2023-03-04 - The Berkeley Times

Iconic Car On Roof Away For Repairs

Berkeley Pushes For “Adriana’s Law” To Protect Kids

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY

– Re -

sponding to a cyberbullying attack that contributed to the suicide of a local teen, elected officials are pushing for a law that would make it a crime to share images or videos of an attack on a minor.

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – It’s strange to say, but the roof doesn’t look right without a car on it.

We’re talking, of course, about Cosmo’s on Route 9. There’s been a white car parked up there for as long as anyone remembers.

It’s commonly mistaken for a Volkswagen Beetle because that’s the only car most people know of that comes in that general shape. Even then, you can tell by looking

Colorful Characters Take The Polar Plunge

By Bob Vosseller SEASIDE HEIGHTS –

The temperature hasn’t been too low most days but some real winter weather returned just in time for this year’s Polar Bear Plunge based on the borough beach and boardwalk.

The reason for freezing is to support Special Olympics New Jersey and there were thousands of participants doing just that. Some wore costumes featuring special themes like Toy Story. The Ocean (Plunge - See Page 5)

The law would be named “Adriana’s Law” for Adriana Kuch who took her life after she was assaulted by four girls at Central Regional High School. One of the attackers took a video of the incident and shared it.

Many kids at the school

saw the video and, after her death, it was viewed by many more people around the world. At the Township Council meeting, Council President John Bacchione asked for a moment of silence to remember her.

Mayor Carmen Amato said that he’s spoken to a number of residents in the past few weeks regarding Adriana. He wants an anti-bullying law named after her that would create legal consequences for people who share video or images of an assault

(Adriana - See Page 9)

Protesters Ask For Answers To Whale Deaths

By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY

– “Save the Whales” has been a slogan since at least the 1970s, and now in 2023 it’s still being used by people concerned that offshore wind projects are leading to the deaths of these animals.

There have been several dead whales that have washed up on the shore in recent weeks, which makes animal lovers wonder if the number of whale

deaths is actually higher. Could there be other dead whales that didn’t wash up? They also have been asking, if something is killing these large, strong animals, what is happening to the rest of the creatures deep in the ocean?

Leslie Mangold, a retired Central Regional High School teacher, spoke with Trisha DeVoe, a naturalist on the Miss Belmar Whale (Whale - See Page 4)

─Photos by Chris Lundy and Cosmo’s The roof looks weird without a car on it.

(Inset): The car was taken off the roof and brought to a garage for repair.

─Photo by Bob Vosseller

This team of Polar Bear Plungers took on a theme of Toy Story for this year’s plunge.

Whale:

Continued From Page 1

Watching boat, to see what they can put together to spark awareness. Word spread through social media and resulted in a huge crowd on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk.

“We know something’s wrong. We don’t know what it is. We need to be asking questions,” DeVoe said.

It wasn’t just these two women who helped bring attention to it. That was Valentine, a whale that got her name because she washed up in Manasquan on February 13, DeVoe said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association said this whale’s death might have been caused by getting hit by a boat. NOAA has said that there’s no direct link to the wind turbines being built off New Jersey’s shore. As climate changes, animals move to places where they can survive better. In this case, the whales’ prey has moved closer to shore, which means that the whales will follow them, and be closer to humans. They said 40% of the whales have had evidence of boat strikes or entanglement.

DeVoe and other concerned citizens spoke, as did Cindy Zipf of Clean Ocean Action, Bonnie Brady of the Center for Sustainable Fisheries, Point Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra, Seaside Park Mayor John Peterson, and Congressmen Jefferson Van Drew (R-2 nd )

and Chris Smith (R-4 th).

The whale population has been growing, and the waters are more clean than they’ve been, DeVoe said. “How can we go backwards now?”

Recently, a letter was signed by 30 mayors all along the coast calling for an immediate moratorium on all offshore wind activity pending a thorough investigation by federal and state authorities. The officials represent the communities of Atlantic Highlands, Avon by the Sea, Barnegat Light, Bay Head, Beach Haven, Berkley, Brick, Brielle, Brigantine, Deal, Harvey Cedars, Linwood, Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach Township, Mantoloking, Margate City, North Wildwood, Ocean City, Point Pleasant, Point Pleasant Beach, Sea Girt, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, Spring Lake, Stafford, Stone Harbor, Toms River, Ventnor City, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest.

According to the letter, they are concerned that the acoustic surveys used in the windmill process could damage their senses which would hurt their feeding and migration.

The environmentalist have strange bedfellows in conservative politicians, at least with this topic. Some right wing commentators have posted conspiracy theories that the scientific community is covering up whale deaths to advance windmills. This has led to some marine mammal groups receiving threats, according to a Time article published the day before Valentine’s Day.

─Photos by Austin Downs

The Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk was the home of the protest calling for wind turbine construction to halt.

Plunge:

County Sheriff’s Office team that suited up in superhero attire from DC and Marvel Comics and even a few made up heroes. Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy said, “it was a successful event again. They do a fantastic job and we thank all of the law enforcement and their supporters for this wonderful event.”

Other plungers simply wore bathing suits as they hit the surf at 1 p.m. Regardless of what they wore, their mission was to raise money for a good cause. The event returned last year after having suffered a shortfall in 2021 when the event went virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Polar Bear Plunge presented by New Jersey Law Enforcement is part of a yearround fundraising effort of Law Enforcement Torch Run events and provides a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support Special Olympics New Jersey athletes by jumping into the chilly Atlantic Ocean each February.

