2023-05-06 - The Manchester Times

Achievement Unlocked: Students Make Video Games

Rare Facts About Hindenburg Shared For 86th Anniversary

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –

Who says you can’t play games in class?

For some township high school students it wasn’t so much playing games, but designing them.

MTHS advanced multimedia program students will submit their 2D games to the 2023 GameSalad Video Game Creator Challenge.

During this process,

they developed the knowledge and skills to creatively design and implement elements of an original gaming product using various multimedia editing tools and GameSalad’s interactive multimedia online development software. They were also inspired by their own personal favorite video games.

“Pokémon Black and

Prescribed Burns Helped Contain Recent Wild res

By Stephanie Faughnan

OCEAN COUNTY – Authorities believe prescribed burns helped limit the damage caused by wildfires that tore through the area last month. In at least one instance, pro-

active measures saved residents from reliving an old nightmare.

“The Log Swamp Wildfi re in Little Egg Harbor occurred on April 15,” shared Trevor Raynor, Assistant Division Fire Warden with the New Jersey

Forest Fire Service. “It burned 1,607 acres and was contained by the following day.”

Raynor credited the quick containment of the fi re to prescribed burns conducted in the area on February (Burns- See Page 7)

White is one of my most favorite games of all time,” student Matthew Borrayo remarked.

Student Jurissa DeOcampo said her favorite video game was “Shovel Knight: Dig, because it’s a very exciting, colorful, fast-paced game that

takes a lot of focus. It’s very easy to learn the basics of it, and anything complicated is not necessary to have fun, but (Games - See Page 11)

By Bob Vosseller LAKEHURST – Carl

Jablonski, the longtime president of the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society who is often referred to as “Mr. Lakehurst” knows the detailed history of the Hindenburg disaster including some obscure facts about the famous airship itself. He and his senior vice president, Jennifer Suwak along with other members of the organization have been busy

preparing for this year’s ceremony to be held at its regular gathering point, outside of Hangar One at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on May 6. Each speaker of that annual ceremony brings to life the history of the base, the tragedy of that fateful flight on May 6, 1937 and the courage of those who moved forward to bring mankind into the sky and beyond.

(Facts - See Page 4)

Emergency Crews Lauded After Wildfire

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – Township officials provided kudos to police, fi refighters, EMS and local businesses who all came together during last month’s wildfire crisis that caused the evacuation of area residents.

Mayor Robert Arace provided his thanks for the efforts made to protect lives and property. “It was miraculous the structural protection done down on Beckerville Road and by Proving Ground

Church in Lakehurst which had 200-foot flames there and see the flames go around structures.”

“It is really astonishing. Thank you for your great work,” the mayor said in regards to firefighters. Councilman James Vaccaro described the April 11 wildfire as historic. “It consumed approximately 4,000 acres of the Pine Barrens and 170 homes were evacuated. Our fi refighters, various EMS units and various police departments, mutual (Crews - See Page 4)

–Photo By Bob Vosseller Carl Jablonski, the long-time president of the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society, stands within the NLHS museum located in Hangar One at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

–Photos courtesy Manchester Schools Manchester Township High School Advanced Multimedia program students work on their own video games that will soon be submitted for a special 2D game competition.

Facts:

Continued From Page 1

“The Hindenburg was the Concord of its day. It flew here from Frankfurt 10 times successfully in 1936. The first trip of 1937 was part of 17 scheduled trips that year and that is the one when the accident took place. During the winter months, because of worrying about icing conditions, they flew the Hindenburg to Rio (De Genaro),” Jablonski added.

“German residents loved to go to Rio for vacation so they went there,” Jablonski said. He noted the Hindenburg made “about seven or eight trips” to Rio. It took two and a half days to fly here from Frankfurt and a little over two days to go back because of the tail winds.”

Jablonski said, “the Hindenburg was 804 feet in length. It was 812 when it was built, they lopped off eight feet so they could fit in the hangar here and she was 15 stories high and weighed over 52 tons. She flew at a speed

Crews:

Continued From Page 1 aid units from Ocean and Monmouth counties and various state and county agencies responded to the need for help.

“Everyone did an excellent job containing the fire in Manchester Township and the fire that was fast moving through Lakehurst. The fire teams saved Lakehurst as much as they could with no loss of life, homes or businesses,” he added.

Councilman Joseph Hankins who has

of approximately 85 miles per hour.”

“It only did an altitude of 1,000 and 1,500 feet because they wanted the passengers to enjoy the view of the ocean and so forth. They had large picture windows in the lounge area that they could look out and see the marine traffic,” he added.

He noted, “the Hindenburg was in vogue of the day because a steam ship took six days to cross the Atlantic. They did it in two and a half. The price was very high back then. It was $740. That was considered a lot of money back then.”

“They had a lounge area which featured a baby grand piano which was made out of aluminum so it did not affect the weight. They also carried a nurse, a doctor and a nanny for the children. The accommodations were a small room of bunk beds, a basin for washing and a cabinet to but your materials and clothing in plus a chair and desk,” Jablonski added.

