2022-10-08 - The Berkeley Times

OF THE HONEYBEES

By Chris Lundy EACHWOOD – As the world population of bees continues to falter, High School North junior Kaitlyn Cul bert is taking on the maxim of “think globally, act locally” by supporting hives at Jakes Branch Park and beyond.

The health of honeybees is tied to the health of everyone. En vironmen

talists have explained that with out pollina tion, crops don’t grow. This has led to more awareness of the drop ping numbers of bees. People have stopped using pesticides that affect them, for example.

4H Busy Bees, 4H Ocean County Teens, and the Ocean County Master Gardeners planted a 2,500 square foot pollinator garden at Jakes Branch County Park. (Inset) Kaitlyn Culbert has been study ing bees and how to protect them. (Honeybees - See Page 4)

The Journal of Research, High School publishes academ ic articles written by students, and they published Culbert’s findings in March. In an essay

Oppose

Control” Of Senior Communities

By Jevon Melvin

BERKELEY- The mayor and council of Berkeley Town ship is speaking out against state bill A4377, which they said would take con trol over common

interest communities, including senior com munities.

Berkeley’s governing body members believe that the bill, which if passed would grant New Jersey’s Depart ment of Community

Affairs (DCA) ad ministrative oversight over common interest developments, sets unnecessary restric tions and boundaries on executive duties of the Homeowner’s

Halloween Parade Is Creeping Up On Toms River

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER –

“Darkness falls across the land. The mid night hour is close at hand. Creatures crawl in search of blood. To terrify your neighbor hood.”

The Toms River Hal loween parade is on its way, and it’s sure to be a “Thriller.”

Starting at 7 p.m. on October 31, the parade will make its way from (Halloween - See Page 5)

─Photo By Bob Vosseller

young ladies enjoy a ride on a float during last year’s Annual Halloween Parade in Toms River.

-Photo courtesy Katie Culbert

Honeybees

wrote for The Foundation for the

of Honey Bees, she quoted

saying “If the bee

the face of the Earth,

only have four years

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Ser vice performs surveys about colony loss in the honey industry. The results are published in an annual Honey Bee Colonies report.

This problem made the news a few years ago, but is this still an ongoing issue?

“We still are in trouble in the state, unfortunately,” Culbert said. Some areas are down by 50% of where they once were.

Throughout spring, she had a 2,500-square-foot pollinator garden installed at Jake’s Branch County Park. It’s located on the plant discovery trail. Another is outside the nature center. Visitors can see it from inside.

Through a grant from the Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation, she was awarded 600 native plant plugs from Pinelands Nursery & Supply. The 4H Busy Bees, 4H Ocean County Teens, and the Ocean County Master Garden ers installed them.

She’s the Student Leader of the 4-H

Busy Bees Beekeeping Club. As a part of her role as ambassador, she’s been spreading awareness on social media. This involves teaching kids to feel safe around the insects. Her Instagram is KT.Bees and she shares videos of her beekeeping at youtube.com/channel/ UC1VTjvnWwdJQMSHG2H18FpA

One condition she is studying is colo ny collapse disorder. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this is when the majority of worker bees abandon the queen and the hive. It was unknown where they were going. If they were found dead around the hive, then a necropsy could determine the cause. But since they are nowhere to be found, the root of the problem remains a mystery.

Researchers have several theories as to what causes this, and one of them is the varroa mite. This parasite will weaken bees and causes all sorts of problems for individuals and for the hive.

Culbert said she is reaching out to bee keepers to find out what issues they’ve been having. What worked? What didn’t?

In October of 2020, a laboratory study showed that a mist diffusion of essen tial oils could be used as a miticide. In October of 2021, a field study was done to put it to the test. She said that thyme, oregano, and rosemary were the most effective.

What’s next in her research? She said she’s in the process of using predictive analysis to see if there are certain factors that contribute to colony collapse.

Highland Parkway, down Route 9, turn ing on Washington Street and ending at the county Administration Building. If weather or some other reason causes a postponement, the date will be Tuesday, November 1.

Like in previous years, it is being run by the Toms River Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, while Company No. 2 provides fire coverage for the night. This will be the 83rd parade. The first one was in 1919. However, a few years in the 1930s were missed due to lack of funds. There were also no parades during some years of WWII and the pandemic. Its billed as the second largest Halloween parade in the country, falling behind Greenwich Village.

Ken Beck, chair of the parade com mittee, said that they want everyone to register between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the day of the parade at the firehouse at 26 Robbins Street. The roads downtown will close at 5 p.m.

There will be first, second, and third place trophies, he said. There will also be awards for the oldest in the parade, the youngest, and the person who had to travel the farthest. This year, there will be 11 walking and nine float divisions, he said.

People who want to walk in the parade should meet on Highland Parkway, not

in the parking lot like last year. If you’re driving something in the parade, you should take Water Street to Highland Parkway to the area of the old Foodtown parking lot.

There won’t be a single grand marshall for the parade. Rather, they will honor all front line health care heroes. A state ment by Patrick Ahearn, Chief Executive Officer of Community Medical Center, is in the parade’s regulations book.

“Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, CMC’s staff and physicians have treated thousands of COVID-19 patients, while safely continuing to offer care for emergencies and other medical needs. This work would not have been possible without the efforts of partners throughout our community. This in cludes first responders who joined us on the frontlines of the pandemic, facing tremendous, unpredicted challenges,” he said. “Toms River is home to incredible people, and the outpouring of apprecia tion and encouragement, from parades to signs to donated meals, helped CMC’s staff continue their fight. Compassion and resilience are a part of Toms River’s DNA; you see it in our healthcare work ers and first responders, and CMC sees it in the people we serve.”

Firefighters are also encouraging residents to join volunteer firefighting squads, or for youth to join the Boy Scouts.

For more information, visit Facebook. com/trfcHalloweenParade

Photos By Bob Vosseller

(Above)The Pirates of Cub Scout Pack 62 assemble before sailing down Main Street for last year’s Toms River Halloween Parade.

(Below)Members of two Forked River families enjoy some fun as they find a spot during last year’s Toms River Halloween Parade, an event that they normally don’t get to attend.

Associations (HOA) and community homeowners.

“We will do whatever we can to oppose it,” said Council president Sophia Gingrich, speaking about the bill at a recent council meeting

She noted that the bill would create an ombudsman to adjudicate problems that residents have with their HOAs. For this, each home would be charged a small annual fee

“We’re doing that now,” she said. “It’s just a reach for more money.”

A4377 would install a DCA-orga nized trust fund, advisory council, and ombudsman office. For home owners and senior communities, the bill is said to let the DCA become the primary handlers of complaints, hearings, and rules over homeowner grantors and HOA administrations.

Under this bill, sponsored by Assem blywoman Carol Murphy (D-7 th), Tren

ton’s DCA will push its control over senior communities and homeowner units, Berkeley Township’s council said, adding that it was invasive be cause residents should have control of their own HOAs.

