2023-02-11 - The Brick Times

$5M Grant Received For Salt Marsh Restoration Project

Mayor Nominated To Be Judge

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK – Brick Township Mayor John Ducey has confirmed that he has been nominated by Governor Phil Murphy to serve as a Superior Court judge.

“I am very excited to be nominated by the Governor for the position of Superior Court Judge. I am humbled and honored to be considered for such an important position,” Ducey told Jersey Shore Online.

Ducey was one of several listed as judicial nominees after Governor Murphy filed a notice of intention on

January 30.

If Ducey’s nomination is approved by the legislative panel, he would serve as a Superior Court judge and would be assigned to a county vicinage. At this time, it has not been confirmed whether that vicinage would be Ocean County or another location in the state.

“The Senate has to confirm the nomination for it to become an appointment. There is the Senatorial courtesy stage and then the Senate Judiciary Committee performs a background check and (Judge - See Page 21)

By Alysa Riccardi BRICK

– Brick

the salt marsh in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge.

The township was among several municipalities that received

Nastase Left His Signature On High School Basketball

By Chris Christopher LAKEWOOD -

There

were cheers, tears and numerous fond memories in the Lakewood High School gymnasium. Its floor was named the Robert J. Nastase

Court in honor of the Piners’ head boys varsity basketball coach. He died March 13, 2022, at the age of 86 of natural causes. Markers in his handwriting are on both sides of the court. He helped design the facility. An estimat -

ed 100 fans, including nearly 40 of his former Lakewood and Toms River players, attended the ceremony, which took place on a recent Friday afternoon.

Jay Nastase, one of the family’s five children , (Nastase - See Page 4)

Natural Climate Solutions Grants, totaling $24.3 million. The state Department of Environmental Protection said the goal of the program is to

“restore, and enhance New Jersey’s green spaces and tree canopies in urban areas, salt marshes and forests.” In addition, the (Marsh - See Page 6)

Temple OK’d To Operate Out Of Old Funeral Home

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK - The congregation of Temple Beth

Or can breathe a sigh of relief after the Board of Adjustment approved their request to use a former funeral home as their new temple.

This was their second hearing before the Board, who rejected the earlier application by one vote in late 2022 on the basis of inadequate parking.

The congregation purchased the former Laurelton Memorial Funeral Home - located near the corner of Pier Avenue and Route 70, next to

the St. Thomas Lutheran Church - after selling their former site on Van Zile Road, which was too large for the current membership to manage.

The second application included changes to the plans to address some of the concerns of the Board, including a 27year lease agreement with nearby St. Thomas Church whereby the temple could utilize the church’s 60-spot parking lot for overflow parking at the cost of $1,000 a year.

Attorney John Jackson, representing (Temple - See Page 5)

Photo by Alyssa Riccardi

The marshes expand throughout the eastern parts of Brick Township, including off of Mantoloking Road and areas like Seawood Harbor.

─Photo courtesy Pat Halpin Jay Nastase speaks on behalf of his dad, Bob Nastase.

Nastase:

Continued From Page 1

and Kevin King, who starred at center on Lakewood’s 1974-75 New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Group III state championship team, unveiled the markers to cheers and tears.

The Nastase family posed with a plaque listing the accomplishments of the coach - a taskmaster’s taskmaster and an old schooler’s old schooler who believed that anything short of perfection from himself, his players and coaches was a failure.

Ex-Lakewood football player Steve Peacock, a Lakewood High School faculty member, emceed the event. When Nastase was in power, “Sweet Georgia Brown,” the Harlem Globetrotters’ famous theme song, was played prior to the Piners’ home games at what is now the nearby Lakewood Middle School and the current gymnasium. Lakewood performed jazzy layup drills in which several of the hands of its players soared above the 10-foot high rim as the Piners’ fans roared their approval, intimidating many an opponent. The song was played after the ceremony. A one-hour alumni social preceded the ceremony.

King spoke before Nastase, stating, “Coach Nastase meant so much to me as a player and especially when I was in college (King competed for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte). He coached me when I was a senior in college. He was an assistant coach. We talked about

life in general, but he always got back to basketball.

“I thank his family for bringing me into their family. I appreciate all of you. One of the biggest supporters we had was Carol Frank-Brown (a 1974-75 team aide under the name of Carol Frank).”

One of the 1974-75 team’s managers, Nastase, at times fighting back tears, said from notes, “Thank you for coming out and celebrating this moment of my dad’s accomplishments. I could never fill his shoes, but I am wearing his sport coat. Dad coached Lakewood from 1965-78 (and Toms River High School, now known as Toms River High School South, in 1964-65). A lot of his input was used in the designing of this gymnasium. The first game here was played in 1972. Some of that team’s stars are here today. We had a capacity crowd of 1,000 (fans). The game was against Brick Township. We trailed through three quarters, but won 61-57.

“In dad’s first year here, we lost in the Group III semifinals of the state tournament. Harold Sutton (a team member) said, ‘Coach, we demand a state championship. You are not working us hard enough.’ That group had such conviction and want and drive, we became the first Ocean County team to win a state title in 1967. Dad’s games were community events. He said, ‘I will never lose a game because the other team out conditioned my team.’ If one player missed a time goal in the sprints during practice, everybody ran.

“Dad treated everyone with respect. He

never cut a player from the team. You earned that uniform. I think they outran our track and field teams. His teams ran, played aggressive in your face defense and ran some more. Dad was one of the first coaches to have videos taken of his team’s practices and games. He went over everything. Thank you Larry Bushman for being our team’s cameraman.

“Dad was very enthusiastic about education. He and mom privately tutored the players. He was a life coach before it was a (popular) thing. His players listened to motivational cassette tapes on the bus. He worked with intensity. He had strong faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasized defense, dedication, discipline and desire (the mention of Nastase’s beloved Four Ds drew a cheer from the crowd). He emphasized to his players that if the Four Ds were applied they would be successful in life.

T-shirts saluting the Four Ds were sold at the event for $10 each. Lakewood athletics director Oscar Orellana was the man behind the idea. Proceeds will go to the Piners’ athletic program. (To obtain a shirt, email Orellana at oorellana@ lakewoodpiners.org)

Coach Nastase’s 1974-75 team edged East Orange 72-71 in the Group III state championship game on two free throws in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter by Kelvin Troy, Willie Troy’s brother, who starred for the Piners, Rutgers University and at the professional level in Ireland after being released by the Milwaukee Bucks of then-coach Don Nelson.

Lakewood wound up ranked first in New Jersey by the New York Daily News Jodi Nastase, one of the family’s children, wept as she said, “Dad’s players loved and respected him. This (event) is overwhelming. The most precious thing is time and all of these people came out to honor our dad. Today is special, very special. You don’t get time back and here people are here spending their time to honor us. It is just overwhelming.”

Agnes Nastase was the recipient of kisses and embraces before, during and after the ceremony. The couple was married for 61 years.

“I am pleased at the turnout,” she said. “I am pleased that so many people remembered him…The markers honoring Bob are wonderful. I have to say he certainly did work at it. He’d leave the house at seven in the morning and be home at 10 at night. His players became our family members. He yelled at his players the way he yelled at our own kids.”

The Piners often gathered at the family’s home on Toms River for dinners that lasted until the wee hours of the morning.

“The players always said, ‘Dinner at coach’s,’ “ Nastase said. “There was spaghetti. There was garlic bread. There was dessert. Man, they sure loved garlic bread. The boys stayed for as long as they needed to. Bob took some of them home. Our home was an open door.”

Cara Nastase, one of the couple’s children, said her dad was a fierce competitor.

