2022-10-08 - The Toms River Times

Vest-A-Cop Fundraiser

Halloween Parade Is Creeping Up On Toms River

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

The Toms River PBA underestimated the number of shirts they’d sell and has an online shop set up for those who missed out.

By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER –

Huge Crowd Invested in event held on Washing ton Street.

Members of Toms Riv er’s finest put a new spin in providing ser vice at the 32nd Annual Vest-A-Cop fundraiser

A number of local law enforcement of ficers held their pens poised as they spoke with patrons ready to dine on one end of the

roped off street. Rath er than giving orders, the good-natured cops were there to take them.

Customers seemed all-in as officers scrib bled out food checks rather than writing out

traffic tickets. The new ly transformed wait staff expertly carried out trays of beverages and quick menu items. Some even took time to visit with residents (Vest - See Page 6)

Student Studies Plight Of The Honeybees

By Chris Lundy BEACHWOOD – As the world population of bees continues to falter, High School North ju nior Kaitlyn Culbert is taking on the maxim of “think globally, act locally” by supporting hives at Jakes Branch

Park and beyond.

The health of hon eybees is tied to the health of everyone. En vironmentalists have explained that without pollination, crops don’t grow. This has led to

(Honeybees - See Page 7)

─Photo By Bob Vosseller

These two young ladies enjoy a ride on a float during last year’s Annual Halloween Parade in 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 pa

rade will make its way from Highland Park way, down Route 9, turning on Washing ton Street and ending at the county Admin istration Building. If weather or some other reason causes a postponement, the date will be Tuesday, November 1.

Like in previous (Halloween - See Page 5)

Town To Revisit Law For Home Sales

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – A controversial ordinance requiring township in spections regarding home sales will be re viewed by the town ship’s Land Use Com mittee on October 18.

“As the chairman of the Land Use Com mittee, we oversaw introduction of this or

dinance,” said Council man Josh Kopp. “We’re also going to oversee any amendment to the ordinance.”

Kopp said the com mittee has met with realtors, sellers, and buyers to discuss the Municipal Certificate of Continued Use and Occupancy (MCCO) program. He indicated (Law - See Page 4)

-Photo courtesy Katie Culbert Kaitlyn Culbert organized a pollinator garden at Jakes Branch County Park.

that most people aren’t looking for a full repeal of the ordinance and understand the need for the local law.

According to Kopp, illegal construction is at an all time high in Toms River. Public

safety represents a problem that he feels the ordinance addresses and controls.

“This is about safety, safety, safety,” Coun cil President Kevin Geoghegan reiterated.

“I happened to be an EMT on the call when the girl was electrocuted in Shelter Cove.”

An eleven-year-old died in 2017 when she was swimming on a raft in a lagoon.

Authorities related the incident to a metal

boat lift that was not up to code. Geoghegan said he agreed that the premise should be “buyer beware” and suggested the “buck” should stop with realtors. His remarks spurred loud dissension from the public, many of whom were presumably local realtors.

“What we’re hearing are two main issues,” Kopp said. “One is timing as far as slowing down the sale of a home. We’re also hearing the issue of fees.”

Councilman Justin Lamb organized what he called a property rights rally prior to the start of the regularly scheduled council meeting. He moved for the ordinance be repealed in total but did not receive a second to his motion.

Kopp and other members of the council shot pointed barbs at Lamb, with more than one calling Lamb’s actions “political the ater.” The crowd assembled at the council meeting let out a collective protest against the assertions.

According to Lamb, one of the items that resulted in him voting no on the township budget earlier this year, was an increase in code enforcement salaries.

“I was shocked at the code enforcement inflation from $548,000 salaries and bene fits to $1.2 million,” said Lamb. “This was to service this flawed ordinance.”

After Lamb’s first motion to repeal the ordinance died, Lamb proposed a second one seeking to remove portions of it. Specif ically, he wanted to remove sections related to fees and violation penalties. Council Vice President Matt Lotano asked Lamb who should be picking up the bill if fees were

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

DATE

LOCATION

eliminated, pointing out the burden would fall on taxpayers.

“The township needs to get this right,” Lamb replied. “If you can’t get it right, then we need to get our house in order.”

Lamb’s second attempt at changing the ordinance also died with no other council member seconding his motion.

Several members of the public spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. Not everyone spoke in complete opposition to the ordinance.