Special Olympics New Jersey spokesperson Jeremy Davis said “right now the air temperature is 32 and the water temperature is 43 so the water is warmer than the air. Everyone is in a great mood and we are on pace to beat our highest fundraising total ever.”

“We are over a little over $2.5 million now and we have 7,500 plungers now, so we may have about 7,600. It is a great day,” he added. Eighty-two cents of each dollar raised goes directly to those programs for children and

adults with intellectual disabilities. The effort more than reached its $2 million plus fundraising goal. Tens of thousands of spectators were there to cheer on the plungers, hold towels and provide moral support as well as applaud their ability to endure cold water and a chilly breeze for a good cause.

One person who didn’t freeze but had past plunge experience was Joe Sarnoski, a retired police captain from Lyndhurst who has been supporting the Special Olympics since 1996. He once again donned the white furred costume and full head mask as the event’s mascot, and cheered people on as the official event polar bear.

“We appreciated everyone’s support,” Sarnoski told Jersey ShoreOnline.com. He was a plunger first and “when I started helping the Special Olympics, my wife made me a polar bear outfit. I’ve been the mascot since 1999.”

This year he once again posed with countless individuals including former Toms River resident Brian Smith who was celebrating his 10th year as a plunger with his fellow EMT teammates from the Ice Slayers. Smith made a special belt featuring the Polar Bear Plunge logo as the buckle. “We used to plunge with a special Polar Bear Plunge plunger but we upgraded this year because I raised over $1,100 last year. Every time we have a momentous occasion we upgrade.”

“There are seven of us this year. We have Brandon (Gunnigle) and his dad Brian with us and he participates in the Special Olympics. We’ve been doing it for him in the last couple of years but this is his first year doing it,” Smith added.

As for preparation, Smith could only

advise, “take a really hot shower in the morning and pray for no snow.” There were, however, a few flurries seen in the air just moments after the plungers began entering the surf.

Diana MacKenzie is another veteran plunger. She works as Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the Sung Star Academy and members of her staff plunged with her this year. She said “we started our team Polar Pride in 2010 when I was the principal of the Waretown Elementary School. This was our 14th plunge.”

“We started with four members and through the years we have grown in numbers. This year the team had 13 plungers which is our biggest group thus far,” she added.

MacKenzie said “we became involved because in 2009 my son plunged and we thought it was a great cause and decided to get a team together. The greatest feeling is knowing how many student athletes we are helping. You can imagine how happy we were to learn that one of our former students from Waretown became a Special Olympian at the USA Summer Games in 2018.”

“He competed at the University of Washington in July 2018 with 4,000 other athletes and brought home four gold medals in swimming. When people ask why we plunge, we respond by saying ‘For our students like Gabriel S.’”

MacKenzie said during each plunge “the energy on the beach and on the boardwalk is motivating and inspiring. I know many people do it for fun, but I can honestly say

we do it for the kids. Since this event is sponsored by the NJ State PBA and law enforcement, I always dedicate my plunge to Officer Jason Marles from Ocean Gate Police Department.”

Marles was killed by a drunk driver on Thanksgiving morning. “I have been friends with his mother and uncle since we were in high school. He left behind two young children,” she said.

Including the $9,100 the team raised this year, “we have donated over $65,000 to Special Olympics New Jersey in total,” MacKenzie said.

─Photo by Bob Vosseller

A Polar Bear Plunge tradition returned with Joe Sarnoski, a retired police captain from Lyndhurst, once again became the event’s mascot and cheered people on as the official polar bear.

Bill Would Require Schools To Report All Assaults Resulting In Injury To Police

TRENTON - In response to incidents involving the tragic death of Central Regional High School student Adriana Kuch, Senator Christopher Connors, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (R-9 th) intend to introduce legislation that would require school officials to immediately report to the police any assault that results in the injury of a student.

The 9th District delegation issued the

following remarks:

“Immediately following the death of Adriana Kuch, our delegation reached out to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office to gain a better understanding of the incident and to put us in a more informed position to determine if amending existing state law is necessary and appropriate.

“After careful consideration, our delegation is drafting new legislation that

would require school officials to immediately report to the police any assault that results in the injury of a student. Amending state law would provide consistency, meaning that an incident of assault would no longer be dealt with as a matter of a school’s individual policy.

“Our legislation would apply to assaults resulting in injury that occurs on school grounds or school facilities.

“Those who wish to cause harm to their

fellow students should not be able to view schools as sanctuaries to commit acts of violence. Any assault resulting in injury on school property should be treated the same as an assault that occurs anywhere else.

“Importantly, we want to convey our heartfelt sympathies to family, friends, and fellow schoolmates of Adriana Kuch and to the community as a whole which has had to endure this terrible tragedy.”

Senators Oppose GOP Plan For 30% Sales Tax

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), joined a group of Democratic colleagues in introducing

a Senate resolution opposing the plan led by Congressional Republicans to impose a nationwide sales tax on all goods and

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“As New Jerseyans - and Americans all over the nation - are struggling to make ends meet while the economic recovery continues to take hold, the last thing we need is to create an additional tax burden that will further raise costs and squeeze the pocketbooks of hard-working families,” said Sen. Menendez. “This Senate resolution sends a clear message that Senate Democrats from all over the country are standing united in rejecting the misguided approach by House Republicans. Any legislation that cuts vital programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social

Security or raises taxes to the middle class is dead on arrival in the Senate.”

