2023-04-08 - The Toms River Times

Rain Plays April Fool’s Prank On Postponed Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

Tentative School Budget Prepared

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER

–

School officials put together a tentative budget to present to the state but are holding out hope for more of a cushion.

The tentative 2023-2024 budget is $270,435,500. Of this, $186,903,573 is to be raised by taxes. The amount to be raised in taxes increased by $7,875,116 from the current year, which was $179,028,457.

However, this budget anticipates $13,346,822 in additional requested state aid.

Toms River is one of many districts that have lost aid consistently since 2018 due to a funding formula

referred to as S-2. This redirected money from some schools with lowering enrollment to schools with growing enrollment. However, the exact formula has never been revealed to the public.

The Toms River district had been anticipating a loss of aid in the amount of $2,688,937. Instead, they received a surprise cut of $14,421,851.

In response to several towns throughout the state protesting cuts like these, state lawmakers passed a bill that said if a district suffered from a reduction in aid under S-2 for the 2023-2024

(School - See Page 5)

By Bob Vosseller

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – An April Fool’s Day Saint Patrick’s Day Parade? Would that mean an event chock full of shenanigans?

For the second year in a row, the Ocean County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade was postponed until April. This year, it took place on April 1. It was a rain or

shine event and unfortunately, it rained.

The postponement didn’t stop people like Debbie Burghart-Platt and (Parade - See Page 4)

This Month In History:

Remembering Great Losses

By J. Mark Mutter

April, a tough month in history: the death of two presidents, the killing of a religious leader, and a catastrophe off the Jersey coast. Here’s how Toms River reacted.

1865: Abraham Lincoln

On Friday night -

Good Friday - April 14, 1865 President Abraham Lincoln was shot while attending a performance at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. He died the next morning. The first American President to be assassinated, Lincoln’s death sent shockwaves throughout the nation.

Toms River at that time was a small village which 15 years earlier had been named the seat of the newly created Ocean County. It had one weekly newspaper - the Ocean Emblem. It referred to Lincoln as the “Great Martyr of Freedom” and reported that the Secretary of War had

determined that “the conspiracy of the assassination was concocted in Canada.”

Toms River had a favorable view of Abraham Lincoln. While New Jersey supported his opponents in the elections of 1860 and 1864 - the only northern state to do so - that was not the case here.

The Pros And Cons Of Students Using AI To Write Papers

By Andrey Nalbantov OCEAN COUNTY -

In 1860, Lincoln carried our town by a wide margin and in 1864 he was again supported in a campaign against one of his generals, George McClellan (who he had relieved of command) who was a resident of New Jersey at the time.

While Toms River mourned Lincoln’s (History - See Page 6)

As a powerful language model, ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize schoolwork by providing students with instant access to information, personalized assistance, and innovative learning tools. While ChatGPT can be a valuable tool for students, there is a risk of over-reliance on technology and a lack of critical thinking and

problem-solving skills. The previous two paragraphs reflected both sides of the ChatGPT coin, but they also had another role in this article. Those two paragraphs were written by ChatGPT itself, when asked how it might affect education in both positive and negative manners. Released at the end of November, the chatbot created and founded by Sam Altman took the (AI - See Page 9)

─Photos By Bob Vosseller

Members of the Ocean County Emerald Society Pipes and Drums were among the performers who made it out to the parade. There were several musical acts entertaining the crowd.

Parade: Continued From Page 1

members of her family from celebrating on the weekend of the original date – March 11. They had already booked a hotel room in Seaside Heights and had made plans.

“We celebrated my big sister’s birthday but although the parade was canceled, the boardwalk was packed with revelers, even in the nasty rain,” she said.

“Some of the bars still put their green beer out and I guess they will do it all over again on April 1 when the parade happens,” Platt added.

Traditionally, the borough-based parade is held on the second Saturday of March. The Belmar Saint Patrick’s Day Parade - which began before Ocean County’s parade - kicks off the Irish heritage season at the Jersey Shore. The Asbury Park Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is held later in the month, sometimes on Saint Patrick’s Day itself. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the parade from taking place in 2021and despite its postponement, it garnered a decent sized crowd last year as well as this year.

The Ocean County parade once again kicked off around noon, between I and J streets in Seaside Park and moving toward Heiring Avenue.

For the Robbins family of Manchester, the parade is a tradition so Tim Robbins joined his son Trevor, 8, and his mother Donna Robbins for the event with chairs positioned in front of the Snooki Shop.

Donna Robbins said “I’m a third Irish. This is pretty much a tradition.”

“She’s one of the original teachers of the Manchester Middle School. She was hired even

before it was built,” her son said.

As for the rain, “mother nature does what she does. We were definitely going to come no matter what. It is a tradition,” he added. He and his son were in green wearing shamrocks that lit up.

Another visitor from Manchester, Vince Robinson, said, “we’ve been coming for years and we enjoy the parade. It was a smaller crowd this year but that’s okay.”

“Seaside Heights Mayor Tony Vaz was my teacher. I was his star pupil so he knows me,” Robinson said. The mayor and members of the Borough Council strolled down the parade route a bit later dressed in green suit jackets.

“We enjoy coming out and seeing the people. This year we didn’t have to worry about anyone standing in front of you,” his cousin Rich Robinson of Lakewood remarked. He noted his cousin’s emerald attire that included his footwear and said “he looks like he’s impersonating a lima bean.”

They joined two other friends who were sitting in front of the Montes Café which serves up Mexican food.

The parade featured plenty of pipe and drum bands and bagpipers and representatives of Seaside Park were there to remind people that the borough is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.

Popular celebration points such as Klee’s Irish Pub were keeping busy. Klee’s is also a parade sponsor. Ryan’s Deli and Grill staff were once again busy dishing out corned beef sandwiches to parade watchers who wanted a spot of lunch before and during the parade.

For the second year in a row the band The Drunken Clams rocked the post parade party held at the Hershey Motel on the Boulevard.

school year, they would receive 66% of the cut aid back.

The State Senate and Assembly passed their versions, and the governor has said he will sign it. This will add approximately $9.5 million in aid for the district.

This additional money would be Supplemental Stabilization Aid, and it would only be a one-time award. A district will have to write to the Commissioner of Education with a plan on how they will use the fund, and how they will manage in future years if they don’t get the same kind of stabilization again.

“Toms River doesn’t have a spending problem, it has a revenue problem,” Superintendent Michael Citta said during a recent Board of Education meeting. When the board voted on a resolution opposing the cut, the board members couldn’t chime in fast enough.

