Barnegat, Staﬀord, and Lacey.” Daytime EMS coverage poses a concerning issue to Ocean Township leaders. Most volunteers (EMS - See Page 16)

Ocean County Vocational Technical School volunteers who are Twilight students from the Cosmetology program gather during the recently held Chef’s Night Out event joins their teacher Barbara Stewart.

Vet Volunteered To Fight For Ukraine, Turned Down By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT – Barnegat resident Fred Rubenstein says he’s heartbroken that the Embassy of Ukraine turned down his oﬀer to join the Foreign Legion of Ukraine Defense Forces. Apparently, “gray armies” aren’t exactly in demand when it comes to signing up to ﬁghting foreign wars. In the private sector, employers wouldn’t even consider rejecting an application with anything sug-

March 19, 2022

gestive of ageism. “Thank you for volunteering to defend the people and land of Ukraine,” wrote the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA. “After considering your application, we cannot accept it due to your age.” An article in the Military Times ﬁ rst prompted Rubenstein to send an email volunteering his services to join the Foreign Legion of Ukraine Defense Forces. An (Vet - See Page 5)

–Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Barnegat resident Fred Rubenstein attended a recent Barnegat Township Committee meeting.

Mediation Set For Lacey Teachers’ Contract By Bob Vosseller LACEY – Negotiations on a new teaching contract have reached a standstill. Board of Education members and the teachers union will be meeting with a third party to break that impasse. In cases where negotiations show no sign of moving further toward completion, an impasse is declared with the state and further arbitration is ordered. A state arbitrator has been assigned to deliberate between the two parties on March 21. School District Busi-

ness Ad m i n ist rator Patrick DeGeorge noted the Board was in the process of negotiating the contract and working through the mediation process. He told The Southern Ocean Times that in a letter dated January 28, “the NJEA, on behalf of the LTEA, filed a Notice of Impasse with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC), citing ‘salary and sixth period compensation’ as the facts giving rise to the (Contract - See Page 12)

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Chef’s:

Continued From Page 1 Elks Lodge which allowed for more space and diﬀerent rooms to accommodate the many participating restaurants and organizations as well as the varied culinary programs provided for OCVTS students. “It was a spectacular event for our district. We are blessed with a foundation that supports our mission of preparing students for today’s demanding high-tech job market. The monies from Chef’s Night Out will not only allow for ﬁnancial scholarships for our students but also supply tools, equipment and other necessary gear needed for our programs,” OCVTS Superintendent Karen Homiek said. She added, “all of the Foundation members

are volunteers and are members of the local Ocean County community. Everyone seems to like the restaurants that are here. The restaurant owners and staﬀ are having a good time. Everyone is just enjoying themselves.” Harold “Skip” Peterson of Lacey is a member of the Foundation and was instrumental in bringing the big event that featured over a thousand attendees and various food services businesses to the Elks Lodge. “We had a meeting here and the Elks donated the use of their large building for free. “I feel like before you couldn’t see the all the banners of all of our sponsors and it was hard to ﬁgure out the whole room but this is really nice,” Homiek said. The former Toms River site on the grounds of Toms River High School North attracted

many northern and central Ocean County restaurants but many from the southern end of the county were well represented during the most recent fundraiser held earlier this month. The event featured Lacey’s popular The Captain’s Inn, Pine Tar Bar and Grill and some familiar favorites like Ob Co Donuts of Toms River, Klees of Seaside Heights and Joe Bella’s Italian Kitchen of Toms River and many more. “We have numerous restaurants from this area and it’s important to get representation from all over the county as we go all the way down in Little Egg Harbor,” Homiek said. “We had 31 sponsors who committed to coming and they have banners all over the room and 20 restaurants besides the vocational restaurants. We have the Brick Center, we have the Waretown Center and we have Cuisine on the Green so three of our centers here as well,” Homiek added. The multi-level event drew some notable attendees such as Ocean County Board of Commissioners Deputy Director Virginia Haines who recommended Joe Bella’s mushroom truffle. “I had two plates of that - it was delicious.” Others includes Ocean County Sheriff Mike Mastronardy, Jackson Mayor Michael Reina and Lacey Committeeman Peter Curatolo among others. Each roamed the crowded rooms to sample some of the fine dishes that included everything from crab cake sliders, to pasta to the Brick Center’s orange cheesecake. Noting the approach of Saint Patrick’s Day, Klee’s Restaurant offered up a unique offer-

ing of an Irish Egg Roll which were Asian style eggrolls with an Irish twist filled with potatoes, corn beef, sauteed cabbage and Swiss cheese served with Thousand Island Dressing. Homiek said funds from the evening’s event will provide money “for scholarships so the more money we make at these events the more scholarships we can present. It can be not just monetary it can be tools or equipment that a student needs to get better in their position. The Foundation is really good with that.” She noted that the Jackson Center will be seeing some expansion in the near future. “We are going to be putting three brand new programs to the Center, though not new to the district. We’ll be putting in welding, electric, plumbing and medical assistant programs.” “Those are three programs we have waiting lists for. They will be housed at Jackson upon completion of the addition. These programs are in high demand throughout the county by local businesses and industry. We are looking to meet what industry needs right now,” Homiek said. “We have about 1,900 share time students and we have 700 academy students which doesn’t include our adult students,” she added. Cosmetology program teacher Barbara Stewart joined a number of her OCVTS students as volunteers for the evening wearing their Chef’s Night Out aprons and helping to make the event run smoothly. A large number of gift baskets were available to win with the purchase of a raffle ticket purchase. For more information about what OCVTS offers visit ocvts.org.

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Vet:

Continued From Page 1 automated response requested particular documentation. When Rubenstein answered, he added that he would pay his own transportation costs to Ukraine and would need just three days’ notice. Three or four days after his submittal, Rubenstein answered his cell phone to the voices of three separate people. One had a Ukrainian accent – the others did not. “We were only on the line for six minutes at the most,” Rubenstein said. “One of them raised the factor of my age and asked what I expected to do.” After assuring the interviewers he didn’t expect to take on a commando role, Rubenstein explained how he felt he might be the most useful. He thought the interview went well and expected to hear back within a week. The ultimate rejection represented a first for 73-year-old Rubenstein, who was certain his experience would prove beneﬁcial. After all, the United States government had no problem with his volunteer services nearly six decades ago. “In June of 1966, when I got of high school, I was 17 years old,” shared Rubenstein. “I would have gotten my draft card after my birthday in December of that year. I never got a draft card because I enlisted in October of 1966.” “I just decided that this was something I needed to do because I’m American,” Rubenstein continued. “I bask in the protections in the freedom of liberty, and