The Senators’ resolution opposes the House Republican proposal to impose a 30 percent sales tax on all goods and services, which would raise prices for hardworking families and seniors. The resolution also supports the passage of a responsible tax cut to benefit hardworking families and grow the middle class, while ensuring that the ultra-wealthy and billion-dollar corporations pay their fair share.

Alongside Sen. Menendez in cosponsoring the resolution are Sens. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Fetterman (DPa.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

e ditorial

When The Media Descended On Central Regional

This editorial might come off as strange since I’m the news editor of this publication. I read every single word in all seven newspapers we publish every week. Part of my job is to make sure that our stories are held to a certain standard.

Without naming names, due to professional courtesy, almost all of the stories I read about the Adriana Kuch tragedy had glaring errors, obvious bias, and even a lack of basic knowledge of how the world works.

I’m not going to use this platform to defend or condemn any member of the public or the school district. This is all going to be an insider’s look at how things went wrong in the media coverage.

If it bleeds, it leads: This is an unfortunate part of journalism. It’s a mantra you learn early in your

Jackson Residents Deserve Better

The open public meetings act in NJ was designed to create public access to the meetings of large government bodies at the state and local levels. NJSA10:4-6et seq section “Electronic notice requires governments to provide advance notice available to the public via electronic transmission of at least 48 hours, giving the time, date, location and to the

education for this field. A bus crash is going to be on the front page, but a story about a kid doing something nice might be page 3.

That’s why so many reporters descended on Berkeley. Like sharks, they smelled blood in the water. This kind of ambulance chasing gives the rest of us a bad name. These reporters wouldn’t be able to find Berkeley on a map. And they won’t come back ever again, unless something bad happens, of course.

They might say they’re doing a good thing by shining a light on wrongdoing. But they’re not going to stay around for what happens next. They’ll have moved on to the next tragedy by then. For them, and the rest of their readers, Berkeley will be the place where this horrible thing happened and nothing more.

Bias: Most of the writers had already made their minds up by the time they arrived on

extent known, the Agenda of any regular, special or rescheduled meeting which notice shall accurately state whether formal action may or may not be taken at such meeting.”

Jackson Township Council President Marty Flemming has been posting amending agendas well within the minimum 48 hour notice requirement. We have discovered that over half of the Jackson Council meetings over the last 2+ years have

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

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

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for 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.

scene. In print, you can tell by their choice of words. On TV, you can tell by their tone of voice. They weren’t here to inform the public, they were here to condemn and play hero.

We’re human. We can’t turn our emotions off, especially about a very emotional topic. But we’re also supposed to step back from the issue and challenge our own convictions.

There was a lot of information going around, but these reporters selected which parts fit their narrative. They edited video interviews to make some people seem good and some people seem bad.

In reality, no one is a hero or a villain – not in this situation or in any other.

Being naive: I feel like a lot of these reporters need to get out of the newsroom and live life. They had no idea how the world really works. They don’t know what really happens in a

school - in every school across America. Do they think online bullying is new? Do they think that violence doesn’t happen in every high school, every week of the year?

The reporters repeated rumors on Facebook assuming they were true. How can someone trained in the media have a complete lack of media literacy? There was a tornado of accusations – about the school, the family, the kids involved –and some of the reporters just took them as fact.

When the news of this tragedy first hit, the district stayed silent because it involved kids and an active investigation. Reporters said they were hiding things. Then, the superintendent tells his version of everything (which was the wrong thing to do), and reporters blasted him for sharing information about kids and an active investigation. You can’t have it both ways.

During the press conference,

Letters To The Editor

violated the 48 hour notice requirement. The majority of the amended agenda violations were posted the day of the Council meeting with some posted days after. This certainly makes it impossible for residents to determine what is going to be voted on prior to and during Council meetings.

a one-month timespan. This should not come as a surprise to us who live in New Jersey. I have lived in NJ 70 years. Living in Brick these past 50 years have shown me what chemical pollution has done to our planet Earth.

the reporters were literally shouting “what are you hiding?!” They know that the official isn’t going to suddenly open up. They shouted that for show. They were just playing up for their own cameras.

Preying on kids: The teens being interviewed were literally children. I watched as they were being paraded around, cameras shoved in their faces, told they were important, and then discarded.

One of the few rules these reporters actually managed to follow was to get names for the children speaking. This is a case that they shouldn’t have. A 14-year-old talking about cutting themselves because they’ve been bullied should not have their name in the paper for everyone to see. What do you think is going to happen to these kids when their bullies read this? Or when a future employer Googles their name? I admire these kids’ bravery, and society shouldn’t

Donate To The NRA

In these times, when our freedoms are being taken from us right and left, it is important to support one of the only organizations that is fighting for us.

condemn mental illness, but that’s what’s going to happen.

Lack of compassion : Ultimately, all of these criticisms come back to one point: compassion. This was a horrible situation – that’s one thing everyone agrees on. However, when you craft a story, you have to have a goal in mind. What good will come of it?

Most of the articles I read didn’t care about the people involved. You could tell by the way they played up the violence of it. They loved the salacious details. They just wanted the clicks.

The reporters can say that they did all these things because they care about the children, but in reality they were just preying on a bad situation and making it worse.

Chris Lundy News Editor

New York Attorney General Letitia James filed the lawsuit against them alleging “financial misconduct” that added up to a loss of more than $64 million over a three-year period.

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.

This issue was ignored when brought up at the December Council meeting and again at the February 14th council meeting. Council President Marty Flemming’s response “they will take it into consideration” is not good enough. Each violation could be subject to a $100 fine.

