2022-11-12 - The Southern Ocean Times

SOUTHERN OCEAN

County Marine Unit Stars In Save Barnegat Bay Video

O cers Honored In Response To School Shooting reat

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By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER Britta Forsberg smiled as she talked about the day when she stopped in on a whim to see Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy.

“His office asked me if I had an appointment,” said Forsberg. “Even after I told them no, the

Chaplains Offer Guidance

To Police, Residents

By Bob Vosseller

LACEY – Among their duties, police chiefs handle the routine issues of police business like record work, equipment inventory, personnel matters and reports to their respective governing body, but Township

Police Chief Michael DiBella makes it a point to communicate with the community.

DiBella enjoys addressing groups like the Old Guard of Forked River and letting residents know about any concerns and allowing them to ask questions.

During one of their meetings, DiBella served as guest speaker and brought along police chaplains Matt Hass and Walter Santos to talk about the department’s chaplains program.

Santos is the pastor of the Lacey Christian (Guidance - See Page 5)

Sheriff agreed to meet with me. I sat down and asked the Sheriff if I could get him a boat, would he use it.”

Forsberg serves as the Executive Director of Save Barnegat Bay and leads the fight to protect and restore this important waterway. She credits (Marine Unit - See Page 4)

By Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT – Township officials honored eight officers at their November meeting, acknowledging their response to the recent active shooter threat at Barnegat High School.

The governing body’s praise for the local law enforcement members included revelation of some chilling details concerning the danger believed to be a reality based on the initial call.

“On October 14, the Barnegat Police Department received an active shooting in progress at Barnegat High School,” said Committeeman Joe Marte. “The caller reported to dispatchers that shots had been fi red and gave a description of victims, as well as specific locations in the school where the shooting was occurring.”

Marte singled out officers Mike Moore, Ed Hayes, Rich Carr, John Holiday, Detective William Hendrick, Lt. Jeff Ryan and Lt. Andrew Parsley, all who fi rst appeared on the scene.

“They responded without hesitation and entered the school with a single purpose,” Marte shared. “Gauging the threat and ensuring the safety of all students, staffs and visitors.”

Patrolman Kris Burke was off duty when the call came in but was also recognized by officials for immediately responding to the scene to provide additional support.

–Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

A crew put together a fi

featuring the Ocean County Sheriff ’s Marine Unit on saving the Barnegat Bay.

–Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Four of the eight Barnegat Police Officers lauded for their response to the school’s active shooter threat, (from left) Officer K. Burke, Lt. A. Parsley, Lt. J. Ryan and Officer M. Moore.

–Photo by Bob Vosseller

Lacey Police Chief Michael DiBella, left, joins township police chaplains Matt Hass and Walter Santos during a presentation.

Marine Unit:

Continued From Page 1

the Ocean County Sheriff ’s department with going above and beyond.

According to Forsberg, Mastronardy considered her inquiry and said his department already had a marine unit with a boat. However, the Barnegat Bay advocate was on a mission –and pressed harder.

First, came the questions about how often the Sheriff’s boat went out to patrol the waters. The two then moved on to discuss the type of equipment in use. Forsberg had a plan - and one that ultimately made sense.

“I explained to the Sheriff that we really needed a bigger presence on the bay,” shared Forsberg. “I told him I wanted to help him put together a proposal that would get the department an appropriate vessel that could go into shallow waters and help more.”

The brainstorming between the county law enforcement head and the non-profit leader resulted in a matching grant award that has furthered the work intended to keep the Barnegat Bay safe.

County records document that the Ocean County Sheriff’s department was able to purchase a new boat used in conjunction with a matching grant from the state.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s department purchased the Reconcraft 24-foot patrol vessel with Waterjet Propulsion and Trailer for $249,814. Fortunately, it came with a warranty as Ocean County Sheriff’s officers had to use another vessel to embark on another special mission at the end of last month.

“The purpose of the jet boat is that because

it doesn’t have propellers, it doesn’t disturb any of the life at the bottom,” Mastronardy explained. “It’s really what we need to keep the bay healthy.”

Lori Van Lenten, Fiscal Officer of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office said the State of New Jersey provided the money to pay for the officers who patrol the protected zones of the Barnegat Bay and educate boaters as to why they should not venture into areas of restoration and the future health of the bay.

“The State DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) awarded us $240,000 for salaries, and $30,000 to produce an educational video,” Van Lenten said.

A film crew went out with members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Marine Unit to put together informational resources.

Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Rory Gronczewski headed out into the bay with other members of the marine unit for action shots in the patrol region.

According to Gronczewski, one of the purposes of the video is to educate the public about the Sedge Island Conservation Zone at the southern end of Island Beach State Park.

The marine unit primarily patrols on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Memorial Day until Labor Day. The team works hand in hand with New Jersey State Police as they are first line patrol units.

“One of the big things we are involved with the State Police are the floats and boats gathering at Tices Shoal,” said Gronczewski. “That’s in July when there are a lot of people out on the bay.”

The targeted areas patrolled by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department generally run from the Seaside Bridge to the bridge leading

into Long Beach Island. Those assigned to the marine unit bring a variety of skills and handle different aspects on the water.

On some occasions, the tasks range from rescuing boaters in distress or enforcing fishing/ game laws. Another important goal stresses education and enforcement in sensitive environmental areas.

“I think the video is going to be used particularly in locations where people are renting and purchasing jet skis and those types of equipment,” Forsberg shared. “What’s happening is people want to come and have a great time on the bay and don’t realize how sensitive the bay is here.” Gronczewski suggested that parts of the video would be valuable to people who get involved in boater safety programs to obtain boater licenses.

The Barnegat Bay can be chaotic during the summer months and authorities think the video will act as a great way to ensure people learn about the local ecology. This includes educating the public about the laws that regulate waterways.

In the case of the marine conservation zone, there are islands surrounded by shallow waters. The uneducated may not understand the threat boats and jet skis represent when it comes to the area.

“Just inside the inlet, creatures who live in the ocean want to reproduce and have young offspring,” described Forsberg. “They raise them there for a little bit until they’re big enough to go back into the ocean.”

Forsberg explained that the habitat that grows on the backside of the barrier islands needs to remain undisturbed to allow the young to develop in the native grasses. It’s possible to dip a

net in the water and come across baby flounder and even tiny shrimp.

“There are critters coming up and down the East Coast trying to come into this estuary,” Forsberg said. “It’s a quieter space that has brackish water and is not as salty.”

The bottom line comes down to scientists studying the area and suggesting it would be best if heavy activity was limited in the Sedge Island Conservation Zone. The area is a park and open space that is best suited to some fishing and crabbing normally considered traditional Barnegat Bay activity.