During the Berkeley Township Coun cil meeting, members made statements ensuring their opposition to the A4377 bill. “They are taking away” control and want to “meddle into the home owners association,” said Council member Michael Signorile, who is also the president of the coalition of Berkeley senior communities

“This is really overstepping,” he said. “When something’s running right, why try to fix it? Just leave it alone .” He said that “the continued attacks on HOAs, especially senior, age-restrict ed communities could be considered a focused attack on those individuals who worked all their lives, provided for their families and simply wish to retire and stay in New Jersey, close to family and friends.”

Chris Lundy contributed to this story

Women’s Club News

BERKELEY – Due to the closure of the auditorium in building C, the Women’s Club will be holding their monthly meetings scheduled for Octo ber 20 and November 17 at the Silver Ridge Park West Clubhouse located at 145 Westbrook Drive.

The Fish Fry scheduled for October 8 at 5 p.m. and the Fund Raiser (Concert) scheduled for November 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. will also be held at the Silver Ridge Park West Clubhouse located at 145 Westbrook Drive.

They thank everyone for their patience while the Board continues to work on the restoration of the auditorium in building C.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

Letters To The EditorE ditorial

The Importance Of Community – 27 Years Of Micromedia

Let us power up our time machine and head back to April, 1995.

The world was glued to the O.J. Simpson trial. “Bad Boys” with Will Smith – pre-Oscar slap –topped the box office. Gas for the car averaged 90 cents a gallon. The inter net was slow as molasses. Cell phones weighed a ton, not everyone had them yet and if you did, you could only make calls. No social media. No Google! If you were doing research, you had to go to a place called the library.

Some of you reading this may have been working, raising children, learning your ABCs or having your diapers changed –others may not have been a twinkle yet.

In the basement of a home in Pine Lake Park, former copy machine salesman Stew Swann and his Jane-of-all-trades niece Robyn Laird were making history – creating the first edition of The Manchester Times

They were aided by Stew’s late wife Alice, who showed her uncon ditional love and support through the entire incep tion of Micromedia Pub lications – and let’s not forget Fluffy – the cat who kept a watchful eye on the process, while at the same time, terrorizing Robyn. And now we’re going BACK TO THE FU TURE!

It’s 27 years later and Micromedia now has sev en weekly newspapers,

three hyperlocal news websites, thousands of readers, many loyal ad vertisers and the respect from the local govern ment and communities we serve.

Our print newspapers are everywhere, we have over 100,000 social media followers, we’re on the Newsbreak app, Google News, Apple News, on radio spots and have a billboard in the Ocean County Mall.

Micromedia has an in credibly talented staff who are dedicated to the mission statement the company was founded on: the importance of community.

The commitment to the management, design, the fair and balanced journal ism, the sales and distri bution of our products has never been interrupted – even through a global crisis.

I can say with great confidence that our read ers and advertisers are getting a fantastic prod uct each and every week and each and every day online.

While other local media outlets continue to fold, Micromedia prevails as our company President Stew Swann puts his staff and products above prof its. The company’s sur vival has always been his top priority and we hope to be here for another 27 years and beyond.

Jason Allentoff Vice President/COO Micromedia Publications

Do you have something you want everyone know? Is there an issue that needs to be addressed? Write a letter to The Berkeley Times and make yourself heard.

This letter is in reference to Toms River Schools being in school on Columbus Day. Why you have the U.S. flag on your school building or in your school yard.

Preserve Columbus Day Holiday Candidate Runs With “No Strings Attached”

His name is embedded and referenced in the history of our nation. God bless Colum bus and God bless the United States of America.

Charles Pisano Jersey Shore

Lacey needs to examine its conscience and the Master Plan. More citizens need to attend meetings and voice their opinions. The Township Master Plan is soon due for review.

In 1891 Francis Bellamy was hired to work for Youth’s Champion, a family patriot ic magazine. Bellamy was assigned to the promotion department where he began a massive patriotic program for schools across the country. The program was to coincide with the opening ceremonies of the Columbian Exposition at the World Fair in Chicago, Illinois in recognition of the 400th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s his toric discovery. Bellay wrote the “Pledge of Allegiances” which was to be part of the program and was to be re cited in unison by all public schools across the country. Bellamy was successful in lobbying Congress to pass a resolution endorsing his program. He was instrumen tal in convening President Benjamin Harrison to issue a proclamation declaring Columbus Day a holiday.

Thanks to Bellamy schools across this country proudly fly the flag of the United States of America. We should also be thankful that Chris topher Columbus has the vision and courage to sail in uncharted waters and dis covered a new continent on which this country was born.

Hello residents of Lanoka Harbor and Forked River!

Your Lacey volunteer public advocate is now running for a seat on the Lacey Township Committee.

My campaign is not accept ing ANY contributions. I have decided to run using my own funds. My slogan is “No Strings Attached.”

As a resident of Lacey for over 23 years, I have wit nessed firsthand the chang es the township has been through.

For nearly 20 years I have at tended Township Committee meetings, Lacey Municipal Utilities Authority meetings, School Board meetings and Planning Board meetings. Sometimes also the Board of Adjustment. More recently I have been attending the Municipal Alliance meetings and this past year I have been going to Toms River for the Ocean County Commission er meetings.

I served 2 terms on the school board and was a mem ber of the Municipal Alliance for a few years as well.

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

The Berkeley Time s wel comes all points of view for publication 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 news@jerseyshore online.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 necessari 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.

The Township Commit tee meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month in the Municipal Building on Lacey Road at 6:30 p.m.

Please try to attend. Lacey’s future depends on ALL of us.

Please vote November 8thRegina Discenza for Lacey Township Committee.

Regina Discenza

Forked River Independent Candidate for Lacey Township Committee

Barnegat’s Overdevelopment Can Be Fixed

There has been an explosion of construction in Barnegat Township these last 8 years. My opponent, Al Bille, claims the overdevelopment is good for the Township coffers, yet municipal taxes have risen each year. Since my opponent was elected the Municipal Budget has risen over 9 mil lion dollars and the Municipal Tax Rate has increased 23.5%.

The overdevelopment has caused a strain on infrastruc ture. Roads are failing, lack of residential water pressure, flooding, increased traffic, and congestion are just a few issues.

Builders are allowed to clearcut tracts of land well before construction begins…some have been cleared and idle for 4+ years. This clearing has caused runoff which has resulted in erosion & flooding in adjacent neighborhoods. The new high-density housing has also caused flooding in existing neighborhoods.

Residents also question why the same type of commercial development is repeatedly approved when so many strip malls sit vacant.

When Barnegat residents confront the Committee with these issues, the response is,

that the Township can’t stop the builders from building, there is nothing the Com mittee can do about nearby runoff/flooding, and they can’t afford to repair or upgrade the Township’s infrastructure. This is not acceptable.