He added a passenger could, “put your shoes out at night and have them shined for

extensive experience in firefighting noted “a lot of people think you fight a forest fire with water but you actually fight a forest fire with fire. That is how it works.”

Hankins who spent the night at the Whiting firehouse that served as the command post for the wildfire, commended the Whiting Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary.

“They kept us hydrated and caffeinated for 36 hours straight. I got to the fire early and there was food, coffee and the

you in the morning. You had community bathrooms. You didn’t have your own bathroom. The Hindenburg was very good to the area because it provided money for the local businesses.”

Last year, May 6 fell on a dreary, gray rainy Friday that caused, for the second time, the ceremony to be brought indoors inside the hangar. The hangar serves as the location of the NLHS museum, a gift shop and a part of a set from the 1975 film “The Hindenburg” which was directed by Robert Wise and starred George C. Scott and Anne Bancroft. The museum has numerous displays from each branch of the service and filled with models of the Hindenburg and other aircraft along with various historic artifacts.

Jablonski has served as president of the organization for 27 years. “I came aboard here in 1991 as a member and became president in 1995 or 96 and here I am. We are a non-profit. We have roughly 200 plus members throughout the United States and even in Europe.”

crockpot had pulled pork in it. They did a great job,” he added.

Hankins, Vaccaro, Councilman Craig Wallis and Police Chief Robert Dolan each acknowledged local businesses such as Dicky’s BBQ that opened up all night and the Whiting Wawa store that provided food and beverages to police and firefighters. “They were very important in this,” Wallis noted.

Councilwoman Michele Zolezi echoed the sentiments about the emergency responders who fought the wildfire. “The

He noted that the ceremony, that serves as a memorial to those lives lost that day is the organization’s most important event. This year’s event marks 86 years. “In the events that we have done previously, all at the actual crash site except for two occasions. The Hindenburg was in this hangar on two occasions.”

“The Navy was very skeptical of having the Hindenburg in the hangar because it had 7 million cubic feet of hydrogen which is very volatile. On two occasions, they bent the rules. One time they left it on the mooring mast and there was a storm that had been predicted would have blown it apart and so they let it be docked in here,” he added.

Jablonski said, “the other time was during a crossing from the Atlantic from Frankfurt (Germany) to here and they suffered a tear in the fabric on one of the wing areas and they had to have it sewed and repaired and they couldn’t do it outdoors so they let them put it in here.”

communication was excellent. Our office of emergency management along with our police department did an excellent job. We are grateful that there were no injuries or loss of life. We have a great community that works together.”

Council President Roxy Conniff also commended “our police and fire companies, state fire service, all the surrounding fire companies that came to help us. We had very little structural damage and no loss of life. I believe we have the best police and fire departments in the state.”

Teen Entrepreneurs Impress Judges In ‘Sink or Swim’ Competition

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – Local teens took a deep dive into showcasing their entrepreneurial skills at Ocean County College’s third annual “Sink or Swim” competition. Hosted by the college’s Entrepreneur Club, participants presented and sold their innovative ideas to a panel of judges inspired by the hit TV show “Shark Tank.”

As the event’s master of ceremonies, Professor Chris D. Bottomley introduced the aspiring business moguls as they hit the center stage to demonstrate their design skills and creativity. The competitors also presented business plans as they advocated for funding and support of their projects.

A total of nine teams participated in the competition, which included students from Jackson Memorial High School, Manchester Township High School, Point Pleasant High School, and Toms River High School North. Each brought their own unique ideas and approaches to the table.

Several projects focused on using mobile apps or online platforms to support products related to health, well-being, and safety. Others aimed to address fashion-related issues, targeting either individuals in need or catering to those with significant disposable income.

After pitching their innovative designs, students faced the added pressure of quickly answering tough questions posed by four judges sitting in the front row. The powerhouse panel of judges featured Jim Mahlmann, the Director of Net Centra; Lori Pepenella, the CEO of the Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce;

Ocean County College Law Professor and community leader Mark J. Mutter; and Katie Calabrese, the Director of Membership & Education at the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship.

Monetary awards to the teams of winners came courtesy of the Ocean County College Foundation.

In the end, one of the Manchester High School teams earned $3,000 as the top prize winner in the Sink or Swim competition. Team Stylish Safety members Madison Cubbison, Mackenzie Davis, Katelynn Grupposo, and Layla Petillon said their product design would help reduce the number of people who felt unsafe.

“Our company is a jewelry brand with a lot more to it,” shared the team members. “We are looking for $150,000 in exchange for 10 percent equity of our company’s profits.”

The Stylish Safety Team said they planned to initially roll out rings, earrings, and hairpins that would come equipped with a discreet button mechanism. With a push of a button, users would have the ability to connect with to Stylish Safety app to alert designated authorities.

An added plus to the design would be the use of eco-friendly materials. The developers intend to work with manufacturers that recycle each metal and plastic used in their jewelry. The judges wanted to know if there was really a need for the product and how consumers would activate it when they began using it.

