2023-01-21 - The Berkeley Times

– An open space north of Mastapeter Funeral Home will likely remain that way – open space – as the township and county work to

preserve it. This is the small lot adjacent to the funeral home that has the white fence in front of it. Although it might not look like much, it’s approximately 2.5

acres. A photo from the 1930s on display in town hall shows that the land used to house Scherrer’s Gas Station. Later, it was Mother Earth’s Garden Center.

“He’s looking to re -

tire,” Mayor Carmen Amato said of the owner. “He’s been approached by developers and he came to me to sell it.”

This made him recall (Land - See Page 4)

5 Candidates Challenging Assembly Seats

By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY

- Incumbents DiAnne Gove and Brian Rumpf face at least five challengers for the Republican line in the state’s 9th Legislative District Assembly race. Four of the five are past or present mayors in southern Ocean County communities.

Both Lacey Mayor Tim McDonald and Committeeman Mark Dykoff, a past Lacey mayor, said they intend to meet with the GOP screening committee. Stafford Mayor Greg Myhre and former Barnegat Mayor John Novak have also announced their plans to seek approval for the GOP line.

Berkeley Councilman James Byrnes currently poses the sole challenger from the northern end of the legislative district. Berkeley

Mayor Carmen Amato stands as the only GOP candidate seeking to replace Senator Chris Connors in the wake of his retirement.

Ocean County Republican Chair George R.

Gilmore said those who have turned in letters of intention would be scheduled to meet with the screening committee on February 11.

Gilmore has not yet named the members of this year’s committee, which will undoubtedly be different than those under the last chair, Frank Holman.

Recommendations

then go to Ocean County GOP elected committee people who will vote on their selection at the mini-convention scheduled for March 8.

As the head of the Ocean County GOP, Gilmore has extraordinary influence on who gets the line on the ballot. However, with so many candidates, (Assembly - See Page 5)

Mayor Amato Announces Senate Bid

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY

– When Senator Chris Connors announced his retirement earlier this month, speculation began about who would take his place and Mayor Carmen Amato was on that list. Now, he has formally announced his candidacy.

“I am thrilled to announce my candidacy as I seek to represent the extraordinary people of the Ninth Legislative District. I believe my service for the past 11 years as mayor of Berkeley Township will provide great insight into the issues and concerns of all of the people who choose to call this magnificent area of the State of New Jersey home,” he said.

Amato, a Republican, has been a member of both the Berkeley Township and Central Regional School Boards for seven and five years, respectively. He is the director of the county’s Printing and Graphics Department. He also serves on the Ocean County Board of Health, and the Ocean County Utilities Authority.

He will have to be vetted among other Republicans interested in the spot. As of right now, he’s the only one who has announced his candidacy. An internal vote in that party will choose who they want to represent them on the ballot in November. He might still face a (Amato - See Page 10)

HIGH SCHOOLER’S RESEARCH MAKES NATIONAL NEWS

By Chris Lundy

TOMS

RIVER

– A high school student brought national attention to her local project: providing habitat and awareness for the bee population.

Kaitlyn Culbert was interviewed by CBS after winning the 2022 New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award.

The High School North Junior is on a roll, winning scientific awards and educating others. Last year, her work was published in Journal of Research, High School

“Honey bees are a vital species in our ecosystem, they pollinate 73% of the world’s

(Research - See Page 20)

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY

─Photo by Chris Lundy

This land north of Mastapeter Funeral Home will be preserved.

:

another time that the family sold land on Amherst Avenue to the township as well. “They could have made a lot of money selling it to a developer, and they sold it to us and we made it Mastapeter Park,” he said.

The Township Council asked the county to buy the land. The Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund brings in more than $10 million in funding every year based on a 1.2 cent tax on every property in the countyboth residential and commercial.

Berkeley has its own open space fund. Many towns find that they don’t have the buying power to make large purchases, so they ask the county to do it instead. Often, towns will wind up borrowing money to buy land and then use the open space tax to pay off the principal and interest over a number of years.

The county, on the other hand, has the buying power to make the purchase all at once. The county requires the town’s governing body to pass a resolution stating that they approve of the sale. This is done because it will take the land off the town’s tax rolls, so the county wants to make sure that the governing body is on board. Officials generally say that preventing land from becoming a housing development saves money down the line, as taxes get raised for services and schooling.

Open Space Inventory

In the last year or so, there were several

other properties that were either purchased or in the process to becoming open space.

For example, there are a dozen or so properties in Good Luck Point that were destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. They have been turned back into open space because they are considered “repetitive losses.” They will always be in danger of flooding.

Mark Villinger, supervising planner for the county, gave an update on other projects.

Another Route 9 property is south of Yesterday’s in Bayville. On a tax map, this would be referred to as Block 1014, Lots 21 & 22.

Currently, the land has no buildings on it. It is just wooded area. Back in October, the Berkeley Township Council voted to support its preservation as open space. Villinger said this is still under review. Victorian Development was purchased on December 1, 2022, Villinger said.

The town passed a resolution supporting that the county buy this property for $1,870,000. It could potentially have had more than 35 homes on the 10.3 acres.

There are a number of small lots that are an “active project area” around the Mill Creek headwaters, he said. These are properties that they want to preserve because they feed directly into the water. For example, they county is under contract for a .52-acre spot for $50,000. This is near the former pulverizing property where the county bought about 800 acres a few years back.

Another portion of land, referred to as the Nicol and Leone properties in Bayville, located at Block 1014, Lots 15, 27, and 28, are under active review.

─Photo courtesy Carmen Amato

The land used to house Scherrer’s Gas Station in the 1930s and later Mother Earth’s Garden Center.

From

there’s a great possibility that voters will have input by way of a primary election. Meanwhile, here’s some basic information about the challengers presented in alphabetical order.

Mark Dykoff, who’s served on the Lacey Township Committee for 20 years, has been in the mayoral seat twice. He believes that not enough legislators understand the overall way government works.

