2022-09-24 - The Brick Times

Has Jersey Shore Tourism Returned To Its Pre-Pandemic Status?

Rules Tightened On AbandonedHomes

─Photos by Alyssa Riccardi

─Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn

This Shore Acres home at 24 Adair Drive, is on the township’s demolition list, per township Construction Official Daniel F. Newman.

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK - Properties that are vacant or have been abandoned can lead to a de cline in property value, create nuisances, lead to a general decrease in the neigh borhood aesthetic, create conditions that invite criminal activity and foster an unsafe and unhealthy environment, officials have said.

By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE –

With countless sunny days that offered the perfect beach day, the Jersey Shore had quite a successful summer season despite the world

Even after Labor Day weekend, warm weather brought many people to the Jenkinson’s Boardwalk. still living through a pandemic.In2020, many busi nesses and beaches were closed due to COVID-19. 2021 was the year tour ism bounced back. However, several busi nesses in both Ocean and Monmouth counties had issues with staffing shortages.Thissummer, it truly felt like things were re turning back to normal. Now that the summer season has officially come to a close, can it be justified to say that Jersey Shore tourism is back to pre-pandemic status? Many officials agreed that this summer (Tourism - See Page 4)

During the most recent Township Council meeting, the governing body introduced an amendment to an existing ordinance that addresses vacant and abandoned properties in the township.

In August 2021, a Superior Court ruling determined that municipalities had a legitimate interest in passing regulations

(Homes - See Page 5)

$60 Million Beach Replenishment Project Announced

By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY

– Officials recently announced plans for an upcoming beach replenishment project from Point Pleasant Beach to Berkeley’s South Seaside Park.

The total cost of the project will be approx imately $60 million.

The Army Corps of Engineers will pay $30 million, with the re maining $30 million paid by the state and municipalities.Locally,towns were responsible for $8 mil lion of the $60 million total, and the coun ty will split that with them. The project is

slated to start in early 2023.“We received a call from the local may ors and they asked us to help,” said John P. Kelly, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.Ameetingwas held earlier this month with county officials

and municipal leaders from Berkeley, Seaside Park, Seaside Heights, Toms River, Lavallette, Brick, Mantoloking, Bay Head, Point Pleas ant Beach and Point Pleasant Borough. Kelly also noted that while Point Pleasant Borough has no (Beach - See Page 9)

─Photo by Bob Vosseller

The northern portion of the barrier island will be part of a beach re plenishment project.

there were a lot of visitors.

Sandra Lazzaro, Division Director of Ocean County Business Development & Tourism, said the nice weather greatly im pacted the number of people coming to visit.

“What I can say is that the weather was perfect and we had many visitors from out of state. The Jersey Shore is very weather driven and it was perfect,” Lazzaro said. “We had a phenomenal tourism season. The energy level and experiences here in Ocean County were very positive. There were many events throughout the County and still have many more to come in the shoulder season.

“Ocean County has something to offer each visitor so a visitor can make a choice as what event or activity they would like to partake. From farms on the western part of the county to beaches to our downtown areas to our antiquing, we have a lot to offer,” she added.

A hotspot destination in Ocean County is Jenkinson’s Boardwalk and Aquarium. Alexander V. Taylor, who is the Marketing Strategist at Jenkinson’s, also agreed that this year’s great weather influenced the high number of visitors.

“We’re a very weather-depending busi ness. The weather this summer was amaz ing, probably the best weather I’ve seen in a long time. Although we can’t determine an exact number of people who visited us, what I can say is that a lot of our visitors

are day-trippers or people who visit for the weekend. So, the great weather really allowed people to plan out their trips in advance,” Taylor said. “Last year, people were still hesitant on going out, but I think this year a lot more people felt comfortable traveling. I do think people were eager to get out this summer, especially with most restrictions being dropped.”

Another popular spot for families and people of all ages is the Seaside Heights boardwalk, which is home the Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach. Casino Pier Mar keting Director Maria Mastoris expressed how this year felt the most like it used to be. “2021 was a great bounceback year from COVID with people wanting to get out, but this season with the amazing weather, higher gas prices and retail prices, along with travel issues more people stayed local. Therefore, our properties from the waterpark to the arcade to the pier had a good year! We had a better year than last year for sure,” she said. “Last year proved people were wanting to get back out after the COVID years. This year people want ed to go out, too, however the higher gas prices and airfare meant they had to stay closer to home, which helped us gaining local“Thetourism.weather

always helps or hurts our industry. Waterpark was busy during the day and the boardwalk portion with the pier rides, attractions, arcade and food were busy later on since the summer weather really was great. We did not have many rain days at all,” Mastoris added.

In Monmouth County, Commissioner Di

rector Tom Arnone noted how this summer tourism was back to its pre-pandemic nature. “We have spoken to many of our Shore mu nicipalities to get a gauge on how the season went in their town. I am happy to report that nearly all the towns have reported to us that they have seen an increase in visitors this year and are back to pre-pandemic status,” he said. “I am sure that having the driest summer since 1966 helped!”

Despite most aspects retuning to a normal, Arnone added how Monmouth County is still dealing with an employee shortage which has been continuing since 2020.

“Unfortunately, nearly all of our partners also reported that they did face challenges with finding employees. The county contin ues to work with small businesses year-round to assist them in onboarding and training employees,” Arnone said.

─Photos by Alyssa Riccardi People enjoyed the shore at Point Pleasant Beach this summer.

to address vacant and abandoned proper ties. However, some ordinances have too broad of a definition of what a vacant and abandoned home is. The ruling sought to create a better definition.

“This ordinance amends an existing ordinance to bring us in line with the goals outlined by the judge and address the court’s ruling,” said Councilwoman Heather deJong.

While the township has already adopted property maintenance codes to regulate building standards and the condition of the property as a whole, the governing body recognizes that it is in the best interest of the public’s health, safety and welfare to adopt a more regulated method to dis courage property owners from allowing their properties to become abandoned, neglected or left unsupervised, the ordi nance

Furthermore,says. the Township Council is authorized to enact and amend ordinances as deemed necessary and is authorized to create a property registration program to identify and monitor the properties within the township to regulate the care, maintenance, security and upkeep and to impose a registration fee on the owners of these properties.