The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 5 I have to stand up for what I believe in – even though it might be on foreign soil.” During his service in Vietnam, Rubenstein participated in rescue missions. While he acknowledged his age might deter from doing the same in Ukraine, he had other ideas. For one, Rubenstein’s military service included extensive medical training that started as a hospital medic. He learned to do all types of wound care and assist on surgical procedures. When Rubenstein returned to the states, he recognized the value of education and even went to law school. For 49 years, Rubenstein served in the bus industry in both New Jersey and New York. His skills proved invaluable when the planes struck the Twin Towers, and it became critical to transport emergency responders. “You never forget how to drive a bus,” said Rubenstein. “We’ve seen caravans of buses in Ukraine. I could have helped drive or organize them.” Rubenstein said that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s leadership in the invasion of Ukraine reminded him strongly of another bad time in history. He compared Putin to Hitler, citing atrocities he found to be outrageous. First, Rubenstein found it incredulous that the Russian forces claimed they did not realize they were hitting civilian buildings such as a children’s hospital. “It’s 2022 and you have weapon systems literally with pinpoint accuracy,” said Rubenstein. “It takes a lot to get me to start bawling, but when I saw them car-

rying a pregnant woman out, I couldn’t stop.” Rubenstein said he was further moved by scenes of bodies dumped into mass graves as parallel to the work of Hitler and the Nazis. He referred to it all as extermination. As a child, Rubenstein noticed family pictures of relatives he never met. When he asked about them, he learned they lost their lives in the Holocaust. Ironically, Rubenstein suspected the Embassy was turning him down just before he received their email. As he was reading the news online, Rubenstein came across an article about Americans seeking to ﬁght in the war. “Half the potential volunteers were

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quickly rejected and didn’t even make it to the Zoom interview,” Ukraine’s military attaché, Maj. Gen. Borys Kremenetskyi said. “They lacked the required military experience, had a criminal background or weren’t suitable for other reasons such as age, including a 16-year-old boy and a 73-year-old man.” Rubenstein strongly suspects he is the 73-year-old man referenced by the Ukrainian general. Despite his disappointment that he can’t be there in person, Rubenstein considers himself a man of conviction. “Genny (Rubenstein’s wife) and I have decided to make a $5,000 donation to the Ukrainian Defense Force,” said Rubenstein. “It is what’s in our hearts to do.”

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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY E DITORIAL Let’s Keep The Perk And Not Have To Pump I wonder sometimes if our lawmakers have too much time on their hands? One of the latest pieces of legislation to come out of Trenton involves an issue that we see come up every so often: Should we allow citizens, at long last, to pump their own gas? The bill would allow for an option for a driver to pump their own gas while still allowing for an attendant to do it. My view is, New Jersey is the most over regulated, over taxed state in the union and we have few perks if any in the Garden State. This is one of them. Leave it alone. No one is clamoring for the privilege of pumping their own gas. No one really wants to exit their car

on a cold or rainy night and slam a gas nozzle into their gas tank. Let’s face it, we aren’t going to gain anything if this passes and even though it is being billed as just an option, we’ll be losing a nice convenience. Speed at the pump? No, it won’t be any faster and really, how fast do you need to get your gas? Most places I go to have me out of there within a few minutes. What do you think this is the Grand Prix and you need to get back on the track in seconds? “I want my right to pump my own gas!” Really? No, you don’t. Sure, we are perhaps the only state that doesn’t allow people to pump their gas and for safety reasons. While I don’t think people in

our state are any less careful or dumber than those in other states, no one really feels violated by missing out on the experience of spilling gas on your shoe and taking a whiﬀ of it at your neighborhood station. The fact that lawmakers are pushing this now at a time when gas prices are at an all time high is troublesome and I’m afraid I don’t buy into the idea that gas attendants are scarce. There will probably be less of them, however, if this goes into eﬀect. I know our world has become self-serve for just about everything from the librar y, to convenience stores, to fast food but I think we can at least wait until we switch over from

gasoline to electric when we will face the situation of either having someone plug in our cars or doing it ourselves. I don’t know how we will all adapt to the technology and what will be required of us and others but that day is coming and it is coming fast. Yes, it will probably be a positive move and more environmentally friendly but like all new things involving technology, it is going to bring changes. Sure, if we needed to, most of us are capable of pumping our own gas. However, I can see those who do need other people to pump it for them, (seniors, handicapped, etc.) having to pay more now. If you think companies that will save money by having

fewer attendants will pass along the savings to their customers, well, I’d love to sell you the Mathis-Tunney Bridge. That isn’t going to happen. Knowing the mindset in Trenton that had some lawmakers want to ban your brand new gas powered leaf blower a few months ago, pumping your own gas might ﬁrst require a test or some kind of verification with a document or sticker that you would slap on your car. You know that will come with an administrative cost. The day may well come for the pump your gas option but I think it is a day that can wait until electric car technology becomes commonplace so give it

another ﬁve to 10 to 15 years. We’ve had it this long. What’s the rush now? I don’t think we’ll have people picketing gas stations in a desire to pump their own gas. Let’s keep the one nice perk we have in this state for now. Perhaps our lawmakers could focus their attention on more important things like seeing what they can do to make our state more affordable for residents and busi nesses to remai n here so they don’t feel the need to leave it and find a place where they do have to pump their own gas. Bob Vosseller Assistant News Editor

Letters To The Editor Beware Dangerous Roads In Brick And Lakewood I am writing to you hoping to use this platform to bring attention to the unaddressed health and safety issues along the connecting Beaverson Boulevard, Brick and Shorrock Street, Lakewood, between Brick Boulevard and Route 70. This stretch of roadway is commonly used by motorists as a direct

route to the Garden State Parkway. It is also home to several retirement communities including Leisure Village East, Four Seasons and Lions Head, as well as a middle school. Since moving here two years ago, I am aware of at least two crashes near the hair pin curve at Old Toms River Road by the entrance to Lake Riviera Middle School which is near the entrance/exit to Leisure Village East. There are NO SIGNS along this three mile

W� W�� L�� T� T�� E��! The Southern Ocean Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns. All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to

edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

Congressman Smith Wrong On Jan. 6 Committee

stretch to warn drivers of the dangerous curve ahead or to advise them to slow down on the approach. Nor are there signs to alert drivers of the deer population in the area. Countless deer are killed on this stretch as a result of being struck by cars. It’s upsetting to see them mangled and rotting by the side of the road, especially when it’s preventable. There needs to be signs put in place along Beaverson Boulevard and Shorrock St. between Brick and Lakewood to warn drivers to SLOW down, that there is a DANGEROUS CURVE AHEAD, and, to alert them of the DEER CROSSING in the area. My plea to the public: If you’re reading this and you are in a position to do something about it, please make it a PRIORITY. To those who use this route or are considering it, please SLOW DOW N for your own safety and for the safety of our community and our wild life.

Mr. Smith in your look back on 1/6/22, you accuse the Select Committee investigation of having a highly partisan agenda. However, 5 Republican Representatives were selected by K. McCarthy to join the committee. Nancy Pelosi declined J. Jordan and J. Banks, then K. McCarthy refused to let the others from becoming members. Jim Jordan would have disrupted the proceedings as well as Rep. Banks. Rep. Cheney and Kinzinger, both Republicans, have been outstanding as members working to find the truth about the 1/6/21 insurrection. Mr. Smith we now know that you are not interested in ﬁnding the truth but distracting. Why don’t you let the committee ﬁnish its work and then make an informed comment.