Residents are justifiably angry about these issues. They regu larly address the Committee at Township meetings and post on social media…. some feel the Township Committee does not hear their voice…or worse…they may not care.

My opponent has even told the residents not to read Bar negat social media and he even convinced the Com mittee to have a referendum which could prohibit all signs on public property.

It’s time for a new approach and new ideas. It’s time for Barnegat to have new repre sentation. It’s time for change!

I plan to focus intently on these issues. I promise to hear your voice and listen to your concerns and convince the Committee to address your concerns. I ask for your sup port and your vote. Please elect me to the Barnegat Township Committee in 2022.

Charles Cunliffe Barnegat

Why Did GOP Vote Against Lowering Insulin?

I’m trying to see if anyone can answer this very important question? Why did Republi cans block a law to cap the cost of insulin to $35 a month? Thankfully, they didn’t touch Medicare patients. We still got the insulin price reduction. But if I was on a private insurance company, I wouldn’t. How is that fair? Why are insurance companies more important to Republicans than patients?

Please remember this when it comes to vote. Please remem ber that Democrats are the ones who put forward cutting the cost of insulin for seniors on Medicare.

Thank you for listening.

Dora Shellman

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (bothD-N.J.) joined several of the colleagues in the Senate in presenting two bills that would make it easier for Americans all across the country to register to vote and to know their registration status. The Same Day Voter Registration Act would require states to offer same day regis tration at polling locations on Election Day and during early voting. The Stop

S potlight o n g ov E rnm E nt

Bills Would Make Voting Easier

Automatically Voiding Eligible Voters

Off Their Enlisted Rolls in States (SAVE VOTERS) Act would prohibit states from removing people from their voting rolls unless the state has obtained objective, reliable evidence that a voter is ineligi ble to vote and establishes notification requirements once a voter is removed. These bills were included as part of the Freedom to Vote Act, voting rights legislation support by the entire Senate

Democratic Caucus.

“The right to vote, a fundamental building block of American democracy, is under attack by extreme Republicans who are determined to make it harder to vote for communities of color, seniors, and young voters,” said Sen. Menendez. “Given this coordinated assault against our right to vote, I am honored to sup port these common-sense bills that will expand access to the ballot box for all Americans and will protect them from any effort that would make it harder for them to exercise their right to vote.”

general election;

• Ensure that centralized same day reg istration locations are reasonably located to serve the voting population equitably.

The SAVE VOTERS Act would:

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES

JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES

SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES

President & Publisher

“The right to vote is essential for the future of our democracy and our ideals of liberty and justice for all,” said Sen. Booker. “But for years, this right has been systematically undermined and new barriers have been implemented to make it more difficult for people, especially low-income and minority communities, to exercise their right to vote. I am proud to support these commonsense measures that will expand and protect one of our most fundamental rights.”

• Amend the National Voter Registration Act to prohibit states from removing peo ple from voting rolls unless the state has obtained objective and reliable evidence that a person is ineligible to vote. The legislation would clarify that failure to vote or respond to election mail would not constitute objective and reliable ev idence of a voter’s ineligibility to vote;

• Allow election officials to use state records to remove voters who have died or permanently moved out of the state;

• Require election officials to send a no tice explaining the grounds for removal within 48 hours of removing voters from the rolls and provide public notice within 48 hours after any general program to remove voters;

Vice President/COO Jason Allentoff News Editor Chris Lundy Assistant News Editor Bob Vosseller

Stew Swann

Production Manager Allison Gradzki Graphic Artist Adriana Starcic

Distribution Manager Laura Hoban Sales Manager Lorrie Toscano Layout Designer Sara Zorns

The Same Day Voter Registration Act would:

• Require states to offer same day regis tration at polling locations on Election Day and during any early voting period;

• Require states to offer same day regis tration at all polling places by the 2026 general election, but create a waiver pro cess to give states until the 2028 general election to comply if earlier compliance would be impracticable.

• Mandate that states have at least one location per 15,000 registered voters with same day registration by the 2024

• Revise the voting procedure for a voter who failed to report a change of address by allowing a voter who moved within a state to vote at the polling place of the voter’s current address or at a central location in the jurisdiction of the local voter registration office.

Both bills are endorsed by Democracy 21, Transparency International U.S., End Citizens United/Let America Vote Action Fund, Common Cause, Public Citizen, People for the American Way, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, 20/20 Vision DC, Voices for Progress, and the League of Women Voters.

CDB Boost B Division 2022 Champs

Beachwood & Pine Beach PBA 253’s Annual Golfing Outing

BAYVILLE – Join the Beachwood & Pine Beach PBA 253 Annual Golf outing on October 15 at the Cedar Creek Golf Club.

They are still accepting teams of four and sponsorships. Tee time is 8:30 a.m. Cost is $100 per person or $400 per team of four.

All proceeds are utilized for the Beach

wood & Pine Beach Scholarship fund and to benefit local charities!

If interested in playing, complete and send the form along with payment to P.O. Box 253, Beachwood, NJ 08722.

Any questions, feel free to email at bwp dpba253@gmail.com.

Drive-In Movie: “The Nightmare Before Christmas”

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen Amato and Berkeley Recreation are excited to an nounce the next Drive-In Movie just in time for Halloween! “The Nightmare Before

Christmas” will be playing at Veterans Park on October 26 beginning AT 7 p.m. (entry begins at 6 p.m.) There is no registration required.

BERKELEY – Senior Community Health, Wellness, and Resource Fair will be on October 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Silver Ridge Park East Clubhouse, 979 Edgebrook Drive N., Berkeley.

BERKELEY – The CDB Boost B Division 2022 champs are pictured here, members of the Berkeley Premier Softball League. The team was managed by James Baldwin.

courtesy John Dowling

Senior Community Health, Wellness, And Resource Fair

n

Double Trouble State Park Deer Management Seasons

BAYVILLE – Double Trouble State Park 2022-2023 Deer Management Seasons. Deer Management Zone 21; see Digest for Regulation Sets.

Fall Bow: October 1 to 28

Permit Bow: October 29 to November 19

Youth Day-Firearm: November 19 Permit Muzzleloader: November 28 & 29; December 17 to 24, 26 to 31

Six-day Firearm: December 5 to 10 Permit Shotgun: December 14 to 16

Winter Bow: January 1 to 31, 2023 No Hunting on Sundays in State Parks. All State Park regulations apply. Hunters observe mapped safety zones around historic district and cranberry bogs. The Swordens Pond Trail and Dover Forge Trail are outside the safety zones. Park visitors are encouraged to wear bright colors.

Visit njparksandforests.org for addi tional information on hunting in state parks. Visit njfishandwildlife.com for Hunting Digest and information.