Joan Strathern identified herself as a member of the Ortley Beach Voters and Taxpayers Association. She said her orga nization and many Ortley Beach residents took part in asking for inspections by the township. However, Strathern asked the council to consider fees and address any issues with delays.

“I know (inspections) happened in the town where I lived before moving to Or tley Beach,” Strathern said. “It was pretty important for having safety inspections. I hope that you will work out the kinks so that the fees are not too much for people. Certainly, the people who need to apply for this should be paying for it and not the general population.”

David Corrigan, who said he’s lived at The Landings in Pleasant Plains for 35 years, complimented the township for the good services it’s provided to him. However, he said he came to the meeting because he and his wife Nancy were going through what he referred to as a “Kafkaesque nightmare.”

“We have to deal with mindless

(Law - See Page 26)

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

ALL CLINICS OFFER BOOSTER VACCINE TO INDIVIDUALS AGES 5 AND OLDER. BIVALENT BOOSTER NOW AVAILABLE FOR AGES 12 AND UP.

Pediatric vaccine for children ages 6 months and older available only at OCHD clinics held on Mondays from 2pm-6pm until further notice.

Monkeypox vaccine available every Thursday in October from 1-4pm by appointment only. Flu shots available at all COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Schedule your appointment at www.ochd.org

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 83 rd pa rade. The first one was in 1919. Howev er, 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 mar shall for the parade. Rather, they will

honor all front line health care heroes. A statement by Patrick Ahearn, Chief Executive Officer of Community Medi cal Center, is in the parade’s regulations book.

“Since the beginning of the coro navirus pandemic, CMC’s staff and physicians have treated thousands of COVID-19 patients, while safely con tinuing 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 includes first respond ers who joined us on the frontlines of the pandemic, facing tremendous, un predicted challenges,” he said. “Toms River is home to incredible people, and the outpouring of appreciation and encouragement, from parades to signs to donated meals, helped CMC’s staff continue their fight. Compassion and re silience are a part of Toms River’s DNA; you see it in our healthcare workers 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

Dear Pharmacist

Page 19

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.

come to support their important event.

Servers at Capone’s, Crave, A Thyme for All Seasons, Safu and Tacotastic all wore the same grey Vest-a-Cop teeshirts and took in more than the usual percentage in tips. The participating restaurants also donated a portion of their proceeds to bring the totals higher.

For yet another year, the Toms River Police Department and Toms River PBA 137 had come together to raise money for the Bullet Proof Vest Fund. A change in location from Pizza Hut on Route 37 changed up the menu with other options.

The event made for five hours of fun with additional space for family activi ties all the way to Hooper Avenue.

Kids of all ages took off their shoes and enjoyed the chance to literally spring into fall. Another set of Toms River officers helped children climb inside large inflatables and bounce around. A fully uniformed officer positioned in a dunk tank made repetitive splashes as ball throwers made their mark.

Officers raffled off items and held a 50/50 drawing that grew to enormous dollar amounts. One of the most popular vendor booths was manned by the Toms River PBA, which sold shirts with the event’s logo. Long sleeved shirts and hoodie jackets can still be ordered from

an online store for anyone who missed out on purchases at the actual event.

Music blared at the end of the night, and a big screen featuring Monday Night Football made everyone feel at home. While some watched the Giants and the Cowboys play, others decided to try their hand at axe throwing and cornhole games.

All in the name of fun – and certainly all with a great cause in mind. Money raised for the Vest-a-Cop event goes to fund bulletproof vests for the Toms River Township Police Department.

While any kind of body armor comes with expensive price tags, the cost of keeping local officers safe is immeasur able. Last year’s event had space limita tions related to COVID-19 restrictions and still brought in lots of contributions. With vests requiring replacement every five years, out of pocket expenses for law enforcement members can certain ly add up. From all accounts, the 2022 Vest-a-Cop Day was the biggest ever –with lots of donations targeted for the $1,200 vests.

Toms River spokeswoman Jillian Mes sina was not available at the time this article went to press. It is unknown how many people attended the event or the total amount of contributions.

Autoland of Springfield, the Grun in Foundation, Toms River schools and other downtown businesses, all participated in sponsoring this year’s fundraiser.

Honeybees

more awareness of the dropping numbers of bees. People have stopped using pesticides that affect them, for example.