Colleen Howard Lakewood

Jeﬀrey Yarnold, Manchester

Toms River Shows How Wonderful It Is I am writing in response to the article “Food Donation Reaches 100th Week” by Chris Lundy, published in your newspaper on March 2, 2022. After years of coming together as a county in ways of supporting local businesses, bands, schools, you name it, Toms River has done it again. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this article shined a light as to how eﬀective and important it is to give to those in need. Growing up in Toms River, I knew being involved in the community was something important especially at a very young age after Hurricane Sandy hit in 2012. People were left with no electricity, no clothes, no running water, and many were left with no homes. I was serving pizza and piling donated clothes to kids my (age 9) from my school, which my mom worked at, some of them being her own students. It is refreshing to see that we as a county have come together once again to help those who are struggling in

the community, specifically with putting meals on the table. With the help of Pop the Trunk, local volunteers, and Fulfill, the people of Toms River are capable to serve their families fresh produce for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a non-contact safe way. Being that Fulfill and their volunteers are celebrating their 100th consecutive week of running this COVID-19 friendly organization, I wanted to congratulate them for all their efforts. I write this letter in hopes of sharing my admiration for their kind acts to society. I also want to share my gratitude and appreciation to everyone who started this idea, to those who have been involved since the very start, and to those who made the smallest contributions because a little goes a long way. This organization has impacted many people I know personally from my hometown and it has helped them tremendously. I could not be more proud to call this place my home. Liv Butera Toms River

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The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 7

SPOTLIGHT ON GOVERNMENT

NEED AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR? WE’RE HERE TO HELP AT NO CHARGE

Connors: Taxpayers’ Financial Security Jeopardized Without Substantial Property Tax Relief

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Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

TRENTON – Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (R-9 th) will focus their efforts on increasing funding for property tax relief during the upcoming budget deliberations for the 2023 State Budget. The 9th District Delegation’s comments are in response to Governor Murphy’s recent unveiling of his proposed 2023 State Budget. This year, Assemblyman Rumpf was named to the Assembly Budget Committee. The 9th District Delegation made the following remarks: “While Governor Murphy made property tax relief and aﬀordability themes of his budget address, his unimpressive record over the past four years on this issue is reason for concern for the upcoming budget. Too much is at stake for taxpayers who cannot aﬀord obscene levels of state spending that can’t be sustained in the best of economies. “Special interests and their requests for more government spending have taken priority in the state budget over property

tax relief and the fair distribution of school funding. Appropriately, we are approaching this budget with the mindset that this same dynamic will be in play this year and our Delegation is committed to providing property tax relief and rejecting calls for increased government spending. “Last year, funding for the Senior Freeze was placed on the chopping block before being restored in response to calls from our Delegation and other legislators who understood the devastating impact cuts to this program would have on senior homeowners. Worsening the state’s fiscal condition was the fact that the Governor and his allies in the State Legislature approved the borrowing of billions of dollars that the state did not need. “A fact lost on no one is that property tax relief must be the core priority of the State Budget to, at the very least, help taxpayers cope with inflation, rising gas prices, higher tolls and every other means by which Trenton has devised to take more money out of the pockets of New Jerseyans, including providing benefits to illegal aliens.”

NJ Set To Receive $641M From Opioid Companies

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin announced that New Jersey is set to receive $641 million from settlements with Johnson & Johnson, which manufactured opioids, and the country’s three largest pharmaceutical distributors – McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen. The $641 million in settlement funds will be paid through 2038 and will fund state and local programs focused on treatment, prevention, and other strategies to combat the opioid epidemic in the state. The commitment to using the funds to bolster New Jersey’s response to the opioid epidemic is one part of a new agreement - between the State, its counties, and its municipalities - which addresses how the money will be allocated. Under that agreement, almost all of the $641 million will be divided evenly - with 50 percent going to the state and 50 percent going to counties and municipalities - and spent on strategies to reduce the opioid epidemic’s ongoing harms to residents and communities. “This is a historic moment in our fight to combat the opioid crisis in New Jersey and save lives,” said Governor Murphy. “With these historic f unds, we will

continue to make critical investments in harm reduction centers, treatment programs, and data-driven strategies to end the overdose crisis. With these funds, coupled with the nearly $100 million investment in my proposed budget, we will continue our work to combat the opioid crisis in New Jersey.” “No amount of money could undo the harms that the opioid epidemic has caused to too many New Jerseyans,” said Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “But these historic settlements will bring hundreds of millions of dollars into our state to support lifesaving drug prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery programs, and will require these drug companies to change their business practices so that this does not happen again. I am proud of the attorneys and investigators in the Department of Law and Public Safety who helped deliver these settlement funds to New Jersey.” Nationwide settlement agreements with the four companies – which require the companies to change their business practices and provide for up to $26 billion in monetary payments to resolve claims by thousands of government entities – were (Government - See Page 18)

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COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Commerce & Cocktails Set For Southern Ocean Businesses

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MANAHAWKIN – Do you like your networking shaken or stirred? The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce March meeting turns happy hour as they welcome new members and catch up with the business community as they prepare for the upcoming season. The event will be held in the private Terrace Room at The Mainland Manahawkin from 5 to 7 p.m. Learn about the upcoming season events and latest programs as they gear up to celebrate their 108th summer. ADP will be onsite with their Season Start Up Lounge where businesses can informally meet for seasonal hiring best practices, updates on state Paid Time Off and other information for a smooth start. The menu was customized to enjoy while networking, to feature cheese and charcuterie displays fi lled with imported cheese, cured meats and fl atbreads. Farmer’s vegetable display with dips and

seasonal fresh fruit and berry table adds assorted sandwiches that include ham, turkey roast beef, roasted veggie wraps and homemade chips. The event will have a private cash bar as well as custom coffee station. In addition to networking, drawings throughout the evening include Jetty Flagship Store Grand Opening Giveaway, Memorial Day advertising as well as business featured on Visitor Center mobile billboard during peak summer season. If it’s time to update your professional headshot for digital profiles or printed colleterial, they have your covered. Priceless Photo & Video will be on hand throughout the evening ready to assist. Members may RSVP for early bird price of $35 per person or $40 at door, by contacting the office at 609-494-7211 or emailing Kate@sochamber.com. Come out meet, greet and eat and connect with local businesses.

Join The Forked River Old Guard

LACEY – The Forked River Old Guard a non-sectarian, non-political group caters to retired and semi-retired men seeking a social activity and/ or community service. The meetings provide an opportunity for making new acquaintances and continued fellowship with old friends. The Old Guard provides varied social activities ranging from monthly casino bus trips for members and their spouse or guest or occasionally there are 3 to 5 days excursions to attractions out of state. Members also enjoy a Spring Dinner Dance, Christmas Dinner Dance and an annual Picnic. Being and staying happy is their social goal. The 3d U.S. Infantry, traditionally known as “The Old Guard,” is the oldest active-duty infantry unit in the Army, serving our nation since 1784. The Old Guard is the Army’s oﬃcial ceremonial unit and escort to the president, and it also provides security for Washington, D.C., in time of

national emergency or civil disturbance. Originally a civilian watchman was responsible for the security of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then, March 24, 1926, a military guard from the Washington Provisional Brigade (forerunner of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington) was established during the daylight hours. In 1948 the 3d U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard” assumed the post following the unit reactivation in the nation’s capital. Members of the 3d Infantry’s Honor Guard continue to serve in this distinguished duty today. Come on over and check them out every Monday at 10 a.m. Should there be a large number of working men who wish to join the Old Guard they may start a Saturday meeting once a month at The Lacey Community Center at 15 East Lacey Road, Lacey. You may wish to join the group; they are looking for new members. Call at 732575-6004 or email at BillSchmidt1000@ aol.com.