“We don’t want commercial clamming there,” emphasized Forsberg. “We want the clams to reproduce, although people can recreationally clam with a permit.”

Many who rent or own jet skis do not realize the harm they can cause when they come to edge of the marsh. Jet skis suck up water and bay life and spit it back out.

The concept of educating others to save the Barnegat Bay has received enormous support at the state level and marine trades association.

“The recreational boating industry depends heavily on clean water and a healthy boating environment. Everyone who enjoys our beautiful waterways must work together to protect and preserve these natural resources,” wrote Melissa Danko, Executive Director of Marine Trades Association of New Jersey. “As an industry, we not only develop new technologies and clean boating practices, but we provide the information, resources and infrastructure to help boaters do their part to protect the environment and reduce impacts. Together, we can all protect our natural resources for this generation and generations to come.”

Assembly, the former Bamber Chapel. Hass is the pastor of the Lutheran Church in Lanoka Harbor. A third chaplain who was unable to make it is Chaplain Paul Quevedo of the Forked River Presbyterian Church.

“Police officer suicides are high across the country,” the chief said. He noted that the state’s former Attorney General initiated a resiliency program which became a requirement in all New Jersey police departments.

“Police officers aren’t any different than anyone else. When we get stressed out, we need a person to go and speak to. The attitude of ‘I’m a cop, I’m on top, I can handle it,’ - those days are over,” Chief DiBella said.

“It is someone my officers can speak to confidentially - except if they make claims if they are going to kill themselves or harm somebody else. I wanted to go one step above the resiliency program and that led to the police chaplains pro-

Officers:

Continued From Page 1

According to Marte, Parsley did an outstanding job of assuming command, and leading and coordinating the significant public safety response.

The officers all took part in securing classrooms as well as the eventual evacuation of the occupants of the school. Marte said the actions were completed in a systematic and controlled manner.

“Our report was that a shooting was going

gram. I started looking into it and looking into it and spoke with our governing body about it as I wanted to get their support,” he added. “For me it was very important that the police chaplain be ordained and that be representative of their faith.

Right at the same time we were looking at this, Pastor Santos just randomly came into the police department and asked to speak to me and so I met with him and he explained he was taking over as the new pastor and had experience with this. We started the police chaplain program about a year ago.

“The three chaplains are there for us, for myself all the way down to the most recent hired police officer as well as my dispatchers. If any of us feel we are having a stressful day or for whatever reason needs to speak to somebody we can call on our pastors to sit down with us,” the chief added.

The police chief gave the example of one of the hardest things as police officers that they have to do – notify someone that their loved one has passed away. Whether it’s a car crash or some

on,” confirmed Barnegat Police Chief Keith Germain. “We were told there were victims and exactly what the victims looked like.”

Just about all of the officers honored at the Township Committee’s meeting have schoolaged children in either elementary or middle school. However, Ryan is the proud father of both a sophomore and senior student at Barnegat High School.

Ryan said that when the call came over the radio, he immediately reacted based on the training the local department provides to its officers.

other cause, an officer has to visit a home and give someone the worst news of their life.

“It is on us, the police department to make an in-person death notification and sometimes we’ll bring the chaplain in to help us make that death notice. The program has worked out very well,” Chief DiBella said.

Pastor Hass said “it is such a blessing to be working with our local law enforcement. They are a wonderful crew. We are there for the officers and as the chief said, for our community. They call us at times when they need assistance in a situation that is going on. We are there to help.

“We are there to support those police officers after those situations are over as well,” the pastor said. “I am glad to be a part of this community.”

Pastor Santos remarked, “it is great to be in a community that has police chaplains. We are trained to do that, for critical incidents and trained to debrief and defuse after a bad incident because when you don’t talk about it, you keep it inside and unfortunately, police officers see the

“Your training kicks in when you get a call like this,” Ryan explained. “The only thing I thought about was stopping the threat.”

The Barnegat Police Department and the school district follow the ALICE protocol, which stands for “Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate.” Students have all been trained to follow procedures and police instructions. “As you’re clearing the rooms looking for the suspect, you’re scanning quickly,” said Ryan. “You’ve got all the kids protecting themselves following the ALICE protocol. You don’t really recognize faces of the kids as it’s all done fast.”

worst in humanity. They see things we weren’t meant to see.

“They need a safe place to vent and that is what a police chaplain does. We had a recent (death) notification in town and the minute we rolled up on the scene we were met by a grieving person who was hurting and didn’t know what to do and then she just collapsed in my arms,” he said.

“We were able to point her into a direction because when something like that happens to family you don’t know what to do, your head is in a fog. We presented this pamphlet that we had made up and it has everything of what you should do after a loss of a loved one. This pamphlet walks you through the steps to do after the death of a loved one,” Pastor Santos added.

For information about the program, on how to reach a police chaplain or get a copy of the pamphlet Pastor Santos referenced, contact the Lacey Township Police Department at 609-6936636. The police department is located at 808 Lacey Road and you can also visit their website at laceypd.org

Once Barnegat Police determined the call was actually a hoax, Ryan had the time to collect his thoughts.

“Of course, I knew my kids were in the school,” Ryan shared. “Later, I wondered if either of them was any of the rooms when I went through them.”

Authorities subsequently learned that Barnegat was one of several school districts to receive the hoax calls, often referred to as swatting incidents. In Ocean County alone, the active shooter prank calls disrupted classes in Barnegat, Jackson and Toms River schools.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

F EATURED L ETTER

Privately Educated Kids Need To Learn Diversity

Private schools need cultural diversity added to their curriculum to learn about others outside of their own ethnic group. Most private schools in our area are white students. They are primarily one ethnic group and learning cultural diversity will equip them for the business world and life!

A local church had a large homeschool network and most of the students were white and did not interact with many Black, Jewish, or Latino kids on a regular basis. They may not experience the awesome taste of an empanada, eating a falafel, hear the story of a civil rights fighter who changed the nation and basically engage in the natural education that comes from being around others.

I just reached out to a Christian-based homeschool group to be a part of a youth advisory council, so they can have a voice at the table in the community in which they live. Because they want their youth to be separate, and not influenced by other youth in these formative years, they have not joined in.

They have the Christian faith somewhat skewed, because those students should be walking in love and be a blessing to their fellow classmates and kids in the community.

The Orthodox community needs this a great deal as well. The separation of their youth and community to pursue their relationship with G-d is a wonderful journey for any ethnic group, however, it causes many to not appreciate the beautiful aspects of diversity and their neighbor’s culture.

Mexican and Black people have issues, and yet they both have felt the pain of prejudice and discrimination. “No Jews, Blacks and Mexicans” were the signs during Jim Crow. When you see another ethnic group experiencing what your people went through, there should be a degree of compassion and support.