October Breakfast - Meet The Mayors

BAYVILLE – Central Ocean Business Association October Networking Breakfast 2022 will be on October 21 from 8 to 9 a.m. Meet the mayors breakfast monthly break fast meeting full breakfast buffet available.

Price: $10 members, $15 future members. Breakfast takes place at Bubbakoos located at 333 Atlantic City Boulevard, Bayville. To register, visit cobanj.org/register/october networkingbreakfast2022.

C ommunity n E w S

Double Trouble October 2022 Programs

BAYVILLE – Double Trouble State Park’s October 2022 programs have been posted! You can find them on the events section of their social me dia page or on their Eventbrite page: DoubleTrouble.eventbrite.com . Free registration required. Limited number of participants per program.

Fall Nature Walk will be held on October 8 & 22. Join the Naturalist at Double Trouble State Park on a 1.3 mile nature walk along the Mill Pond Trail. We will go over some key character istics of Pine Barrens ecosystems and explore the native plants and animals found along the trail. The walk will be gin at 10 a.m. in front of the White re stroom building and will go over easy, flat terrain. No registration required. Heavy rain or thunder will cancel. If you have any questions, please call 732-341-4098.

Guided Village Tours will be held on October 9, 14, 16, 21 & 28. Join a village historian for a guided tour of historic Double Trouble Village. See inside the century old sawmill and packing house as you hear stories of this former company town. Walking tour will cover approximately 1/4 mile and start at 10 a.m. outside the white restroom building just past the map kiosk in the parking area. Held sun or drizzle. Heavy rain or thunder cancels. Ages 8 and up. No pets. Please plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before pro gram start. For additional information call 732-341-6662.

Double Trouble Lumber Journey –from cedar swamp to sawmill will be

held on October 15. Join for a walk (up to a mile) through a White Cedar area explaining the properties of the lumber and then into the Sawmill for a tour and explanation of its far-reaching use in the coastal regions.

Program will start at 10 a.m. outside the village restroom building past the map kiosk in the parking area. Held sun or drizzle. Steady rain or thunder cancels. Ages 8 and up. No pets. Please plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before pro gram start. For additional information call 732-341-4098.

Cranberries at Double Trouble will be held on October 23. Join for cranber ry-geared program with a short walking tour of the village, then a walk along/ in between the cranberry bogs to show case what working conditions looked like, finishing with a tour of the Packing House. Program will start at 10 a.m. out side the village restroom building past the map kiosk in the parking area. Held sun or drizzle. Steady rain or thunder cancels. Ages 8 and up. No pets. Please plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before program start. For additional information call 732-341-4098.

Pinelands Folklore will be held on October 29. Bring a blanket or chair and hear some Pinelands Folklore told from the porch of the century-old Cranberry Packing House. Great for all ages. Held sun or very light drizzle. Steady rain or thunder cancels. No pets. Please plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before pro gram start. Reservations not required – you can just show up. For additional information call 732-341-4098.

Movies In The Park – “Halloweentown”

BEACHWOOD

NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR SALE at Autumn Ridge in Manitou Park, Berkeley, NJ

Join the Berkeley Ownership waiting list at AffordableHomesNewJersey.com by November 28, 2022

12 3-bedroom single family homes will be available (prices subject to change)

Tier 1 5 Low* $180,610 *

Tier

Tier

Tier

1 Low $188,702

3 Mod $225,116

Mod $237,254

Tier 5 1 Mod $249,393

*$100,000 in down payment assistance will be available to 5 VERY LOW Income applicants. Net cost to Very low income applicants will be $80,610. Very Low income applicants will receive priority on the waiting list.

The first home will be available for sale in December 2022. It will be a Tier 1 home. The other 11 homes are estimated to be completed in 2023 and 2024.

Maximum Gross Income by Family Size

Household Size Very Low Income Low Moderate

$33,106 $55,177 $88,283

$36,785 $61,308 $98,052

$39,727 $66,212 $105,940

$42,670 $71,117 $113,787

Although any income eligible households may apply, residents and workers of Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties will be selected before residents of other counties or states.

Trust, Respect, Compassion & Caring

Generation Family

Operated

Atlantic City Blvd.

Anthony P. Mastapeter Owner NJ Lic. No. 3365

A. Mastapeter

Manager NJ Lic. No.

www.mastapetermemorialhome.com

C ommunity n E w S

Trick Or Trunk

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen Amato and Berkeley Township Recreation are happy to announce the return of their annual Trick or Trunk for chil dren Pre-K to 8 th grade from Berkeley Township schools.

The event will take place on October 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. (rain date October 30) at Veterans Park stage area.

They invite you to participate by attending or, they need families and groups to decorate their car trunks and provide treats for approximately 800 to 900 kids. Prizes awarded to Best Decorated Trunks.

Vehicle owners will need to register their car by October 22. They are ask ing families who plan on coming but

not to decorate a car, to donate a min imum of one bag of candy to be sure all kids go home with plenty of treats! Decorate the inside of your trunk to celebrate our Halloween Event. Par ticipating trunks are required to bring treats to pass out to trick-or-treaters. candy.

Register your trunk online at: docs. google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLS f3eV8V0fej5wtf0wAOh0BV7njPpIVjI Wzx2AufnHzk60e8eQ/viewform?fbclid , or call 732-269-4456.

They are also accepting candy dona tions. Drop off your bags of candy at the Recreation Center anytime from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Beachwood & Pine Beach PBA 253’s Annual Golfing Outing

BAYVILLE – Join the Beachwood & Pine Beach PBA 253 Annual Golf out ing on October 15 at the Cedar Creek Golf Club.

They are still accepting teams of four and sponsorships. Tee time is 8:30 a.m. Cost is $100 per person or $400 per team of four.

All proceeds are utilized for the Beachwood & Pine Beach Scholarship fund and to benefit local charities!

If interested in playing, complete and send the form along with payment to P.O. Box 253, Beachwood, NJ 08722.

Any questions, feel free to email at bwpdpba253@gmail.com.

Bayville Volunteer Fire Dept. Open House

BAYVILLE – The Bayville Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting an open house on October 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the 645 Route 9, Bayville.

Meet your firefighters. Tour the firehouse and truck bays and see a fire truck and equip ment. There will also be fire prevention and information, demonstrations and giveaways.

Senior Community Health, Wellness, And Resource Fair

BERKELEY – Senior Community Health, Wellness, and Resource Fair will be on October 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Silver Ridge Park East Clubhouse, 979 Edgebrook Drive N., Berkeley.

Truck

BAYVILLE – Ocean County PBA # 379 proudly presents Truck Pull “Pulling For Marc” & Car/Truck Show on November 5 (rain date November 6) from12 to 5 p.m. at Miller Air Park Fair Grounds Route 530, Bayville.

