2023-05-06 - The Brick Times

Club

Alyssa Riccardi BRICK

The Brick Garden Club was initiated in September 1999 by Robert Anstett of the Brick Township Recreation Department in conjunction with resident Dianna Jankos. It was created with a purpose (Garden - See Page 4)

School District Cuts Over 60 Positions

By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK

– Members of the Brick Township Board of Education have voted to adopt a $160.3 million budget for the 2023-24 school year, which includes the termination of several staff positions.

According to district figures, the $160,370,747 budget will include a tax levy

of $120,466,734, a 1.77% increase from the previous year. The tax levy supports the largest share of the budget, as state aid continues to decline.

For the 2023-34 school year, the total state aid for Brick School District is $14,632,033, down $2,542,260 – a 14.80% decrease.

At a Brick BOE spe -

Municipal Taxes Decrease

cial meeting, a budget presentation was held discussing its details.

One portion of the presentation included the uneasy choice of staff reductions – about 34 instructional and 30 support staff. Over the past six years of S-2, this figure totals to over 250 positions cut.

S-2 is the state law

(School - See Page 9)

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK - The proposed township budget that was introduced in late March this year went from a zero percent increase to a slight decrease, said Mayor Lisa Crate during a brief statement at the beginning of the April 25 Council Meeting.

“Over the past several weeks, I have worked

with our financial team to review every line item of our budget to look for ways to keep our tax levy stable,” she said.

“By sharpening our pencils and reviewing our operations further, we identified operating costs that we were able to reduce by keeping our tax levy stable, we have actually slightly - slightly - decreased the local

purpose tax rate,” the mayor said.

The original proposed budget of $115,739,974 was reduced to $115,467,763.

Mayor Crate said it is important to realize that this decrease is only for the township portion of the taxes and does not consider any increased levy to the school district, county or fire district.

About one third of the property tax bill is dedicated to the municipal portion for municipal uses. The tax levy, which is supported by local property taxes, is $80,547,357, down from the originally proposed amount of $80,819,568.

The beginning of the meeting was also a public hearing on the municipal (Taxes - See Page 9)

courtesy Brick Garden

of the

Garden: Continued From Page 1

to educate members and the public about gardening as well as enhance the community with beautification projects.

The Club’s first meeting was held in September 1999. Today, the club has over 120 members, with about 60 to 70 who are very active.

The Bob Anstett Cultural Arts Center located on Herbertsville Road is considered the Club’s home. As the warmer months kick off, members of the club are wasting no time and are making sure the grounds are pristine for their upcoming events.

Garden Club President Maureen Dougherty explained how the Center attracts a lot of foot traffic – many residents walk their dogs on the property, a community garden is available for those who wish to grow herbs and vegetables, the Township Green Fair and the Club’s Garden Tour & Tea. However, no one lives on the property to maintain its landscape.

“The weeds and plants get out of control. Over the years, the Garden Club has planted garden beds here. The Township does come out to mow the grass, but no one maintains any of the plants,” Dougherty said. The group has just begun their process of sprucing up the place and fixing their garden beds so that the Center is ready for the rest of spring and the summer season.

“Right before the garden tour, we’re out there in the summer heat weeding and trying to make everything look nice, which is

difficult because it’s overrun with weeds. The plants we planted just aren’t flourishing,” Dougherty said. “We decided this year that we’re going to redo the garden beds to make them easier to manage, with native plants. The path had lots of irises and different perennials but the weeds have taken over and it’s very difficult to weed certain perennial plants because all the weeds get entwined with their roots or tubes.

“So, we decided to dig up the irises out of the two beds along the paths. Most of it will be transformed to grass, that way it can be mowed. There are also three large beds alongside the building. So, we will be redoing those as well,” she added. Additionally, Dougherty said that the club is currently working with the Township to plant more trees on the property.

“We found out that there is grant money through the Green Acres Program to pay for trees. We’re currently working on getting some trees, trees that flower, to add more shade to the grounds,” she said.

The volunteers work hard to keep the grounds of the Center groomed, but this also prepares the area for two major events: the Green Fair and Garden Club’s Tour & Tea.

This year the Green Fair is held on May 20 and will feature vendors, exhibitors and student groups representing environmental and social responsibility, locally-sourced products and zero waste. The Garden Club will have its own tent with a hands-on workshop of planting in pots to help pollinators.

One of the Garden Club’s biggest fundraisers is their Tour & Tea event, which will be on July 11 this year. The day will feature

seven homes that participants can tour and view their gardens. Afterwards, everyone meets at the Cultural Arts Center for tea and other treats. The event will also have vendors and a plant sale.

Dougherty said that the money raised goes towards buying plants, resources, as well as scholarships. The Club provides scholarships to high school students who live in Brick and plan to study science in college.

In addition, the Garden Club takes care of the multiple garden beds on display at the corner of Brick Boulevard and Route 70. Dougherty said many volunteers come out to plant seasonal flowers and water the beds.

“We’re very excited to be fixing up the grounds at the Cultural Arts Center; it’s something we have control over. With our new plan of changing out the beds, we only have to do regular maintenance in the future. We’re looking forward to it all being done!” Dougherty said.

The Garden Club meets the second Monday of the month, with their next meeting being May 8. There are no meetings in January or February. For more information about the Garden Club or their scholarships, visit brickgardenclub.com or email Maureen Dougherty at maureendoc@ gmail.com.

─Photo courtesy Brick Garden Club Members clean up areas of the Bob Anstett Cultural Arts Center to prep for new plants.

How Many Self Storage Facilities Are Needed?

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY

– Several self storage facilities are currently under construction in the area, joining ones that are already in operation. This begs the question how much demand is there for these establishments?

There’s a proposal to turn the driving range and parking lot area of Blackbeard’s Cave on Route 9 into a public storage facility. The land is 8.71 acres and the facility would be 91,260 square feet. The applicant was Marble Arch Homes of Lakewood, which also constructed the nearby Hickory Farms neighborhood. This is only one plan and it wouldn’t impact the rest of the land that’s currently undeveloped.

When the Blackbeard’s plan was before the Zoning Board, the daughter of one of Blackbeard’s former owners said there were already seven storage facilities in Berkeley, and three in Lacey, and 19 in Toms River. She didn’t see the need for more.

There are several on Route 37, and another large one is being built on the westbound side near the Wawa at Northampton Boulevard. Although these are in Toms River, they most likely serve the senior communities of Berkeley and Manchester.

Many offer military discounts, which shows that they cater to soldiers living at the base.

An industry publication, Storable, suggests that businesses looking to open a facility should take a look at car traffic at a location, expected residential develop -

ment in the area, and current population (anywhere from about 20,000 people in a rural setting to 100,000 or more in an urban setting, as a general guideline).

Census figures in 2021 show almost 650,000 residents in Ocean County. Toms River has about 100,000. Manchester and Berkeley both have about 45,000. Residential development has been increasing throughout the county.