Some in Black leadership used to say, they want us to learn about the Holocaust yet do not want to talk about slavery.

I remember when the Jewish community started to change Holocaust studies and museums to Genocide studies. It is showing other ethnic groups we empathize with the strategies their people endured, and when you care about them, it helps to make them care about you. People think if it is not affecting my people, we don’t care, and that is not cool. It is not reflective of the beautiful value to “do unto others as you would have done for you.” Let us celebrate the diversity of each other and make the places we call home for now, find moments of kindness, respect, and peace! Cultural Diversity is celebrating and learning the interesting and fun things about ethnic groups, and some of their challenges and even their dreams. If many in the private schools are pursuing a relationship with G-d, who is Love, they should realize that this beautiful cultural mosaic of mankind is what G-d designed!

For the past 45 years I have been writing letters to the editor on a variety of topics, and hopefully all were not just a glaring waste of trees. I remember, however, what my old creative writing professor told me upon leaving his class for the last time: “No matter how wonderful you may think your writing is, remember that the next day it’s going to be used to wrap the garbage.”

I think what’s overlooked sometimes in writing letters to the editor, is the opportunity our area newspapers give us to express our thoughts and opinions, even though we may lack the literary sophistication and elegance of a Hemingway or a Faulkner.

The Asbury Park Press, The Jackson Times, The TriTown News and in earlier times, the Lakewood Daily Times, and Ocean County Observer, all have over the years provided its readers with a chance to be heard.

When it comes to freedom of thought and freedom to write what you think, it is well we remember the words of the late journalist H.L. Mencken: “I know of no human right that is more valuable as the simple right to utter what seems (at the moment) to be the truth. Take away this right, and none other is worth a hoot, nor indeed,

Letters To The Editor

The League of Women Voters of Monmouth County (9/24/22) mischaracterizes the recent Dobbs decision of the US Supreme Court. Since misinformation is so rampant, the co-presidents of the LWVMonmouth should be more precise. Words are important. “The constitutional right to abortion” is a phrase so often repeated, that it is accepted as a fact. The Supreme Court found that a right to abortion is not found in the Constitution. It did not “overturn” this imputed right. Any study of the Constitution’s authors would make clear that they and their compatriots universally abhorred abortion. So no stretch of logic can seat a right to abortion in the Constitution. Even the feminist icon Ruth Bader Ginsburg recognized the frailty of Roe v. Wade. States will enact laws that allow and/or potentially limit abortion. That is as it should be in a republic. There are many voters who wish to protect and nurture unborn girls and boys.

Peter Eschmann Barnegat

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The Southern Ocean Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to

edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

This letter is in response to “Preserve Columbus Day Holiday,” in the October 8 edition.

People keep wanting to preserve Columbus Day, but they don’t want to learn about what Columbus actually did.

First of all, Christopher Columbus never set foot on United States soil. He landed in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. But never in the states. He didn’t “discover America.” He was nowhere near America.

If we’re going to give him a holiday, it should be to learn what not to do. His story should be seen as a cautionary tale.

This was a man who enslaved natives, murdered and raped them. When slaves revolted, he had them killed, dismembered and paraded their body parts through their villages.

This is not someone who deserves their own day. There shouldn’t be a parade. There shouldn’t be anything but disgust for this man who committed atrocities.

How can you say you care about history when you don’t even know the history?

are subject to only out-ofpocket co-pays. Medicare was never designed to pay 100% of eligible charges. If your coverage does handle your drug costs that way then you bought the wrong coverage but your coverage may be changed on your Supplemental Coverage at any time. So check with your advisor to find coverage that does the job you need done.

Further, price controls severely limit the drug companies (to fund) their research projects on both improvements in existing products and coming out with new ones to treat additional conditions.

I do not know what took place in Congress but since the Democrats control both the House and Senate, perhaps some Democrats didn’t vote for the bill either if the Bill did not pass. For any House or Senate member voted against the Bill, find out what their issues were.

Editor’s note: The measure failed 57-43. The bill had the majority vote, but the GOP used a parliamentary procedure to require 60 votes to win instead of 51.

J. Lindsay Fuller, CLU, RIA Beach Haven

I Voted Because My Ancestors Couldn’t

This year, I voted early to honor my Black and women ancestors, who weren’t allowed that freedom.

Your characterization of those bad Republicans refused to vote for the proposed limitation on patient cost for insulin.

I have been in the Employee Benefit business for over 55 years and we dealt heavily with Group and Individual Health Insurance.

If a Medicare enrollee purchases Supplemental Coverage, those normally

The fact that women only had the right to vote for 100 years shows how little our Founding Fathers thought of us. It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that codified it and kept states from enforcing voting laws that discriminated. In theory, at least. There’s still Jim Crow-style laws on the books and more being written every day.

This is the history they don’t want you to learn.

Colin Lewis Love Your Neighbor of Ocean County

Jason Banes Toms River

Make Your Voice Heard –Write A Letter

Dobbs Decision Mischaracterized

Response To “Why Did GOP Vote Against Lowering Insulin?”

It’s Time To Stop Celebrating Columbus

can any other exist.”

Borden Applegate Jackson

N EWS

“Legacy of Remembrance,” OCL Long Beach Island Branch

Lacey In Lights

LACEY – Registration is now open for Lacey in Lights 2022! Registration begins November 1; Registration ends December 1. Houses must be decorated by December 9. During the week of December 11, they

will have a group of judges going around to every house to narrow down the houses to the top 15.

The deadline to register your house is December 1: forms.gle/8vYKzEmmm513QoA58.

HANDS FOR ALL

A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC.

A Not-For-Pro t A ordable Housing Developer 309 Hooper Ave. • Toms River, NJ 08753 Tel: 732.286.7929 • Fax: 732.286.9698

NOTICE OF MEETINGS

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE COUNTY OF OCEAN, in accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Law”, P.L. 1975, c. 231, hereby establishes the following schedule of meetings to be held during 2022-2023. All meetings shall commence at 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.

Regular November 21, 2022 Monday

Regular December 15, 2022 Thursday

Regular January 19, 2023 Thursday

Regular February 16, 2023 Thursday

Regular March 16, 2023 Thursday

Regular April 27, 2023 Thursday

Regular May 18, 2023 Thursday

Regular June 15, 2023 Thursday

Year End June 30, 2023 Friday, 12:00 Noon

Regular July 20, 2023 Thursday, 12:00 Noon

Regular August 17, 2023 Thursday, 12:00 Noon

Regular September 21, 2023 Thursday

Regular October 19, 2023 Thursday Reorganization November 1, 2023 Wednesday, 12:00 Noon

Meetings will be held in the Conference Room in the Administration Building, at 137 Bey Lea Road, Toms River, New Jersey unless otherwise indicated.