In 2018, the township contracted with ProChamps to handle the registration of vacant and abandoned properties in the

township.Thecompany holds responsible parties

(usually banks) to register a foreclosed property with no cost to the community since it can be difficult to get to the bottom of who has the information on mortgages andWhendeeds.aproperty

is named on the aban doned properties list, the right to foreclose starts immediately and the township would then have the right to go onto the property to undertake efforts to secure and maintain it.

The township would have the option to partner with a qualified contractor, who would be authorized (after a court hear ing) to take possession of the property and renovate it.

The definition of abandoned property is any property that has not been legally oc cupied for a period of six months and meets one other of four criteria:

The property is in need of rehabilitation and none has taken place in the last six months;

Construction was started and stopped for at least six months;

One quarter property tax payment is de Thelinquent;property is considered a nuisance by the township construction official.

There are exceptions for seasonal property owners and a formal process for any prop erty owner who appeals.

A second hearing on the amendment and public comment will be held at the next council meeting scheduled for September 27 at 7 p.m.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

F eatured L etter

New Bills Will Hurt Senior Communities

You may be shocked, as I am, to know that New Jersey state legislators from Bergen, Middle sex, Hudson and Burl ington Counties are ac tively working to pass laws, namely, Assembly Bill A4377 and Assembly Bill A4106-Senate Bill S2537, which will esca late the costs of living in Ocean County and New Jersey common interest communities throughout New Jersey, eliminate the ability of owners in such common interest communities to run their own communities as they see fit and which will ultimately convert owner occupied communities into low income rental communities.AssemblyBill A4377, proposed by Assembly woman, Carol Murphy (District 7 Burlington), which is applicable to communities with over 100 units, seeks to impose an annual tax on all New Jersey condominiums, co

operatives and homes with in homeowner associations, at approximately $3.00 per unit, and, will require the non-delinquent unit owners within their communities to subsidize the delinquent unit owners within their communities by mandating an annual payment to a socalled “Common Interest Community Homeowners’ Association Trust Fund” to, among other things, not only pay the common maintenance expenses for low income households but also fund within the Department of Community Affairs (hereinafter “DCA”) the “Office of the Ombuds man for Common Interest Communities” which will demand an annual report from every common inter est community board. This bill will not only discourage qualified individuals from serving their community, it will escalate the cost of living in virtually every New Jersey community association with more than 100 units, and, the mon

ies collected will create a bloated bureaucracy within the DCA which will have the right to assist in foisting new rules and regulations upon all New Jersey com mon interest communities with more than 100 units, but not communities with less than 100 units, by peo ple in Trenton who do not even live in the communi ties affected.

Senate Bill S2537 proposed by Senator, Troy Singleton (District 7 Burlington), and, the companion Assembly Bill A4106, proposed by Assemblywoman, Yvonne Lopez (District 19 Middle sex) and Assemblywoman, Angelica M. Jiminez (Dis trict 32 Bergen and Hudson) applies to communitiesbuyandcorporations,morewhichsuchgoverningsence,communitiesage-restrictedand,inesseekstooverridethedocumentsofcommunities,manyofhavebeeninplaceforthan40years,toallowbusinessesunder-agedpersonstounitsorhomesinsuchtorentthem

out; despite the residents previously purchasing in such communities because the community was owner occupied.Incredibly, the “Statement” which currently accompa nies the need for this bill misstates that “communi ties which were organized by a developer to house persons aged 55 and over [requires that] at least 80 percent of the residents, and one resident per each household, must be aged 55 or older.” Rather, federal law requires Severalolder.personstodemonstrateciesthatcommunity,qualifycommunitiesage-restrictedseekingtoasanage-restrictedtodemonstratetheyadheretopoliandprocedureswhichtheirintentoperateashousingfor55yearsofageorSee24CFR100.306.oftheexpressways

identified by Congress for a community to demonstrate its intent to operate as hous ing for persons 55 years or age or older is through: Written rules, regulations,

Letters To The Editor

covenant, deed or other restrictions.(See24CFR 100.306(4))

The maintenance and consistent application of relevant procedures.

(See 24 CFR 100.306(5))

Actual practices of the housing facility or com munity.(See24 CFR 100.306(6))

The concept of 80% is irrel evant to most communities.

Historically and consistent with 24 CFR 100.306, Plan ning Boards throughout New Jersey have imposed upon many age-restrict ed communities, govern ing documents (ie Master Deeds, Declarations, Pro prietary Leases and ByLaws), that do not allow persons under fifty-five (55) years of age to purchase a home or interest in a dwell ing unit unless a spouse or a domestic partner of a person is fifty-five (55) years of age or older. This protocol is ingrained into the Mas ter Plan of municipalities throughout New Jersey.

In conclusion, if the pro

posed legislation dis cussed is passed, it will wreak havoc on the de cisions of many New Jer seyans, who resisted re tiring to more retirement friendly states, to buy into an owner-occupied and owner-governed retire ment community in New Jersey, as they watch their communities transform into a rental community controlled by politicians and bureaucrats from out side of their community.

I therefore invite every person who opposes this legislation that they write the sponsors of these bills, as well as, your own state legislators and Governor Murphy to express, in no uncertain terms, why New Jersey will be a better place without such laws. We ultimately get what we deserve. And, inaction about where and how we live will leave us resenting where and how we live.

Judith ManchesterNoonan

Recently the letter carrier for our community experi enced a devastating event where she lost her home

and all her belongings to a flood. Not being in a flood zone she didn’t have flood insurance so everything was a financial loss. Our community began do nating gifts to her and several community organizations took up collections for her. While I’m sure these gifts helped, they couldn’t possibly make a dent in her needs.

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

The Brick Times welcomes all points of view for pub lication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express them selves 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 verifica tion. Letters may not be print ed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submit ted, 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 sectionthediscretion.perlimitedonline.com.news@jerseyshoreLettersmaybetoonepermonthwriterattheeditor’sTheopinionsexpressedinLettersToTheEditordonotnecessari

ly reflect 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.