According to SpareFoot Storage Beat, a website that regularly collects statistics, storage facilities are a $29 billion annual industry. There are more than 51,200 facilities nationwide amounting to more than 2 billion square feet. Six large companies (Public Storage, Extra Space Storage, CubeSmart, Life Storage, National Storage Affiliates Trust, and U-Haul) own a third of them. An interesting detail is that when considering the U.S. population of 330 million, there is roughly 6 square feet of storage available per person.

Of all households in the country, 11.1% rent a storage space, they said.

Profitable Business

According to Storable’s records, the typical profit margin of a self storage facility is 11%, compared to a restaurant that’s 3-5%.

They also said that the business is fairly resistant to recession. Personnel is often one of the most expensive parts of running a business, and the number of employees needed per square foot is much less than a store of the same size. Additionally, the

overhead is less because unlike a retail establishment, they are not buying products, shipping them in, and selling them. All the items inside the facilities are brought there by customers.

For decades, towns have wanted big box stores in town. They are a profitable business that the town can charge property tax on – which in turn lowers the taxes for residents. However, since the rise of Amazon, big box stores are closing down, leaving empty shells behind. Towns are looking for a business they can tax and a storage facility doesn’t drain resources very much. Without big box stores to anchor a town’s property taxes, they look to other large buildings to take up space on highways.

This is one reason warehouses have become so prevalent lately as well.

InsideSelfStorage.com goes into length describing how owners can argue ways to bring their property assessments down and pay less property taxes.

Retail Insider said “Players like Amazon are cleaning up in the retail world as online shopping has become consumers’ preferred way to shop. The draw in filling virtual baskets can be attributed to: convenience, ease of purchase, competitive pricing and a wider range of products.”

However, people still need items. So, perhaps they buy them online. And, if they don’t have enough room for everything they buy, they can rent a storage unit.

─Photo by Chris Lundy

A new self storage facility is being built on Route 37 near Northampton Boulevard.

Bill Would Ban Sale And Possession Of Gun Silencers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a founding member of the Senate Gun Violence Prevention Caucus, and Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.-12) reintroduced the Help Empower Americans to Respond (HEAR) Act – bicameral federal gun safety legislation to ban the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer and possession of gun silencers or suppressors.

“Gun silencers are devices designed for a very specific purpose – to suppress the sound of gunfire from unsuspecting victims and reduce the chances they can run, hide, take cover, and call the police during an active shooter situation,” said Sen. Menendez. “It is well past time that we pass the HEAR Act, legislation that would prevent armed assailants from using deadly devices that only make incidents of gun violence all the more dangerous.”

“Silencers are not tools of self-defense, they are tools of murder. They have no legal application, which is why law enforcement officials around the country have called for their elimination,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “The HEAR Act will save lives and is part of the common sense approach to firearms legislation that has widespread support among voters on both sides of the aisle.”

Sen. Menendez first introduced the HEAR Act in 2019 following the deadly Virginia Beach mass shooting, in which a gunman attached a suppressor to a

.45-caliber handgun before opening fire in a local government office building where he killed 12 people and injured four more.

In addition to prohibiting gun silencers, the HEAR Act would:

• Authorize a buyback program for silencers using Byrne JAG grants;

• Provide individuals with a 90-day grace period after the date of enactment for individuals to comply with the ban;

• Provide limited exceptions for certain current and former law enforcement personnel, for certain Atomic Energy personnel and purpose, and for certain authorized testing or experimentation.

Violence Policy Center, Newtown Action Alliance, March For Our Lives, and Everytown support the bill.

“The Violence Policy Center applauds the introduction of the HEAR Act to ban silencers. Silencers are military-bred accessories that make it easier for criminals to take innocent lives and threaten law enforcement,” said Kristen Rand, States Government Affairs Director. “Manufacturers brag that silencers can make guns ‘whisper quiet’ while increasing shooters’ accuracy and ability to fire rounds more quickly. These characteristics only make silencers more attractive to mass shooters and terrorists. The Violence Policy Center documented the dangers of silencers in our 2019 study, Silencers: A Threat to Public Safety.”

“Common-sense regulations on firearm silencers and mufflers is a simple,

straightforward step in encouraging responsible gun ownership,” said Elena Perez, Senior Policy Associate at March For Our Lives. “These devices drastically reduce the noise of shots fired, making it challenging to identify where the gunfire is coming from, a potentially fatal mistake in mass shootings. With gun violence increasing in severity across the country, why make already deadly weapons even deadlier?”

A gun silencer, which is also known as a suppressor, is attached to the barrel of a firearm in order to “limit the sound, muzzle flash and kickback” of a gun. Silencers pose a great danger to law enforcement officers and the public since they make it more difficult to detect the location of an active shooter. They diminish the effectiveness of gunshot detection technology deployed in many municipalities that rely on audio sensors to record the sound, time and location of loud noises. Gun silencers have been used in gun violence related incidents over the last decade:

• In Monterey Park, California, on January 21, 2023, an armed assailant with a semi-automatic weapon modified with a homemade suppressor killed 11 people and injured nine others.

• In Virginia Beach, Virginia, on May 31, 2019, a gunman armed with a .45-caliber handgun fitted with a suppressor killed 12 people in a government building. One individual who survived the shooting reported hearing what sounded like a nail gun.

• In Jacksonville, Florida, in December 2017, police arrested a man for planning to “shoot up” an Islamic Center. He was charged with possessing a silencer not registered to him that he purchased from an undercover detective.

• In southern California, in February 2013, a former Los Angeles police officer killed four people, and wounded three others over the course of nine days. As police investigated, they wondered why nearby residents were not reporting the shots. It turned out that, in an effort to conceal his murders, the shooter was using a silencer, which distorts the sound of gunfire and masks the muzzle flash of a gun.

• In Toledo, Ohio, in January 2011, a man fatally shot his coworker as he sat eating his breakfast in his office. No one at the office heard the gunshot and the victim’s co-workers originally assumed he had died of a heart attack. Police later surmised that the killer had used a silencer. Gun silencers are among the fastest-growing segments of the gun industry. While several states, including New Jersey, outlaw gun silencers, these devices are currently permitted under federal law, but must be registered. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, there are currently over 900,000 silencers registered under the National Firearms Act. A nationwide ban on silencers would ensure the devices are not trafficked into states where bans are in place.

Congressman Questions Safety Of Wind Turbines

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A top Biden Administration official stonewalled Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) at a congressional hearing on offshore wind when pressed with studies that call into question the safety and survivability of more than 3,400 offshore wind turbines slated for the Jersey Shore.

“Can these offshore wind turbineseach the size of the Chrysler building in New York City - sustain a category 2 or 3 hurricane?” asked Smith, who raised concerns about the massive offshore wind turbines in letters to the Biden Administration in January and has yet to receive a response.

“I am happy to have our folks get back to you,” said Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Director Liz Klein.