Green Fair

STAFFORD – Mayor Myhre and members of the Town Council would like to invite you all to the Staﬀord Township Green Team’s Green Fair, being held on April 29 from 12 to 4 p.m. in Heritage Park, 49 West Bay Avenue.

Learn about the sustainability of you community from a variety of local organizations. For more information, call 609-597-100 ext. 8516 or email MVonDerHayden@ staﬀordnj.gov.

Breakfast With The Easter Bunny

LANOKA HARBOR – Breakfast with the Easter Bunny presented by the Lanoka Harbor EMS will take place on April 10 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 305 Manchester Avenue. All you can eat pancakes, eggs, bacon,

sausage, coﬀee and juice. Pictures with the Easter Bunny. Bring your own camera. Donations are appreciated. Price is $15 per adult; $12 per child; under the age 2 is free. Cash at the door.

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

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The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 9

COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Read Across America Day

–Photo courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN – Thank you to both the Staﬀord and Southern Regional Administrations on allowing some of the student athletes an opportunity to participate in Read Across America Day on March 2 with the elementary schools.

Gymnast Commits To Southern Connecticut University

–Photo courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN – Congratulations to Southern Regional Gymnastics athlete Ava Kelly on her commitment to continue her education and gymnastics careers at Southern Connecticut University. Pictured with Ava are her parents and Southern Regional Gymnastics Coaches. Best of Luck!

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COMMUNITY NEWS

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Southern Regional Athletes Sign Colleges Commitments

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–Photo courtesy Southern Regional Southern Regional Boys Volleyball player Drew McNellis.

Stafford Library Added As A Toiletry Drive Collection Center

STA FFOR D – The Ocean Cou nt y Library announces an expansion of its designated collection centers in its monthlong toiletry drive for Ocean County children in need. The OCL Staﬀord Branch has joined the Toms River, Manchester, Jackson, Point Pleasant Borough, and Brick Branches as a designated collection center for personal-care items. Items can be donated through March 31.

The Library’s Department of Homebound and Volunteer Services is teaming up with county organizations that distribute items to children in need. The most-needed personal-care items include unopened toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorants, shampoo, hair conditioner, hair brushes, combs, socks, and feminine hygiene products. No donation is too small, and each makes a big diﬀerence in a child’s life.

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The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 11

COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Be Inspired At Women In Business Event

SHIP BOTTOM – The region’s chamber will continue their 2022 Women in Business series with their March 22 event hosted by Between the Sheets located at 1012 Central Avenue in Ship Bottom. This women-owned-and-operated business remains a ﬁxture for stylish custom window treatments, home accessories, luxury linen and home design on LBI. The event will feature networking, light morning refreshments and a presentation on spring table linens and care. The program begins at 10 a.m. The Southern Ocean Women in Business Roundtable has been meeting since 2017. It is the goal of the Southern Ocean County Chamber to provide women who

are doing business in the community with supportive network of peers at all stages of their careers. There is no fee, but an RSVP to the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce office is required. There is limited capacity for this event. To find out more about the region’s 108year chamber, go to visitLBiregion.com, contact 609-494-7211 or stop into their staffed center at 265 W Ninth Street Ship Bottom. Members are invited to RSVP or if you are an area business would like to learn more about this and other programs contact Kate Krier, Business Outreach Coordinator at kate@sochamber.com.

2nd Annual Spring Craft Fair

STAFFORD – The Staﬀord Township EMS Auxiliary has announced their 2nd Annual Spring Craft Fair for April 23

from 12 to 4 p.m. Rain date is April 30. Visit squad38.com to register and for more information.

Beach Haven Government Meetings

BEACH HAVEN – The Borough of Beach Haven’s commission meets the second Monday of the month at 420 Pelham Avenue at

7 p.m. For additional information call 609492-0111, visit beachhaven-nj.gov, or email beachhavenborough@beachhaven-nj.gov.

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Page 12, The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022

Contract:

Continued From Page 1 impasse.” “PERC has since assigned a mediator who is attempting to coordinate a date to meet with the parties. Any compensation provided - whether to elementary, middle, or high school teachers is a result of the collective negotiations agreement,” DeGeorge added. LTEA President Mike Ryan told The Southern Ocean Times, “we do have an upcoming mediation date set for March 21. We look forward to meeting with the Board of Education and the mediator to reach a fair settlement for our members.” Ryan added, “the Lacey Township Education Association represents approximately 580 dedicated members that have worked diligently to ensure that the students of the Lacey Township schools get the very best educational experience possible.” “Needless to say, we were disappointed to hear what was presented at the Lacey Township Board of Education meeting on February 17 with regards to the LTEA’s current situation of working under an expired contract during these unprecedented times,” he added.

“When the two parties began negotiations, we agreed to specific ground rules. Those ground rules contain language that prevent both parties from speaking publicly about what goes on at the table. Ground rules which our association has honored,” he said. “After meeting face to face with the Board 12 times and receiving no financial proposal during any of those meetings, we felt it was time that we filed for mediation. After having negotiated for approximately 27 hours and still speaking about the same topics, the only way we felt the two parties would reach a resolution was to file for impasse,” he said. Details about negotiations are not to be made public, however, the public is talking about it online and some Board members expressed displeasure over what they have been reading. Board member Donna McAvoy, who serves on the Board’s negotiations committee, said “I think social media is out of control, saying the Board of Education doesn’t want to negotiate and has shut down negotiations. I was at every single negotiation meeting. “I know we are under ground rules that we do not talk about the specifics but it is so disheartening to open up Facebook and read what the Board of Education is doing,” she said. “The Board of Education cares about our staff and we want a fair contract.” McAvoy said, “this is why we are at an impasse. Two different sides could not agree. Two sides collectively agreed to go to impasse. We respect our teachers; we want a fair contract.” She prefaced that such a contract had to be for “all teachers, not just a certain group. Every teacher, every staff member. We are looking at fiscal responsibility and a fair contract for all.” Board President Frank Palino confirmed, “we are at an impasse at this point. I am the chair of the negotiation committee and during our last (negotiations) meeting we presented our sticking point was a six-period stipend.” Palino explained, “a six-period stipend, middle school and high school teachers get $4,500 a year to teach 22 extra minutes. Our elementary school teachers do not get that and we want that fixed. We have no problem paying for time in front of the students. We just don’t want to be paying extra money for time not in front of the students.” Palino added, “we’re not asking for them to extend the day. We’re asking for fair work for fair wages. That is a sticking point that the LTEA does not want to hear about. At that point they felt there was an impasse and they wanted a percentage. I told them they are not getting a percentage for raises until we clear up the six-period stipend.” “Whatever union officials are telling the membership, we didn’t offer them zero, we just said we aren’t offering them anything until we fix the six-period stipend. The representatives of the LTEA don’t want to fix the six-period stipend,” Palino said. He added, “they want to continue getting $4,500 more to teach 22 to 25 extra minutes a day. I don’t think it’s fair to the taxpayer. That money costs us over $800,000 a year going to these teachers.” “We actually offered them to go to a separate pay scale to those teachers to filter it out. The response was we can’t do that because it would make our union go against each other because of separate pay. It is not the school board that is doing this. The exact words from the LTEA were, we feel we are at an impasse and that is where we landed. We aren’t the ones who walked away from the table, they were,” Palino added.