(Nastase - See Page 5)

Nastase:

Continued From Page 4

“He just had a competitive nature and he worked hard at everything he did,” she said. “He had a very good high school coaching record. He basically taught himself how to coach. He worked at something until it was the way he wanted it.”

Perhaps best known as the Piner Palace because of its beauty, the current Lakewood gymnasium was dedicated the John “Pott” Richardson Gymnasium on Feb. 7, 2013. Richardson starred on the 1966-67 team (24-3 overall) and

Temple:

Continued From Page 1

Temple Beth Or, said that the temple serves a big geographic area while noting that the closest Conservative Jewish Synagogues are located in Toms River and Howell.

Temple Beth Or Rabbi Robert B. Rubin testified at the hearing and said that the congregation only has about 75 memberships, 10 of which are out of state.

“There’s been a slow decline; people move away, people pass away…there’s never more than seven or eight cars (in the parking lot) at a time,” he said.

The Jewish congregation has been holding their services in the gymnasium and other meeting rooms of St. Thomas Lutheran Church for the past two years.

was an assistant coach under Nastase from 1973-78. He coached the Piners from 1985-2007, producing a 401-152 record and leading Lakewood to numerous championships, including the NJSIAA South Jersey Group III title in 2002.

“Coach Nastase played the kids who had the best attitudes,” Richardson said. “His family and myself are intertwined. With no Bob Nastase, there would be no John Richardson. He taught us hard work. He taught us not to quit.”

Nastase guided the Toms River High School North Mariners to Class A

Jackson explained that houses of worship are considered to be “inherently beneficial” to a neighborhood, and that the application could only be legally denied if it poses a “substantial detriment” to its surroundings.

When the temple’s engineer Jeffrey Carr was asked if there is any substantial negative criteria, he said, “no, absolutely not, it’s the contrary. There will be a reduction in traffic since the funeral parlor generated twice as many trips, and it will get this site back in use…there are no negatives whatsoever in my opinion.”

The former funeral home, which was initially carved from St. Thomas Church property, operated for 50 years at the site and has some preexisting conditions that ride with the property, Jackson said.

Carr said that if the two houses of worship were not connected “there would be a different

South titles in 1995, 1996 and 1997 and a berth in the 1996 Shore Conference Tournament championship game in his first of two tours of duty at the school.

Nastase also aided North’s girls team, according to former North player Sandy Bisogno. The Mariners’ head coach was Ray Cervino, who died recently. The Mariners’ gymnasium was named in his honor after his death.

“Coach Nastase was so passionate about educating his players about the game,” she said. “Coach Nastase and coach Cervino worked so well together. They worked together to assemble North’s patented fast break offense,

perception…there is a similar use there that is real.”

Jackson said if the church were to sell, the parking lease for the temple would go with the sale. If the parking lease ended for any other reason, the temple would have to come again before the board, he added.

During public comment, about a half dozen residents expressed concerns about an increase in traffic in the surrounding neighborhood.

Salmon Street resident Brian Scott said the neighborhood is full.

“We have Joe Canal’s, delivery trucks, a bank in our neighborhood, four ARC buildings, 18-wheelers and other cars cutting through to go to Aldi’s, and when the superdome opens…the solution is not to add more to our neighborhood,” he said.

St. Thomas Lutheran Church member Jean Rieker said the synagogue has already been in the area for two years since they’ve been operating out

Yankee. During my junior and senior years of high school, I would go to his house on Sundays. He would make pasta and we would spend hours watching old game films from when he coached in North Carolina.”

Another coaching legend, Ron Signorino suggested to then-Toms River High School athletics director Bob Hawthorne that Nastase be hired as the school’s boys coach. He guided the Indians and served as an assistant coach under Signorino.

“There is no greater boys basketball coach than Bob Nastase,” Signorino said.

of the church.

“There will be no change in traffic from (the synagogue),” she said. “The traffic has been impacted by other sources.”

During his closing statement, Jackson told the Board that they are dealing with an organization that has been “a very important bedrock of our community for years. It’s very important that they have their place of worship.”

As conditions of approval, Temple Beth Or agreed that there would be no school operating on the property; there would be no outsourcing of the social area of the temple and would only be available to members of the congregation; they would make landscaping and lighting improvements; and they would install sidewalks.

The application was approved with Board member Eileen Della Volle casting the only dissenting vote.

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Marsh

: Continued From Page 1

project aids to reduce the effects of climate change.

“New Jersey will avoid the worst effects of our changing climate not only by reducing emissions of climate pollutants, but by investing in natural solutions that sequester carbon causing the extreme heat and flooding repeatedly striking our communities,” DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said.

“With over $24 million of investments in urban and community forestry, marsh restoration, and living shorelines, we will beautify neighborhoods and build greater climate resilience in the process,” LaTourette added.

Brick Township is slated to acquire $4,997,124 for the salt marsh restoration, specifically within Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge stretches throughout Ocean County down to parts of Atlantic City, with a good portion of it located in Brick Township.

According to U.S. Fish & Wildlife

Service, the Refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats. More than 82% of Forsythe refuge is wetlands, of which 78% is salt marsh, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. Additionally, its location is one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths, making it essential to seasonal bird migration.

A majority of Brick’s marshland is located off of Mantoloking Road by the intersection of Adamston Road, carrying on for miles to the bayfront.

The DEP states that the project will place more than 120,000 cubic yards of suitable dredged sediment into a series of 13 cells to increase tidal salt marsh elevation, protecting the marsh from drowning. About 95 acres of marsh will be protected from the sediment placement.

“Added protective measures will be used to contain placed sediment and strengthen shorelines. The elevated marsh will be planted in areas that did not previously contain vegetation to ensure recolonization of vegetation occurs to ultimately restore the health of the marsh,” officials said.

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Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge stretches throughout Ocean County.

New Plan Would Incentivize Reducing Food Waste

Capitol

Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two new bills, the Zero Food Waste Act and the Cultivating Organic Matter through the Promotion Of Sustainable Techniques (COMPOST) Act, were introduced to reduce the amount of food wasted in the U.S. and to redirect food waste to composting projects.

Zero Food Waste Act

In the U.S., nearly half of all food produced is lost or wasted, which means an estimated $408 billion is spent on growing, processing, transporting, storing, and disposing of food that is never consumed. Landfills are now the third-largest source of methane in the U.S., and food is the single largest input by weight in our landfills and incinerators.

This bill would create a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administered grant program for state, local, tribal, and territorial governments and for nonprofits, which would offer three types of grants: planning grants, measurement grants, and reduction grants. Planning grants could be used to investigate the kinds of food waste mitigation projects or policies would be most impactful within a given community. Measurement grants could be used to better understand the amount of food waste generated in the state or community. Reduction grants could be used to fund an assortment of different types of projects. For instance, food waste prevention projects could stop the generation of food waste. Recycling projects could reuse food waste as a feedstock for other non-food products, such as composting. Rescuing projects could redirect surplus food to places like food shelters. Upcycling projects could make new food from ingredients that would otherwise go to landfills. Additionally, localities could use the grant funding to implement food waste landfill disposal

or incineration restrictions designed to stop food waste.

COMPOST Act

Composting is one of the most environmentally friendly means of disposing of food waste and other organic waste. Not only does composting emit a smaller quantity of greenhouse gasses compared to alternative disposal methods, it also yields a valuable soil additive that enhances soil health, which in turn makes the soil a better absorber of carbon, while also making the land more resilient to climate change-fueled disasters like wildfires and floods. Additionally, while there is growing interest by individuals and businesses across the country to compost food scraps and compostable packaging, there is not enough composting infrastructure in the U.S. to meet this demand.