PLEASE NOTE FURTHER, that the public shall not be permitted to actively participate in the Executive Sessions and that the Board of Education of the Vocational School in the County of Ocean in its discretion may prohibit or regulate participation at any meeting.

MANCHESTER TIMES

BERKELEY TIMES

Zorns

–Photo courtesy Ocean County Library LONG BEACH – In honor of Veterans Day, the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch will display a photo exhibit of New Jersey’s World War I monuments by historian Erik Burro throughout November. He will also deliver a lecture at the Branch November 18.

Halloween House Decorating Contest Winner

Barnegat Quakers: Faith And Practice Led By

William (Bill) Smith

BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Quakers welcome you to join in person or by Zoom for a presentation and discussion of Faith and Practice led by William (Bill) Smith. Join on November 20 at 1 p.m. Register at: barnegatquakers.tiny.us/FaithandPractice.

Quaker Discipline 1665 to Present: During the 17th century individual leaders of the Friends movement wrote epistles to advise fellow Friends on way of life. Then groups of elders who wrote at Balby (Northern) and later London created sets of Testimonies for Friends. After the formation of Yearly Meetings, manuscript sets of minutes from the yearly meeting were sent out to subordinate meetings.

In the 18th century, starting with New England and then London, these advices

were published. These were called “Books of Discipline” or “Books of Extracts” and were made up of minutes from the Yearly Meeting. By the 19th century every Yearly Meeting had their own Book of Discipline.

In the 20th century, especially in “Hicksite” yearly meetings, the word Discipline became an unacceptable concept and the Books were called “Faith and Practice”. Many yearly meetings still have books of discipline.

The 2018 revision of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting’s Faith and practice will be discussed as well as those of Conservative, Guerneyite, Yearly Meeting of Quakers in Britain.

There is no cost to you for this event. If you wish, you may make a contribution to Barnegat Friends Meeting.

43rd Annual Christmas Parade

SHIP BOTTOM – Borough of Ship Bottom 43rd Annual Christmas Parade “Christmas with Friends” will be held on December 3rd at 1p.m. They are in full planning mode and need your help!

To sign up to be in the parade go to shipbottom.org click on the link to register. All parade participants must be

registered by November 25. Would you like to be a sponsor of the parade? Contact Kristy DeBoer at 609494-2171 ext. 116 or email kdeboer@ shipbottom.org for information. Sponsors of the parade will have a banner and will be recognized on promotional material.

Holiday Market – Manahawkin Elks

MANAHAWKIN – The Manahawkin

Hilliard Boulevard. For more information contact BriannaMarchal@gmail.com or call 201-638-7456.

Photo courtesy Barnegat Recreation BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Township Recreation Committee would like to send their congratulations to 38 Savanah Drive as the 2022 winner of the Halloween House Decorating Contest. Pictured Committeeman Al Bille and winner Mr. Allen Clair.

Manahawkin Elks Veterans Commi ee Collect Christmas Stockings

MANAHAWKIN – In a collaborative effort with the Stafford Township Woman’s Club and volunteers in the community, the Manahawkin Elks Veterans Committee collected 64 filled Christmas stockings.

A total of 91 Christmas stockings from this area are going to Operation Yellow Ribbon, Marlton, NJ, a 501(c) (3), who send supplies and goodies to US Military Forces in the Middle East. Thanks to all who donated and for caring about our troops.

Pictured are Mary Lou and Kurt Berhang

Forked River Old Guard Meets Weekly

LACEY – The Forked River Old Guard meets on a weekly basis every Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the Lacey Community Center at 15 East Lacey Road.

Should there be a large number of working men who wish to join the Old Guard the organization may start a Saturday meeting once a month at the same Forked River location.

The Forked River Old Guard is a non-sectarian, non-political group that caters to retired and semi-retired men seeking a social activity and/ or community service. The meetings provide an opportunity for making new acquaintances and continued fellowship with old friends.

The organization provides varied social activities ranging from monthly casino bus trips for members and their spouse or guest or occasionally there are excursions to attractions out of state.

“Members also enjoy a Spring Dinner Dance, Christmas Dinner Dance, and an annual picnic. Being and staying happy is our social goal. Come on over and check us out,” club member Bill Schmidt said

“We are looking for new members. To join up, give us a call at 732-575-6904 or email us at BillSchmidt1000@aol.com or call Bill Briscoe at 609-709-6068 or email him at wcbriscoe@aol.com,” Schmidt added.

Fall Leaf Collection

LACEY – Lacey Township has announced the 2022 Fall Leaf Collection dates:

Cycle 1: November 14

Cycle 2: November 28

Cycle 3: December 12

Place your leaves at curbside prior to the first day of each cycle. Leaves must be bagged in biodegradable brown paper bags, or placed in containers no larger than 32 gallons. No tree branches, acorns or other debris; leaves only. If they come to your street and your leaves were not out for the first collection cycle, they will not be back until the next cycle beings.

It takes the Public Works Department about two weeks to complete each cycle.

After the third collection, residents are required to bring their leaves into the Recycling Center during normal operating hours.

Residents please note: if you are bringing your leaves into the Recycling Center in plastic bags. You must empty the bags in the leaf pile and take the empty bag(s) with you for disposal at home. If you are bringing the leaves in biodegradable brown paper bags, leave the bag(s) with the leaves in the leaf pile.

–Photo courtesy Manahawkin Elks

who picked up the stocking for delivery to Operation Yellow Ribbon.

TerraCycle Recycling Program

–Photo courtesy Stafford Township STAFFORD – Mayor Myhre and Township Council would like to encourage our residents to participate in their new TerraCycle Recycling Program. Drop off boxes are located in Town Hall and the Department of Public Works building. Special thanks to our Stockton University intern, Rachael Baldwin, for coordinating this project.

P OLICE B LOTTER

Ocean County Man Sent To Prison For Stealing From Romantic Partner

By Alysa Riccardi

LACEY – A Township man has been sentenced to five years in New Jersey State Prison after forging checks and more, stealing over $200,000 from a victim who suffered medical issues.

Ross Miserendino, 56, of Lacey Township, previously pled guilty on August 31 to Theft. In addition to the prison sentencing, Miserendino is required to make restitution to the victim in the amount of $217,300. Since the beginning of 2019, the Lacey Township Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad conducted an investigation regarding the victim who temporarily couldn’t manage her fi nances due to medical bills. The victim allowed Miserendino, with whom she was in a romantic relationship, to assist her by paying her bills for her, and was given access to her checks and bank account information for that purpose.