The Journal of Research, High School publishes academic articles written by students, and they published Culbert’s findings in March. In an essay she wrote for The Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees, she quoted Albert Einstein as saying “If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service 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, un fortunately,” Culbert said. Some areas are down by 50% of where they once were. Throughout spring, she had a 2,500-squarefoot 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 So ciety 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 Gardeners 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 aware ness 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 colony collapse disorder. According to the Environ mental 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 beekeepers 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 essential 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.

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Four Credit Companies Upgrade NJ’s Rating To “Positive”

TRENTON - Governor Phil Murphy and State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio welcomed news that Moody’s Investors Service has joined the other three major credit rating agencies in upgrading New Jersey’s outlook from stable to positive. Since the enactment of the FY2022 State budget last year, New Jersey has received three credit rating upgrades and is now on positive outlook with all four major credit rating agencies – Moody’s, S&P, Fitch, and KBRA.

that the steps we’ve taken to right our fiscal ship have led to real progress,” said Governor Murphy.

“We are now better prepared to meet our present obligations and weather any uncertain economic conditions. While we are proud of all we’ve ac complished thus far, we must continue making strides to improve our fiscal health and resilience.”

HANDS FOR ALL

In making their decision, Moody’s noted, “The positive outlook is supported by the likelihood the state will continue its current practices for managing reserves and long-term liabilities, which could support improvement in the rating.”

“This recognition from Moody’s is further proof

“Receiving a positive outlook is encouraging because it tells us not only that the decisions we have made until this point are the right ones, but the direction we are headed in is equally promis ing,” said Treasurer Muoio. “Given the uncertain economic forecast, having a healthier surplus than the state has seen in decades should be a comfort to residents who rely on state services all the more during difficult economic times.”

NJ Sends National Guard To Florida

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy an nounced on September 29 that he had autho rized 135 New Jersey National Guardsmen for deployment to Florida to support relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ian, which made landfall September 28 as a Category 4 storm. In addition, 40 military and support vehicles will be sent to assist in the hurricane storm response. Assistance is provided through the Emergency Management Assistant Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement allowing states and territo ries to share resources in response to natural and man-made disasters. Governor Murphy accepted the EMAC this morning authorizing the mission to Florida.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Florida right now as they begin their journey to recovery from Hurricane Ian,” said Governor Murphy. “We are thankful for the 135 men and women who bravely volunteered to travel down to Florida to assist with hurricane aid and relief efforts. We are…prepared to provide more sup port where needed.”

“The New Jersey National Guard has an im portant history of being ‘Always Ready, Always There.’ Whether it was Superstorm Sandy, watch

ing over our nation’s capital, or assisting during the COVID-19 pandemic, our citizen soldiers and airmen have distinguished themselves when our communities needed them most. This will be no different,” said Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., Adjutant General of New Jersey. “Our hearts are with the families of all affected by this hurricane.”

“Hurricane Ian made landfall…and created a path of destruction with dangerous winds and catastrophic flooding that has left the residents of Florida in need of assistance, and New Jersey has answered the call,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The New Jersey National Guard will be sending resources and personnel to Florida to assist them on their road to recovery. Our prayers are with the residents of Florida and everyone affected by this storm.”

Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of up to 150 mph in the eye of the storm. The storm continued to move north, causing tremendous damage and danger to those in its path, slowly downgrading to a tropical storm. Millions of Floridians were without power and in dangerous conditions.

Take notice that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6, application has been made to the Chief Administator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Trenton, New Jersey, to receive title papers authorizing the sale for, Jeep Patriot , 2008 , VIN/Hull Identification Number 1J8FT28W08D750324 . Objections, if any, should be made in writing immediately in writing to the Chief Administator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, New Jersey, 08666-0017.

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 Toms River Times and make yourself heard.

Preserve Columbus Day Holiday

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.

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.

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

Candidate Runs With “No Strings Attached”

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 Toms River Times 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.

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.

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

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!

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,

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

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.

Barnegat’s Overdevelopment Can Be Fixed Why Did GOP Vote Against Lowering Insulin?

C

n

Stuff The Bus Campaign Brings School Supplies To Walnut Street

TOMS RIVER – The “Stuff the Bus” campaign is an initiative from 92.7 WOBM in partnership with Ocean County ShopRite stores, which gathers school supply dona tions, fills up buses, and delivers them to schools throughout the area.