This bill would add composting as a conservation practice for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs. Both the act of producing compost from organic waste and using compost on a farm would qualify as a conservation practice. It also would create new USDA grant and loan guarantee programs for composting infrastructure projects, including both large-scale composting facilities as well as farm, home, or community-based projects.

The bills were introduced by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Tina Smith (D-MN), both members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and U.S. Representatives Julia Brownley (D-CA), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced

“The economic, environmental, and public health costs of our country’s food waste problem have become too large to ignore,” said Senator Cory Booker, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “We need to invest in solutions that prevent food waste, divert it to hungry Americans, or if there’s no other option, ensure that food is composted instead of landfilled. My bills will help create such a system by funding local, state, and tribal proj-

ects to reduce food waste and encouraging the development of composting infrastructure.”

“Americans waste more than 40% of the food they purchase. More alarmingly, the food production and subsequent waste have significant impacts on greenhouse gas emissions,” said Representative Julia Brownley. “Smart policies that curb food waste and promote composting will undoubtedly lessen the impacts of climate change. The Zero Food

Waste Act and COMPOST Act incentivize and encourage farmers to implement more sustainable farming practices and provide local governments with the resources to develop strategies that will reduce the amount of food waste that local communities generate. We must take bold action in the fight to protect our resources and our environment for future generations, including through the development of sustainable food systems.”

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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

Pop Culture: They Don’t Make ‘Em Like This Any More

On New Year’s Eve my friends and I didn’t watch the show before the ball dropped. We knew what those shows are like - a bunch of celebrities we don’t know or care about, some musical acts for us to turn our noses up at, and complaining about what pop culture is today.

Instead, we opted to watch blocks of 1980s music videos. They were comfortable, if cringey. A nice walk down memory lane. We knew who everyone was, and we could skip them if we didn’t like them.

We all talked about how good music used to be

In Praise Of Local QuickChek

I’ve heard many people claim that stores such as QuickChek don’t care about their employees. I’m setting that claim straight.

I work at the store on the corner of S. New Prospect and Bethel Church Roads. They hired me as a cashier knowing I have a significant disability. They have allowed me to bring my chair in and sit between waiting on customers. They have been consistently helpful,

and how it isn’t as good anymore.

Pop culture is the only culture we all share. These songs become a part of our identity. And when music changes, we feel like we’ve lost something.

And what’s worse - is that politicians and people on TV turn this into an “Us vs Them” situation. They weaponize pop culture to turn generations against each other.

Next time you’re on Facebook, pay attention to how many sites there are designed to make you feel good about your pop culture while saying others’ are bad.

“They don’t make good

music any more. Kids today don’t know the classics. They ruined this TV show. The remake sucks.”

Comments like this are said so often that no one even stops to really think about it. But you should always question general statements like this.

When you say “There’s no good music today” or something similar, you might think it makes you sound decisive. But really it shows you don’t know what’s going on. Pick your favorite type of music. Can you even name five artists in that genre who had their debut after 2010? After 2000? Take a minute and really

think. Unless you listen exclusively to chamber music, every genre has had new and exciting artists coming out every year. Sure, some of it is garbage. But there are some real gems, too, that you’re missing out on.

Part of it is that you’re not the target audience anymore. Record companies have always aimed at the late teen to early 20s demographic, and that probably doesn’t describe the person who’s reading this editorial in a newspaper. It sure doesn’t describe the person who wrote it.

You might not even know how to listen to the music being released today.

Letters To The Editor

My 15-year-old daughter put some albums on her Christmas list that were only available via download. No physical copy of the album exists.

My point in all this is to ask you to avoid speaking in generalizations like “today’s music/movies/shows/ whatever are bad.” By doing that, you’re giving in to the politicians’ desire to categorize, separate, and pit us against each other. They want you to think of everything in terms of “Us and Them (Pink Floyd, 1972).”

Watching those blocks of music videos reminded me that that for every excellent band from my childhood

like Queen, there was also a Kajagoogoo. So, my point is there was crap back when we were young, too.

By the way, the song that goes “They Don’t Write ‘Em Like That Anymore” is actually called “The Breakup Song,” and it was released by the Greg Kihn band in 1981. So someone was talking about music changing and it was put out four decades ago. I guess no matter how much music changes, “It’s Still Rock ‘n Roll To Me (Billy Joel, 1980).”

Chris Lundy News Editor

supportive, and understanding since day one.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer several months ago, they all signed a card and gave me flowers. When I received surgery, they gave me another card, and totally understood the time I would need off. They have understood the increased tiredness I feel due to the current radiation I’m getting, and have allowed me to leave my shift early. I even received a Team Member of the Month award! I can’t imagine working for a better place, and on April 29th, I’ll

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

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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

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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.

be celebrating 1 year with them. Does QuickChek care about their employees? Most definitely yes!

Slow Down Boats To Help Sea Life

Financial Aid For Pet Parents

It has occurred to me that there are so many animals, cats and dogs, that are in shelters and begging for a permanent home and many seniors that are alone and needing companionship that something should be done to remedy this situation.

The cost of adoption and the veterinary costs are so high that both seniors and animals are being kept from each other.

I adopted a Bichon Frise from Bichon rescue and paid $300 for him. No problem since they had him dewormed and vaccinated and kept him until he found a home. He was born in a puppy mill in Pennsylvania and then was taken by a hoarder. He was rescued from her and the rescue put him up for adoption. He subsequently got bladder stones and had surgery (over

$3,000). Had to have a urinary diet without calcium and his teeth became decayed from the lack of calcium and had dental surgery to remove half of his teeth ($1,400). His specialty food costs approximately $110 per month. He has skin allergies and needs allergy shots periodically and gets skin infections, ear and anal gland infections that don’t heal due to a diminished immune system. My last three vet bills were $400, over $350 and $280. I pay it because he needs care and I love him. He is now 17 years old and has had a great life with me.

and other sea life. Scott

Miller The PETA Foundation

Stephanie Brown Jackson Redraw Districts Fairly

I had a thought, what if a program could be developed to have seniors adopt a pet and register for a discounted care plan for that pet?

Vet bills are very high and people on a fixed income cannot have a pet and pets get euthanized that could have loving homes. Maybe someone in government can come up with a solution and make the senior years better for pets and people.

A sincere pet lover and senior citizen.

Constance DePrima Berkeley

Regulating vessel speeds along the U.S. east coast to protect right whales is a critical step in saving this endangered species and balancing our fragile aquatic ecosystem. And in the long run, it is an important step in economic growth and development.

Abducting fish and other animals - sensitive, complex living beings who feel pain just as we do - from their ocean homes is an unsustainable industry, harmful to the environment and harmful to our health. Fish flesh stores dangerous contaminants that can cause liver damage, nervous system disorders, and fetal damage; dioxins, which have also been linked to cancer; and radioactive substances. The corporate world of lobster and crab fishing often leads to serious food-safety violations.

Automobiles rendered the horse and buggy obsolete. Personal computers did the same to the typewriter business. It’s time to invest in innovative, cruelty-free industries before it’s too late for right whales

Gerrymandering is a way for politicians to stay in power by manipulating boundaries so as to favor one party or class. This practice empowers politicians and plays games with the voters, diminishing their voting power.

Recently voters in Michigan finally overcame long time gerrymandering by passing a citizen-led ballot initiative that created an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw congressional maps. This initiative earned 61% of the vote and won in 66 out of 83 counties statewide, showing that voters from across the political spectrum wanted to unite against the rigging of elections through gerrymandering and live under fair maps. New Jersey citizens should now do the same and stop politicians from playing boundary games to stay in power!