From 2019 to 2020, Miserendino signed the victim’s name without her authorization on 146 checks totaling $171,000. Most of the checks were written out to Enrique Roldan, 42, of Jackson, while some were written directly to Miserendino. According

to authorities, both Roldan and Miserendino shared in the proceeds of the theft.

Additionally, during that time Miserendino stole approximately $11,000 worth of personal property located at the victim’s home in Lacey. Miserendino also possessed an American Express credit card in the victim’s name without her authorization, and made approximately $34,000 worth of charges on that card for his benefit.

On June 23 and 24, 2021, both Roldan and Miserendino were charged with Theft. They were processed and released on a summons pending future appearances in Ocean County Superior Court. The charges against Roldan remain pending, officials said.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Heisler and Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Kelly who handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad and Lacey Township Police Department, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation resulting in Miserendino’s guilty plea and now his state prison sentence.

Man Sentenced To Prison For Illegal Guns, Fake Law Enforcement Badges

By Alyssa Riccardi

WARETOWN – An Ocean County man was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for unlawfully possessing a rifle, a silencer, and five imitation federal badges, officials said.

Jeffrey Backlund, 57, of Waretown, previously pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing firearms that were not registered in the National Firearms Register and Transfer Record, and unlawful possession of an official badge or identification card.

On September 6, 2020, authorities performed a search warrant at Backlund’s home in regards to a domestic disturbance. Inside officers located several fi rearms and imitation federal identification badges According to officials, they found one short-barreled, AR-style, .223 caliber rifle bearing no serial number and no branding. Attached to the rifle, they found a tan metal cylindrical device that law enforcement determined to be a silencer.

Due to the characteristics of the rifle and silencer, Backlund was required to register these items in the National Firearms Register and Transfer Record pursuant to the National Firearms Act. However, he did not.

Officers also located two bi-fold wallets

containing FBI Special Agent identification credentials bearing Backlund’s picture and personal information, a United States Marshals Service badge, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent badge, and a Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent badge. All badges and identifications were fake and Backlund did not have the authority to possess any of them, officials said.

In addition to the prison term, Backlund was sentenced to three years of supervised release and a fi ne of $5,000.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of the ATF Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Bryan R. Miller; special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson in Newark; members of the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Juan Mattos Jr.; detectives with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, and officers of the Ocean Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michal J. Rogalski, with the investigation leading to Backlund’s sentencing.

P OLICE B LOTTER

O cer Saves Distressed Swimmer A er Kayak Tips

By Alyssa Riccardi

SHIP BOTTOM – Police saved a distressed swimmer after their kayak had tipped over, police said.

Ship Bottom Police Department received a report around 3:39 p.m. on November 2 that a swimmer was in distress at the Ship Bottom Boat Ramp. According to police, the man had tipped his kayak in the Barnegat Bay and was struggling to stay afloat and return to shore.

During this time, another man entered

the water attempting to bring the victim to shore. However, both men were struggle returning to shore.

Officer Rossi quickly entered the water with a life saving device and assisted the men with returning to shore. Police said they were then treated by members of the Beach Haven First Aid Squad.

“Without Officer Rossi’s quick thinking, this scary situation could have ended much worse. Great job Officer Rossi,” Ship Bottom Police Department said.

Holiday Gi s, Cra s, And Collectibles Faire

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Historical Society invited the public to attend their annual Holiday Gifts, Crafts and Collectibles Faire. Admission is free!

This year the Faire will be held on November 13 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Toms River High School South Cafetorium located off of Hooper Avenue in Downtown Toms River. Ocean County Historical Society President and event organizer, Jeff Schenker promises the event will be bigger and better than ever.

“We are so proud to have Ocean County Cultural and Heritage as a co-sponsor. There will now be exhibits telling the rich history of Ocean County,” Schenker said. Schenker states that besides having over 70 vendors, there will also be the annual large 50/50 raffle, a one dollar used book

sale, a model train display and the very popular baked goods table.

According to Tim Hart, Director of Ocean County Cultural and heritage, “I am so pleased with the quality of the exhibiters this year. It is going to be a great day to do some Holiday shopping.”

Pat Moore, a Board member of the Ocean County Historical Society, who helped organize the Faire stated, “This is going to be almost one stop shopping for Holiday gifts and decorations. We have vendors displaying everything from jewelry, scented candles, bath soap, works of art, crocheted toys, hand painted glass bottles, gift baskets, greeting cards, pottery, bird houses, flags, ornaments, prints, designed cigar boxes, blankets and much more.”

For additional information, call Jeff at 609-339-9134. Vendor spots are sold out.

“Operation Green Light” Shows Support For Vets

By Chris Lundy

TOMS

RIVER

– Officials will be shining a light on veterans by illuminating government buildings as part of Operation Green Light.

The goal of this mission is to show respect for veterans and also to point them in the direction of important services. In Ocean County, veterans programs can be found at co.ocean.nj.us/oc/veterans/ or by calling (732) 929-2096.

“Ocean County will be illuminating county buildings along Hooper Avenue and Washington Street in Toms River including the Ocean County Courthouse, the Ocean County Justice Complex and the Ocean County Administration Building located at 101 Hooper Ave. beginning the evening of Nov. 5,” announced Ocean County Com-

missioner Gary Quinn, liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau. “Ocean County is home to over 30,000 veterans and their families, which is the largest veteran’s population in the state.

“Through the Ocean County Veterans Services Bureau, veterans and their families in Ocean County can access a host of programs and services that assist the men and women who have served our country,” Quinn said. “We are proud to participate in Operation Green Light to show our continued support of those who have served in our military.”

Residents are welcome to change a light bulb to green to show that veterans are seen, appreciated, and supported.

For more information on Operation Green Light, visit naco.org/operationgreenlight

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

• Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

What Are Over- e-Counter Hearing Aids?

Also called “OTCs” or “OTC hearing aids,” these devices are a new class of hearing instruments that are specific to the U.S., regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and approved only for those 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.

How Do OTCs Differ from Traditional Hearing Technology?

Unlike today’s prescriptive and customizable hearing aids fit by a licensed hearing care professional, OTCs are designed only for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They might not align with one’s actual hearing loss, which could be greater than perceived.

What Will These Over-the-Counter Devices Cost?

Prices may range from the hundreds to the low thousands. As with many products, the price will likely vary across manufacturers and other sellers. What’s the Best Way to Know Whether OTCs Are Right for Me?

Self-diagnosis can lead to under- or overtreatment of hearing loss, both of which can affect your health and quality of life. The best way to learn what’s happening with your hearing and which solution most effectively addresses your needs is to connect with a licensed hearing care provider.

Will I Get Help Choosing an OTC?