Unfortunately, a mem ber of our community, for reasons unknown, took it upon themselves to com plain to the Post Master about the gifts that were being bestowed. She never solicited gifts and all gifts were given happily. This anonymous complaint letter caused her to be disciplined and threatened with loss of job if she accepted any fu ture gifts. One of our local organizations which had collected many checks from their members had to forgo giving them to her.

What difference is this from (what I’m sure most of us do by) giving our letter carriers a holiday gift in December? Why would

someone go out of their way to make a bad situation worse? We live in a society with some very spiteful individuals. Shame on you.

LouisJacksonRiehl

Women’s (In) Equality Day

The League of Wom en Voters of Monmouth County (LWVMonmouth) usually celebrates August 26 as Women’s Equality Day. This recognizes the anniversary of the certifica tion of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote and affording equal representation and the full rights and privileges as cit izens of the United States. NOT THIS YEAR. Instead, the LWVMon

mouth is marking August 26 as Women’s (In)Equality Day recognizing that we are in a moment where wom en have fewer rights than they’ve had in decades. We are calling on lawmakers to take action to restore and protect our rights.

The Supreme Court deci sion overturning the con stitutional right to abortion as recognized for nearly 50 years will have a harmful impact on all people who may become pregnant. We are concerned this will exacerbate societal inequal ities and fall disproportion ately on people of color and low-income communities already facing obstacles to healthcare.TheLWVMonmouth urges the passage of the Repro ductive Equity Act [REA] (A4350/S2918) now. This

act addresses gaps in access by mandating insurance plans in New Jersey cover abortion and birth control with no cost-sharing or out-of-pocket. The REA also protects people seeking and providing abortions in New Jersey from extremist violence and the aggressive overreach of anti-abortion states. This commonsense legislation will impact the lives of many and we must not wait to move it forward.

Contact your legislators and urge them to support strong and equitable access to reproductive healthcare for all.

Barbara Chaudhery Evelyn C. Murphy Sharon Steinhorn Co-Presidents, League of Women Voters of Monmouth County

S o n g overnment

State To Increase Annual Payments To Certain Veterans With Disabilities

From The Desk Of The Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON – In recognition of increas es to the cost of living over the past few decades and in honor of New Jersey’s vet erans, Governor Phil Murphy signed bill A-1477 to increase annual payments from the State to veterans with certain disabil ities resulting from their wartime service. Annual payments to eligible veterans will increase from $750 to $1,800.

Prior to the bill becoming law, payments to veterans with certain disabilities cov ered under the Paraplegic and Hemiplegic Veterans’ Allowance program had not increased since 1981, while payments to blind veterans covered under the Blind Veterans’ Allowance Program had not increased since 1971.

“A lot has changed over the past several decades, and it is important for our State to keep up with the rising cost of living in our support for New Jersey veterans,” said Governor Murphy. “Veterans who were disabled in the line of duty made an immeasurable sacrifice on behalf of our nation. Ensuring these veterans receive the financial assistance they need and deserve from our state is how we can honor that sacrifice.”

“Thanks to the hard work of advocates, Governor Murphy, and the Legislature, this benefit will help our Garden State veterans grappling each day with some of wartime’s most catastrophic physical injuries,” said Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O, Commissioner of the New Jersey De partment of Military and Veteran Affairs. “This benefit will certainly support the quality of life of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

Funding to enable this change in pay ments to eligible veterans was a part of the Governor’s initial FY23 budget proposal

and was included in the final budget signed in June 2022.This law will help ap proximately 200 veterans in New Jersey. Benefits eligibility includes vet erans with loss of sight, amputations of hands, feet or limbs, osteochondritis, multiple sclero sis, permanent paralysis in their limbs or certain portions of the body.

The increase will take place on January 1,Sponsors2023. of the bill include Senators Linda Greenstein and Michael Testa, and Assembly members Daniel Benson, Anthony Verrelli, and Raj “VeteransMukherji.withservice-connected disabili ties sacrificed so much to protect our country and deserve compensation for their efforts,” said Senator Greenstein. “Several decades have gone by since these payments to vet erans have been increased. Considering the exponential increases seen in cost of living over the years, this is unacceptable. While the increase of compensation in this bill cannot fully repay the sacrifice our disabled veterans gave, it can hopefully provide some aid as they live out the rest of their lives.”

“I am proud this legislation will be signed into law. It is our duty to ensure the well-be ing of New Jersey’s veterans and their spous es,” said Senator Testa. “Some veterans have suffered significant disabilities in the line of duty including permanent paralysis and loss of sight. This law will offer some much needed financial relief and stability to these injured veterans and their loved ones during their time of need.”

“This annual allowance increase is long overdue,” said Assemblymen Benson, Verrelli, and Mukherji in a joint statement. “$750 does not stretch as far as it used to and it is time we acknowledge that by providing our disabled veterans with the financial assistance they have earned. After every thing these veterans have sacrificed for our country, we owe it to them to do all that we can to help them support themselves and their families.”

Blessing Of The Animals, Pet Adoption & Vendor Festival

BRICK – The Pet Ministry of St. Paul’s Unit ed Methodist Church is hosting their “10th Annual Blessing of the Animals, Pet Adop tion & Vendor Festival” at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 714 Herbertsville Road, Brick, on October 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

They will have DJ entertainment, Brick Police K9 demonstrations, photo memes for selfies with your pet, food court, Kona Ice truck, and more! They will have vendors with opportunities to spoil your pets as well as their owners.

HANDS FOR ALL Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC. Not-For-Profit Affordable Housing Developer Hooper Ave. Toms River, NJ 08753 Tel: 732.286.7929 Fax: 732.286.9698

Community n ew

OCT. 5 BINGO EXTRAVAGANZA AT PEDDLERS VILLAGE $118/pp

Includes Plated Lunch and $800 in guaranteed prizes

OCT. 25 DAVID AT SIGHT & SOUND $136/pp

Includes lunch at Shady Maple before show, and Center Orchestra seat.

OCT. 22 WIND CREEK CASINO $54/pp

Includes $25 Slot Play with a 5 hr Stay

OCT. 23 THE JERSEY TENORS AT HUNDERTON HILLS PLAYHOUSE $134/pp

Includes Dinner Before Show.