Patricia Murphy Toms River

Police EMS Employee Spotlight

BRICK – Each month Brick Police EMS will randomly select by drawing numbers, an EMT from their staff to share a little bit of their background and shed some positive light on their contribution to the Brick Township Community. For the month of February 2023 EMT Christopher Magnus #53154 number was drawn.

Christopher joined the unit as a part time EMT in April of 2022 immediately fitting in as a part of the EMS family. Christopher has been a National Registered and NY EMT since 2012 filing for reciprocity in NJ prior to employment with Brick Police EMS. Christopher started his EMS career in New York and still serves Full-time EMS in a management role in the New York area. Job well done Christopher, keep up the excellent work!

Senior Services Program Spotlight: Project Icebox

BRICK – Senior Services’ Project Icebox is designed to provide easy access to essential information in times of emergency. Participants in Project Icebox receive a magnetic pouch that can be placed on the refrigerator or another visible place. The pouches hold up-to-date information such as medical history, medication labels, living wills and emergency contacts. The information is easily accessible for emergency responders, friends or family members in the event of a medical emergency.

Project Icebox is a free program. Call Senior Services at 732-920-8686 to request a pouch.

Walk-Thru Gift Auction

BRICK – American Association of University Women (Northern Ocean County Branch) is hosting a Walk-Thru Gift Auction on March 4 at Brick Memorial High School Green Cafeteria. Free admission. Preview from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Three levels of prizes to benefit their Scholarship Fund. Grand Prize: Bed and Breakfast overnight in Cape May. Winners will be contacted by phone. For information call 732-814-9687.

─Photo courtesy Brick Police EMS

“Dead History” Founder At Historical Society

BRICK – The Brick Township Historical Society will hold its first meeting of 2023 on March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Herbertsville Firehouse, 601 Herbertsville Road, Brick.

T.J. Fallon of Jackson will be the presenter. He is the founder of the Dead History YouTube channel. The program will feature images and commentary about the gravesites of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence and the 39 signers of the of

the U.S. Constitution. Fallon visited all of these, plus the gravesites of the presidents and vice presidents during 2020. Admission is free and the public is welcome. Park in the rear of the firehouse and enter by the door on ground level on the right.

For more information about the activities of the society, visit bricktownshiphistoricalsociety.com or call 732-785-2500.

Senior Services February Activities

BRICK – Brick Senior Services provides residents ages 60 and over with a variety of services and access to activities and programs that are designed to improve their quality of life.

• Talking with Jen, presentation discussing healthy eating habits - February 27 at 12 p.m.

• Heart Healthy Luncheon, Food Demo and Lecture, Lecture by Dr. Cohen, cardiologist provided by Willow Springs - February 13

at 12:30 p.m.

• The Book Nook Club meets February 27 at 10 p.m. Join the Book Nook for exciting discussions & review the latest best sellers.

The Senior Services Office is located in the Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road, Unit 12 and the Senior Services Activity Center is located in VFW Post 8867, 373 Adamston Road. For information call 732-920-8686.

368 Lakehurst Road | Suite 305 Toms River, NJ 08755 732-473-1123

1301 Rte 72 | Ste 305 | Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-597-9195

211 W Millstream Road Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 609-758-9595

─Photo courtesy Brick Township Historical Society

BTPD Honors Rev. Doug Chase

BRICK – At Cops and Clergy meeting, Brick Police Department honored the Rev. Doug Chase who faithfully served the BTPD as one of our Chaplains for the past seven years. Chief Riccio presented Rev. Chase with a plaque with his Chaplain’s badge mounted on it. They were also honored to have the Ocean

County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, with his Chief of Detectives, Anthony Carrington, and Sgt. Melissa Rose join for the meeting which they hold every other month as part of the mission to integrate the interfaith community and law enforcement community in service to Brick Township.

OceanCares Mental Health And Wellness Fair

BRICK – The OceanCares Foundation is getting ready for their Fifth Annual Mental Health & Wellness Fair on May 20 at Traders Cove Marina, Brick and they invite you to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with them as a community to explore all of the pieces of the puzzle: Mental, Physical And Spiritual For Wholistic Health.

May is mental health awareness month: “Mental Health Awareness Month was started in the United States in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization (then known as the National Association

for Mental Health).”

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition, as 1 in 4 U.S. adults will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. However, everyone is affected or impacted by mental illness through friends and family. Each mind matters… join the stigma free movement.

Event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsorship Opportunities Available: Contact Lisa Mulhearn: lmulhearn@brightharbor.or or call 732-269-4849 ext. 612.

Chamber Of Commerce Educational Foundation Scholarships

BRICK – The Brick Township Chamber of Commerce Educational Foundation will be giving at least $30,000 in scholarships to local students in 2023.

BTCOC Educational Foundation scholarships are open to those who meet any of the following criteria:

• Seniors graduating from Brick Township High School or Brick Memorial High School

• Graduates of either of the Brick high schools and/or OCVTS who are continuing post-secondary students and/or continuing education students

• Members of The Brick Township

Chamber of Commerce, employees of members, the children of members, or the children of employees of members (Note: ALL Brick Township Schools are members of the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce)

All scholarships are open to adults as well as graduating high school seniors. Scholarships are offered for vocational as well as academic education.

The application deadline is April 6, 2023. For more information click here or email info@brickchamber.com with Scholarship Application in the subject line.

─Photo courtesy Brick Police

PLATINUM: $20 million and 30 units minimum, or 125

Tsivia “Herskowitz” Cynamon Realtor® Associate 347-452-7006 cell The Sapphire Group

CONGRATULATIONS

2022 NJ Realtors®

Circle of Excellence Sales Award® Recipients!

Crossroads Realty is proud to announce that 32 of our sales associates have earned the prestigious NJ REALTORS® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® for 2022. These award-winning associates worked together with the Crossroads team of 250 agents throughout ten offices and teams to participate in over 1,587 transactions totaling a record-breaking $532,150,522 in sales in Ocean and Southern Monmouth Counties in 2022.

GOLD:

Isaac Neiman, Realtor® Associate 917-701-9841

Sephie Schleider, Realtor® Associate 732-674-1869

SILVER:

Jena DeMarco, Realtor® Associate 732-966-6070

Sondra Hurley Iannuzzi, Realtor® Associate 848-333-8210

George Shenewolf, BrokerSalesperson-Regional Manager 732-310-4594

Karyn Wejnert, Realtor® Associate 201-376-7185

James LaSasso, Realtor® Associate 732-558-3286

Noreen Lynch, Realtor® Associate 732-267-2336

Vincent Prestinari, Broker Salesperson 732-998-7515

Ronald Shaffery, Broker SalespersonManager 732-232-0904

Joseph Viscuso, Broker Salesperson 201-889-6506

Sharon Asay, Realtor® Associate 732-267-8485

Vickie Black, Broker Salesperson 848-992-0232

Timothy Brennan, Realtor® Associate 609-722-1112

Robert Cox, Realtor® Associate 973-580-8254

Jennifer Czarnecki, Realtor® Associate 732-267-1014

Karen Eremita, Realtor® Associate 646-269-4728

Marc Johnson, Realtor® Associate 848-333-0505

Carole Kuiken, Broker Salesperson 732-232-1402

Marilyn Mecchia, Realtor® Associate 732-267-4065

Linda Miotto, Realtor® Associate 914-413-2727

Anita Morris, Realtor® Associate 917-579-0691

Michele Nesbihal, Broker Salesperson 856-237-6025

Maria Oliver, Broker Salesperson 908-783-8320

Jacqueline Paterno, Broker SalespersonAssistant Manager 201-218-6388

Jeanette Schlapfer, Broker SalespersonManager 732-606-7733

Emily H. Smith, Realtor® Associate 732-674-6258

Bernadette Webster, Realtor® Associate 732-604-5487

Elzbieta Wladczyk, Realtor® Associate 732-850-4291

Lori Woytanowski, Broker SalespersonManager 732-874-0764

Janis Wyatt, Realtor® Associate 732-694-2927

Dualdiagnosisisalargepartoftherecoveryjourneyfor some individuals. Mental health issues and addiction areoftenverydeeplyconnected. Treatingtheunderlyingcauseofbothconditionssimultaneously, inintegratedtreatmentprograms,isthebestapproach.