Entrance fee: $40 per person. Children 12 years old and under get free admis sion. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Truck pull teams: $100 per team - 10 members. Car/truck show entrance fee: $10 per car.

All proceeds to benefit Marc Middle ton’s lung damage due to COVID-19. Monetary donations can be mailed to: OCSD PBA 379, P.O Box 4952, Toms River, New Jersey 08753. Checks must have “Middleton Fundraiser” written in the memo.

Men & women’s truck tug of war challenge. Men’s event pulling a 5-ton vehicle women’s event pulling a hummv. Children’s group pulling a side by side. Fastest pull time wins a trophy!

Ocean Gate Volunteer Fire Department Super 50/50

GATE

50/50

and there will be three winners: 1st Prize up to $5,000; 2 nd Place up to $3,000; 3 rd Place up to $2,000. See any member

The Rev.

Worship

Communion

HANDS FOR

J. Francis Watson, Pastor

Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ

A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC.

Not-For-Profit Affordable Housing Developer

Hooper Ave.

732.286.7929

Toms River, NJ 08753

Fax: 732.286.9698

JErSEy

Lanes Will Close For Seaside Bridge Repair

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – There will be temporary

closures for a few weeks on the westbound side of the bridge coming back from Seaside Heights, the New Jersey Department of Trans portation reported.

first day of the construction was Monday, October 3. One or two lanes will be closed from Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. One lane will always be open. The

traffic will be unaffected. Electronic

about the closed lanes.

The DOT said the work will take place until the end of October.

PKF Mark III, Inc. will be performing deck re pairs as part of a $9.6 million statewide Draw bridge Preventative Maintenance Contract. Weather and other factors could impact the work. Updates and real-time travel in formation will be provided on 511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT or on the NJDOT Facebook page.

Family Campout At Ocean County Park

LAKEWOOD – Commissioner Virginia E. Haines announced that the Ocean County Department of Parks & Recreation will be offering a Family Campout at Ocean County Park, located at 659 Ocean Avenue Lakewood starting on October 21 at 5 p.m. and ending on October 22 at 10 a.m. The program costs $5 per person and requires pre-registration. Campers will be required to bring a tent, sleeping bag and a “no cook” breakfast. Children must be accompanied

Ocean County Health Department COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Clinic Schedule for October

DATE

LOCATION

by an adult.

To register, send a check or money order made payable to the “County of Ocean” to Ocean County Parks and Recreation, 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River, NJ 08753.

Provide the names, addresses, ages and daytime telephone numbers for each partic ipant, along with program number 3084668A when registering.

For more information, call 732-506-5122 or visit the website at oceancountyparks.org.

CLINIC HOURS

Tuesday, Oct. 11th Manchester Library 10AM-2PM

Wednesday, Oct. 12th Ocean County College COVID Vaccine & Testing 10AM-2PM

Wednesday, Oct. 12th Manchester Township EMS Annex 10:30AM-1:30PM

Thursday, Oct. 13th Silver Ridge Park Health Fair 1PM-5PM

Friday, Oct. 14th Ocean County Transportation Center at Manchester 10AM-2PM

Friday, Oct. 14th Barnegat/Waretown Health Fair - Community Cntr. 11th St. 10AM-2PM

Friday, Oct. 14th Lacey Farmer’s Market 11AM-3PM

Monday, Oct. 17th Ocean County Health Department - 175 Sunset 2PM-6PM

Monday, Oct. 17th Toms River Library 10AM-2PM

Tuesday, Oct. 18th Brick Senior Services 1PM-4PM

Wednesday, Oct. 19th Ocean County College COVID Vaccine & Testing 10AM-2PM

and older available only at OCHD clinics held on Mondays from 2pm-6pm

vaccine

Thursday

COVID-19

October

further notice.

1-4pm

“Take A Walk In Their Shoes” For Homeless Youth

ASBURY PARK – As part of a nationwide effort calling attention to youth homelessness and commer cial sexual exploitation of children, Ocean’s Harbor House is sponsoring its 3rd annual “Take a Walk in Their Shoes.” The two-mile walk on the Asbury Park boardwalk will be held on November 6 from 9 to 10 a.m. No vember is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month.

“It is estimated that 2.5 million kids per year experience homelessness, many here in Monmouth and Ocean counties, stated Tim Zeiss, Director of Development & Marketing. Tragically, that number is believed to be higher because many kids are couch surfing, therefore going unreported.”

Long standing causes of youth homelessness such as family conflict, abuse and neglect have increased ex ponentially the past two years. Many kids are rejected by their families because of coming out. Additionally, mental health issues among teens have skyrocketed. Anxiety and depression and the rate of suicides among young people is at an all-time high.

“The kids we help in our shelter, tran sitional living home, and various other remediation and prevention services, come from families experiencing fi nancial and housing insecurity, family conflict, abuse, violence, neglect and substance abuse,” added Zeiss. We rescue kids from heartbreaking situ ations and prevent them from falling prey to tragic circumstances like Human Labor Trafficking and Com mercial Sexual Exploitation.”

Individuals, businesses, schools and organizations can participate by serving as sponsors, signing up to walk, organizing a team of walkers or joining a team. Walker registration is only $20 and each walker is asked to raise a minimum of $50 from fam ily, friends and colleagues, although it’s not mandatory. All participants receive a commemorative t-shirt and can win prizes in the “Give a Hand, Get a Hand” on-site contest.

To sponsor, register to walk or make a donation, go to the secure event site at secure.qgiv.com/event/ohhp2p.

For more information contact tzeiss@ oceansharborhouse.org.

Help Keep Local Kids Warm This Winter

MONMOUTH & OCEAN COUNTY

⎼

The United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is accepting donations of new coats for local pre-school, ele mentary, and middle school students in need. To participate: arrange a coat drop-off, shop and send it to the UWMOC office, or donate toward UWMOC’s coat purchase. UWMOC’s

10th Annual Warmest Wishes Coat Drive will take each donation through November 1. Acceptable items include coats with new tags and in toddler or children’s sizes: Coats in toddler siz es 3T - 4T; Coats in children’s sizes XSmall - XLarge. Visit uwmoc.org/ WarmestWishes or contact Toni Pitts at tpitts@uwmoc.org/848-206-2036.

─Photo courtesy Ocean’s Harbor House

H

t

Y

Dr. Izzy’s

H

Sound News

How Colds, The Flu & Covid 19 Affects Hearing

It’s been well over 2 years, and the Covid 19 variants are still wreaking havoc in our area. For the most part, the new variants just present with “coldlike” symptoms but the rate of infection spread is typically higher than the common cold. Unfortunately, once you start to exhibit symptoms such as a sore throat, headache, sinus pressure, post nasal drip, etc., you already have Covid 19 and more than likely you have spread the germs to others. Many individuals are taking in home rapid tests and are commonly “negative” for a few days before the result is positive. In my opinion, this is reason enough to frequently wash your hands, don a mask (when in large in group events), and get vaccinated. Unless you physician recom mends otherwise, vaccinated individ uals typically experience a significant reduction of Covid 19 symptoms and the recovery time is generally less.