Smith, who represents several military installations in his congressional district, also raised the concern that military and civilian vessels may be “significantly put at risk by radar malfunction caused by ocean wind turbines,” citing a 2020

BOEM analysis that concluded “future offshore wind energy installations on the Atlantic coast may impact land-based radar systems…”

“Is that true? Is there a possibility that some 3,400 wind turbines proposed to be deployed off our coast could make navigation less safe?” asked Smith, who also cited a 2022 study that “wind turbine generator mitigation techniques have not been substantially investigated, implemented, matured, or deployed.”

“Again no answer from Director Klein on the specific question,” Smith said. “Have the mitigation techniques been investigated, implemented, matured, or deployed?”

“We have worked very closely with our partners at the Department of Defense all throughout the process as we identify sites for offshore wind,” said Klein, who offered no specifics.

The BOEM Director’s comments came just one week after Bloomberg reported that the Pentagon has deemed several areas off the East Coast as “highly

problematic” for the development of offshore wind, due to proximity to military operations.

Government Response To Radar

The U.S. Department of Energy has already studied the impact of wind turbines on radar in 2014 and again in 2023. They have released plans for how to reduce the problem, including: Designing the wind farm layout to minimize the impacted area of radar coverage or to allow for maximum radar coverage within the project, such as by increasing the spacing between turbines within the project

Terrain masking, or placing turbines on the opposite side of elevated terrain in relation to the radar so they will be blocked from view

Relocating proposed turbines or reducing their height so that they fall outside the radar line of sight

Eliminating proposed turbines located in areas that result in high radar interference impacts.

Siting alone may not eliminate impacts or reduce them to an acceptable level. In these cases, other mitigation techniques, including the deployment of new radar-related software upgrades and/or hardware, can also reduce potential wind energy impacts on radar operations. Examples include:

Adding infill radars in or around the wind project to maintain existing radar coverage

Modifying the existing radar system software’s constant false alarm rates, clutter maps, or other filtering and/or preliminary tracking routines

Upgrading the hardware or software of the affected radar to implement advanced filtering techniques that can remove interference from turbines.

In most cases, siting and other mitigations have resolved conflicts and allowed wind projects to co-exist effectively with radar missions.

For more information, visit windexchange.energy.gov/projects/radar-interference-review-process

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

National Day Of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer was held on May 4. It is always held on the first Thursday of May and was designated by the United States Congress, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.

The modern law formalizing its annual observance was enacted in 1952 as part of the public reaction to the threats perceived in the Korean War, although earlier days of fasting and prayer had been established by the Second Continental Congress from 1775 until 1783, and by President John Adams in 1798 and 1799. While he served as governor of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson established a day

of prayer and thanksgiving. One could say that if there was ever time for the world to take pause and to say a prayer for a better future for everyone, now may well be that time. We have a lot to pray about given environmental threats, frequent mass shootings, the ongoing war in the Ukraine, Chinese spy balloons, a journalist unjustly charged for spying in Russia and the list goes on.

We are facing social and political division that has many people talking at each other instead of to each other. Social discourse is at an all-time low and the words “compromise” and “respect” appear to be lost on many.

There is a feeling of uncertainty in the world right now and at the very least, this event brings people together for a short while to reflect and hope for a better tomor-

row. It doesn’t matter what religion you observe to take part in the National Day of Prayer. Americans of many religions assemble in prayer in front of courthouses, as well as in houses of worship.

Luncheons, picnics, and music performances revolving around praying for the nation are also popular observances. We often see social media requests for prayers for a person experiencing health problems or a personal crisis. There isn’t a quota involved of getting enough prayers to get God to listen, it is more a matter of empathy and often it makes the person praying feel like they are doing something positive for a person in need. Who’s to say they aren’t?

Those who choose not to observe a faith can also reflect on life as well on this day. The constitution-

ality of the National Day of Prayer was unsuccessfully challenged in court by the Freedom from Religion Foundation after their attempt was unanimously dismissed by a panel of a federal appellate court in April 2011.

The Alliance Defense Fund (now known as the Alliance Defending Freedom) provided the defense for observance of the National Day of Prayer.

We often forget that not all nations allow their citizens to have the kind of religious freedom that America enjoys. For example, after their long journey to escape severe religious persecution in Communist China, over 60 members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church - known as the “Mayflower Church” - are free at last to practice their faith as they have come to

the United States.

These persecuted Chinese Christians arrived recently and are now allowed to practice their faith after having spent several years in diplomatic limbo facing potential refoulement to China while seeking to escape the oppression of the Chinese Communist Party.

Were they returned to China, they would be jailed and severely persecuted. We also see how certain extremist religious institutions prohibit educational opportunities for their female followers and extend their religious law into the workings of their nation’s government. Misusing religion to enforce oppression in any form is something that must be challenged as it is contrary to what a religion should be all about. Not many communities observe the National Day

of Prayer or recognize it with a proclamation but one long standing community that does, is Plumsted Township that is located literally in the center of New Jersey.

Plumsted, often referred to by the name of its downtown district of New Egypt is on the cusp of Burlington and Monmouth counties but is based in Ocean County. The late Ronald Dancer, a long-time mayor of that community and Assemblyman, wrote the township proclamation for the special day back in 1992.

Each year Plumsted invites people of all denominations to come forward and pray at the township municipal complex on Evergreen Road.

Bob Vosseller Assistant News Editor

S-2 was passed in 2018 and aimed to deal with the inequities caused by the school funding formula; BUT it did not tackle the formula itself. NJ constitutionally requires a “thorough and efficient” (“T & E”) education for

ALL students. There is an “Adequacy Budget” set by the State. S-2’s stated purpose was to ensure “adequate” funding by directing appropriate funding accordingly. On the contrary, it negatively affected districts like Brick that were under adequacy to start. State aid to these negatively affected

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S-2 districts has been reduced at an exorbitant rate which far outpaces what the District can replenish annually and put back.

Brick Schools is substantially under adequacy by $23 million. Brick Schools has an efficient Cost-Per-Pupil of $15,500, yet has had State Aid reduced by -49% under S-2. As Brick further falls below adequacy, it would take Brick over 7 years to catch up to other districts. Class sizes will continue to increase with Brick averaging around 30 in elementary classes with some as high as 34. In addition, staff will be reduced and programs will be cut to balance a budget (required by law). These are lost opportunities for our students.

Brick Schools is efficient and effective; with one of the lowest cost-perpupil and administrative

costs in the state. Our students are held to the same standards and deserve the same opportunities as other students in the state. We are forced to do more with less with the same expectations. Who would oppose ALL students across the state being within a reasonable range of their required “T & E” education?

$12 billion will be distributed by the State, inequitably, to NJ school districts. Residents have been paying twice for schools – property taxes for their local schools and income taxes for other schools. The State believes that our community’s “Local Fair Share” is not high enough and that we should pay more. What about the “State’s Fair Share?!” Brick’s money is going to Trenton and it’s not coming back! We are simply running out of

time. The time is now for all of us to come together and advocate for our efficient and effective school district that has been punished by the S-2 formula for inadequacy!