OUTPATIENT REHAB:

• Have the ability to live at home or live in a sober home with the ability to see your friends and family

• Get the help you need without having to sacrifice your career, drop out of school, or miss out on important obligations

• Have more affordable addiction treatment & care options

INPATIENT REHAB:

• Have full access to doctors, nurses, and medical staff 24 hours a day

• Live full-time inside the facility, with medication management & monitoring

• Have a more structured daily life, with the entire day planned out for you by professionals

Sound News

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

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

4 Ways Hearing & Vision Work Together

Hearing actually enhances sight, According to a UCLA study, both senses work as a team to help you perceive and participate in the world around you. Study participants ran through a series of trials to correctly identify the direction in which a display of dots moved. Hearing the direction in which the dots were collectively traveling enhanced participants’ ability to see the direction of the movement.

Visually challenged seniors are more likely to experience hearing loss, A study published in the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology uncovered links between age-related vision and hearing problems. Researchers found that even after considering age, the two conditions are somehow linked and “have a cumulative effect on function and well-being, significantly affecting both physical and mental domains.”

Vision and hearing loss accompany cognitive decline; Research shows that either condition is connected to reduced brain functioning over time. One study found that participants with the most profound vision impairment had the lowest average scores on cognition tests. And hearing-challenged seniors on average may experience significant -

ly reduced cognitive function at least three years before their normal-hearing counterparts.

Healthy eyes and ears help you keep your balance. It’s pretty obvious that seeing your best helps you stay upright, but many people may not realize that the inner ear also plays an important role in maintaining balance. Conversely, untreated hearing loss could nearly triple your risk of a fall, per a study from Johns Hopkins. We all know that eyes and ears play a huge role in experiencing life’s adventures. Seeing and hearing the people, places, and moments that matter create wonderful, lasting memories. What fewer people know is that sight and hearing are intertwined. Here are four reasons to make regular checkups for hearing and vision an important part of your wellness plan:

Hearing and vision work together to help you live your best life, so remember to keep them both healthy. Start with a hearing checkup by contacting us today!

732-818-3610 (Toms River & Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin).

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer any hearing care questions you may have. Visit us at www. gardenstatehearing.com.

What is a “Mom & Pop” Business?

A small, independent, family owned, controlled and operated business. It has a small amount of business volume. It is not franchised.

“ Open for business in a single location.”

So if your “Mom or Pop” need the services of rehabilitation and nursing services, it just makes sense to go to a “Mom & Pop.”

Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

6 Important Tips To Stay Safe On Laxatives

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Laxatives are intended to stay in the gut, however, some can affect the central nervous system indirectly by impacting electrolyte balance or stripping away the body’s natural gut microflora.

One in particular called MiraLAX® (PEG 3350) is an “osmotic” laxative. It draws water into the colon which softens the stools and stimulates peristalsis and ultimately a bowel movement. Like all other osmotic laxatives, it has the potential to mildly alter electrolyte balance in the bloodstream, although that effect is rare if it is used properly according to label directions.

MiraLAX is FDA-approved to treat constipation in adults only and is only supposed to be used for a week. It is recommended for opiate-induced constipation in adults. In a short time frame like these scenarios, you should not experience any untoward effects.

But what if you took it for several months? What if you gave an adult-only drug to a small child? What if your doctor told you to keep taking it beyond a week?

Overusing, misusing or abusing laxatives is common and leads to unwanted side effects. The electrolytes that were in homeostasis in the bloodstream become altered unnaturally when laxatives are used chronically.

The FDA has received reports of behavioral changes over the years, especially in children taking PEG 3350. These include agitation and aggression and other behavioral issues. The relationship between PEG 3350 and these side effects hasn’t been formally tied together with a clinical trial. It’s what’s called “anecdotal” and these types of laxatives remain popular all over the world.

But are psychiatric/emotional problems even

possible? Impacting the water-to-mineral balance with laxatives, or any drug for that matter may cause the following shifts in any person, which can cause dozens of problems.

Laxatives notoriously cause:

Hypokalemia - low potassium in the blood

Hyponatremia - low sodium in the blood

Hypermagnesemia - high magnesium in the blood

Gut problems - the destruction of healthy gut microflora

Symptoms from these electrolyte imbalances may cause headaches, teary eyes, depression, anxiety, aggression, confusion, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, and more. Part of the problem is that laxatives are flushing things out of you including your gut microflora! That’s not good long-term because poor probiotic status causes low GABA and B12, and that alone may lead to emotional problems and even more gut problems than you started with.

6 Tips to Using Laxative Properly

Do not take laxatives longer than the label states, follow directions

Stay hydrated by drinking water or Pedialyte® which will help restore some balance to your potassium and other electrolytes. Drink enough fluids each day while taking this medication in order to offset dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Don’t combine laxatives.

Take a probiotic to restore gut flora. Change your diet so you won’t be so reliant on laxatives.

See a gastroenterologist and do the tests required to determine the root cause. An endocrinologist can test you for hypothyroidism, an overlooked but primary cause for chronic constipation. Laxatives are not intended for long-term use, or for children.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2022 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Motorized Wheelchair Lemon Law.

Who Knew There Was Such A Thing?

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

I can’t say that New Jersey does a lot of things right, but I have to admit that our consumer protection laws are some of the best in the country.

When dealing with motorized wheelchairs a “consumer” is defined as the purchaser of the motorized wheelchair, if the motorized wheelchair was purchased from a motorized wheelchair dealer or manufacturer for purposes other than resale. A “consumer” is also a person to whom the motorized wheelchair is transferred for purposes other than resale, if the transfer occurs before the expiration of an express warranty applicable to the motorized wheelchair.

A manufacturer who sells a motorized wheelchair to a “consumer”, either directly or through a motorized wheelchair dealer, shall furnish the consumer with an express (written) warranty for the motorized wheelchair. The duration of the express warranty shall be at least one year. In the event the consumer does not receive the express warranty then the manufacturer shall be deemed to have expressly warranted to the consumer that, for a period of one year from the date of the first delivery to the consumer, the motorized wheelchair will be free from any condition or defect which substantially impairs the value of the wheelchair to the consumer.

If the wheelchair has what is called a “Nonconformity” this means that a condition or defect substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the motorized wheelchair, and that is covered by an express warranty. A “Nonconformity” does not include a condition or defect that is the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modification or alteration of the motorized wheelchair by the consumer.

If a new motorized wheelchair does not conform to an applicable express warranty and the consumer reports the nonconformity to the manufacturer, the wheelchair lessor or any of the manufacturer’s authorized dealers and makes the wheelchair available for repair before one year after first delivery of the wheelchair to a consumer then the nonconformity shall be repaired at no charge to the consumer by the manufacturer. However, the consumer must provide the manufacturer a reasonable attempt to repair the wheelchair.