Citta thanked other elected officials for passing their own resolutions or in some other way speaking out against it.

A resident, Maria Mitchell, shared her concern about what might be cut from the budget.

“We’re not cutting programs. We

don’t have enough programs for kids in Toms River,” Citta said. He said there’s never any guarantee, but none of the board or administration members want to see cuts.

“Have faith, stand firm, stay ready. We will rally around each other for whatever we need to do,” he said.

Mitchell asked about how the public can help, for example writing to state officials. In the past there have been busloads of people protesting in Trenton.

“You can certainly reach out to legislators with your concern,” but the ones he has spoken to are already in agreement with the district, he said. As for anything more dramatic, like a protest, he said he didn’t want to derail the path of diplomacy that seems to be working.

The district is made up of several towns and each will be impacted differently by the budget. On average, Toms River homeowners would see an increase of $154.45 per year. South Toms River would see an increase of $14.60 per year. Beachwood would see a decrease of $44.03 per year. Pine Beach’s numbers were not available since they recently went through a re-assessment.

The public hearing on the budget will be on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the High School North auditorium.

History: Continued From Page 1

loss, this was not the case elsewhere. A farmer in Cape May dressed his hog pen in black and those with southern sympathies in Princeton paraded in joy. The Emblem reported that a notorious “Copperhead”

- northerners who sided with the Confederacy - living near Waterbury, New Jersey displayed a flag with the banner “The Devil Is Dead.” A group of men went to the home of the “scoundrel” and demanded the flag and threatened the man’s hanging unless he recanted.

Such sentiments were not the case here. Toms River flew American flags to mourn the slain president.

1933: The USS Akron

The USS Akron was a U.S. Navy air ship that had used the military base at Lakehurst in its travels as it did tests and exercises out over the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern part of the continental United States. It was the world’s first flying aircraft carrier carrying fighter planes which could be launched while it was in flight.

On April 4, 1933, the Akron crashed off the Jersey coast killing 73 crewmen and passengers. The New Jersey Courier, one of the then-local newspapers, reported the disaster. In its April 7 edition, the headline banner said “Akron Went Down Off Barnegat” and the accompanying news article reported that the “cause of the wreck is not known except that she was caught in a vio -

lent storm.” In a column called “Locals,” the newspaper announced “Goodbye Akron! A sad week this is.” In another column entitled “Ocean County Appalled by Catastrophe,” the newspaper stated that “for the second time, Ocean County is appalled by catastrophe,” noting the loss in 1925 of the USS Shenandoah over Ohio.

The Courier reported that “officers and men from the Akron were known about Toms River, Lakewood, and Lakehurst. The officers had been making the Cranmoor Country Club (in Toms River) their playground this past year.”

The Courier feared that with the loss of the Akron that the Naval Air Station at Lakehurst would be forced to shut down and that airship operations would move to the west coast: “Toms River will feel sick if the Naval Air Station is closed.”

The station remained open - to suffer a disaster, on site, in 1937 when the German dirigible, The Hindenburg, crashed and burned. The base at Lakehurst is still with us today - part of the military’s Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The Courier’s fears of its closing never materialized.

1945: Franklin D. Roosevelt

With the fighting in Europe soon to end in the Second World War, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was on a working vacation at his “Little White House” when he suffered a massive stroke and died. The nation was grief stricken. Many younger Americans had only known FDR as their president as he had been in office for 12 years having

(History - See Page 14)

New Data Shows Increase Of Children With Autism

From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In response to new data showing an increase in the prevalence of autism in children throughout the United States, Reps. Chris Smith (R-4th) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Autism

Caucus, issued a joint call for increased awareness and expanded access to care, education and support services for families touched by autism.

The new data - released by the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) - revealed that 1 in 36 children have autism spectrum disorder, marking a significant increase from previous estimates of 1 in 44 children across the country.

“Autism is on the rise across the United States - and my home state of New Jersey

has the third highest rate of autism in the nation,” said Smith, who has authored four major laws to combat and treat autism, including the Autism CARES Act of 2019, which provides $1.8 billion to fund research, early detection and treatment for children and adults with autism through 2024.

“While much progress has been made to support the autism community, we must do better to ensure those affected by autism have access to the education and services they need to live healthy, independent lives - especially and including as they ‘age-out’ of school-based programs

and become adults,” Smith said.

“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus, and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have been committed to increasing funding for autism research and programs that serve people with autism and their caregivers,” said Cuellar. “The new autism prevalence numbers released by the CDC indicate there is still much work to be done.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with my caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Chris Smith, and my colleagues in the House to deliver crucial investments in autism research,” Cuellar added.

Senator Questions Incentives That Drive Up Cost Of Prescriptions

Senator Robert Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, during a hearing questioned witnesses about the impact pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) have on the prescription drug supply chain and how their warped incentive structure drives up prices for patients and consumers. PMBs are entities that manage prescription drug benefits and pharmacy networks on behalf of health plans, employers, and other payers.

“Pharmacy benefit managers are key players in alleviating a patient’s financial burden at the pharmacy counter as they frequently set patient out-of-pocket costs based on a drug’s list price. The higher the list price, the more the patient pays, an obvious bur-

den,” said Sen. Menendez. “Less obvious, but equally concerning, is that PBMs benefit significantly from high list prices and have no incentive to choose lower-priced drugs to drive down patient cost. PBMs extract rebates from manufacturers based on list price in exchange for a manufacturer’s drug receiving formulary placement. Those rebates are passed on to plans and employers, but almost never to patients.”

Jonathan Levitt, a Founding Partner of Frier Levitt Attorneys at Law located in Pine Brook, NJ, served as a witness during the committee hearing. He agreed with the Senator that it would be better for patients if the prescription drug supply chain was delinked from the list price and if PBMS and other supply chain entities were paid flat fees for the services they provide.

Sen. Menendez emphasized how PBMs prefer prescription drugs with a higher list price versus those with a lower list price, as

appears to be the case for Humira biosimilar drugs introduced into the market to treat rheumatoid arthritis, because they can obtain larger rebates. PBMs do this even though the patient would pay significantly less if they selected the drug with the lower list price.

“The Pharmacy Care Management Association which represents the PBMs, includes research on their website that states, “High list prices hurt patients who must pay these prices. If list prices were lower, out-of-pocket payments based on list prices would be lower and more affordable,” added the Senator. “If PBMs themselves acknowledge lower list prices would help patients at the pharmacy counter, why would they still place preference on higher list price products when a drug company has given them a better option for patients?”