Walnut Street Elementary School was the lucky recipient of a busload of school supplies such as notebooks, binders, back packs, you name it. Safety Patrol students, along with Walnut Street Principal Kevin McCann, Supervisor Jacqueline Citta, Child Study Team member Dena Kibel, School Resource Office Terry Crowley, and Superintendent Mike Citta helped unload boxes in the rain, and bring them into the building.

This particular bus stuffed full of school supplies was driven by Corey from WOBM, who helped as well, and joined students for photos afterwards. Walnut Street and the entire district thanks WOBM, ShopRite, and everyone who donated for making this possible.

Harvest Arts Festival

TOMS RIVER – Join the Downtown Toms River Business Improvement District for The Harvest Arts Festival in Downtown Toms River on October 15 at 11 a.m.

Washington Street will be filled with food, merchandise vendors and local artists. Toms River Fire Co. #1 will host a beer & wine garden. Downtown businesses, restaurants, brewery and distillery will be open on the street. There will be free activities for the kids including pumpkin painting and games. Live entertainment from The Music Academy, The Counterfeiters, and The Blues Collar Band. Free admission and all public parking throughout downtown is free day of the event. Interested vendors can apply through their website at downtowntomsriver.com.

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Learn About Paranormal Investigations

TOMS RIVER – Learn what it takes to be a ghost hunter, and see the sophisticated gear that helps to spot spectres. New Jersey Paranormal Investigations will take you to the dark side at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 7 p.m. October 17.

The program will be led by NJPI founder Barry Ruggiero, who has researched hair-raising occur rences for more than 12 years. The paranormal expert uses basic physics and advanced equipment in his scientific probes of hauntings and spirits. NJPI has more than 112,000 Facebook followers. Barry’s probe of spirits believed to inhabit the Hannah Caldwell House in Union was profiled

in the Newark Star-Ledger. Most recently, the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society recruited him to examine paranormal claims at the Strauss Mansion Museum.

Barry also was Woodbridge Mayor John Mc Cormick’s guest on a township television program about chilling, unexplained phenomena in the community, and NJPI been featured on News12 New Jersey, Registration at theoceancountylibrary.org/events is required to attend this free program, which will take place in Mancini Hall. For more information, visit the Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, or call 732-349-6200.

Diabetes Self-Management Program

TOMS RIVER – This free, six-week self-management program and workbook, designed by Stanford University, will help you to: learn how to manage symptoms including fatigue and depression; use relaxation tech niques; eat healthy and monitor blood sugars; improve communication skills; use medica tion effectively; increase your self-confidence; solve problems and set action plans. Class size is limited. Register early to reserve your spot. Program will take place on the following

dates: October 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21; at Cooper Environmental Center, Cattus Island County Park, Toms River, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cost is $5 per person registration fee.

Registration Form: bit.ly/39dKVn7. Register by mail or in-person at: Jakes Branch Coun ty Park – Beachwood; Wells Mills County Park – Waretown; OC Parks Administration Office - Toms River. For more information call 732-506-9090 or visit oceancountyparks.org.

Toms River Girl Scouts Recycling Project

TOMS

Trick-Or-Treating On October 30

TOMS RIVER – The 83rd annual Toms River Fire Co. #1 Halloween parade is October 31. Mayor Maurice B. Hill said due to the parade being scheduled on Halloween, the tradi tional ‘trick or treating’ activities in town will be observed on October 30.

“This was a joint decision made by the Township, Toms River Fire Companies and the Toms River Po lice Department. We want children to come to the parade with their families on Halloween but still enjoy the time-honored tradition of trickor-treating.”

The parade steps off at 7 p.m. at Highland Parkway and Main Street continuing south on Route 166 and turning onto Washington Street. This year the grand marshals are front line health care workers. Registration takes place on the day of the parade only at the Henry Runco Firehouse on Robbins Street, between Washington and Water Streets.

Police Chief Mitch Little says it is especially important for parents and motorists to adhere to a few safety rules during trick-or-treating.

“On October 30, motorists should be aware and drive with extra caution. Be on the alert for excited youngsters, whose vision may be obstructed by masks, darting out into traffic. We also advise parents to accompany young children, always carry a flash light for safety, stay on sidewalks or as close to the curb as possible and only go to houses where the porch lights are on.”

While there is no official curfew in Toms River, Chief Little says that all trick-or-treaters will be asked to be off township streets by 9 p.m.

“Our utmost concern is for the safety and well-being of our residents and the children enjoying the holiday. The Toms River Police Department wishes you a safe and Happy Halloween!” added Chief Little.