OCT. 26-28 3 DAY SALEM HAUNTED HAPPENINGS FALL FOLIAGE TOUR $599/pp Dbl.Occ.

Includes 2 nights lodging at Embassy Suites, Lizzie Borden House Tour, Guided Tour, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners and more.

OCT. 29 A TRIBUTE TO BILLY JOEL & SR. ELTON JOHN AT HUNDERTON HILLS PLAYHOUSE $126/pp

Includes Lunch Before Show.

NOV. 1-5 5 DAY PIGEON FORGE & SMOKY MOUNTAINS FALL FOLIAGE TOUR $999/pp Dbl.Occ.

Includes 4 nights lodging, 2 shows, 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Guided Tour, Smokey Mountains National Park & More.

NOV. 11 FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS AT NJC CENTER $249/pp

Includes Orchestra Level Seat & Dinner Before Show.

NOV. 16 FUNNY GIRL MUSICAL $194/pp

Includes Lunch Before Show.

NOV. 18 CHRISTMAS AT LONGWOOD GARDENS $134/pp

Includes Lunch and admission.

NOV. 27-DEC. 1 5 DAY BILTMORE ESTATE AT CHRISTMAS $1035/pp Dbl. Occ. Includes 4 nts. Lodging, House Tour, Ashville Highlights Tour 4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners & More.

NOV. 30 CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR ROCKETS AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL $222/pp

Includes Lunch Before Show and Orchestra Seat

NOV. 30 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT THE BROWNSTONES IN PATERSON $128/pp

Includes a family style lunch, 1 Drink, Live Music, Comedian

DEC. 1 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT AMERICAN MUSIC THEATER IN LANCASTER PA $126/pp Includes Lunch Before Show

DEC. 12-14 3 DAY CHRISTMAS ON THE POTOMAC $598/pp Dbl.Occ. Enjoy the holidays with us on a spectacular Christmas themed trip. Ice returns this year with one of a kind amazing walk-through experience. Includes 2 nts. stay at the 5 star Gaylord National Harbor Resort, 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 1 Christmas Musical with lunch and more.

DEC. 15. ELF MUSICAL AT THE DUTCH APPLE THEATRE IN LANCASTER PA $138/pp

Includes Lunch Before Show

JAN. 11 A BEAUTIFUL $219/pp

JAN. $212/pp

Taste Of The Town - Spirit, Wine, Cigar Tasting

BRICK – Mark your calendars for Sep tember 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion on Mantoloking Road and support the local PBA #230 for their Taste of The Town - Spirit, Wine, Cigar Tasting.

Price of admission is $100 and gets you dinner, cigar, a custom rocks glass and a t-shirt. Tickets can be purchased at Brick230.Eventbrite.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

JAN. $198/pp at where ales for

Beach: Continued From Page 1

oceanfront property and is not part of the replenishment effort, their leaders felt it was important to attend the session to support their neighboring communities.

Commissioner Deputy Director Virginia E. Haines said the beaches suffered severe erosion following several coastal storms that battered the coastline in recent years, including a major storm late last winter.

She added, “the beaches and dunes are vital to the protection of our towns and our residents. The Board of Commissioners felt it was right to step in and help our commu nities bear this cost.”

Many of the county’s smaller coastal communities have limited budgets and

this cost would have cut into them severely. Kelly added that “there was an immediate consensus among the commissioners that we needed to help.”

This is the first project scheduled by the Army Corps of Engineers along the northern barrier island since it completed repairing and strengthening beaches right after Superstorm Sandy.

The amount of county funding for each project is as follows:

• Bay Head: $714,000

• Berkeley: $159,000

• Brick: $450,000

• Lavallette: $336,500

• Mantoloking: $645,000

• Point Pleasant Beach: $135,500

• Toms River: $975,000

• Seaside Heights: $375,000

• Seaside Park: $191,000

The Business Brew - A Breakfast Networking Event

BRICK – Join the Brick Chamber of Commerce for their monthly Network ing Breakfast on October 7 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Make new contacts & grow your business while enjoying a delicious hot breakfast! This is an in-person event. Space is limited and pre-registration is

required. Sorry, no walk-ins. Special thanks to our host: David’s Culinary Delights.Costis$15 for members, $25 for notyet-members. For more information and to register, visit BrickChamber. com.

Second Annual Town Wide Yard Sale

BRICK – Brick Township’s Second Annu al Town-Wide Yard Sale will take place on October 8. Last year, more than 500 homes took part and this year we are expecting even more. Participants will sell their goods at their own homes. The Township will compile a list of participating homes and create a Google map to help people find sales.

The cost to participate as a seller is $5 per home. Participation in the sale will count

towards the annual limit of four yard sales perToyear.register, download a form at yard-saletownship.net/index.php/events/town-wide-brick and mail it with payment and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Township Clerk’s Office, 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ 08723.

You can also register in person in the Clerk’s Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Construction Material Drop Off Day

BRICK – Residents will be able to bring household construction material to the Re cycling Center on Ridge Road on October 8 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Allowable household construction material includes kitchen cabinets, sheetrock, ply wood, windows, wood trim, molding, wood floors, tile flooring, decking, ceiling tiles, paneling, doors, 2×4’s, roofing shingles and

outdoor sheds.

• Brick residents only

• Tax Bill and Drivers License re •quired No hazardous materials

• No contractors or commercial vehicles

• Drop Off only (no curbside collec tion offered)

Music Fest US CompetitionBands

BRICK – Brick Township High School hosted the Music Fest US Bands Compe tition this past on September 10. Mayor Ducey was excited to attend and support these great young people.

Mayor Ducey presented the Mayor’s Trophy to Brick Memorial High School

─Photo courtesy Brick Township Marching Band for having the highest overall score. of performed our community is proud of the Brick Memorial High School and Brick Township High School Marching Bands. Congratulations BMHS Marching Band!

Council Honors Eagle Scouts

BRICK – Mayor Ducey and the Township Council honored Gage Bartolucci and Rafael Gonzales-Trelles on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Gage and Rafael were

tificates of Commendation and told the audience about the community projects they completed. Congratulations Gage and Rafael and we wish you continued success!