The Senator highlighted his concern about how mergers and acquisitions in recent years have resulted in CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and OptumRx now controlling approximately 80 percent of all U.S. prescription drug claims.

“This level of concentration gives these

PBMs market power over data, drug coverage, and contracting. The hyper-consolidation, with little to no regulatory oversight, creates inappropriate negotiating leverage that discourages competition and makes it difficult to achieve transparency, affordability, and timely access for patients,” concluded the Senator.

Sen. Menendez has long advocated for creating a more affordable health care system for every New Jerseyan and Americans all across the country. Last year, he played a pivotal role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped the price of insulin to $35 a month for seniors on Medicare, and he authored a smoothing provision that also capped Medicare beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 a year.

Each year, that will benefit about 46,000 New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries who would otherwise have out-of-pocket costs above the cap, according to estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). Because of Sen. Menendez’ leadership, for the first time, all 1.2 million New Jerseyans with Medicare Part D will have the peace of mind of knowing their pharmacy costs are capped.

Former State Police Sergeant Sentenced For Misusing ID Card

By Alyssa Riccardi

OCEAN COUNTY – A former member of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) from Ocean County has been sentenced to five years in prison for misusing an NJSP identification card to get out of police traffic stops, officials said.

Marc Dennis, 51, of Waretown, was sentenced on charges of official misconduct and a pattern of official misconduct.

In September 2016, Dennis was suspended by the State Police and ordered to surrender his NJSP identifications as well as relieved of his law enforcement powers.

Authorities later discovered that Dennis kept a State Police identification he had been issued and was presenting it to officers who pulled him over, all while he was suspended from duty. According to officials, he was pulled over at least

nine separate times.

“This defendant used a State Police ID he improperly retained after a suspension to benefit himself by violating the public’s trust,” Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said. “I am deeply grateful for the commitment, sacrifice and upstanding character that the vast majority of our state’s law enforcement officers exhibit on and off the job. We will not tolerate abusive behavior by one bad actor reflecting poorly on the numerous officers abiding by the law, upholding it and making New Jersey safer.”

“This ousted sergeant improperly and deceitfully posed as an active-duty member of the State Police to law enforcement during traffic stops to get favorable treatment,” OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher said. “The court’s decision in this case was a just outcome and illustrates that no one

is above the law.”

Dennis’ was initially suspended and charged back in September 2016 due to his job performance. Officials said he was accused of failing to follow State Police procedures while claiming otherwise in official records and certifications.

When he was told to hand over his NJSP identifications, investigators found he surrendered most of them, but not all. Officials said he held onto a NJSP ID that he had obtained after reporting in January 2016 that he had lost his wallet.

Investigators found that despite his suspension and pending criminal case, he used the ID and showed officers it when pulled over in Marlboro, Toms River, Berkeley Township, Lakehurst and elsewhere.

Dennis was stopped nine times from the date of his suspension, September 19, 2016, through

April 2018, and during those stops he had shown that ID and presented himself as an active member of the NJSP.

Following his trial, on May 10, 2022, a jury convicted Dennis of one count each of second-degree official misconduct, second-degree pattern of official misconduct, and third-degree theft by unlawful taking in connection with his misuse of his ID to avoid motor vehicle citations.

After hearing extensive arguments from both sides at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold on March 15, Judge Lucas sentenced the defendant on both the official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct counts, with the sentences to run concurrently, and merged the theft count. The court also ordered that the defendant forfeit his pension and job, and banned him from public employment for life.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

This letter is intended for all Howell residents and those in surrounding towns. Once again, we’re faced with a massive warehouse construction set in the middle of a country road. Because Howell still runs its planning board meetings via Zoom, and because some residents may not have social media or find it difficult to log on to Zoom meetings, many may not be aware of the newest proposal, so let me introduce you to Victory Road, in the southern portion of Howell and the newest area of attack.

It’s a one mile stretch that runs between Rt. 547 (Squankum Road) and Maxim Southard Road. It still personifies the rural, country setting that originally caused it to be referred to as “living in the sticks.” Horses, goats, ducks, alpacas, chickens and countless family pets share the area with all types of wildlife such as

State Should Pay For Private School Busing

Warehouses Taking Over Our Towns

foxes, barred owls, geese, deer and the occasional coyote. Our approximately 24-foot wide road isn’t a straight run - there’s a sharp S curve that greatly reduces traffic speed, and several more slight curves, especially near the RR tracks, which currently host an active train run. In the winter, it’s easy to see the NJNG liquified natural gas tank that’s on Rt. 547, and in the summer, overhanging trees form a canopy along the S curve. Water pools and gathers at the eastern end of our road, where it’s not unusual to see ducks and Canadian geese swimming in a field that floods after heavy rains.

Bear Creek runs behind the houses to the NE. It is a water aquifer which runs into the Manasquan Reservoir water system. There are several streams and culverts that run under the road due to the high water table. Essentially, it’s remained rural and minimally inhabited for decades.

Now that you have an idea

of what Victory Road is like, this letter is to inform each and every resident of Howell and other towns of the newest warehouse proposal. Maybe you’re not aware, maybe you feel it won’t affect you, maybe you even feel that progress and developments have a right to move forward. There are people who believe “Why bother trying to stop it? They’ll do what they want anyway.” But we can’t live with that defeatist attitude. As much as we may love our little back road, we understand our feelings have little to do with an approval or denial, so let’s forget the sentimentality and present some facts: Our road was built with minimal traffic flow in mind. We are concerned about surface wear when it was paved and graded only for minimal traffic, not trucks weighing thousands of pounds whose routes will inevitably cause damage and necessary repair work (the cost of which will be passed on to all

Howell taxpayers). We are concerned that the heavy machinery, destruction of land and construction of a mega warehouse will have an effect on the NJNG liquified natural gas tank. We are concerned about our property values. We are concerned about the effect that the constant flow of tractor trailers will have on our air quality, noise quality and our overall quality of life. We are concerned about the safety of our children when the school buses stop to pick up students or leave them at their homes. Cars traveling on Rt. 547 will be greatly impacted by trucks attempting to turn from Victory. We all have ground wells as our water supply, so we’re concerned about runoff or debris that will leach into our water. If this proposal is passed, it will force residents to hook up to the municipal water supply, which will incur water and sewer financial hardships. And we are more concerned that our planning board may

approve these plans without due consideration to the residents, whose concerns, besides being valid and actual, should be tantamount and come before any developer.