Thomas G. Farrell, M.B.A., Ed.D. Superintendent, Brick Township School District

Why Do Famous People Get Their Own Day?

Supposedly our previous Governor, Republican Chris Christie, has seen Bruce Springsteen live in concert over 130 times. This is obsession, plain and simple and it’s an embarrassment to our state. But now (not to be outdone), Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, has decided to declare September 23rd “Bruce Springsteen Day”

and that’s even worse. When Christie attended so many shows he basically humiliated himself as not many knew about it, but Murphy has humiliated the entire state by his action.

If we’re going to give musicians born in Jersey such an honor, how about singers Frank Sinatra or Dionne Warwick? Both were ignored while a rest stop on the Parkway was named after Jon Bon Jovi last year. But seriously, a “Day” should be to honor those who’ve actually contributed something to Jersey. There are many worthy policemen or fireman who’ve done more for people in this state than Bruce ever has or ever will; more than any singer ever can! These are they who deserve our recognition.

Jelinski

Chet

Whiting

S-2: A Formula For Inadequacy

School

:

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that changed the funding formula, taking money away from some schools and giving it to others.

The law states that those districts who are not paying their “fair share” of property taxes will have their state aid slashed. Local towns have been fighting to get this funding back.

At the meeting, Superintendent Thomas Farrell explained how reductions will include non-renewal of some non-tenured staff. They hope that retirements and attrition will help reduce to number of layoffs. Nearly 13 position reductions will come from the high schools, nine at the middle schools, five elementary and seven basic skills positions.

These cuts will also greatly impact class sizes, administrators said. Class sizes are set to increase: an average of 23 students in kindergarten, 24 in first grade – with Osbornville Elementary School hitting a high of 32, and an average of 26 or 27 in grades 2 through 5.

Taxes:

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budget, which is required before its final adoption by the governing body.

After there were no comments or questions from the audience, the governing body unanimously adopted the 2023 municipal budget.

Mayor Crate, who took office in February after Mayor John Ducey resigned after nine years to take on a new position as a Superior Court Judge, said her first budget as mayor was “a huge endeavor.”

She thanked Township Chief Financial Officer Maureen Laffey-Berg and Business Administrator Joanne Bergin for their “monumental amount of work” in preparing the budget.

During the period of the meeting where elected officials can comment on anything, Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero said everyone should understand that preparing the budget is a year-round effort by the administration and department heads.

“Any major expenditure is really examined in terms of long-term financial cost, and so that’s work all year round,” she said. “I think that the budget is a work of art and a lot of effort, so I want to acknowledge that.”

Copies of the budget are posted on the township website.

In other news, a bid for the Brick Beach 1 food concession stand was awarded to Big Blue Wrap and Roll of Pine Beach in the total amount of $19,100 for three seasons ($6,200 for 2023 season, $6,400 for the 2024 season, and $6,500 for the 2025 season). The contract concludes on September 30, 2025.

Bid notices were provided to 180 prospective bidders, six picked up bid packages and only one bid was received, said Councilwoman Andrea Zapcic.

The next council meeting will be on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m.

For the middle schools, grades 6 and 7 class sizes will average 28 students while grade 8 will average about 25 or 26 students. The average class size at the high schools will be about 25 students.

Additionally, the district’s preschool program is receiving a $5,819,304 grant which will cover about 83% of the program.

Due to the strains on the budget, officials said the curriculum and instruction department will postpone adoption of new programs for the 2023-24 school year.

Where will the money go? Instruction and Benefits make up 63% of all expenditures, up from 61% in 2022-2023, Business Administrator James Edwards said.

Areas that have increased the greatest are Transportation, which is 6.3% of the total – an increase of 16.5%; and Out of District Tuition which is 4.4% of the total – an increase of 10.5%.

“Brick Public Schools do not have an expenditure problem, they have a revenue problem,” Edwards said. “Brick Schools have fallen further and further away from adequacy as the loss of S2 and the lack of ability to raise taxes has continued to impact the district.”

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Local Pets Available For Adoption

BRICK – Gigi is the most beautiful girl 10-year-old who loves to talk. Gigi may be ok with a laid-back cat or she would be happy to be the only one. Come for a tour and ask for Gigi. You can view this pet and more at jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org They are located at 185 Brick Boulevard and can be reached at 732-920-1600.

Brick Recreation Softball Opening Day

BRICK – Mayor Lisa Crate, Council President Heather deJong, Council Vice President Andrea Zapcic and Councilwoman Melissa Travers attended Brick Recreation’s Softball Opening Day ceremony.

─Photo courtesy Brick Township

Mayor Crate had the honor of throwing the first pitch.

They wish all the players a great season! Play well, always show good sportsmanship, and most importantly-Have Fun!

─Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center

Historical

Society Giant Annual Yard Sale

BRICK – The Brick Township Historical Society recently held their Giant Annual Yard Sale at the Havens Homestead Museum property.

Member Dianne Upmal sold raffle tickets

for the society. There are four prizes, each a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant. The raffle will be called in December. Tickets can also be purchased at the Civil War Encampment August 5 and 6.

Community Members Participate In Clean Ups

BRICK – In honor of Earth Day, participants from the Sport Saturday session worked on building relationships while cleaning up their community.

They learned to have pride in their community and respect for the things they love while working together and having fun!

AAUW Upcoming Meeting

BRICK – American Association of University Women (AAUW-Northern Ocean County Branch) has their in-person meeting at the Brick Library, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, on May 16 at 6 p.m.

They will begin with a demonstration by Maryanna Forman of Sipology. Ms. Forman

holds certification in Aromatherapy and Holistic Health, Wellness and Nutrition Coaching. She will discuss the health benefits of tea, basic vs. regular teas, reduced sugar teas, AHD healing teas. Samples and a light snack will be provided. A short business meeting will follow the demonstration.

─Photo courtesy Don Upmal

─Photo courtesy Brick Township

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Includes Lunch before show & Orch Seat.

AUG. 12 SOME LIKE IT HOT MUSICAL

Includes Lunch before show & Orch Seat.

AUG. 19 YANKEE VS. RED SOX’S

Includes covered seating, Hot Dog, Drink.

AUG. 20-26 7 DAY MACKINAW ISLAND & DETROIT MUSIC CITY TOUR

AUG. 28-30 3 DAY LAKE GEORGE & SARATOGA SPRINGS

/pp

/pp

/pp

Package Includes 2 nights lodging at the Hampton Inn & Suites, Lake George, Saratoga Race Museum, Step on Guided Tour, 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners, Tiki Show, Boat cruise on Lake George & more

SEPT. 4-7 4 DAY NEWPORT & BLOCK ISLAND

$1179/pp Dbl.Occ.

SEPT. 11-17 7 DAY MYRTLE BEACH $1399/pp. Dbl.Occ.

Includes 3 nights at Avista Ocean front Resort with your condo facing the beach and More

SEPT. 12 MOSES AT SIGHT & SOUND

Lunch Included at Shady Maple & a center Orchestra Seat. OCT.