“I’ve been employed in the public sector for almost 15 years,” said Dykoff. “Originally, when I went to work for the State of New Jersey, I worked for the Department of Labor and was an administrator of a One Stop Career Center.”

According to Dykoff, he gained valuable insight into state and federal programs when working in that job. He now heads up the Recreation Department in Berkeley Township and thinks his job experience and local government work make him an asset on the state level.

“A lot of people come in and say what’s needed is a new vision,” Dykoff shared. “After 20 years on the Township Committee, I see the learning curve that’s there and have already been through it.”

Dykoff said Ocean County isn’t getting its share of funding and programs, which he’d work on in the Assembly. He pointed out issues that have particularly impacted Lacey, slated to lose $2 million in school state aid. In addition, the infrastructure presents another area of contention.

In his second time as mayor, Tim McDonald had some of the same concerns about how the state impacts local towns. The semi-retired fi-

nancial advisor thinks it’s critical to understand numbers.

Not only was McDonald upset that Lacey was to lose school funding, he felt the state was obligated to explain the formula used to justify the decrease.

“This is information every school district should receive,” McDonald emphasized. “Whatever the formula is should be made public. They (legislators) should stand up to Murphy’s administration and say something. We don’t know if we’re getting the right amount and don’t know how to challenge cutting $2 million or $3 million without knowing the formula.”

As McDonald sees it, the Murphy administration has gone after the school district as a whipping boy – something he says is dead wrong.

Regarding infrastructure, McDonald pointed out problems with Route 9 traffic. He’d like to be part of the solution and suggested a turning lane down the middle might be beneficial.

“Cars could then get around you,” said McDonald. “If they had to widen Route 9 and add two more lanes, you’re talking close to 30 feet. You’d have to only use 18 feet for a turning lane, and it would be done.”

McDonald also sees the power plant as another concern the state needs to address as Holtec nears the completion of the decommissioning process. Oyster Creek is now being considered as a place to build small nuclear reactors to be shipped overseas.

“I would be pressing to get that done and into District 9 as an assemblyman,” McDonald shared.

Stafford’s form of government treats the mayoral role differently than those who follow the

(Assembly - See Page 8)

P.O.

SUN. MAR. 5 PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW “GARDEN ELECTRIC” $88. 2023 SHOW RETURNS INDOORS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER. INCLUDES ADMISSION. SUN. APR. 30 WIND CREEK CASINO $44. BETHLEHEM, PA. GUESTS RECEIVE $25-$30 SLOT PLAY.

SAT. MAY. 6 AMISH COUNTRY LANCASTER, PA. $85. I ncludes SHADY MAPLE Lunch, plus visit Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop and Kitchen Kettle Village. WED. JUNE. 7 DAY IN CAPE MAY, N.J. $99. INCLUDES LUNCH AT LOBSTER HOUSE AND HISTORIC DISTRICT TROLLEY TOUR. WED. JUNE. 28 A BEAUTIFUL NOISE - THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL $175. 2PM SHOW - ORCHESTRA SEATS

THURS. JULY. 6 SIGHT & SOUND THEATER “MOSES” $137. MAIN FLOOR SEATS. INCLUDES BUFFET LUNCH AT SHADY MAPLE.

SAT. JULY. 22 NEW YORK YANKEES VS. K.C. ROYALS GOOD SEATS $133.

2023

MULTI-DAY TOURS

MAY 20-26 8 DAY KENTUCKY AND NASHVILLE’S “MUSIC CITY” $1079.

GRAND OLE OPRY, GENERAL JACKSON LUNCH AND SHOW CRUISE, NOAH’S “ARK ENCOUNTER,” HISTORIC LEXINGTON, KY., BARDSTOWN DISTILLERY. 11 MEALS, TOO!

JUNE 18-21 4 DAY CAPE COD AND MARTHA’S VINEYARD $789.

JULY 11-13 3 DAY FINGER LAKES, N.Y. $675.

S potlight o n g overnment

ANCHOR Refund Deadline Pushed To February 28

TRENTON – During his State of the State Address, Governor Phil Murphy announced that, in concert with Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, the State of New Jersey is extending the application deadline for the new ANCHOR property tax relief program to ensure every eligible New Jerseyan takes advantage of the sizable relief. The new application deadline is being extended to February 28, 2023, giving taxpayers an extra month to apply. The deadline was previ-

ously extended to January 31 to allow tenants who had been ineligible because their unit is under a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreement to apply for the benefit.

“This is money going right back into the pockets of roughly two million New Jersey middle-class and working homeowners, seniors, and tenants – households in which well more than half of all of our residents live. For more than a million homeowners, ANCHOR’s direct relief will effectively undo years of property tax

increases - even up to a decade’s worth. And for nearly one million renters, ANCHOR’s tenant relief will cushion rent hikes,” said Governor Murphy.

“The response to the ANCHOR program has been outstanding, and I am very glad we can extend the deadline so even more New Jerseyans can take advantage of this game-changing program,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “There are still thousands of renters and homeowners out there who haven’t been eligible for property tax relief for nearly a generation who can apply and receive the rebate. We want to make sure we provide every chance for people to get their applications in and get the relief they deserve.”

“I’m proud to work with the Murphy Administration to extend the qualifying deadline for the ANCHOR program,” said Senate President Scutari. “We want to ensure that everyone who qualifies has the opportunity to take advantage of the property tax relief it offers. This is direct financial support that will help make the lives of homeowners and renters more affordable and provide a boost to the economy.”

“Affordability is a top concern for New Jersey residents and property taxes create a significant financial burden for working and middle-class families across the state. The ANCHOR program aims to deliver meaningful property tax relief to two million New Jersey households, and we must ensure homeowners and renters who need relief are able to take advantage of the program,” said Assembly Speaker Coughlin. “Further extending the ANCHOR deadline will provide eligible taxpayers with the opportunity to claim their property tax relief, ensuring New Jersey families see money back in their pockets.”