The lawyers and professionals hired by the warehouse developers seem to believe this project will be minimally invasive…at least, that’s the impression we get. Lawyers costing upwards of $10,000 are simply out of our financial reach. But there are several Victory Road residents with prior and personal experience to address some of our concerns: among them is a former tractor trailer driver whose lifelong experience says that no tractor trailer can safely and easily maneuver turning into and off of Victory Road from the proposed site. We also have an engineer who has pointed out the obvious paving issues, which could potentially cost Howell thousands upon thousands of dollars in repairs once the summer heat softens the blacktop

and creates damage by the heavy vehicles. We all hear a train that intersects Victory and travels several times a week, which will create traffic issues when trucks have to stop. But mostly, we have residents who love the area, love the country atmosphere and are willing to fight to stop this warehouse from moving forward.

The weather’s turning nice….take a ride down into Burlington County or Rt. 537 near Great Adventure, and see how the Garden State is turning into Warehouse Central. We are so sorry to know of the other approved warehouses such as the ones on Fairfield Road or Randolph Road. Not one resident wanted them! It’s time for the powers that be in Howell take notice and help the residents retain our rurality and quality of life.

Diane Lindstrom Howell

for proposing that the State of New Jersey fund private school transportation.

I believe that with the rise in private schools and the number of students attending them the expense of transpor-

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

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tation will be very costly to not only the Jackson public school district, but will also be a burden on the taxpayers. This archaic state mandate (NJSA18A:39-1) which mandates public school districts must provide transportation for students attending private schools does not take into consideration the number of students attending these schools. A prime example is the consistent failure of the Lakewood public school district budget. The money taken from the public school budget for private school transportation impacts the education of the students attending the public schools and our taxes.

I suggest that the residents of Jackson Township support Assemblyman Alex Sauicke’s Bill (A4461) that

would allow Jackson, Howell, Toms River, Brick and Manchester school districts to form a three-year, nonpublic student transportation pilot program to tackle escalating busing costs with state funds.

I also suggest Jackson Township Town Council and the surrounding town councils (Toms River, Howell, Brick and Manchester) petition the state of N.J. to fully fund transportation and special needs services for private schools. This State funding will not only ease the burden on taxpayers, but may also lower the number of private schools approved and built in each town. The state takes in millions from sports betting and now from taxes on the sale of legal recreational cannabis. This cost of private

school transportation should not be the burden of the public school districts and the taxpayers.

Frank Resola

Jackson

Why Build Up Downtown Toms River?

At a recent Township Council meeting, a gentleman said that the public was never given the chance to talk about what they want to see in the downtown area. He is right, because if the public was asked, they definitely would not have said “two big apartment towers.”

The mayor and council made this decision for us.

They think that this will bring new business to the

downtown area. But why would that matter to the rest of us? There’s maybe 10 very rich property owners in downtown Toms River that will be made richer by this. That’s the reason the mayor and council is doing this. They want to help their rich friends. It won’t affect the rest of us one bit.

If these huge apartment towers get built, the town’s school district will swell with kids. It will raise our school taxes during a time when the school is losing state aid because of bad decisions in Trenton.

Tell the mayor and council that the millionaires who own downtown Toms River are not more important than the rest of us.

Carly Smith Toms River

I applaud the Jackson Township Town Council and Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

world by storm. By January the web app had reached a total of 100 million users, and according to a UBS study, it currently is the fastest-growing consumer app in history. Even though ChatGPT seemingly possesses all sorts of useful features, it also raises questions that are directly intertwined with the school system here in the United States. For example: What can ChatGPT offer to our educational system, and are there any potential positives and negatives that can be encountered?

“There are definitely some potential benefits and some risks with AI,” said Mary Cammarata, the Supervisor for ELA, Social Studies, and Fine & Performing Arts 5-12 from the Barnegat Township School District. “[The] potential benefits include opportunities to save time for both staff and students by creating outlines, and developing distractor answer choices for multiple-choice questions… while risks include students relying on technology to fully write responses and no longer using their critical thinking skills.”

Jim Barbiere, the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Human Responses at the Barnegat Township School District, believes that this enormously powerful tool can have staggering potential effects. Though, he adds that just like any other tool, this one will be as effective as the user’s ability to wield it.

“For instance, an AI bot could be used to undermine the student’s writing process if students use the tool to cheat and write their essays for them,” said Barbiere. “Alternatively, it could be used to strengthen the student’s writing process by offering different perspectives or providing text [for students] to then edit and revise themselves.”

Barbiere also believes that ChatGPT has a number of great uses that can be acquired by skilled teachers. He considers that the AI Bot can serve as a tool that can rapidly gather background information on certain topics. Furthermore, he says that teachers can prompt the AI to provide material for a variety of different levels, to differentiate instruction and meet the needs of all students.

“With AI, teachers are only limited by the constraints of their pedagogy and imagination,” said Barbiere.

Critics have said that there should be rules regarding using ChatGPT in schools.

According to Barbiere, technology outpaces the ability to legislate it, so in order to give a better explanation, he chose to use the music industry as an example.

“In the 1980s sampling technology got ahead of copyright law so artists were able to sample copyrighted music for free until laws were written to prevent that,” said Barbiere. “So the lesson is [that] we don’t yet know what rules should be implemented regarding AI, other than the basic ground rules of not using it to cause harm… only after a new technology has become prevalent, only then will its full implication be understood.”

When it comes to a potential ban on the AI Bot in school systems, Cammarata

believes that this is an uphill battle. She said that students should learn that this is a useful tool, and that teachers should carry the responsibility to ensure their students understand what it means to be ethical in regard to anything they submit.

As for some of the changes that ChatGPT can cause in the future for educational systems, Cammarata foresees that there will be a shift in the thinking about the type of writing assigned to students. She says that she has told her teachers to stop giving “Google-able” type assignments.

“The field of Social Studies has changed the most in some ways because now students can look up any information they want on their phones or Chromebooks,” said Cammarata. “Now students should learn to be practicing historians.”

She ties in her observations with a quote from “What Is Learned in College History Classes?” by Sam Wineburg, Mark Smith, and Joel Breakstone: “The study of history should be a mind-altering encounter that leaves one forever unable to consider the social world without asking questions about where a claim comes from, who is making it, and how time and place shape human behavior.”