“Reasonable attempt to repair” means, within the term of an express warranty applicable, or within one year after first delivery of the wheelchair to the consumer, whichever is sooner, that: (1) the wheelchair has been in for repair three or more times and the nonconformity continues, or (2) the motorized wheelchair is out of service for an aggregate of at least 20 days due to a nonconformity after having

been returned to the manufacturer, wheelchair lessor, or any of the manufacturer’s authorized dealers for repair.

If, after a reasonable attempt to repair, the nonconformity is not repaired then the manufacturer shall, at the direction of a consumer (other than a consumer who leases a motorized wheelchair from a motorized wheelchair dealer), either (1) accept return of the wheelchair and replace the wheelchair with a comparable new one and refund any collateral costs; or (2) accept return of the wheelchair and refund to the consumer and to any holder of a Note on the wheelchair the full purchase price plus any finance charge amount paid by the consumer at the point of sale and collateral costs, less a reasonable allowance for use.

In order to receive a comparable new motorized wheelchair or a refund a consumer shall offer to transfer possession of the defective wheelchair to the manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the consumer with the comparable new motorized wheelchair or a refund. When the manufacturer provides the new motorized wheelchair or refund, the consumer shall return the defective wheelchair to the manufacturer, along with any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession to the manufacturer.

In order to receive a refund a consumer shall:

(a) offer to return the defective wheelchair to its manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the consumer. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the consumer shall return to the wheelchair; and (b) offer to transfer possession of the wheelchair to its manufacturer. No later than 30 days after that offer, the manufacturer shall provide the refund to the motorized wheelchair lessor. When the manufacturer provides the refund, the motorized wheelchair lessor shall provide to the manufacturer any endorsements necessary to transfer legal possession to the manufacturer. Also, keep in mind that any lease of a motorized wheelchair shall not be enforceable after the consumer receives a refund for the leased motorized wheelchair.

No motorized wheelchair returned by a consumer or motorized wheelchair lessor in this State or by a consumer or motorized wheelchair lessor in another state shall be sold or leased again in this New Jersey unless full disclosure of the reasons for return is made to any prospective buyer or lessee.

The consumer litigation attorneys at the Law Offices of R.C. Shea & Associates are available for a free consultation (732-505-1212) to discuss your rights.

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), commonly known as a reverse mortgage, is a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)1 insured loan which enables you to access a portion of your home’s equity without having to make monthly mortgage payments.2 We are your local Reverse Mortgage Specialists and are happy to discuss the benefits and availability of a reverse mortgage with you, at convenience. Call the name you can trust for a FREE in-person consultation!

James P. Anzano, President Glendenning Mortgage Corporation Office: 732-240-7227 • Cell: 908-330-1446

JAnzano@Glendenning.com • 81 E Water St, Toms River, NJ 08753 NMLS ID: 209792 • WWW.GLENDENNING.COM 800-354-8286

n ew S

Nominations Sought For The Brick Hero Awards

BRICK – The Brick Hero Awards were created to honor residents and businesses who make a difference every day, in ways small and large. The heroes are recognized at the Annual Brick Hero Awards Ceremony.

This year’s ceremony will be held on March 31 at 7 p.m. at Brick Township High School. The event is hosted by the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee and will include performances by local school

choirs, theatre groups, dance teams, and more. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

If you know a Brick resident or business that exhibits a remarkable effort to make the community a better place, nominate them for a Brick Hero Award at the link below. The deadline to submit nominations if March 13. Make a nomination at: townshipofbrick.seamlessdocs.com/f/2023BrickHeroNomination.

Spring Craft & Vendor Fair

BRICK – The Women of St. Paul’s will host their annual Craft & Vendor Fair on March 4. They are currently looking for vendors; spots go quickly. Proceeds benefit many local missions supported by the Women of St. Paul’s. For more information or to become a

vendor, contact Carol Kampf at 732840-9496 or carolkampf@yahoo.com.

You can also contact the church office at 732-458-2080 or visit stpaulsbrick. org. Their address is St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 714 Herbertsville Road, Brick.

Celebrate Brick Township’s 173rd Birthday

BRICK – Join as we celebrate Brick Township’s 173rd birthday at the Annual Brick Birthday Party on February 11 from 3 until 5 p.m. at the Civic Plaza. The event will feature games, music, hand painting and, of course - CAKE! While the party is open to all, the ac -

tivities are designed to be enjoyed by younger people.

The Birthday Party is hosted by the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee which is comprised of students from Brick Township’s two high schools. The party is free to attend; registration is required.

NJ ANCHOR Deadline Extended Until February 28

BRICK – Residents seeking property tax relief now have until February 28 to file for New Jersey’s ANCHOR (Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters) program. The program provides property tax relief to New Jersey residents who owned or rented their principal

residence on October 1, 2019 and met the income limits. Please note, the ANCHOR program is separate from the senior freeze program.

Brick Senior Services is available for assistance with the ANCHOR application. They can be reached at 732-920-8686.

Brick Police EMS 2023 Training

BRICK – Brick Township Police Department EMS will be hosting PHTLS and TECC training twice each this year. All courses are held at the Brick Fire Training Center on Herbertsville Road. The next training will be on March 25 and 26 for PHTLS. Register by visiting: brick-

policeems.enrollware.com/enroll?id=7024207. Next TECC training will be on April 29 and 30. Register at: brickpoliceems.enrollware. com/enroll?id=7024230.

Cost for class is $150 per student. Classes taught by Tactical EMS Unit.

BTMUA Hosting Free Webinar

BRICK – The Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority and the Barnegat Bay Partnership will host a free webinar on deicing and the environment on February 22 from 7 to 8 p.m. Road salt and deicing

products, while helpful for winter safety, are affecting our environment and water supplies. Find out how this happening and learn how to minimize impacts to local water resources.

around the JerSey Shore

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Typically, a wildlife rescue scenario is receiving a call, any hour - day or nightfrom a concerned person. If they’re lucky enough, they already know to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (rehabber). They’re advised to transport the animal to the rehabber. There are times, however, when I performed the rescue myself as special skills are required. Don’t attempt rescue yourself before speaking with a licensed professional.

It was a warm summer afternoon when my phone rang. Like everyone else, wildlife rehabbers try to maintain a normal life and are often already caring for many animals. The woman on the phone explained there was a large bird who was having trouble flying. The bird was located at Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, New Jersey. As I hung up the phone, so many things began running thru my mind. What kind of bird, was it a broken wing, a head injury, adult, or juvenile, and most importantly, where at the high school would I find this bird? The adrenaline starts pumping because you know the rescue could be dangerous for either

the animal, for you, or both. Until you see the situation, planning the rescue cannot be done. I hopped in my car with my usual rescue supplies.

I arrived at the high school and was fortunate enough to quickly spot a red-tailed hawk, suffering from what appeared to be a broken wing, perched on the fence. Knowing that hawks have excellent eyesight, I positioned myself within a few feet of the bird, who continued to ‘watch me like a hawk.’ About five minutes passed, when he turned his head away from me. I quickly swung the net up, over and behind the bird, moving him to the ground, when I suddenly heard a woman on a motorcycle cheering. A sense of relief, I secured the hawk and transported him to the Raptor Trust for rehabilitation. Wildlife rescue begins with a concerned person making the effort to get the animal help. Without rescue, the odds of survival are very low.

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. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which include harm inflicted upon an animal, are subject to punishment.

A LITTLE EXTRA PROTECTION

Our bodies are created with many different means of protecting our eyes from everyday harm. Lenses, eyelids, lashes, and tears are all very efficient at their jobs. However, those who spend a great deal of time in environments with large amounts of intense sunlight, sand, dust, and wind may find their bodies taking more extreme measures to keep their sight safe. Pterygia are growths, often triangular in shape, that originate when eyes require more protection. In most cases, growths can be stopped by limiting eyes’ exposure to irritants. Generally, pterygia are not dangerous, but in rare cases they can continue to grow across the eye, blocking sight or alter the shape of the cornea.