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

C ommunity n ew S

Lanes Will Close For Seaside Bridge Repair

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – There will be temporary lane 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.

The 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 eastbound traffic will be unaffected. Electronic signs will tell drivers 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.

Celebrate The Holidays With Holiday Tea At The Mathis House

TOMS RIVER – Back by popular demand, the Holiday Tea will be offered to those wishing to visit the beautifully decorated Mathis House Tearoom at 600 Main Street in Toms River on December 6.

Guests may look forward to the ever-delicious scones, yummy tea sandwiches, and scrump tious mini-desserts that accompany generous pots of fine tea as they chat with friends in the historical elegance of this stately home. As

usual, a few lucky guests will win door prizes. Seating is at 11 a.m. Cost: $40 members; $45 non-members.

Be sure to make your reservation starting 10 a.m. on October 1 by calling Deb Levinson at 732-286-3693. Checks should be made out and mailed to Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753 within one week of phone reservation, with Attention: Deb in the bottom left-hand corner of the envelope.

OUTPATIENT REHAB:

INPATIENT REHAB:

H ere

s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

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

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!

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 holiday items, granny’s attic, collectibles, a gift basket raffle and baked goods.

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.

p oli C e B lotter

Man Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Manslaughter

By Chris Lundy

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Gerardo Ruiz admitted to fatally injuring a woman hours before he almost died.

Ruiz, 51, of Seaside Heights pled guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter in the death of Alecia Perreault, 29, of Seaside Heights.

Police responded to a call that he had killed the woman on May 1, 2021. When they arrived at a room in the Offshore Motel where she was staying, Perreault was pronounced dead at the scene with wounds on her neck. They went to Ruiz’ motel room at the Surfside Motel, where he was overdosing on drugs. He was treated and detained, and has been in a secure medical facility since that day.

Ruiz faces a term of 35 years at his sentencing on December 9. He will be

subject to the No Early Release Act, meaning that he must serve at least 85% of his term before being eligible for parole.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer acknowledged the efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who is handling the case on behalf of the State as well as the as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Seaside Heights Po lice Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Ruiz’s apprehension, guilty plea and soon his lengthy state prison sentence.

p oli C e B lotter Officers Presented Class C Awards

TOMS RIVER – At the September council meeting, the Toms River Police Depart ment had the honor of presenting Sergeant Vincent Pedalino, Corporal Greig Errion, Officer Kris Kowalczy, Sergeant Chris Mc Dowell, Officer Brian Appleby, and Seaside Heights Officer Robert Wasilick with Class C Awards, and Officer Kevin Oliver with a Life Saving Award, for their extraordinary actions during crucial incidents in 2022.

On May 17, multiple officers responded to area of Bachelor and Route 37. Sergeant Chris McDowell observed a male party standing in the middle of the road wielding a large machete and screaming at pass ing vehicles. A passing off-duty Seaside Heights Police officer, Robert Wasilick, stopped to assist when he observed the male with the knife. The male party began advancing towards Sgt. McDowell who moved back while drawing his firearm. Sgt. McDowell attempting to de-escalate the situation, gave commands to shut down the highway for safety precautions, while waiting for back-up officers to respond for assistance. The male party eventually began walking back to a wooded area away from officers on scene but kept the machete in his hand. At one point, it appeared the machete slipped out of his hands and Offi cer Brian Appleby made a quick decision to move in and take control of the male party ending what could have been a lethal force situation.

On March 10, multiple officers responded to Motel 6 for a suicidal male party. After

setting up a perimeter and an immediate action team, negotiations with the suicidal male continued. Multiple attempts to rea son with the male party were attempted, but he began slicing his throat with a box cutter forcing the immediate action team to enter the room made up of a less lethal option, taser, lethal force, and hands team. Corporal Greig Errion, Officer Kris Kow alczyk, and Sergeant Vincent Pedalino entered the room and the male party was still cutting himself while running to the bathroom after less lethal options were attempted. Officers involved were able to force entry, deploy a taser, remove the weapon, and the male party the medical assistance needed to save his life.

On March 20, Officer Kevin Oliver and others responded to a structure fire on Mt. Everest Lane in Holiday City. Officers’ Oliver and John Carolan were able to re move a male party from the residence at the front door where Officer Brendan Hirtes performed CPR. Silverton Fire Members entered the fully involved structure and removed the female party as well where Officer Oliver performed CPR on the fe male party. Both residents were flown out and treated at St. Barnabas Burn Center with the female victim as the only survivor. All officers involved are commended for their professionalism, tactics, and de-esca lation skills. Congratulations gentleman, and thank you to all of our amazing officers for their continued dedication to the safety of our community!