Under the ANCHOR program, both the size of the benefit and the number of eligible applicants has increased substantially, compared to the previous Homestead Benefit (which ANCHOR is replacing), including double the amount of homeowners and nearly a million tenants who had not been eligible for property tax relief in recent years.

Over 870,000 homeowners with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $1,500 in relief; over 290,000 homeowners with incomes over $150,000 and up to $250,000 will receive $1,000; and over 900,000 renters with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $450 to help offset rent increases.

All payments will begin going out in late spring, regardless of when taxpayers file. Payments will be issued in the form of checks or direct deposits and are not subject to federal or State income tax.

To be eligible for this year’s benefit, homeowners and renters must have occupied their primary residence on October 1, 2019 and file or be exempt from NJ income taxes.

Eligible homeowners can apply online, by phone, or via paper application, which can be downloaded online and returned by mail.

Tenants can apply online, or download the application from the Taxation website and return by mail (there is no phone option for tenants, as this is the first time this group will be eligible for property tax relief).

Applicants are encouraged to consult the detailed information posted on the Division of Taxation’s website, including an extensive list of Frequently Asked Questions, before calling the ANCHOR hotline. For more information, visit nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor/ or call the ANCHOR hotline at 1-888-238–1233.

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES

President & Publisher

Stew Swann Vice President/COO Jason Allentoff News Editor

Chris Lundy Assistant News Editor Bob Vosseller

Production Manager Allison Gradzki Graphic Artist Adriana Starcic

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

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

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

e ditorial

A Profile In Exceptional Public Service: Senator Chris Connors

Ninth District State Senator Chris Connors recently announced he will not seek re-election later this year. By this announcement, he is ending 33 years of exceptional public service in the state legislature, first as an assemblyman, and then later securing the senate seat formerly held by his late father and mentor, Leonard T. Connors.

As a consequence of our media presence in Ocean County for nearly 28 years, it has been my honor and privilege to have known both senators Len and Chris Connors, and to follow their deep commitment to constituent service, as well as the broader needs of the state, through the years. In fact, in his capacity as mayor of Surf City, Senator Len Connors was gracious enough to perform a wedding ceremony for my niece and former business partner Robyn many years ago.

In another trip down memory lane, shortly after we began our publishing business, we received a visit from former Ninth District chief of staff Gerry Little, who dropped by to hand-deliver a news release, explaining that the district office did not as yet have a fax machine for that purpose! Some years after that, Gerry was elected to the Ocean County Board of Freeholders (now Commissioners).

In closing, I would like to say that I am very grateful to have personally known Senator Chris Connors as well as his father, both of whom embodied all that is good and decent in public service. For more on some of the contributions made by Senator Connors, visit our web page news story at jerseyshoreonline.com

Stew Swann President Micromedia Publications,

Get In Touch With History At The Meetinghouse

The recent article, “Did You Walk Right Past History Today?” was very enjoyable and informative.

It reminded me of many comments I have heard regarding our Quaker meetinghouse in Tuckerton, such as “I never knew it was there!” even though it is right in the middle of downtown across from Wawa at 21 E. Main Street.

The original house of the Little Egg Harbor Meeting of the Society of Friends (Quakers) was built in 1709 and the current building was constructed on the same site in 1863.

The first English settlers of the Little Egg Harbor area (the land between West Creek and New Gretna) were all Quakers who followed pioneer Henry Jacobs Falkinburg across the pine forest from the Delaware River area to “the Middle of the Shore.”

The only villages in the area, such as Westeconk and Pohatcong, were inhabited by the Lenape people who were mainly summer residents.

The migrants bought land, starting farming, built mills for grain and lumber, and lived peaceably among the Lenape, often intermarrying with them.

Letters To The Editor

Republicans are election deniers - 135 incumbents voted against certifying the 2020 election, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and at least 27 freshman members ran on the Big Lie. They might hold the title of “representative” but they have no intention of legislating on behalf of their constituents. Their top priority in the House will be sham investigations into the Biden administration and those who actually defended our democracy.

We must speak truth to power in the face of all their lies. I’m pledging to do everything I can to protect our freedoms and our democracy against the House’s extremist attacks - I hope others will join me.

Katie Metzger Barnegat

Gerrymandering And Redistricting

magic of packing and cracking, electoral districts assume the oddest shapes and sizes. I am now supposedly represented by a Congressman (Chris Smith) who has acted as if the job of Representative is a sweet sinecure. I can remember no significant achievement when he last represented Ocean County.

Nicholas Molinari Brick

Reality Check On Immigration

Anyone who claims the current border policies are working needs a reality check, which is available in the article “Sheriff’s Officers Detail Border Crisis on Recent Assignment” in the December 10th issue of The Manchester Times

Farms for a park, it’s priceless. Land is not being created anymore. Keeping what we have is a public good, adding to our open space serves so many valuable purposes. By acting locally to save green and blue water areas, our mayor and supportive town council are thinking globally. Present day voters appreciate and approve this. Future ones should know whom to thank. The cost is minimal. The return on investment is immeasurable. We hope for many future acquisitions.

Susan Addelston Jackson

Response To “Gun Safety Bill Strengthens Concealed Carry Laws In

NJ”

Inc.

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

The Berkeley Time s 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 verification. 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 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.

Friends still meet every Sunday and provide free tours and talks on the property for both groups and individuals upon request. Take a walk through history very soon! Our contact number is 609-857-1311.

Sean Kinnevy West Creek

The Liars Are In Charge

Two years after the deadly attack on our country on January 6th, 2021, it’s hard to ignore that the House of Representatives is now controlled by those who embraced and fueled Trump’s Big Lie.

According to the Washington Post, over 70% of all House

Without foreknowledge and without any opportunity of voting for Congressman Andy Kim or for anybody else, I just lost the best Congressional Representative I ever had, a gentleman who for two terms of office faithfully looked after me and his many other grateful constituents and our interests in the House of Representatives. As I said, Andy was the best and I’m 85! He even showed his humility and his love for the Capitol by personally pitching in to help clean the trashed Capitol Building after the insurrection on January 6, 2021! To my knowledge, no other member of Congress joined the maintenance crew in their important efforts to get legitimate government working again. Although I know a bit about the redistricting that inevitably follows the US Census, it feels very anti-democratic, as if imposed upon me and fellow citizens from above...and I am not talking about God!