The team emphasized the safety concerns (Competition - See Page )

– Photos by Stephanie Faughnan

(Above) Team Stylish Safety of Manchester High School (in alphabetical order: Madison Cubbison, Mackenzie Davis, Katelynn Grupposo, and Layla Petillon) earned $3,000 as the top prize winner in the Sink or Swim competition. Their creation was jewelry that could contact authorities in an emergency. (Right) Team Huggle from Manchester High School secured third place and a $1,000 prize for their invention of a body pillow that hugged you back.

Burns:

Continued From Page 1

26 and February 27. The wildfire was burning with a south wind and ran into the prescribed burn block, which stopped it in its tracks.

“If that wildfi re had crossed the road, it would have been a big deal,” Raynor said. “It could have posed a significant threat to Warren Grove.”

The area, located in the heart of the Pine Barrens, has a history of forest fi res that still haunt the memories of many locals. In addition, Warren Grove is recognized for its military bombing range, which has been linked to previous wildfi res, including a 2007 inferno. That wildfi re ravaged 18,000 acres of the Pinelands, prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate.

Prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, are carefully planned and executed fi res set by fi refighters to remove fuel and grasses from specified areas. This helps to create a fi rebreak that can stop a wildfi re from spreading out of control.

Pine needles and dead and dry vegetation are among the things that can fuel a forest fi re. Controlled burns are conducted before the spring fi re season from March 15 to May 15.

“We do the prescribed burns when the leaves are off the trees, and it’s the cooler months,” explained Raynor. “It’s when the weather is working in our favor, which means taking into account humidity and other factors.”

On an annual basis, fi refighters strategi-

cally conduct approximately 2,000-3,000 acres of controlled burns from Barnegat to Bass River. Statewide, prescribed burns cover more than 20,000 acres of land. Firefighters typically return to an area every five to seven years to set up designated blocks. Controlled burns are generally scheduled between October 15 through March 15.

“We get extended on a case-by-case basis based on fi re danger,” shared Raynor. “The extension is day by day, typically until April 1. After that, we’re well into fi re season, and our primary objection at that point is wildfi re suppression.”

A prescribed burn turned out to be advantageous in controlling the Spring Hill Wildfi re in Woodland Township on March 31, 2019. As the wildfi re swept through 9,021 acres of the Pinelands, embers were carried by strong winds into other areas. As a result, some fortunately landed in the region that had undergone controlled burns just a few days prior.

“The prescribed burns are done around ignition sources,” Raynor said. “That way any future wildfi res that might want to come out can’t get out of there.”

One example would be setting up a controlled burn around a campground, where people might light campfi res. Prescribed burns are also initiated near communities where lives and property could be at risk. As the days get warmer and the wind picks up, it becomes more dangerous to conduct controlled burns. The fact that leaves have not yet fully grown back on trees and other plants can accentuate the problem.

According to Raynor, the sun’s rays pene-

trating the bare tree canopy cause the forest floor to be preheated. As a result, any form of ignition, including a controlled burn, could potentially ignite a ferocious blaze. Additionally, winds can exacerbate the fi re, causing it to spread rapidly.

The concept of backfiring in fighting wildfi res is something entirely different. Firefighters use this tactic to burn out fuels between the main body of the fi re and a control line. This has nothing to do with the supposition that a prescribed burn has somehow failed.

“We use torches to light the fi re when the fi re is too intense for us to put it out with water,” Raynor said. “We burn out the fuels ahead of the main fi re, which prevents its spread and should contain the wildfi re.”

The investigation into the Jimmy’s Waterhole Fire, which burned 3,809 acres in Manchester on April 11, is ongoing. However, authorities have indicated that backfi res helped bring the fi re under control.

A prescribed burn in the area four years ago also contributed to stopping the further spread of the fire in Manchester. The Jimmy’s Waterhole Fire forced the evacuation of some area residents, but no one was injured.

Raynor suggested preparation is critical for people who may one day receive alerts to leave their homes because of wildfi res.

“Get ready, set, go,” reminded Raynor. “Have your bags packed and know that the ‘set’ means there’s a wildfi re nearby. Listen to your local officials, warnings or advice on evacuation. And once the ‘go’ comes, know we don’t take that lightly. When we say ‘go’ that means to evacuate.”

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

National Day Of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer was held on May 4. It is always held on the fi rst 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

S-2:

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

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

Letters To The Editor

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

W� W������ L������ T� T�� E�����!

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

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to

Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

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

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

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 fi reman 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.

Chet Jelinski Whiting

A Formula For Inadequacy

Congressman Questions Safety Of Wind Turbines

From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith

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 turbines - each 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

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 fi rearm 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

(Government - See Page 11)

Joseph M. Maneri, DMD

Senator Robert Menendez

Capitol Comments

Games:

Continued From Page 1 improves gameplay and it has many silly and diverse characters and an interesting story.”

“I take a lot of inspiration from Portal 2, by Valve. It provides the player an interesting look into how to solve problems,” student Landon Fitts said.

For student Isaac Panora it was “Super Mario Maker because I used to play it a lot as a kid and learned a lot about level design just from this game alone.”

“I’ve been playing video games for a long while now, and I’ve played a lot of great games. I can’t choose just one. I do add some references to these games in my own games, at times,” Dylan Maikisch said.