Upper respiratory viruses often create fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to congestion, pain, muffled sound, and secondary infections. The flu virus has been known to affect the auditory nerve,

which can cause permanent hearing loss. Similar to the flu, COVID-19 has shown an alarming ability to attack the hearing and vestibular systems, although the exact reason is still under investi gation. Patients with long-haul COVID are at increased risk. Luckily, serious hearing damage from viral infections is rare, though the temporary effects are uncomfortable — stuffiness, dizziness, tinnitus, and ear infections could put a damper on your future holiday plans.

If you have experienced hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo during a bout of COVID 19 and these symptoms are continuing to “linger” I would contact your hearing healthcare professional for a complete hearing and dizziness evaluation. Protect your hearing by supporting your health!

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always avail able to answer your questions about hearing health. His offices are located in Toms River, Manahawkin, and Whiting and can be reached by calling 732-8183610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-9788946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at w ww. gardenstatehearing.com.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-276-1011 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Yoga Sessions

BEACHWOOD – Yoga is back at Mayo Park Center, 500 Beacon-Bayside Avenue, from October 12 through December 14 on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Adults 16 and over cost is $50 for 10 ses

sions. Ages 9 through 15 cost is $35. Walk in cost is $6.

You do not need to be a Beachwood resi dent to attend. For more information, call 732-779-0666.

Dear

Suzy

6 Natural Blood Thinning Foods

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

People experiencing blood clots are occur ring at an unprecedented rate these days! Blood becomes thicker than normal when a protein called fibrinogen increases. Its main task is to generate a mesh network of platelets so that they aggregate. This stops blood flow. You want fibrinogen around because otherwise, you’d bleed to death from a minor cut. But too much fibrinogen creates platelet clumping, and thus a clot that blocks blood flow.

One of the main ways that your blood becomes thicker than it should involves a protein called fibrinogen. Fibrinogen is one of several proteins that assist in the coagulation process. Its specific job is to generate networks of fibers that link plate lets together to stop blood flow. We need adequate levels of fibrinogen to stop bleed ing when we are injured. However, elevated fibrinogen levels are associated with exces sive clotting and slower blood flow which makes the heart work harder. Oxygen flow throughout the body is reduced, therefore fatigue and weakness become suddenly more significant.

I’ve never before seen anything like this. It used to be just people who with risk factors developed a clot, but again, something has changed making people who would never be at risk, to be at risk!

The typical risk factors used to be: Smoking or long history of nicotine use Pregnancy

A hospitalization

Being sedentary

Use of estrogen-containing hormones

Advanced age

Elevated CRP Cancer

We can add new risk factors now such as activation of ACE receptors, history of a serious viral infection such as COVID, myocarditis as well as others not listed here.

If a clot develops, a piece of it can break off and that’s where the danger lies. The bro ken-off part can travel through the blood stream and lodge somewhere it shouldn’t, such as in the lungs. If this happens the term used is pulmonary embolism. Symptoms of this include chest pain, coughing, difficulty with respiration, heart rhythm changes, bloody sputum, or shortness of breath.

If part of the clot breaks off and lands in or around the brain, it can cause a stroke. The risk of heart attack increases as well.

Natural Blood Thinners

Turmeric

Ginger Garlic Grape seed Ginkgo biloba Nattokinase

A blood clot can lead to a fatal conse quence, and it is a silent killer so I thought it would be nice for you to know about natural options such as foods and herbal options. Please discuss any changes to your medication or supplement regimen with your physician as natural anticoagulants interact with prescribed ones and can cause easy bruising and even hemorrhage. There is more information at an article called “Un derstanding Blood Clots.” This is posted on the CDC’s website. I also have a longer version with more natural options posted at my website, suzycohen.com.

DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

OUTPATIENT REHAB:

INPATIENT REHAB:

School Health Benefit Increases Cause Concern

NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Council of County Colleges is extreme ly concerned about the impact of the rate increases in the School Employees Health Benefits Plan (SEHBP) that were accepted Monday by the SEHBP Commission by a 5-1 vote.

“The increase will cost community colleges $14 million this year alone. That will consume almost all of the operating aid increases colleges have received in the past 15 years.” said Aaron Fichtner, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.

Community colleges are the largest, and most racially and economically diverse, sector of higher education in New Jersey, with over 200,000 stu dents. Their graduates overwhelming ly stay in New Jersey, and are critical to the state’s workforce and economy. They work closely with industry part ners to provide a skilled workforce, and to provide good jobs for New Jerseyans.

For example, community colleges train more New Jersey nurses than every oth er sector of higher education combined.

“This is work that builds the middle class,” noted Fichtner.

The Council supports legislation intro duced to date that addresses the operation of the SEHBP commission (S3033, spon sored by Majority Leader Ruiz/A4552, sponsored by Assemblywoman Pintor Marin, and S2994, sponsored by Senator Turner) and the bill S2995, also spon sored by Senator Turner, that requires use of federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund grants to reduce increas es in premium rates for the SEHBP for calendar year 2023. These are important steps forward.

“The Council looks forward to work ing with our New Jersey legislators to mitigate the impact of this increase on community colleges and their students, and on finding a sustainable solution.” according to Fichtner.

Georgian Court graduates advocates, visionaries, humanitarians, boat rockers, achievers, and challengers of the status quo. These are the folks who change the world for the better. Rooted in the mission of Catholic higher education with the heritage of the Sisters of Mercy, we welcome students from all religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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 Division II Sports

• 50+ clubs & organizations, including campus ministry

• 114-acre campus in proximity to NYC, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore

AT GEORGIAN COURT, STUDENTS EXPAND WHAT IS POSSIBLE.

ARE YOU READY TO EXPAND POSSIBILITY?

R.C.

Beware Of The Do-It-Yourself Will

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

It happens several times each year, a client walks into my office with a document entitled “Last Will and Testament” and asks me to review it. The document is always a will that the client attempted to draft on his or her own.

In some cases they used a form book from the library, in other cases they used an online service or a software program which they pur chased. In a few instances, they will attempt to copy another will, either their own prior will or someone else’s. In almost every instance, the document does not meet the requirements for a will in the State of New Jersey putting them in a position where they either have no will at all or which requires a court to interpret the document for them, which could cost their estates a lot of money.

I believe that drafting your own will is like trying to remove your own gall bladder. There is a small chance that you may do it right, but there is a far greater chance that you won’t. In over 100 do-it-yourself wills that I have reviewed, not one was a valid will that would have been probated with the Surrogate’s office. When I ask the client why they attempted to draft their own will, the most common answer I receive is that they wanted to save money. Other times they will tell me that they wrote the will themselves because an attorney refused to prepare the will they way they wanted it. In one instance a client told me he drafted his own will because he did not understand the “legalese” he saw in wills and he wanted a will that he and his family could understand.