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The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 13

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Page 14, The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022

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The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 15

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Secrets Of A Supplement Seller By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Today I was reminded about the special FDA regulations required for dietary supplements. It occurred when an Amazon representative called me to tell me that one word describing my sleep formula implied it was for a disease. That word was “aid” as in the term “sleep aid” which was on the description page. That wording implies it treats the disease of “insomnia.” In the USA, supplements are not allowed to state such things. So, my product was deleted for several days until I reworded the description. According to FDA regulations and policies, food and dietary supplements are only allowed to make structure or function claims. Health claims are no longer allowed but they used to be. The regulations changed under someone’s administration a long time ago, and then one day, it suddenly became ‘illegal’ to make a disease claim for a supplement. No one goes to jail, but they may get a warning letter, fined if you don’t oblige them, or potentially shut down. The Food and Drug Administrations job is to “approve” a drug for a specific indication. The FDA works for pharmaceutical companies, and evaluates clinical trials for medications, not for dietary supplements. From now on consider how supplement makers have to talk to you. It’s only with structure/function claims. If they claim their product treats a disease, that tells you they don’t know what they’re doing, or they’re intentionally trying fluff up their product to make a sale. Good sup-

plement sellers know how to talk in code. Here are some examples: 1. These pills relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and tendonitis. That statement is bad because “arthritis” is a disease name and only drugs treat it. If a drug like Celebrex makes this claim, it’s totally okay because their medication is eﬀective for those disease, and the clinical trials prove it. But someone selling their herbal cannot say it. (Supplement sellers would say their product “supports healthy joints, cartilage and tendons.”) 2. Vitamin D can help with respiratory infections or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Bad. Very bad! Unless of course you are trying to sell a drug for those disorders. (We can say “Vitamin D supports healthy immune function or strong bones and teeth.) 3. Such and such pills are for diabetes. Nope! Diabetes is a diseases and as such only drugs like metformin or insulin can help it. But a supplement formula -no matter how good it is- could never make that claim. (We’d state that our formula “supports a healthy pancreas” hoping you get it.) See how it works now? Makers are muzzled. It’s supposedly for your protection, but in my opinion, it can confuse you and cause you to take supplements that won’t help and might hurt… because you don’t know what it’s really intended for! There is a longer version of this article which I can send to you via email, if you sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2022 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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Page 16, The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022

EMS:

Continued From Page 1 are busy at their paid jobs, and no one’s around to man the rigs. During the year 2021, the call volume for Ocean Township reached an all-time high of 1,466 calls. This represented approximately an average of 122 calls per month and an average of four calls per day. Quality Medical Transport, a private ambulance service, regularly covered ambulance calls in the small community of just over 9,000 residents. However, the company recently advised the township they can’t guarantee their availability. “Every single day in the afternoon, I get a text message from Quality letting me know if they’re not able to cover for the day, or only on a partial basis,” Chief Michal J. Rogalski said. “We then relay that message to the First Aid Squad in the hopes they can send it out to their membership and see if they can find some coverage.” It’s well documented that volunteerism is down throughout the country. While COVID-19 undoubtedly influenced the number of individuals signing up for EMT work, the problem existed before anyone ever heard of the virus. “This isn’t just a small issue; it’s a large one,” submitted Diane Ambrosio, Township Business Administrator/Municipal Clerk. “It’s not just our town or county but throughout the state of New Jersey.” At the end of January, officials received notification from Quality Medical Transport that they would no longer be able to guarantee that an ambulance would be available for coverage in Ocean Township. According to Quality’s president, Salvatore Murante, Sr., the company would no longer need employees with only Emergency Medical Responders credentials. Additionally, legislation requiring vaccine mandates could mean the loss of at least 15 percent of the ambulance company’s staff. “Since very early in the pandemic, the state has allowed licensed ambulances to be operated by a state-certified Emergency Medical Technician and an Emergency Medical Responder,” wrote Murante. “This has greatly supported the Emergency Medical Services in the state to continue to provide the immediate and effective responses and services needed by our population.” The notification comes on the heels of some interesting developments in Barnegat, which sits directly south of Ocean Township. Barnegat’s First Aid Squad had such an issue with recruitment and retention of volunteer members that it severely affected their response times. At a recent Barnegat Township Committee meeting, government leaders voted to award

over $12,000 monthly to a private ambulance service with a guarantee of round-the-clock coverage daily. The Barnegat First Aid Squad no longer has standard hours and serves as back-up to the sole bidder on the contract, which was Quality Medical Services. With Barnegat as one of the towns providing mutual aid, this poses an interesting question. Depending on availability, either Quality or Barnegat First Aid could be sent to Ocean Township to cover calls. Meanwhile, Ocean Township leaders recognize the importance of ensuring daytime EMS coverage. They passed a resolution authorizing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to seek bids from private companies to assist the Township’s First Aid Squad in the delivery of EMS services. The RFP requests bidders to provide ambulance services on a full-time basis throughout the year and maintain a minimum of 90 percent call response rate. Private ambulance services submit bills to insurance companies, with deductibles and allowable balances sent to patients. The Waretown First Aid Squad does not bill for its services. “We would, of course, prefer to have coverage from the volunteers 24 hours a day,” Mayor Ben LoParo said. “Our volunteers do an outstanding job and are committed to serving a community.” Deputy Mayor Ken Baulderstone suggested that the squad reach out to Greenbriar residents to see if any of them would be interested in contributing to volunteer efforts. He felt retired people might be willing to cover daytime hours. In the meantime, Dougherty also says he hopes to recruit more members to the volunteer squad. Dougherty, a professional EMT in another Ocean County town, extolled the benefits many have seen from working with their town’s local first aid squad. “We have a few cadets as young as 16,” said Dougherty. “Many people start off as volunteers and ultimately move into the medical profession as nurses and even doctors.” Those wishing to volunteer for the Waretown Fire Aid Squad can send an email to info@ waretownfirstaidsquad. Applications and information about the squad’s call volume can be found at waretownfirstaid.com. In Barnegat, the town’s first aid squad president, James Goldstein, continues to recruit members. He now intends to visit Barnegat High School and local retirement communities to express the need for volunteers. Goldstein invites interested parties to visit squad11.org. Salvatore Murante, Sr. of Quality Medical Transport, did not respond to requests for comment about Waretown. A recent job posting for the company says they are looking for Emergency Medical Technicians at a starting pay of $18 per hour to work in Freehold, Barnegat, North Hanover, and Tuckerton.