Student Anthony Sanabia said his favorite video game was “Destiny 1 due to the game design and art style that grabbed my attention and left me addicted.”

“My favorite game of all time is Prime Fortnite. There is nothing that could make that time in the game better, it was the perfect game,” student Tylar Wojcik noted.

As to what they enjoy about game design work Borrayo said “I especially enjoy coding the game itself because I see it as a good challenge.”

“I like the freedom of creating whatever I want,” Fitts answered.

As to where they start in the game design process the class had varied answers.

“I start my process brainstorming ideas for my characters or enemies – my vision of what those main characters will be. Then, I start designing an animated sprite of my main character,” Maikisch said.

Panora said, “when coming up with a new game, I usually imagine a player character, imagine a setting for the game, and come up with ways this can become a game. Most of my games really do originate from just my pure imagination.”

One student incorporated her pet skunk

Government:

Continued From Page 10 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

Buckwheat into her game. Another student, a musician, was finalizing the musical component for his game.

“I aspire to engage students of all backgrounds and interests, to broaden students’ perspective about how programming and technology are relevant to self -expression and problem-solving. We need our students to be involved in technology, and to play an active role in shaping the future,” their teacher, Laurie Grote told The Manchester Times

She added, “For this competition, students assumed the role of a video game designer. Their task was to come up with an idea for a new video game. They worked to develop the theme of the game, its rules, and the mood and style of the game.”

“They designed the user interface, composed music and sound effects, and produced game art,” Grote added. “There’s no question – students are interested in video games. Games inspire their work.”

“I left my career in New York City to work as an instructional assistant and coach at MTHS, in 2004. The following year, I began teaching visual arts at Keansburg High School,” she said.

Grote crafted a type of visual arts curricula that wasn’t present in that district – Interactive Multimedia and she was awarded the NJ Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award for reinvigorating Keansburg High School’s art department – introducing its students to cutting edge technologies and career options in multimedia and technical design.

She explained, “(Manchester’s) program of studies is designed to assist students in the development of video games. Students learn to think like a game designer, determine how different types of professional games are structured, and learn principles and strategies for designing their own games.”

Grote said, “partway through the process, students shared their projects for peer review and incorporated user feedback before publishing their game.”

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.

“BECAUSE THERE IS A DIFFERENCE”

MTHS Student Volunteers Visit MTES For JA Day!

FOLLOW US!

MANCHESTER – On April 24, High School Heroes from the Manchester Township High School Junior Achievement (JA) Program positively impacted Manchester Township Elementary School (MTES) students during JA Day. MTHS has been participating in Junior Achievement since 2008.

The classrooms of MTES were buzzing with excitement during this, the second JA Day for the school district this year. The JA High School Heroes program, led by Heather Staples, helps students to build social-emotional learning competencies and promotes a positive school culture and climate. This initiative empowers high school students to make a difference in their communities while serving as role models to children in their school districts.

Junior Achievement’s purpose, per their website, is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. This

– Photo courtesy Manchester Schools could be seen in all of the lessons being taught by the JA Day Volunteers yesterday. High School Hero student volunteers turnkeyed age-appropriate financial literacy and entrepreneurship lessons to students in grades K-5. The lessons were led by at least two high school volunteers and included interactive activities, games, demonstrations, and collaboration.

MTES students enjoyed lessons about topics such as the importance of fi nancial savings, to creating a business idea, plan, and model. This aligns directly with the JA organization’s dedication to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices.

Thank you to all of your High School Heroes and their advisor for their time and dedication to the program and lessons!

MTHS Booster Club Presents Murder Mystery

May 6.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. Cost is $40 per person. Event takes place at Whiting Firehouse, 120 Lacey Road.

GERALDINE OLIVERIE, MGR. LIC #3833 MICHAEL HENNICKE, DIR. LIC #3966

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Township High Schools Booster Club presents Murder Mystery, Riddlesbrood Touring Theater “CSI – Crime Scene Idiots” on

LEAD Graduation & 5th Grade Olympics

609.857.6000 Gift

JUNE 11 PHILLIES VS. DODGERS $144/pp

JUNE 22 THE JERSEY TENORS AT TROPICANA $99/pp

JULY 2 METS VS. GIANTS AT CITI FIELD $149/pp

JULY 15 MEDIEVAL TIMES LYNDHURST, NJ $129/pp

JULY 27 SMOKEY ROBINSON TRIBUTE AT CAESARS $105/pp

AUG. 1-2 2 DAY ONE NIGHT WITH DONNY OSMOND $397/pp Dbl.Occ.

Includes 1 night stay, 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast, Show and More.

AUG. 8-9 2 DAY BARBARA & FRANK TBE CONCERT THAT NEVER WAS AT RESORTS CATSKILLS CASINO $232/pp Dbl.Occ.

AUG. 9 FUNNY GIRL ON BROADWAY $276/pp

Includes Lunch before show & Orch Seat.

AUG. 9 NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL ON BROADWAY $229/pp

Includes Lunch before show & Orch Seat.

AUG. 12 SOME LIKE IT HOT MUSICAL $224/pp

Includes Lunch before show & Orch Seat.