Looking at the various reasons why people draft their own wills I find that most of them are not valid. As noted, the most common reason people try to make their own wills is to save money. This is most often an illusion. In Ocean County the average cost of preparing a will varies from $100 to $200. The cost of having to go to court if the will is not drafted property can be as high as $2,500 to $3,000.

Law

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

In a worst-case scenario, the court may rule that there is no will at all, thus subjecting the estate to go through administration, where the cost of posting a surety bond could easily exceed $1,000.00 each year in an average estate. Clearly, any savings of trying to write your own will could be wiped out by the potential costs if the will is not drafted properly. Some people will try to draft wills themselves because they want to put in certain wording. In some cases, the wording that they are trying to put in their wills is either illegal, impractical or impossible to carry out. For example, one client wanted to leave all the assets to the ex ecutor named in the will and let the executor determine how the assets should be divided. In other words, the executor would be making the very decisions that the maker of the will should have made.

Finally, wills are drafted by attorneys using terms and concepts that date back to medieval England. Those terms and concept have a specific meaning in the law. Often those terms are not readily understood by the non-lawyer. By attempting to draft a will using common English, in many cases a person will create an ambiguity that can only be resolved by a court at great expense to the person’s estate.

In one case, when faced with two conflicting clauses concerning the payment of death taxes and not understanding either clause, the client put both clauses into the will and said let the executor decide which clause should apply. One can only imagine what the Internal Rev enue Service would have done with that logic. Your will is the most important document you will ever sign. It only makes sense to have it prepared by an attorney knowledgeable in estate law rather than try to do it yourself. The modest cost of having an attorney prepare the will is offset by the potential costs if the will is not drafted properly.

Angelic Health Hospice Looking

Ocean

For as little as an hour or two a month you can make a difference to a hospice pa tient in your community. Angelic Health Palliative & Hospice Care is asking you to share your time and compassion to those on their final journey.

SHORE

• Reading, playing music, card games, or crafts activities.

• Listening to and documenting their memories for a life or memory journal.

volunteer service will fit your schedule and interests, and visit assignments are your choice.

more information visit their website at Angelic. health, email volunteer@Angelic.health, or call 609-432-0073.

visits can mean so very much to hospice

and their loved ones.

activities

• Staying with patients to give family members a break to run errands or take care of their own needs.

• Certified Pet Visitors for animal lovers.

• Keeping vigil with patients in their final hours.

• Bereavement and grief support of fam ily.

CLASSIFIEDS

For Rent

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 female 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)

Garage Sale

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

Estate

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

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

Personals

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

Items 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)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

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

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)

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 dtoms river2nj3@goddardschools.com to schedule an interview today! (t/n)

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)

Services

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)

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)

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)

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)

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, yardwork 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)

Cleaning Home or Office -Week ly, Bi-Weekly, Monthly. Available Toms River, Beachwood, Pine Beach. Decades of Experience, Free Esti mate, Call Nancy 732-674-6640 (43)

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)

Items Wanted

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)

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)

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)

Garden State Medical Centercurrently looking for qualified candi dates to fill their medical assistant, re ceptionist, and surgical technician posi tions. If you would like to apply or have any questions, call 732-202-3000. (45)

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)

Health Department Issues Plan To Support Breastfeeding

NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) released the 2022-2027 New Jersey Breastfeeding Strategic Plan to focus and coordinate statewide efforts to increase breast feeding, improve lactation supports, and help reduce inequitable infant health outcomes.

The five-year strategic plan provides a roadmap to identify and foster policy, environmental and system changes to increase breastfeeding initia tion, duration, and exclusivity (defined as only receiving breast milk) in New Jersey. The plan is the result of a partnership among NJDOH, the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium and the New Jersey Breastfeeding Coalition to focus and coordinate statewide efforts to improve lactation support.

The plan, which lays out a series of goals, serves as a blueprint of concrete actions state govern ment, the healthcare sector, businesses, insur ance, education, and the community can take to better promote and support breastfeeding and to create a statewide environment that normalizes breastfeeding.

Providing breastfeeding support to New Jersey women builds on First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Nurture NJ campaign, which is committed to reducing infant and maternal mortality and mor bidity and ensuring equitable maternal and infant care among women and children of all races and ethnicities. The Breastfeeding Strategic Plan supports several recommendations in the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan to improve breastfeeding rates across the state.

“The Breastfeeding Strategic Plan directly builds on our Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan to address and combat maternal and infant mortality and morbidity in our state,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “The benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby are endless—from lowering risks of breast cancer and risk of SIDS to encouraging bonding between mother and child. This plan ensures breastfeeding mothers are supported throughout their journey, increasing our breastfeeding rates and bringing us one step closer to making New Jersey the safest and most equitable place in the nation to give birth and raise a baby.”

Breast milk provides nutritional and immuno logical components ideally suited to the growth and development needs of babies. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality, according to the American Academy of Pedi atrics. In addition, its positive impacts on infant and maternal health outcomes make supporting breastfeeding an important step in addressing the state’s racial and ethnic disparities in birth outcomes.

Yet, New Jersey breastfeeding practices lag significantly behind the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, which urge exclusive breast feeding for the first six months, continuing with the introduction of complementary foods for two years and beyond. While initiation rates in the state are high, the report notes that all breastfeed ing rates, and particularly exclusive breastfeeding

rates, drop sharply in the early months. Exclusive breastfeeding rates in the hospital are declining, while formula feeding and combination feeding (breast milk and formula) are rising. In 2019, only 55.4% of New Jersey infants were breastfeeding at six months and only 33.8% were breastfeeding at 12 months, despite the recommendations of major health organizations that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first six months, according to the report.

In New Jersey, 41.2% of infants were exclusively breastfeeding at three months and only 23.5% of infants were exclusively breastfed at six months in 2019 – rates which lag Healthy NJ 2020 goals (i.e., 45.0% at three months and 25.5% at six months) and national averages (i.e., 45.3% at three months and 24.9% at six months).

Recognizing that not every birthing parent is able to breastfeed, the plan aims to encourage and support the use of breastfeeding whenever possible.

The plan also includes supporting the first human milk banks in NJ, which will provide pasteurized donor milk to patients in need of breastfeeding support, as needed, including those whose babies are in the NICU. Regulations to effectuate the milk bank law are currently under development.

White women report the highest rates of breast feeding exclusivity during the birth hospitalization while Black and Hispanic women have the lowest rates. Reducing racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding and building a stronger public health infrastructure to coordinate policy to promote and support breastfeeding is imperative in contributing to equitable health outcomes. Collaborative and coordinated efforts across all sectors including government, business, healthcare, insurance, education, and community organizations, are essential to supporting breastfeeding and breast milk feeding to ensure the optimal public health outcomes.