Department Welcomes Fire Academy Graduates

TOMS RIVER – On the campus of Ocean County College, the Toms River Fire Academy graduated several firefighter recruits being certified NJ Firefighter Level 1/2. They are happy to announce the newest member Recruit

Don Shannon was amongst the graduating class. The officers and members are proud of your accomplishments during this duration of the course. Welcome to the brotherhood of firefighters now Probationary Firefighter Don Shannon.

─Photo courtesy Toms River Fire Department Company #1

Cedar Grove Hosts Special Guest On World Down Syndrome Day

TOMS RIVER – In honor of World Down Syndrome Day, Mr. Chris Filiciello visited Cedar Grove Elementary to talk to grade five students about Down syndrome. Students were so excited to welcome the special guest!

World Down Syndrome Day is observed globally each year on March 21. The date is significant since it represents the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

Grounds For Sculpture Trip

TOMS RIVER – The Holiday City South Garden Club is hosting a trip to Grounds for Sculpture on June 11 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a full day exploring this beautiful 42-acre park with over 300 contemporary and impressionist art sculptures along the DE River. Lunch on your own at Van Gogh Cafe or Rats Restaurant (reservation

advised). Cost is $80 per person for admission and transportation. Tickets on now through May 3. Leave a message to make reservations or inquiries at 732-341-4518 with Carroll or via email: cbaszkowski@aol. com, or visit the HCS Clubhouse on 139 Santiago Drive, Toms River on Fridays 9:30 to 11 a.m. to purchase tickets.

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

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Find The Gold In The Golden Years

TOMS RIVER – Age like a winner. Enter your advancing years with optimism and energy. The Ocean County Library is pleased to present “The Art of Aging,” presented by the Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey and Senior Citizens Activities Network (SCAN).

“The Art of Aging” will be presented at the following OCL branches:

• Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, 732-477-4513, 2 p.m.

April 12

• Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, 732-349-6200, 2 p.m. April 19

The lighthearted discussion will re -

volve around methods of aging gracefully, and the importance of remaining socially engaged and active as the years roll by.

Eatontown-based SCAN conducts health-and-wellness-based workshops, classes, and podcasts, and also assists in applications for benefits by Medicare enrollees and disabled adults of limited incomes.

Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey helps seniors to remain independent and socially connected, with a corps of more than 1,200 volunteers serving Ocean and Monmouth Counties, and affiliations with 60 local organizations. Keep up with Library programs and events at theoceancountylibrary.org.

Cape May Bus Trip

TOMS RIVER – The Holiday City South Garden Club is hosting a Cape May Bus Trip on May 2 from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Come enjoy a tour of the beautiful Victorian Southern Mansion and visit the Museum of Fine Arts and Pop Culture, shop and lunch on your own at Washington Mall. Cost is $73 per person for

admissions and transportation. Tickets on sale now until April 17.

Leave a message to make reservations or inquiries at 732-341-4518 with Carroll or via email: cbaszkowski@aol.com, or visit the HCS Clubhouse on 139 Santiago Drive, Toms River on Fridays 9:30 to 11 a.m. to purchase tickets.

District Learns From “Nourish The Future”

TOMS RIVER – This March, farmers from across America came together at the Commodity Classic, America’s largest farmer-led agricultural experience. On site was Nourish the Future, a national education initiative developed by science teachers to inspire a network of educators to foster critical thinking, connect students to modern agriculture, and provide sound science-based resources that meet teachers’ and students’ needs in the classroom.

Among those in attendance were Intermediate South teacher and Nourish the Future national teacher leader Jessica Kurtz, as well as district educator and New Jersey Teacher of the Year Christine Girtain.

“Educating our students about the critical need of food sustainability should be an integral part of every teacher’s classroom,” said Kurtz.

Most teachers (and students) are unaware of what is happening in the farming world, despite the fact that farmers are feeding and fueling a growing world. Farmers want and need the public to understand aspects of modern farming, and that the industry

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools needs talent to fill important jobs of the future. Agriculture is a vital partner in engaging students with STEM concepts in ways that directly and indirectly impact their lives. Not only does teaching ag-based curriculum in the science classroom inspire students to solve real-world science issues; reaching students is critical to address the job gap in agriculture-related careers, many of which are going unfilled.

Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

Silvio M. Silvi Neil D. Honschke Ralph F. Fedele

History: Continued From Page 6

been elected to an unprecedented four terms.

The Courier - a weekly publication - was able to get in the news of his death in its edition the next day. In a page one article which ran on April 13, 1945, the headline banner read: “Franklin Delano Roosevelt whose long and colorful career as President of the United States came to a sudden end yesterday at 4:35 at Warm Springs, Ga.” A large headshot picture of the deceased war time leader accompanied the headline. There was no accompanying news report - apparently due to the paper’s production deadline.

In the next week’s edition on April 20, the Courier ran an editorial entitled “A Severe Blow” and stated “whether you agreed with him or not, Mr. Roosevelt was admittedly of world stature. The sudden and untimely death last Thursday of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States, saddened the Nation and shocked the greater part of the world.”

In that earlier April 13 edition, a news article entitled “V-E Day Plan Ready Here” was run. “The Clergy Club of Toms River has planned a V-E (Victory in Europe) celebration … a mass meeting will be held in the auditorium of Toms River school on the night of the day when victory is announced.”

The war in Europe would end in May - but

Franklin Roosevelt would never live to see the day.

1968: Martin Luther King

Rev. Martin Luther King was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968. He was in that city to support striking public works employees.

King was a revered religious and civil rights leader since the 1950s, who, in 1963 delivered the “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial - one of the great orations in American history.

By the 1960s, Ocean County had several newspapers. The Ocean County Sun was one of them and it ran an editorial in its April 11 edition and called Dr. King “one of our great Christian leaders.”

Quoting Alexis de Tocqueville - a French diplomat who toured the young United States in the nineteenth century - the Sun said “When America ceases to be good, America ceases to be great. That is the lesson of Martin Luther King’s life.”

Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, and the men of the Akron: this month, April, in history. Let us remember them all.

J. Mark Mutter is the retired Dover Township and Toms River Township Clerk. He was a member of the Dover Township Committee for three terms and served as Mayor in 1993 and 2000. He chaired the township’s 225-year anniversary committee in 1992, its 250-year anniversary committee in 2017, and its Constitution bi-centennial committee in 1987. He is writing a book on the history of Toms River.