AUG. 19 YANKEE VS. RED SOX’S $189/pp

Includes covered seating, Hot Dog, Drink.

AUG. 20-26 7 DAY MACKINAW ISLAND & DETROIT MUSIC CITY TOUR $1749/pp Dbl.Occ.

MANCHESTER – On April 24, all fifthgrade students from across the Manchester Township School District gathered at Manchester Township Elementary School for LEAD Graduation and the Annual Fifth Grade Olympics!

Students come together in the spring of their fifth-grade year for a team-building day to meet those students from other dis-

-Photo courtesy Manchester Schools trict schools with who they will be going to middle school with next school year. Activities included field day games, a DJ, and even visits and presentations by the Manchester Township Police Department, the Ocean County Sheriff ’s Department, and more! Thank you so much for all involved who made this day special for the students!

VBS Registration Now Open

WHITING – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Whiting will be having a weekend Vacation Bible School (VBS) this July! Pets Unleashed: Where Jesus Cares FUR You!

We will “Let the dogs out” on July 7 and conclude with a totally “pawsome”

celebration on July 9. Registration forms will be available in the main office or by emailing Lori Downing at ldowning@ easeton .org.

Ages 3 through 5th grade are welcome! Cost is $15 per child ($45 cap for families with more than three siblings).

AUG. 28-30 3 DAY LAKE GEORGE & SARATOGA SPRINGS $659/pp Dbl.Occ.

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 $144/pp

Lunch Included at Shady Maple & a center Orchestra Seat.

OCT. 1-3 3 DAY HAMPTONS RICH & FAMOUS TOUR $679/pp Dbl. Occ

OCT. 16-20 5 FAY MAINE FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURE $1052/pp Dbl.Occ.

OCT. 25-27 3 DAY SALEM HAUNTED HAPPENINGS ADVENTURE $728/pp Dbl.Occ.

JAN. 7-27,2024 11 DAY EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE ONBOARD THE NORWEGIAN GETAWAY FROM NEW YORK CITY.

Please call for details.

MTMS Drama

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Township Middle School’s spring musical this year is Peter Pan Jr.! The students have been working so hard for their performances that took

– Photo courtesy Manchester Schools place on April 28 and 29. However, the cast performed a few of the songs from this upcoming weekend’s show for their classmates, achieving cheers and applause from all!

Community Resource Fair/Early Childhood Registration Event

MANCHESTER – Thank you to all of the families and organizations who joined for the community event featuring a Community Resource Fair alongside preschool and kindergarten registration. It was a beautiful day

courtesy

Schools and fun was had by all!

If you have not yet registered for the few remaining spots in the free Universal Preschool Program or kindergarten, please do so ASAP: manchestertwp.org/resources/registration.

Upcoming Road Closures Due To Fire Training

LAKEHURST – On May 7 from about 7 to 11 a.m., the Lakehurst Fire Department along with several mutual aid partners will be conducting a training exercise in the downtown area.

This will result in road closures on Union Avenue at Brown, Union Avenue at Center, and Locust Street.

The training exercise is designed to help is be prepared in the evet of a fire in the downtown area and will include many of the mutu-

al aid companies that would be here to assist in the event of a fire. This exercise has been in the planning stages for several months and will include hydrant, tanker and ladder operations, as well as incident command and rehabilitation units. Other exercises are scheduled for various locations without out zone later this summer. We train regularly to keep us sharp and o keep you safe. Any questions regarding this, email cheif@ lakehurstfire.com.

Lock Box Program

MANCHESTER – Manchester Senior Services will be providing combinationkey lock boxes to Manchester Residents, 60 years of age and older, free of charge.

The program consists of a lock box, which will be owned and maintained by the resident and should be placed on the front door with a spare key inside.

They strongly encourage that once a combination is set, it be shared with the local police department (Manchester Township Police Department) 732-6576111, this will allow first responders to access a resident’s home in an emergency without causing damage to their home.

Manchester Senior Services can assist with setting up the combinations, if needed. If you are interested in the program, contact Manchester Senior Services at 732-849-8305. While supplies last, one lock box per household.

ECW Upcoming Meeting

WHITING – The ECW (Episcopal Church Women) of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will hold their next meeting on June 1 at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The speaker will be Rachel Johnston from Providence House. More details will follow. ECW will plan events for the rest of the year. Contact the President, Stefanie at 732-350-2904 if you plan to attend or have any questions.

Crestwood Village Six Movie Night

WHITING – On May 12, “Devotion” will be shown. This drama is an inspirational true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots who helped turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War: Jesse Brown, the fi rst Black aviator in Navy history, and his fellow fighter pilot and friend Tom Hudner. Their heroic sacrifices and enduring friendship would ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen. The movie is rated PG-13 and runs 2 hours and 19 minutes. Movie and Extra Bonus Features shown immediately after it are both shown closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the movie starts at 6 p.m. Come early to sit, chat and enjoy light refreshments that will be served until 5:45 p.m. The movie will be shown at Deerfield Hall, 6 Congasia Road, Whiting/Manchester off of Route 530. Feel free to bring your own chair or cushion, if the provided chairs do not suit you, however, please do not block others’ views. All are welcome for the cost of $3 which includes some light refreshments. Feel free to bring your own snacks. Non-residents of Crestwood Village Six are always welcome. Any questions call Arlene at 732-408-5147.