BRICK – Mayor Lisa Crate has proclaimed April 22, 2023, as Lois Lacher Day in Brick Township in honor of Lois’s 100th birthday. Mayor Crate had the

honor of presenting the proclamation to Lois and spending some time with her and her family today. Join in wishing Lois a Happy 100th Birthday!

Brick Farmers Market Returns

BRICK – The Brick Farmers Market will return for the 2023 Season on May 6 at Windward Beach Park. The Market hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday from May 6 through September 30. There

are nearly 60 vendors signed up for this year’s market. The Brick Farmers Market welcomes leashed pets this year!

View a full list of vendors at bricktownship.net/index.php/brick-farmers-market.

─Photo courtesy Brick Township

Dr. Izzy’s

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

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

condensation is more likely to form.

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!

Just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Finding Relief: 10 Ways To Treat Hot Flashes

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause, affecting up to 75% of women. The frequency and severity of hot flashes can vary widely among women, with some experiencing only a few per year and others experiencing several per day. Some women, including myself, never even get one!

Your risk for them increases with family history, smoking, obesity, adrenal conditions, stress, and the use of certain medications.

Hormones are the mainstay. I think a common mistake women make is taking hormones equivalent to those produced by a 20-year-old woman when they are 60 years old, for example. I don’t think ‘industrial size’ hormone doses should be given to older women! I’ll share more about bioidentical hormones and HRT later on in this article.

Here are the 10 best things you can take to relieve hot flashes:

1. Black cohosh: This herb has been used for centuries. Black cohosh may work by acting on serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to regulate body temperature.

2. Red clover: Red clover is a plant that contains phytoestrogens, compounds that can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Some studies have suggested that red clover may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

3. Sage: This herbal option may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes due to it’s cooling effect on the body.

4. Evening primrose oil: This oil contains a fatty acid called gamma-linolenic acid

(GLA). Some studies have suggested that taking evening primrose oil supplements may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

5. Flaxseed: It contains lignans, which may help balance hormone levels and reduce hot flashes. Flaxseed can be added to a variety of foods or consumed in supplement form.

6. Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant and taking vitamin E supplements may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in some women.

7. B complex: Methylated B vitamins play a role in hormone regulation and may help reduce stress, which can trigger hot flashes.

8. Ginseng: Ginseng is an herb that has been traditionally used for menopause symptoms, including hot flashes. Some studies have suggested that ginseng may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

9. Maca root: Maca is a plant th at grows in the Andes Mountains and has been used traditionally for hormone balancing.

10. Bioidentical hormones are a type of HRT, and in my opinion, are the best option for hot flashes because they are hormones that are chemically identical to those produced naturally in your body. This option requires a prescription from a hormone expert. Bioidentical hormones are available in many dosage forms including creams and pills.

Everything I’ve listed has pros and cons so make sure you experiment and talk to a doctor about your options. If you like this topic, I have a longer version of this article posted on 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.

Educating Our Community On Nursing Home Abuse

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

People put their elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing home so that they can be safely taken care of, so that someone can properly look after them in their old age. No one expects that these nursing home residents should get anything less than the proper care and respect that they deserve, but with the horrifying rise in nursing care abuse, this is not always the case. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse in the United States, more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America indulge in some form of resident abuse.

Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed. The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse. Even more alarming is the prediction that the problem will only worsen in the near future. More than 91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients. A Health and Human Services Department report found patients in understaffed nursing homes were more likely to suffer from a variety of problems, such as bed sores, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, pneumonia, and serious blood born infections. It’s a serious concern that will only increase with time, given that the population of people aged 85 or older is expected to

double to 8.9 million by the year 2030.

Signs of abuse and neglect may be (but are not limited to) evidence such as patterns of bruising, unexplained injuries, frequent infections, bedsores, questionable hygiene, appearance of malnutrition, emotional distress, and unsanitary living conditions. Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of your attorney. Neglect can be just as harmful in the long run as abuse, leading to additional health problems and possibly death. Nursing home abuse isn’t limited to physical abuse; there can also be emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, where an elder is demeaned or humiliated in other ways.

Many elders needlessly suffer from nursing home abuse in which they are manipulated, humiliated, or physically harmed by the very people entrusted with providing them with loving and tender care. Instances of physical, sexual and verbal abuse have taken place at the very nursing homes where elders are actually supposed to be well taken care of; unfortunately, cases of nursing home abuse in America and also in New Jersey are rising rather than falling.

If you think a loved one is the victim of Nursing Home Abuse call the trial attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for a free consultation to discuss their rights.

Memorial Day Parade

BRICK – Join for Brick Township’s Annual Memorial Day Parade on May 29 at 10 a.m. This long-running tradition is hosted by the Township, American Legion Post 348 and VFW Post 8867.

The Parade honors the brave men and women who have made the ultimate

sacrifice for our nation. The parade will march down Chambers Bridge Road and will feature veterans, marching bands, civic organizations, youth sports organizations, Boy and Girl Scouts, first responders and more. Following the parade, a ceremony will be held at the Municipal Building.

Fire Camp

BRICK – The Brick Township Fire Department has announced Fire Camp, July 10 to 14. Open to kids ages 12 to 16. Must be a Brick Township resident. Email bureau@

brickfire.org for an application. Applications must be submitted by May 12. Only 25 spots available! Call 732-458-4100 for more questions.

Officers Honor National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

BRICK – In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) April 23 to 29, Brick Township Police Department is proudly displaying mag -

nets created and distributed by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. This year’s theme is SURVIVOR VOICES- Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.

Brick PAL 9th Annual Car Show

BRICK – Come join on May 13 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for one of the best shows at the shore. The 9th annual, spots are very limited, register now, it is a first come first serve event, and registration spaces will sell out. Registered cars only in the lot, welcomed at 8 a.m., car show itself starts at 10 a.m. There is no charge for the spectators, only the participating vehicles - however donations to support the PAL are welcomed with open arms. Car registration is available on line, the link is below. They welcome all vehicles new and old, sporty and classic, exotic and rat rides.

Each car is asked to register ahead of time, the cost is $15 a car. All proceeds go to help the area children of Brick Police Athletic League.

There will be coffee, cold refreshments, and BBQ available for purchase. They will have some prizes and a 50/50. Music will be playing, feel free to bring a chair, come sit and relax or walk around and check out the other rides!

For additional information, email Ernie at ineagency1@gmail.com. Looking forward to seeing you on May 13 at the Brick PAL, 60 Drum Point Road in Brick. Purchase tickets at brickpal. ticketleap.com/23carshow513.

Child Passenger Safety Checks

BRICK – As we approach the warmer weather seasons, Brick Township Police Department EMS is prepared to perform child passenger safety checks. Whether you are a new or seasoned parent, grandparent or care giver to a young child/infant, stop by and let one of our certified CPS Technicians give you peace of mind that your child is safe. Our technicians will assist with installation as well as give you guidance based on

the latest research and child passenger laws. Thank you to the Laurelton Fire Company as in years past for providing a place to conduct our events.