For minor cases, treatment usually involves eye drops or ointment to treat inflammation. Thick or larger pterygium can make it feel like you have a foreign object in your eye. You may not be able to continue wearing contacts when you have a pterygium due to discomfort. To schedule an eye exam, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Those who are more likely to develop pterygia, such as surfers, farmers, and welders, can reduce their risk by consistently wearing proper eye protection.

BlueClaws Announce Coaching Staff, New Manager

By Alyssa Riccardi

JERSEY SHORE – BlueClaws has announced Greg Brodzinski as their new manager, and he will be joining a deep bench in coaching talent for the new season. Brodzinski, 31, is becoming the 16th manager in BlueClaws history. He will be joined by pitching coach Phil Cundari, hitting coach Brock Stassi, bench coach Chris Adamson, and pitching development coach Brady Lail. Meaghan Flaherty was named the team’s athletic trainer and Mark Jesse Jr. was named the team’s strength and conditioning coach.

Last year, Brodzinski was the bench coach with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In 2020 and 2021, he was the Phillies bullpen catcher and catching coach, and has previous coaching stops with both Williamsport and Reading. He was originally an 18th round pick of the Phillies in the 2018 draft. He now replaces former manager Keith Werman, who was named as the Phillies Florida Complex Coordinator.

New Jersey native Cundari joins the Phillies from the Blue Jays. He was the pitching coach for their Low-A affiliate in Vancouver for the last two seasons. Cundari was an All-American pitcher at Seton Hall and a fourth-round pick of the Athletics in 1985. For 18 years he was the pitching coach at Seton Hall and two years as the pitching coach at Rutgers before joining the Blue Jays organization prior to the 2020 season.

After playing in their system from 2011 through 2017 and again in 2021, Stassi joins the Phillies organization as a coach. He was

─Photo courtesy BlueClaws drafted in the 33rd round of the 2011 draft out of the University of Nevada. He played 59 games for the BlueClaws in 2021, hitting three home runs and driving in 30 runs. Stassi made his big-league debut with the Phillies on April 3, 2017. He follows former BlueClaws pitching coach Matt Hockenberry as the second former BlueClaws player to serve as a coach for the team.

Australia native Adamson returns as the bench coach. He joined the Phillies organization in 2020 and was scheduled to manage the BlueClaws before that season was cancelled. He did manage the BlueClaws in 2021 and spent last year in the Florida Complex League. He was previously on the Adelaide Giants of the Australian Baseball League.

After playing professionally 2012 through 2022, Lail joins the organization as a coach. Originally an 18th round pick of the Yankees in 2021, Lail made his big-league debut on August 12, 2019. He pitched in the big leagues for the Yankees, White Sox, and Mariners. He spent time with the Phillies in Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2021 and pitched for the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League and in the Blue Jays system in 2022. Flaherty has been with the Phillies since 2020 and spent last year as the Assistant Athletic Trainer with Lehigh Valley. Jesse’s first year in the organization was 2022 with both the Florida Complex League Phillies and the BlueClaws.

Opening Night at the Jersey Shore is set for April 11 and is the first of 11 fireworks nights scheduled for 2023.

Judge:

Continued From Page 1

conducts interviews. I then would have to testify before the Judiciary Committee and if everything goes well the entirety of the Senate would vote on the motion to confirm,” Ducey explained.

Ducey is a solo practitioner with a legal office on Herbertsville Road. He first took the oath of office in January 2014 and was reelected as Mayor of Brick Township in

November 2017 as well as in 2021 for a four-year term.

According to his official biography on the Township’s website, Ducey attended Barry University for a degree in political science. He then went on to received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami School of Law.

He began his legal career as a law clerk for The Honorable James D. Clyne in the Ocean County Superior Court. Additionally, he spent eight years with the Brick law firm of Mauro, Barry and Prindiville,

before beginning his solo practice. Ducey was a past president of the Ocean County Bar Association, and held the positions of Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Board of Trustee member. He is a former member of the New Jersey State Bar Association. He also served as a volunteer certified mediator for the Supreme Court of New Jersey Ethics Committee and currently serves on the Office of Attorney Fee Arbitration Committee.

rarily fill the vacancy by nomination.

“If I am lucky enough to make it through this process I would have to resign as mayor when I am appointed. There is no timeline for all of the above steps to occur I am just hopeful they all do occur,” Ducey said.

If Ducey is appointed the position, the Township council would need to tempo - Page 22

For Rent

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

Real Estate

Lakewood 55+ Covington Village - Newer construction, gorgeous 2BR/2BA Condo 1165 sqft, hdwd floors; CAC; Washer/Dryer; balcony, pool, gym/amenities; billiard/card/theater rooms; parking; $2,700/Taxes; $416/HOA; ONLY $239,000; 201 390-7377/Julianne_ matskin@yahoo.com (11)

CLASSIFIEDS

Items For Sale

Perfect Beige LaZBoy - Reclining loveseat with console and cupholders. 18 months old. Paid $1,200, asking $600 OBO. You transport. 404-513-8897. (9)

Kitchen/Dining Room Table - Oak, 60" x 40", 8 chairs and leaf. Like new $400. 201-755-8933. (9)

Pets

MISSING - Black and tabby female cat lost at 733 Old Burnt Tavern Road, Brick. Call 732-840-1434. (10)

Services

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

Services Services Services

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

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)

A+CLEANING SERVICE - Homes, Offices, Air BNB, Shopping, Thorough, Reliable, References, Senior Villages, Free Estimates. Call Barbara 732-948-4730. (8)

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)

Bus Trips

ESTATE CLEANOUTSProperties, Houses, Attics, Garages, Sheds, Storage Units, ect. Handyman Disposal provided 901a Dumpster Service LLC. Licensed, Insured, call or text Jim 609-335-0330. (27) Philadelphia Flower Show - Bus

Trip Saturday, March 11. $88 includes admission and bus fare. Toms River departure. Call Bill, Morano Tours, 732-278-2059 (10)

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)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

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)

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks

Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (10)

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)

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)

Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM

Records. - R&B, doo wop, soul, early rock & roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call between 8AM and 8PM 909-938-4623. (3)

FREE Golden Retriever Puppies to Forever Homes! - 1 Male,1 Female. Excellent temperament! House trained with very good trainable natures & perfect for families with children and other pets! I will not re home to just any-one. Please email me first at: staceymcclelland8@gmail.com and Text (312) 270-0850. (43)

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)

Help Wanted

Animal Lovers - Volunteers needed to help feed homeless cats 1 or 2 days weekly. Call 732-3672932, leave message. (8)

Male Health Aide - Needed occassionally for senior male assisting with daily routine. $25 hourly. Call 732-319-6358. (10)

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

Home Organizer Wanted - Empty packing boxes, organize closets etc. Must be personable, competent. $20 per hour. Time is flexible. References required. Victoria 508-680-6088. (10)

Seeking Responsible Individual With Good Phone Skills - Experience In Hvac & Permits A Plus. Filing/Answering Phones/Scheduling/Permits/Ordering Parts/ Customer Service. Great Work Environment. $15/Hour 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Paid Holidays. Call Care Temp Heating & AC at 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n)

Services

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

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! (20)

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.