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Sound News

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

Hearing Aids And Water

By now, you’ve probably heard that there are waterproof hearing aids. This is true, and they’re an amazing technological advancement, but most devices are only water resistant. This is made possible by a moisture-repellent nano-coating. It’s helpful but not impenetrable. Here are some tips to protect your tech from water damage: Want more advice on how to protect your investment in better hearing? Call us today — we’re HEAR to help! This may seem like a lot of things to keep in mind while wearing and caring for your devices, but the precautions are worth it. Over time, exposure to moisture can corrode the delicate electronics and shorten their lifespan. By doing what you can to keep them dry, you’ll save on repairs, replacements, and premature upgrades.

Avoid Moisture Altogether Remember to take your devices out of your ears before showering, hitting the pool, or getting into the hot tub. Be sure to store them in their own secure case rather than in a pocket or purse. The safest risk is the one you don’t take.

Wipe Them Down Wiping your devices daily with a clean, dry cloth helps clear moisture and debris. Audiowipes can be purchased from your hearing healthcare professional which is even a better option than using a dry cloth. This is especially important during the colder months when condensation is more likely to form.

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

Use Hearing Aid Covers These can help protect your devices from water splashes, sweat, humidity, dust, and dirt.

Try a Hearing Aid Dryer or Dehumidifier

This small appliance not only dries and sanitizes your devices as you sleep but can also double as their regular storage container. Hearing aids should be dried every night. Many rechargeable hearing aids incorporate a dehumidifier built into the charging unit. Keep a Hat on Hand You never know when an unexpected rain shower might crash your outdoor fun. Having a spare hat can help keep the rain off you as well as your hearing aids.

Act Quickly If the worst happens and your hearing aids get soaked, thoroughly dry them and call your audiologist — don’t put them in a bag of rice!

This may seem like a lot of things to keep in mind while wearing and caring for your devices, but the precautions are worth it. Over time, exposure to moisture can corrode the delicate electronics and shorten their lifespan. By doing what you can to keep them dry, you’ll save on repairs, replacements, and premature upgrades.

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer all of your hearing care questions. They can be reached at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-276-1011 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Autism Resources Fair 2023: Free Identification Cards

TOMS RIVER – As part of the Ocean County Library’s 2023 Autism Resources Fair in the Toms River Branch, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 15, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office will create and distribute free identification cards for individuals of all ages.

The wallet-sized cards are used for identification purposes in case of emergency. Each contains a current photo taken on site by Sheriff’s officers, iris biometric recognition data, and information given by parents or caregivers. No information is kept by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.

The Child ID program is a collaboration of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office – Special Projects Unit and the

Ocean County Commission on Child Safety and Awareness. The identification cards will be given free of charge.

Registration is not required to attend the Autism Resources Fair or for the identification card distribution, but registration at theoceancountylibrary. org/autism is required for certain presentations.

The Autism Resources Fair is sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation. For more information, visit the Autism Resources Fair website, stop into the Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, or call 732- 3496200. Keep up with Library programs and events at theoceancountylibrary. org

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

Dr.

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Can Vitamin C Replace Statins? Potential Benefits For Cardiovascular Health

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid plays a vital role in various physiological processes in the human body. We can’t make it ourselves. We have to eat it or take dietary supplements.

As you know, vitamin C functions as an antioxidant, protecting our body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals which destroy cells. This leads to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and faster aging (due to a breakdown in collagen).

A deficiency of vitamin C can cause numerous problems to occur, mainly because of the lack of collagen production which C facilitates. Low collagen will cause more wrinkles as well as fatigue, endothelial dysfunction, anemia, frequent infections, anxiety, depression, and tender, bleeding gums.

Low collagen causes vasoconstriction which increases blood pressure. The collagen that C helps you produce ensures a more elastic blood vessel, and that’s what you want. Without enough collagen, the vessels are not as bendy and it’s this loss of elasticity (and resulting oxidative stress) that increases your risk for hypertension.

Several studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation can lead to a significant reduction in blood pressure in people with hypertension. For example, a meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials found that vitamin C supplementation led to a modest but statistically significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Some studies suggest that vitamin C may have a modest beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. You can certainly take it with

a statin drug if your practitioner likes the idea because there’s no bad interaction. The C enhances the effect of the statin’s cholesterol-reducing power. But to answer the question, “Can vitamin C replace statins” the answer is no. It definitely doesn’t reduce cholesterol like the pharmaceutics, but it will contribute to better cardiovascular health if you maintain adequate levels. People like to supplement with vitamin C. The truth is that synthetic ascorbic acid will give you vitamin C - it’s made in a laboratory and derived from corn usually. It’s not bad, it’s just that some people think that all those supplements are made by squeezing oranges, and that’s just not true. There are some 100% natural vitamin C brands that are produced by extracting the nutrient from actual fruits like cherries, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits which is what I do.

Here’s a fun fact about blood pressure: Did you know that giraffes have incredibly high blood pressure, it’s around 280/180 mmHg, which is more than twice the average human blood pressure!

This is because giraffes have really long necks, so their hearts have to work extra hard to pump blood all the way up to their heads. But they’re generally healthy and rarely experience cardiovascular problems since their blood vessels are very elastic so they don’t rupture or tear.

Ask your physician about it if you take certain medications like antibiotics like tetracycline or erythromycin. High doses of vitamin C may interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy. I have a more comprehensive version of this article.

To read that, please visit my website, suzycohen.com.”

(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.

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R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Court Denies Reconsideration:

Temporary Restraints To Remain On Lakewood Banquet Hall

By: Vinny DelRiccio, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

On March 17, 2023, Judge Hodgson, of the Superior Court of New Jersey entered an order denying the Defendants’ in a contentious case request for the Court to reconsider three of its prior orders. The case itself involves the roughly 40,000 square foot Lake Terrace banquet hall in Lakewood, New Jersey, which to date, has operated allegedly without the requisite land use approvals. Specifically, the Complaint alleged the property was approved as a school with an accessory assembly hall in 2005 and received a Certificate of Occupancy for same in 2007. Plaintiff alleges that the school has since ceased operation and morphed into one of the largest banquet halls in Lakewood despite failing to obtain any further land use approvals. The order comes as a result of R.C. Shea and Associate’s successful opposition to Defendants’ Motion to Reconsider the prior Order of February 3, 2021, the Order of August 10, 2022, and the Order of August 26, 2022.