Dates: May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27.

Child passenger safety checks are from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Laurelton Fire Company, 1725 Route 88 in Brick. For more information call 732-451-2038 ext. 6.

Street Hockey Program

BRICK – Registration is now open for Street Hockey. This program is designed to introduce boys and girls to the sport of hockey. Participants will be taught basic skills (aside from skating) such as stick handling, passing, shooting and positioning. No equipment needed! Sticks will be provided

or you can bring your own. Gloves, shin guards and facemasks are recommended but not required. Bring your sneakers and learn something new!

Sessions are from July 5 to July 26, and August 2 to August 23, both from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Register online on Community Pass.

─Photo courtesy Brick Police

C ommunity n ew S

Kindergarten Registration And Kickoff

BRICK – If your child is currently enrolled in Warren H. Wolf or Herbertsville Early Childhood Development center, you do not have to register. However, please be sure to update your child’s medical information at the current preschool by the last day of school or over the summer at your child’s new elementary school before the first day of school.

Register online at brickschools.org/ our-district/registration-2.

Kindergarten Kickoff at 6 p.m. They look forward to seeing your child and you at the Kindergarten Kickoff session at the school your child will be enrolled at in September.

Future Students of:

• Drum Point - May 9

• Emma Havens - May 10

• Lanes Mill - May 8

• Midstreams - May 9

• Osbornville - May 10

• Veterans Elementary - May 8

Jersey Shore Chorale Spring Concert

BRICK – A diverse chorale of men & women of all ages, many with professional music backgrounds, performing wide variety of favorites from the classical (Vivaldi, Mozart) to Broadway Shows (West Side Story, Les Miserable) and so much more. Hear exquisite harmonies accompanied by piano, flute, strings and woodwinds to kick off the warmth of the Spring season.

The Jersey Shore Chorale Spring Concerts will take place on:

• May 6, 7p.m. at Greenbriar 1, Brick

• May 7, 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church, Manasquan

Tickets are available at the door. For more information, check out their Facebook page: Jersey Shore Chorale.

Construction Material Drop Off Day

May 13

BRICK – Residents will be able to bring household construction material to the Recycling Center on Ridge Road on May 13 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Allowable household construction material includes kitchen cabinets, sheetrock, plywood, windows, wood trim, molding, wood floors, tile flooring, decking, ceiling tiles, paneling, doors, 2×4s, roofing shingles

and outdoor sheds.

• Brick residents only

• Tax bill and driver’s license required

• No hazardous materials

• No contractors or commercial vehicles

• Drop off only (no curbside collection offered)

Movies On The Beach

POINT PLEASANT – Bring a blanket or chair and join Jenkinson’s Boardwalk for Movies on the Beach every Tuesday night starting June 27.

• June 27 – The Lion King (1994 Animated) (G)

• July 11 – The Minions: The Rise of Gru (G)

• July 18 – Jaws (PG)

• July 25 – Elf (PG)

• August 1 – Encanto (PG)

• August 8 – Lightyear (PG)

• August 15 – Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13)

• August 22 – Hocus Pocus (PG)

• August 29 – Cars 3 (G)

Weather/wind permitting. Movies on the Beach are on the Pavilion beach, in front of the aquarium. Please note that movie start times may vary depending on when it gets dark.

Men’s Bible Study – New Beginnings Church

BRICK – Meet the Brotherhood Ministry on Tuesday mornings for an in-depth Bible study with Pastor Joe and the guys from New Beginnings Church! Invite friends or coworkers to

come out with you! They start promptly at 7 a.m. and end at 8 a.m. The next Bible Study will be on May 9. New Beginnings Church is located at 236 Brick Boulevard.

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!

DeGRAFF CReMATION SeRVICeS

DIRECT CREMATION $1875

Arrangements Available In Your Home, Removal From Place Of Death, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory

Located at: DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst 732-657-7868

www.DeGRAFFFuNeRAlhOMe.COM

Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certified Copies Of Death Certificates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services

around the JerSey Shore

Can Swans Fly?

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

I recently walked with a friend of mine and her dog when we spotted a pair of swans in the waterway along the walk. They have been there for several days and don’t appear to have moved from that spot. My first thought is they are protecting a potential breeding site from the Canada geese who also occupy that space.

female (a pen) have no real distinction in appearance, except that the male is usually bigger and heavier than females. Baby swans are called cygnets. Swans mate for life (monogamous). Adult swans will begin to mate at 4 to 5 years of age. Several species of swans are migratory, whether it be partly or wholly. The lifespan of swans is generally 20 to 30 years in the wild.

WHEN THINGS AREN’T AS BRIGHT

Any change in vision could be a sign of serious issues, but one of the more common changes people notice is darker or less colorful vision in one eye. This can be a symptom of macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, optic neuritis, or retinal detachment. Light enters the eye through the retina, which translates the data to the optic nerve. If either of those parts are damaged, it can result in dimmer vision. Cataracts are more likely to develop in both eyes, but it is possible for only one eye to be affected. If you’re experiencing darkened vision when you first wake up, it could be a sign of eye stroke caused by decreased blood flow to the optic nerve.

When you call to make an eye appointment, be prepared to describe any current vision problems. In addition, ask if the eye examination will affect your vision temporarily and if you will need someone to drive you home. To schedule an eye exam, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week. P.S. Darkness or dimness in one eye can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy, a serious condition that can lead to permanent blindness.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622

BRICK (732) 477-6981

www.oceancountyeye.com

The answer to whether they can fly or not is ‘yes.’ Due to their large size, they require areas of large, open land or water to successfully take off and land. The seven living species of swans in the world are the trumpeter swan, black swan, whooper swan, black-necked swan, tundra swan (also known as the whistling swan), Bewick’s swan, and lastly, the mute swan. A common reference to a group of swans is a wedge, but some other references are flock, drift, ballet, and mark.

Swans are the largest members of the waterfowl family and considered one of the most elegant waterfowl on the planet. They are the one of the largest flying birds. Some can weigh more than 33 pounds, with a length of over 59 inches. The male (a cob) and the

Swans consume algae, aquatic plants, along with small fish, frogs, and worms and should never be fed processed food such as sugary food or pastries. Though they can eat bread, it is best to refrain from feeding wildlife, as human food lacks their dietary requirements. Depending on a particular swan and where they live, some of their main predators include foxes, raccoons, wolves, cats, hawks, eagles, and owls, who would target young swans.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

OCVTS Spring Info Session

BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Vocational Technical School would like to invite you to their spring info session on May 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at their Toms River location.

Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the diverse programs and career paths offered by OCVTS. The school is committed to their mission of preparing students for job placement or continuing education, including college.

Who should attend? Graduating high school seniors/parents, high school graduates and adults.

