April Is Autism Awareness Month

BEACHWOOD – Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop.

People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.

In an attempt to Raise Autism Awareness in our community, the Beachwood Police Department will be outfitting their officers in blue badges during the month of April to show their support of Autism Awareness. The Beachwood Police Department has collaborated with PBA Local #253 to purchase the Blue Autism Awareness Badges. A percentage of the total cost associated with the purchase of the badges will be donated to a not-for-profit organization that assists families of children and adults with autism.

They encourage our community to show their support for Autism Awareness by wearing or displaying a symbol for autism, personally donating or organizing a campaign to raise money for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in addition to accommodating and supporting the lifestyles and preferences of people with autism.

Ocean Gate Police Now Hiring

OCEAN GATE – The Ocean Gate Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Part-Time Regular Police Officer and Special Officer Class 1. Applicants for Part Time Regular must possess a valid PTC certificate, Alternative Route Graduate certificate, Class II Special Officer waiver eligible certificate, or be graduating the Police Academy prior to June 10, 2023. Special Officer Class 1 does not require experience and will be sent to the Ocean County Police Academy for training. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States and residents of the State of New Jersey. Applicants must possess a valid New Jersey driver’s license. Appli - cants must be of good moral character, and must not have been convicted of any criminal offenses.

Qualified applicants can drop off a resume and cover letter in person at Police Headquarters to the Administrative Assistant, Susan Russo during the hours of 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (801 Ocean Gate Avenue Ocean Gate) or resumes can be emailed to Oceangatepdrecruiter@gmail.com.

Any questions please contact Detective Sergeant Vincent LaRocca at 732-269-6391 ext. 231 or Vlarocca@ oceangatepd.org. More information can be found on their website at oceangatepolicedepartment.org.

2023 Summer Camp

BERKELEY – Summer Camp will be returning for 2023.

Camp begins: July 5; Camp ends: August 11. Camp hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Camp will be for grades 1st to 6th. Camp will be held at Veterans Park. Before care is 7:30 to 9 a.m. and aftercare is available 4 to 7 p.m. Registration will be in person only and held at the following times: April 18 and April 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For your convenience, they will have Evening Registration

Send on April 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Registration will be held at the Berkeley Recreation Center 630 Atlantic City Boulevard (Route 9), Bayville.

Camp fees: $215 for the first child, $200 for each additional child in household. Before Care: $200; Aftercare: $300 or $450 for both.

Bring in proof of residency and birth certificate at the time of registration. Must be a Berkeley Township resident.

Jakes Branch Weekend Programs

BEACHWOOD – Live Animal

Talks: Come in and meet the animals of Jakes Branch County Park. Visitors will get an up close look at the parks inhabitants and learn about each species. Talks will last approximately 20 minutes. No registration required. Now through June 25 at 1:30 p.m. Free.

Discovery Nature Walks: Join a park naturalist on these brief but informa - tive nature walks through Jakes Branch Park. Weather permitting - walks will not exceed 30 minutes. No registration required. Now through June 25 at 2 p.m. Free

Drop In and Discover: What will you discover about nature when you drop by and join us for a free activity and craft? No registration required. Now through June 24 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

County Park Native Plant Walks

BERKELEY – The Ocean County Parks host a variety of both common and rarely seen plant species native to our Pinelands region. Join a Park Naturalist as they explore a few our park properties, searching for the botanical gems that call the Pinelands and our parks home.

Walks will not exceed 2 miles. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Program is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fee is $6 per person.

Mill Creek County Park, Bayville – May 12 Enos Pond County Park, Beachwood –June 16

Yoga On The Beach

BEACHWOOD – Yoga On The Beach is back! Join on Saturdays at 8 a.m. from June 17 through September 30 at Beachwood Beach. Cost is $5 per person (pay as you attend) and kids 10 and under are free!

South Toms River Recreation 2023 Farmers’ Market

SOUTH TOMS RIVER – The Borough of South Toms River Recreation 2023 Farmers’ Market is now accepting vendor applications. The market will be held on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 11 to October 26, located on the waterfront: 134 NJ-166 Mathis Plaza.

They are excited to be preparing for the 2023 Borough of South Toms River Recreation Mathis Plaza Farmers’ Market. They hope that your small business will join in creating a thriving market at this excellent location.

What kind of vendors are we looking to partner with?

• Produce

• Flowers/Plants

• Handcrafts

• Baked Goods

• Coffee

Specialty foods and beverages for home consumption

Commercial beverage sampling and local business advertising are welcome. (All health department certification is the responsibility of the vendor.)

Full Season: May 11 to October 27 (24 weeks paid in full before the start of the season) - $550. Payment plans available.

Partial Season (6 weeks or more) - $35 per week to be paid the first of each month. Must submit dates with paid application.

Drop In Vendor - $55 per day on a space available basis.

Request your 2023 vendor application by emailing strrecreationfarmersmarket@gmail.com or filling out this form forms.gle/pYGGaf4un2aNdXBr5.

Non-Profit Groups & Vendors Wanted Beach Ball Blast

BERKELEY – The 12th Annual Beach Ball Blast is rapidly approaching. This premier event hosted by the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department usually draws a large crowd of all ages.

The evening will include a variety of food trucks, games, and music by Jimmy and the Parrots, who were named the best “Trop Rock” band in the country.

Non-profit groups are invited, free of charge, to use this event as a fundraiser by providing various activities, food, or organizational information. They are also accepting food and craft vendors for a small fee. This year’s event will take place on July 21 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

If you are interested in participating, contact: Victoria at 732-506-9090 ext. 5951 or email vwagner@co.ocean.nj.us.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!