Someone Special Dance

MANCHESTER – Manchester Township High School Class of 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 and the Manchester Township Education Association present the Someone Special Dance on June 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Manchester Township High School Cafeteria, 101 Hawks Way, Manchester. Dear Pre-K through fifth grade students and your “Someone Special:” You are cordially invited to attend the 2nd annual “Someone Special Dance.” Bring your

“Someone Special” (mom, dad, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandmom, grandpop, etc.) to enjoy a fun-filled afternoon!

The cost is $20 for each “couple” and $5 for each additional child or guest. The cost includes DJ, dancing and lunch. Additional refreshments, activities, photos and more will be available at the dance for a nominal fee.

To purchase tickets, visit mthssga.booktix. com.

Lakeside Gardeners Annual Flea Market

WHITING – Lakeside Gardeners will be holding their Annual Flea Market on May 20 in Lakeside Hall, Cedar Glen Lakes 100 Michigan Avenue, Whiting, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Garden Club selling plants and hanging

baskets. Vendors selling old and new. Humana Medicare representative on hand for questions. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase! Homemade baked goods available for purchase! Call for information 609-618-4036.

REMODELING

nursing and rehabilitation center

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

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!

Support Group

WHITING – Thyroid Support Group will meet on May 8 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. Come share information, and support oth-

ers. Call the church office at 732-350-2121, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for directions. Call Stefanie, the facilitator, at 732-350-2904 with your questions.

1745 Route 37 W •

•

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

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.

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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.

St. Stephen’s Whiting 27th Annual Blessing Of e Bikes

WHITING – Father Paul Van Sant, Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Whiting, welcomes you to join for the 27th Annual Blessing of the Bikes on May 7 from 12 to 4 p.m. rain or shine.

Bikes will be blessed at 2 p.m. by Father Paul. Donation is $15 per person, and proceeds to benefit St. Stephen’s Ministry. Ticket price includes: hamburgers, hot dogs, and pulled pork. Also baked beans and assorted salads.

Trophies will be awarded for: Best bike, Oldest rider, and Longest distance rider. For further information on where to purchase tickets and directions to the church, call the Parish Office at: 732-350-2121 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or email us at ssechurch@gmail.com.

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.

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Serving All Faiths

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 Maynard 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!

AARP Safe Driving Class

WHITING – AARP Safe Driving Class on June 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a snack. If you are an AARP member it is $20, if not $25. Your insurance company may give

you a discount. Contact Stefanie from St. Stephen’s Whiting at 732-350-2904 to be included in the class.

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

F & G AMES S UDOKU

7 Gather, as crops

by

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

7 Tells, as a story

8 Building wing

9 On the ocean 10 Online remittance app 11 “Correctamundo!”

12 Bone: Pref.

13 “To __ it may concern”

18 “Figured it out!”

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!?”

64 Regret

workplace

31 Stanley of “The Hun-

SOLUTIONS

65 The old college __ 66 Giggle sound

CROSSWORD PUZZLE S

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.

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Competition:

Continued From Page 5

faced by women, citing alarming statistics about sex trafficking, abductions, and kidnappings. Their innovative product provided safety features and was fashionable, making it an attractive option for their target market.

Natalie Raspciewicz and Alexa Sousa of Toms River High School North captured the $2,000 second-place award in the Sink or Swim competition. Dubbed Team Locked and Secured, Natalie and Alexa also focused on safety concerns.

“Oftentimes, as girls, we are told to always watch our backs and make sure to check what’s behind us,” shared Natalie. “But we easily forget about what’s in front of us via our drinks.”

Team Locked and Secure said they came up with an idea that would allow users to conceal a test strip to determine whether someone had spiked their drinks. A locket would discreetly hide two test strips to doubly ensure the results were accurate.

As Alexa presented the prototype on stage, she told the judges they were looking for $100,000 in funding.

Once again, the judges sought answers to some questions that immediately struck them. Mutter suggested their product might require FDA approval; Pepenella pointed out the company could be held accountable if the results yielded false negatives.

“We are planning on running multiple trials before we go to market,” Alexa said. “We will also keep statistics and make sure the product works accurately.”

Team Huggle from Manchester High School secured third place and a $1,000 prize for their efforts. Their product was designed to help people who would benefit from getting a good hug – rather than giving one.

The Huggle body pillow features Velcro around each of its tips that fasten to the user’s body.

“We started this company to help solve

problems such as people not being relaxed or feeling comfortable when sleeping,” shared Matthew Perez, Huggle CEO. “The arms of the pillow provide pressure to the body similar to a weighted blanket.”

After their pitch, Mahlmann asked Team Huggle if they knew a similar product was already on the market. The team said existing body pillows served as their inspiration but didn’t have the same effect as they didn’t focus on hugging the user.

Team members also addressed using disclaimers to ensure the product didn’t adversely impact younger children.