Craft And Vendor Fair

BRICK – Brick Township’s Annual Craft and Vendor Fair takes place on October 1 at Windward Beach Park, Princeton Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Fair features a variety of talented crafters and other vendors. The rain date is October 2. Anyone interested in becoming a vendor should call Rec reation at 732-262-1075.

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What else makes GCU so special?

• Diverse student population, many first in their families to attend college

• Devoted faculty & staff

• 37 majors, 45 minors

• 14 NCAA D2 varsity sports

• 50+ clubs & organizations, including campus ministry

• 156 acres campus of serene beauty, and a peaceful, safe place to learn AT GEORGIAN COURT, STUDENTS EXPAND WHAT IS POSSIBLE.

─Photo courtesy Brick Township

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

I May Buy A Less Expensive OTC Hearing Aid

There are many of you out there that are willing to take a chance on buying one of the many OTCs on the market. Before you make that PURCHASE, first have your hearing evaluated determine if you’re really a candidate for this device. Contact Dr. Izzy’s office and he will be happy to evaluate your hearing and discuss all of your options with you. If you ignore this recommendation, then carefully read the information below to assist in making the best purchase for your listening needs.

Discounts

If you require a flat reduction for the OTC hearing aids you wish to purchase, follow the best sale technique of a couple of portals, which occurs occasionally. These platforms will also supply bet ter-discounted price selections on various items during the off-season.

Customer Feedback

You should seek reviews for your chosen product on the relevant portal. Go for it if you are completely satisfied. Never make a buy in a hurry. Give your time and conduct thorough research on the merchandise you prefer.

Analyze The Ratings

It is widely thought that if a product’s rating remains at or above par four, the product is an excellent pick. You must pay attention to the ratings and hunt for the ideal point. Then and only then will your online purchase be a success. If you see ALL 5 Star ratings, don’t believe it. Explore The Company’s Privacy Policies.

This is a critical component. You don’t have to follow them if you buy from well-known and trustworthy websites. However, look into their privacy policies if you use a few additional web portals. And determine whether or not they are genuine.

Policy On Returns

If dissatisfied with the product, you must return it within the time frame specified by the relevant E-commerce platforms. Ensure that the returned product is in the same condition as when it was received and that the associated receipt is not misplaced.

Methods Of Payment

After you’ve decided on your products,

click the Buy button. Then you’ll see various payment options for credit and debit cards and their EMI plans. If you are not comfortable paying in advance, use the cash on delivery (COD) or pay on delivery option (POD).

Don’t Purchase Using Public Wi-Fi. Never, ever do it, no matter how much free public service you obtain. Otherwise, your personal buying would become a public concern. Whatever product you choose and its associated pricing may be made public.

Check Your Credit Card Statement. Check your credit card statement regu larly. It’s always fun to have credit cards because you can buy anything using the lucrative EMI programs. However, the issue emerges when you become aware of the massive pending loans. So, always shop wisely while keeping your budget and needs in mind.

Look For HTTPS Rather Than HTTP In The URL.

HTTPS is highly recommended if you require a secure buying experience. It operates at the transport layer, ensuring end-to-end network communications security, and is hence favored for internet communications and online transactions.

Do Not Click On Links In Emails. Never click on an unsolicited email link since it could be a malware message that could harm your device or laptop if you do. As a result, your private and secure data may be compromised.

Update Your Browser. Always update your browser because there is always the possibility that it will become infected with malicious programs, trojans, and viruses. As a re sult, your regular upgrades will quickly address any security issues.

The Bottom Line

Sound or via REHAB:

Dr. Izzy & his Staff hope this informa tion helps you make the right decision when you purchase OTC hearing aids. We are always available to answer your ques tions about hearing health. His offices are located in Toms River, Manahawkin, and Whiting and can be reached by calling 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

The 4 Biggest Problems With Face Creams

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Everyone likes to look youthful, and face creams are a quick way to smooth out fine lines and add hydration to your face. Even if this doesn’t apply to you, and you yourself don’t use any skincare, someone you know does! I know that be cause the face cream market is expected to hit $8 billion dollars in the next few years! That’s a lot of face cream! And I can tell you from personal experience, that many of them are not useful, and are sometimes harmful.

By harmful, I mean they may contain in gredients that are aging you faster. There are 4 major problems with using certain face creams. Let’s go over those now.

The 4 Main Problems with Face Cream

1. They Can Often Feel Greasy. When you apply your face cream, you may wake up in the morning to a greasy face print on your pillow! Or you might apply your makeup (on top of your face cream) and just end up with an oil-looking face. The reason is that most moisturizers contain oils that don’t match your skin so they sit on top of the skin rather than getting ab sorbed. The biggest brand names are often the biggest culprits for cheap ingredients because they use their money to pay in fluencers and celebrities to brainwash you that it’s amazing stuff! The ingredients often come up short, or very chemically.

2. The Ingredients Can Increase Risk of Cancer. Many face creams today contain parabens and other cancer-causing pre servatives. If you read the ingredient list

and see any word that ends in “paraben” such as methylparaben, then you should choose something different. If you apply a cream with parabens even once daily, you are exposing yourself to endocrine disruptors that are thought to cause many cancers.Ifyou don’t know you have a little microscopic (yet-to-be-seen) tumor, and you use parabens, you may be making yourself worse because of the cream you are using. Everyone who has integrity will avoid putting parabens in their skin care products.

3. The Vitamin C They Use is All Wrong. I see very pricey moisturizers boasting vitamin C in their formulas. While it’s true that this nutrient is beneficial for skin care, it is also true that most forms of C do not even work on the skin as advertised.

4. Steroids are Hidden in Some Face Creams. Many people will apply a daily moisturizing cream without realizing that they contain steroids. You may be aging yourself! These creams are often sold at the dermatologist’s office, or online. The reason is that use of steroids on the face for more than a few weeks will cause thinning of the skin, and fungal infections which can become very severe.