Raymond Cattonar Jackson

Water Pollution Is Killing The Whales

I am responding to your article in the Brick Times about the … dead whales that have washed up on the New YorkNew Jersey coastline within

One-third of our oceans are polluted and one-third of our land is polluted. It doesn’t make any difference if you live in New Jersey or California or Maine or Florida. All of our land on this planet is polluted.

Scientists have been telling us decades now that man is destroying himself by polluting the very air we breathe, causing diseases and sickness to ourselves and our families.

We must stop this offshore wind development project, such as wind turbines that Governor Murphy wants to build. This does not help the environment. This causes harm to the endangered whales and the other sea creatures.

Rudy Ziadie Brick

That’s why they want to take down the National Rifle Association. They don’t want us to have our freedoms. The attorney general in New York is suing them. They are spreading a story that (the NRA) is crooked. They want to shut them down!

The Democrats are claiming the NRA did fraud, giving money to family members instead of using it for legislation, and other stuff. Well, you know what they say – it takes one to know one!

The NRA is under attack from the outside because the left knows that it’s strong. That’s why you should donate to the NRA. Your money will go toward helping 2nd Amendment policies. It will make sure pro-2A senators and congressmen are in office making decisions for us!

Of courses this is a political attack. The NRA said it was a “baseless premeditated attack on our organization and the Second Amendment freedoms it fights to defend... we not only will not shrink from this fight – we will confront it and prevail.”

The lawsuit tried to dissolve the NRA but luckily it was blocked this time. They’ll be back again and they’ll keep trying to dissolve it time and time again.

NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre has said that the NRA’s legal troubles have cost the organization $100 million.

That’s why we need to donate to the NRA in order to keep them in the fight for us. We need to give them the strength and money to fight for us.

Steve Alben Manchester

Car:

Continued From Page 1

at it that it’s not quite a Bug. It’s actually a Fiat from 1954, said Ian Szoboszlay, a third generation member of the Cosmo’s family.

Even cars on top of roofs need repairs from time to time.

“It’s down for repairs and it’s being

restored,” he said. Being up on the roof, it’s exposed to the elements, and parts are now rotted out. It needs a fresh coat of paint, too. One of the company’s drivers is doing the repairs. They estimate it’ll be back on the roof in another six months.

It has been on the roof since 1965. It has been taken down twice before in its history – for restorations and for the 1976 bicentennial parade.

Lifesaving Car

Why is the car up on the roof to begin with? In a town with a giant champagne bottle and a dinosaur, most people probably just say “oh, that’s just Route 9 in Bayville.” But there’s actually a very good reason that the car is up there.

Szoboszlay said that when his Uncle Joe came home from Vietnam, he bought the car. “He wanted to put a big block motor in it to race it at Englishtown,” he said.

“My grandmother said ‘Absolutely not.’” She had got him home from the war, and was afraid that she’d lose him in a crash while racing. So, Joe’s father painted it and put it on the roof where he couldn’t get to it.

Public Interest

The Cosmo’s car is one of many roadside curiosities in town. It was featured in the book “Sloppy Firsts” by Megan McCafferty, a Central Regional High School graduate who became a bestselling author. There’s a chapter in the young adult novel where one character gives a tour of the fictional town of Pineville which was clearly a stand-in for Bayville. The tour includes the car, the dino, the bottle, and even der Wunder Wiener.

When the car was being taken down, Szoboszlay’s father warned him that he’d get phone calls. And he did. The very first day. “Where’s the car? I use it as a landmark when relatives are visiting.”

The calls continue to come in on a regular basis. People are worried that they closed up shop. They started a Facebook page called “Little White Car on Cosmos’ Roof Gets a Makeover” where they have been publishing updates on the work being done to it.

Berkeley Recreation Summer Job Fair

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen Amato and Berkeley Recreation are pleased to announce employment opportunities for this coming summer season.

The Job Fair will take place on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Berkeley Township recreation.

Lifeguards:

• Amherst Beach - $15/hr

• Dudley Park - $15/hr

• White Sands Beach - $20/hr

• Badge Checkers - $12.93/hr

Summer Camp: runs July 5 to August 11

• Director/Co-Director - $25/hr

• Camp Supervisors - $18/hr

• Camp Counselors - $14.13/hr

Download an employment application at berkeleytownship.org. You can drop off in person at 630 Atlantic City Boulevard, Bayville or email to nurcinole@berkeleytownship.org.

Adriana: Continued From Page 1

on a minor, since sharing the attack is an attack in and of itself. He was emotional in his statements and had to pause to collect himself.

“I’ve spoken numerous times to the prosecutor and elected officials, students and educators,” he said. “We must do everything we can to prevent something like this from ever happening again.”

A resolution the council passed said the state’s “Anti-Bullying Law” is well meaning, but it hasn’t prevented harassment, intimidation or bullying in schools. There is a lack of repercussions for those sharing and sending videos via the technology that teens have.

The resolution was sent to leaders in Trenton. Amato is hoping to soon be one of them, as he is running for state senate this year.

The issue has led to a lot of strong emotions. In addition to sadness, there has been a lot of rage directed at the staff of Central Regional. Employees have received death threats.

Councilman Thomas Grosse, who is a retired Toms River police officer and whose wife teaches at Central, said that the school district has been painted unfairly by the public and the media.

“There’s no more bullying there than any other district,” he said. “Were there mistakes? Of course.”