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)

Learn To Play The - Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums from a NJ State Certified Teacher of instrumental music, in your home! Call 732-350-4427 for more information. (11)

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)

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICESOver 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267-475-7962. (10)

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)

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-855-634-0529. (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)

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)

Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (19)

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)

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)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

• Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

• Auto For Sale

• Items For Sale

• Items Wanted

• Help Wanted

• Services

• For Rent

• Real Estate

• Other

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

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Calculate Price As Follows:

3. 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* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

*In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks.

Total = $

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

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

5. MAIL TO : PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388. Or visit jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

6. PHONE NUMBER (THIS IS REQUIRED)

Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (Ads will run the Saturday of that week)

If you have any questions, please call Ali at 732-657-7344 ext. 203.

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

Over 60 Millionaires In A Single Year around the JerSey Shore

NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Lottery is thrilled to announce that a total of 61 prizes worth $1,000,000 or more were claimed by lucky players throughout the state in 2022. From Powerball to Pick 6 and everything in between, it’s been a year of huge wins and life-changing jackpots.

The largest prize won in New Jersey in 2022 was a $17.6 million Pick-6 jackpot, sold at a 7-Eleven in Maplewood for the August 1, 2022, drawing. That lucky ticket was just one

of six jackpot-winning Pick-6 tickets sold last year, with the other jackpots ranging from $2.7 to $7.1 million.

While the Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots remained elusive to hopeful New Jerseyans last year, the $1,000,000 second-tier prizes for these games were won by a total of 25 tickets. Seven of those players opted for multiplier add-ons, resulting in five Powerball prizes multiplied to $2,000,000, one Mega Millions prize multiplied to

$2,000,000, and one Mega Millions prize multiplied to $3,000,000. There were 20 separate Scratch-Offs players claiming prizes of $1,000,000 or more, with six of those tickets winning an incredible $3,000,000. Two separate players won prizes of $5,000 a week for life playing the $3 Win For Life! ticket. Million-dollar prizes were grabbed for 100X The Cash, $1,000,000 Diamond Spectacular, Blazing Hot 7’s, and other popular Scratch-Off games.

To view the lucky locations where the 61 seven- and eight-figure prizes were sold, check out the table of prizes below or our interactive map. Visit NJLottery.com for more information on games and prizes. With so many players winning big, it’s clear that the New Jersey Lottery is the place to be for anyone hoping to turn their dreams into reality. We wish all our players a happy new year and the best of luck in 2023!

photo of the week

“If you get caught between the moon…and Long Beach Island?” Photographer Bob Birdsall captured Old Barney in all of his newly renovated glory and the sky over the jetty. Magnificent! Whether you are

a professional photographer, a dabbler or someone who just has a smartphone, we want your pix for our Photo of the Week! Email them to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you could win a prize!

Expect Moderate Noise This Month From Joint Base

By Alyssa Riccardi LAKEHURST

– If you happen to hear loud booms in the area, it’s the soldiers training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL).

Every month, JBMDL releases their “Noise Level Calendar” so residents know when to expect mild or severe noise. This is to deter calls to local 911 dispatchers. The calendar is labeled with three different levels of noise: slight

noise, moderate noise and abundant noise.

For the month of February, a majority of days are scheduled for “moderate noise.” Some key days to look out for are February 18 and 19 which are scheduled for “high noise.” Additionally, February 12 is scheduled for “low noise.”

Noise levels are subject to change without notice due to training requirements and weather, JBMDL said.

Kidz Korner

TOMS RIVER – Kidz Korner is an after-school program designed to provide children with autism and other developmental disabilities with recreational, socialization and leisure opportunities in line with their daily routines and areas of interest.

Hours and ages depend on each location. Ratio: 4:1. Existing Locations:

• Toms River Intermediate East

• Toms River High School East

• Berkeley Township Elementary

For more information and to sign-up, contact Mike Davidson, Kidz Korner Supervisor at mdavidson@familyresourcecenternetwork.org.

Fall 2022 Graduates Announced At UA

LAKEWOOD – The University of Alabama awarded over 1,650 degrees during its fall commencement ceremonies on December 10, 2022.

Students listed as candidates to receive degrees include:

• Sarah Grunhut of Lakewood, received Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences.

• Miriam Horowitz of Lakewood, received Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences.

F un & G ames S udoku

C rossword P uzzle

SolutionS

Crossword Puzzle

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of FEB 11 - feb 17

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The people who love you unconditionally deserve your attention, not just those who support you when the conditions are exactly right. During the upcoming week, you may work harder than usual to reach your goals.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may be filled with discontent in the week ahead; use it to discover what you need to release or can improve in your life. Fulfill any family obligations with an open heart and do not begin anything new.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep your spirits up and concentrate on the best and highest. In the week ahead you might become cynical if you hear too many negative comments or untruthful gossip. Avoid being a victim of someone else’s agenda.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Be cautious and avoid making new or unusual investments in the week to come. You may not want to settle for less than you deserve, so you should wait for a worthy opportunity. Maintain a non-judgmental attitude.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Universal law states that like attracts like and what goes around comes around. If you are putting out bad vibes, you will likely attract the same from others. In the week ahead, do your best to be fair and to honor your commitments.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): As the week begins, do your best toward every facet of your responsibilities and keep an eye peeled for problems that could affect your health. A supervisor may scrutinize your work. Realign your thoughts from the abstract to the tangible.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): No one ever created a masterpiece on their first try. Take practical steps to develop your creative talents. Avoid overspending to satisfy an obsession in the early part of the week. You may see things differently late this week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): First things first. Handle your responsibilities and take any family problems seriously. Apply self-discipline if you aspire to becoming proficient in something. By the end of the week, you may earn some unexpected recognition.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be honest about your mistakes since the truth always comes out; use the opportunity to learn the lesson. Put plans on hold and wait for better timing. Focus on handling your responsibilities in the week ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Focus on saving money, especially if you are tempted to act on impulses. You or a family member may want what you can’t have in the first half of the week. Work hard to earn money and save for the future.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): As this week unfolds, you may realize that some problems you encounter are outside your control. Your response to any situation, however, is within your control. Steer clear of power struggles and confrontations.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You may possess a gift, but in the week ahead, may notice that other people have refined and polished theirs. Let others be examples and practice more until you’ve stepped up your game. Take the rough edges off to shine.

PULL APART THIS STICKY-SWEET TREAT AND SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!

By America’s Test Kitchen

Monkey bread is a knotty-looking loaf of sweet bread made from balls of dough coated with cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter. It’s traditionally served warm so that the sticky baked pieces can be pulled apart. The name “monkey” refers to how you eat this sweet treat -- with your hands.

MONKEY BREAD

Serves 8

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Vegetable oil spray

1 pound pizza dough, room temperature

1/3 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons milk

1. In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place melted butter in a second small bowl. Spray 8-inch round cake pan with vegetable oil spray.

2. Spray counter lightly with vegetable oil spray. Place dough on greased counter and pat into

6-inch square. Use kitchen shears to cut dough in half. Cut each half into 3 strips (you’ll have 6 strips total). Cut each strip into 6 even pieces (you’ll have 36 pieces total).

3. Roll each piece of dough into a ball. Dip each ball in melted butter to coat, roll in brown sugar mixture, then place in greased pan. Cover bottom of pan with dough balls in single layer.

4. Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place until dough balls are puffy and have risen slightly (about 1/2 inch), 1 to 2 hours.

5. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. When dough is ready, discard plastic. Place pan in oven and bake until top of monkey bread is light golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

6. Transfer pan to cooling rack and let monkey bread cool for 5 minutes (no longer).

7. Place a large plate on top of the pan. Carefully flip out monkey bread onto the plate. Remove pan. Let cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

8. In a third small bowl, stir powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Use spoon to drizzle glaze over monkey bread. Serve warm.

BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

(c) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.