Beware Of The Do-It-Yourself Will

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

several times each year, a client

office

a document

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

and Testament”

asks me to review it.

always a will that the client attempted to draft on his or her own.

document

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.

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.

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 affects mammals, which due to vaccines, good veterinary care and astute animal husbandry, it is mostly found in wildlife. Birds are not threatened by this disease. It is untrue that all raccoons carry rabies. Other mammals, such as squir rels, 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

around the JerSey Shore

Rabies – The Facts And The Myths

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 saliva, which is the culprit for the transmission 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 rabies 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 several 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 aggressive or par tially or totally paralyzed, trouble walking.

Myths: These symptoms are not always an indication of rabies. Antifreeze poison ing, head trauma and canine distemper (a disease of dogs) are other reason you might see similar symptoms. It’s a myth that if a nocturnal animal appears in the daylight,

that they must have rabies. As I touched on in my article ‘Raccoons Out in Daylight,’ 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 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.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

House Sale, Entire Contents Must Go - 39 Glenn Drive, Manahawkin. October 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (43)

Auto Wanted

Looking For Low Mileage CarFor my teenage grandson. He will treasure it in his memory as his first car. 732-849-5310. (44)

Estate

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

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

$$$ WANTED TO BUY

CLASSIFIEDS

Services

Experienced Home Health Aid(s)

Services Services Services

$$$

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)

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, Shop ping, - Window cleaning, laundry, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Very good prices. Call 732-7735078 or 848-287-3944.

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)

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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. (46)

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 Home -

By 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)

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not be

for

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)

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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)

: PO Box 521, Lakehurst,

be

DIRECT CREMATION $1875

Law:

Page 1

bureaucrats,” said Corrigan, who once served as township attorney. “Notwith

that we have done everything right, we cannot get a CCO.

“In May of 2022, we started the process to obtain a CCO by attempting to legitimize our basement,” Corrigan explained. “The realtor told us it’s what we had to do and we submitted our survey to the township.”

According to Corrigan, the engineering department said they couldn’t read the sur vey and instructed them to get another one. The new survey revealed other problems on the property, which brought up issues with fencing. One included the need for a new fence around the Corrigan’s pool.

The Corrigans followed instructions to put up a new fence and then learned their CCO application was denied, in part for their failure to secure a permit for the work. The new fence erected was only three feet and needed to be six feet.

Although he once again arranged to install a fence meeting specifications, Corrigan worried the CCO would not be approved in time for the closing on his home.

“I’m really desperate,” said Corrigan as he pled for help. “We already lost one sale and we’re going to lose another sale.”

“We have a pristine house and never vio lated the regulations,” Corrigan continued.

“We have tried to work with the town, and we get bureaucratic nonsense.”

A number of realtors repeated the call for reversal of the ordinance in full. Some said the onus was on buyers to secure home inspections, while others said it wasn’t up to the township to act as “babysitters.”

Township engineer Robert J. Chankalian said the ordinance was first contemplated as far back as 2004 and came up in other years.

“The latest and adopted version was finally adopted in December of 2021,” he said. “This was basically as a result of an outcry from residents.”

The ordinance did not go into effect until July of this year in order to facilitate education and implementation of the new law. Officials presented multiple informa tional seminars to approximately 1,500 attorneys and realtors to advise them of the changes and give them an opportunity to ask questions.

Individuals selling homes should consider applying for a MCCO approximately 30 days before their scheduled closing. The MCCO remains valid for 180 days.

“Since the inception of the program, we’ve had 516 applications filed,” Chanka lian shared. “This is averaging about 15 per day. The ordinance allows for 12-14 days for the department’s staff to research, con duct the inspection, issue their findings, or the certificate.”

Applications completed correctly are generally turned around in six days. The department’s current work in queue totals approximately 90 submissions. Of the applications already processed, 85 percent have already been approved.

Re-inspections have been needed in less than five percent of the applications. As owners, realtors and attorneys have become more familiar with the program, the number of re-inspection requests have declined.