A lot of the public had been asking where the police were when Adriana was getting attacked, knowing that there are officers stationed in the school.

“They can’t always be everywhere,” he said. “It’s no fault of the police department.” He said there have been numerous times that the police stopped bad things from happening at the school that you never hear about.

Police Chief Kevin Santucci said there’s been a misconception that the police weren’t around. They’ve had officers in schools for

Easter Collection

BEACHWOOD – We are helping Providence House Domestic Violence Services by collecting Easter basket items like candy, toys, bubbles, chalk, stickers, activity books, Play-doh, finger paints, Kinetic Sand, jump rope, puzzles, Yo-Yos, Wiki Sticks, coloring books, etc. These items will be used to create 125 Easter baskets. Donations can be delivered to 816 Mizzen Avenue, Beachwood.

Veterans Resource Event

BERKELEY – The VFW Post 9503 will be hosting a Veteran’s Resource Event on May 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. Learn about various resources to help veterans. Bring a copy of your DD214 to sign up for the VA and other resources.

about a decade and always respond if they are called.

Some residents had questions about whether the council has a liaison to the school districts so they would be kept abreast of situations.

Santucci said the public and even elected officials are not told about issues happening if it involves a juvenile or if it’s an active investigation.

Amato said the majority of the council

had been on a board of education and is kept abreast of situations as much as they can legally.

One resident said that she’s bullied by her neighbors in her own senior community.

One parent said that her son was assaulted by a group of students while he was sleeping during the elementary school’s trip to Stokes State Forest several years ago.

This same parent noted that sometimes the issue is handled before it gets to the upper

administration. For example, there had been a busing issue that was handled within the transportation department and the superintendent and board of education likely never got informed of it.

Councilman James Byrnes shared a horror story of what happened in a district he used to work in that is in another county. “This (expletive deleted) is going on in schools all over New Jersey and we’re going to end it here.”

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BERKELEY – Congratulations to the Clara B Worth Elementary School January Students of the Month! We are so proud of all of your hard work!

Youth Group

BERKELEY – The Living Water Youth Group is for students in grades 6th through 12th. Youth group is designed as a safe environment that challenges students to grow in their faith in practical ways, encourages them to reach out to their friends, and form friendships within the

group that go beyond the walls of the church.

You and your friends won’t want to miss this night of fun! Invite a friend out with you! The next Youth Group meets on March 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. at 333 Atlantic City Boulevard Bayville.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

DON’T RUB!

Rubbing our eyes may be as natural as scratching an itch or massaging a sore muscle, but the habit isn’t always good for our ocular health. Our hands carry dirt, bacteria, and germs that can cause infections such as conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye.” If it feels like there is something in your eye, rubbing may temporarily relieve the discomfort, but it can also scratch your cornea. People with glaucoma can sometimes cause nerve damage by rubbing too hard and disrupting the blood flow to the back of the eye, which could potentially lead to loss of sight. Repetitive rubbing may also thin and weaken the cornea, leading to a serious condition called “keratinous.”

Eye rubbing can be a hard habit to break, but when you make a conscious effort, you can significantly reduce your risk for the above problems. However, if your eyes feel consistently irritated or itchy, schedule an exam. Your eye doctor can then pinpoint problems that would affect your ocular health and recommend the best treatment. For your eye health, please schedule an appointment with SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. If you find yourself rubbing your eyes several times throughout the day, consider keeping hydrating eye drops on hand to use instead.

Outdoor Club Of South Jersey Visits Double Trouble

─Photo courtesy Double Trouble State Park

BAYVILLE – The Outdoor Club of South Jersey was at Double Trouble State Park for an 8+ mile hike. They started off their day with a guided 90-minute tour of historic Double Trouble Village, including seeing

inside the century-old sawmill and cranberry packing house. Double Trouble State Park has almost ten miles of marked trails in and around the nationally recognized historic district.

Adopt A Drain

PINE BEACH – The Pine Beach Environmental Committee is asking residents to join the Pine Beach Adopt-a-Drain- program. They are encouraging residents to look after their nearby storm drains and clear the top grate and surrounding area of debris year-round. Everything is in the street ends up in the Toms River and Barnegat Bay. Rainwater carries leaves, grass, fertilizers, excess salt, trash and dirt through the storm drain system directly to our waters. Public works does a good job rou-

tinely clearing storm drains, you can assist by keeping your storm drain grate clear of debris. Adopt “your” storm drain by sweeping, raking, and clearing leaves and other debris from the surface of the drain year-round. As a reminder, nothing should ever be discarded into storm drains, including waste oil, grass clippings and pet waste. Spread the word about the program. A simple task can make a big impact on the environment. Remember, only rain down the drain!

Upcoming Central Regional Alumni Meeting

BERKELEY – In November of 2004 the Central Regional Alumni Association was formed with the purpose of developing and maintaining pride in our Alma Mater. An alumni is any student, teacher, administrator or support staff

who has ever attended or been employed by Central Regional.

If you would like to learn more or become involved, the next meeting is scheduled for March 20 in the CR High School Jr/Sr Cafeteria. Meeting starts at 6 p.m.

What is a “Mom

A

Students Collect Donations To Local Food Pantry

“

So

OCEAN GATE – On February 16, students and staff at Ocean Gate School honored kindness with a Green-Out morning meeting! They honored students and staff members that earned Gator Slips for their “above and beyond” character, discussed who our “kindness role models” are and how they show us love, one of our #gator-

kinders read a book about kindness to the whole school, and we demonstrated the “domino-effect of kindness” through the cereal donation domino race.