It may depend on where you buy it. With the product expected to be available for self-selection at local drugstores, big-box retailers such as Best Buy, online, and elsewhere, a sales clerk will likely not have expertise in hearing health to guide you in your purchase.

What If I Go Forward with OTC Hearing Aids?

It’s possible the OTCs you select may suffice in the present. Future needs, however, may require other solutions. Regular professional checkups can help you keep an eye on your hearing wellness plan and make any needed updates. Before purchasing an OTC, carefully read the reviews and know exactly what their return policy is.

Hearing problems can stem from excess noise, genetic history, earwax buildup, infection, or some other source that self-treating with OTCs may cause you to miss. A hearing care professional can help you determine whether the OTC hearing aid is actually meeting your better-hearing goals.

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer most of your hearing health care questions. We can be reached at 732-8183610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-9788946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www. 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!

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

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

3 Harmful Ingredients May Be In Your Nail Polish

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

When you have to do a lot of dishes, laundry, and other household chores, your nail polish isn’t going to stay on very long. Perhaps you’ve turned to using a lot of nail polish, or maybe you go to salons to have them apply the long-wearing shellac/gel nail polish with the UV light.

You may be thinking, “So what? It doesn’t get into my body anyway.”

But it does, and studies prove it. Certain chemicals in nail polish can be easily absorbed into the body. So the main point I’d like to make today is that whatever you expose your fi ngertips and fi ngernails to does actually get into your bloodstream.

We know it’s a big problem because huge, beloved brand names (ie Orly and OPI, and others) have gone to great lengths to reformulate their nail lacquers to avoid the “toxic trio.”

The toxic trio consists of formaldehyde, toluene and DPB (dibutyl phthalate). I’m not saying those brands are chemical-free entirely.

Does doing your nails pose a health problem for you?

It depends on what you are doing to them. Are you putting acrylic on them, or shellac gel polish which contains acrylates?

2) Are you just putting regular nontoxic nail polish on them?

I do think the answer to that question is important. And #2 is much safer than #1 in my humble opinion.

Tips for beautiful nails

The following tips will help you achieve more beautiful hands and nails with much less toxic chemical exposure.

1. Wear gloves - it’s so easy, and reduces the frequency that you’ll have to re-polish.

2. If don’t paint your own nails, then fi nd a local salon that smells fresh and chemical-free. Steer clear of the ones that have a strong odor. Avoid inhaling all types of potentially-hazardous chemicals if you have a history of serious chronic illness, for example cancer.

3. Choose nontoxic nail lacquers in order to avoid the toxic trio.

4. Opt for a regular manicure, not shellac or gel which contain acrylates.

5. Use non-acetone nail polish remover.

6. Strengthen your nails naturally from the inside out. Supplements that contain collagen, vitamin C, B vitamins, and silica may help with nails.

7. Take a detox supplement afterward. I suggest either L-cysteine or “NAC” capsules. Alternatively, you could use glutathione and catalase for antioxidant support.

Studies have not confirmed that a person is healthier during their lifetime because they avoid nail polish and acetone. Likewise, studies have not confi rmed that you get a disease from regular beauty treatments either! So, take these tips into consideration and do what you think is right for you.

For a more detailed version of my article visit suzycohen.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Veteran’s Day Concert

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

Photographer Brian Lundy took this amazing shot in Asbury Park. Talk about a stunning shot. Wanna see your snaps featured in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Choosing The Right Auto Insurance Will Protect Your Family And Assets

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

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

When purchasing automobile insurance, you have two choices; you are required to select either a Basic Policy or a Standard Policy. We do not recommend choosing the Basic Policy.

The Basic Policy only provides minimal coverage and leaves you unprotected in several areas. A Basic Policy only provides you with $5,000.00 of property damage liability coverage if someone makes a claim against you and only provides $15,000.00 of medical expense benefits should you require medical treatment for your injuries. The Basic Policy does not cover you if you injure someone else.

The Basic Policy does not provide Uninsured Motorist coverage to protect you and your family if the careless driver who causes the collision is uninsured or is insured under a Basic Policy. Perhaps most importantly, the Basic Policy will not provide you with a free lawyer to defend any claim against your personal assets.

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

are injured.

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

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

By choosing the “limitation on lawsuit option” you are limiting you legal right to make a claim for monetary damages unless you sustain one of the following injuries: Death, Dismemberment; Significant scarring or disfigurement; Displaced Fractures; Loss of Fetus or a Permanent Injury that can been diagnosed by credible, objective medical testing.

Selecting the correct insurance coverage is extremely important when it comes to protecting your family and personal assets. Call the Attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates (732-505-1212) for a free evaluation of your automobile insurance policy.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Atlantic City Announces Shows

ATLANTIC CITY – – Enjoy a holiday celebration at the shore with The Beach Boys Holiday Show at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Atlantic City December 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale October 7 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com or 800745-3000. All shows are subject to change. Headliner Entertainment Lineup: November 26 – Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening- Sound Waves November 27 – Show Lo- Hard Rock Live

at Etess Arena

December 2 – Bee Gees Gold- Sound Waves

December 3 – The Beach Boys Holiday Show- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

December 9 – Greta Van Fleet - Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

December 10– Greta Van Fleet - Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

December 30- Earth, Wind & Fire- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

December 31 – Earth, Wind & Fire- Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena

CLASSIFIEDS

Real Estate

Jackson - House For Sale By Own

er. Private Road Sits On 1.5 Acres.

2 Bedroom, 1.5 Baths, unfinished full basement, 1 car attached ga rage, baseboard heat. For sale as is $489,000. 732-691-9845. (1)

3 BD, 1 BA, 1,200 SQ FT House

For Sale - Brick, Great garage, only 1 close neighbor, driveway & parking lot. $520,000. 732-4759107. Only Mortgage in place. Serious inquiries only. (48)

Estate Sale

Estate Sale - Bedrooms, dining room, kitchen, office corner, com puter desk & cabinets, assorted hanging pictures, plants and trees, large buffet and mirror-marble top, garage refrigerator and wine cooler. Sale days Nov, 5th & 6th. Preview Nov 4th - By appointment only. 732-995-0509, Dom Fusco. (46)

Misc.