The process of redistricting makes the proverbial used car salesman green with envy! As in a game of chess, we voterscall us “pawns” - are literally shuffled around; and, by the

Two Ocean County Sheriff’s (officers) agreed to go to Arizona to see for themselves by working alongside the Border Patrol. One officer, who speaks Spanish, communicated easily with migrants. To quote this officer: “The amount of illegal people coming across is just overwhelming.”

So, why can’t politicians increase the annual quota of legal immigrants, instead? As least, vetting would be practiced diligently. And why can’t politicians cease sending aid to these countries, while the surge continues, instead of further increasing the strain on hard-working Americans’ tax dollars? America will implode, if we don’t start using common sense.

Marie Pellicano Manchester

Open Space Is Reina’s Legacy

One of the reasons that Mayor Reina was overwhelmingly elected recently was his policy of always looking to improve Jackson’s quality of life.

The preservation of open space is a key part of why this is such a desirable place to live. No matter the size, or even if it needs rehabilitation work as in the recent purchase of Rova

Your printing of the Governor’s article concerning the recent passage of A4769/S3214 is a disservice to your readers. It fails to address the fact that the Democrats themselves admit it does nothing to counter crime and is targeted solely at law-abiding citizens. Assemblyman Danielsen is on record (available on YouTube) as saying “The last thing I want to say to people, and some of my own Democrats have committed to me, and commented that to me, this does nothing [to] stop the illegal gun trade, or the illegal criminal, illegal possessions, or criminal content and…you’re right. This doesn’t. It was never supposed to address that.”

The state now will spend countless hours, resources and money to defend what is, by their own admission, probably unconstitutional.

The arrogance and abuse of power will be opposed, defeated, and ultimately addressed in next year’s elections. With every seat being contested, these mostly north-Jersey Democrats will have to answer for their unethical failure to uphold their oath of office, abandoning both the U.S and State Constitutions.

Dominic T. Lupico Whiting

Assembly: Continued From Page 5

township model. Rather than committee members selecting the mayor annually, voters make the selection themselves. Gregory Myhre, who works for a network integration company, was first elected as mayor in 2018. His reelection in November resulted in the start of his fifth year as Stafford’s mayor.

One of Myhre’s chief concerns is that more and more people are leaving the state. However, he believes that there are things he could work towards to making a change.

As a member of the state legislature, Myhre said he would try to make the state more business friendly. He pointed out that high taxes and some overly strict regulations are chasing people out.

“When I ran for mayor, I didn’t say I am going to fix this, fix that, or change it this way,” said Myhre. “I’ve tried to do everything with the interest of Stafford residents and taxpayers first and have helped our town reach the great potential that hadn’t been realized.”

Myhre said that the redistricting after the most recent census changed the makeup of the 9th district. Other municipal leaders in the newly structured district have mentioned they like what they see being done in Stafford; Myhre believes he could do the same work at the state level.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of people, not necessarily only from the government side,” Myhre shared. “They have included people who really cared about the town and improving what we have and helping the community as best we can.”

Attorney John Novak was Barnegat’s mayor for two different years and served a total of seven years on the township committee. His reasons for seeking an assembly seat begin with views he attributes to his past.

“I have a track record as mayor of Barnegat standing for the sanctity of life,” Novak shared. “And standing for the institution of a man and a woman being married.”

Novak said during his time as mayor, he did not perform any wedding ceremonies because

he knew not to be discriminatory. So while he couldn’t choose who he would marry as mayor, he could decide not to perform marriages.

The fact that abortion laws have moved to give the states power only plays a small part in why Novak would like to become a member of the state assembly.

“Abortion is very personal to me as I came closer than most of being medical waste in 1958,” said Novak. “Thanks to the courage of my teenage mother, I have three beautiful children and a grandson. Hopefully, I positively touch people’s lives in my 64 years on this Earth. None of that would have been possible if she had taken the easy way out.”

As Novak sees it, the bigger picture is that New Jersey has a governor who is struggling and straining for national relevance. He suggested that Murphy and California’s Governor Gavin Newsom are in a ping-pong match to see who can “out woke” each other.

Novak said that people in Southern Ocean County don’t want New Jersey to be the California of the east coast. He cited problems with homeless people defecating and urinating in downtown streets. He said local residents don’t want homeless people and illegal immigrants taking over social services.

“We don’t want our First Amendment rights to be trampled upon,” said Novak. “We want to enjoy our Second Amendment rights. I think our quality of life is a product of how conservative LD-9 is.”

“Being in the minority party does not give you the license to look down at your shoes with your head down, wringing your hands, and projecting woe onto me,” Novak shared.

“You have to pick up your sword and your shield and charge. If $49,000 a year and a gold seal on your license plate is the only reason you’re in the legislature, you need to evaluate why you’re doing it.”

Novak was the only Southern Ocean candidates to say he plans to run as part of a team. He said a ticket comprised of Amato, Byrnes, and Novak, would be a great one to serve in LD-9. An attempt to reach Byrnes for comment was not successful.

SWOLLEN EYELIDS

There are many issues that can end up with swollen eyelids, which are the result of inflammation or excess fluid in the eye’s connective tissue. Injuries, other trauma, and infection are among the most common causes, with allergies often cited as the most frequent trigger. However, swollen eyelids may also be a sign of more serious problems such as orbital cellulitis (an infection of the soft tissue), which can be life-threatening. In addition, Graves’ disease or ocular herpes can cause the eyelids to swell, especially when the swelling is accompanied by eye pain. If swelling occurs with excessive discharge, conjunctivitis may be the culprit, which is very contagious and should be treated immediately.

For conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, the treatment will usually be antibiotic eye drops or ointment. This generally clears the symptoms within a few days. Be sure to complete the full course of antibiotic treatment. For more stubborn infections, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES offers a full range of care for your eyes, from your yearly vision exam to the treatment of medical eye conditions. To make an appointment, please call 732-349-5622. P.S. Although they seem similar, there is a difference between swollen eyelids and the puffy eyes that are caused by fatigue, age, or water retention.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622 BRICK (732) 477-6981

BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020 www.oceancountyeye.com

VFW 9503 Auxiliary Contest Scholarships

BAYVILLE – The VFW 9503 Auxiliary of Bayville is sponsoring a few contests and scholarships. Please take a look and encourage your children to enter one of them.

The Continuing Education Scholarship is available to those at least 18 years old and must be an auxiliary member, their son, daughter, and or spouse. It is due by February 15 to our auxiliary.

Also available is the Young American Creative Patriotic Art contest which is now available by two separate entries, either two- or three-dimensional art. This contest is open to all 9 to 12th

grade students and does not have to be VFW related. This contest is due no later than March 31 to our auxiliary. Both contests rules and applications can be found at vfwauxiliary.com under scholarships & contests or by contacting Nancy Seibert at 732-2325410 or Daniella Lund at 848-4484977. A third contest is available to all students in grades K to 8. It is the Illustrating America Art Contest. It is also due to our auxiliary no later than March 31st , 2023 and information can be found at vfwauxiliary.com or by contacting Regina Tarnowski at 848-221-9112.

BAYVILLE – The Post, located at 383 Veterans Boulevard, Bayville is hosting its monthly “All You Can Eat” breakfast on January 29 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

This month’s special is cinnamon raisin French toast with eggs to order/ assorted omelets, sausage/hash, breakfast potatoes, toast/biscuits, orange/ tomato/ apple juices, and tea/coffee also available to order. Start the New Year right and come out and enjoy the breakfast prepared by Boy/Girl Scout leaders, and served by Boy/Girl Scouts that meet at the Post. Adults: $9; Kids under 12: $5; Active military eat free!

primary challenge.

The 9th District legislators are all up for re-election this year. Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf, former mayor of Little Egg Harbor, endorsed his candidacy. “Having known Carmen Amato for over 25 years, I believe Carmen to have the passion, integrity, and

knowledge necessary to be a dynamic choice to succeed my long-time partner in the ninth district, Senator Chris Connors. I look forward to working with Carmen to continue the unprecedented constituent services for which the Ninth District legislative office has long been known.”

The 9th District is made up of the following areas: Barnegat, Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Beachwood, Berkeley, Eagleswood, Harvey Cedars, Lacey, Lakehurst, Little Egg

Harbor, Long Beach, Manchester, Ocean Gate, Ocean Township (Waretown), Pine Beach, Ship Bottom, Stafford, Surf City, and Tuckerton. This legislative district makes laws that govern the state, as opposed to the two senators from New Jersey who make laws for the nation.

Amato’s statement announcing his candidacy was sent by Tom Bonfonti, who previously ran campaigns for David Richter when he attempted to unseat Democrat Andy Kim

in the Congressional 3rd District. He was the Ocean County Republican Organization executive director from 2017-2020. Prior to that, he worked for Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-3rd). He is the associate director of National Public Affairs, a political affairs consulting firm co-founded by Bill Stepien, Donald Trump’s former campaign manager.

Councilman To Run For Mayor

In the wake of Amato’s possible move to Trenton, longtime political ally John Bacchione has announced he will run for mayor of Berkeley this year.

Should Amato be selected by the Republicans to run for Senate, it is a fairly sure bet that he’ll win in November since the 9th District is overwhelmingly conservative. That would leave an opening for the mayoral race at home. The Republicans’ decision on this will happen early in the year, giving Amato time to go on the ballot for mayor if he’s not chosen.

Bacchione and Amato are both up for re-election this year. Bacchione has worked in the mortgage industry for about 30 years. He has been a Councilman since 2012, and heads the council’s Finance Committee. Before becoming a councilman, he was on the Berkeley Township Board of Education from 2009 to 2011.

If he gets the nod from the local party to run for mayor, he already has goals in mind. “I want to continue on the path we’re going on for our town center. That’s a big target.”

“Town Center” is a designation by the state in an effort to promote smart growth – put a majority of development in one area instead of letting it sprawl. This is allowing for development of commercial ratables on Route 9. Another issue is South Seaside Park’s attempt at de-annexation. This is when a section of town wants to leave. SSP is on the barrier island, and their leaders have retained lawyers to try to get out. Township officials don’t want them to go because they would lose a significant tax base. Bacchione is on the Planning Board, and was one of the people who heard the plea for SSP to leave. The issue is now in court.

Other business in town would simply be sailing the ship on course. The town has a strong bond rating, AA-, even after losing a lot of tax income from Superstorm Sandy, he said. A bond rating is basically a credit score for a town.

“It’s been a good run for Carmen and I don’t want to change the recipe,” he said.

HANDS FOR ALL

A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC.

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

ommunity n ew S

Students Of The Month

─Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools

Father Daughter Dance

BERKELEY – Central Regional Classes of 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 presents the Father Daughter Dance.

Girls from Preschool to 6th grade in the Berkeley Township School district, you are cordially invited to an enchanting afternoon. Ask your father or that special role model in your life to a dance he’ll never forget!

Dance will be held on February 5 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Central Regional HS Gymnasium. Cost is $15 per person. Includes entrance

to the dance and a meal voucher. Additional refreshments, activities and photographer will be available at the dance for a small fee.

To purchase tickets: visit centralreg.booktix. com; Click on event and purchase as many tickets as you need. All tickets are individual so one adult and one child equal two tickets. Everyone must have a ticket to enter the dance. Ticket sales end February 3. Contact Lindsey Tier at Itier@centralreg.k12.nj.us with any questions.