“I want to commend your thoughts on the disclaimers,” said Calabrese. “They do make newborn products with Velcro on them, and it’s on the parents to ensure that it’s safe for the child.”

Despite not reaching the top three, Point Pleasant High School’s Team Pop Punk Rock Café still had a standout performer. Joe Mazzaro took the stage with a guitar in hand and delivered a compelling pitch for his team’s concept of a coffee café with a rock theme. His impressive presentation earned him the title of Most Valuable Player and the reward of three free college credits at Ocean County College.

Bottomley delivered the event’s final pitch, highlighting the merits of Ocean County College as a stepping stone for those embarking on post-secondary education. Supporting statistics reveal that a significant number of the college’s graduates successfully complete their two-year degrees and advance to prestigious four-year institutions such as Kean, Rutgers, and Stockton.

The program organizers emphasized that every future commences with an idea that possesses the potential to transform the world.

“Innovation is something we take very seriously here,” summed up Dr. Jon Larson, President of Ocean County College. “It’s right in our college mission statement – to be the boldest, most innovative, and entrepreneurial student-centered college in the nation.”

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Ocials: Mortgage Fraud On e Rise

By Bob Vosseller

OCEAN COUNTY – Property mortgage

fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country and officials are urging residents to sign up for the Property Alert Service offered by the Ocean County Clerk’s Office. The free program, first introduced in 2016, offers an added layer of security when it comes to property protection, according to Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella. It provides property owners with email alerts anytime a document affecting a specific property is recorded by the Ocean County Clerk’s Office.

Colabella told the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, “this helps our property owners to guard against fraud. This type of fraud is a nationwide problem.”

“Scammers record fraudulent documents like fake deeds or record fake liens against property owners. In some instances, fraud on real property is not discovered for years. To address these concerns and protect one of the most important assets a person has, my office has been offering this free service that immediately notifies you by email whenever a document with your name is recorded in the County Clerk’s Office,” the Clerk added.

Berkeley Township Councilman John A. Bacchione recently told the County Commissioners there was growing concern in his township over this type of fraud being committed in particular because of the large number of seniors living there.

Bacchione said he was providing seniors in the township with information on the Property Alert Service. “Our seniors are probably the most targeted.”

Colabella noted that last year, his office recorded more than 131,000 documents in-

cluding 24,000 deeds and 26,000 mortgages. “We have a dedicated staff that makes certain the paper work is in order.”

“However, we are not investigators or detectives and based on the volume of deeds and mortgages recorded monthly, it’s not impossible for some items to be potentially fraudulent. By signing up for the property alert service, you will be notified by email whenever a document is recorded affecting your property,” Colabella added.

“You can review the record to determine if it’s correct or if it’s fraudulent,” he said. “It adds some peace of mind for our property owners.”

“It’s as simple as registering your name or business name and your email address and you will be automatically notified electronically if a document is recorded with your name,” Colabella added, noting that about 4,000 property owners have signed up for the service.

Colabella stressed that identity theft is a growing consumer complaint and property fraud which is a form of identity theft is on the rise. “While this service can’t prevent fraud, it’s important to be notified early that someone may be trying to steal your property without your knowledge.”

He added that the only time recordings can be refused is when statutory guidelines are not met. “As long as a document meets statutory recording guidelines, New Jersey law requires the Clerk’s Office to record the document. I am pleased we offer this program to help our constituents detect information that may be fraudulent.”

To sign up for the program visit countyclerkpas.co.ocean.nj.us/PropertyAlert/ and follow the steps outlined on the page.

Hanging Flowering Plant Baskets Sale

WHITING – Join on May 13 at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Just in time to get your Mother’s Day flowers. Beautiful 15 inch hanging baskets. Geraniums and New Guinea Impatiens. Lots

of colors choose from; including red, orange, pink, and magenta. Sale starts promptly at 9 a.m. See you at the Whiting United Methodist Church, 55 Lacey Road Whiting.

$150

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 fi rst thought is they are protecting a potential breeding site from the Canada geese who also occupy that space.

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 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.

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 732244-2768.

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.

United Way Golf Outing

WALL TOWNSHIP – United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties’ (UWMOC) 2023 Annual Tee-Off presented by Hackensack Meridian Health will be held on May 8 at Hollywood Golf Club in Deal. Registration opens at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m.

The fundraiser will benefit UWMOC’s mission to bridge the gaps to education, fi nancial stability and health for every person in our community.

“I am proud to be a part of this event to benefit an organization that does such important work,” said Luke Bollerman of Bollerman Companies, Chair of the Annual Tee-Off Committee. “United Way has important initiatives throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties, and this event furthers those efforts, expands vital projects and delivers the resources our

community needs.”

United Way invites local companies to showcase their business with a sponsorship for the historically sold-out golf outing. Sponsorship opportunities are still available and start at $350. Sponsors and golfers are encouraged to register early in order to guarantee their spot in one of the premier golf outings in our region.

In addition to becoming a sponsor, companies and individuals can support the 2023 Annual Tee-Off by donating silent auction items or purchasing raffle tickets for the chance to win 13 gift cards to exclusive restaurants in Monmouth and Ocean counties with a total value of $2,200. Raffle tickets are $100 each and only 100 will be sold. For more information about supporting the 2023 Annual Tee-Off, visit uwmoc.org/ annual-tee-off.