Gift Auction and Pancake Break fast - Holiday City at Silverton. 1846 Yorktowne Boulevard, Toms River. Saturday, November 19 at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Breakfast is $5. Auction tickets will be sold separately and will be called at 11 a.m. (47)

Items For Sale

ATTN Hunter's - Carry your deer easy on this carry on hitch. Packer steel grate. New. Used only once. Asking $55. 732-276-8389. (46)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWEL

RY Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)

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

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (48)

Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/ dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, ward robes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)

Buying Selmer Saxophones And Other Vintage Models - Also buying World War II Military items. Cash Paid! 609-581-8290. Email: mymilitarytoys@optonline.net. (31)

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)

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

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

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)

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 between the In fant through School Age classrooms. No teaching experience necessary. On-the-job training provided. Mul tiple PT and FT positions available. Call 732-363-5530 or email dtoms river2nj3@goddardschools.com to schedule an interview today! (t/n)

ISO Experienced Body Shop WelderTo work on old car. No schedule. Call Bart 201-249-2400. (43)

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

Day Substitutes Wanted for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School district: Couriers, Custodi al, School Nurses/RN, Secretarial, Teachers for Trade Skill Areas-Auto, Construction, Culinary, Electrical, Engineering/Machine Technology, Heavy Equipment Operator, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding or visit www.ocvts. org/employment. EOE. Please email resume to: tedgar@mail.ocvts.org or call 732-240-6414, ext. 3317. (46)

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)

Website Skills Required - Wordpress, Adobe, Maestro, Google Workspace. Key person needed. Great opportuni ty. Part time. Dependable, committed. Whiting area. 609-284-3142. (47)

Services

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITE -

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

Anyone Interested In Having Their - Office, home or apartment cleaned, contact Diane. Honest and reliable. Free estimates. 845-762-9952. (49)

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)

Advertise in the main sections of Micromedia’s weekly news papers. Your ad will be seen by thousands. Call 732-657-7344 ext. 206 for more information.

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)

House Cleaning, Painting, Shop ping, - Window cleaning, laundry, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Very good prices. Call 732-7735078 or 848-287-3944. (43)

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

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 Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Dem olition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster ser vice provided by A901 Licensed Haul er ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (15)

DOWLING FENCE LLC - WE'VE RECENTLY MOVED TO TOMS RIVER! CALL US FOR ALL YOUR FENCING NEEDS. RESI DENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL, BEST PRICING AND WORK MANSHIP! CALL 732-771-5150 OR 732-644-0627. (46)

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)

Services Services Services

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

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

Do You Want Your Car To Look Nice And Shiny - Call Lenny - Lenny's Mo bile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (39)

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)

NUMBER

e Most Familiar Avian Predator In North America

Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

What is an avian predator? A bird who hunts and kills live animals for food. Also referred to as raptors. One such raptor, the red-tailed hawk, can spot prey from a sky distance of 100 feet, diving at a speed of ‘at least’ 120 miles per hour. They are one of the fastest birds in the world. Their talons (nails) are long and sharp and are used to catch, secure, and kill their prey. Their beak used to dismember prey. Natural nesting will occur in tall trees 35 – 90 feet above the ground. In more developed areas, they have been known to nest on building ledges. During baby season, the male is mostly responsible for carrying food to their nest with the female tearing the prey into small pieces and feeding their young. Approximately two months may pass from when incubation begins to when fledglings leave the nest. In their lifetime they will reproduce and lay eggs only a few times in their 10–12-year typical lifespan.

The red-tailed hawk is found in every state in the United States. Their bodies are built to hunt in open areas, like fields, pastures, grasslands, deserts and roadsides. They mostly hunt small mammals

such as squirrels, rodents, and rabbits, but will occasionally eat birds as well as reptiles, particularly snakes. Depending on food supplies, they have been known to prey on small domestic animals such as small dogs. WARNING - that said, always leash your animal on a short leash. Leaving them alone in your yard can be dangerous. Daytime, nighttime, predators are always out there, and food is food.

Easily recognizable, adults can be identified by their reddish-brown tail. Their wingspan on average is 3 foot 7 inches and 4 foot 7 inches. They weigh up to 3 and a half pounds and stand just over 2 feet. Resident to New Jersey, they do not migrate and will remain in the same area year after year. New Jersey will, however, see Red-tailed Hawks from northern areas migrating through our state to southern locations.

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 wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/ or federal permits.

–Illustration by Sara Zorns

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Local Musician Shares Her Story Of Activism

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Kaleigh Brendle, 19, has headed back to Villanova University and either wants to be a disability rights attorney or a musician and with her energy, she could probably do both.

The teenager hasn’t let her visual limitations stop her love of performing music but it did inspire her to fight for proper accommodations for those who are visually impaired.

Brendle, a resident of Brick, and a high school graduate from Howell Township, worked to secure appropriate accommodations for those like herself from the College Board.

She also performed at the White House with a choir and also created a choir at the age of 14 for visually impaired singers. Brendle recently performed some of her own music as well as several cover songs during a Saturday afternoon program that was sponsored by the Jackson Friends of the Library.

Prior to her library appearance she spoke to Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Obnline.com about how she responded to an unfair issue and beat the odds. During her presentation she would integrate music with an appropriate song related to the chronology of her story.

“The songs supplement the story,” she said. The two stories she shared included one from 2020 which was an issue with the College Board regarding AP (advanced placement) exams. “They refused to provide blind and deaf test takers braille and other critical accommodations during the COVID-19 pandemic and other test takers and I stood up against that and ultimately won that struggle and secured the braille that we needed.”

She said Jackson Librarian Christine Mecca asked her to talk about another advocacy project she undertook a year later as part of her senior thesis. “I went to a specialized program at a high school and so they required a capstone project where you can’t just write the presentation you actually have to start to institute change about whatever you are discussing.

“I want to be a disability rights attorney and what I ultimately chose was representation of disability in children’s media.” This included situation comedies, cartoons and some Disney programs.

“I was curious because growing up I’d never seen a disabled character on any of those outside of an episode. A blind character was on a Sesame Street episode, actually, a fraction of one. Is there something to that?” Brendle pondered.

Brendle made some sad discoveries. “The visual impairment representation that is awarded has a rate of one percent right now for children’s media for disability.

It doesn’t give disabled kids someone to look up to when they are watching that. One in five Americans have some kind of disability now.”

“It is a pretty large group and to see it, they are either tokenizing or vilifying,” she added. She gave an example of tokenizing as the Sesame Street episode she referenced. “Where the character was only there for a fraction of an episode as if to check off a box.”

As for as vilifying, “a lot of villains in cartoons have some sort of defect or disability and that is a really bad angle to take and a consistency that is really troubling as it casts in a kid’s mind that being different are the bad ones and the ones to look out for,” she added.

Brendle released a video on social media that explained some of her research in a basic manner. “I started a campaign called ‘Out of Sight Out of Mind’ and it defi nitely got some attention. Unfortunately, I couldn’t advocate for it as much as I wanted to because I had to go to college right after that but any chance I get to talk about it and bring the issue to light, I defi nitely do that.”

She intends to contact Nickelodeon and Disney in the future “to see what is possible because that still is an existing issue.” She noted that Sheldon in the Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon shows representation in having “autism or asperger’s and I believe there was a character on Modern Family who has something. There is more adult oriented programming that does have representation.”