TAX ACCOUNTANT

Manchester Accounting Services – Whiting, NJ 08759

Are you a CPA wanting to be your own boss versus a larger firm environment? Set your own schedule! CPA Owner is seeking other CPAs to responsibly team up and get the work done. There are fulltime, part-time or seasonal positions with a business that is 35+ years in the same established location.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree Tax preparation experience: 5-7 years CPA preferred

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Primarily responsible for preparation of 1040 tax returns

• Additionally responsible for preparation of tax returns for S corporations, C corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts and not-for-profits

• Preparation of federal and state quarterly estimated income tax payments and annual extension payments

• Tax planning

• Respond to inquiries from the IRS and other tax authorities

• Solid knowledge of and ability to interpret tax rules and regulations

• Research and consultation on various tax matters

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Ability to handle simultaneous projects, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

PREFERRED SKILLS INCLUDE:

• Working knowledge of ProSeries (or comparable) and Microsoft Office applications

• Personable and quick-witted

Please submit resumes including salary requirements –INFO@ManchesterAccountingServices.com No calls please. EOE Potential candidates will be contacted to interview. Job Types: Part-time, Seasonal, Full-time Salary: $30.00 - $45.00 per hour based on experience Benefits: Flexible schedule

COVID-19 considerations: All clients are asked to wear a mask. Lobby seating was removed. Client appointments are limited. All staff in the office are vaccinated/boosted.

BERKELEY – Congratulations Clara B. Worth School’s December Students of the Month!

Ocean Gate Police Now Hiring

OCEAN GATE – The Ocean Gate Police Department is accepting resumes/applications for the position of Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) II. SLEO’s may eventually be considered for full-time employment when there is a vacancy. Applicants must be New Jersey PTC Certified and possess a current, waiverable SLEO II certification from an approved police academy.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Must be a citizen of the United States;

• Must be a resident of the State of New Jersey;

• Must be at least 18 years of age;

• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language well and intelligently;

• Must be sound in body and of good health and be able to perform the physical functions of the duties assigned;

• Must be of good moral character and shall not have been convicted of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude or dishonesty that would make him/her unfit to perform the duties of a police officer;

• A minimum of a high school diploma or a GED equivalent;

• Must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license in good standing.

Potential applicants will be required to submit to the following selection process:

• Application;

• Verification of qualifying credentials;

• Verification of a non-disqualifying criminal history;

• Verification of at least three personal references;

• A review of the applicant’s driving history;

• A review of the applicant’s prior law enforcement experience;

• A review of the applicant’s prior work history;

• A review of the applicant’s current and past credit history;

• Oral interview.

Following a conditional offer of employment, applicants are required to submit to:

• Physical examination;

• Drug screening;

• Psychological/psychiatric examination.

Successful applicants if hired will then undergo a six-week Field Training Program. The Borough of Ocean Gate is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants can drop off a resume and cover letter in person at Police Headquarters to our Administrative Assistant, Susan Russo during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or resumes can be emailed to Oceangatepdrecruiter@gmail.com.

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

Wondering About OTCs? We Can Help

Last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published final rules establishing a new class of hearing devices — those available over the counter (OTC). Though specific to the United States, the new category may understandably spark questions for anybody seeking hearing care. What does it mean for you? More than ever, it’s important to seek hearing help from a trained hearing care professional. Hearing loss is complex, and self-treating could worsen an existing problem. Working with a highly trained provider can help you make safe, effective decisions for your ear health.

OTC Hearing Aids Are for Adults Only The new class of FDA-regulated hearing instruments will be approved only for those 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They will not be available for children and might not align with one’s actual hearing loss, which could be greater than perceived. The majority of the company’s offering OTCs do not require a hearing test so basically, you’re fitting yourself with a non-prescriptive hearing instrument!

The Right Fit Plays a Big Role To maximize comfort and functionality, hearing aids must be custom fitted to each individual and programmed to support their listening lifestyle. Hearing professionals

are especially skilled in helping ensure the right fit now and in the future as your hearing needs change.

You May Need Other Support Hearing loss can go hand in hand with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or balance issues and is also associated with serious conditions such as dementia. A comprehensive hearing evaluation may help uncover additional medical needs that self-treating would likely not detect.

Self-Treatment Bypasses Critical Diagnostics It takes a trained professional to get to the bottom of hearing loss, which can have causes ranging from earwax buildup to head trauma, noise exposure, infection, disease, or even some medications. Self-treating without the benefit of a diagnostic evaluation can mean missing key answers.

In a world of choices, deciding the right approach for your hearing wellness can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone. We’re here to help with the personalized advice and care you deserve. So don’t wait. Call to schedule your appointment today! Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to provide you with solutions for your hearing care needs. Please visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com or call 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin).

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)

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The 6 Best Ways To Get Rid Of Scars

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Our flaws can be beautiful because they tell a story about a chapter of the life we’ve lived. Scars are a part of our journey. But what if you don’t want your story to be told so boldly?

Treatments to minimize scars are available now. Always ask your practitioner when the time is right to begin applying topical treatments to a wound because it differs with the type of closure. For example, if you have visible stitches, versus those inside of you, or if you are glued together with SteriStrips, or other adhesives, and so forth. Let’s start with essential oils. Here are the 6 best ways to minimize scarring:

Carrot Seed Essential Oil - This contains incredibly powerful antioxidants that act as an antibacterial and antifungal. This oil can be applied topically to help with scarring and dark spots.

Frankincense Oil - This minimizes inflammation. Using this oil while a wound is relatively new may help to potentially prevent any scarring at all due to its anti-inflammatory properties. If using this oil with an existing or healing scar, you’ll likely notice the scar fade some.

Massage - Do not massage around the scar too soon as the pressure and kneading could reopen the wound! Massaging improves blood flow, which in turn promotes pliability within the scar and reduces inflammation. This increases flexibility and allows for better range of motion. After Sam’s knee replacement, I would gently massage around the area, and the back of

his knee to reduce his risk of arthrofibrosis.