Choose from seven 10 month acceler-

ated programs: Cosmetology, Certified Medical Assistant, Culinary Arts, New Home Construction, Practical Nursing, Automotive Technology, Precision Machine Technology.

Learn all about the 10 month accelerated programs

Meet & talk with program instructors

Admissions procedures

Financial aid information

Job placement services

Observe student demonstrations & more

Any questions, email admissions@mail. ocvts.org.

Come Join The BTPD EMS Family!

BRICK – Brick Police EMS is currently accepting applications for part-time EMT with potential of full-time with expansion of the program in 2024. Full-time staff is hired first from within the part-time roster. Brick Police EMS is a large progressive municipal based program selected as the 2022 Pre-Hospital program of the Year for the State of New Jersey, running 11,000 calls for service per year with a Special Operations Division, Tactical Medical Team

embedded in the Brick Police SWAT Team, water rescue and Technical Rescue with Brick Township Fire Companies. Part-time starts at $25 per hour with annual raises up to $27.50 per hour with 8 paid holidays and a $200 uniform allowance annually. They are flexible with additional testing dates if you are unable to attend the posted date and times. More information can be found by visiting brickpoliceems.enrollware.com.

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!

Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921

Estate Sale

ESTATE SALE – Old furniture, collectibles, all gotta go. 732-267-6232. (22)

Items For Sale

All 4 appliances - Range, refridgerator, washing machine, dryer; all in working order. $300 for all. 732-569-3174. (21)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEW -

ELRY 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. (21)

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks

Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (22)

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. (20)

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)

Don't pawn your coins - Call me first. I pay more. Old coins, currency. Will cash in your change.

Chris 848-210-7372. (23)

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)

Cash Paid! - For LP Records, reel to reels, 45/33. Travel to you or meet. We pick-up the phone, Eddie 732-829-5908. (20)

Help Wanted

Home Health Care Aide - Needed for sweet elderly woman. Light transfer a must. Dressing. Simple meal prep. Holiday City. 609-349-0937. (21)

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Weekend Receptionist - Magnolia Gardens Family owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill weekend receptionist position. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (22)

LBI NJ Sober live-in companion - 5 week days. Compensation 1750., R&B near ocean. Drive to therapy, check meds & no access to substances. References. swpubrel@icloud.com . (21)

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)

OCVTS Part Time Administrative Assistant - Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. $14.13 p/hour. Send resume to: mgritschke@mail.ocvts.org. (t/n)

Certified Aides - Full time, Per Diem, Weekends, Magnolia Gardens Family owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill nursing, and medical aide positions. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (22)

Full/Part Time Dietary Aid - Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Family owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill positions for Full time and part time, Dietary aids. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (22)

MEDICAL BILLING - 35 years of experience. Directly connected to Medicare. Call Cindy Office:848-238-7997 email: cindytmp2@gmail. (24)

Housing Office - Looking for an Administrative Assistant to work up to 30 hours a week. No Benefits offered. Must be proficient in Word and have excellent computer knowledge. Position requires answering phones, scheduling and typing. Must be detail oriented, organized and can work independently. Provide a resume with 2 references. FAX to 732-269-7709 or email to arlene@ berkeleytwphousing.org. (21)

Services

Property/Maintenance/Masonry - Brick restoration, brick repointing, concrete repairs, step repairs, grass cutting, cleanups. mulch. Call Ken 732-814-7743. (23)

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)

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

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)

Services

Build • Repair • Replace - Affordable • Expert Workmanship. Carpentry, windows, doors, trim, tile, bathrooms, kitchens, masonry, flooring, decks, advanced building. 609-384-9030. (21)

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)

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)

A+ CLEANING SERVICEHomes, Offices, AIR BnB, Summer Rentals, Expert in Senior Villages. Reliable, references. Free Estimates. Call Barbara 732-948-4730. (20)

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)

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)

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)

Housecleaning, Painting, Shopping, - Laundry, window cleaning, also we do typing services and run errends for you and also help paperwork. Very good prices. Call 732-7735078 or 848-287-3944. (21)

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)

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)

Services Services Services

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

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)

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)

VFW Post 100092 - Barnegat, NJ 08005. Coffee - donuts every Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Meeting 2nd Thursday1800-2000 hours each month. Looking for new members, call 609-698-4120. (21)

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)

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 -

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)

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

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

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)

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)

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)

Garden Advisory: Experienced (Master) Gardener - Assists homeowners with garden planning & design, plant care advice, plant selection & replacement recommendations, container gardens, soil testing. 732-232-8144. (21)

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

Classifieds can be placed on our website jerseyshoreonline.com

1. Please use a seperate sheet of paper and attach this form. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad (counts as 1 word).

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:

2. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

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

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

Total = $

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

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

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

Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388.

5. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR BILLING ADDRESS (THIS IS REQUIRED) ADDRESS

TOWN ZIP PHONE NUMBER

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

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

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

around the JerSey Shore

OCC Ranked Among Best Online Community Colleges In NJ

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College is excited to announce that the college has been named in the 2023 Best Online Community Colleges in New Jersey by leading higher education researcher OnlineU.

To be considered in the rankings, community colleges must offer primarily associate degrees and certificate programs, have a main campus location within the state, and offer five or more fully online associate degrees. Rankings are compiled annually using OnlineU’s proprietary ranking process, which compares colleges across the country in various categories using impactful data, public information, and reviews from over 13,000 online students.

Ocean County College offers more than 150 online courses that give individuals of all ages the opportunity to earn their degree. “In the e-Learning Department, our mission is to pro-

vide our students with rewarding educational experiences that are enriched by technology, innovation, and effective design,” said Dr. Eileen Garcia, OCC’s vice president of E-Learning and Learning Enterprises. “We strive to deliver high-quality asynchronous courses which are engaging and meet the needs of students from all walks of life, with a commitment to excellence that extends from the local community to the international stage. Our goal is to empower all students with the tools and guidance they need to succeed and to help them achieve their academic and professional aspirations.”

In their assessment of Ocean County College, OnlineU noted the college’s ease of enrollment and affordability, as well as the ability for OCC students to study at their own pace. Additional information about the standings is available at onlineu.com.

Moderate Training Noise At Join Base For May

By Alyssa Riccardi

LAKEHURST – Joint Base Mc

Guire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) have released their monthly “Noise Level Calendar” for the month of May. So if you hear a loud boom, it’s the soldiers training at the base.

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.

Almost the entire month of May is scheduled for “moderate noise.” A key date to note is May 26, which is scheduled for “high noise.”

Additionally, May 18 and 20 are scheduled for “low noise.”

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

Kitchens By The Sea Tour In Bay Head And Mantoloking

BAY HEAD – Visit amazing kitchens in lovely homes located in Bay Head and Mantoloking on September 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In each home, enjoy tasty bites provided by local chefs and caterers and admire floral and table arrangements created by local florists and designers. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online

at bayheadschoolfoundation.org/kitchens-bythe-sea.html beginning on April 1.