Thanks to all of the Gator cereal donors! They have over 200 boxes to donate to the Ocean Gate Church food pantry program.

─Photo courtesy Ocean Gate School

Keep An Eye On Your Eyesight

By Phyllis Brown Holiday City at Berkeley EMS

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the eye’s optic nerve. Some forms of glaucoma don’t have any symptoms, so you may have the disease even if you don’t have any trouble seeing or feel any pain. Half of people with glaucoma don’t know they have it.

If you get a glaucoma test and start treatment early, you may protect your eyes from serious vision loss. Medicare covers a glaucoma screening once every 12 months if you’re at high risk for developing glaucoma.

If you have one of these conditions, then you’re considered at high risk for developing glaucoma:

You have diabetes

You have a family history of glaucoma

You’re African American and age 50 or older

You’re Hispanic and age 65 or older

There are many different types of glaucoma, but the most common type in the United States is called open-angle glaucoma - that’s what most people mean when they talk about glaucoma. Other types are less common.

At first, glaucoma doesn’t usually have any

symptoms. Half of people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it.

Over time, you may slowly lose vision, usually starting with your side (peripheral) vision - especially the part of your vision that’s closest to your nose. It happens so slowly, many people can’t tell that their vision is changing at the beginning.

As the disease gets worse, you may start to notice that you can’t see things off to the side anymore. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness.

Keep an eye on your eyesight. If you think you may be at high risk, talk to your doctor to make sure you’re up-to-date on your glaucoma screening this year.

All the volunteer squads need more volunteers. Come to 100 Port Royal and volunteer for an interesting job where the greatest rewards are not financial. We cover an area that includes almost 11,000 homes. Without volunteers there is no free EMS. Come down and ask about working with us. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday -Friday. Want to do something meaningful? Bored and want some action? Join HCBEMS at 100 Port Royal Drive. (732) 240-4999. Get education, a uniform, time on an ambulance, and a chance to be useful and needed.

Stay safe, happy and healthy!

Pine Beach fire Company Seeking Members

PINE BEACH – The Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1 is always looking for energetic, motivated people to add to their team. They are accepting applications for several membership categories: Firefighter: 18 years and older, must reside within the immediate response area (approx. 2 to 3 miles). Firefighter I certification preferred, but training will be provided. EMT/EMR certification a plus. Must be willing to run toward things sane people are running away from. Members will be enrolled in the LOSAP program.

Junior Firefighter: 16 to 17 years old, inhouse training provided. Parental permis-

sion required.

Associate: Non-firefighting category, assists with social and fund-raising functions.

Fire Police: Non-firefighting function. Control of traffic in emergency areas, scene security when needed.

Corporate Affiliate: Provides professional service and assistance (accounting, clerical, legal, fundraising, marketing, etc.)

If any of these appeals to you, come visit any Thursday evening between 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and speak with one of the officers or membership committee and we’ll get the process started. More heroes wear bunker gear than capes.

Library Friends’ Psychic Night Returning

BERKELEY – It’s time to gauge your energy field and envision the future. The Friends of the Berkeley Library will welcome you to the return of their Spring Psychic Night at the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch, 4 to 8 p.m. March 30. Four popular psychics will be available for 15-minute consultations by appointment:

• Kasandra – One of the originators of the Friends’ Psychic Nights, Kasandra has a legion of followers through more than 60 years of tarot card and palm readings

• Carol – Quiet, kind Carol quickly becomes close to everyone for whom she has read tarot cards over the past two decades.

• Kirsten – One of the newest members of the Psychic Night group, Kirsten consistently wins compliments from those who sit for tarot card readings with her.

• Teresa – Another newcomer who received raves in her 2022 initial appearance, Teresa charms clients with endearing humor as she reads pictorial playing cards.

The program is for entertainment purposes only. Proceeds of each $30 per-session donation will help support the Friends of the Berkeley Library.

Register by visiting the Berkeley Branch, 30 Station Road, Bayville, or by calling 732-269-2144.

Sound News

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

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 signifi-

cantly 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! 732-8183610 (Toms River & Whiting) or 609-9788946 (Manahawkin).

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

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The treatment of thyroid disease has a long and rich history that spans a century. Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) medicine is made from the thyroid glands of pigs, termed porcine. It was first developed in the late 1800s which was a good thing because, at the time, doctors were transplanting thyroid glands from animals into humans via surgery, which in and of itself was dangerous!

The advent of pills - even those extracted from pig glands - grew in popularity for good reason until the 1950s when synthetic (T4 drugs) became available.

Today, both synthetic thyroid hormones and natural NDT drugs remain popular today, however, I have 5 important warnings for you if you take any type of thyroid medication. They are as follows:

1. Don’t Drink Coffee with Your Medicine. Coffee contains compounds called tannins that can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone in the gut. The tannins bind to the medication like metabolic ‘glue’ and prevent it from being absorbed properly so it doesn’t do its job or obtain proper blood levels. If you take thyroid medication, wait at least 60 minutes after taking your medication before drinking coffee.

2. Don’t Take Calcium Supplements with Your Medicine. Calcium can interfere with the absorption of all thyroid medications whether they are T4 drugs like Synthroid® or NDT drugs like Armour®. If you need to take calcium supplements for other health reasons like a parathyroid condition, osteoporosis, or hypocalcemia, take your medication 3 to 4 hours after

your medicine.