Vitamin C - Helps minimize raised scar formations, and acts as a brightening agent. In a matter of months, you might notice some fading. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, however supplementation is better since you get a higher, consistent dose.

Bromelain - Derived from pineapples, this supplement is a digestive enzyme that acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. If taken orally after your surgical procedure, it will help reduce pain and swelling. Bromelain breaks down fibrins which prevents clotting and improves circulation. The Bromelain enzymes essentially dissolve the fibrin thereby reducing the hard tissue surrounding a scar and allowing it to heal and repair itself resulting in a reduced appearance.

Silicone Scar Bandages - These are great bandages to put on a spot that needs to remain flexible and bendable, for example, your neck, or your knee, or your finger. The silicone sheet bandages protect the vulnerable tissue from getting scratched or nicked, plus it reduces itching. Even a scar that is a year or older and well-healed might be affected with the use of silicone gel sheets. Not all scars are the same, but it can’t hurt to give any of these scar-reducing options a try. If you gain back a little bit of your confidence, it’s rewarding. If you feel happier in your own skin, it’s worth it! If you’d like to read a more detailed version of my article which covers more specialized skin treatments, visit suzycohen.com and sign up for my free weekly newsletter.

New Gun Carry Permit Law Now In Effect

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

A new procedure has amended the application process for gun carry permits. In December 2022, Governor Murphy signed A479/S3214 into law which lays out new procedures for carry permit applications for handguns in New Jersey. This new procedure removed the state’s judiciary from the initial permitting process, following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in N.Y. State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. Prior to the United States Supreme Court’s decision , New Jersey law required submission of an application to a law enforcement officer, including a written certification of “justifiable need.” A Superior Court judge would then approve the application and issue the permit. Although the new law established a list of places where, even with a carry permit, guns are prohibited and increased application and registration fees, the new law states that “showings of particularized need are no longer legally viable to determine whether a person may carry a handgun in public.” This subjective, “justifiable need” standard had been applied in six states throughout the Country and was coined by the U.S. Supreme Court as “may issue” licensing laws. These “may issue” licensing laws provided local authorities with discretion to deny concealed-carry licenses even when the applicant satisfies the statutory criteria, usually because the applicant has not

demonstrated cause or suitability for the relevant license.” The Supreme Court deemed these “may issue” licensing laws to be unconstitutional.

Under the new law, applications for carry permits will no longer be made by the judiciary. Law enforcement alone will receive, investigate, and determine all applications, according to the notice to the bar. For any pending applications before the Superior Court, judges may only rely on prior approval issued by law enforcement. However, the Superior Court will continue to hear appeals in cases of law enforcement’s denial of applications.

New Jersey’s new law prohibits concealed carry in a list of high-density locations, and places with vulnerable populations. The bill also made a default rule that prohibits carrying firearms on private property, such as in homes, businesses, stores, and houses of worship, without express permission.

R.C. Shea & Associates, 244 Main Street, Toms River, New Jersey 08754. (732)-505-1212.

Michael J. Deem,

For Rent

Room For Rent - In Toms River, NJ. Couples allow. $1100. Call 201-844-5526. (7)

Bus Trips

Philadelphia Flower Show - Bus Trip Sunday, March 5. $88 includes admission and bus fare. Toms River departure. Call Bill, Morano Tours, 732-278-2059 (9)

Items Wanted

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

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

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 crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n)

Storage Space - Non-commercial use approx. 800sf Manchester Jackson or surrounding area. Electric A Plus. 732-278-5098. (4)

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

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (9)

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

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)

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Micromedia Publications is looking for a high-energy account rep to sell print and online advertising in Ocean County. Competitive base, bonuses & company benefits. Successful applicant should possess good communication skills & a desire to grow with the company. E-Mail resumes to jallentoff@jersey shoreonline.com. EOE. (t/n)

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

Hair Salon - Part time salon assistant, part time nail technician. No nights or weekends. Must have license and experience. Please call 862-324-5914. (7)

Now Training School Bus Drivers - $3000 Sign on Bonus. Free CDL training. $22-$25 per hour, overtime available. Please call or email for more info: 732-905-5100. klarrtransport@gmail.com. (4)

Dietary Aid - MAGNOLIA GARDENS ASSISTED LIVING. Family owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill full time, and part time positions. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (7)

RECEPTIONIST - MAGNOLIA GARDENS ASSISTED LIVING. Family owned and operated assisted living community looking to fill full time, and part time positions. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (7)

Services

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. (52)

Get DIRECTV for $64.99/mo for 12 months with CHOICE Package. Save an additional $120 over 1st year. First 3 months of HBO Max, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and Epix included! Directv is #1 in Customer Satisfaction (JD Power & Assoc.) Some restrictions apply. Call 1-877-557-1213. (t/n)

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

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-791-2033 or visit dorranceinfo.com/micro. (t/n)

Services

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)

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)

ESTATE CLEANOUTS - Properties, Houses, Attics, Garages, Sheds, Storage Units, ect. Handyman Disposal provided 901a Dumpster Service LLC. Licensed, Insured, call or text Jim 609-335-0330. (9)

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

Computer Tutoring for Seniors –Retired, “Microsoft Certified” instructor. Very Reasonable rates. Very patient with slow learners. I’ll teach you in the comfort of your home on your computer. I can trouble shoot your slow computer! I also teach iPhone and iPad. I set up new computers at less than half the price the retailers charge. Windows 10 specialist. I can also build a beautiful small business website at a fraction of the going rates. Special Projects always welcome! Tony 732-997-8192. (t/n)

LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (15)

Custom House Painter - Pays attention to detail, interior, cracks, nail pops,wall repair. Benjamin Moore paints. Wayne 908-327-5471. (52)

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, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)

MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (46)

Services Services Services

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

Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention. Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. 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 instrumental music teacher. Please call 732-350-4427 for more information. All are welcome. (3)

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com . Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks*

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

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, hardworking, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605 (t/n)

(t/n)

Donate your car, truck or van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patriotic Hearts Foundation. Fast, FREE pick-up. Max tax-deduction. Operators are standing by! Call 1-833-885-0359. (t/n)

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

Research:

From Page 5

cultivated crops,” she said. “But, over the past 20 years, beekeepers have suffered unprecedented bee colony losses known as Colony Collapse Disorder. The greatest single contributor to the decline of honey bee health is the varroa destructor mite. Synthetic chemicals are used to control varroa, but the mites are developing resistance.”