“Encouraging breastfeeding and closing the breastfeeding disparity gap starts with viewing our efforts through an equity lens,” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “We need to identify barriers to equitable access for breastfeeding supports for families of color, and we need to look at far-reaching strategies across all sectors to improve the rate of breastfeeding in New Jersey, including engaging licensed child care centers as partners in supporting working moms to breastfeed their babies. DCF stands at the ready to support this important initiative, to strengthen the health and connection between mothers and their babies in communities throughout the state.”

“Access to paid family and medical leave is criti cal; new parents, including partners, must be able to take the time they need to establish and support breastfeeding and bonding. We at the Department of Labor are committed to ensuring that every worker knows their rights and has equal access to vital support programs,” said Labor Department Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.

The plan sets a series of goals including: • Provide families the support they need to breast feed their babies

Health: Continued From Page 23

• Ensure that maternity practices are fully sup portive of breastfeeding and lactation and are free of bias

• Ensure that employers and childcare providers accommodate lactation

• Strengthen existing capacity and develop future capacity for conducting research and surveillance on breastfeeding and lactation

• Increase state infrastructure and policy making in support of lactation

• Improve and institutionalize emergency pre paredness measures for pregnant and breastfeed ing persons that ensure access to breastfeeding supports and services during public health crises

and emergencies

• Strengthen maternal and child health social services among communities with highest risk of poor health outcomes associated with public health crises

• Support, protect, and promote breastfeeding as the biological norm and optimal way to feed infants during global health pandemics and public health crises

Over half of the year 1 action items have been accomplished and more are underway. The majority of these focus on eliminating systemic barriers in lactation support to reduce racial and ethnic disparities and strengthening maternal and child health social services among communities with higher risk and poor health outcomes asso ciated with public health crises.

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Rabies – The Facts And The Myths

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Facts: Simply stated, rabies is one of the oldest diseases known to man. It is a fatal, contagious disease which af fects mammals, which due to vaccines, good veterinary care and astute animal husbandry, it is mostly found in wild life. Birds are not threatened by this disease. It is untrue that all raccoons carry rabies. Other mammals, such as squirrels, mice, groundhogs, rats, wild rabbits, chipmunks, have almost never been known to transmit rabies to humans. Why is that you might wonder? Due to the fact that their size and ability to survive an attack by a rabid animal is very slim. More than likely, they would succumb to death before they could become a danger. A bite from a rabid animal transfers sa liva, which is the culprit for the trans mission of the disease. Contact with rabies-active saliva alone through an open wound for example, contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) is enough to transmit the disease.

Facts: It is important to know that ra bies is a slow-moving virus that travels up the spinal cord to the brain. Once symptoms become apparent the virus is multiplying in the brain. The only time an animal can spread the virus is when

it is in the saliva, which happens sev eral days BEFORE symptoms become apparent. Therefore, an animal cannot spread the disease when it is incubating the virus, which is the time it takes the virus to travel along the spinal cord from site of entry.

What does a rabid animal look like?

Usually either very vicious and aggres sive or partially or totally paralyzed, trouble walking.

Myths: These symptoms are not always an indication of rabies. An tifreeze poisoning, head trauma and canine distemper (a disease of dogs) are other reason you might see similar symptoms. It’s a myth that if a noctur nal animal appears in the daylight, that they must have rabies. As I touched on in my article ‘Raccoons Out in Day light,’ there are other reasons. Don’t assume an animal is rabid. Exercise caution. Contact the NJ Public Health and Environmental Laboratories, Rabies Laboratory via email: rabies. PHEL@doh.nj.gov or by telephone: (609) 530-8416, 671-6418 or 671-6419.

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

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

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Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of OCT 8 - OCt 14 By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Whether or not the truth is pretty, by sticking by it you can prevent loss of trust. Plant the seeds of a financial idea in the upcoming week and then be patientgive it plenty of time to sprout and grow.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the week ahead, more can be gained by being cooperative than competitive. If you push your way to the front of the line, other people might push back. Remain poised and calm to cope with the unexpected.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Work with others in the week ahead. Extending friendly warmth and kindness can thaw even the chill iest situation. Exercise at the gym, walk with friends or spend time out and about in your local community.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): It may be challenging to think clearly and act promptly when you are dealt wild cards. Have faith that a problem or disagreement can be cured. A partner or loved one may be a valuable resource in the week ahead.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t be taken in by surface appearances. Find inspiration but avoid believing something that you know isn’t true. In the week to come, you might enjoy working with your partner in a group setting with friends.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The road to knowledge may rise to meet you. This may be a good week to try a new experience or dive deeply into a new study or research project. If you do not waver, you can profit from an idea implemented now.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) : You and a partner may see the same skies, but you might not view the same horizon. Loved ones may cause you to doubt their commitment in the upcoming week. Remain faithful even if someone is impulsive or erratic.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Follow the learning curve upward. Solving a puzzle can be a springboard to a better understanding of how to achieve success. Use your money to try to make loved ones and friends happy in the week to come.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Num bers can be counted on to give predictable results, but someone’s explanations might not add up. Watch what a loved one does, not what they say. You can turn a profit if you are thorough about your research.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Both money and love can help to make life easier and more joyful. You may be able to express your passion for something or someone without holding back as this week begins. Analyze a situation and find a solution.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Friends may come and go but the best ones will be there to help you when you need it. You could be encouraged to be more competitive. It might be difficult to remain within a realistic budget in the week ahead.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be prac tical and let idealism take second place. Put some distance between you and a problem in the week ahead so that you have a better perspective. This is not a time to let suspicions or doubts cloud your judgment.

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

SERVE THESE BUTTERY SCONES WITH YOUR FAVORITE JAM FOR A SPECIAL BREAKFAST

By America’s Test Kitchen

SIMPLE CREAM SCONES

Makes 8 scones

2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces and chilled 1 cup (8 ounces) heavy cream

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor. Process mixture for 3 seconds.

3. Sprinkle chilled butter over flour mix ture. Pulse until mixture looks like coarse

crumbs, about 10 seconds.

4. Transfer flour-butter mixture to a large bowl. Add cream and use a rubber spat ula to stir until just combined and no dry flour is visible. Do not overmix.

5. Transfer mixture to a clean counter and use your hands to gather and press mixture until dough forms and holds together, 5 to 10 seconds.

6. Use your hands to pat dough into an 8-inch circle, about 3/4-inch thick.

7. Use a bench scraper (or butter knife) to cut circle into 8 wedges. Transfer scones to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. Bake until scones are light brown on top, 10 to 14 minutes.

9. Remove baking sheet from oven and place on a cooling rack. Let scones cool on baking sheet for 15 minutes.

10. Transfer scones directly to a cooling rack. Let cool for 30 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.