Stitchers, Knitters, Crocheters Wanted

TUCKERTON – Do you embroider, needlepoint, cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do other needlework? If so, please join Ocean Bay Needle Arts on the third Thursday of each month to enjoy your craft with others. Ocean Bay Needle Arts has been meeting for over 30 years. We meet from

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the meeting room at Stanley “Tip” Seaman County Park, located at 120 Lakeside Drive. Bring your lunch. Coﬀee, tea and refreshments are provided. For more information, call Ellen at 609296-9573 or Roberta at 609-971-1542.

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The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 17

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

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By Marc S. Galella, Esq., of R.C. Shea and Associates The limited liability company, or as it is known by its initials, a LLC, is the most common form of business entity created currently. However, for various reasons, some persons still choose to use a corporation as their choice for a business entity. If it your decision to incorporate your business, it is important to understand the meaning of the term. A corporation is a legal entity created by statute. The law regards a corporation as an entity distinct from its shareholders. The major characteristics of a corporation are: 1) the power to acquire, own and dispose of assets in the corporate name; 2) the power to sue and be sued; 3) a continuous existence, despite the death of individual shareholders; 4) limited liability of the shareholders; and 5) centralized management of assets by director and oﬃcers. The following are types of corporations: 1. General Business Corporation – In general, the term “corporation” or “domestic corporation” are one with shares formed under the general business corporation law of a particular state. 2. Closely Held Corporation – A closely held corporation or a close corporation is one having: 1) a small number of stockholders; 2) no ready market for the corporate stock; and 3) substantial majority stockholder participation in the management, direction and operations of the corporation. Closely Held Corporations are often small businesses whose owners want to keep ownership and control in a few hands; the owners may in fact have a partnership relation but desire incorporation to achieve limited liability and potential tax beneﬁts. 3. S Corporation – Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code allows certain closely held corporations to elect to avoid taxation as a cor-

poration, but instead have the shareholders taxed individually or their respective shares of the corporation’s income. This is known as “pass through income”. 4. Professional Corporations – A Professional Corporation is a corporation organized for the sole and specific purpose of rendering professional services (e.g., law or medicine) and which has as its shareholders only individuals who are licensed or otherwise legally authorized within the state to render that professional service. The first step in the formation of a corporation is the filing of the articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. The articles of incorporation must state the intent to incorporate, the name and address of the corporation, the purpose for which the corporation is formed, any relevant stock information, and the period of duration of the corporation. The articles of incorporation may also contain any other lawful provisions specified by the incorporators, for example, restrictions on transfer and repurchase of shares. If the Secretary of State finds that the articles comply with the legal requirements, a certificate of incorporation will be issued. Upon issuance of the certificate of incorporation, the corporate existence is deemed to have begun. At that time a tax identification number will be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service. The initial meeting of the shareholders will be held and the certificates of stock issued and the officers will be elected by the shareholders. If you are interested in filing for incorporation or need additional information regarding the formation of a corporation, do not hesitate to contact R.C. Shea and Associates. We will be happy to assist you.

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Page 18, The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022

Government: Continued From Page 7

announced in July 2021. Under the nationwide settlement agreements, the amount dedicated to each participating state depends on the level of participation among its county and municipal governments that have populations over 10,000 or that have ﬁled lawsuits against the companies. New Jersey announced its participation in the opioid settlements in August 2021, and eligible counties and municipalities were given until January 26, 2022 to sign on. During that time, state, county, and local officials worked together to

ensure that New Jersey would receive the maximum possible benefit from the settlements, with assistance from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and New Jersey Association of Counties. That effort – which included the agreement between the State and its counties and municipalities over distribution of the funds – was a success. New Jersey ach ieved 10 0 percent pa r t icipat ion among its 21 counties and 241 relevant municipalities, entitling the State to the maximum recovery available under the nationwide settlement agreements. The defendant companies announced their formal acceptance of the settlements

last month. “The opioid settlement will bolster our critical opioid use disorder resources and programs, which will strengthen our ability to save lives by preventing overdose deaths and connecting New Jerseyans to supports and treatment when they need it most,” said Human Services Assistant Commissioner Valerie Mielke, who directs the Department’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “We are being innovative when it comes to addressing this crisis, from finding ways to close the treatment gap experienced by Black residents through cultural competency training for opi-

oid treatment providers to helping our mental health programs treat individuals with a co-occurring substance use disorder. Our shared goal, always, is to save lives.” “Our communities continue to face firsthand the impacts of the opioids crisis. With 100% participation achieved, the settlement in place and funding for municipalities and counties secure, we thank the Murphy Administration for its leadership and partnership in moving forward to help stem the devastating effects of this crisis,” said Mike Cerra, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities.

The Southern Ocean Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

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The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 19

CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate Seaside Heights - SHAKE SHOPPE ARCADE AND ICE CREAM. Looking for part time and full time employees. Arcade Shift Leader, redemption and floor attendant. Ice Cream sales and cashiers. Call Patty 908-770-6370. (17) House For Sale By Owner - Waretown. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 2 car garage, appliances, gas heat, central air. $289,900. 609-276-2119. (13) DO YOU WANT TO SELL AN ACRE OF LAND - (WITH OR WITHOUT A HOUSE), ON OR OFF S. NEW PROSPECT ROAD, OR ON OR OFF BETHEL CHURCH R O A D ? L E AV E M E S S A G E 732-440-9051. (13)

Seeking Home Looking to Purchase - Two bedroom, 2 bath home with garage. Surrey Downs or any senior housing. Low to mid 200,000, any location. Call 732-678-3880. (14) SEEKING SMALL APT - Senior lady needs small one bedroom or lg. studio in Manchester area for May 1. Current landlady selling my unit unexpectedly. Worked from home for 39 years, am peaceful, quiet, have no pets, very dutiful on rent payment. 732-350-3046. (13)

Estate Sale Estate Sale - All Contents, 50+ years accumulation, photos on Craigslist, 44 Hastings Rd, Manchester. 3/18, 3/19, 3/20 9-2 (13)

Looking For Jobs If You Need To Improve Your Business - Call 732-255-3830 Professional Telemarketor. (14)

Items For Sale Generator Briggs Stratton 70008000W. Sequoia Nordic Track Skier. Bench Weight machine. Call for info 609-549-6541. (14)

Items Wanted COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, ﬂatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n) CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (47) CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)

Items Wanted $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, ﬁne art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n) Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)

Services

FREE ESTIMATES FOR PAINTING WORK - 25+ years experience, I n t e r i o r / E x t e r i o r, R e a s o n a ble prices and nice work, Leave message 732-907-0820. (14)

Rooﬁng Repairs Etc. - Rooﬁng, siding, windows. Repairs on small jobs. Utility shed roofs replaced. Prompt service. Insured. Gutters cleaned. Call Joe Wingate 551-804-7391. (19)

Music Lessons In Your Home By state certified instrumental music teacher. Please call 732350-4427 for more information. All ages welcome. (19)

House/Pet Sitter available Extremely reliable with excellent references. I treat my clients' homes and pets as though they were my own. 732-606-3943. (32)