Chankalian shared photographs from 20 different homes that he said demonstrated the need for the inspection ordinance. Some had fire and electrical hazards, and others showed evidence of plumbing problems. Inspectors deemed some homes uninhabitable with holes in the structure and other issues suggestive of health haz ards. One picture demonstrated evidence of vermin infiltration.

Flood hazards and issues related to hoard ing represent some of the other issues that present when inspectors do their walk throughs. Unpermitted work discovered by inspectors has resulted in unfair tax assessments.

When the township did reevaluations last year, one homeowner who is now looking to sell, did not allow access to their house.

“Presumably they knew they had an illegal construction and didn’t want any body to see it,” said Chankalian. “The tax assessor now being aware of this because of the program estimates that this was over $100,000 of unpermitted, unaccounted for work. This equates to almost $1,800 a year in escaped tax dollars.”

The Land Use Committee plans to listen to problems and make recommendations to the governing body concerning revisions to the ordinance. Kopp said implementa tion of the policy came with a learning curve and invited the public to submit suggestions to get past the various hurdles.

around the JerSey Shore

Honor Tradition With Alborada Spanish Dance Theater

LAVALLETTE – Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre’s performance at the Ocean County Library Upper Shores Branch in Lavallette, 2 p.m. October 4.

“Dances from Spain” will showcase authentic, traditional Spanish music, cos tumes, and steps.

Considered New Jersey’s premier Span ish and Latin American dance company, the Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre was founded in 1965 as the Maria Alba Span ish Dance Company. The group regularly toured major East Coast venues such as New York’s Carnegie Hall and Symphony Space.

In 1980, Maria and current Artistic and Executive Director Eva Lucena introduced dynamic choreographers and dancers to project a broad perspective of Spanish culture. Today, Alborada maintains a vast repertoire of dance forms and dance dramas with origins in Spain and Latin America.

Photo courtesy Ocean County Library

Registration at theoceancountylibrary. org/events is required for this free pro gram. For more information, visit the Upper Shores Branch, 112 Jersey City Avenue, Lavallette, or call 732-793-3996.

Veteran’s Day Concert

RED BANK – Tower Hill Church an nounces the Veteran’s Day Concert for November 14 at 4 p.m. Led by Music Director Fiona Smith with amazing brass players from west Point Band, special salutes to veterans, patriotic choral works, and sing-a-longs. Recep

tion to follow.

All are welcome. Free to the public. For more information, call 732-6914348 ext. 202, email fiona@TowerHill Church.org, or visit TowerHillChurch. org. Tower Hill Church is located at 255 Harding Road, Red Bank.

photo of the week

This rainbow was recently seen over the Jersey Shore and thankfully, Alicia Grysz kiewicz was there with her camera to capture it. Want to have your pictures featured in this space? How about a chance to win tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure? Email your pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com

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

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.

Trucktoberfest Presented By Island Heights Vol. Fire Co. 1

ISLAND HEIGHTS – The Annual Island Heights Vol. Fire Co. 1 Trucktoberfest Food Truck Festival is back! Join on October 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (rain date October 16) at Island Heights Borough Hall. Enjoy a great selection of food trucks, beers, craft vendors, fire pits, live music, and fun bounce houses and petting zoos

for the kids! There is something for everybody to enjoy at this event, bring the whole family and support the fire department! All proceeds from this event go towards fundraising efforts of the Island Heights Vol. Fire Co. 1 to support the new firehouse fund and other equipment purchases.

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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

They may be called cream scones, but a big part of the magic of this treat comes from the butter. Adding little pieces of cold butter to the flour mixture (with the help of the food processor) creates little pockets of butter in the dough. When the scones are baking, the water in that butter turns into steam. That steam creates little pockets of air, which help the scones turn out super flaky. The cream is not for noth ing: It makes the scones taste deliciously rich. We like to serve these scones with our favorite jam -- and sometimes even more butter!

SIMPLE CREAM SCONES

Makes 8 scones

2 cups (10 ounces) all-pur pose flour

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking pow der

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, bak ing powder, and salt in a food processor. Process mixture for 3 seconds.

3. Sprinkle chilled butter over flour mixture. Pulse until mixture looks like coarse crumbs, about 10 seconds.

4. Transfer flour-butter mixture to a large bowl. Add cream and use a rub ber spatula 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 cir cle, about 3/4-inch thick.

7. Use a bench scraper (or butter knife) to cut cir cle into 8 wedges. Trans fer scones to a parch ment-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 direct ly to a cooling rack. Let cool for 30 minutes before serving.