The best way to apply moisturizer is to use a nickel-sized amount for your entire face and don’t forget your neck. If you’d like to read the longer version of this article, come to my website suzycohen. com, and I will give you the solution to these problems, as well as a free ebook.

around the JerSey Shore

The Eastern Cottontail

By Renee Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

The eastern cottontail is a member of the order Lagomorpha. What does that mean, you might be wondering? It refers to gnaw ing herbivorous mammals who possess two pairs of incisors in the upper jaw, one behind the other. They are not considered mammals, despite their resemblance to rodents. The cottontail is one of 12 spe cies of rabbits occupying North America. Rabbits are considered a major food source to a variety of animals. Dogs and cats are also considered predators, whether they domestic or Cottontailsferal.have a digestive system that allows them process food twice. It passes initially as a soft blackish pellet, which is consumed, digested and passed through as a hard fibrous pellet. At that point there is no nutritional value. Their primary food sources are tender grasses, leaves, and herbs. That is not to say they will eat other foods not typical of their diet, in cases where natural foods are not available. Their shallow nests are constructed in the ground, lined with some grasses and the mother’s fur which she plucks from her neck area. This provides a lining between

the soil and her babies. Some females will produce anywhere from two to five litters a year. Each litter having four to six “kittens.” Personally, I have seen litters as large as 10. During the day the mother leaves the nest and returns at dusk to nurse. She does this keep her scent away from her babies as it will attract predators. Cats will often find a nest, and once that happens, they usually remember where they are. One by one a cat might bring a ‘gift’ to its home. In that case they are not looking for food but simply demonstrating their prey drive.

The white spot on the top of their forehead is the quickest way to identify them. Even with their speed reaching 20 miles per hour, they have many predators in the wild which include foxes, hawks, owls, domestic cats, and dogs. They are also hunted by people and killed by automobiles. Some will not survive past one year. They utilize burrows to escape from predators, however, those burrows are those of other animals.

The information for this article from was gathered through multiple sources so statis tics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/ or federal permits.

R.C. Inside The Law

Choosing The Right Automobile Insurance Will Protect Your Family And Assets

By: Michael J, Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

By Mike Deem

In 1998, the State of New Jersey adopted the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act (AICRA) to reduce the cost of automobile insurance by reducing the benefits available to persons who are injured in automobile ac cidents. This means less coverage to pay for medical treatment and less rights to recover monetary damages from careless drivers who injure your family. Protect yourself.

Automobile insurance is mandatory in New Jersey. The failure to carry automobile insur ance may be punishable by imprisonment.

When purchasing automobile insurance, you have two choices; you are required to select either a Basic Policy or a Standard Policy. We do not recommend choosing the Basic Policy.TheBasic Policy only provides minimal coverage and leaves you unprotected in sev eral areas. A Basic Policy only provides you with $5,000.00 of property damage liability coverage if someone makes a claim against you and only provides $15,000.00 of medical expense benefits should you require medical treatment for your injuries. The Basic Policy does not cover you if you injure someone else. The Basic Policy does not provide Un insured Motorist coverage to protect you and your family if the careless driver who causes the collision is uninsured or is insured under a Basic Policy. Perhaps most importantly, the Basic Policy will not provide you with a free lawyer to defend any claim against your personal assets.

We recommend that you purchase a Stan dard Policy. A Standard Policy provides the best insurance coverage to protect your assets if you are sued and to provide com pensation to you and your family if you/they are injured.

The Standard Policy does provide medical expense benefits (PIP) coverage which in cludes medical expenses up to $250,000.00 per person per accident. The Standard Policy also provides you with Uninsured Motorist Cov erage (UM Benefits), so if you are injured by someone who does not have automobile insurance, is insured under a Basic Policy or leaves the scene of the collision then you and your family are covered for your losses.

When you purchase the Standard Policy, you must elect a “tort option” that will determine your right to make a claim. You must select either the “limitation on lawsuit option” or the “no limitation on lawsuit op tion.” If you purchase the Basic Policy then you are assigned the “limitation on lawsuit option.” We recommend that you choose the “no limitation on lawsuit option.” Ask your insurance representative what is the actual dollar amount that your overall premium will increase if you elect the “no limitation on lawsuit option.”

By choosing the “limitation on lawsuit option” you are limiting your legal right to make a claim for monetary damages unless you sustain one of the following injuries: Death, Dismemberment; Significant scar ring or disfigurement; Displaced Fractures; Loss of Fetus or a Permanent Injury that can been diagnosed by credible, objective medicalSelectingtesting.the correct insurance coverage is extremely important when it comes to protecting your family and personal assets.

Call the Attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associ ates (732-505-1212) for a free evaluation of your automobile insurance policy.

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

CLASSIFIEDS

Services

Seaside Park - Beautiful, Oceanfront, 2 bedroom, super clean and quiet. No pets. $2,500/month, security, credit check required. 908-278-5491. (40)

Seeking Home

APARTMENT WANTED - For senior healthy feamle ASAP, 908-910-3046. (40)

SENIOR JERSEY GENT SEEKS

NEW HOME - Semi-retired (fully vaccinated including Pfizer booster) desires lodging in private home. Food fringees too! Call Charlie 732-2163176. Email: cr@exit109.com. (40)

54 Year Old Gentlemen - Looking to seach for apartment/house to rent in Brick or Toms River. Please call Mary Ann 732-475-7770. (40)

GarageRentSale

Garage Sale - 1955 Pinta Ct. Toms River. Saturday Oct 1 & Sunday Oct 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (41)

Estate Sale

APARTMENT SALE - Beautiful antique bakers hutch, washstand, captains trunk, caine chairs and more. Dealer selling everything cheap, free furniture. 908-910-3046. (40)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

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, brica-brac, select china and crys tal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104 (44)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (30)

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)

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

Help Wanted

Experienced Home Health Aid(s)

Available hourly or 24/7 and ready to assist you with personal care, medication monitoring, driving, grocery shopping, cooking, light housekeeping, companionship, etc. (including patients suffering from Dementia/Althheimer's or any other disabilities). References available. Call 732-910-8869. (42)

Absolute best home improvements!"Building the shore since 1984" Additions, carpentry, windows & doors, roofing & siding, painting & staining, flooring, kitchens & baths, finished basements, masonry, fencing, custom decks, fully insured, license #13VH11804800. $ave. Call Brien 732-850-5060. (28)