C . B . J . H o m e I m p ro v e m e n t s - Carpentry, painting, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, doors, decks & patios, flooring, basement water proofing & finishing, chimney & concrete work, driveways sealed, power washing, yard clean ups & house clean outs, fully insured N.J. license #13VH11804800 $ave call Clark @ 732-850-5060. (17)

Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (19)

Mercuro & Sons Handyman Service - 13VH03469200. General contracting. 732-674-3346. (13) We Have 30 Years Experience In Home Remodeling to Handyman jobs. Call us for a free estimate. 732-569-1406. (13)

Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM Records - Old R&B, doo wop, soul, blues, early rock and roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call or text between 8am and 8pm 909-938-4623. (11)

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience. Call Jim 732-674-3346. (39)

Help Wanted

Home Health Care - Companionship, meal planning and prep, medication reminder, hygine assistant, light housekeeping, errands, grocery shopping. Call Donna 609-891-7830. (14)

Home Health Care Company Now Hiring RN’s, LPN’s and CHHA in Ocean & Monmouth Counties! Flexible scheduling. Work in your community. Weekly pay. Career advancement. Comprehensive benefits. Call 732-505-8000 today. (t/n) Looking To Hire Someone For A Janitoral Position - Between the hours of 7 a.m. to 12 p.m, Monday Through Friday. Please send resume to admin@holidayheights.com, or call 732-244-8686 extension 210. (14) Change Lives. Build Futures. Become a Direct Support Professional! Alternatives, Inc. is hiring responsible & dedicated candidates for rewarding employment opportunities working with adults with special needs. We get you CPR/ FA certified in addition to providing all the training you need to be successful. All you need is a passion for helping others. Pay starting at $17.25/hr! Higher Weekend Pay! Paid Training! Mileage Reimbursement! Advancement Opportunities! Openings in Jackson, Brick, Manchester & Tinton Falls. Various FT & PT shifts available. APPLY ONLINE: www.alternativesinc.org. EOE. (17) HIRING NOW!! The Goddard School of Toms River Route 70 is urgently hiring Assistant Teachers and Teacher Aides to float between the Infant through School Age classrooms. No teaching experience necessary. On-the-job training provided. Multiple PT and FT positions available. Call 732-363-5530 or email dtomsriver2nj3@goddardschools.com to schedule an interview today! (t/n) AID/COMPANION NEEDED - Part time, approximately 2 days and 2 nights a month for a flat rate and possible additional days. No experience necessary, very light duty for a 58 year old veteran, meals are includes and private bed and bath, must have drivers license and Covid vaccination, in my Covid safe house located in Toms River Holiday City South. Please call 201-306-6839. (14)

Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (17)

File Clerk Wanted - For law office. Flexible hours. Call 732523-5300 or email us at email@ walzerlawfirm.com. (14)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Jazz. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (18)

File Clerk Wanted - For law oﬃce. Flexible hours. Call 732-523-5300 or email us at email@walzerlawﬁrm.com. (14)

Computer Tutoring for Seniors – Retired, “Microsoft Certified” instructor. Very Reasonable rates. Very patient with slow learners. I’ll teach you in the comfort of your home on your computer. I can trouble shoot your slow computer! I also teach iPhone and iPad. I set up new computers at less than half the price the retailers charge. Windows 10 specialist. I can also build a beautiful small business website at a fraction of the going rates. Special Projects always welcome! Tony 732-997-8192. (t/n) PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n) Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterprooﬁng. Mold testing, removal and prevention. Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n) ALLAmerican Home Health Aides Experienced experts in the field of trauma and recovery. Holistic approach to healing-nutrition, physical therapy, and quality of life improvements. Hourly or live in. Honest, hardworking, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/ pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605 (t/n) Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-691-0123. Lic #13VH09460600. (19) Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote – Call now before the next power outage: 1-833-901-0309. (t/n) LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (15)

Certified Home Health Aides Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

Across 1 Tripoli’s country 6 College grad 10 Kill, as a dragon 14 Thorny plant 15 Latina toon explorer 16 Scrabble piece 17 If Nicholson sang, danced and acted, he might be called __ 20 GQ or Cosmo 21 Photographed 22 Inhumane 27 Salty drops 31 Big name in PCs 32 __ pork: Chinese dish with pancakes 35 “High” afternoon meal 36 Forbidden 38 Series of missed calls 40 If Robinson left En Vogue to sing in Jerry Garcia’s group, she might be called __ 43 Dog food seller 44 Crop up 46 Soul, to Sartre 47 Polar parka 50 Passionate about 51 Winona of “Stranger Things” 53 Brings good luck to 55 Taunt 58 Drone or worker 59 If Tomlin came from San Fernando, she might be called __ 67 Trim, as a photo 68 Dry forecast

69 Religious doctrine 70 Credit card balance, say 71 Benchmarks: Abbr. 72 Jerk or twitch Down 1 JFK’s successor 2 Nest egg initials 3 Flickable lighter 4 Go on and on 5 Kitchen allure 6 Samuel Barber’s “__ for Strings” 7 Cyberchortle 8 Web addresses 9 Subject with numbers 10 Georgia or Washington 11 Pot cover 12 It may be blonde or pale

13 “Roundabout” rockers with a positive name 18 Word before hand or land 19 Capitol feature 22 Cave hanger 23 Plato’s school, with “the” 24 Paid back, as a purchase incentive 25 Tweezer targets 26 Whirlybirds 28 Realizes, as a goal 29 Entertains with a bedtime story 30 Give in to gravity 33 Recital rebuke 34 Flower bed tool 37 Province on four Great Lakes 39 Spooky 41 Bass ending

42 Pendulum direction? 43 Links standard 45 Seemingly forever 48 Orange-yellow gemstones 49 Ukraine’s capital 52 The Nile runs through it 54 Detectives’ aids 56 Bosom buds, in texts 57 Nouveau-Mexique, par exemple 59 TV screen type 60 Fury 61 Easy throw 62 Laid low 63 Cut (off) 64 JFK alternative 65 Maximum borders? 66 Oft-candied veggie

SUDOKU

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

–Photo by Peggy Cadigan This magniﬁcent Harbor Seal was seen in Point Pleasant Beach right near the Manasquan Inlet.

Man Pleads Guilty To Attacking And Robbing Two People

By Alyssa Riccardi OCEAN COUNTY – A 29-year-old man has pled guilty to Robbery and Aggravated Assault in two separate incidents, police said. William McMenamin of Point Pleasant Borough pled guilty to two counts of Robbery and Aggravated Assault from events that occurred in Toms River and Lacey. McMenamin’s sentencing is on May 6 and he is facing five years in New Jersey State Prison. On April 28, 2021, Toms River Police responded to the area of Main Street and Route 37 regarding a fight. A 19-year-old man told them he had been assaulted and his back pack was stolen. He was later brought to Community Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Police identified McMenamin as the suspect who attacked and robbed the victim. He was arrested and brought to the Ocean County Jail but was later released.