She’s been researching whether a mist diffusion of essential oils could be used as a miticide, noting that thyme, oregano, and rosemary were the most effective. She’s been reaching out to beekeepers to learn what they’ve been doing to protect their hives.

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 Society of Invertebrate Conservation, she was award-

ed 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 said she plans on installing other pollinator gardens throughout the county.

During the virtual ceremony for the 2022 New Jersey Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette, said, “These individuals, groups, and businesses have taken on the mantle of environmental protection in our great state. They are committed to caring for our air, our land, our water, our fish, our wildlife, our open spaces, which truly belong to the people.”

Her CBS interview is here: youtube.com/ watch?v=Vj7EuwLTEPw. A video for her 2022 NJ Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence is here: youtube.com/ watch?v=yayIyRj9r3w. Her segment begins after 18 minutes. Her Instagram is KT.Bees and she shares videos of her beekeeping at youtube.com/channel/UC1VTjvnWwdJQMSHG2H18FpA

-Photo courtesy Kaitlyn Culbert

Kaitlyn Culbert worked with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and Pinelands Nursery on a 2,500 square foot pollinator garden at Jakes Branch County Park.

photo of the week

Aren’t Jersey Shore sunsets great? Red Robinson recently captured this shot in Howell. Did you know the Photo of the Week section can feature your

Berkeley Schools Now Hiring Custodians

BERKELEY – Berkeley Township School District is currently accepting applications for full-time and part-time custodians. Visit the district website at btboe.org and click on Board of Education, Board Documents and Resources, Employment Opportunities, Vacancies, Maintenance, Custodial, to apply for a custodiam position.

snaps? Send us a sunrise or sunset, beach scene, your pet – whatever you like! Email photos@jerseyshoreonline. com and you may win a prize!

Sunday Worship Services of Holy Communion at 10 a.m. &Wednesday spoken Holy Communion at 9 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church

The Rev. Dr. J. Francis Watson, Pastor 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759 Phone 732.350.0900 • Fax 732.350.0343

E-mail: christlutheranchurch2@verizon.net Website: christlutheranwhiting.com

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Avoid working at cross purposes with faithful family and friends in the upcoming week. Exaggerating the details or going overboard to be friendly can throw you off your stride. Double-check information before acting.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Some people may admire your originality in the week ahead, but social activities could fall flat. Your unconventional attitudes, while sometimes misunderstood, are likely to be accepted by the people closest to you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Even the most ambitious workaholic needs a break. If your time or energy are scarce, you might need to rely on friends to come up with fun ideas in the upcoming week. Remember you can enjoy yourself without spending money.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Someone might be triggered by your eagerness to take the lead in group activities during the week ahead. Otherwise, your sympathy and thoughtfulness could break the ice on many social and business occasions.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Treat everyone with the same respect and consideration that you expect to be shown in return. You and a partner will be able to make smart business and financial decisions later in the week if you avoid voicing unhelpful criticisms.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Take advantage of the knowledge and innovative suggestions you receive from your supporters in the week ahead. Create practical strategies that will improve your future and make your dreams a reality.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): As the week unfolds, your business sense grows better and better, so plan accordingly. Generous and tolerant partners and loved ones could provide an opportunity for you to shine and the inspiration to be more ambitious.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Deploy diplomacy on a daily basis. You may think you have the freedom to express unvarnished opinions in the coming week but you should avoid confrontations and criticisms. Steer clear of gossip at all times.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Spending more dollars to prove a point is pointless; let go of the opinions and judgments of others. Do enough soul-seeking to understand your own values and let them guide you. Don’t overspend late in the coming week.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Turn on the cruise control once you are sure you are on the right track. A key relationship might experience ups and downs in the upcoming week. Do not let a family argument distract you from your goals.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A whisper in your ear from a detractor may mean the time is not yet ripe. Perfect details and polish your performance before you launch a new project. Your business sense is enhanced in the middle of the week.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Feeling gratitude for what you do have is more effective at both manifestation and feeling better inside than complaining about what you lack. Someone might share some excellent ideas and practical solutions in the week to come.

By America’s Test Kitchen

It might not be outdoor grilling season, but you can still enjoy barbecue chicken! Start by making a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce in a skillet and then cook the chicken right in the sauce to help it absorb lots of great flavor. Two forks make quick work of shredding (or “pulling”) the cooked chicken (it’s even quicker if you ask the kids to help!)

PULLED BARBECUE CHICKEN SANDWICHES

Serves 4

1/2 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon molasses 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

tablespoons finely chopped shallot

1. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together ketchup, molasses, mustard, vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.

2. In a 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat for 1 minute (oil should be hot but not smoking). Add shallot, chili powder, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallot is softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in ketchup mixture, scraping up any browned bits.

3. Add chicken to skillet. Bring mixture to boil. Reduce heat to mediumlow, cover, and simmer for 4 minutes.

4. Flip chicken pieces over. Cover and simmer until chicken registers 165 degrees on instant-read thermometer, 4 to 6 minutes. Turn off heat.

5. Transfer chicken to a large plate. Let cool slightly, then use 2 forks to shred chicken into bite-size pieces. Return shredded chicken to skillet and stir to coat with sauce.

6. Heat chicken over medium heat until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes. Evenly divide shredded chicken between hamburger buns. Top with pickle chips, if using, and serve.

For the week of jan 21 - jan 27

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

By Jeraldine Saunders

BARBECUE CHICKEN ... INDOORS? NO, WE’RE NOT PULLING YOUR LEG! (GET IT?)