The Court, in its February 3, 2021 Order, imposed restrictions on the use of the Lake Terrace property. The restrictions included: limiting events to a maximum of 700 patrons, prohibiting outdoor events, and mandating that all parking for events be limited to Lake Terrace’s own parking

lot. These restrictions were reinforced and elaborated upon in the August 10, 2022 and August 26, 2022 Orders, which specified that no parking for Lake Terrace events should take place in other property owners’ parking lots, nor should it take place on the street.

The Court heard Oral Argument on the matter on March 17, 2023. R.C. Shea & Associates, on behalf of Plaintiffs, argued that the Court, under Judge Ford, had previously heard, considered, and properly ruled on all of the substantive issues which Defendants brought forth in their Motion for Reconsideration. Judge Hodgson agreed with Plaintiffs position and refused to reconsider the substantive restraints issued by Judge Ford in the prior orders.

If you are facing disruptions to your business as a result of a neighbor’s potential misuse of their property, please give the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates a call for a consultation. (732) 505-1212.

Joint Base Training Noise Moderate For April

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.

Majority of the days in April are scheduled for “moderate noise.” Days that are scheduled for “high noise” includes April 1, 2, 3, 23, 24, and 26.

Additionally, April 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are scheduled for “low noise.”

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

2nd Annual Spring Flower Sale

TOMS RIVER – The Holiday City South Garden Club is holding their 2nd Annual Spring Flower Sale - hanging baskets and herb perennials - on May 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Just in time for Mother’s Day! Look for the big tent!

Leave a message to make reservations or inquiries at 732-341-4518 with Carroll or via email: cbaszkowski@aol.com, or visit the HCS Clubhouse on 139 Santiago Drive, Toms River on Fridays 9:30 to 11 a.m. to purchase tickets.

Vincent J. DelRiccio, Esq.

April Art Exhibit: Andrea Ulmer’s Pretty Girls, Plus

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch is pleased to present an exhibit by New Jersey artist Andrea Ulmer throughout the month of April. Pretty Girls, Plus will be on display in the McConnell Gallery.

Andrea Ulmer belongs to Starlight Painters, a chapter of the Kansas-based Society of Decorative Painters, and is studying portraiture in oils under Kevin Murphy at the Art Academy of Hillsborough. She previously developed her skills with the guidance of Ana Neis at the Princeton Academy of Art.

The artist has extensive experience in acrylics applied to furniture, glassware, boxes and tin, and also in graphite, pastels and oil paints. Her works have been displayed in the Somerset

County Library Hillsborough Branch, the Hunterdon County Library’s Flemington headquarters branch, and Lambertville’s Bank of Princeton.

The career Registered Nurse credits her medical education for her budding art career.

“I began painting as an elective in nursing school,” she explained in a statement. “…my goal is to become a professional artist so I can spend my days doing what I really love, which is painting, especially realism.”

The exhibit is free of charge, open to the public, and can be viewed during normal Branch operating hours. Registration is not required. For more information, visit the Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, see details at theoceancountylibrary.org/events , or call 732-349-6200, ext. 5100.

-Photo courtesy of Andrea Ulmer

For Rent

Floating Dock Slip For Rent This Season - Private home in Baywood area in Brick 25 feet $990 Call 732-477-3053. (17)

Personals

Partner Wanted - To open thrift store. Also need garage rental for storage. Leave message and number for call back 732-678-6786. (17)

Senior Male - From Essex County wants to meet people from that area to discuss the good old days. Harry 732-269-1206. (17)

For Sale

For Sale - $3000 or Best Offer: Two Grave Plots At Ocean County Memorial Park Toms River. Location: Garden Of Remembrance Grave 277 and 278 (Singles). Number Of Spaces: 2. We hold the deed, and this sale will be conducted at the Memorial Park's office in Toms River. All paperwork will be signed over to new owner's name immediately. If interested, please call 201-400-9433 leave message, all calls will be answered within an hour. (16)

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)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (17)

Wanted Storage Space - Long term non-commercial use. Jackson, Manchester or surrounding area. Electric a plus, 732-278-5098. (16)

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)

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)

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

Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Jersey Child Care is hiring! We care for children from six weeks through 12 years old. Full and Parttime shifts available. Please call us for details! 732-262-3600 (18)

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

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)

resume to: mgritschke@mail.ocvts.org. (t/n)

Services

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. References. Let's Go! (19)

DIRECTV. New 2-Year Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213 (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 732-3504427 for more information. (21)

C.B.J. ROOFING - Covering the jersey shore since 1984. All work guaranteed. We will beat ANY legitimate estimate. $ave. Call 732-850-5060. (20)

Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, A family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n)

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

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)

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)

MASONARY REPAIR - Sidewalks, steps, driveways, pavers. For free estimate call 732-5896798, 848-210-2716. (20)

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)

Property/Management - Brick repair, brick restoration, mulch, stone, Spring/Fall cleanups, pruning, concrete repairs. Call Ken 732-814-7743. (14)

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)

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)

AAA Handyman - Carpentry, Painting, Flooring, Doors, Windows, Trim, Plumbing, Electrical, Masonry, Tile. Affordable, Reliable. New And Repairs. Licensed Insured. 609-384-9030. (16)

Computer problems? We can fix computers, printers, WiFi, networks, and more. njcomputerfix.com. CALL Chris at 732-575-3450. Located in Jackson. (16)

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)

Services Services Services

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

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Male Care Assistant/Caregiver

Assistance - With all of your needs excluding hygiene. All daily routines including; Meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, safety monitoring, transportation, errands, Etc. Also assisting individuals with mild to moderate dementia and those on palliative and hospice care. 732-664-2833. (18)

ESTATE CLEANOUTS -

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)

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)

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)

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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.

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

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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.

Tasty Competition During STRE Cupcake Wars

TOMS RIVER – South Toms River Elementary held its first annual Cupcake Wars as part of the school’s PBSIS (Positive Behavior Support in Schools) family fun night initiative. It was a sweet success and will continue for years to come!

Thirty students and their families participated in the initiative and their creativity did not go unnoticed. Cupcake themes ranged from Dr. Seuss, Starbucks, mermaids, under the sea, spring/ Easter, Disney, ice cream, popcorn, and more!

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Aside from each student and family receiving a certificate of dedication, five main awards were presented to students who scored the highest in the judging categories of most delicious, best presentation, people’s choice, most creative, and best decoration(s).

A special thank you to the judging committee composed of BOE member Anna Polozzo, STRPD Chief Kosh, STRPD Officer Wray Burritt, Gigi Esparza, Joe Jubert, and STRE teacher representatives John Phander and Jen Gallagher.