House Cleaning, Painting, Shopping, - Window clean ing, laundry, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Very good prices. Call 732-773-5078 or 848-287-3944. (43)

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interi or exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (28)

Services Services Services

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

MY HANDY CREW - Home re pairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home main tenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (27)

Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention. Family owned. Fully licensed and in sured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n)

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

Music Lessons In Your HomeBy state certified instrumen tal music teacher. Please call 732-350-4427 for more informa tion. All are welcome. (3)

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

ALL American Home Health AidesExperienced 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, hardwork ing, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605 (t/n)

PQ Painting & Home Improve ment Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com . Win ner 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)

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE Lenny - Lenny's Mo bile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (39)

Personals

Senior Single Males 70+ WantedFor friendship, companionship for single senior females must have good morals standards 732-6786786 will return call. (43)

Estate Sale All Must GoCall 732-267-6232. (42) For Sale

Kayaks Santee Sport 126 - Red/ WH $650. antee Sport 116 orange/ WH $650. Excellent condition. Light weight, epic paddle includ ed. 732-673-7072. (42)

PUERTO RICAN PASTE

LES - Holiday Tradition. Pork or Chicken. Made weekly/Vacu um Sealed. Call/text Cary 908770-8537. $40 dozen. (43)

Carmen's Hair Styles- Help wanted hair stylist with experience. 1900 Rt. 70, Ste 210, Lakewood NJ. 732597-3447. Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Carmenshairstyles.com (43)

Computer Tutoring for Seniors –Retired, “Microsoft Certified” in structor. 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 com puters at less than half the price the retailers charge. Windows 10 special ist. 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)

2. Print clearly your as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWEL

RY 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)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

Cash Paid LP Records - 33/45's, reel to reel's. Fast response, we answer the phone 732-829-5908, 24/7, Eddie. (41)

Entire Estates Bought - Bed room/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)

HIRING NOW!! The Goddard School of Toms River Route 70 is urgently hiring Assistant Teachers and Teacher Aides to float be tween the Infant through School Age classrooms. No teaching ex perience necessary. On-the-job training provided. Multiple PT and FT positions available. Call 732-363-5530 or email scheduleriver2nj3@goddardschools.comdtomstoaninterviewtoday!(t/n) are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your

Home Health Care CompanyNow Hiring RN’s, LPN’s and CHHA in Ocean & Monmouth Counties! Flexible schedul ing. Work in your community. Weekly pay. Career advance ment. Comprehensive benefits. Call 732-505-8000 today. (t/n)

For Sale - 3 piece queen bed room with box spring and mattress, wood grain. Used only twice, $499. 732-503-3263. (41) ISO Experienced Body Shop WelderTo work on old car. No schedule. Call Bart 201-249-2400. (43)

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Trans portation needed. Long term com mitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

Day Substitutes Wanted for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School district: Couriers, Custodi al, School Nurses/RN, Secretarial, Teachers for Trade Skill Areas-Auto, Construction, Culinary, Electrical, Engineering/Machine Technology, Heavy Equipment Operator, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding or visit www.ocvts. org/employment. EOE. Please email resume to: tedgar@mail.ocvts.org or call 732-240-6414, ext. 3317. (42)

LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod In stalls, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provid ed by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (15)

APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations, decks, finished basements and much more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (36)

Property/Management - Brick repair, brick restoration, mulch, stone. Spring/Fall cleanups. pruning, concrete repairs. Call Ken 732-814-7743. (42)

Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shop ping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family func tions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)

Santucci Painting LLC - We paint it all, interior and exterior, drywall re pair, pressure washing, decks, stained. Email santwag@aol.com. 908-3275471. 13VH05784200. (41)

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)

Nor’easter Painting and Stain ing, LLC - Interior and exte rior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-691-0123. Lic #13VH09460600. (19)

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS info. below:

5. MAIL TO : PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388. Or visit jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified. Card# Exp. Name:

Advertise in the main sections of Micromedia’s weekly news papers. Your ad will be seen by thousands. Our skilled team of account executives can work with any budget. 732-657-7344 206 for more information.

Most people have at least a few freckles on their face or body, but not many have one on their eye. A nevus, also called a “freckle of the eye,” is a colored growth that forms on the eye similar to the way a mole develops on the skin. Nevi are simply a gathering of melanocytes (the cells that create melanin which gives our skin its color). They are usually harmless, so treatment is often not required. In some cases, however, nevi can evolve into cancer of the eye and your ophthalmologist will want to keep tabs on it. If a nevus forms on the outer wall of the eye, it can be removed surgically for aesthetic reasons.

It’s possible that sun damage may increase your chances of nevi, and there’s evidence that iris freckles are related to being out in the sun. A study found that people who spent more time in the sun had more iris freckles. To schedule a comprehensive eye exam, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. While most nevi are harmless, an ophthalmologist should be consulted if they are accompanied by eye pain, flashing lights, or other vision changes.

around the JerSey Shore

Join The Fight To End Hunger

JERSEY SHORE – Fulfill urges the public to participate in “Hunger Action Month” this September by organizing a food and fund drive, volunteering at our food bank, getting your school signed up for the “Students Change Hunger” friendly competition, and more!“Noone should have to make an impossible choice between food and other necessities like medicine, utilities, or childcare. But anyone willing to use their voice, dedication, commit ment, and actions can be a ‘Hunger Hero’,” said Fulfill CEO and President Triada Stampas. “There are lots of opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors at the Jersey Shore during Hunger Action Month and beyond.” September marks the 15th year Fulfill has been part of Feeding America’s annual call to action known as “Hunger Ac tion Month”. It is a time when people in the United States stand together to fight hunger by spreading the word about food insecurity and taking action.

During the month of September, Fulfill asks people in Monmouth and Ocean Counties to get involved by learning about hunger, com mitting to take action, speaking up about ways to ending hunger, especially on Hunger Action Day, September 23.

Some suggestions include:

• Students Change Hunger Competition – It is a food and fund drive competition for schools in Monmouth and Ocean Counties to help individuals and families less fortunate during the holiday season. The competition starts September 12 and it ends January 13, 2023. Go to fulfillnj.org/students-change-hunger to get your school signed up.