She was joined by her mother Heather Brendle for the program who provided her some tips. Her mother said she was very proud of her daughter and her bright spirit even as she fought unsurmountable odds to make positive change.

The story selections she made to punctuate her saga included the songs “Rise Up,” “That’s What Friends Are For,” “Smile,”

–Photo By Bob Vosseller Brick resident Kaleigh Brendle greets attendees to a recent Jackson Library program.

Musician:

Continued From Page 21

the theme song from the animated fi lm “Pocahontas” and “At Last.”

She was diagnosed with a condition commonly known as LCA. “It feels like I am extremely near sided when I have my very strong prescription glasses on. I don’t have any peripheral vision. I don’t have any depth perception. I can’t read print for long periods of time without getting substantial headaches.

“I have had it since birth and my brother who is totally blind has the same condition,” she added.

Her musical interest began at an early age as well. “My first memory of singing was my dad holding me up and me singing Sesame Street songs to passersby on the porch. I watched people stop and listen to me. It was one of those things that was always there. I don’t know quite how it began.

“When I watched my cartoons in the morning, I was addicted to PBS Kids which I think also fostered my love of reading too,” she said.

She noted how difficult the conditions of the COVID-19 shut down were during her senior year in high school. “I was completely remote for it and had very little contact with my peers and was exclusively in my house for 17 months and that can be really isolating for somebody. Music is how I really coped with it.”

“I am very much split on my two career interests of being an attorney and singer,” she said. She recently released an album, performed at the Algonquin Art Theater and won the Diane Turton Talent Show in 2018

where she performed a song off her album in front of 500 people.

Her first of several White House appearances with the Princeton Westminster Children’s Choir was quite memorable. “I had the honor of being the featured soloist and performing there is incredible. It is one of those things where you can’t believe it is actually happening. It is magical and we went during the Christmas holidays.

“We were performing for not only the diplomats but for their families and there were a lot of little kids and it was so, so cute,” the performer said.

She formed the Sing for Serenity Choir “which is my pride and joy. It is an international online choir for the blind and visually impaired which I started five years ago. We have our own YouTube channel. We have members from over a dozen countries.”

“I’m creating a type of activism major at my college as there is an option to design your own major and what I am looking to create is using the legal system and using the media to advocate for positive change,” she added.

For further details about Brendle’s activism and musical journey visit her Choir for the Blind’s YouTube Channel: Youtube.com/ channel/UCENdRPXrweT96oskDFkA2bQ,

Her link to the Twitter Video about her challenge with the College Board issue is: twitter.com/livewithkaleigh/status/1258021100933480454?s=21&t=cAN4Mocvx6JdSgeQipnpXA,

The teen’s link to the Twitter video about her Capstone Project (Disability Representation in Children’s Media) is twitter.com/livewithkaleigh/status/1405218520615489537?s=21&t=cAN4Mocvx6JdSgeQipnpXA.

Earn Ham Radio License In One Day

MANAHAWKIN – The New Jersey Emergency Communications Team based in Ocean County will host a “HAMCRAM” session where you can obtain your Technician Class Ham Radio License in one day! It will be held at the Bay Avenue Community Center in Manahawkin on November 26 at 9 a.m. It’s a perfect opportunity to CRAM for the test in the morning, and we

give the test in the afternoon by Volunteer Examiners approved the ARRL.

If you pass the test not only will you be licensed for Ham Radio, but you will receive a free ticket to our raffle of a portable radio or a 2022 Handbook of Amateur Radio each worth about $50.

For more information or to sign up visit our website: HAMCRAM.net

Upcoming Ocean County Blood Drives

OCEAN COUNTY – New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center would like to announce that it is conducting blood drives in your area which are open to the public. The following drives are scheduled November:

November 25: St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 1528 Church Road, Toms River; 1 to 7 p.m.

November 28: Forked River Presbyterian Church, 131 North Main St, Forked River; 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Blood donors will receive free mini-medi-

cal exams on site which include information about their temperature, blood pressure and hematocrit level. Eligible donors include those people at least age 16 (with parental permission or consent), who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, are in good health and meet all Food & Drug Administration and NY or NJ State Department of Health donor criteria. People over 75 may donate with a doctor’s note.

To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive call Toll Free: 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybloodcenter.org.

“A Christmas

Carol” - A Ghost Story Of Christmas

LACEY – Lacey Township High School Theater Company presents: “A Christmas Carol.” Performances will be on November 17, 18 & 19 at 7 p.m.; November 20 at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets online at lthsdrama.booktix.com.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): A partner or loved one might need to share something that may feel somewhat uncomfortable. Making changes to your banking or shifting your investments can have unexpected consequences in the week ahead.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Moving forward with the latest trends and making changes could actually set you back. In the upcoming week, tensions can erupt unless you are careful to toe the line. Learn from criticism; avoid confrontations.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Timely support may not be available if your great ideas or enthusiasms fail to gain traction in the week ahead. Moving forward, make an effort to be more attuned to a situation and more sensitive to other people’s feelings.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you get stuck with the short straw, you might need to take on extra financial obligations. Exercise your perceptiveness and rely upon an ambitious partner’s strength and will to succeed as the week unfolds.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When ego gets involved, it can be hard to learn or grow. Set pride aside and step up to become your best self. You can handle weighty obligations by being more astute and relentless about achieving your objectives.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You could experience consequences if you ignore your duties or responsibilities in the week to come. Be careful that you don’t give offense and recognize that loved ones could be sensitive to imagined challenges.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): Perfection is a mirage that perpetually remains in the distance. In the week to come you can add some finishing touches to a project, but it is best not to begin anything new. Be budget-conscious and conserve your resources.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) : If you become triggered when someone seems disapproving or controlling, it’s time to heal the old trigger point.. Maintain a low profile, avoid disagreements, and do not launch important plans in the week ahead.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Someone’s passive-aggressive tendencies can create a rift in the week ahead. Workplace disruptions and dysfunctions might add to your worries. Remain calm, be accountable, and learn from mistakes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Try to remain in your center and be wise, even if you feel backed into a corner financially by circumstances outside your control. More options should arrive soon. Don’t be afraid to hold out for better terms next week

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Some chapters of your life should remain unpublished, avoid oversharing, sharing with the wrong people or calling attention to highly private matters. In the week ahead follow the rules, remain efficient and meet all deadlines.

PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Someone might play too rough when they toy with your affections in the week ahead. Avoid arguments and hurt feelings by trying to be more sensitive. Loved ones aren’t toys to put aside when you are tired of playing.

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

By Jeraldine Saunders (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.)

2022 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

By America’s Test Kitchen