3. Don’t Eat Yogurt with Your Thyroid Medicine. Just like calcium supplements, eating calcium-rich foods right after you take your thyroid medication will interfere with absorption. So don’t take your pill and then eat a bowl of yogurt, a bowl of cereal, or drink a glass of milk! Wait about 3 - 4 hours after you take your medication.

4. Don’t Drink Green Juice with Your Medicine. Some people like to take their thyroid medication, then drink a green juice smoothie. This is almost always going to be a problem! Some examples of goitrogenic foods to eat in moderation include cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, as well as soy products. Consuming goitrogens in moderation is fine, but don’t overdo it. Goitrogens may contribute to hypothyroidism as well as autoimmune Hashimoto’s flare-ups. This, and much more, is discussed in my book called Thyroid Healthy available on Amazon.

5. Don’t Take Thyroid Medication at Night. Thyroid medication is stimulating. This means that it will speed up your metabolism, burn fat, increase energy levels, and improve hair and nail growth. The best time to take thyroid medication is in the morning when energy is welcome. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating.

If this topic interests you, I have a longer version of this article posted at my website, as well as some free thyroid ebooks and magazines which I can send as a gift for you to download. To learn more or receive those, visit my website, suzycohen.com.

SILVER TIME

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

How To Fight A Charge For A Prescription Drug DUI

By: Robert C. Shea, II, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

Most people know that DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence,” however, many people don’t realize that you can still be convicted of a DUI while being under the influence of legally prescribed drugs. This misperception comes from the fact that many people believe that a DUI is only based on a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This is actually not true.

In order to receive a DUI charge, the driver must be both: (1) operating/driving a vehicle; and (2) intoxicated or “under the influence.”

According to NJ law, “under the influence” applies to more than alcohol or illegal drugs; it is also applicable to any substance that can cause impairment in a driver, including prescribed or over-the-counter medications. These requirements lead to two different types of DUI charges: “per se” and “impairment.”

Per Se is a Latin term meaning “in itself” or “by itself.” Consequently, a per se violation of law means that the act itself is inherently illegal, without requiring proof of any surrounding circumstances. Thus, a per se DUI occurs if a driver’s BAC is .08% or higher, without needing any further evidence or proof of impairment.

When an individual has no BAC reading, the police must determine whether the driver is mentally and/or physically impaired. In order to do so, the police will typically request that a driver perform a field sobriety test (FST). The FST is designed to assess balance, coordination, and the ability of the driver to divide his attention to more than one task.

Robert C. Shea Esq.

The FST encompasses three (or more) separate tests that include the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN), the walk-and-turn, and the one-leg stand test. Over the course of time, these tests have been scientifically proven to validate the impairment of individuals “under the influence” of alcohol or drugs.

However, the FST does not distinguish between whether a driver is under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription medications. The FST simply determines whether you are mentally and/or physically impaired, and the source of the impairment is not taken into consideration. Therefore, even if the drug/ medication you are legally prescribed has resulted in your impairment, you could still be charged with a DUI.

Defenses to impairment DUI charges normally focus on providing innocuous explanations for observations the arresting officer attributed to intoxication. For example, providing evidence of physical disabilities to explain poor FST performance. Or, an appearance of intoxication because of nervousness or mental distress. These defenses, and others, considerably help in the plea-bargaining process, and can be considered mitigating circumstance justifying lenient penalties.

If you, or a loved one, are currently suffering through such a situation, the Law Office of R. C. Shea & Associates can provide the legal knowledge and experience required to defend you against such DUI charges, and seek the outcome that has the least adverse impact on your life.

Donations Needed For Female Soldiers

BERKELEY – Girl Scout Troop 50247 is collecting a number of items that will be sent overseas to women in the military:

• Overnight pads

• Kotex tampons

• Panty liners

• Jam hair products

• Keratin treatments

• Facial cleaner

• Pore strips

• Bobby pins

• Hair ties

• Small make-up kits

• Leave-in conditioner

• Hair dye

• Hair spray

• Midol

• Advil liquid gels

• Daru sunglasses

• Hand lotion

• Eyebrow shaper

• Dryer and Swiffer sheets

The drop off locations are the Bayville VFW, 383 Veterans Boulevard, or 63 Pelican Drive in Bayville. Donations will be accepted until March 26. For any questions, call 732-267-0910 or email CRStreet78@ gmail.com.

Real Estate

Lakewood 55+ Covington VillageNewer 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; pet friendly, close to beaches, shopping and all major highways; 201 390-7377/Julianne_matskin@yahoo.com (15)

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

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)

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)

Services Services Services

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

Estate Sale

ESTATE/GARAGE SALE - Toms River, 230 Cabrillo Blvd. 08757, HC West. Dir: 37 to Bimini. LR, DR, BR furniture, antiques, vintage items, collectibles, clocks, lamps, radios, cameras, china, crystal, glassware, toys, Disney, books, CD’s, DVD’s, VHS, tools, holiday. Too much to list. Cash Only Sat. 3/11/23 9-4. Sun. 3/12/23 9-2. (13)

Super Clean, Beautiful - Greenbriar Blue Moon Estate Sale, Friday, March 17 & 18 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 1806 Sweetbay. 609-338-2532. A fun treasure hunt awaits! (12)

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)

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)

Part-time Custodian/Maintenance for 55+ community - MondayFriday mornings 8 a.m.-noon. Experience as custodian or in a similar role preferred. Familiar with basic handyman practices. Attention to detail and conscientiousness. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Follow written work orders as directed. Apply in confidence to Tom 732-552-3634. (12)