• Donate Food - We accept donations of non-perishable and perishable food, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at our Neptune building located at 3300 Route 66 in Neptune, or Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fulfill’s People’s Pantry at The B.E.A.T. Center at 1769 Hooper Avenue in Toms River.

Our most needed items are low-sodium canned vegetables (green beans, mixed veg gies, yams), low-sugar cereal (bran flakes,

toasted oats, shredded wheat, corn flakes), oatmeal, pancake mix, lite pancake syrup, bottled water, pasta, tomato sauce, rice, shelf-stable milk, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit in 100% juice or lite syrup, and boxed macaroni and cheese. The perishables we need are turkeys – fresh or frozen, whole chickens or chicken breasts – fresh or frozen, frozen ground beef, or frozen pork chops. We also could always use the donation of manual can openers.

• Donate Funds - Monetary donations are the best way to help as we have greater buying power than the public has in a grocery store. We can get $1 to stretch to cover three meals for our neighbors who are struggling. Go to fulfillnj.org to donate.

• Organize a Food and Fund Drive - People can hold food drives and deliver the food to us at 3300 Route 66 in Neptune or to Fulfill’s People’s Pantry at The B.E.A.T. Center at 1769 Hooper Avenue in Toms River.

• Volunteer – We welcome volunteers 13 years and older. Review our guidelines, see our available opportunities, and fill out an appli cation at fulfillnj.org/ways-to-help/volunteer.

• Host a Fundraiser – Review the Third-Par ty Fundraising Guidelines at fulfillnj.org/ host-a-fundraiser. Then contact Fulfill’s development team to get started. Email de velopment@fulfillnj.org or call 732-918-2600.

• Planned Giving - You can provide a lasting legacy to Fulfill. We welcome gifts through will bequests or pension funds, as well as paid-up life insurance, gifts through an IRA, or 401(k). Anyone who notifies Fulfill of a planned gift becomes a member of the Lega cy of Hope Society. To join this very special group, you just need to include Fulfill in your estate plans and notify us.

• Social Media Postings – Share and like Fulfill’s social media posts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and tag Fulfill. If you receive a “Hunger Hero” sticker from Fulfill for a food or fund donation, post a photo, and use the following hashtags: #Hun gerActionMonth, #HowWeFulfill, #Hunger Heroes, #NotEverybodyHasRecovered, and #GiveLocal.

photo oF the week

Cattus Island

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Depart ment of Parks & Recreation will be offering Extra! Extra! Read All About Cattus Island for people age 16 years and up at Cattus Island County Park, located at 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard Toms River on October 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. This program will take you on a virtual stroll down memory lane to discover how this gem of a park has evolved into the 500-acre oasis that so many people cherish.

To register, send a check or money order for $5 made payable to the “County of Ocean” to Ocean County Parks and Recreation, 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River, NJ 08753. Provide your name, address, and daytime telephone number, along with program number 302166-1C when registering.

For more information or to receive a Parks & Recreation Newsletter call 732-506-9090 or visit our website at oceancountyparks. org. All About

Annual Holly Berry Bazaar

ORTLEY BEACH – St. Elisabeth’s Chapel by the Sea, 7 3 rd Avenue Ortley Beach, will be hosting its annual Holly Berry Bazaar on November 5 from 9

a.m. to 2 p.m. and November 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be holi day items, granny’s attic, collectibles, a gift basket raffle and baked goods.

Photographer Lauri Castro took this amazing shot of a butterfly recently at an Ocean County park. Want to have your pictures featured in this space? How about a chance to win a prize? Email your pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com

Omarr’s

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Make sure you are always trustworthy. You might not always get your way in the week ahead, but few will doubt your sincerity. Sidestep oc casional misunderstandings; don’t get pulled in to someone else’s circus.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): As you speed your way to the top in the week ahead, be careful not to trample on anyone’s toes. Consider whether what you are doing gives you real plea sure or is just something you doing for validation.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Crank up your enthusiasm and a competitive spirit without letting it stress you out. Remain levelheaded and don’t let your emotions dictate your ac tions as the week progresses. Focus on using your common sense.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Weigh out price versus value with care. It might be nec essary to spend a little more to get something more satisfying in the week ahead. Concentrate on generosity to guarantee long-term security.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Put sound business tactics and strategies into action in the week to come. An adversary or loved one may not feel that some of the rules are fair or equitable. However, your gentle approach should convince them otherwise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your in box may be flooded with invitations in the upcoming week. Keep in close contact with neighbors and follow up on or social obliga tions. Real friends want you for more than your money and influence.

: You might

realize that you enjoy a change of pace and become intensely involved in something new and exciting. When necessary, you can ask for forgiveness but don’t take anything or anyone for granted in the week ahead.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Use will power to overcome obstacles and sincerity to instill trust. Someone who is suspicious of your motives could be reassured in the week ahead. Always be wise enough to acknowledge the things you do not know.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Use skillful chess moves to take command of your side of the board. Since you likely have good judgment and a vision of what can be accomplished, this is a good week to focus on creating lasting financial security.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Work hard to increase your awareness, so you don’t overlook any mistakes or be blind to your own social blunders in the week to come. You might be inspired by a great piece of information.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): One trick to overcoming obstacles is patience and self-disci pline. Focus on using organizational skills and dil igence to become more efficient. Do not hesitate to grant someone a favor in the upcoming week.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A partner or loved one can provide the means that help you achieve your ends. As the week unfolds, there may be times you are not on the same wavelength. Wait until any distracting prob lem has been dealt with.

By America’s Test Kitchen

BLONDIES, THE PERFECT SWEET TREAT FOR A CROWD BLONDIE BITES

Makes 12 blondie bites

1 1/4 cups all- purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup packed light brown sugar 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12- cup muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, whisk brown

sugar and melted butter until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until smooth.

4. Add flour mixture and use a rubber spatula to gently stir until just combined. Stir in white chocolate chips.

5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each cup about halfway.

6. Place muffin tin in oven. Bake blondies until golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes.

7. Remove muffin tin from oven. Place muffin tin on a cooling rack and let blond ies cool in muffin tin for 15 8.minutes.Remove blondies from muffin tin and transfer to a cooling rack. Let blondies cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

(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.