Moderate Training Noise At Join Base For May

By Alyssa Riccardi

LAKEHURST – Joint Base McGuire-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.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

How Does News Of School Shootings A ect Students’ Mental

By Andrey Nalbantov

OCEAN COUNTY – Nashville, TN. Denver, CO. East Lansing, MI. Chicago, IL. St. Louis, MI. Uvalde, Texas. What do all of those places have in common? There has been a school shooting in each.

From the start of the year, 19 school shooting-related incidents have occurred . The tragic reality is not just that school shootings happen, but it also impacts the mental health of every student, teacher, and staff member – even if they are indirectly affected. While thankfully none of the schools here in Ocean County have yet found themselves on that list , students attending our schools also can feel as if they were directly in the crossfire

“We are seeing that our students in New Jersey are having reactions as if they are experiencing the shootings,” said Maureen Brogan, Traumatic Loss Coalition Program Manager at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

Brogan used the tragically life-changing event of the attacks on September 11, 2001 as an example of how a person does not have to be immediately involved in order to have a mental reaction.

But what negative effects are directly derived from those mental reactions?

Terri Dawe, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Assistant Clinical Director at Calm and Sense Therapy, considers the most disturbing effects of school shootings are feelings of ongoing danger that spread through schools. She states that the climate and sense of community in schools have been profoundly damaged.

“Where children once found schools to be a safe haven, they are now ‘unsafe’ often leading to hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, and vicarious trauma responses,” she said. The power of media also plays an important role here as well. The constant exposure to media and detailed coverage of the shootings

Health ?

can be a trigger to the mental health-harming symptoms mentioned by Dawe.

For students like Brianna, a senior from Toms River High School South, while unsurprising to her, the news of another school shooting leave her angry and overwhelmed. That media exposure, according to Brogan, is also adding a sense of hopelessness to the anxiety of students that further contributes to them losing their sense of control.

In order to combat that, Dawe shares the idea of parents and teachers encouraging “news breaks” to their kids and students.

“It is important to limit the time spent watching TV or staying connected online because constant exposure may heighten their anxiety and fears,” she said.

In addition to the constant media exposure, here in Ocean County, multiple schools have been subject to a number of fake active shooter treats. High School South was one of them. Those threats have led to lockdowns, evacuations, and missing school days, all negatively impacting Brianna and her fellow classmates.

“I always feel an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety,” said Brianna, commenting on the recent active shooter threats on social media.

Brianna, who had grown angry and exhausted over the topic of school shootings, found that educating others on the severity of the topic of active shooters has helped her cope, even though she finds it hard to stay strong when there is not much done about the number of school shootings.

When it is too late, and the exposure has done damage to the mental health of the student, it is time to start asking the question: What should that person do in order to receive help?

According to Brogan, once a student reaches that point they should start asking themselves who are the people that they can (Health - See Page 33)

go to and ask for some support? For her, asking for help when a person is in need is a sign of bravery.

“Asking for help is actually a strength and not a weakness,” said Brogan. “By sending the message that even the strongest people, the smartest people also need help at some point of their lives… we want to send this message of help-seeking behavior.”

She also states that adults should also be reaching out and willing to offer support to children and adolescents that need help. Often their parents are the closest adults in their lives, but unfortunately , some parents don’t find the value in mental health. In that case, Dawe suggests that students should turn to their school counselors to ask for help, or even a trusted coach or mentor for support. Parents should be mindful when addressing concerns about their children’s safety, she said. Parents should not downplay the fears of their kids because that might lead to a shutdown of communication.

“It is not appropriate to tell the child that they will never experience a school shooting because we do not know that,” she said. “At the same time, we want to help them to feel

safe enough so that they do not become fearful of going to school.”

Schools can and should be able to offer support for students, she said.

“Schools need to provide psychoeducation on the vicarious impact school shootings have on the mental health of its student body,” said Dawe. “De-stigmatize mental health by validating (that) having fear/anxiety are natural responses to traumatic events even if (they are) not directly involved.”

For Brianna, ready access to mental health resources in schools for students and their families and the financial support needed to obtain those resources would be the best course of action that schools can take.

Constant exposure to school shootings can potentially lead to dangerous tendencies. According to Brogan, instead of developing depression and anxiety, some students will just become numb.

She said that with some of the school shooters, the theme of disconnectedness is present. Whenever people might not have a sense of belonging and they feel like they have been marginalized, that’s when they might have a desire for revenge or notoriety.

They might think: “If no one is paying attention to me then I will make sure that everyone is paying attention to me,” Brogan said.

So ball League Seeking New Players

MANCHESTER – Manchester Senior Softball League is looking for softball players who would be interested in joining the league for the 2023 season to play Recrea-

tional Softball. Games are played Monday and Wednesday mornings, May through August. For additional information contact Fred Bohinski @ 848-261-1884.

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 provide our students with

– Photo courtesy Ocean County College 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.

OCVTS Spring Info Session

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.

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

SALMON PICCATA

(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.

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