A separate incident occurred nearly six months later on October 8, 2021. Oﬃcers from the Lacey Township Police Department were dispatched to the Lacey Inn after a robbery was reported. They said that McMenamin, who was a guest at the Lacey Inn, attacked and robbed another occupant of the Inn. He was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he has been lodged ever since. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Michael Abatemarco who is handling the matters on behalf of the State, as well as the Toms River Township Police Department and Lacey Township Police Department for their eﬀorts in connection with their respective investigations, leading to McMenamin’s arrest, guilty pleas and soon his state prison sentence.

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 21

POLICE BLOTTER Father Charged With Murder Of 6-Year-Old Son

By Alyssa Riccardi BARNEGAT – A Monroe Township man has been charged with Murder in connection to his son’s death that has been under investigation for nearly a year, officials said. Christopher Gregor, 29, is being charged due to abuse that police said took place on March 20, 2021. His six-year-old son Corey Micciolo died suddenly on April 2, 2021, at the Southern Ocean County Medical Center from sustained injuries due to blunt force trauma, the medical examiner determined. Investigation around the boy’s death alleged Gregor as the prime suspect after police viewed a suspicious video of Gregor with his son. According to police, Gregor was placing the boy on a treadmill in the gym of the complex where he was living in Barnegat. The video shows the suspect speeding up the treadmill, causing the boy to fall. He then puts Corey back on a few times as the boy kept falling off. Court papers also refer to Gregor biting Corey on the head during the incident. The boy’s mother, Breanna Micciolo who shared custody with Gregor, expressed how they are fi nally receiving justice for Corey. “I’m overjoyed and sad at the same time about Chris’ arrest,” Micciolo said. “After a year of waiting, and fighting for justice, we’re fi nally starting to get it. I really never thought this day would come.” On March 3, 2022 the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office received a report from the State’s expert witness which stated that Corey died as a result of blunt force impact of the chest and abdomen, and determined the manner of the child’s death to be homicide. On March 9, Gregor was taken into custody and is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing. “I’m thankful for the collective effort of all of the law enforcement officers that participated in this very thorough and comprehensive investigation over the past 11 months. Today is the first step in bringing the person we believe is responsible for this young boy’s death to justice,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated. “This truly was a team effort, and I’m grateful for the determination and resolve exhibited by all the agencies involved.” Billhimer and Chief Germain commend the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Economic Crimes Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim

Witness Advocacy Unit, Ocean County Sheriff ’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff ’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Englishtown Police Department, Manalapan Township Police Department, Monroe Township Police Department, Sea Bright Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Alcoa (Tennessee) Police Department, for their collective and cooperative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Gregor’s apprehension. Charges are merely accus ations until proven in a court of law. -Stephanie Faughnan contributed to this story

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 22, The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022

Dear Joel

By Joel Markel

Never Too Old To Learn New Tricks

Dear Joel, I tried taking ballroom dancing and I had two left feet. I tried knitting and that left me in knots. Sometimes I think I’m just too old to learn something. What do you think? Answer: Don’t feel bad. I recently took up learning bridge. It’s a fascinating game and I’m not very good…yet, but I hope to get better. The most important thing is that you keep trying new things and when you ﬁnd one you really like, stick with it, even though

you might not be great…yet. You’ll get there and you will meet new people and have some fun on the way. Thanks for writing, Joel Write to joel@preferredcares.com. His radio show, “Preferred Company” airs on 91.9 WBNJ FM from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays on preferredradio.com.

If you or anyone else is in need of home health care, call Preferred at 732-840-5566 (800603-CARE (2273). “Home health care with feeling. (“Home Health Care with Feeling”)

Fried Oyster And Chicken Salad Dinner

NEW EGYPT – The New Egypt Volunteer Fire Company, located at 59 Main Street New Egypt, will be hosting their “All You Can Eat” Fried Oyster and Chicken Salad Dinner on April 3.

Visitors have the option to sit down or order take out. Tickets are $30 and on sale every Thursday night from 6 to 7 p.m. at ﬁ rehouse. Any questions call 609752-2484.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to ﬁnd out how!

Ocean County Health Department COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule for March Walk-ins welcome, but appointments recommended. Clinic schedule dates subject to change.

DATE

LOCATION

CLINIC HOURS

Every Monday in March

Ocean County Health Department

2PM-6PM

Friday, March 25th

VNA at Jackson Library (COVID-19 Vaccine Only)

10AM-2PM

Every Saturday in March

Lacey Clinic

9AM-12PM

VNA & LIBRARY CLINICS OFFER VACCINE 12+ ALL OTHERS OFFER 5+

THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS CAN GET A BOOSTER SHOT • Teens 12–17 years old can get a Pfizer COVID booster at least 5 months after completing their primary COVID series • Adults 18 years and older can get any of the COVID-19 vaccines at least 5 months after completing their primary (Pfizer or Moderna) COVID-19 series • People 18 years and older who received J&J at least 2 months ago

732.341.9700

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022, Page 23

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of MAR 19 - MAR 25 By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Something seemingly free of charge could have strings attached -- there may be a price to pay for that free lunch. In the week ahead, your reputation may be boosted through the efforts of supporters and well-wishers. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Don’t catch your heel on the revolving door while it is still turning. You may be attracted to people and things that quickly move on. Avoiding distractions and a bit of skepticism could serve you well in the week ahead. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Your work ethic makes you a powerhouse, but your strategies and tactics may also be influenced by a desire to get along with others. During the week ahead, you might become more ambitious and practical. CANCER (June 21-July 22): An insight into someone’s motivations might put an end to a dilemma. Ask questions to better understand a partner’s ambitions. As the week unfolds you might encounter frequent interference from friends. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your sympathies may be easily aroused in the week to come. Someone who is riveted on getting the best end of every bargain might gladly switch places with you. Appreciate a loved one’s wisdom and financial expertise. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): This week should bring your key relationships into focus and offer information that can be food for reflection as you move forward. Before the week is over, you may wish to make a commitment to an ambitious project.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Attract one bird and the whole flock could follow. You may meet numerous people who challenge your beliefs and loyalties in the week to come. Heads up -- few things can be more costly than relying on wishful thinking. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It could be tempting to dream away the hours on fantasies. In the week ahead, however, you can cut to the chase when faced with obstinacy or foolishness. Focus on being realistic about achieving your goals. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): There could be many demands on your financial resources in the upcoming week. You may enjoy group outings and family entertainments but could become more ambitious about achieving material success and security. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A friendly and open-minded demeanor can offer family members a congenial backdrop for conversations. Business expertise and passion for excellence may earn more respect and admiration in the week ahead. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Make things work. Use your people skills to accomplish your goals in a practical way. In the week to come, you might find that you prevail even when someone opposes your will or challenges your authority. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Stay on point once the day begins. Start by gathering inspiration, but then shift gears and apply a realistic approach to your daily tasks. Utilize sensible strategies to keep your home organized in the week ahead.

A FEW TIPS AND TRICKS WILL ENSURE YOU BAKE THICK, CHEWY COOKIES EVERY TIME By America’s Test Kitchen

CHEWY CHOCOLATE COOKIES

(For 25 years, conﬁdent cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2022 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Page 24, The Southern Ocean Times, March 19, 2022

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