For more information, visit the event website or email Christie@bayheadschoolfoundation. org. Sponsored by the Bay Head School Foundation to benefit the students of the Bay Head School.

─Photo courtesy Ocean County College

photo of the week

“I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!” That includes this squirrel who was enjoying a cone of what appeared to be vanilla at Lake Horicon in Lakehurst. Photographer Denise May-

nard was in the right place at the right time to get this shot. If you would like to have your shore-related snaps featured, email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Ocean Health Initiatives Receives 100% HRSA Site Visit Score

NEW JERSEY – Ocean Health Initiatives, a nonprofit community health center in Ocean and Monmouth County, is supremely proud to announce that after a long, challenging process, they have received the rare distinction of a 100% score on our most recent HRSA site visit!

The site visit is an opportunity for health centers to demonstrate their compliance with a wide gambit of federal regulations. Generally occurring every three years, health centers are judged on an array of topics that include both administrative and clinical policies and practices. Receiving a perfect score is an incredible feat given the magnitude of things covered and the attention to detail that takes place during the site visit. To make such an achievement come to fruition required meticulous preparation.

The CEO of the organization, Theresa Berger, says, “it’s an outstanding feat. The team worked tirelessly for ten weeks to prepare all of our documents, review all of our policies and practices, and identify ways to ensure that we met the requirements of the site visit. Though it was very grueling at times, the OHI team demonstrated its impressive capacity for collaboration and camaraderie. Despite the tragic loss of our CFO, Chris Ollemar, all of his hard work before the visit proved to be some of his best. He was an angel on my shoulder and a guiding light for the organization.”

While OHI is celebrating this amazing result, we humbly recognize that this is more than simply a test score; and it is a reflection of the hard work we do to deliver the highest quality care to our patients.

Experience The Difference Of A Saint Peter School Education

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Join them for an open house on May 8 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Discover their academic excellence as a National Blue Ribbon School, engage with

their innovative educators and tour the campus including the Life Science lab, chapel, classrooms, and much more! Register at stpschool.org/openhouse.

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.

F un & G ames S udoku

C rossword p uzzle

be “in the house” during a tearjerker

Down

1 Annual shot target

2 Knock (on)

3 “Here __ again!”

4 Submerged

5 Joint above the ankle

6 Cheeky talk

ger Games”

33 Golf tournament kickoff

36 Paper purchases

38 Disgraced energy firm

39 Period of work

41 Range below

28-Across

43 Half a bikini

46 Only “V” Monopoly avenue not named for a state

49 __ Joe’s

51 Peace agreement

52 Song from the past 54 Chin-up muscle, briefly

56 Vampire tooth

57 Not of sound mind

59 “007” James

60 Kind of jet

63 “Huh!?”

Stanley of “The Hun-

(c)2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SolutionS

64 Regret 65 The old college __ 66 Giggle sound

Crossword

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of MAY 6 - MAY 12

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your faith in your own infallibility may be high and you could be tempted to act rashly or to take unnecessary risks. Control any possible urges to change your spending habits or to make impulsive purchases for now.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : This could be a week when you could feel compelled to turn over a new leaf. Your outlook may shift as you embrace independence and objectivity. Someone new in your life might persuade you to make radical changes.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : Remain poised to cope with temporary slowdowns or mystifying red tape. When pressing obligations interfere with your romantic ideas, you may yearn for moments of solitude; try not to run away or hide from the facts.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : It can be tough to settle back into a comfortable routine when loved ones are enthusiastic about making major improvements. You may be eager to experiment with a new set of goals or to delve into unusual subjects.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) : Excursions to local venues and attractions could put you in the public eye. Focus on ways to be fully authentic; this gives others permission to do the same. Enjoy unique experiences or making valuable connections this week.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) : Vague answers and evasive maneuvers are seldom the most constructive choice, but you may feel challenged to present your opinions in

a more straight-up way. If overwhelmed by negativity, do some nurturing self-care.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An extravagance could be good for you. You may become fixated on buying something that is better than average and refuse to worry about the price. You and a partner or loved one may agree on some updates.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your ability to manage unexpected changes may be enhanced. However, you might tend to overthink plans or to be particular about the details. Hold off on making decisions that affect your family for the time being.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) : Self-discipline does not mean you must deny yourself simple pleasures. It may mean remaining dependable and industrious even when you are tempted to play hooky. Address any family issues with tender, loving care.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may find your powers of observation can be accentuated. It could be easy to see what must be done and craft an astute and practical schedule. Your generosity of spirit may be best expressed within your family.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may engage in a quest for change and self-improvement. Rearrange the furniture for a new look or accept adjustments in family schedules with good grace. You should watch your finances carefully at this time.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Doubts and concerns may plague you off and on so you might need to examine the facts thoroughly. Spend a few extra dollars to get something that is both long lasting and a cut above all the others.

THIS RESTAURANT-WORTHY SALMON DISH COMES TOGETHER IN LESS THAN AN HOUR

By America’s Test Kitchen

Piccata sauce is a simple, yet punchy mix of lemon, capers, white wine and butter. It’s tangy and takes your salmon dish in an exciting new direction.

Quick tips

1. Buy a whole center-cut piece of salmon and cut it into individual portions to ensure that each fillet is a similar size to cook at the same rate.

2. Use skinless salmon fillets. More on this later.

3. Pat the fillets dry and sear them in oil in a preheated nonstick skillet to prevent them from sticking in the pan.

4. To keep the fish from breaking apart, cover the pan and let the steam gently cook the fish without flipping it. Note, this method means the fish only browns on one side. This is why you should use skinless salmon and then serve the fillets browned side up.

Serving suggestions

After cooking the fillets to 125 degrees (for medium-rare), let them rest on a platter to keep them juicy. While the salmon rests, start the piccata sauce. Cook the sauce down before whisking in butter, one piece at a time, off heat to ensure a viscous pan sauce; then finish with a sprinkle of dill.

SALMON PICCATA

Serves 4

Note: To ensure uniform pieces of fish, we prefer to purchase a whole center-cut salmon fillet and cut it into four equal pieces. For skinless salmon, we refer to the side opposite where the

skin used to be, which is typically more pink in color and more rounded, as the flesh side.

1 (2-pound) center-cut skinless salmon fillet, about 1 1/2 inches thick

1 teaspoon table salt, divided 1 teaspoon pepper, divided 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, sliced thin 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons capers, rinsed 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon juice

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

1. Cut salmon crosswise into 4 equal fillets. Pat salmon dry with paper towels and sprinkle all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

2. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add salmon flesh side down. Cover and cook until browned on bottom and registering 125 degrees (for medium-rare), about 5 minutes, or 135 degrees (for medium), about 7 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and transfer salmon, browned side up, to platter or individual plates.

3. Return skillet to medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 15 seconds. Whisk in wine, water, capers, lemon zest and juice, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to boil and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Off heat, whisk in butter, 1 piece at a time, until combined. Stir in dill. Spoon sauce over salmon. Serve.

(c) 2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.