Part Time Position, Whiting AreaExcellent computer and social media skills required please be dependable and committed 609-284-3142. (12)

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

Full time Administrative Assistant - Wanted for Adult Community in Whiting. Hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-Fri. No benefits offered. Must be proficient in Word and Excel. Knowledge of TOPS condo software a plus, but will train. Please fax resume to 732-350-2838. (14)

Seeking Responsible Individual With Good Phone Skills - Experience In Hvac & Permits A Plus. Filing/Answering Phones/Scheduling/Permits/Ordering

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. (27)

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. (15)

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)

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)

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)

A+CLEANING SERVICE - Homes, Offices, Air BNB, Shopping, Thorough, Reliable, References, Senior Villages, Free Estimates. Call Barbara 732-948-4730. (8) 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. (13)

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)

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITE -

Free 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)

Assembly Man I’ll Put Anything Together - At your home plus minor handyman service. 40 year certified mechanic. Free estimates. Flexible schedule. 973-459-8831. (13)

Male Companion/Caregiver - To assist you with all your needs except hygiene. All daily routines. Also, companion and helper for those on hospice care. $22/hour. 732-664-2833. (14)

PET SITTER My Home - Reasonable rates. MUST meet pet prior and pet MUST have current inoculations. Call 201-519-4659. (25)

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)

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)

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:

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 = $

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

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

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

Credit Card# Exp.

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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.

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.

photo of the week

A peaceful sunshine along the Barnegat Bay in Ocean County, captured by Olivia Bauso and shared with us on our Jersey Shore Online Public

Forum on Facebook. Want to see your photos in this space? Email them to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Free Rabies Clinic – Corrected Date

PINE BEACH – The Borough of Pine Beach is having a free Rabies Clinic on March 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Borough Garage, 801 Pennsylvania Avenue. This date was incorrect in

a previous edition of this newspaper. Bring proof of rabies vaccination and $12 or $15(not altered) fee to pick up your license for 2023! A $10 late fee will start April 1.

F un & G ames S udoku

C rossword P uzzle

31 Creme Egg candymaker

35 Hearty holiday drink

Spigot

Ebb

46 Rather smart

48 Cook in some olive oil, say

49 Tugs at a fishing line

50 Choir section 54 November honorees

56 Pic taker

57 Shade on a color wheel

58 Plead

59 Big __ Country

(c)2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SolutionS

Crossword Puzzle

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of mar 4 - mar 10

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Try not to lose focus; When it comes to navigating your life, a positive outlook and sincerity may be your best tools. This could be a wonderful time to be generous with your praise and thoughtful with your advice.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : You may find your aspirations grow stronger as the week unfolds. Hone your skills with diligent practice even if you are your own harshest critic. You should be well rewarded for every job done to the best of your ability.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : Trust in friends and loved ones to listen when you discuss your goals and issues. This might not be the time to obtain a firm promise, but you may gain the support and understanding of others.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : An argument could cause hurt feelings. A key relationship may settle down and become less challenging if you work to avoid confrontations and remain patient. Try not to read too much into an innocent gesture.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When you are enthusiastic about innovative ideas, there may be a tendency to make broad over-generalizations. You might want to avoid making promises that are well meant but could be hard to fulfill. The wisest people may offer the best counsel.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) : Making your mark in the material world could seem like a game to you. You may find yourself growing more ambitious. Using your charm and your common sense, you could develop successful strategies to reach your goals.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If your committed relationship needs a little extra attention, offer it. If single, you could have the desire to tell someone about your feelings. Embrace your braver side and put yourself out there.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s always best for you to be sincere about what you do and do not say. It could be especially important when you are performing a job. Your coworkers might be depending on you to hold up your end of the bargain.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Good vibes may lead to victory, so allow yourself to get caught up in the rhythm of a project. You may remain upbeat and recharge your inner batteries by enjoying some indoor entertainment or a nature walk in the park.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) : Turn the kudos you can earn into cash. You could fill a quota or reach a milestone by being dedicated and persistent. There could still be time to perform favors and charitable deeds for loved ones.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Applying restraint and humility could put you on top if you face criticism from your boss or someone else. You can combat negativity by admitting mistakes and being committed to putting your best self on display.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You might want more than you can afford currently or feel you must be competitive. Remain contented with what you may already have. Trying to keep up with affluent trends may put you in a deficit and leave a dent in your wallet.

THIS CHEESY BEAN BAKE IS FAMILY-FRIENDLY

By America’s Test Kitchen

CHEESY BEAN AND TOMATO BAKE

Serves 4 to 6

2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small onion, chopped fine

3/4 teaspoon table salt

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1/3 cup water

Pinch sugar

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 ounce)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees. In a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes

(oil should be hot but not smoking).

2. Add onion and salt and cook, stirring often, until onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, oregano and pepper flakes (if using) and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.

3. Stirin tomatoes, waterand sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

4. Add beans to skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are warmed through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Stir Parmesan and half of mozzarella into beans. Spread beans into an even layer. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella evenly over top.

6. In a small bowl, combine panko and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Stir until panko is coated with oil. Sprinkle panko evenly over top of cheese.

7. Transfer skillet to oven. Bake until cheese is melted and panko is well browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer skillet to a cooling rack (skillet will be VERY hot). Let beans cool for 5 minutes. Serve.

(For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2022 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

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