SPEAR-IT Students Help Beautify Field Of Dreams

TOMS RIVER – Back in early March, High School South students enrolled in Project SPEAR-IT - the pre-apprenticeship program funded by the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties’ Youth Career Pathways grant - loaded up the planters they had built for the Toms River Field of Dreams, the complex created for children of all abilities.

Recently, SPEAR lead teacher Tim O’Leary accompanied his crew on a trip to Field of Dreams to finish their work. On an overcast and drizzly morning, students worked together to fill the planters with soil,

which included lugging the bags to each planter, raking, shoveling, and establishing irrigation lines. SPEAR students also spent time staining some of the playground’s post markers.

The planter project honors the program’s mission to utilize students’ newfound construction skills for the betterment of the school and community. Last year, SPEAR’s capstone project was building lifeguard stands for Ortley Beach, and in addition to this effort, students plan to work with Toms River Artist Community (TRAC) for a culminating project later this school year.

oF the week

Photographer Peter J. Magoulas took this photo at the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell Township. Talk about being at the right place at the

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

Arts And Crafts Show

MANCHESTER – The Leisure Knoll of Manchester Art Class will be presenting an Arts and Crafts Show on April 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Timberland Hall Performing Arts Center. Many talented community residents will be displaying their creativity and

items will be available for purchase. Leisure Knoll is located on Route 70 West, Manchester. When arriving at the front gate, please advise the attendant you will be attending the Arts and Crafts Show. For more information contact Phyllis Hana at 732-657-8421.

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

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MERLIN INDUSTRIES LINERS & SAFETY COVERS

F un & G ames S udoku

C rossword P uzzle

Jumble: BRAWL

Across 1 Technique providing percussion with a string note

9 Character in “The Iliad” but not “The Odyssey”?

14 Summer pickme-up

15 Use as a bed

16 Spicy Mexican food

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3 Big letters in security services

4 Is far from a good sport

5 Perennial #1 NCAA football team since

2008

6 Even slightly

7 Fifth-cen. pope called “The Great”

8 Monkey’s do partner?

9 As well

10 Long way to go?

11 Look here!

12 Depressions

13 __ Jamison, one of two NBA players with 20,000+ points who’s not in the Hall of Fame

14 “From your mouth to God’s ears”

20 Rears

22 Feel bad about 24 Succeeded in

27 1992 Mamet drama

30 Synagogue text

32 Performs surgery on, in a way

33 Cambridgeshire cathedral city

34 Like a sure thing

35 Company founded in 1939 as Auto Avio Costruzioni

36 Key of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto

38 Submission to a radio station, briefly

39 Garden guardians

40 Will of “Blue Bloods”

43 Ice cream alternative, casually

44 Moved between banks, maybe

47 Berserk

48 Refuse

50 Amps (up)

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29 Three-time WNBA MVP

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SolutionS

53 Once-big storage unit that’s now quite small

54 Farm female

Crossword Puzzle

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of apr 8 - apr 14

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): When your bills are paid, you may feel free to make extravagant purchases, but it might be best to save up for items of higher quality. Capitalize on your good reputation to make forward progress but be careful not to overstep others’ boundaries.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Enjoy an active social life while simultaneously focusing on achieving your fiscal dreams. You can find others may want to bring you back to reality so it would be best to keep large scale dreams or plans close to your chest for now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Ideas that may have seemed feasible a few days ago could have more complications than expected. You might have more on your plate: look at plans with a more discerning eye. Taking a step back can help you reflect and find the best route.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): An optimistic and enthusiastic mood can make anything seem possible. Review all the minute details with a partner or loved one and plan things carefully. This is not the time to trust in luck if you hope that important matters will succeed.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Appearances count so give your look a second glance. When you find yourself with a financial surplus, you could feel an impulse to spend. If you make a less sensible financial decision, think through a way you’ll be able to quickly recover.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Whenever you speak from the heart, you cannot go wrong. You might have insights to share that no one else has considered. Be sensitive to the opinions of other people

even if they seem much too demanding or pessimistic.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Extra sympathy and understanding may be needed to keep things running smoothly. Do not forget to offer encouragement and to explain your plans in detail. Offering unconditional love and consistent displays of affection can help turn the tide.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Strategize ways you can turn your good reputation into greater financial rewards. If you are willing to work hard, you can impress people with your integrity and may find making money can be a rewarding pastime.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Keep your ear to the ground. Someone might give you valuable input on how to enhance your public image or ideas to use to upgrade your reputation. Other people may inadvertently reveal their strategies and confidential information.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Address potential security issues that could impact your finances so you are not vulnerable to unwanted intrusions. This is not the time to borrow on credit or go on a spending spree that can create extra financial obligations.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Use more gentle methods instead of force. Inquiring minds are curious and want to know more. You may feel it necessary to ask more probing questions, but someone could feel you are asking for intel that is none of your business.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Any unintentional evasiveness or refusal to be pinned down could be counterintuitive when business tactics are being discussed. You may spread yourself too thin when you would be better off spreading your enthusiasm on thick.

RAW ASPARAGUS MAKES A LASTING IMPRESSION IN THIS SPRING SALAD

By America’s Test Kitchen

ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH GRAPES, GOAT CHEESE AND ALMONDS

Serves 4 to 6

Note: Parmesan can be substituted for the Pecorino Romano. Grate the cheese for the pesto with a rasp-style grater or use the small holes of a box grater; shave the cheese for the salad with a vegetable peeler. For easier slicing, select large asparagus spears, about 1/2-inch thick.

For the pesto:

2 cups fresh mint leaves

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 2 teaspoons juice

1 garlic clove, minced Salt and pepper

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

For the salad:

2 pounds asparagus, trimmed 6 ounces grapes, thinly sliced (1 cup) 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled (1 cup) 3/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped Salt and pepper

1. FOR THE PESTO: Process mint, basil, Pecorino, lemon zest and juice, garlic, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor until finely chopped, about 20 seconds, scraping down bowl as needed. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in oil until combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. FOR THE SALAD: Cut asparagus tips from stalks into 3/4-inch-long pieces. Slice asparagus stalks 1/8 inch thick on bias into approximate 2-inch lengths. Add asparagus tips and stalks, grapes, goat cheese, and almonds to pesto and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 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) 2023 AMERICA’S TEST

KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

(c) 2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.